Steff D.
Yelp
I think The Well is doing something really special... and it's obvious that it's a beloved spot. Every time I've come it seems that there are large groups celebrating something, so if you're looking for a unique, intimate setting outside - and outside of Portland - to toast to whatever it is you might be toasting to, definitely consider coming here (but make a reservation in advance). There are private gazebos that seat up to ten people, and despite being near other gazebos full of people, you still very much feel like you alone are dining in the middle of a garden where your vegetables most definitely were living up until a few hours ago. It doesn't get any more farm to table than this!
(Side note: you can also buy produce from their farmers' market, and enjoy your BYOB drinks by their open fire before/after your meal! Awesome on both accounts!)
Unfortunately, one of the reasons why I've only been a couple of times is the food/price: while I *love* some of it... I'm disappointed by some of it. I've had the family style meal here before here, and as a vegetarian it felt like a waste of money - I ate some salad and some beans for $55. Eating off the menu is much easier with a dietary restriction, but even then I only liked half of what I got recently: the bread and butter (which is a complimentary part of the meal) is absolute perfection (I wish I could come here and just eat this with some cheese!), but the appetizer this time around was disappointing: a salad that was a handful of greens, three snap peas, and four crumbles of goat cheese. My main was the best at the table: smoked tofu on top of pappardelle with chard, olives, eggplant puree, and bread crumbs (if it, or something like it, is available - GET IT; not only is it the best portion for the price, it's also the most abundantly flavorful); but, my dessert - the "sunshine cake" was the least liked at the table (essentially an angel food cupcake topped with fresh berries and homemade whip - it pales in comparison to the silky, chocolatey pot de creme with shortbread cookies which is DEFINITELY what you should get).
I do think this place is amazing - I just know, after a handful of meals here, that I'm personally not their demographic. But again if you a) love to eat hyperlocal and hyperseasonally, b) are looking for an experience unlike anything else in Greater Portland, c) are from out of town - you would be remiss not to check out The Well!