Novio's Bistro — Restaurant in Bangor

Wow! 5 star dining right in the heart of downtown Bangor! I don't know how Novio's escaped my radar for this long, but now that we've discovered this gem, we'll definitely be back! Everything from the seasonal, locally sourced menu (the chef actually tends a greenhouse and a flock of chickens!), to the decor, to the soundtrack softly piped into the dining room, our dinner at Novio's was absolutely enjoyable. The cocktails have clever names to accompany the innovative ingredients, and were expertly prepared. They set the stage for our appetizers - fried goat cheese and tuna bruschetta - which were both amazingly delicious. For dinner I chose the duck gnocchi and my husband had the sea bass. Both portions were very generous, and everything was cooked to perfection. Obviously, we couldn't pass up dessert. The pastry chef outdid himself with the lemon macarons with Maine blueberries and chocolate mousse. The after dinner cocktail with a coffee ice cube was just the proverbial icing on the cake. What a perfect evening. I need to go back to try the pumpkin tortellini and risotto with lobster. But it will have to be soon, as the owner told us the menu changes frequently. The choices weren't vast, but everything sounded delicious and everything we ordered was 100% on point. I absolutely recommend visiting Novio's for that next special occasion ...or just because. I wish I could give more than 5 stars.

Update: we had dinner at Novios again. Again, we had a wonderful meal. The service is friendly and we never felt rushed. The oysters were delicious. The rabbit crepe appetizer was so good, I wished I had ordered a secured portion as my dinner! But the pork entree was also wonderful - cooked to perfection and my husband's steak had the most sublime chimichurri on top! We had the chocolate mousse for dessert again, with the Rounding Third dessert drink. What a nice ending to another perfect meal.

Update 7/ 9 Novios re-opened last night after being closed down for several weeks due to Covid. We couldn't wait to go back. They did not disappoint. They offered a four course menu for $55, with 2-4 options for each course. Our choices included rabbit and waffles, oyster sliders, caprese salad, sea bass, duck, and blueberry lemom curd shortcake. All delicious. The ambience, owner's warm reception and stellar service all contributed to a wonderful evening out. Do not miss dining at Novios.

2/13/21 Open for indoor dining again! We had the most amazing dinner at Novios Bistro tonight. We had the chef testing menu and four-course dinner which included bacon-wrapped scallops, baked oysters, beef carpaccio, winter salad, baby lamb chops, waygu beef wellington, and for dessert Paris brest and a chocolate fondue plate. A bottle of wine made the meal complete. Celebrating Valentines Day and turning in my...

I’m a big foodie from Boston and as a visitor to the Bangor area this locale elevates the downtown cuisine to anyone looking for fine dining. We initially requested a drink that was no longer on the menu because of a family recommendation. “The Bruschetta” We even called ahead the day before and they confirmed to us that they would make a batch just for our visit. It was just as described, not sweet and refreshing. We arrived and they gave us a special table by the window which was the best spot there. The 4 course menu with various options gave us so much to choose from that we felt naturally encompassed on the menu with no sense of feeling overwhelmed. From the mussels, to the tomato salad, to the beef tenderloin, and finally to the Mille-Feulle chocolate dessert. Just wow. The presentation on the above mentioned was perfectly set that when the food touched your palate you can only continue to savor everything in front of you. I won’t forget the french pressed coffee. A perfect aroma to wake me up for the drive home. The service of the gentleman that escapes me now was impeccable. His attention to everything coming out of the kitchen was impressive along with the attention to the guest made everything full circle. Kudos to the chef for your passion in every plate you create. Novios, you sold me as a lifetime customer for an unforgettable experience. Thank you, and see you next time. Find me...

Wow. I hadn't heard any firsthand referrals, but read tons of great reviews, and decided I should give it a try for date night. My wife and I were both blown away. Smoked old fashioned was a great way to kick things off, along with the lobster chowder (hands down best chowder I've ever eaten), and my wife couldn't say enough about the maple glazed pork belly. While the greens were not the high point in our wonderful experience, they were far from a low - no complaints whatsoever. Then the main courses. Duck w/ gnocchi for me, and my wife had the salmon. It's been said that sauce is the boss, and both of these dishes would firmly support that statement. But beyond the sauce, the rest of each dish still stands out as superb. As we progressed through the meal, I found myself appreciating each portion size, anticipating what was still to come. After the main course, I still had enough room to actually want dessert, which isn't often the case when dining out. We opted for the Novio's Mousse and cannoli ice cream, with coffee, and were not disappointed. For each course, we chose what sounded best to us, but after getting through that meal, I would be just as excited to order anything else off their menu. We don't often eat out at this price point, but we both felt it was worth every penny, and will be...