Travel Itinerary
Maine’s food scene got a major boost when Guy Fieri rolled into town with his iconic show “Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives.”
The Pine Tree State’s unique blend of seafood specialties, comfort food classics, and international cuisine caught the attention of the spiky-haired food guru.
Coastal seafood joints and hidden gems in small towns showed America what downhome cooking is all about.
1. Marcos Restaurant
Nestled in Lewiston’s heart, Marcos Restaurant charmed Guy with authentic Italian-American cuisine passed down through generations. Family recipes shine in every dish.
Locals rave about the homemade pasta and signature red sauce that simmers all day. When Fieri visited, he couldn’t stop praising the meatballs, perfectly seasoned, tender, and swimming in that famous marinara.
2. Traditions Italian Ristorante
Saco’s culinary gem combines old-world recipes with Maine’s fresh ingredients. Guy fell head over heels for their handcrafted ravioli stuffed with locally sourced seafood.
Family owned since opening day, Traditions maintains authenticity in every bite. Wooden beams and vintage photos create a warm atmosphere where regulars have celebrated special occasions for decades, making it more than just a restaurant, it’s a community landmark.
3. Village Tavern
Small town charm meets big flavor at West Kennebunk’s favorite gathering spot. Housed in a historic building dating back to the 1800s, Village Tavern serves comfort food with unexpected twists.
Guy couldn’t get enough of their lobster mac and cheese, a decadent blend of fresh Maine lobster, creamy béchamel, and sharp cheddar. Regulars know to save room for their famous blueberry cobbler, made with wild Maine berries picked just miles away.
4. El Pochos Mexican Grill
Authentic Mexican flavors found an unlikely home in Lewiston, surprising even Guy with their bold authenticity. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle slow-cooked carnitas that melt in your mouth.
Behind the colorful decor stands a family dedicated to sharing recipes from their hometown in Jalisco. Signature house-made salsas range from mild to wild, with the habanero version making Guy break into his famous sweat.
Margaritas rimmed with chili salt complete the experience.
5. Riverfront Barbeque and Grille
Smoke signals lure hungry patrons to Augusta’s premier BBQ joint overlooking the Kennebec River. Pitmasters tend to slow-smoking meats around the clock, creating fall-off-the-bone ribs that impressed even BBQ aficionado Guy.
Sweet and tangy house-made sauces complement each protein perfectly. Cornbread with Maine maple butter arrives warm at every table, a nod to local ingredients meeting southern tradition in a marriage of flavors that keeps locals coming back weekly.
6. Maria’s Ristorante
Portland’s Italian food scene reached legendary status largely thanks to Maria’s decades of culinary excellence. Red sauce recipes brought directly from Sicily captivated Guy’s taste buds immediately.
Walls adorned with family photos tell the story of three generations perfecting every dish. Order osso buco which falls tenderly off the bone after braising for hours in wine and herbs.
7. Pat’s Pizza
Crispy-bottomed, chewy-topped perfection defines the pies at Auburn’s beloved pizza institution. Founded in 1953, Pat’s maintains original recipes while adding creative modern options that caught Guy’s attention.
Dough made fresh daily rises to perfection before being hand-tossed by skilled pizza makers. Maine-inspired toppings include fresh lobster with garlic butter sauce.
Vintage booths and wood paneling create a nostalgic atmosphere where multiple generations gather for weekly pizza nights.
8. Fish Bones Grill
Housed in Lewiston’s historic Bates Mill, Fish Bones transforms daily catches into dishes that made Guy exclaim his signature “That’s money!” Soaring brick walls and massive windows create an atmosphere matching the food’s quality.
Locally sourced seafood stars in creative preparations that honor Maine’s fishing heritage.
Haddock chowder simmers with bacon and fresh herbs, while lobster risotto showcases the kitchen’s ability to blend Italian technique with New England ingredients. Craft cocktails feature Maine-distilled spirits.
9. A La Mexicana
Raymond’s unexpected Mexican treasure serves flavors straight from Oaxaca. Family recipes passed through generations caught Guy’s attention with their authenticity and bold spice profiles.
Handmade corn tortillas cradle slow-roasted meats prepared with traditional techniques. Mole sauce simmers for days, developing complex flavors from over twenty ingredients including chocolate and chilies.
Weekends bring special regional dishes rarely found outside Mexico, drawing food enthusiasts from across New England.
10. Gippers Sports Grill
Sports memorabilia covers every inch of this Auburn favorite where game day meets gourmet comfort food. Guy couldn’t stop raving about their unexpected culinary prowess hidden behind the casual sports bar facade.
Hand-formed burger patties feature a secret blend of locally sourced beef. Their “Maine Heat” wings get their distinctive flavor from wild blueberry hot sauce – sweet, spicy, and totally unique.
Craft beer taps showcase Maine’s impressive brewing scene with rotating seasonal selections.
11. Doolin’s Pub
Authentic Irish hospitality greets every guest at Litchfield’s cozy pub where traditional Celtic recipes meet Maine ingredients. Stone walls and a roaring fireplace create the perfect setting for comfort food that impressed Guy.
Guinness-braised beef stew simmers for hours until fork-tender. Try the seafood boxty which combines local haddock with creamy leek sauce inside a traditional Irish potato pancake.
Live Irish music on weekends completes the experience, transporting diners across the Atlantic without leaving Maine.
12. Village Pizzeria Restaurant and Lounge
Mechanic Falls’ culinary cornerstone elevates pizza to artform status with hand-tossed crusts and creative toppings that left Guy speechless. Family recipes dating back generations ensure consistency in every bite.
Wood-fired ovens impart distinctive smoky flavor to perfectly charred crusts. “Maine Harvest” pizza features seasonal vegetables from farms within ten miles.
Beyond pizza, house-made pasta dishes showcase the owner’s Sicilian heritage with authentic recipes rarely found outside Italy.
13. Fran’s Restaurant
Morning crowds line up outside this Lewiston breakfast institution where homestyle cooking won Guy over at first bite. Vintage decor and counter seating create the classic diner atmosphere food enthusiasts crave.
Famous Maine blueberry pancakes arrive stacked high with wild berries picked locally each summer. Regulars know the waitstaff by name, and first-timers leave feeling like family after experiencing genuine Maine hospitality.
14. Lisa’s Restaurant and Lounge
Augusta’s hidden gem combines classic American comfort food with unexpected global influences that surprised Guy during his visit. Generous portions emerge from a kitchen where everything’s made from scratch daily.
Homemade desserts tempt even the fullest diners, with wild Maine blueberry pie stealing the spotlight. Family photos line wood-paneled walls, telling the story of three generations committed to feeding Augusta’s families.
15. DaVinci’s Italian Eatery
Housed in Lewiston’s historic Bates Mill complex, DaVinci’s combines industrial architecture with rustic Italian cuisine that had Guy coming back for seconds. Exposed brick and original beams create a unique atmosphere.
Hand-rolled meatballs follow a recipe brought from Italy three generations ago. Homemade cannoli shells filled to order ensure perfect crispness, a detail Guy particularly appreciated during his memorable visit.