"Let me set the scene: Upon arriving at the parking lot, the building greeted us with the charm of a welcoming country house, complete with a large veranda and an inviting entrance at its center. Once inside, we received a warm welcome, just as I had hoped. The left side of the restaurant featured beautiful oak paneling and furniture, while the right side provided a different atmosphere—cozy, with a small bar and several tables for two, each adorned with a lamp that resembled an old tea kettle. The lighting was dim, yet just right to create an intimate setting for great conversations. Soft jazz, swing, and big band music played in the background, setting the perfect ambiance. Naturally, we chose a spot by the bar.
We ordered our drinks, and with seafood on our minds (after all, we were in Maine!), my wife opted for a crisp white wine while I selected a Stella. We perused the menu and made our choices. To start, we had a fresh salad with homemade Parmesan pepper dressing and two cups of clam chowder. The salads were excellent, but the dressing was so delicious it could be enjoyed on its own. The chowder had a light broth that had the right texture—nothing like the thick, gravy-like versions I typically dislike. It was rich with deep flavors, plenty of shellfish, potatoes, and even some pancetta. This was just the beginning.
Next, we shared an order of bruschetta. The thin slices of toasted bread were perfectly crisp, topped with fresh tomatoes, parsley, capers, olives, and spices. It was a delightful dish that left me questioning if I could ever have bruschetta that good again. Our meal was impressive, but then the main courses arrived. My wife chose the fried mussels with sweet potatoes and homemade sauce. Typically, deep-fried items can be greasy and have an odd texture, but not these. They were outstanding—crispy yet light, showcasing the natural, earthy flavors of the mussels without any greasy residue. The hand-cut fries were equally beautiful.
As for me, my dish blew me away: lobster with pasta. It was a true feast on a plate, featuring an entire lobster with generous portions of claw and tail meat. The pasta was cooked to perfection, accompanied by tomatoes, fresh basil, and a light sprinkling of cheese on top. The sauce was a delicate blend of olive oil, lemon, and subtle spices that managed to highlight the complex flavors of the dish while allowing the real star—the lobster—to shine. Without a doubt, it was the best seafood dish I’ve ever had.
When I finished my meal, I felt satisfyingly full, but then one of the servers approached our table and urged us to save room for dessert. I dug deep and found more space, because when it comes to dessert, I simply can't say no. Soon enough, a generous slice of strawberry shortcake was placed before us, its sweet aroma wafting up enticingly. The crust looked fluffy, and the locally grown strawberries were the reddest I’d ever seen, topped with the perfect amount of whipped cream.
My wife dived in first, and I could see the delight in her eyes after her first bite. Given her discerning taste, I knew it had to be good. I took my first bite, and let me tell you—this cake was among the best things I’ve ever tasted. It was sweet without being cloying, and the balance of flavors was just right. The crust provided a lovely texture contrast to the filling, while the strawberries burst with flavor. Every bite was so enjoyable; we didn't want to stop, but eventually, our stomachs had to call it quits.
When the bill came, I was bracing myself for a shock, but to my surprise, it was quite reasonable—actually, pleasantly affordable considering the quality and quantity of our meal. This was by far the best culinary experience we've had in a long time. If you ever find yourself in southern Maine, make sure to add this charming restaurant to your list. The Good Table is truly exceptional!"
Cinnamon Buns
