My girlfriend and I stopped in and there was a bunch of vegan stuff on the menu! The staff was lovely and the music was fun. It did not smell like fish! I would go back.
LKMaine
We’ve been here in the summer and winter and the menu was different but both times there were vegan and vegetarian entrees and appetizers available. The vegan Posole, gallo pinto, and whipped tahini dishes were DELICIOUS, as was the vegetarian Marmahon. But let’s talk about the baking - we cheated because these were so not vegan, but the dinner roll appetizer and the rosquillas for dessert sent me into what my husband called a “Meg Ryan moment”, with a fellow customer looking at me as if to say “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Mer
Food was fine, staff made us feel like they’d rather us not be there
Emily Schryer
So amazing! Our server recommended the chicken to me when I couldn’t decide. It was probably the best chicken I’ve ever had! 10/10 experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Catherine P
Cafe Louis Costa Media is hands down some of the best food I have ever eaten. We had made an early reservation and so glad we did because we had the whole place to ourselves for much of our meal, which was a treat. We were greeted right away and the atmosphere is so cozy and welcoming. You can tell that the building has a lot of character and loved the old wood beams that I assume are original. We were seated in the window seat and got to enjoy the views of Camden while we ate.
We shared a bunch of "snacks" including the radicchio salad (the most unique and light salad), calamari, fries, and Jimmy Nardellos. I wouldn't have ordered the Jimmy Nardellos on my own, but it turned out to be one of my favorites. Each dish was so good and we raved about each one. We especially enjoyed the "squeaky cheese" as we called it on the fries.
We then shared the mussells and chicken. We all agreed that the chicken was hands down the best chicken we have ever eaten. It had the perfect smoky flavor with delightfully crispy skin.
Hands down a 10/10 and can't wait to come back next time we are in the area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Collin Whitlock
My partner and I ducked in just about 45 min before closing, apologizing profusely, and were welcomed by a warm atmosphere and lovely staff. The Radicchio Salad and Achiote Chicken blew our minds. We shall return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
peyton brooks
My husband and I had dinner here our last night in Maine. We were able to walk in and snag a seat at the bar. He got the burger and I got the anchiote chicken. Both were seriously so incredible. The vibes inside are chill, tropical, and very aesthetically pleasing. You gotta go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gillian Firestone
Cozy, intimate, fun & complex flavors and menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
jared
Food and drinks were fantastic however, do not expect prompt service. Our starters were coming out after our mains, and there were huge time gaps between the mains. I wish they would have given us a heads up that some dishes might take a lot longer than others. Prices were also pretty high, $13 for two small skewers of meat is a bit ridiculous in my opinion and I have never seen an order of calamari have so few pieces.
If you do choose to go I would recommend the ceviche, achiote chicken, and colada reserva (the other cocktails weren’t much to write home about)
Dietary restrictions: Good gluten free options
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
M. C
This place definitely offers up some tastes that are unique to this area in the best way. The menu is small, but that leaves room to focus on doing it right, which I can appreciate. We decided to get several of the “snacks” to share as a table, and then proceeded to get more after those were gone, even doubling up on some of the ones we enjoyed most. The salchipapa was one of my favorites and a must try. The calamari and muscles were also delicious. We went as co-workers, but I see this being a great casual date spot. Go support this place and encourage the flavor diversity that we so desperately need in this area.
Dietary restrictions: Tons of gluten free options.
Parking: Parking along the street or find yourself in one of Camden’s public parking lots.
We were so happy to stumble upon this small, unpretentious place just off the main downtown street in Camden.The website and Google info are kinda messed up — it shows up as Costa Media, though it’s apparently (also?) called Cafe Louis — so it’s confusing.
But when you get here, it’s worth it. The food is delicious and really innovative — eggplant Milanese: lightly fried and wrapped in delicate strips of cucumber; delectable “pinchos” of the most tender and flavorful carne asada I’ve had; seasonal salads of tomatoes and baby gem lettuce with tastiness like “toasted macadamia nut vinaigrette” and “caramelizad fennel salsa” and cacao nibs … wow.
We asked for bread, so we wouldn’t miss a drop of the different sauces and toppings. Seriously good.
Same goes for the cocktail menu (margarita with Underberg?!!!) and simple wine list. Just super creative and delicious.
Unfortunately we didn’t like the flan, one of two desserts offered. It was really dense, like cheesecake (which seemed by design) with a weird crumble. Maybe personal preference, but it was the only low point of the evening.
Still, our overall impression was that this is a restaurant that understands flavor and is not afraid to mix things up.
Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Peter Hagelund
Excellent food and great staff. Lots of GF options with great taste. Highly recommended!
Derek Reed
This has become our go-to restaurant in town. Big flavors, thoughtfully made dishes and drinks, and a nice mix of seafood options (if you're visiting and looking for that) and more adventurous stuff (if you're local and want something different than the usual fare). Everything on the menu is so well executed, we could come every week and never run out of new things to try.
The cherry on top is that we've always been able to get a table here, even in the summer when other places are swamped. But it probably shouldn't be that way. A total gem that deserves your attention.
Faheem Rasool
Vow what a delight. It’s a diamond in the rough. All around they are surrounded by waterfront seafood place but if you want to change it up this place is truly amazing. Even the salad was amazing. Chicken and couscous are out of this world I will come back again and recc it to everyone I know .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Blake Lauterbach
One of the best restaurants I have been to in recent memory. Delightfully unpretentious, thoughtful, and genuine.
We came here with my parents as our final meal in town, completely unsure if we would be able to find something good to eat here or not. The few existing reviews offered some promise of a good meal.
Wow, were we shocked. We got the Pinchos, salchipapas, and the salad out first to see what kind of restaurant we were dealing with. Every single item we got was made with intention, creativity, and a focus on big flavors. The salchipapas were perfectly rich, crispy and indulgent, the salad was surprisingly substantial with a deep, complex hazelnut and sesame flavor. The Pinchos (steak skewers) were bright, savory, and delightfully spiced with a homemade salsa verde.
We were genuinely shocked by how good the first round of appetizers were, and opted to get two more large plates to share: the smoked achiote chicken with charred tangerine and the Skate Milanese. The smoked chicken stole the show; a blackened, slow smoked exterior contrasted with a bright orange, brothy sauce on the plate, flanked by a cool Honduran crema. The chicken was profoundly flavorful and tender, the sauce perfectly balanced between bright and rich. The crispy skin with tender interior was legitimately one of my favorite bites of chicken I’ve ever had. The skate portion was generous and perfectly fried. The flaky fried white fish was balanced by a smart jalapeño crema and fresh microgreens. We couldn’t get enough of either dish. Exceptional.
We finished off with tres leches doughnuts which were made to order, and you guessed it, divine: A delicately fried hush puppy son-of-a-doughnut bathed in a sweetened milk that soaked into the doughnuts just enough. The result was a tres leches you’ve never experienced before; sweet, salty, creamy, crispy.
The cocktail I ordered was called the Calabeza Verde, a limey mezcal forward drink with house made pepita orgeat syrup, served with a cocktail rock in a lowball glass. Legitimately incredible stuff, something even the most astute home bartender could nary pull off at home
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our lovely waitress, who was delightful, unpretentious, and helpful. She had only been there a month, but had a comprehensive knowledge of the ever-changing menu and was genuinely helpful in explaining what dishes she thought we’d like best. 10/10
We were so taken aback by the quality, thoughtfulness, and immense effort put into each dish. If this place were in any major city, it would be booked out for months.
Parking: Easy to find street parking, even at dinner time on a Saturday
My girlfriend and I stopped in and there was a bunch of vegan stuff on the menu! The staff was lovely and the music was fun. It did not smell like fish! I would go back.
We’ve been here in the summer and winter and the menu was different but both times there were vegan and vegetarian entrees and appetizers available. The vegan Posole, gallo pinto, and whipped tahini dishes were DELICIOUS, as was the vegetarian Marmahon. But let’s talk about the baking - we cheated because these were so not vegan, but the dinner roll appetizer and the rosquillas for dessert sent me into what my husband called a “Meg Ryan moment”, with a fellow customer looking at me as if to say “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Food was fine, staff made us feel like they’d rather us not be there
So amazing! Our server recommended the chicken to me when I couldn’t decide. It was probably the best chicken I’ve ever had! 10/10 experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cafe Louis Costa Media is hands down some of the best food I have ever eaten. We had made an early reservation and so glad we did because we had the whole place to ourselves for much of our meal, which was a treat. We were greeted right away and the atmosphere is so cozy and welcoming. You can tell that the building has a lot of character and loved the old wood beams that I assume are original.
We were seated in the window seat and got to enjoy the views of Camden while we ate.
We shared a bunch of "snacks" including the radicchio salad (the most unique and light salad), calamari, fries, and Jimmy Nardellos. I wouldn't have ordered the Jimmy Nardellos on my own, but it turned out to be one of my favorites. Each dish was so good and we raved about each one. We especially enjoyed the "squeaky cheese" as we called it on the fries.
We then shared the mussells and chicken. We all agreed that the chicken was hands down the best chicken we have ever eaten. It had the perfect smoky flavor with delightfully crispy skin.
Hands down a 10/10 and can't wait to come back next time we are in the area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My partner and I ducked in just about 45 min before closing, apologizing profusely, and were welcomed by a warm atmosphere and lovely staff. The Radicchio Salad and Achiote Chicken blew our minds. We shall return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I had dinner here our last night in Maine. We were able to walk in and snag a seat at the bar. He got the burger and I got the anchiote chicken. Both were seriously so incredible. The vibes inside are chill, tropical, and very aesthetically pleasing. You gotta go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cozy, intimate, fun & complex flavors and menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Food and drinks were fantastic however, do not expect prompt service. Our starters were coming out after our mains, and there were huge time gaps between the mains. I wish they would have given us a heads up that some dishes might take a lot longer than others. Prices were also pretty high, $13 for two small skewers of meat is a bit ridiculous in my opinion and I have never seen an order of calamari have so few pieces.
If you do choose to go I would recommend the ceviche, achiote chicken, and colada reserva (the other cocktails weren’t much to write home about)
Dietary restrictions: Good gluten free options
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
This place definitely offers up some tastes that are unique to this area in the best way. The menu is small, but that leaves room to focus on doing it right, which I can appreciate. We decided to get several of the “snacks” to share as a table, and then proceeded to get more after those were gone, even doubling up on some of the ones we enjoyed most. The salchipapa was one of my favorites and a must try. The calamari and muscles were also delicious. We went as co-workers, but I see this being a great casual date spot. Go support this place and encourage the flavor diversity that we so desperately need in this area.
Dietary restrictions: Tons of gluten free options.
Parking: Parking along the street or find yourself in one of Camden’s public parking lots.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We were so happy to stumble upon this small, unpretentious place just off the main downtown street in Camden.The website and Google info are kinda messed up — it shows up as Costa Media, though it’s apparently (also?) called Cafe Louis — so it’s confusing.
But when you get here, it’s worth it. The food is delicious and really innovative — eggplant Milanese: lightly fried and wrapped in delicate strips of cucumber; delectable “pinchos” of the most tender and flavorful carne asada I’ve had; seasonal salads of tomatoes and baby gem lettuce with tastiness like “toasted macadamia nut vinaigrette” and “caramelizad fennel salsa” and cacao nibs … wow.
We asked for bread, so we wouldn’t miss a drop of the different sauces and toppings.
Seriously good.
Same goes for the cocktail menu (margarita with Underberg?!!!) and simple wine list. Just super creative and delicious.
Unfortunately we didn’t like the flan, one of two desserts offered. It was really dense, like cheesecake (which seemed by design) with a weird crumble. Maybe personal preference, but it was the only low point of the evening.
Still, our overall impression was that this is a restaurant that understands flavor and is not afraid to mix things up.
Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food and great staff. Lots of GF options with great taste. Highly recommended!
This has become our go-to restaurant in town. Big flavors, thoughtfully made dishes and drinks, and a nice mix of seafood options (if you're visiting and looking for that) and more adventurous stuff (if you're local and want something different than the usual fare). Everything on the menu is so well executed, we could come every week and never run out of new things to try.
The cherry on top is that we've always been able to get a table here, even in the summer when other places are swamped. But it probably shouldn't be that way. A total gem that deserves your attention.
Vow what a delight. It’s a diamond in the rough. All around they are surrounded by waterfront seafood place but if you want to change it up this place is truly amazing. Even the salad was amazing.
Chicken and couscous are out of this world
I will come back again and recc it to everyone I know .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best restaurants I have been to in recent memory. Delightfully unpretentious, thoughtful, and genuine.
We came here with my parents as our final meal in town, completely unsure if we would be able to find something good to eat here or not. The few existing reviews offered some promise of a good meal.
Wow, were we shocked. We got the Pinchos, salchipapas, and the salad out first to see what kind of restaurant we were dealing with. Every single item we got was made with intention, creativity, and a focus on big flavors. The salchipapas were perfectly rich, crispy and indulgent, the salad was surprisingly substantial with a deep, complex hazelnut and sesame flavor. The Pinchos (steak skewers) were bright, savory, and delightfully spiced with a homemade salsa verde.
We were genuinely shocked by how good the first round of appetizers were, and opted to get two more large plates to share: the smoked achiote chicken with charred tangerine and the Skate Milanese. The smoked chicken stole the show; a blackened, slow smoked exterior contrasted with a bright orange, brothy sauce on the plate, flanked by a cool Honduran crema. The chicken was profoundly flavorful and tender, the sauce perfectly balanced between bright and rich. The crispy skin with tender interior was legitimately one of my favorite bites of chicken I’ve ever had. The skate portion was generous and perfectly fried. The flaky fried white fish was balanced by a smart jalapeño crema and fresh microgreens. We couldn’t get enough of either dish. Exceptional.
We finished off with tres leches doughnuts which were made to order, and you guessed it, divine: A delicately fried hush puppy son-of-a-doughnut bathed in a sweetened milk that soaked into the doughnuts just enough. The result was a tres leches you’ve never experienced before; sweet, salty, creamy, crispy.
The cocktail I ordered was called the Calabeza Verde, a limey mezcal forward drink with house made pepita orgeat syrup, served with a cocktail rock in a lowball glass. Legitimately incredible stuff, something even the most astute home bartender could nary pull off at home
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our lovely waitress, who was delightful, unpretentious, and helpful. She had only been there a month, but had a comprehensive knowledge of the ever-changing menu and was genuinely helpful in explaining what dishes she thought we’d like best. 10/10
We were so taken aback by the quality, thoughtfulness, and immense effort put into each dish. If this place were in any major city, it would be booked out for months.
Parking: Easy to find street parking, even at dinner time on a Saturday
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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