We've never had a bad meal here but the other night it was off a bit. The description of the artisan board stated it had meats and cheeses. It was mostly vegetables. Cucumbers, Jalapenos, radishes, pickled onions , cashews and A few prices of rolled salami and no cheese . When I mentioned there was no cheese I was brought a few pieces of shaved Parmesan. The crackers and whipped goat cheese was great . My sword fish was undercooked. A new one was sent out . The pasta with lobster was very good . read more

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Went on Saturday night and had a lovely experience. Food was delicious. I'll disagree with another poster about the bread - it's amazing. Full of fresh herbs and some lovely olive oil served alongside. I had the tuna with rice cakes - a little pricey but delicious. Best deal here is the half portion pasta dishes - the bolognese, chicken parm, and spaghetti and meatballs. Really love this place and will definitely be back read more

Salmon dinner was outstanding, my wife said one of the best she's ever had! I'm not a salmon lover, but tried it, which I don't usually do. I liked it myself. We had a dozen oysters which were on the smaller side, but tasted great. I had the pizza, which was good. Not a South Shore (Massachusetts) style but very good. Pizza in Maine ahhhh not that great, anywhere. Ancoras is our go to place. Yes, we own a house on Moose Pond. read more

So the wife and I decided to try this place because she loves her Italian food Forget this place Service was poor only one waiter I did not enjoy my food targliatelli Bolognese It tasted like a Hormel product The wife enjoyed her spaghetti and meatballs Bread was nasty and they give you a little cup of plain olive oil And sticky tables to boot and very loud No sir Not again read more

Ancora Italian Kitchen - Salad was good - Italian Near Me - Bridgton, Maine

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Food and service were seriously lacking on our recent visit. Ambiance is confusing, the waitstaff looks sloppy(worn jeans and tshirts), dining room reflects more formal attire needed by the staff. Going back to the food, serious lack of taste all around, under seasoned and bland. Once the server determined we weren't ordering alcohol, we were pretty much ignored... no check ins until the check arrived. Sad because we've had some fairly decent experiences here in the past. You can do better elsewhere. read more

Very disappointing. I ordered eggplant parmesan. It was gross - three greasy slices of breaded eggplant under a mountain of very blah tomato sauce, each topped with a rubbery mound of cheese. The accompanying spaghetti was also drowning in sauce. It was all served lukewarm. I think I would have done better to save my $27 and get a frozen eggplant parm from Hannaford. My friends described their pizzas as "fair." I live locally, but won't be returning to Ancora. read more

Wonderful atmosphere and cuisine to match right in downtown Bridgton! Best pasta Primavera and Italian wine to match....will be back!

Arrived in time for a 7:30 reservation - table not ready but we were seated promptly. Then the chaos began, after a half-hour no drinks had arrived and the table next to us had been seated and had drinks delivered. Waiter saw our annoyance and after a tense exchange ended with "do you really want to go there?" Seemed to want a fight. Drinks arrived via manager who also got into it with us and after a "customer is always right" remark she said "not any more". Left without ordering food. read more

My wife and I have come here a few times before in the past and always enjoyed the food and the service. This year was a disappointment. We made a reservation for a 6:30 seating. We arrived on time and were seated promptly. After a 15-20 minute wait our server finally came to our table and apologized for the wait. We ordered our drinks and an appetizer. Waited another 15 minutes for our drinks to arrive as well as our app (6 raw oysters). Things only went downhill from there. When I inquired about the nightly special, braised short ribs, our server informed us that they had run out. How does a restaurant run out of their special meal two hours into service? Bad planning on the chef's part, especially on a special occasion (valentine's day). Now the meals. I ordered the Tagliatelle Bolognese which was very good and tasty. My wife is gluten free and ordered the fish of the day, which was seared scallops with hash potatoes and rainbow carrots. As always, my wife inquired about the potatoes and whether they were gluten free, which the server said it was. When her meal arrived, there were only three carrots and a fingerling potato or two with the scallops, and the hash potatoes were way overdone. When the bill came there was a FIVE DOLLAR UPCHARGE for a gluten free meal which we were told was already gluten free! We didn't contest the upcharge and just paid the bill. This will be last time we dine here. read more

Great food. Large portions and reasonable priced. Service was very good. Comfortable eating atmosphere. Early bird happy hour is a great deal. read more

We flew in from Florida yesterday and went to a family birthday dinner here. I want to say that the atmosphere is amazing. No rush at all. The rustic and authentic Italian vibes were amazing. The pace was perfect. Our server, Aiden (spelling), was superb and so patient. Sometimes it's a challenge to choose a locally brewed beer. The appetizer selection was exceptional as were the appetizers. I was too busy catching up with family to snap pics. Please forgive me though there truly is no need. Our entrees were fresh and on point. Nothing over powering and everything that exceeded expectations. This casual but super authentic atmosphere is something you do not want to miss!!! Exception is not saying enough. Enjoy!!! read more

Really good Italian food!! It had a terrific ambiance, full of people enjoying themselves. The staff was extremely friendly, courteous, and efficient. read more

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Oh goodness what incredible food in our own backyard in such a beautiful setting!!! My husband wanted to take myself and our daughters here and what a wonderful surprise it was! They made an amazing pepperoni pizza for my picky 8 year old who said it was "the best pizza ever!" as she ate more than half a pizza by herself. My picky teenager got the hanger steak which she said was delicious. My husband and I had the fried calamari and the classic chicken parm which was amazing!! The service was absolutely perfect, they made sure we had everything we needed the entire visit. We took home some canolli's and the chocolate bread pudding too. We can't wait to visit again!! read more

Diverse menu, delicious food. Service was quick in spite of it being very busy due to Valentine's Day.

I had super high hopes for this place and they weren't met. It was not bad, it just wasn't anything to write home about. The place is super cute and the staff is very friendly. The drinks arrived and were delicious, as was the fresh bread. After that, it was okay. The Caesar salad was fresh; the burrata salad was not great as the cheese didn't have that super creamy center and it was overdressed. I prefer my chicken parmigiana to be a thinner piece of meat and this was thick. The fresh pasta was very good but my shrimp was very over cooked. I'd definitely visit again for drinks and maybe an appetizer. read more

Service was great. But the food was so-so. We had lionsmane mushroom cakes for appetizers and they served us with one still raw on one side. Pic was just how it was served to us - there's still raw flour on it. I thought at first it was parmesan cheese. It's definitely raw flour. We had mushroom pizza for our main course. It was good! And lastly the watermelon margarita - I can taste the pureed watermelon, but there was more tequila than anything. Hoping our next visit will be a better experience. read more

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This place never disappoints. The food is incredible every time we go. The best Italian food in the area. The service is always good with an experienced waitstaff that can recommend the perfect drink or dish. read more

The service in this place is top notch. Very nice ambiance. Great music playing. I recommend the short rib. read more

We had a reservation for Friday. Menu was limited. Calamari was ok, Caesar salad had little or no dressing. Main courses were adequate. Wait staff was pleasant. Some customers outrageously loud. Noise level through the roof. Don't go there if you want a conversation or quiet dinner. read more

I'm pretty impressed with this place, and bring out of town guests often. For a tiny town like Bridgton to have this level of dining is quite a treat. The menu is not huge and overwhelming, but the specials change often. So it gives the chef a chance to flex a little, and the guests get a little variety as well. Overall, the food is outstanding. The sauces.. the pasta.. and everything else is just plain good, and I can't think of anything we've ordered that we wouldn't have again. The servers appear to CARE.. and are smart, fun and conscious. They really believe in the overall mission, which speaks to the positive leadership here. Good spot.. I think you'll be impressed too. read more

It was fantastic. I need GF and they could substitute the home made pasta with non-home made pasta but it is an option! Ordered the "Mexitaliana" and it was delicious. Had the pork chop, Caesar salad, and my hubby had the bolognese - excellent. The waitress suggested a bottle of red - Moma - delicious. Sophie was great. We will be back! read more

As always, the food, service (friendly , attentive but not over the top, and great bar tenders) was excellent. There are very few times we can say we had just an ok meal or service, love this place. Unique for the areas read more

I've been coming Vivo's for the past four years and I have yet to be disappointed. The Authentic Italian food is one you'll crave time and time again. Being here in Bridgeton ME has so much to offer it's beautiful nature, lakes, and friendly people! Vivo's is a place for family, friends and meeting new friends! This is the place where everyone knows your name! Lol I know I know cliché but it's true. The owner is the chef will alway comes out to greet everyone! I'm trying a new dish on the Saturday's special for the first time! we'll see lol read more

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Although food was good, I was not pleased with the service. Me and my partner came in on valentine's day, we had a reservation, they had up waiting at the door, plenty of staff walking by making eye contact and not one said anything, finally sat down and they sat us right infront of the door. Me looking around there are plenty of empty seats around so I kindly asked to move to another seat so we dont have the cold air rushing to us the moment someone opens the door. Waitress asked her manager, Manager came over and said "we are saving that table for our regulars but there is room at the bar if you want." I'm sorry?? Did that "local" have a reservation? Meanwhile this is V-day, i'm a dress and do not want to sit at the bar when we had a reservation for a TABLE?? We stayed put and those "locals" came about an hour later. All smiles with them etc but us? nope. I will not be going back again and suggest this resturant to treat anyone as a potential customer to BECOME a regular!!! read more

Caitlyn was an amazing bartender! Efficient service, drinks were crafted to perfection. This restaurant is amazing. We had a series of cosmos, margaritas and beer to start. Oysters and calamari as appetizers and great entrees. Dessert was a dream, wish I saved more space! However we will be back. What a great experience for a fair price. read more

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Love this place! So beautifully decorated! Very rustic chic, especially loved the warm soft vintage lighting! Had the winter salad. Never even need heard of that & it was wonderfully prepared. Hubby had the pasta bolognese and he let me try it. It was to die for! Son had the chicken parm & it looked so yummy. The chicken was a gorgeous golden crispy color. Service was excellent! Very warm & friendly! Highly recommend! read more

I have tried to enjoy this place twice. We hoped maybe the first time was just an overly busy night, hence the soggy pasta and lack of flavor. No, the second time was just as bad. The waitstaff is very nice, super attentive. Makes me said that they have to carry such mediocre food. Even the PIZZA is flavorless. Won't try again. read more

Great food and friendly staff. Favorite Italian in the area. Fair prices for the quality.

Great food under their new chef! Drinks were generous and well made. Friendly service in a cool setting! I'll be back!

We were happy to find indoor dining. Staff was above & beyond fantastic. The food was adequate at best. Not very Italian from my experience. I ask for garlic w/oil with parm cheese to dip my bread and the chef didn't offer it. Not the type of place I'd have any desire to return or refer. read more

Great pizza great food great drinks we had a wonderful apps dinner pizza and dessert would highly recommend

Excellent dinner! I had the lemon herb chicken and my husband had the butcher's cut, which was a flank steak. Everything was fantastic: great service, beautiful presentation. This is our third visit, and we have not been disappointed! read more

If you would like to try please make reservations a day or two days before because their website nor yelp indicated so.

I went with three friends on a Friday evening. Our waiter was very pleasant and attentive. My friend and I both ordered a peartini, it was drinkable, but not nearly as tasty as others we have had, in particular at Krista's in Cornish. It did not seem as if it had any vodka in it, and the pear flavor was lacking. I ordered a No Baci pizza with guanciale, and blue cheese and peppers. The crust was delicious, the sauce was great, but there was almost NO blue cheese. There were a few chunks of guanciale, but it was disappointing. Two others ordered the special pork piccata, and they were both underwhelmed, lacked flavor and just not as expected. Overall, not sure I would go back, and I doubt the others will either. Ancora, you need to step up your game! read more

We walked in and were greeted by a fairly rude hostess, informing us that they were full and we could sit in the bar. Since we were hungry, we didn't want to look for another place so we stayed and ate at the bar. The food was amazing... my wife had the salmon which was cooked to perfection. My tagliatelle was spot on.. especially good with the homemade pasta. We'll definitely be back.. maybe we'll just sit in the bar to avoid the rude hostess! read more

This place is a gem, for sure, and it is a must if you go to the area. I grew up in Bridgton and there was nothing even close to this caliber then but, over the last decade, it has really made it's mark on the food scene. Depot Street is a small, unassuming street that connects one part of Main Street to the other, and you would never to expect to find one of the best italian restaurants I have ever eaten at, hands down. I will tell you that I am a pasta snob and one of the things I hate about eating it when I go out is that it is always disappointing because I can usually make it better... I could not make anything even close to what we had there. I will preface this by saying that we did not dine in the main area because we did not have reservations, which I heard that they are often booking a few weeks out. We got around this by arriving at the bar at 4pm and enjoying the cocktails until they serve entrees at 5pm. For starters, their cocktails are fabulous! I had the Sicilian, which is a grapefruit martini that packs a lot of punch. My friend had the Italian Wedding Cake which tasted like just that. They we both soooo good that I would go for the drinks alone. We then had appetizers: fried calamari and beef carpaccio. The calamari was light and crunchy and came as a large serving. The beef carpaccio was bright, cold, and clean tasting. To the main event, we both had gnocchi... Now, I have traveled all over and eaten gnocchi (except Italy - on my list) and this was to die for. They were light, pillowly little packages in the creamiest, cheese sauce. Seriously, it was so good! It is a good thing I am about 45minutes away or I would be eating this every night. Overall, the staff was kind, accommodating and very attentive. The atmosphere was charming and dis not feel stuffy. It was a good place for friends (bar side) or a romantic date/family get together (main side). Truly worth an experience. read more

Ancora Italian Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Bridgton, Maine

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Phenomenal. Nice find. Excellent management. Will definitely be back when we're in the area again.

Friends took my husband here for dinner one night (17 of them!!) He loved it so much he brought me the following week. I had the duck special and it was amazing. I was asked how I wanted it cooked, I have eaten a lot of duck in my days and this was a first. They recommended I order it the same way I eat steak. It was the single best duck I have ever had. The whole dinner was just spot on. My husband ordered chicken parm for the second week in a row and loved it both times. He took half home and ate it the next day. Make sure you have reservations as it did get very full and if you have a large party it could be tricky. read more

Ancora Italian Kitchen - Duck with raspberry sauce. It was perfectly cooked! - Italian Near Me - Bridgton, Maine

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As a self proclaimed "foodie" and Italian, this review is serious business. I ordered half a dozen oysters which was a special, a Caesar salad (without the anchovies of course because I'm not THAT much of a foodie), calamari, fruitti di mare, and bolognese. For dessert we had espresso martinis, cannolis, and the gingerbread tiramisu. The oysters were huge and super fresh, the calamari was fried with peppers throughout. The calamari is the only thing i wouldn't give a 10/10, the peppers were great but aside from that not a ton of flavor. The portions were very generous, and the seafood in the frutti di mare was delicious. The gingerbread tiramisu was my favorite part of the meal. The presentation was beautiful and such a creative seasonal flavor. I've been vacationing in bridgton my whole life, and this restaurant is the perfect addition. Can't wait to return with my family. read more

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Rebranding of the former Vivo restaurant, and happy to still have them in town. The new owners/staff continue to please, and the new menu is a welcome update. The addition of the new handsome patio area looks sure to make for a great summer of post-Covid dining. The new pizzas from their new pizza oven are a treat for Bridgton and offer a welcome upgrade to traditional pizza shop fare. I am also appreciating the upgrades to the bar/drink menu, so hope to see that continue to evolve. Looking forward to giving them that 5th star this summer! read more