Dining Guide: 5 seasonal restaurants now open in andaround Portland

Maine winters are long and spring is almost nonexistent, but a sure sign that our precious summerhas finally arrived is the opening of seasonal restaurants. Here are five local favorites for casual andfine dining.

For full listings and more restaurants, see our searchable Restaurant Bar Guide.

Portland Lobster Company

A waitress serves a lobster dinner at Portland Lobster Company. Press Herald file photo

180 Commercial St., Portland | (207) 775-2112 | portlandlobstercompany.com | $$$

When Portland Lobster Co. opens for the season, it's a sure sign that summer has finally arrived inMaine. Right on the waterfront, the restaurant boasts a sizable outdoor deck, where caninecustomers can find water bowls and the occasional treat. No dogs are allowed inside, which is agood choice in bad weather, but if you can, you'll want to sit at one of the outdoor picnic tablesunder an awning or at the high-top tables up front, near the bar and the band. The menu includes allthe seafood standards, including lobster rolls and full-on lobster dinners. No reservations except forlarge parties.

Chebeague Island Inn

The dining porch at ChebeagueIsland Inn. Courtesy photo

61 S. Road, Chebeague Island | 207-846-5155 | chebeagueislandinn.com | $$$$

A short ferry ride away from the mainland, the Chebeague Island Inn offers sophisticated dining anda fabulous view from its prominent spot on the western side of the island. The lobby is paneled withdark-stained beaded board and the wide covered porch wrapping two sides of the inn and thebuilding's classic 1920s facade give the imagination notice -- this will be an old-fashioned holiday,whether a few hours or a few days long. Now in his second season, chef Brandon Hicks turns outinventive dishes that make fine use of mostly locally sourced ingredients.

Black Point Inn

Black Point Inn. Press Herald file photo

510 Black Point Rd., Scarborough | (207) 883-2500 | theblackpointinn.com | $$$$

Offering a stunning view of Ferry Beach and the ocean beyond, The Black Point Inn has tworestaurants. The Point, open for dinner only, is a bastion of New England fine dining, especiallysuited to celebrating a special occasion, with a locally-sourced menu of time-honored favorites.Reservations are a must and proper attire is required. The Chart Room, open for breakfast, lunchand dinner, offers more casual fare and seating on the porch (which may be the best seats in thehouse.) Don't miss the homemade potato chips with lemon aioli.

Bresca and The Honey Bee

Bresca and The Honey Bee. Press Herald file photo

Outlet Beach, 106 Outlet Rd., New Gloucester | 207-926-3388 | brescaandthehoneybee.com | $$

After several years at the helm of her highly regarded Portland restaurant, Bresca, James Beardaward-nominated chef Krista Kern Desjarlais decamped to rural New Gloucester to run this upscalesnack shack on Sabbathday Lake. She puts the same care into burgers and hot dogs she oncelavished on more elaborate dishes; ingredients are top quality and locally sourced, and the ice creamis homemade. Cash only. Serving food on weekends only until June 20.

Kettle Cove Creamery Cafe

Kettle Cove Cafe and Creamery. Press Herald file photo

2 Bowery Beach Road (Route 77), Cape Elizabeth | 207-799-3533 | kettlecoveicecream.com | $$

This seasonal shack has been a favorite beach day icecream stop for years, but it also offers breakfast and lunchas well. The small menu includes panini -- easy to eat ifyou're taking lunch to the beach -- lobster and crab rolls,and a few options for kids. There's a good-sized, prettypatio with shaded picnic tables and plenty of parking. And the ice cream is still a huge draw, madein-house in 30 or so flavors.

Key to prices

The approximate cost of two dinner entrees (not including appetizers, drinks, tax and gratuity).

$ - $15 and under

$$ - $16 to $25

$$$ - $26 to $45

$$$$ - $46 and up

http://mainetoday.com/eat-drink/eatdrink-guides/dining-guide-5-seasonal-restaurants-now-open-in-and-around-portland/