Maine | A Top 50 Restaurant in the World by the Seaside
đ TwelvePortland, Maine âPrix fixe menu: $90 per person ⨠From the Market: Sweet PotatoThis was the complimentary amuse-bouche to start. The sweet potato itself was deliciousâroasted until it had a caramelized, sticky-sweet crust that melted in your mouth đ . But the accompanying side was a bit odd; it didnât quite pair with the potatoâs sweetness, which was a small letdown. ⨠Appetizer: Cauliflower GratinThis was my favorite dish of the entire meal! 𼌠Itâs made with smooth mashed cauliflower, topped with uni (sea urchin) and drizzled with lobster bisque. The uni had a mild sweetness (not the most intense Iâve had), but the lobster bisque was rich, creamy, and packed with seafood flavorâeverything balanced out perfectly. Each spoonful was cozy and luxurious, a total standout. Their most signature dish is supposedly the lobster roll đŚâŚ but I was already too full to try it. My friend, though, raved about it and said it was âunbeatableââso if you have room, donât skip it! ⨠To Share: Milk BreadYOU MUST ORDER THIS! 𼯠Four glossy, pillowy pieces of milk bread, served with spiced butter and smoked pecans. The bread was soft, slightly sweet, and had that âjust-bakedâ warmth. Slather on the spiced butter (with a hint of warmth and depth) and add a crunchy smoked pecanâeach bite was pure comfort. We finished all four pieces in no time! ⨠Main Course: ScallopsOur server raved about the dayâs fresh-caught scallops, and they did not disappoint! đ Each scallop was plump, tender, and seared to a golden crisp on the outside. The accompanying side was light and fresh, cutting through the richness of the scallops perfectly. The sauce on the plate was so flavorfulâI practically licked it clean! The duck dish was also fantastic, juicy and full of herbaceous notes. ⨠Dessert: Hazelnut GanacheWe ordered all four dessert options, and every single one was delicious. My personal favorite? The butterscotch pudding đĽ§âit had incredible layers: creamy pudding, a hint of salt, and a caramelized top that added crunch. It was sweet but not cloying, the perfect end to the meal. âThis restaurant is so worth a visit! The biggest highlight is Maineâs seafoodâyou can taste the freshness in every bite. The portion sizes are well-controlled (no post-meal food comas!), though some dishes were a bit saltyâwe found ourselves wanting water afterward. If you donât want the prix fixe menu, you can arrive when they open to wait for bar seating (a great option for a more casual experience). #Top50RestaurantsInTheWorld #MaineLobster #MaineRestaurants #PortlandMaine #PortlandMaineFood