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You are Samantha Carter, Chief Editor of Newsy-Today.com.
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You are a senior newsroom editor with over 20 years of experience in national and international reporting. Your writing is authoritative, clear, and human. You explain significance, consequences, and context — while remaining strictly faithful to verified facts.
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This is the 16th year we’ve produced a Year in Review report. Once you get a refresh on 2025 you can travel back in time to 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
Exporting Culinary Culture – Portland’s food scene is so strong that we’re now exporting concepts to other locales. Two notable examples from 2025 were Peaks Island-based Il Leone’s opening of a second location of their wood-fired pizzeria in Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, and Crispy Gai’s plans to open a second location in Providence, Rhode Island.
Korean Food – Thai and Japanese restaurants have long been plentiful in Portland. While the country’s food is equally interesting and delicious, Korean restaurants haven’t gained a similar level of traction. Perhaps that’s changing? A new Korean food truck called K-Pop Kimbap is set to launch in 2026, and in the past year Luncheonette has been holding monthly Korean dinners and Sun Oriental Market and Mi Sen collaborated on a Korean pop-up.
2026 Openings –There’s a lot in the works to look forward to in 2026. Here are a few highlights to whet your appetite for the coming year:
- Isaac MacDougal along with Jake Bosma, Brecken Macdougal and Zach Myers plan to open the Supper Club Cocktail Lounge on Congress Street.
- Aomori restaurant opened in late 2025 and the adjacent conbini Aomori Kitchen and Market is slated to open in 2026.
- The owners of Arcadia will be opening a listening bar called Bad Neighbors in the former Soakology space.
- A French-inspired wine bar called Elizabeth, and a French-inspired cocktail bar called Marquis Lounge are both opening in 2026.
- The highly anticipated hoagie shop Salvatore’s will be opening in the former Pizza Joint space on Forest Ave.
- A new coffee shop called Y%F Cafe and a salad and smoothie shop called Paak are both under construction in the Arts District.
- Rail Yard Brewing and the Rusty Rail will be holding their grand opening in Milo.
- The Paper Plane cocktail bar in Camden will be relocating to Bay View Street in Camden this winter.
- A new wood-fired bakery called Bagel Witch is under construction in Damariscotta.
- The Rooting Pig will be opening their new restaurant in Bristol.
There are a number other exciting new projects in the works that haven’t gone public yet. Check back throughout the year for all the details as they become available.
Notable News IN PORTLAND
January – Andrew Ross wrapped up his 8-year run as the Maine Sunday Telegram restaurant critic, Imbibe magazine included Lucky Cheetah and LyAnna Sanabria from Papi in their Imbibe 75 list for 2025, the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast interviewed Ilma Lopez, Mrs. Gee Free Living published a guide to gluten-free food and drink in Maine and New Hampshire, 10 restaurants and chefs were named Beard Awards semifinalists. Yuri’s Dessert and Radial Coffee opened for business. Little Brother wrapped up operations, the East End Rosemont, and Henry’s Public House closed.- February – Moses and Alec Sabina sold Hot Suppa to two members of their staff Amber Nachreiner and husband Cameron Rodrigues, Wine Enthusiast published their list of the 10 Essential Bars in Portland, Maine, PhoEver Maine purchased the former Ananaia’s building on Congress Street where the Huynh family plans to open a new version of their Vietnamese restaurant. Rose Foods kicked off their guest chef sandwich series. Anthony’s closed after 33 years in business and the short lived Sissle and Daughters Cafe closed.
March – Masa Miyake and his family announced they were planning to open a restaurant and a conbini market in West Bayside. 2024 Beard Award winners Barak Olins and Atsuko Fujimoto sat for a Maine Voices Live interview. Maine Restaurant Week and the New England Craft Brew Summit took place. Cargo Pizza, Tomaso’s on Wharf Street, and the Hank & Arties food truck opened for business. Maine Craft Distilling and Hifi Donuts closed; Hifi continues to search for the right space to relaunch their donut shop.- April – Food & Wine included Mr Tuna in their list of the Top 15 US Restaurants. The Ironside Lounge at the Regency Hotel began an Afternoon Tea service and Maine Seaweed Week took place. Cuties, Franciska, Za, Mandy & Matt’s Cafe, and Loco Taco opened for business.
May – Salvatore’s Hoagie Shop began construction on a sandwich shop on Forest Ave in the former Pizza Joint space, the Boulos Beats podcast interviewed chef David Turin, Crown Jewel owner Alex Wight shared plans to open a French-inspired wine bar called Elizabeth on Wharf Street, Delicious Musings published a field report on the monthly Sunday breakfast at the VFW. Chaval held their annual May the Fourth Star Wars dinner. Taj, Boda, Thanh Thanh 2, Mi Sen, and Pulutan held a 5-course dinner at Crispy Gai in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month. The North Deering Tavern, Benny’s, Leda, a Nordic candy shop called Sodt, and the Stone Fox ice cream truck opened for business. Soakology, Tin Pan Bakery, and the Freedom’s Edge tasting room closed.- June – Bartender and former Portlander Trevin Hutchins held a pop-up at Room for Improvement to introduce his new San Francisco bar Jupiter Room. The 2025 edition of Wurst Week Ever took place. Luncheonette, and Wharf Street Yacht Club opened for business, and the Liu Bian Tan, Barkada, Not a Bakery food trucks re/launched.
- July – The Boulos Beats podcast interviewed Joshua Miranda who owns and operates Blyth & Burrows, Via Vecchia, Papi and Off-Track Pizza. Dry Dock, Flat Iron Coffee, and Milly’s Market opened for business.
August – Travel & Leisure magazine published an article about the Portland dining scene, word broke that Barkada would be taking over the space being vacated by Paper Tiger, Il Leone announced plans to open a pizzeria in Park Slope Brooklyn, The Boston Globe published an article about Sur Lie’s new chef Sam Helmke, the Maine Grain Alliance organized the Maine Bagel Bake-Off, Yousif Albadri leased the long vacant space at the corner of Congress and High Streets where he plans to open the Y%F cafe. Terlingua Outpost, Henny’s, Silver Street by Taj opened for business. Paper Tiger, Bake Maine, and the Cherished Pub closed.
September –Food & Wine named Jordan Rubin to their 2025 class of Best New Chefs. The Boulos Beats podcast interviewed chef Harding Lee Smith, Delicious Musings published an article featuring Brian ‘Cat’ Catapang, the beverage director and co-owner of Magnus on Water in Biddeford. Christie and Joel Mahaffey took over full ownership of Foundation Brewing as their partners John and Tina Bonney moved on to new opportunities. The Portland Hotdog Safari took place. Bub’s Home Kitchen, Watami and Gill’s opened for business.
October –Praewpran Yiamjanya and Patrick Udomsay, the owners of the Sook Thai Mobile Kitchen food truck, leased space at 650 Congress Street where they plan to open a salad and smoothie cafe called Paak. Crispy Gai shared plans to open a second location in Providence. An article in the October edition of Food & Wine focuses on the rising utilization of seaweed on the menus at Maine restaurants which mentioned Fore Street, Bread & Friends, Norimoto Bakery, The Alna Store and Heritage Seaweed. CN Traveler published their list of the 15 Best Restaurants in Portland. Work got underway on a Korean food truck called K-Pop Kimbap. Sweatgrass closed their tasting room in Boothby Square after their Union-based distillery suffered a devastating fire. Douro, Abbiocco, Zero Bar & Grille, Fork in the Road Pizza, Minibar, and Miss Sweet Bubble Tea opened for business. Susan’s Fish N Chips, Low Stakes, Leda, and Model T Coffee closed.
November – Eater named Luncheonette one of the 15 Best New Restaurants in America, Hospitality Maine named Josh Miranda the Restaurateur of Year and Gil Plaster the Chef of the Year at their annual Summit. Chef Thomas Barthelmes from Finestkind and the SMCC Culinary Arts team were the winners at the Lobster Chef of the Year competition. The Maine Sunday Telegram published an article about the growing availability and complexity of mocktails, Yankee magazine named Ocotillo as New England’s Best New Brunch as part their 2025 food awards, The owners of Arcadia leased the former Soakology space where they plan to open a listening bar called Bad Neighbors. 207 Beer Week took place and Onggi held their 5th Annual Kimjang kimchi-making-fest. Tienda Latina and Rambler Cafe opened for business. Bar Futo and Fortune Garden closed.
December – Wine Enthusiast published an article about Handshake, the Persian-inspired amaro that was launched in Portland earlier this year by Shahin Khojastehzad. The New York Times called out desserts from Franciska in Portland and at McLoons in South Thomaston in their list of the 14 Best Restaurant Desserts We Ate Across the US. Meg Bartos and bartender Jacob Coombs shared plans to takeover Sagamore Hill where they plan to open Marquis Lounge in 2026, Punch has included the Salad Bar Martini at Cuties in their list of their Favorite Cocktails of 2025, LB. Kitchen opened a new location of their LB. Mini-Mart business in the West End. Longtime staff member Emily Bachelder bought Tony’s Donut Shop from the Fournier family. Wow India, Aomori, Barren’s Distillery tasting room, and Tuan Yuan Hotpot opened for business.
MAINE FOOD & DINING NEWS
The broader Maine food and dining scene continues to expand with opening and new developments in every single county. As you can see below there’s a lot going on. The list below just touches on some highlights—read the weekly Maine news reports from the past year for a more detailed view.
- Bath/Brunswick – A Sicilian restaurant called Pomelia launched early in the year in Brunswick followed through the rest of the year with the opening of Elevenses, Ram and Bull, and Tern Coffee, and Porteur Bread. In Bath Solo Pane expanded their dining room and kitchen into the adjacent storefront and Brunswick-based Reverie Coffee opened a second location. Still under development in Brunswick are an Italian restaurant called Paolo’s and Baked on Maine which will be located in the former Great Impasta spot on Maine Street. ZaoZe Café & Market closed in November—it was the last of the businesses run by the Eighty Ate Hospitality group which once included Tao Yuan and Bao Bao.
- Elsewhere the Midcoast – Panacea took over the space vacated by Yonder in Wiscasset. Schooner Landing reopened in Damariscotta after a fire the previous fall. The Crooked Spoon team moved into The Block Saloon space in Thomaston. Cafe Grazie, Olive Rose Chocolates, and Lemon Bar all opened in Rockland. The Midcoast Villager newspaper team launched the Villager Cafe in Camden. Spark Bagel opened their bakery in Northport and the Pulling Corks Wine bar opened in Belfast. Savory Meat Shop launched in the former Chacuterie spot in Unity, and Saint George Pizzeria launched in Warren. Sammy’s Deluxe was selected by the New York Times for their 2025 Restaurant List of the “50 best places in America right now”. Daily Soup closed in Belfast, Wiley’s in Rockland announced they wouldn’t be reopening for the 2026 season, and The Hichborn closed in Stockton Springs. A fire destroyed Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery in Union.
- Down East – The Pilgrim’s Inn on Deer Isle was selected by the New York Times for their 2025 Restaurant List of the “50 best places in America right now” and for the second year in the row Aragosta appeared on Food & Wine’s list of the Top 10 US Hotels for Food and Drink. MacLeod’s in Bucksport closed after 45 years in business, but the space didn’t remain vacant very long—Stowaway’s Town Tavern and Ugly’s Bar opened their doors there in October. A vegan food truck called Fancy Plants operated in Ellsworth during the summer and the Sri Lankan restaurant Serendib closed after 10 years in business. In East Machias Bold Coast Coffee opened a cafe.
- Kennebec County – Waterville saw the launch of Cushnoc Cantina early in 2025 and of Charros Theater Mexican Restaurant in December. Belle Boulangerie relocated to Hallowell from Sebec. The food truck Bao & Beyond opened a restaurant in Augusta. Bucks Naked BBQ opened a new location in Gardiner and Gerard’s Pizza celebrated their 60th anniversary.
- Lewiston/Auburn – Marvelous Macarons and Katie’s Confections opened in Auburn. Lewiston suffered the loss of Bon Vivant and the cocktail bar Sonder & Dram as well as of Cafe Obscura. The opening of Bene’s Beef on outer Lisbon Street and of Mancini’s Italian Deli in town were bright spots for the year.
- Bangor Area – Bangor continued to see a number of new business developments. The most recent news was that a candy shop called Oh, Grow Up which is under construction at 21 Central Street. Perhaps the biggest story of all for the Queen City was the launch of Marsh Island Kitchen in Hampden with chef Joe Robbins at the helm. Something to look forward to in 2026 is Bangor’s plan to launch a shared commercial kitchen in the city which has the potential to help dozens of new packaged and service food businesses get their start.
- Northern and Western Maine – Rail Yard Brewing and the Rusty Rail Pub took over the former Bissell Brothers space in Milo. A new coffee shop called Marmee Dearest Espresso opened in Kingfield, The Laughing Loon opened in Norway, Born Yesterday Bakery opened in Oxford, and Rolling Pin Bakery opened in Fort Fairfield. Additionally, Bonaventura Vineyards launched their tasting room in Hartford, and the team at Maine Grains launched The Biergarten in Skowhegan.
- Southern Maine – Catbird took over the former Secundo space in South Berwick, Chez Rosa moved across the bridge to the Old Vines space in Kennebunk, and the Sea Salt Fry Company took over the former Lee Franks spot in Wells joining Baker Bru Cafe which had moved in just up the road from North Berwick earlier in the year. Kittery saw the closure of Anneke Jans, and the opening of Warren’s, Henry’s, and Salty Spirits. In Buxton Rooted Heart Cafe and Apothecary opened for business in January and Oak and Ember closed in April. Frog and Turtle closed and Wakie Wakie’s opened in Westbrook. Sebagels opened their bagel shop in Naples, Allagash launched the Allagash Bungalow at The Downs in Scarborough. Falmouth had some new energy in their food scene with the relocation of Sapporo from Portland and the launch of Revel and of a second location of Cafe Luna. Colleen Kelley has relaunched her well-loved restaurant Silly’s in Standish. Krista Kern Desjarlais relaunched The Purple House in North Yarmouth with a new menu and concept. South Portland saw a lot of change in the last year: Cafe Louis shut down as did the Mast Landing tasting room, Asia House moved into the space being vacated by Dok Mali Noodle Bar, Taco Trio re-relocated to their original spot Ocean Street. The Garden Bar opened a second location on Ocean Street, the owners of Yosaku shared plans to open a new restaurant in South Portland, and The Streetwich cafe opened.
Top ARTICLEs
- North Deering Tavern– Sam Minervino and a set of business partner’s opened a new pub in the space formerly occupied by Parker’s. (May 6th)
- Yuri’s Desserts– The opening of the new bakery and coffee shop on Spring Street. (January 2nd)
- Dry Dock – A first look at the newly renovated and relaunched restaurant on Commercial Street. (July 24th)
- Beard Awards Semifinalists – Announcement of the 10 chefs and restaurants that were 2025 semifinalists. (January 22nd)
- Garden Bar – Word that The Garden Bar was planning to open a location in Knightville. (March 30th)
- Cuties – Announcement of the upcoming opening of Cuties. (March 26th)
- Aomori Restaurant and Market – Word that Masa Miyake and his family planned to open a restaurant and conbini market in West Bayside. (March 24th)
- Catbird – Photos and menu from the opening of Catbird, a new restaurant in South Berwick. (October 16th)
- Y%F Cafe– Word about Y%F, a new cafe under construction in the space long vacant in Congress Square. (August 30th)
- Oak & Ember – The closing of Oak & Ember in Buxton. (April 11th)
- Silver Street by Taj – Photos and menu for the opening of Silver Street by Taj in the Old Port. (August 28th)
- Gill’s Bar – Word that Michael, Siobhán Sindoni and Rian Wyllie were going to launch a new bar in the former Bao Bao space on Spring Street (July 17th).
- Sodt – Announcement that a Nordic candy shop was under construction on Cumberland Ave. (April 3rd)
- Mandy and Matt’s – Opening announcement of a new breakfast and lunch cafe in Morrill’s Corner. (April 3rd)
- Henry’s – Announcement on the closing of Henry’s Public House (January 18th)
The Restaurant Real Estate listings, Maine Food Map, Thanksgiving List, Under Construction List, Beard Awards page and guides to Maine cider and Maine apples also received a lot of visitors last year.
Passings
The past year witnessed the passing of some members of the Maine food community.
- Declan Perry, 27 – a long time team member and chef at The Grill Room.
- Stacy Strattard, 64 – the co-owner of Birchwood Brewing in Gray.
Our Wonderful Sponsors
With the conclusion of 2025 and the start of the new year, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the corporate sponsors of Portland Food Map. Their support makes all work we do to report on and celebrate the Maine food and dining scene possible. Please give them a follow and learn more about them and the work they do. They are: Evergreen Credit Union, The Boulos Company, Canopy by Hilton Waterfront, Wine Wise, Allagash Brewing Company, The Longfellow Hotel, Great Pine Financial Services, and Vertical Harvest.
into a fully original NEWS ARTICLE for the News category on Newsy-Today.com.
Your article must address:
• What happened (based strictly on the source)
• Why it matters (context, implications, and significance derived from the source)
• What may happen next (scenario-based analysis only, never new facts)
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• Use ONLY facts, names, places, quotes, and numbers explicitly present in
This is the 16th year we’ve produced a Year in Review report. Once you get a refresh on 2025 you can travel back in time to 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
Exporting Culinary Culture – Portland’s food scene is so strong that we’re now exporting concepts to other locales. Two notable examples from 2025 were Peaks Island-based Il Leone’s opening of a second location of their wood-fired pizzeria in Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, and Crispy Gai’s plans to open a second location in Providence, Rhode Island.
Korean Food – Thai and Japanese restaurants have long been plentiful in Portland. While the country’s food is equally interesting and delicious, Korean restaurants haven’t gained a similar level of traction. Perhaps that’s changing? A new Korean food truck called K-Pop Kimbap is set to launch in 2026, and in the past year Luncheonette has been holding monthly Korean dinners and Sun Oriental Market and Mi Sen collaborated on a Korean pop-up.
2026 Openings –There’s a lot in the works to look forward to in 2026. Here are a few highlights to whet your appetite for the coming year:
- Isaac MacDougal along with Jake Bosma, Brecken Macdougal and Zach Myers plan to open the Supper Club Cocktail Lounge on Congress Street.
- Aomori restaurant opened in late 2025 and the adjacent conbini Aomori Kitchen and Market is slated to open in 2026.
- The owners of Arcadia will be opening a listening bar called Bad Neighbors in the former Soakology space.
- A French-inspired wine bar called Elizabeth, and a French-inspired cocktail bar called Marquis Lounge are both opening in 2026.
- The highly anticipated hoagie shop Salvatore’s will be opening in the former Pizza Joint space on Forest Ave.
- A new coffee shop called Y%F Cafe and a salad and smoothie shop called Paak are both under construction in the Arts District.
- Rail Yard Brewing and the Rusty Rail will be holding their grand opening in Milo.
- The Paper Plane cocktail bar in Camden will be relocating to Bay View Street in Camden this winter.
- A new wood-fired bakery called Bagel Witch is under construction in Damariscotta.
- The Rooting Pig will be opening their new restaurant in Bristol.
There are a number other exciting new projects in the works that haven’t gone public yet. Check back throughout the year for all the details as they become available.
Notable News IN PORTLAND
- January – Andrew Ross wrapped up his 8-year run as the Maine Sunday Telegram restaurant critic, Imbibe magazine included Lucky Cheetah and LyAnna Sanabria from Papi in their Imbibe 75 list for 2025, the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast interviewed Ilma Lopez, Mrs. Gee Free Living published a guide to gluten-free food and drink in Maine and New Hampshire, 10 restaurants and chefs were named Beard Awards semifinalists. Yuri’s Dessert and Radial Coffee opened for business. Little Brother wrapped up operations, the East End Rosemont, and Henry’s Public House closed.
- February – Moses and Alec Sabina sold Hot Suppa to two members of their staff Amber Nachreiner and husband Cameron Rodrigues, Wine Enthusiast published their list of the 10 Essential Bars in Portland, Maine, PhoEver Maine purchased the former Ananaia’s building on Congress Street where the Huynh family plans to open a new version of their Vietnamese restaurant. Rose Foods kicked off their guest chef sandwich series. Anthony’s closed after 33 years in business and the short lived Sissle and Daughters Cafe closed.
- March – Masa Miyake and his family announced they were planning to open a restaurant and a conbini market in West Bayside. 2024 Beard Award winners Barak Olins and Atsuko Fujimoto sat for a Maine Voices Live interview. Maine Restaurant Week and the New England Craft Brew Summit took place. Cargo Pizza, Tomaso’s on Wharf Street, and the Hank & Arties food truck opened for business. Maine Craft Distilling and Hifi Donuts closed; Hifi continues to search for the right space to relaunch their donut shop.
- April – Food & Wine included Mr Tuna in their list of the Top 15 US Restaurants. The Ironside Lounge at the Regency Hotel began an Afternoon Tea service and Maine Seaweed Week took place. Cuties, Franciska, Za, Mandy & Matt’s Cafe, and Loco Taco opened for business.
- May – Salvatore’s Hoagie Shop began construction on a sandwich shop on Forest Ave in the former Pizza Joint space, the Boulos Beats podcast interviewed chef David Turin, Crown Jewel owner Alex Wight shared plans to open a French-inspired wine bar called Elizabeth on Wharf Street, Delicious Musings published a field report on the monthly Sunday breakfast at the VFW. Chaval held their annual May the Fourth Star Wars dinner. Taj, Boda, Thanh Thanh 2, Mi Sen, and Pulutan held a 5-course dinner at Crispy Gai in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month. The North Deering Tavern, Benny’s, Leda, a Nordic candy shop called Sodt, and the Stone Fox ice cream truck opened for business. Soakology, Tin Pan Bakery, and the Freedom’s Edge tasting room closed.
- June – Bartender and former Portlander Trevin Hutchins held a pop-up at Room for Improvement to introduce his new San Francisco bar Jupiter Room. The 2025 edition of Wurst Week Ever took place. Luncheonette, and Wharf Street Yacht Club opened for business, and the Liu Bian Tan, Barkada, Not a Bakery food trucks re/launched.
- July – The Boulos Beats podcast interviewed Joshua Miranda who owns and operates Blyth & Burrows, Via Vecchia, Papi and Off-Track Pizza. Dry Dock, Flat Iron Coffee, and Milly’s Market opened for business.
- August – Travel & Leisure magazine published an article about the Portland dining scene, word broke that Barkada would be taking over the space being vacated by Paper Tiger, Il Leone announced plans to open a pizzeria in Park Slope Brooklyn, The Boston Globe published an article about Sur Lie’s new chef Sam Helmke, the Maine Grain Alliance organized the Maine Bagel Bake-Off, Yousif Albadri leased the long vacant space at the corner of Congress and High Streets where he plans to open the Y%F cafe. Terlingua Outpost, Henny’s, Silver Street by Taj opened for business. Paper Tiger, Bake Maine, and the Cherished Pub closed.
- September –Food & Wine named Jordan Rubin to their 2025 class of Best New Chefs. The Boulos Beats podcast interviewed chef Harding Lee Smith, Delicious Musings published an article featuring Brian ‘Cat’ Catapang, the beverage director and co-owner of Magnus on Water in Biddeford. Christie and Joel Mahaffey took over full ownership of Foundation Brewing as their partners John and Tina Bonney moved on to new opportunities. The Portland Hotdog Safari took place. Bub’s Home Kitchen, Watami and Gill’s opened for business.
- October –Praewpran Yiamjanya and Patrick Udomsay, the owners of the Sook Thai Mobile Kitchen food truck, leased space at 650 Congress Street where they plan to open a salad and smoothie cafe called Paak. Crispy Gai shared plans to open a second location in Providence. An article in the October edition of Food & Wine focuses on the rising utilization of seaweed on the menus at Maine restaurants which mentioned Fore Street, Bread & Friends, Norimoto Bakery, The Alna Store and Heritage Seaweed. CN Traveler published their list of the 15 Best Restaurants in Portland. Work got underway on a Korean food truck called K-Pop Kimbap. Sweatgrass closed their tasting room in Boothby Square after their Union-based distillery suffered a devastating fire. Douro, Abbiocco, Zero Bar & Grille, Fork in the Road Pizza, Minibar, and Miss Sweet Bubble Tea opened for business. Susan’s Fish N Chips, Low Stakes, Leda, and Model T Coffee closed.
- November – Eater named Luncheonette one of the 15 Best New Restaurants in America, Hospitality Maine named Josh Miranda the Restaurateur of Year and Gil Plaster the Chef of the Year at their annual Summit. Chef Thomas Barthelmes from Finestkind and the SMCC Culinary Arts team were the winners at the Lobster Chef of the Year competition. The Maine Sunday Telegram published an article about the growing availability and complexity of mocktails, Yankee magazine named Ocotillo as New England’s Best New Brunch as part their 2025 food awards, The owners of Arcadia leased the former Soakology space where they plan to open a listening bar called Bad Neighbors. 207 Beer Week took place and Onggi held their 5th Annual Kimjang kimchi-making-fest. Tienda Latina and Rambler Cafe opened for business. Bar Futo and Fortune Garden closed.
- December – Wine Enthusiast published an article about Handshake, the Persian-inspired amaro that was launched in Portland earlier this year by Shahin Khojastehzad. The New York Times called out desserts from Franciska in Portland and at McLoons in South Thomaston in their list of the 14 Best Restaurant Desserts We Ate Across the US. Meg Bartos and bartender Jacob Coombs shared plans to takeover Sagamore Hill where they plan to open Marquis Lounge in 2026, Punch has included the Salad Bar Martini at Cuties in their list of their Favorite Cocktails of 2025, LB. Kitchen opened a new location of their LB. Mini-Mart business in the West End. Longtime staff member Emily Bachelder bought Tony’s Donut Shop from the Fournier family. Wow India, Aomori, Barren’s Distillery tasting room, and Tuan Yuan Hotpot opened for business.
MAINE FOOD & DINING NEWS
The broader Maine food and dining scene continues to expand with opening and new developments in every single county. As you can see below there’s a lot going on. The list below just touches on some highlights—read the weekly Maine news reports from the past year for a more detailed view.
- Bath/Brunswick – A Sicilian restaurant called Pomelia launched early in the year in Brunswick followed through the rest of the year with the opening of Elevenses, Ram and Bull, and Tern Coffee, and Porteur Bread. In Bath Solo Pane expanded their dining room and kitchen into the adjacent storefront and Brunswick-based Reverie Coffee opened a second location. Still under development in Brunswick are an Italian restaurant called Paolo’s and Baked on Maine which will be located in the former Great Impasta spot on Maine Street. ZaoZe Café & Market closed in November—it was the last of the businesses run by the Eighty Ate Hospitality group which once included Tao Yuan and Bao Bao.
- Elsewhere the Midcoast – Panacea took over the space vacated by Yonder in Wiscasset. Schooner Landing reopened in Damariscotta after a fire the previous fall. The Crooked Spoon team moved into The Block Saloon space in Thomaston. Cafe Grazie, Olive Rose Chocolates, and Lemon Bar all opened in Rockland. The Midcoast Villager newspaper team launched the Villager Cafe in Camden. Spark Bagel opened their bakery in Northport and the Pulling Corks Wine bar opened in Belfast. Savory Meat Shop launched in the former Chacuterie spot in Unity, and Saint George Pizzeria launched in Warren. Sammy’s Deluxe was selected by the New York Times for their 2025 Restaurant List of the “50 best places in America right now”. Daily Soup closed in Belfast, Wiley’s in Rockland announced they wouldn’t be reopening for the 2026 season, and The Hichborn closed in Stockton Springs. A fire destroyed Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery in Union.
- Down East – The Pilgrim’s Inn on Deer Isle was selected by the New York Times for their 2025 Restaurant List of the “50 best places in America right now” and for the second year in the row Aragosta appeared on Food & Wine’s list of the Top 10 US Hotels for Food and Drink. MacLeod’s in Bucksport closed after 45 years in business, but the space didn’t remain vacant very long—Stowaway’s Town Tavern and Ugly’s Bar opened their doors there in October. A vegan food truck called Fancy Plants operated in Ellsworth during the summer and the Sri Lankan restaurant Serendib closed after 10 years in business. In East Machias Bold Coast Coffee opened a cafe.
- Kennebec County – Waterville saw the launch of Cushnoc Cantina early in 2025 and of Charros Theater Mexican Restaurant in December. Belle Boulangerie relocated to Hallowell from Sebec. The food truck Bao & Beyond opened a restaurant in Augusta. Bucks Naked BBQ opened a new location in Gardiner and Gerard’s Pizza celebrated their 60th anniversary.
- Lewiston/Auburn – Marvelous Macarons and Katie’s Confections opened in Auburn. Lewiston suffered the loss of Bon Vivant and the cocktail bar Sonder & Dram as well as of Cafe Obscura. The opening of Bene’s Beef on outer Lisbon Street and of Mancini’s Italian Deli in town were bright spots for the year.
- Bangor Area – Bangor continued to see a number of new business developments. The most recent news was that a candy shop called Oh, Grow Up which is under construction at 21 Central Street. Perhaps the biggest story of all for the Queen City was the launch of Marsh Island Kitchen in Hampden with chef Joe Robbins at the helm. Something to look forward to in 2026 is Bangor’s plan to launch a shared commercial kitchen in the city which has the potential to help dozens of new packaged and service food businesses get their start.
- Northern and Western Maine – Rail Yard Brewing and the Rusty Rail Pub took over the former Bissell Brothers space in Milo. A new coffee shop called Marmee Dearest Espresso opened in Kingfield, The Laughing Loon opened in Norway, Born Yesterday Bakery opened in Oxford, and Rolling Pin Bakery opened in Fort Fairfield. Additionally, Bonaventura Vineyards launched their tasting room in Hartford, and the team at Maine Grains launched The Biergarten in Skowhegan.
- Southern Maine – Catbird took over the former Secundo space in South Berwick, Chez Rosa moved across the bridge to the Old Vines space in Kennebunk, and the Sea Salt Fry Company took over the former Lee Franks spot in Wells joining Baker Bru Cafe which had moved in just up the road from North Berwick earlier in the year. Kittery saw the closure of Anneke Jans, and the opening of Warren’s, Henry’s, and Salty Spirits. In Buxton Rooted Heart Cafe and Apothecary opened for business in January and Oak and Ember closed in April. Frog and Turtle closed and Wakie Wakie’s opened in Westbrook. Sebagels opened their bagel shop in Naples, Allagash launched the Allagash Bungalow at The Downs in Scarborough. Falmouth had some new energy in their food scene with the relocation of Sapporo from Portland and the launch of Revel and of a second location of Cafe Luna. Colleen Kelley has relaunched her well-loved restaurant Silly’s in Standish. Krista Kern Desjarlais relaunched The Purple House in North Yarmouth with a new menu and concept. South Portland saw a lot of change in the last year: Cafe Louis shut down as did the Mast Landing tasting room, Asia House moved into the space being vacated by Dok Mali Noodle Bar, Taco Trio re-relocated to their original spot Ocean Street. The Garden Bar opened a second location on Ocean Street, the owners of Yosaku shared plans to open a new restaurant in South Portland, and The Streetwich cafe opened.
Top ARTICLEs
- North Deering Tavern– Sam Minervino and a set of business partner’s opened a new pub in the space formerly occupied by Parker’s. (May 6th)
- Yuri’s Desserts– The opening of the new bakery and coffee shop on Spring Street. (January 2nd)
- Dry Dock – A first look at the newly renovated and relaunched restaurant on Commercial Street. (July 24th)
- Beard Awards Semifinalists – Announcement of the 10 chefs and restaurants that were 2025 semifinalists. (January 22nd)
- Garden Bar – Word that The Garden Bar was planning to open a location in Knightville. (March 30th)
- Cuties – Announcement of the upcoming opening of Cuties. (March 26th)
- Aomori Restaurant and Market – Word that Masa Miyake and his family planned to open a restaurant and conbini market in West Bayside. (March 24th)
- Catbird – Photos and menu from the opening of Catbird, a new restaurant in South Berwick. (October 16th)
- Y%F Cafe– Word about Y%F, a new cafe under construction in the space long vacant in Congress Square. (August 30th)
- Oak & Ember – The closing of Oak & Ember in Buxton. (April 11th)
- Silver Street by Taj – Photos and menu for the opening of Silver Street by Taj in the Old Port. (August 28th)
- Gill’s Bar – Word that Michael, Siobhán Sindoni and Rian Wyllie were going to launch a new bar in the former Bao Bao space on Spring Street (July 17th).
- Sodt – Announcement that a Nordic candy shop was under construction on Cumberland Ave. (April 3rd)
- Mandy and Matt’s – Opening announcement of a new breakfast and lunch cafe in Morrill’s Corner. (April 3rd)
- Henry’s – Announcement on the closing of Henry’s Public House (January 18th)
The Restaurant Real Estate listings, Maine Food Map, Thanksgiving List, Under Construction List, Beard Awards page and guides to Maine cider and Maine apples also received a lot of visitors last year.
Passings
The past year witnessed the passing of some members of the Maine food community.
- Declan Perry, 27 – a long time team member and chef at The Grill Room.
- Stacy Strattard, 64 – the co-owner of Birchwood Brewing in Gray.
Our Wonderful Sponsors
With the conclusion of 2025 and the start of the new year, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the corporate sponsors of Portland Food Map. Their support makes all work we do to report on and celebrate the Maine food and dining scene possible. Please give them a follow and learn more about them and the work they do. They are: Evergreen Credit Union, The Boulos Company, Canopy by Hilton Waterfront, Wine Wise, Allagash Brewing Company, The Longfellow Hotel, Great Pine Financial Services, and Vertical Harvest.
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