The Good Table — Restaurant in Cape Elizabeth

I reviewed The Good Table about six years ago. That review is below. I waited a few days before adding this review because I really want the new ownership to succeed but I finally decided they need to know they have to really step up their game before they will get the crowds again.

This time, my wife and I went for brunch. We booked a reservation for 10:30 and there was a table waiting for us but there was no line. But then we SAT. Over the next 30 minutes, the hostess (who mostly was just standing at her greeting station) and the server for our section passed by our table many times with no one stopping over to ask if we had had our order taken. My glass was empty. No one has asked about drinks. FINALLY the hostess spoke with the server and the server took the order, apologizing that she didn’t know she was taking care of our table.

We ordered the cinnamon roll to start and my wife ordered the eggs Benedict. I ordered the veggie scramble with brunch potatoes.

TIP: Skip the cinnamon roll. It’s nothing like the way they used to make them. While it was “fresh” the icing was cold and more on the cream cheese side than a traditional sugary icing that had melted over it when it was hot out of the oven.

The eggs were just OK. The scramble was heavy on the mushrooms which I liked but something was just off. Hard to say. The potatoes were bland, nicely cooked but severely lacking any spice that our favorite diner in SoPo offers.

As we were wrapping up, a woman who never introduced herself apologized as well and said we were going to receive a discount. We did, and they comped us for the cinnamon roll as well but for a place that was not anywhere near full, they need to have some serious discussions with the staff on upping their service, and then some serious discussions with the customers on getting feedback about the food. Financially they missed out on two drinks and a satisfied (very) local customer who is likely to dissuade neighbors about visiting until we have some sign that changes have been made to improve.

We’re only hoping we were the exception but other neighbors have reported similar things. With such a small, limited brunch menu, you’d expect everything to be top notch.

Let’s hope they improve in 2025…

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It's kind of so so these days. They just aren't putting their heart into any more. My wife also says she smells the dish washing gear as...

I want to start off with saying that our server, Bacall, is one of the sweetest and most understanding we've ever had. Everyone was welcoming and very friendly.

One of the specials was hot dogs (?!). I asked if they had gluten-free buns/rolls/bread. I was told they do not offer gluten-free bread options which is odd given they also serve brunch.

Our forks and knives were sticking to the table. Ew. We also had a sad flower that was too short for its dirty clear glass vase that also held dried stems missing flowers.

I was really hungry and decided to order two entrees and take home any leftovers to have for lunch tomorrow.

I ordered the $28 vegetarian roasted carrot "entree". If that was to be my meal I'd leave hungry due to the small portion that was the size of an appetizer. I took a bite and the carrot was practically raw, it was so crunchy, and flavorless. I was expecting a true roasted carrot that was sweet and tender. The quinoa and cashew puree was OK but there was very little of it.

The second entree I ordered was the "Bistro" steak, medium rare. It arrived pre-sliced and was practically raw, something that should have been noticed by the kitchen. I sent it back and while it was now medium rare it was difficult to cut and had a gamey flavor. It was also covered with what looked like watered down olive oil all over the plate (or was that from the green chickpeas mentioned on the menu but didn't appear on my plate?)

Our server was so apologetic and did not give me a hard time about taking the unappetizing food off the table and off our check. I ended up having a side of potatoes for dinner. Those were actually very good.

However, instead of leaving with leftovers as originally planned I left hungry and made myself a full meal when I got home (and will make...

After reading a beautifully written feature on The Good Table in Down East Magazine, we finally felt inspired to go. This spot had been on our list since moving to Maine, and it felt like the perfect time. We booked same-day reservations for brunch and ended up having one of the best brunches we’ve ever had in Maine. From the food to the service and the cozy ambiance, everything was perfect; so much so that I bought a gift card before we left because I knew we’d want to come back soon.

The brunch menu isn’t huge, but it had just the right amount of variety. I ordered the croissant French toast, and my husband went for the burger. Both were incredible. After my first bite, I turned to him and said, “I don’t think I’ve had French toast until now”—it was that good. The cranberry compote on top was chef’s kiss. My husband’s burger was cooked to perfection l.

The coffee was amazing, served in the cutest little cup that made me feel like I was at a cabin-themed restaurant tucked in the mountains. The staff kept refilling it without us ever needing to ask. Our Bloody Marys were just as impressive. Everything about the experience; from the warm, attentive service to the inviting, homey vibe of the restaurant; made it feel extra special, especially on a chilly day.

I can’t believe it took us this long to visit The Good Table. I already can’t...