Flatbreads were not very hot when they arrived, nor were they particularly inspiring. The candied brussel sprouts were a little over candied- there was a sticky coating that was hard to chew and stuck to my teeth. The happy hour deals were good at least. read more

Food selection was really limited and unfortunately not very good. Definitely not a place to bring kids as the menu is devoid of kids food and there is not a drop of ketchup in the place. Wish them well because times are tough with Covid restrictions read more

When you see staff this sunny and charming, one immediately wonders: good acting, or sincerely cheerful? In this case, the truth is undeniably the latter. This is what Nassim Taleb would call "soul in the game" -- the desire for profit entirely subordinate to the desire for excellence; from the exquisite flavours of the dishes to the artful dècor of the cocktail bottles -- handsome glass bottles with tags of with stylish font -- the intention of the restauranteur is clear: to bring joy to the soul through the senses. A must visit. One of Camden's brightest pearls. read more

I had dinner here and although came with some higher expectations- it was fairly disappointing overall. We had an appetizer that was just ok... a broiled artichoke that was stuffed with chèvre cheese. The wine selection was not great, bread and service were just ok. Two pasta dishes were made with out feeling - both dramatically in need of a lift in freshness and flavor. I'd skip this place or go see the bitchy bartender at happy hour. Forget the food. read more

The service was slow and not organized. We sat down at our table and the server did not come over for awhile. Our drinks took a long time to come. Our food was just ok. I ordered a flatbread pizza that said it could be made Vegan but that meant just no cheese.I thought they would have a cheese substitute maybe, Instead I got pizza with roasted beets and sauce. Disappointing. I believe if you say an item can be made vegan on your menu you should offer a cheese alt. The portion size for the ravioli entree was very small. The tilefish entree was good. read more

Came here for a pre dinner drink last weekend. Nice atmosphere, great cocktail menu. I had the ranchito verde tequila drink and it was delicious! Hard to find a creative but simple tequila drink sometimes but this one is spot on! We also shared the arancini special and it was amazinggg! We should have stayed here for dinner! Only complaint would be the slightly inattentive host/server, took a bit to be noticed. Will definitely be back! read more

Have been here a number of times and service and food have been excellent...I was very disappointed this last time. After awhile half our appetizers arrived and although they brought a complimentary salad we shouldn't have to wait an hour for our entrees. My flatbread pizza was burnt...that's why I didn't eat it. Maybe the kitchen crew was tired; I will give this place another chance but please don't ignore your dinner patrons for the sake of having the second "happy hour." read more

I had suggested McDonald's for dinner, so I was a little intimidated walking into this really cute little restaurant. Our waiter was nice enough, but kept fumbling dishes and reaching over my friend and I, possibly because there was an exposed support beam beside our table which blocked his access. For me, this marked 40 Paper's slight identity confusion. Though the bartender looked like he would be at home in 1890s Portlandia, most of the patrons sitting at the bar were townies in faded baseball caps. The tables were a tasteful light oak laid with butcher's paper "tablecloths," but the wallpaper accents were lined up poorly and even had a big gap in our corner. There was a lovely panoramic mechanical sketch of a pasta machine but opposite it, a big gouge of missing paint on the wall. This is a restaurant that wants to be hip, with its unique cocktails and menus that required us to double check with Google a couple times, but it seemed out of place, and, to lift a meaningless critique from any Food Network competitive show, struggling to find its point of view. The food itself was really quite nice. I had crab ravioli ("agnolotti," the menu insisted on calling it) with a tomato cream sauce and pea tendrils. The waiter kept refilling our bread, which was great because the bread itself was truly excellent: an airy, herbed, focaccia bread served with aioli. I was happy to have it to clean my plate. As others have noted, they have a nice and creative drink menu, though it was hard to find drinks that would pair at all with the foods on the very short menu. I think there were six entree options, though at one point or another my friend and I had "decided" on each in turn. Stripped of the jargon, their menu was pretty basic, but both my and my friend's dishes were quite good. Entrees were $17-18, cocktails were $10, deserts, which we skipped, were around $8, and the starters a little more than that. They also offered gluten-free pastas on most dishes with a $2 upgrade. If memory serves, they didn't have any vegetarian or vegan entree options. This would be a nice place for a date: fairly quiet, hip without being intimidating, and a little off the beaten track so you seem clever and interesting. More dating advice: everyone likes getting flowers, regardless of their gender. And tell people when you notice that their accessories compliment their eyes. If you notice, they wanted you to. YOU'RE WELCOME. On a random decor note, I loved their light bulbs, and they had a wine bottle lighting fixture I aim to re-create, and I liked that they had angled mirrors above most of the tables, so that when the person sitting opposite you is shit-talking someone, you can see them without turning in your seat. It truly is the little things. read more

Sitting here for 30 minutes. Still no drink in hand. Terrible service. I'm leaving for a restaurant that wants to serve and make money.

I was in town to see Greg Brown at the Opera Center so the location of this place was perfect. It was also recommended by the hotel. The place was busy and I sat at the bar. While the bar tender was efficient and worked very hard, he literally did not smile once the whole time I was there. Now perhaps he had a bad day or something, but it seemed to me this was his personality. It seemed like the place was very serious and saw itself as very refined and gourmet and a cut above all others, hence the attitude. If you are OK with this, please go. The food and drinks were great. For me, when I go out, I like to enjoy myself. It doesn't take that much effort to smile. read more

This is my fifth or sixth trip to Camden, ME. As a cosmopolitan diner who is accustomed to creative and well presented and tasty dinning, we discovered a gem here in Camden. The hostess was wonderful as she was knowledgeable friendly and not rushed . The bar menu rivals any bar menu I know from the Cambridge/Boston area. The food including apps, main courses and dessert were fresh, tasty, well presented.. The tab was totally reasonable. Thank you Hartstone Inn for recommending this fun place here in Camden. Finally, the venue is really hip and appealing to all ages. read more

Miserable service. Arrogant, slow, forget your reservations. Go to Atlantica where you are welcome.

Server wasn't attentive. Pasta dish was not well portioned. There are better restaurants in the area.

Food and ambiance was very good. The real review is based on the integrity of their staff person Josh. After leaving the restaurant I received a phone call from Josh , he called to alert me that I left an additional tip on top of the tip they apply to the bill with 6 or more guests. I was so thankful and amazed! I hope 40 paper knows how much this gesture means to guests! We will return again thanks Josh! Ciao! read more

Waiter, my knife says Ikea. If this establishment wants to charge high-end prices, they should upgrade their interior and place settings. A nice meal but overpriced for what it was and with moody service. We were disappointed. read more

Horrible service, rude waiters and very subpar food for the prices that they charge. Definite no go.

So, we wanted to like this place, A LOT! Everyone in Camden was raving about their happy hour. So we went there looking for some good drinks and apps. Drinks were good, food was good, and staff was horrible. I've never felt like anyone had spoke down to me so bad in the restaurant business! The bartender was so rude and couldn't have been bothered with us. We stayed for one drink and left. Food, decent! We ate the muscles and a flatbread- both were good! Service (when we asked for bread to dunk the muscles in, was non existent)... Overall, get better staff-- no one wants the smug attitudes! Our review is from 2/5/2016 read more

Was looking forward to trying 40 Paper after hearing great things. My three companions and I, arrived at 4:30 looking forward to happy hour from 4-6. We ordered drinks and several items from the happy hour menu. When we asked for a dinner menu we were told no. The bartender was disinterested in us and at times rude. Our drinks were great and so was most of our food, skip the risotto. After ordering a second round of drinks, we tried to order more food, at 5:30. Again we were told no. After asking why, seeing it is posted on the website and printed on the menu, Happy Hour 4-6, we were told they had a lot of reservations for the evening and would not be serving any more bar food. We were very disappointed and won't be returning. The Owens should have some integrity and treat their guests with respect. read more

Best meal in Camden. Drinks are out of this world. The pasta is beyond amazing. Rivals the best restaurants in Boston.

One of our go-to places in the area as we are consistently impressed with everything here. We have never been disappointed, and are often completely wowed by the food and cocktails, and have always had friendly service. I am gluten-free and love how accommodating they are. Not only is the food well done, with complex flavors and textures, but the presentation is a step above many places (thinking about a recent order of spring pea soup that blew my mind). Some reviews noted it is crowded and loud, but on for Mondays most of the year it is one of the few good dinner places open, so they are busy - completely understandable. My daughter and I recently walked in on a busy Monday night, were told the wait was over 30-40 minutes without a reservation, but they very nicely tucked us in a corner counter spot across from the bar and we had an amazing evening. I think the decor does a good job of hampering noise and we didn't find it an issue despite how busy they were. The bartender made delicious and creative drinks and even worked hard to make an extra-special homemade lemonade drink for my daughter - checking in with us often to see how everything was. read more

Great service from Melissa and the food was phenomenal.....so much so that we went back a second evening and tried some of the other dishes we were tempted by the first evening! This is a must visit restaurant in Camden and it was good to know that they can have large parties there as well. They had a very active bar scenes one of the evenings as well. Such a fun place to visit! read more

This is such a good spot. Our waitress was fantastic, the food was delicious, as well as the line. Relaxing the atmosphere was relaxing and inviting with stylish decor. The pricing was fair and it is nice that it stays open a little later then the other local restaurants. read more

Happy hour is definitely the time to visit this place because beers are half price and the drinks are $5 on special. They have some unique blends for cocktails that make for some fun new flavors and they have an interesting list of beers on tap that seems to change almost daily. It is a little off the beaten path so it is a little more quiet and less tourist-filled than some of the other bars on the main street. read more

Fantastic wine list, great draught beers, and interesting cocktails. We sampled many dishes on the menu and all were extremely tasty. A little bit repetitive with some of their ingredients (so much kale and so much arugula and so much fennel , oh my) but other than that, a totally perfect meal with great service. read more

My wife and I chose this restaurant after reviews described outstanding cocktails, the website promised "Happy Hour" half-priced drinks 4-6 daily, and interesting Italian food in a Maine seaport town. We arrived at 5:40 and advised the hostess we were there for happy hour and dinner. We both had interesting but not anything special cocktails and dinner of pasta with clams and a roasted beet with feta cheese grilled flatbread pizza. The flavors of the sauce of dill, lemon, and pecorino for the pasta with clams did not blend well. The flatbread crust of the pizza was charred and bitter. To add insult to injury, when the bill was presented, we were only then informed the cocktails were full price at "Happy Hour" if seated for dinner. I'll never go back there. read more

Drinks are strong as well as inventive, and the combo of the rich tourist and locals is always amusing. Food? I don't know. Who eats here?

My husband and I came here over the holidays. My husband is actually from Camden and thought it would be neat to try a new restaurant that wasn't here when he grew up and mannnn are we glad we did! The food was beyond amazing I truly can't believe this restaurant only has 3.5 stars as I write this. The service was fantastic and the beer menu is unparalleled in the coastal Maine area (granted they don't have a ton... But what they have are the highest of quality). We aren't gluten free - but were impressed by their options on their Italian menu. And the complementary truffles at the end of dinner were fantastic. The prices are really low for the food quality... we left spending 70 with 3 beers, an app and two dinners. We will be back for sure in the summer when we are back to visit!!! read more

The meal was just fantastic, after many excellent meals of lobster and clam chowder in Maine - 40 Paper really is a special place - even before the busy season kicks in they are spot on with their food- from the gluten free spaghetti and lamb meatballs to the ravioli filled with spinach and the best was the gnocchi - great food! read more

Ordered food to take home, pizza and a fish starter. I should have guessed things might not be what reviews suggested by handling a box where the pie was stored. Stone cold! Got home and they had somehow managed to over cook the pizza and still cool it down for me. Went back next day and told staff. "I'm sorry" They can do better. read more

So delicious! High quality fresh food. Friendly and knowledgeable waiter. Very pleased with everything we ordered. Still talking about it.

No dinner menu at the bar? Really? It's a weeknight, after 8, and the place is less than busy. So here I sit at the bar enjoying a well poured Green Flash (great beers on tap) while I contemplate where I will go to have dinner. Someplace where a dinner at the bar doesn't ruin the precious vibe. Too bad Primo is closed for the season - they're just a tad more laid back and will allow you to choose from every menu they have, EVEN if you prefer to sit at the bar. Looks like the owner/manager/chef is a frustrated hall monitor who is living out an arbitrary-rule fantasy. I think I'll pass. read more

40 Paper is one of Camden's best places to stop at. There's a great bar, fantastic service and while the place is great to eat it's also quite easy on the eyes as a hybrid between eatery and lounge. read more

I love reading negative reviews for restaurants before posting a review... One person's was that it was not kid friendly. I might agree with that, though I don't know. When we were there, there was a family with small children, and everyone looked completely happy. I would imagine that they may not have hot dogs or a kids menu, but I didn't ask We arrived at 8pm, with no reservation, and the host was able to get us in due to a cancellation. We ordered two of their signature cocktails (both were excellent), a salad to split as an appetizer. For entrees, I got the roasted cornish game hen, and ladyfriend got a pasta dish. My entree was absolutely dynamite. Roasted perfectly, with a delicious red sauce. Ladyfriend's pasta was beautiful and delicious. Both entrees were recommendations from our server... who was tremendous (his name slips my mind). Another note... LOVED the decor read more

40 Paper is the type of restaurant/bar that you are more likely to find in a large metro city, than in middle-of-nowhere Maine. And yet, here it is nestled between the trees. The crowd is younger, hipper, and more lively than any of the other establishments in the area. The menu is more creative, too. It is also (or course) a lot more expensive. Still, I enjoyed it. It's worth the visit! read more

Stellar A++ service. Brye was great! Food was delicious. Gelato was the best I ever had, even better than NYC. And they carried Brooklyn Brewery special edition Mary's maple ale. Impressive!! read more

Took a shot with this place and hit a bullseye. The staff was super friendly. The wine list was decent and the food was superb. Overall a great experience. read more

Really excellent meal. We had the Mussels - the best I think I've ever had; the Tortelloni - scrumptious; and the Beets and Goat Chesse flat bread pizza and the Margherita flat bread. I loved the Beets and Goat Cheese combination. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable about the food and the drink and wine selection also excellent. And for us the restaurant is only an hour away! We will be returning. read more

I'll return. Looking at reviews written before mine, they're accurate. The food is very, very good. You can't miss, no matter what you order. Had the best risotto ever, in my whole life. And the drinks... exotic, unusual mixtures, and I've never had a miss. One could just stagger out of here. Also, this is a place to meet people on those nights that we all know about. No, not kid friendly. I can't imagine rating this place as average. Geez. read more

Phenomenal restaurant in the Camden, Maine area. Beautiful decor. The husband makes pastas from scratch; the wife makes gluten free desserts from scratch. If you follow a plant based diet, the husband and wife are very accommodating and will prepare creative and delicious foods for you. These are some of the most interesting flavors we have ever experienced! Please don't miss the Rhubarb Pie! read more

My Mum and I came here for a special "date night" while in Camden for a long weekend. We opted to enjoy the delicious bread and skip an appetizer, but everything on the menu looked so great it was so hard to choose! My Mum had the spaghetti and lamb meatballs, and the red sauce was SO, so good. The meatballs were tasty too, and the pasta was definitely fresh. I had the spinach and ricotta ravioli with brown butter sage sauce and crispy salami, I ate every last bite. Both portions were just right for dinner, although I would have loved leftovers, it ended up being the perfect amount. We also shared a flight of 6 beers that they had on tap, all were great selections, some very good pumpkin varieties that aren't your typical pumpkin pick. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area. The price point was very reasonable too, all pasta dishes were under $20, so although it was our special night out, we stayed within budget (and had more money for antiques!). I will be back! read more

40 Paper - Spinach & Ricotta ravioli with brown butter sage sauce and crispy salami - Italian Near Me - Camden, Maine

See all