Restaurants near L L Bean Outdoor Discovery School

Our favorite restaurant in Portland. Consistently superior.

Unbelievable experience. Best atmosphere in the city, incredible playlist, even better service and elevated unique food that is delicious. Can’t wait to come back again.

On a cold Tuesday night four of us gathered for an early dinner at the Taverna. The waitress was gracious and accommodating. The wine list is extensive and excitingly different. We selected a delicious red wine from Peloponnese, from Abelon Winery and sipped that with dips ( tzatziki, a feta and hot and sweet pepper, taramasalata) served with grilled and charred peasant bread brushed with oil. We sampled a baked filo pie filled with braised leeks, feta and dill was rich, with alLucious creaminess and flaky pastry, a Greek white bean soup with vegetables and herbs, a Pastitsio of pasta, béchamel, and classic cinnamon, tomato beef combination. The sides chosen were warm herb roasted beets which were beautifully sweet and savory, melt in your mouth roasted potatoes, infused with fresh lemon, and a platter of perfectly baked delicata squash rings. What a treat to explore so many unique flavors, colors and textures of what felt like super healthy options. The menu is al la carte and we could have also chosen halibut, lamb shanks, or chops, sea bass, and so much more. One diner enjoyed a dark NA Portland produced local beer. Desert was the classic baklava that was prepared with a top and bottom file crust filled with cinnamon scented walnut mixture, and a slice of yellow cake dotted with fruity cherries and topped with a cherry juice drizzle. The cherries used were just beautiful in flavor. Tiny vintage cups of Turkish coffee were strong and black and slightly sweetened with honey. The Taverna is a cozy cafe just off Main St in Brunswick, surprisingly simple and elegant at once. We were told by the server they sell their imported wines through a wine club and host wine pairing dinners. We plan to return often.

This is the second time I needed a restaurant open on Mondays in Portland, and both times David was my choice. The food and wine I had were delicious and the restaurant itself is attractive and offered great service. My group had a great time and I'm sure we'll be back.

Can’t say enough good about the incredibly delicious meal I had a Nobel Restaurant. Appetizer of mushrooms and creamy cheesy grits was delicious, the wrapped. cod over a bed of creamy orzo and beans was so moist and satisfying. The cocktails- were amongst the most creative and delicious I’ve ever had. Server and hostess were lovely. A gem of a place!