A Maine Italian Restaurant Was Picked As ‘The Best In The U.S’

"Buon appetito" Maine!

Taste of Home is a website that inspires togetherness through creative cooking, sharing and entertaining.

They share recipes for the best desserts, appetizers, main dish recipes, and the best of the best in the country, when it comes to food.

When it came down to choosing the best Italian restaurant in each state (that is a job I'd like!) whittling it down to just one in Maine, could not have been an easy task, but when the dust settled, one destination stood aboove the rest.

Ports of Italy, with loactions in Boothbay Harbor, and Rockport, is a classy spot with a big porch, serving traditional Italian cuisine, including housemade pasta, & wine.

After spending years working at Italian restaurants in Italy and New York City, the founder of Ports of Italy, Sante Calandri, now serves up authentic Italian food, but be sure to make a reservation, because this is a very popular spot for the foodie crowd.

Beginning his career at age thirteen, Sante started working at the famous Il Cochetto in Trevi, Italy. In his early twenties, he also worked in Rome. When he was 24, he moved to the U.S, and found work at various New York restaurants.

In 2010, Sante bought Ports of Italy in Boothbay Harbor. Along with his chef Fabrizio Ventricini, they have been serving up authentic Italian dishes, eventually expanding to Rockport.

The are curently closed for the winter season, but will re-open in mid-April, so if you want a table for a great meal, get in early.

Check out their incredible menu And their Instagram

While we have your attention, we have to shout out some honorable mentions for fine Italian dining here in the 207:

Angelina’s Ristorante, Ogunquit

Rose's Italian Restaurant, Windham

Tradition's Italian Restaurant, Saco

Amici's Cucina, Waterville