Ann's Book Bistro is a cozy, inviting place for a meal. The food is consistently excellent and creative, and the staff makes the experience extraordinary. When the weather is warm, the patio outside is wonderful.
BETTY Rodriguez
Amazing cuisine such attention to detail! Excellent customer service our server was fabulous she was such a sweetheart! Ambiance and music was great. My husband and I were in town for a few days and so happy we chose to dine at Ann’s Book Bistro!! Highly recommend this restaurant if you’re looking for delicious food and fabulous dining experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ghostland Radio
Such a sweet place! We were looking for somewhere to eat before catching a show at the Waldo (also lovely). We're from an hour south and weren't sure what would be open in the dead of winter - what a pleasant surprise! The decor is really cute and thoughtful - it's clear that there's a lot of personal flair. The service was attentive and welcoming. The menu was the perfect size with the emphasis on fresh veg and proteins. Plenty of options for folks with different tastes. Both of our dishes were spot-on: The pasta with lobster tail was cooked perfectly (seriously - it might be a simple dish, but cooks know how hard it is to get the balance right), and the salmon burger was freshly made - with a lovely side of pickled fruit and veg that paired SO WELL with the earthy salmon. Again, dead of winter. The prices are a little spendy, but whatever. This isn't Moody's. The complimentary fresh flatbread and bean spread we were served prior to our meal ALONE would have been a $10 appetizer in Portland, and the wine list was very reasonable. Honestly, just a really cute place with lovely food and follks - worth the drive for dinner and a movie if you are looking for something special. Classy food, unpretentious environment. Try it!Vegetarian options: For what it's worth, I am pescatarian - but I am always mindful to patronize eateries with a moderate to broad selection of plant-forward offerings. This place had multiple plant-forward options. I had no issue navigating the menu, and the person who served us was very helpful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Burger, Fettuccine
JulieT
Great idea to feature different Ethnic menu nights. Enjoyed the Moroccan appetizer and tagine. Lovely wine selection and Greg is always a professional and easy going as wait staff.
Madison Schulz
We are local and heard of this spot by word of mouth, finally tried it and we’re not disappointed! Great atmosphere! The waitstaff were kind and professional, and the food was fantastic! Instead of bread and butter, they served naan-style flatbreads with a delicious hummus. We had the Argentinian Churrasco special which was *perfect.* our waiter made me a mocktail even though it wasn’t on the menu. We will most certainly be back!!Dietary restrictions: They are very accommodating!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad
NCat
This is a charming place for dinner full of flavor. It is a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy an intimate meal with friends. The service is helpful, friendly and efficient . From the warm bread to the entrees, the food is delightful and the presentation superb.The only thing that is bothersome is that the temperature is a bit chilly. I suggest dressing warmly on cold nights.
Kelley Kroft
Thank you Chef Chris for delighting us with such a memorable menu for New Year's Eve -starting with the ceviche, which was sublime with subtle flavors, and continuing with the steak and seafood cooked with such attention and savored with every bite. The mushroom risotto was such a hit for us as well. To top off the experience were delicious salads and desserts! We are fortunate to have such talent within our reach. We have just moved to the area from the NYC area and have spent many evenings here -it has such a warm, cozy and inviting atmosphere. Everyone here -Chris, Abby, Greg, Linda -makes you feel like you're part of the family. It truly is top notch food, atmosphere, and service.-Lucy and family
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lucy
Thank you, Chris, for delighting us with such a memorable menu for New Year's Eve starting with the ceviche which was sublime with such subtle flavors providing a delectable experience to the palate and continuing with the steak & seafood cooked with utmost attention & savored with every bite! To top off this experience a delicious & refreshing dessert. We are most fortunate to have such talent within our reach!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Tipsy Butler (The Tipsy Butler)
Ann's Book Bistro catered an event that we hosted last night. They delivered food promptly and set everything up with labels and lovely presentation. The food was delicious! People raved about the naan bread with dipping sauce, curried meatballs, charcuterie boards, garlic shrimp, blueberry cheesecake, and more. There was nothing left, not even crumbs. Thanks Abby and team, for making our event extra special!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
kathleens
The food was exceptional. Each thing was carefully considered and very tasty, from salad to appetizer to main course. Chris, the chef, is a real pro. And our server was friendly and attentive, a perfect combination. Portions are generous, and we were happy to share an entree, along with appetizer and salad. Red wine from Spain was also terrific. We very much appreciated the personal attention given to the cooking and the service. Definitely a place to go back to.
Ann's Book Bistro is a top choice. The food, service, and ambiance bring us back every time. The dining area is warm and cosy and there have been many occasions when we've noticed that diners are drawn to introduce themselves and begin conversations due to the intimate nature of the room. Highly recommended.
Edgar Evenkeel
cute/cool hidden spot. creative menu, hip setting, lovely staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Bistro Salad, Tiramisu, Quail
CesarS
A friend told me I had to try this place and I decided to check it out for myself to see if it was really that good. When we were being shown to our table I noticed the beautiful presentations being served to other diners, but I was still skeptical that the dishes may not taste as good as my sister said they did. I had the coconut curry salmon and it melted in my mouth and really was exceptional, my date had the bistro salad with shrimp and it disappeared quickly. I'll definitely return and recommend this unique restaurant to anyone.
nope
Loved the place when we walked in. The atmosphere was casual with a little sophistication, books all around. The quail leg appetizer was tasty. Table got a little pita bread with interesting hummus - different from bread & oil some places provide. We were hopeful for creative, nicely prepared food. Butter chicken was fine but $39 price seemed a bit high for a basic Indian dish. Mahi Mahi with Pomegranate reduction was $46, terrible, dry and not flavorful. At $79, the 14 oz steak was a splurge, and unfortunately not at all worth it. The steak was not a good cut, just big. Very disappointing. The prices are very high but even worse, the food was not great. We will not be back.
LeidyS
Ann's Book Bistro should be top of the list for all visitors to the Damariscotta region. Highest quality fresh food, indoor and outdoor seating, professional servers and a very accommodating and hugely talented chef. We asked for some slight tweaks on the menu (non dairy version of soup) and they created it beautifully and without a fuss. My top choice in town. You won't be disappointed.
Ann's Book Bistro is a cozy, inviting place for a meal. The food is consistently excellent and creative, and the staff makes the experience extraordinary. When the weather is warm, the patio outside is wonderful.
Amazing cuisine such attention to detail! Excellent customer service our server was fabulous she was such a sweetheart! Ambiance and music was great. My husband and I were in town for a few days and so happy we chose to dine at Ann’s Book Bistro!! Highly recommend this restaurant if you’re looking for delicious food and fabulous dining experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a sweet place! We were looking for somewhere to eat before catching a show at the Waldo (also lovely). We're from an hour south and weren't sure what would be open in the dead of winter - what a pleasant surprise! The decor is really cute and thoughtful - it's clear that there's a lot of personal flair. The service was attentive and welcoming. The menu was the perfect size with the emphasis on fresh veg and proteins. Plenty of options for folks with different tastes. Both of our dishes were spot-on: The pasta with lobster tail was cooked perfectly (seriously - it might be a simple dish, but cooks know how hard it is to get the balance right), and the salmon burger was freshly made - with a lovely side of pickled fruit and veg that paired SO WELL with the earthy salmon. Again, dead of winter. The prices are a little spendy, but whatever. This isn't Moody's. The complimentary fresh flatbread and bean spread we were served prior to our meal ALONE would have been a $10 appetizer in Portland, and the wine list was very reasonable. Honestly, just a really cute place with lovely food and follks - worth the drive for dinner and a movie if you are looking for something special. Classy food, unpretentious environment. Try it!Vegetarian options: For what it's worth, I am pescatarian - but I am always mindful to patronize eateries with a moderate to broad selection of plant-forward offerings. This place had multiple plant-forward options. I had no issue navigating the menu, and the person who served us was very helpful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Burger, Fettuccine
Great idea to feature different Ethnic menu nights. Enjoyed the Moroccan appetizer and tagine. Lovely wine selection and Greg is always a professional and easy going as wait staff.
We are local and heard of this spot by word of mouth, finally tried it and we’re not disappointed! Great atmosphere! The waitstaff were kind and professional, and the food was fantastic! Instead of bread and butter, they served naan-style flatbreads with a delicious hummus. We had the Argentinian Churrasco special which was *perfect.* our waiter made me a mocktail even though it wasn’t on the menu. We will most certainly be back!!Dietary restrictions: They are very accommodating!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad
This is a charming place for dinner full of flavor. It is a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy an intimate meal with friends. The service is helpful, friendly and efficient . From the warm bread to the entrees, the food is delightful and the presentation superb.The only thing that is bothersome is that the temperature is a bit chilly. I suggest dressing warmly on cold nights.
Thank you Chef Chris for delighting us with such a memorable menu for New Year's Eve -starting with the ceviche, which was sublime with subtle flavors, and continuing with the steak and seafood cooked with such attention and savored with every bite. The mushroom risotto was such a hit for us as well. To top off the experience were delicious salads and desserts! We are fortunate to have such talent within our reach. We have just moved to the area from the NYC area and have spent many evenings here -it has such a warm, cozy and inviting atmosphere. Everyone here -Chris, Abby, Greg, Linda -makes you feel like you're part of the family. It truly is top notch food, atmosphere, and service.-Lucy and family
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thank you, Chris, for delighting us with such a memorable menu for New Year's Eve starting with the ceviche which was sublime with such subtle flavors providing a delectable experience to the palate and continuing with the steak & seafood cooked with utmost attention & savored with every bite! To top off this experience a delicious & refreshing dessert. We are most fortunate to have such talent within our reach!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ann's Book Bistro catered an event that we hosted last night. They delivered food promptly and set everything up with labels and lovely presentation. The food was delicious! People raved about the naan bread with dipping sauce, curried meatballs, charcuterie boards, garlic shrimp, blueberry cheesecake, and more. There was nothing left, not even crumbs. Thanks Abby and team, for making our event extra special!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was exceptional. Each thing was carefully considered and very tasty, from salad to appetizer to main course. Chris, the chef, is a real pro. And our server was friendly and attentive, a perfect combination. Portions are generous, and we were happy to share an entree, along with appetizer and salad. Red wine from Spain was also terrific. We very much appreciated the personal attention given to the cooking and the service. Definitely a place to go back to.
Restaurantji Recommends
Ann's Book Bistro is a top choice. The food, service, and ambiance bring us back every time. The dining area is warm and cosy and there have been many occasions when we've noticed that diners are drawn to introduce themselves and begin conversations due to the intimate nature of the room. Highly recommended.
cute/cool hidden spot. creative menu, hip setting, lovely staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Bistro Salad, Tiramisu, Quail
A friend told me I had to try this place and I decided to check it out for myself to see if it was really that good. When we were being shown to our table I noticed the beautiful presentations being served to other diners, but I was still skeptical that the dishes may not taste as good as my sister said they did. I had the coconut curry salmon and it melted in my mouth and really was exceptional, my date had the bistro salad with shrimp and it disappeared quickly. I'll definitely return and recommend this unique restaurant to anyone.
Loved the place when we walked in. The atmosphere was casual with a little sophistication, books all around. The quail leg appetizer was tasty. Table got a little pita bread with interesting hummus - different from bread & oil some places provide. We were hopeful for creative, nicely prepared food. Butter chicken was fine but $39 price seemed a bit high for a basic Indian dish. Mahi Mahi with Pomegranate reduction was $46, terrible, dry and not flavorful. At $79, the 14 oz steak was a splurge, and unfortunately not at all worth it. The steak was not a good cut, just big. Very disappointing. The prices are very high but even worse, the food was not great. We will not be back.
Ann's Book Bistro should be top of the list for all visitors to the Damariscotta region. Highest quality fresh food, indoor and outdoor seating, professional servers and a very accommodating and hugely talented chef. We asked for some slight tweaks on the menu (non dairy version of soup) and they created it beautifully and without a fuss. My top choice in town. You won't be disappointed.