15 Best Restaurants in Portland, Maine

"At Solo Italiano, Genoa-born chef Paolo Laboa turns out an impressive menu that changes daily and reflects a perfect balance of both 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 of 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 wine list has unique selections from every corner of the boot, and wine director Jesse Bania can regale you with a story about almost every one of them." - Alexandra Hall