We had our wedding reception here last September, and the incredible folks at Back River Bistro curated an intimate dining experience for our closest friends and family. The food, service, wine, and ambiance were out of this world. Truly a must-visit destination if you’re coming to Maine.
We spent about two months working with the team at BRB to build a menu and evening that told a story, challenged our tastebuds, and celebrated our marriage. The Back River Bistro team is filled with respectful, hardworking, and unbelievably talented artisans that made our special day one to remember for a lifetime.
A singular experience. Thank YOU!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexander Badich
Five stars all around. I felt right at home, very cheesy statement but so truthful. The wait staff were freaking amazing. Our chats of were comical and real. The food was over the moon good, fresh pasta, fresh sauces, and local derived ingredients made for a happy stomach. When I come back to the coast ill be stopping by again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vicki Kinnard
Back River Bistro flows with local flavors and ingredients! We love visiting this restaurant because we know we are about to embark everything local and fresh!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anne Makeever
We think of Back River Bistro as “our place,”where we know we’ll have great food and drink, and leave feeling well cared for. We love the personal touches—Corinna’s warmth and wine enthusiasms, Matt’s refined yet comforting food (don’t miss the focaccia!)—and always feel welcome here. Book a table then relax. You’re in very capable hands.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer Marsella
First visit was 5 months after they opened, and it was one of my Top Ten best meals ever experienced. So much so, I went back a 2nd time in the same week. BRB is my go to for a wonderful meal and connect with the owners and other regulars when I'm in town. This is by far the best restaurant in the area. Also, if you're into wine pairings, and special events, BWB are fantastic hosts and great community stewards. GO! Just GO!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
George Conboy
Our experience was superb. The variety and execution of dishes on the menu are unparalleled in the area. Friendly service and an eclectic and diverse wine list made for our favorite midcoast restaurant meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Doug Ward
Absolutely off the hook. I don't usually go so over the top in my reviews but this place is special. This place is about flavor. Interesting, complex, engaging flavors. The short ribs are an absolute must. Back River now lives securely at the top of our list of best dining in the area.
A shot out to the staff who were fantastic. The decor and feeling of the place is warm and rich.
We will be back soon and often.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lindsay G
My coworker and I recently noticed back river bistro has a late night menu which is perfect for us who work at a restaurant down the street. We’ve been wanting to come the past few Friday nights and finally made it in tonight. Brighid took excellent care of us and we thoroughly enjoyed the calamari in marinara sauce, AMAZING squid & freshly made focaccia. My friend had the chai espresso martini and the atmosphere was excellent. Brighid’s service was just right- there when we needed her but not overbearing. We will certainly be back for the food as well as to see Brighid. Cheers from the Montsweag girls :-) <3
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Frank Visconti
We were there a few weeks ago during the week and were very disappointed. Im sorry to say the place is overated. The menu was VERY VERY limited. The service was really Bad especially for a small restaurant.They need to add at least 3 specials a night (or add more to the menu) and definately get some new help which will hopefully get them back on track. Which we would love.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Kimberly Taylor Cross
If I could give Back River Bistro 10 stars, I would. 🌟 From start to finish, our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.
The food is pure artistry—every dish layered with flavor and perfectly executed. The octopus was insanely good, tender yet beautifully charred; the mushroom toast was rich, gorgeous, and unexpectedly filling; and the oysters were as fresh as it gets. The Caesar salad completely redefined the classic—so inventive and utterly addictive—and the tomato salad with the mezcal add-on was a delightful, vibrant surprise.
Brigid’s cocktails were a highlight in themselves: balanced, nuanced, and absolutely delicious.
We loved our dinner so much that we couldn’t resist booking their Postcard Series exclusive dinner on Westport Island. That evening turned out to be one of the most magical dining experiences we’ve ever had—an enchanting outdoor meal on a stunning riverside property, with dishes that told a story of Maine’s land and water.
Back River Bistro isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience that lingers long after the last bite. Truly unforgettable.
Great dinner here last night. Friendly service and delicious food - something of a hidden gem. My duck was excellent and the sticky toffee pudding divine. Recommend if you are in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Tucker
Absolutely amazing, one of the top 3 meals I've ever had. Our waitress could not have been more delightful. HIGHLY recommend!!
Diana M Gallo
I found this place thanks to other reviews here! I have to say the food tastes delicious and I would go back!
My favorites: The oysters and the duck !! I tried also dessert but I felt it was too much sweet for me. However, flavors and combination of ingredients are delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
harrison
Outstanding gem in the midcoast. Truly 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
mike pappacena
Stopped by while on vacation for Wednesday night oysters which were outstanding, along with a delectable bluefish pâté. Both accompanied by cocktails mixed by Bridgette and Adam their new bartender. Next time in from NY will visit again!
Absolutely perfect experience!
We had our wedding reception here last September, and the incredible folks at Back River Bistro curated an intimate dining experience for our closest friends and family. The food, service, wine, and ambiance were out of this world. Truly a must-visit destination if you’re coming to Maine.
We spent about two months working with the team at BRB to build a menu and evening that told a story, challenged our tastebuds, and celebrated our marriage. The Back River Bistro team is filled with respectful, hardworking, and unbelievably talented artisans that made our special day one to remember for a lifetime.
A singular experience. Thank YOU!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Five stars all around. I felt right at home, very cheesy statement but so truthful. The wait staff were freaking amazing. Our chats of were comical and real. The food was over the moon good, fresh pasta, fresh sauces, and local derived ingredients made for a happy stomach. When I come back to the coast ill be stopping by again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Back River Bistro flows with local flavors and ingredients! We love visiting this restaurant because we know we are about to embark everything local and fresh!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We think of Back River Bistro as “our place,”where we know we’ll have great food and drink, and leave feeling well cared for. We love the personal touches—Corinna’s warmth and wine enthusiasms, Matt’s refined yet comforting food (don’t miss the focaccia!)—and always feel welcome here. Book a table then relax. You’re in very capable hands.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First visit was 5 months after they opened, and it was one of my Top Ten best meals ever experienced. So much so, I went back a 2nd time in the same week. BRB is my go to for a wonderful meal and connect with the owners and other regulars when I'm in town. This is by far the best restaurant in the area. Also, if you're into wine pairings, and special events, BWB are fantastic hosts and great community stewards. GO! Just GO!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our experience was superb. The variety and execution of dishes on the menu are unparalleled in the area. Friendly service and an eclectic and diverse wine list made for our favorite midcoast restaurant meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely off the hook. I don't usually go so over the top in my reviews but this place is special. This place is about flavor. Interesting, complex, engaging flavors. The short ribs are an absolute must. Back River now lives securely at the top of our list of best dining in the area.
A shot out to the staff who were fantastic. The decor and feeling of the place is warm and rich.
We will be back soon and often.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My coworker and I recently noticed back river bistro has a late night menu which is perfect for us who work at a restaurant down the street. We’ve been wanting to come the past few Friday nights and finally made it in tonight. Brighid took excellent care of us and we thoroughly enjoyed the calamari in marinara sauce, AMAZING squid & freshly made focaccia. My friend had the chai espresso martini and the atmosphere was excellent. Brighid’s service was just right- there when we needed her but not overbearing. We will certainly be back for the food as well as to see Brighid. Cheers from the Montsweag girls :-) <3
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were there a few weeks ago during the week and were very disappointed. Im sorry to say the place is overated. The menu was VERY VERY limited. The service was really Bad especially for a small restaurant.They need to add at least 3 specials a night (or add more to the menu) and definately get some new help which will hopefully get them back on track. Which we would love.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
If I could give Back River Bistro 10 stars, I would. 🌟 From start to finish, our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.
The food is pure artistry—every dish layered with flavor and perfectly executed. The octopus was insanely good, tender yet beautifully charred; the mushroom toast was rich, gorgeous, and unexpectedly filling; and the oysters were as fresh as it gets. The Caesar salad completely redefined the classic—so inventive and utterly addictive—and the tomato salad with the mezcal add-on was a delightful, vibrant surprise.
Brigid’s cocktails were a highlight in themselves: balanced, nuanced, and absolutely delicious.
We loved our dinner so much that we couldn’t resist booking their Postcard Series exclusive dinner on Westport Island. That evening turned out to be one of the most magical dining experiences we’ve ever had—an enchanting outdoor meal on a stunning riverside property, with dishes that told a story of Maine’s land and water.
Back River Bistro isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience that lingers long after the last bite. Truly unforgettable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great dinner here last night. Friendly service and delicious food - something of a hidden gem. My duck was excellent and the sticky toffee pudding divine. Recommend if you are in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely amazing, one of the top 3 meals I've ever had. Our waitress could not have been more delightful. HIGHLY recommend!!
I found this place thanks to other reviews here!
I have to say the food tastes delicious and I would go back!
My favorites:
The oysters and the duck !!
I tried also dessert but I felt it was too much sweet for me. However, flavors and combination of ingredients are delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Outstanding gem in the midcoast. Truly 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped by while on vacation for Wednesday night oysters which were outstanding, along with a delectable bluefish pâté. Both accompanied by cocktails mixed by Bridgette and Adam their new bartender. Next time in from NY will visit again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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