Whether you are coming to our town to visit or looking to make this your home, don't miss these fave spots to dine in 2018:
1. Vin 909 (pictured above)
A cozy bistro feel inside a charming little house in Eastport, Vin 909 is a sure bet. An excellent wine list, carefully curated selection of wood fire oven pizzas, gourmet specials and some excellent staple sides (braised kale is a fave of mine) you cannot go wrong! The back patio is enclosed and heated which is a bonus in these winter months. Never had a bad experience here! They do not take reservations so plan on sitting on a bench in the front yard during the mild months sipping your favorite vino and leisurely waiting for a spot. Vin 909
2. Café Normandie
Around for decades, this classic French restaurant helmed by chef Jean Louis on Main Street in the Historic District is also one of the coziest spots in town with a fireplace in the center of the dining room. Again, anchored by a superbly crafted wine list, Chef Louis continues to deliver French classics like onion soup gratinee, masterful crepes and impeccable fish dishes. Plan on ordering dessert! Cafe Normandie
3. The Severn Inn
Whether it is their five star Sunday brunch buffet, happy hour on the deck overlooking the Severn River or white table cloth lunching with your ladies, the Severn Inn is always on point for the food, service and breathtaking views! The deviled eggs are spectacular as are the cream of crab soup and fried green tomatoes. Be sure to make a reservation ~ it is a very popular spot and will often book up with special events. The Severn Inn
4. The Point Crabhouse
Tucked off the beaten path in a marina in Arnold, this indoor/outdoor restaurant is anything but your typical crab house. With fresh, New England inspired décor and garage doors that can enclose the entire restaurant for the colder months, The Point continues to impress us all year round. The Bloody Mary is not too spicy and the homemade orange crush is so good it can really sneak up on you. Specials including short ribs over polenta (very Charlestonian) and the regular menu items like the meatloaf are excellent options in the winter months when crabs are not in season. Some days my husband will just yell "Meatloaf!" like Chazz in The Wedding Crashers and I know, he wants to go to the Point for dinner! The Point Crab House
5. Osteria 177
Authentic Mediterranean cuisine is hard to come by in the states. But, if you have ever been to Italy, you will want to dine with Arturo at Osteria on Main St. The food is always fresh, the proscuitto delicate and the olive oil rich with flavor. My favorite dish is the Pappardelle al Ragu and my husband loves any of their featured Risottos. They are also known for their whole fish presentation of Branzino and high touch service you would expect from true Italians. Osteria 177
6. The Lighthouse Bistro
Occupying the former Lighthouse Shelter spot on West Street, the Lighthouse Bistro employs graduates of the B.E.S.T homelessness program. Philanthropic motivations aside, with chef Beth Rocca at the helm we have discovered our new favorite spot. We primarily dine here for breakfast (the omelets are huge and fluffy) but have enjoyed lunches and dinners here as well. Probably the friendliest restaurant staff I have ever encountered! Lighthouse Bistro
7. Level
Billing itself as a 'small plates lounge', they excel in both their small plates and their bar. Their tapas style offerings and hand crafted cocktails keep us coming back for more. The spicy jalapeno infused tequila drink 'Angels and Demons" is my go to while my sister loves their dry Rose. The tuna tartar and lobster mac and cheese are absolute musts! Level Small Plates Lounge
8. Vida
Gourmet and innovative tacos and a margarita with top shelf tequila and fresh juices?? Yes please!!! This lively yet still cozy spot on Main Street run by the same group behind Level is a fantastic stop for some snacks and drinks. My daughter who sports a tee reading "Feed me tacos and call me pretty" claims its as good as the taqueria she frequents in the East Village back home in New York City. Vida Taco Bar
9. The Preserve
A small restaurant with a small menu but big on style and taste! A charming open air dining experience on Main street with a gourmet farm to table concept unlike anything in town. Try the bahn mi sandwich or the PA dutch hash on the brunch menu made with lebanon bologna and hollandaise. Delish! Preserve
10. The Boatyard Bar & Grill
Always a favorite of the sailing crowd, a fun bar with yummy pub style fare with a hint of Island flare. The Nachos and oysters are both crowd pleasers and I never go wrong with the Asian shredded chicken salad. Again, another good but not too spice Bloody Mary (I am a bit of a bloody snob) Great spot for lunching and drinks...families welcome! Boatyard Bar & Grill
Happy Eats!!!
Michele