Portland, Maine | Twelve Restaurant ✨ Top 50 Best in the World

🍽️ Dish Reviews: Every Bite Is “Too Pretty to Eat Fast” Deliciousness 1. Milk Bread 🍞｜A “Fluffy Delight” That Wins You Over in One Bite Shortly after sitting down, warm milk bread arrived—its crust had a faint, toasty aroma. Tearing it gently revealed an interior as soft as a cloud, with tiny, delicate air pockets. The accompanying pat of butter was still slightly melting; spread it on the bread, then dip in a little pecan jam, and I was instantly hooked by the aroma! The creaminess of the butter, the wheat scent of the bread, and the nutty sweetness of the jam blended together. Each bite was soft but not mushy, with zero dryness—even my friend who usually hates bread stole an extra piece, saying “It’s like eating ‘clouds that burst with flavor’”～ 2. Lobster Roll 🦞｜A “Appetizer Surprise” Wrapped in Croissant As an appetizer, the lobster roll was indeed small—but its “small yet refined” quality was its charm! Unlike traditional hot dog buns, Twelve used mini croissants—golden and crispy on the outside (a satisfying “crunch” when you bite down), yet soft and flaky inside. They were stuffed with chunky, fresh lobster meat, with no heavy sauces—just a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper to let the lobster’s natural sweetness shine. One bite, and the croissant’s crispness, the lobster’s tenderness, and the ocean’s freshness exploded in my mouth. It was perfect for whetting the appetite without filling me up, making me even more excited for the main courses～ 3. Jonah Crab 🦀｜A “Crab Feast” Brightened by Vinegar When the Jonah Crab arrived, my first thought was “That’s a ton of crab meat!” Piles of white crab meat sat on a cool ceramic plate, garnished only with a small spoonful of white vinegar and a few lemon wedges. Scoop a big forkful into your mouth—the crab meat was firm yet sweet, with the fresh taste of just-caught seafood. A drizzle of white vinegar amplified the crab’s sweetness without being overpowering; it cut through the crab’s richness, so even eating a lot didn’t feel greasy. My friend kept saying “This amount of crab meat would cost twice as much elsewhere”～ 4. Dry Aged Duck 🦆｜One Bite Tells You “Why Good Meat Matters” The dry-aged duck, our main course, was the star of the meal! Sliced and arranged on the plate, its skin had an enticing caramel color, while the inside was a tender pink. Fork a piece into your mouth—the meat was firm but not tough, easy to tear with your teeth, and you could taste a faint burst of juice. The nutty aroma from dry-aging blended perfectly with the duck’s natural flavor, with no fishiness at all. The accompanying plum sauce was sweet and sour to cut through richness; every bite made you want to chew slowly, savoring the meat’s texture and the layers of flavor. I even licked my lips afterward, ing (lingering on) that “more you chew, more flavorful” taste～ 👨🍳 Pro Tip: Sit at the Chef Counter for an “Immersive Food Show” Highly recommend the Chef Counter! Through the glass (or open counter), you can clearly watch the chefs prepare ingredients: precision controlling the oven temp for the milk bread, carefully picking lobster meat to avoid breaking it, and slicing the dry-aged duck with perfect thickness… Sometimes the chefs would look up and chat, saying “Today’s crab just came from the nearby harbor”—it instantly made the meal feel “not just delicious, but also story-filled.” Plus, the counter had great views—no squeezing with neighboring tables, just quiet enjoyment of every bite～ As I left with a slightly full stomach, I finally understood why it’s a “Top 50 Restaurant”—no fancy plating, just fresh ingredients and precise seasoning, making every simple dish memorable. If you’re in Portland, Maine, save a meal slot for Twelve—book the Chef Counter in advance, and you’ll definitely think “It was worth it!” #MaineEats #PortlandMaineFood #Top50Restaurants #FoodieTravel #FineDining