Vesta — Restaurant in North Yarmouth

Vesta has something really special going on, and I really think (and hope!) they’re going to thrive. Our recent dinner was almost perfect, which says a lot considering they haven’t been open for long.

We never visited the restaurant that was here before, so this was our first time in the space, and wow, it’s gorgeous. Cozy, romantic, and beautifully decorated. Every detail felt intentional, and it really elevated the whole experience.

The menu leans Italian with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences woven throughout. Such a great mix, and it led to us wanting to try everything. Focaccia next to tabbouleh salad? Yes, please. Even picking drinks was tough. They have a solid (and affordable) cocktail list, but we stuck with wine. It wasn’t the best bottle, but for $40, no major complaints.

For apps, we went with the suppli (their take on arancini), focaccia, and parsnip soup. The suppli was a steal at $3 each, perfectly cooked and generous in size. So glad we got two, because they were too good to share. The focaccia, on the other hand, was a letdown. I didn’t necessarily expect it warm, but in Maine, “room temp” basically means cold, which wasn’t ideal. The parsnip soup was phenomenal.

Then came the entrees, and things got interesting. We debated pizza vs. pasta and went with pasta. My husband asked about portions and mentioned he was really hungry. He was between the rigatoni and the tortelloni, and the server really hyped up the tortelloni… so he went with that. When it arrived, we were shocked. Seven pieces. Not particularly big ones, either. Yes, it was delicious, but for $27, it didn’t feel like it was worth it. The whole dish was a little odd, sitting in a soupy sauce that didn’t really know what it wanted to be. Meanwhile, my chicken piccata was fantastic and the total opposite experience. Great portion size, flavorful, and I even shared some with my still-hungry-after-seven-pieces husband... We had the apple pie and ice cream for dessert, which was pretty good.

Service was great, and overall, we had an awesome dinner. Would we come back? Absolutely. The menu concept is great, and for the quality, it felt like a good value (except for the tortelloni). With a bottle of wine, tax, and a 20% tip, we spent $150 for two, which we thought was really fair. Next time, we’re going for the pizza… or I might just get that chicken piccata again. It...

Vesta is nothing short of a revelation — a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that delivers one of the most thoughtful, soulful dining experiences I’ve had anywhere in the country. Something truly special.

The space is warm and welcoming, the perfect balance between refined and relaxed. Impeccably genuine service — a rare mix of practiced professionalism and heartfelt hospitality.

The food… every dish was a delight to the senses. We began with the Sourdough Focaccia, pillowy-soft inside and crisped to golden perfection. The Tabbouleh was bright and herbaceous, while the Supplì arrived crisp and molten, a Roman street food elevated to Art. The Margherita Pizza and Rigatoni was Transportive. True Southern Italian soul food, crafted with restraint, confidence, and reverence for tradition.

Brunch the next day sealed my early convictions. The Baklava Croissant and Bombolini were masterful — flaky, fragrant, impossibly fresh. Like nothing I've ever tried. The Shakshuka was comforting yet complex, and the Breakfast Sammy was the kind of dish you crave long after it’s gone, taking pictures of the ingredients so you can remember what you just discovered you now love.

It’s clear that Chef Ramsey, alongside owners Mike and Kristen, have built something rare here: a restaurant where every detail matters — from handmade doughs and locally sourced ingredients to the curated cocktails that stand up to the best speakeasies in Portland or NYC.

Vesta isn't just a place to Eat — it's a place to Experience. An Epicurean Oasis in Maine that effortlessly fuses Mediterranean flavors, Roman nostalgia and tradition, and contemporary craft. If you appreciate authentic Italian cuisine, thoughtful Mediterranean fare, and fine dining that never feels pretentious — you owe it to yourself...

A Taste of True Italy in Every Bite…

Stepping into Vesta feels like being transported to a charming Italian eatery tucked away on a quiet street in Rome. Owned by a passionate couple with decades of experience in the restaurant industry, this new gem strikes the perfect balance between cozy and elegant. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner or a relaxed evening with friends, the warm ambiance and impeccable service make you feel instantly at home.

What sets Vesta apart is its dedication to true Italian cuisine—no Americanized shortcuts, just authentic flavors crafted with care. The menu is thoughtfully curated, offering just the right number of choices to showcase fresh, daily-made dishes that highlight the best of Italian cooking. Every bite is a testament to quality and tradition.

During our visit, we savored every dish, ESPECIALLY the homemade focaccia and bucatini, but the highlight for me had to be the tiramisu—a masterpiece of rich mascarpone, delicate espresso-soaked layers, and a perfect dusting of cocoa. It was the kind of dessert that lingers in your mind long after the meal is over. Pair that with one of their local beers on tap, and you’ll appreciate how they not only bring Italy to the table but they also support their surrounding community.

This is the kind of restaurant you return to time and time again, knowing each visit will be just as exceptional as the last. If you’re searching for upscale Italian comfort food made with heart and expertise, look no further than Vesta. Honestly, we dined in today and are already planning our next visit....