June 2010 – Every month in Eat Maine the staff at Maine magazine share our knowledge, as well as information garnered from our readers and Eat Maine fans, about the many must-go places to eat in the state. In each edition we highlight a different region in Maine—this month we’re turning to Ogunquit, a concentrated downtown packed with options. When you go, take an entire day. And be sure to check out 98 Provence (p. 100), too.

 

Perkins & Perkins
In a town often dominated by soulless big-name wines, it is refreshing to see a selection of interesting labels, selected by someone who actually cares. A great selection of gourmet foods and their wine bar, Vine Café, make this place a great spot to unwind during the day and stock up for evening debauchery.

Perkins & Perkins | 478 Main St. | 207.646.0288 | perkinsandperkins.com

Bread and Roses Bakery
Breads, pastries, pie, and cakes from scratch have been keeping people coming back for over twenty years. BNR is an ideal location to work yourself into a caffeine- and sugar-induced frenzy to prepare for an afternoon of reckless shopping at Ogunquit’s many delightful boutiques.

Bread and Roses Bakery | 246 Main St. | 207.646.4227 | breadandrosesbakery.com

Harbor Candy
I know several self-proclaimed “chocoholics,” and they all talk about this place as one of the best “fixes” around. Most people will tell you that: “yeah, it’s a little expensive but who cares—it’s worth every single penny.” I don’t think you need much more encouragement, do you?

Harbor Candy | 248 Main St. | 207.646.8078 | harborcandy.com

Old Village Inn Pub
A great place to hang out with the locals, enjoy several drinks, and have a burger. One of the best elements is that you’re much less likely to run into irritating and high-maintenance tourists here, they don’t tend to stay long.

Old Village Inn Pub | 30 Main St. | 207.646.7088 | theoldvillageinn.com

Arrows 
I could go on about the many accolades this restaurant has received over the years, but you probably already know about them. The cuisine here changes based on the chef’s travels, and the experience is always extraordinary. It’s worth putting off rent for another week.

Arrows | 41 Berwick Rd. | 207.361.1100 | markandclarkrestaurants.com

The Front Porch
With large crowds and an upstairs piano bar, people go here to enjoy the scene in addition to the food. If you want a quiet, intimate dinner: go elsewhere. If you want a fun venue to kick off a night of drinking, dancing, and god knows what, this is your place.

The Front Porch | 9 Shore Rd. | 207.646.4005 | thefrontporch.net

Five-O
Though it bills itself as Contemporary American, the Italian selections shine here, with a menu that encourages family-style dining.  The lounge is also a desirable option, with an experienced bar staff and a wine list that covers all the bases.

Five-O | 50 Shore Rd. | 207.646.5001 | five-oshoreroad.com

98 Provence
Featuring classic Provençal cuisine that has inspired a fanatical following, both local and national, and for good reason. This is one of the few restaurants around that declare themselves “bistros” that actually fit the title: simple decor, friendly service, and great food.

98 Provence | 104 Shore Rd. | 207.646.9898 | 98provence.com

Amore Breakfast
After providing the best breakfast in town for 17 years in three different locations, they know a thing or two about what the locals want. They won me over by offering an insanely decadent, Benedict-style creation called “Be still, my heart.”

Amore Breakfast | 309 Shore Rd. | 207.646.6661 | amorebreakfast.com

MC Perkins Cove
A more casual venture from Mark & Clark, and one of my favorite lunch spots in town. For dinner, in addition to the regular offerings, they feature a “date night menu,” which could be a fun way to remind your companion that you are, in fact, on a date (surprise!).

MC Perkins Cove | 111 Perkins Cove Rd. | 207.646.6263 | markandclarkrestaurants.com