WRITTEN BY JOANNA O’LEARY
Dining in Maine is not just lobster and blueberries. Sure, there are plenty of those too, but Vacationland presents a plethora of opportunities to dine on more diverse fare. The Moosehead Lake region is a particularly exciting area right now for foodies, as the opening of new chef-driven eateries alongside dependable local institutions means you’ll emerge happy whether you’re craving pub grub, gourmet, or something in between. Need some help navigating your noshing journey? Below are some must-stops on your eating itinerary.
The Lakeshore House
9 Tenney Hill Rd, Monson
With dazzling waterfront vistas and well-executed pub fare, the Lakeshore House is unsurprisingly a favorite among Mainers and those “from away.” Standout starters include the predictable albeit highly satisfying mozzarella sticks and fried mushrooms as well as a few surprises like escargot with garlic, parsley, and drawn butter. Some favorite mains are the reuben and the ribeye (and do add on the bleu cheese and the sauteed onions). The rustic interior, replete with tables fashioned from tree cross-sections and flanked by a full bar, is cozy and ideal for enjoying live music from a rotating lineup of musicians on the open-mic nights. For a more low-key and “naturally” entertaining eating experience, sit outside for arguably the most beautiful view of sunset in Maine.
The Quarry
15 Tenney Hill Rd, Monson
If you live to eat rather than eat to live, no trip to the Moosehead Lake region is complete without at least one dinner at The Quarry. Winner of a 2023 James Beard Award, The Quarry is led by enterprising Chef Lulu Ranta, who most nights visits each and every table to check on patrons’ well-being as they make their way through her globally-inflected, multi-course tasting menu. Options vary according to the seasonal availability of ingredients, but recent selections include green salad with strawberry “pearls” and panko-bread soft egg, thai curry soup, and scallops, atop herbal risotto. Reservations are highly recommended, and if you’re a fan of succulent plants as well as food, request seating in the back dining room, which draws additional beauty from a garden of potted cacti.
Jamo’s Pizza
Pritham Ave, Greenville
Sometimes, you just need a slice, so curb your pizza cravings by heading to Jamo’s whose pies differentiate themselves from others in the region by their airy house-made dough. Create your own circular masterpiece by choosing from toppings included but not limited to tomatoes, peppers, olives, onions, hamburger, bacon, meatballs, and pepperoni, or opt for one of Jamo’s signature pies like the Buffalo Chicken, stacked with white meat tenders, cheese, and buffalo drizzle with your choice of red, barbecue, buffalo, or ranch sauce base. Jamo’s doubles as a minimart, so you can conveniently also pick up a six-pack of local ale to pair with your pizza.
368 Maine
368 Lily Bay Rd, Greenville
“Edible art” is perhaps the most apt descriptor for the cuisine at 368 Maine, the elegant cornerstone restaurant at The Lodge at Moosehead Lake. From beginning to end, every dish comprises components painstakingly plated and thoughtfully chosen for their complementary nature. A starter of arancini (fried rice balls), for example, is simultaneously savory and refreshing from an infusion of citrus alongside shaved parmesan; likewise, a deceptively simple-sounding carrot salad is rendered sumptuous via maple syrup, local chevre, and harissa-roasted cashews. Past outstanding entree selections include “statler” chicken (boneless breasts with attached drumette) cloaked in a velvety black truffle mushroom cream or pan-seared halibut with aromatic pea puree and asparagus. And dessert is anything but an afterthought — the frozen lemon souffle with warm blueberry compote delightfully contrasts temperatures and textures for the perfect sweet-tart coda to your meal. Finally, though the food is sophisticated, the vibe is anything but snobby; attentive wait staff willing to answer all your questions combined with an elegant yet inviting atmosphere engenders a “fancy but friendly” feel.
Turning Page Farm Brewery
842 N Guilford Rd, Monson
With a focus on fresh ingredients and community, Turning Page Farm Brewery in Monson is the perfect weekend spot for a local brew paired with a tasty snack. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6 p.m., bratwurst sandwiches, chili, gourmet grilled cheese, and hot pretzels are all on the menu, and the beer garden is dog friendly. Speaking of beer, Turning Page serves up four to six different beers on tap each weekend, including Beehive Brown, Farmhouse Red, and Lone Rooster Rye. While you’re there, pick up some artisanal goat cheese, goat milk soap, and other products from the farm store.
