Nikanos Mediterranean Bar & Grille — Restaurant in Ogunquit

The place to dine in Ogunquit, Maine. We visited Nikanos for the first time after reading favorable reviews. For starters I ordered the mussels which were the best I've ever had. What flavor and the sauce was made with a delicate ouzo recipe. My companion had the grilled octopus over a mixture of beans, tomatoes and potatoes which were simply delicious. For entrees I ordered the braised lamb shank and the better half ordered the fish of the day which was branzino. Again both were wonderful and bursting with flavor. The service was great...our waiter Christian was doing double duty as a bartender but was up for the task. Our host, Mark and Jennifer, who are also the owners, were very present and friendly and checked in on us often even though it was a very busy night. We were not disappointed in Nikanos and will definitely return. We were very happy to see how bustling it was dispite Covid-19. We wish them continued success. Stop by and see for yourselves. You will be back as we will also. As of today the 22nd of August I have been back three times. Each time better than the last. Mark and Jennifer show there pride in a very vibrant and upcoming establishment. I commend them and the entire staff for dedication to a successful business. On July 30th, 2021 I had the pleasure to return to this very successful establishment. it was nice to be greeted by Jennifer and then Mark owners of the Fine Dining restaurant. The service staff and most importantly the executive chef continued with there expertise of taking care of the customer. The meals were superb and most satisfying. No matter what you decide to order you will happy with your selections. The mussels, lamb shank, chicken dish are to die for. Not to mention desserts. Come and be satisfied in service, food, and a place you can back to. Over and over again. They also have nightly entertainment. P.S. If Ali or Christian are tending bar. You are in...

Appetizers were good.... Calamari was excellent. Delicately breaded and fried perfectly. So good. The pita and three dips were all very tasty and well seasoned. Hummus was a bit on the salty side but was deliciously garlicky. Stuffed grape leaves and spanakopita were decent.

The Avegolemono soup disappointingly was rather flat. Excellent consistency and creaminess but not a punch of lemon as one expects from this soup. Chicken was a bit tough also but otherwise pleasant.

Unfortunately, we should have stuck w apps. Lunch entrées were actually quite lackluster. Hubby and I both ordered roasted lamb sandwiches ( mine minus bun) w orzo salad. My husband's sandwich literally fell apart and bun split apart so was no longer viable as a " sandwich or hold-able" obviously I didn't encounter that, however the lamb was extremely salty even w the fennel and carrot slaw. It did not cut enough. So salty, I didn't consume it. I will add that you can tell good and fresh ingredients were used for preparing until you the fennel and carrot slaw.. carrot strings were prepackaged and tasted like dirt and pre-packaged items. That was disappointing as well. Very surprised, too, given the freshness of everything else. I realize it's a time saver but reflects in the flavor profile..

The orzo salad was good..lightly seasoned.

Our daughter ordered the fish tacos, which were pleasantly light and tasty. Interesting to heavily blacken or peppered, which was wee overpowering for such a delicate fish.

I imagine dinner time might have been a better experience? Not sure.. Definitely drinks and apps for...

Once again had an exceptional evening at the one and only Nikanos. This is actually our 2nd visit for dinner and I neglected to post my 5-star review after that first visit. Happy to say our 2nd dinner visit did not disappoint! Perfect late Summer evening. Sat outside which, even though we're right on Main St, the set-up and plantings provide enough of an off-set and privacy that you feel like you're in a garden. Our waitstaff night one was Anne. She was fantastic, attentive and anticipated our every request. Our server last evening was a handsome young engineering student from Serbia - Marcos. Charming and attentive. The owner was buzzing around the restaurant making sure that everything was perfect.....which it was! The grilled romaine Cesar was delicious, fresh and topped with these magical little fried croutons made from chick peas! Surprising and delicious! The fried calamari was fried to perfection. We both had pasta dishes with an abundance of fresh seafood. Perfect! We didn't save room for dessert last night but our first visit we celebrated our anniversary with Never On A Sundae, pistachio ice cream with warm chocolate sauce topped with crumbled baclava. Sinfully delicious! Our only complaint is that this restaurant gem isn't open year round so we'll have to cram as many visits in as possible before they close...