NY Times Names Two Maine Restaurants Among ’50 Best in America’

Over the past several years, one thing has become pretty clear. The New York Times and their food critics have a love affair with traveling through Maine and trying restaurants.

Just two years ago, the New York Times fell in love with Tinder Hearth, a spectacular spot found in the small town of Brooksville.

In 2024, the NY Times fell in love with The Alna Store, a farm-to-table restaurant in Alna that critics gushed over.

With a new year comes new restaurants that the NY Times has fallen in love with. This year, there's two restaurants in Maine that critics believe are some of the best in America right now.

Pilgrim's Inn in Deer Isle, Maine, Among 50 Best Restaurants in America Right Now

Situated on the waterfront in Deer Isle, you simply can't miss the Pilgrim's Inn as part of the 'downtown' that also features 44 North coffee.

According to Portland Food Map, the NY Times fawned over the Pilgrim's Inn seafood offerings. Those included creative preparations of Maine bluefin, roasted monkfish and skewers of eel local to the state.

One of the unique elements to the food at Pilgrim's Inn is that it comes from a rotating list of chefs. 5 different culinary experts will lead the Pilgrim Inn's menu throughout 2025, keeping the dining experience in the small town lively and exciting.

Sammy's Deluxe in Rockland, Maine, Named Among 50 Best Restaurants in America

While the name of the restaurant might make you think burgers and fries, Sammy's Deluxe in Rockland, Maine, is a refined eatery.

The New York Times couldn't get enough of the 'world famous' haddock snacks as well as the freshly foraged ingredients featured in other dishes on the menu.

Rest assured, Sammy's Deluxe is a New England restaurant. It features brown bread (baked in a can) on the menu as well as Moxie.