Top Best American Restaurants in Sebago Lake

"At The Honey Paw, communal tables and pretty mismatched plates show off vibrant New England–influenced Asian dishes like rare beef salad with smoked oyster mayo, peanuts, and pickled carrots, fried wings with lime, chili, and coconut; and lobster wontons in a seafood curry with cauliflower and basil. Don't miss the fry bread with ssamjang butter, smoked lamb khao soi, mapo tofu; and whatever vegetables or noodles are being wok-fried or wok-charred that day. End with soft serve or a slice of the ever-changing layer cake."

"If you walked past The Honey Paw by chance, you’d probably think it was just another brightly-colored bar. And then you’d walk inside, hear the music, and see that they also play great vinyl. And once the door closed behind you, you’d notice that everyone inside is actually eating bowls and plates of papaya salad, noodles, and fried chicken."

"Right next to the trendiest (and busiest!) restaurant in town—Eventide—the same folks offer up a completely different vision of Portland with Honey Paw. Asian street food meets small plates meets Maine seafood meets noodle bar. If you’re having a hard time imagining what that looks like, it’s understandable."

"The gist: This buzzy neighborhood brasserie, housed in a storied mid-century modern space,tweaks classic French and American fare with contemporary Maine flair, and delivers one of the warmest hospitality games in town.The food: It’s tempting to put together a meal of starters when choices include smoked trout mousse with house-made potato chips, icy seafood plateaus, deviled eggs with smoked bacon, and pickled crudité. They’re all terrific with cocktails like the Emergency Margarita (Reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, Aperol, grapefruit, chipotle salt) or expertly prepared Negroni. But don’t miss out on larger plate offerings like Parisian gnocchi, spicy shrimp & grits with fried pickled okra, meaty pork chops with a buttery potato and cabbage mash, or one of Portland’s most beloved burgers."

"In Woodford's lovingly restored mid-century modern space, Douglas fir accents and orb lighting draw your eye to a multi-peaked ceiling that recalls a vintage Howard Johnson’s motel. A long zinc bar suited for drinking and dining is the heart of the restaurant, its central mirror reflecting the buzzy dining room and the traffic lights of the bustling five-point intersection outside. Tuck into a comfy booth and look out onto the illuminated "Hopeful" sign that sits atop Speedwell Projects, the art gallery across the street."

"A while back, we’re not entirely sure when, the neighborhood bistro just kind of disappeared. Gastropubs and New American raged red hot, crashed and burned, and hipster sushi joints with record players took their spot. Somewhere in that timeline the bistro up and left."

"Tucked in an out-of-the-way location away from the hustle and bustle of Portland's more touristy neighborhoods, Back Bay Grill is a quiet, contemporary spot that has been serving refined American and European cuisine for the past 20 years. Chef/Owner Larry Matthews presents an ever-changing seasonal menu of fresh seafood, prime meats and poultry, and organic salads and vegetables, using fresh locally sourced ingredients and regional produce. Signature dishes include seared foie gras, beef tartare, and handmade pasta plates, and the cuisine is accompanied by an indulgent wine list with vintages from around the world, as well as craft beers and craft cocktails."

"Chef-Owner Larry Matthews is revered among diners and colleagues alike, as there are few restaurants as iconic in Portland as The Back Bay Grill. Although the menu changes with the seasons, there are certain elements, like seared Hudson Valley foie gras, that always remain (albeit with different accompaniments), lest their disappearance start a riot among the loyal patrons. Technique-driven dishes like the sausage-stuffed chicken leg and the grilled rack of lamb conjure up a lost era of supper club dining that befits the supple leather banquettes, and the level of service and hospitality here is second to none throughout the city."

"The Back Bay Grill may be the perfect spot to go for a fancy evening out. This high-end restaurant is well known for its hand-rolled pasta and fantastic seafood dishes. Pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy an elegant dinner in low lighting for your next anniversary dinner in Portland, Maine."

"Though the name seems somewhat vague at first, after your first meal here "Hot Suppa" starts to make a lot more sense. The menu is essentially the definition of comfort food, inspired by places as varied as Maine, Montreal and Louisiana, and it is a rare occasion to arrive for brunch — served seven days a week, at any hour — and not experience a wait for a table. Eggs Benedict with velvety BBQ pulled pork, sweet Belgian waffles, and country sides like fried green tomatoes and proper stone-ground grits anchor the brunch offerings."

"A Southern kitchen and bar, Hot Suppa is always there when you need it - whether you had a late night of brewery hopping in Bayside or have a big day of walking around the Old Port ahead of you. Just make sure to follow their number one rule found in the entryway: Be nice or leave!. Fill up on French-style rolled omelets, corned beef hash, and buttermilk waffles for breakfast, or the fried green tomato BLT and poutine with local cheese curds at lunch."

"Hot Suppa sure isn’t new to Portland; they’ve been serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch in a West End brick Victorian since 2006. But at every step of the way, Hot Suppa has been ahead of the trends. They’ve been partnering with local farms before it was cool."

"Of all the places that you can find a lobster roll in Portland, what makes The Highroller Lobster Co. stand apart?. First, one of the owners worked on the docks for years prior to opening this spot, so he has a connection to the freshest lobster, shucked daily. Next, the team commissioned Southside Bakery in South Portland to make custom brioche hot dog rolls, which are, of course, griddled in butter."

"There are more places to get a lobster roll in Portland, Maine than anywhere else on earth. Actually, we can’t prove that—but it sure feels that way. So how do you stand out in such a crowded market?"

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. The Great Lost Bear has been a mainstay in the Portland area for years now, and for good reason. This small, yet popular restaurant serves up some of the most delicious and indulgent comfort food in the area!"

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. One of the best ways to start the day right in Portland is to enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Egg and I Restaurant. This charming diner-style restaurant serves up breakfast meals that are not just filling and healthy, but also delicious and fun!"

"The North Point is a charming bistro-style eatery in the heart of the Old Port with the feel of a Parisian sidewalk café. The cozy restaurant has exposed-brick walls, sidewalk tables and bright orange chairs, and potted flowers and greenery, and serves a menu of delicious, beautifully presented cuisine along with creative cocktails, casual wines by the glass and craft beers on tap. Dishes on the menu include small, shareable plates of charcuterie and cheeses, Iraqi flatbreads and dips, olives, and gourmet sandwiches like the Ultimate Grilled cheese with tomato and bacon."

"Five Fifty-Five is owned by husband and wife team Steve and Michelle Corry, who also act as executive chef and wine director-cum-general manager respectively. The stylish restaurant serves New American cuisine typified by fresh, delicious and seasonal ingredients and offers an a la carte menu as well as a five or eight-course tasting menu nightly. Inside Five Fifty-Five, exposed brickwork contrasts with wooden furnishings complemented by warm, autumnal tones giving the restaurant a rustic, warm and inviting atmosphere."

"A true exponent of the farm-to-table movement, Vignola Cinque Terre is a chic Italian restaurant owned by Dan and Michelle Kary who also own and operate Grand View Farm in nearby rural Greene, Maine. The historic farm, in operation since the 1780s, grows around a quarter of all fruit, vegetables and herbs used by Vignola Cinque Terre with other ingredients sourced from fellow local farmers, fishermen and artisan cheesemongers. Executive chef and co-owner Lee Skawinski, a New England native, creates flavorsome and traditional Italian fare with the best ingredients Maine has to offer."

"At Solo Italiano, Genoa-born chef Paolo Laboa turns out an impressive menu that changes daily and reflects a perfect balance of his Northern Italian background and adopted Maine home. The mainstay handkerchief pasta, rolled thin and bathed in the smoothest, greenest, most vibrant basil pesto you’ve likely ever seen, has become his calling card, but the rest the menu sings, too. Don't miss the gonfietti, a lightly fried sage focaccia topped with paper-thin prosciutto and creamy burrata cheese, and be sure to try one of each of the gorgeous crudos and salads."

"The gist: In a rustic, warehouse space in bustling Old Port, Genoa-born chef Paolo Laboa makes daily updates to his extraordinary Northern Italian menu. The food: Laboa’s traditional six-section menu begins with a beguiling array of crudo. Start with a plate of Atlantic Bluefin tuna tartar with salsa verde, a farm egg yolk, and beet mostarda then move on to antipasti."

"Solo Italiano is one of the most beloved restaurants in Portland, ME to get Italian food. The menu here changes daily, but you will not be disappointed with the chef’s choices. Salads, pasta, or seafood, whatever you are craving, you can find at Solo Italiano."

"Paciarino is a cheerful, informal eatery and market that specializes in Italian classics, house-made pasta, and made-to-order dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner, the casual restaurant is named for the Italian expression that roughly translates to “the food that makes you happy,” and owner Fabiana de Savino strives to do just that. The dining room is warm and welcoming with Tuscan-inspired pale, yellow walls and large windows which flood the interior with sunlight and has light wooden tables and hanging lights made from stainless colanders, which add a whimsical touch."

"Not quite a zoo but a great place to view native Maine wildlife, this park is a bucolic reserve with picnic tables, short walking trails and animal enclosures. Residing here are various animals (30 species, including bears, moose, lynx, eagles, cougars and a beaver) that can't be released back into the wild because they were injured, orphaned, or raised in captivity."

"Be sure to spend some time shopping and grazing your way through Portland’s Old Port where you’ll find shopping galore. A popular stop is Duck Fat, for their fabulous fries cooked in you guessed it…duck fat. Another famed restaurant here is Eventide Oyster Co, renowned for their oysters and fresh seafood."

"The Treehouse is an intimate eatery with unique treehouse-style decks where visitors can dine outdoors surrounded by woven tree boughs strung with fairy lights in the summer months. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired comfort fare and a variety of creative cocktails and causal wines and offers the perfect place for a special celebration or romantic dinner beneath the stars. The menu features delectable dishes like wild mushroom flatbread, three-fish salad with littlenecks, shrimp and mussels pan-fried Brussels sprouts, Maine crab cakes, and juicy pork tenderloin with blueberry-ginger glaze."