Must-Visit Dining: These 3 Maine Restaurants Named ‘Best of the Best’ in the US

If you're looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat, you want it to be great.

Sometimes you'll even Google restaurant reviews to help in your search for the right spot.

Well, thanks to TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best" in the United States for 2023, there are three Maine restaurants that landed on those lists that you should immediately add to your next food plans.

TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best" 2023 Hidden Gems Restaurant - The Travelin Lobster

First up, is the Top 25 Hidden Gems Restaurant List that placed The Travelin Lobster in Bar Harbor at No. 18.

According to The Travelin Lobster's website, the family-owned-and-operated restaurant has a history that dates back to the 1970s with its current iteration at 1569 ME-102, Bar Harbor, since 2016.

The Travelin Lobster posted a note about the TripAdvisor award on its Facebook page with many thanks for all the "love and support" they've received:

"This award goes out firstly to our excellent staff, who truly make this place the hidden gem it is. We keep pushing the limits of our restaurant, and they are there to help us every step of the way. Second are our fabulous customers. You guys come out and wait in our long line, rain or shine. We appreciate you and your love for The Travelin' Lobster."

Just note that this place is seasonal, so you'll want to check their website and/or Facebook page for their official open and close dates.

It looks like for 2024, the opening date will be May 16, according to its Facebook page.

The restaurant website notes that the place is first come first serve, and it's been known to get some pretty lengthy lines from hungry visitors. The earlier you arrive the better.

Let's just say this "hidden gem" is already a popular one and is continuing to be discovered for how good it is.

Lobster, anyone?

TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best" 2023 Quick Bites Restaurant - The Clam Shack

Another of TripAdvisor's restaurant lists for 2023 included a Maine spot for its Top 25 Quick Bites in the United States: The Clam Shack in Kennebunk, Maine.

Surprised that another Maine seafood spot is in the spotlight? You shouldn't be.

The Clam Shack is seasonal and serves up "fresh fried seafood and locally-caught lobster," according to its website.

And you might just catch a glimpse of a celebrity popping by for food as well.

Football superstar Drew Breeze, "Frozen" actor Josh Gad and Lewiston native and actor Patrick Dempsey are just a few of the notable names to drop by.

Be sure to check The Clam Shack's website and/or Facebook page for updates on open and close dates.

TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best" 2023 Date Night Restaurant - Franny's Bistro

The last (but certainly not least) Maine restaurant that scored a "Best of the Best award is Franny's Bistro in Camden, Maine. It landed No. 8 out of 25 on the travel website's Date Night Restaurants list.

You'll want to make reservations for this spot that serves, according to its Facebook page, "New American Bistro Style food." Check out the menu here, which ranges from classic seafood options to grilled rack of lamb and more.

One reviewer from TripAdvisor noted this No. 1 restaurant in Camden: "Incredible food, lovely atmosphere, and wonderful ownership. I would recommend Franny’s to any and everyone looking for an elevated, one of a kind dinning experience."

TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best" 2023 Awards in Maine

It's a huge deal for these three Maine restaurants to land on TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best" lists as the website notes that the award is given to "those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period."

According to TripAdvisor, "out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone."

So as Anchorman legend Ron Burgandy once said, and these three food spots should say, "I'm kind of a big deal."

Have you been to any of these restaurants yet?