18 Must-Visit Italian Restaurants In Maine

Discover the culinary delights of Maine with our handpicked list of 18 must-visit Italian restaurants. Each offers a unique taste of Italy, combined with local flavors and a warm ambiance.

1. Solo Italiano – Portland

At Solo Italiano, the heart of Portland’s Old Port, experience Italian cuisine led by a Genoese chef. Known for its farm- and sea-to-table approach, the restaurant offers handmade pasta and pesto. Seasonal dishes featuring Maine seafood and local produce are highlights. The sleek interior complements the vibrant dishes, creating a dining experience that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition.

2. ViA VECCHiA – Portland

ViA VECCHiA captures the romantic essence of Europe right in Portland. Tucked away in a moody, brick-and-ivy setting, it specializes in Italian small plates, pizzette, and artisanal cocktails. The ambiance is perfect for a date night, offering a cozy escape with an impressive Italian wine selection. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh and authentic flavors with every visit.

3. Leeward – Portland

Leeward in Portland is a haven for pasta enthusiasts. Its warm, modern atmosphere invites diners to indulge in seasonal, Italian-inspired dishes. The restaurant’s dedication to quality has earned it accolades and attention from the James Beard Foundation. Beyond pasta, Leeward offers an expertly curated wine list that perfectly complements its menu.

4. Roma Cafe – Portland

Step back in time at Roma Cafe in Portland’s West End. This classic spot serves up Italian-American comfort food like chicken parm and veal marsala. The cozy dining room, reminiscent of vintage Sunday suppers, adds to the nostalgic charm. It’s a place where tradition meets comfort, making every meal feel like a family gathering.

5. Maria’s Ristorante – Portland

Maria’s Ristorante stands as a testament to Portland’s Italian-American culinary roots. Known for hearty portions of shrimp scampi, lasagna, and cannoli, it offers a cozy setting that locals have cherished for decades. The family-owned establishment exudes warmth, making it a beloved spot for classic, hearty meals.

6. Tipo – Portland

In Portland’s Back Cove, Tipo delivers Italian-inspired dishes in a casual, modern space. Known for its wood-fired pizzas and house-made pasta, it offers a neighborhood vibe with elevated cuisine. The ambiance feels like a local hangout, where friends gather to enjoy good food and company.

7. DaVinci’s Italian Eatery – Lewiston

Nestled in the historic Bates Mill complex, DaVinci’s in Lewiston is a favorite for its brick-oven pizzas and renowned garlic knots. The setting blends history with hearty Italian eats, making it a perfect spot for groups. With an extensive craft beer and wine list, DaVinci’s is as much about the atmosphere as it is the delicious food.

8. Marco’s Restaurant – Lewiston

Marco’s Restaurant brings a slice of Calabria to Lewiston. This family-owned spot is cherished for its classic Italian comfort dishes like chicken dolce amara and tortellini carbonara. The casual setting, where regulars feel at home, adds to its charm. It’s a place where tradition and hospitality meet on every plate.

9. Enoteca Athena – Brunswick

Enoteca Athena in Brunswick offers a delightful fusion of Italian and Greek flavors. Known for house-made pasta and creative specials, this cozy spot also boasts a strong wine and cocktail list. The small, inviting space feels like a hidden gem, perfect for a relaxed evening of culinary exploration.

10. Primo Restaurant – Rockland

Primo Restaurant in Rockland is a destination for refined, farm-to-table dining. Located in a restored farmhouse, it showcases dishes crafted from house-raised meats and local produce. Chef Melissa Kelly, a James Beard Award winner, transforms these ingredients into stunning Italian-inspired meals, marrying elegance with rustic charm.

11. 40 Paper – Camden

Camden’s 40 Paper blends modern Italian cuisine with a lively bar atmosphere. Known for its house-made pasta and flatbreads, the restaurant offers a menu that balances comfort with sophistication. Locals love the happy hour, and the brick-and-wood interior adds to the bistro’s inviting vibe.

12. Amici’s Cucina – Waterville

Amici’s Cucina in Waterville is where cozy meets classic Italian. The warm, brick-walled space invites diners to savor seafood pastas and hearty meat dishes. It’s a place designed for lingering over a meal and a bottle of wine, creating an experience that feels inviting and familiar.

13. Traditions Italian Ristorante – Saco

Traditions Italian Ristorante in Saco is a beloved hidden gem. Known for dishes such as eggplant parm and seafood marsala, it offers an intimate dining experience. The homey atmosphere makes it feel like a secret treasure on Main Street, where locals gather for comforting, traditional meals.

14. Rose’s Italian Restaurant – Windham

Rose’s Italian Restaurant in Windham has been a favorite for decades. With a family-friendly vibe, it offers thin-crust pizzas and hearty dishes like veal parm and lobster ravioli. The open kitchen and wood-fired oven add to the inviting atmosphere, where everyone feels welcome.

15. Angelina’s Ristorante & Wine Bar – Ogunquit

Angelina’s in Ogunquit captures the essence of Tuscan dining. This chef-owned restaurant is known for its from-scratch cooking, offering polished Italian classics. The dining room, styled like a Tuscan villa, pairs perfectly with an extensive wine list that keeps patrons returning season after season.

16. Caffé Prego – Ogunquit

Caffé Prego on Shore Road in Ogunquit is a delightful blend of café and trattoria. With brick-oven pizza and simple pastas, it offers a quick taste of Italy by the beach. The setting is sunny and inviting, making it an ideal escape for a leisurely meal or espresso.

17. The Napoli’s (Napoli’s Italian Kitchen & Bar) – Ogunquit

The Napoli’s in Ogunquit brings Naples to New England with its authentic brick-oven pizzas. Known for chewy-crusted pies and casual Italian comfort food, it offers both indoor and alfresco seating. The full bar complements the relaxed vibe, making it a go-to spot for pizza lovers.

18. Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant – York Beach

Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant at York Beach is a seasonal favorite, offering generous portions of Italian-American staples. The relaxed, seaside setting makes it a quintessential vacation-town trattoria. With dishes like chicken parm and seafood fra diavolo, it’s a place where flavors meet the laid-back beach vibe.