It's rare that I return to a restaurant that I really enjoyed and pick exactly the same dish I had…read morebefore; I usually want to explore the rest of the menu. Chitarrucci neri ai frutti di mare (black ink chitarra pasta with seafood), however, was something I really wanted to have again. I was hoping that it would be as great as I remembered ... it was. We started with Cozze alla sambuca. I would not have thought of putting fennel or sambuca with mussels, but it was a good combination. The other players (shallot and herbs) were well balanced too. The Insalata de Cesare was fresh and well dressed, with a generous portion of shaved parmesan. The Chitarrucci was the star, with pasta cooked just right and plenty of mussels, shrimp, scallops, calamari, and clams. If I have to be picky, the calamari may have been slightly over cooked, but I'd order this dish over and over again. (I didn't taste it, but the gentleman at the next table had a beautiful plate of ossobuco, with the osso standing up in the middle of the risotto with a sprig of herb 'planted' in the marrow. He said it was great) If you're anywhere near Boothbay, make a reservation and try Ports of Italy.

We dined at Ports of Italy one night while in Boothbay Harbor. For an Italian restaurant, it was…read moregood but not great. We shared a Caesar salad, which was fine, but it was nothing memorable either. We each got our own entrees, which we hadn't been doing because it's usually too much food, and since we were on a road trip, there wasn't much point to requesting doggy bags like we normally would because we wouldn't be able to eat the leftovers. Unfortunately, neither of us finished our meals... they were both tasty, but we ended up leaving food on our plates. I hate wasting food like that. I think we'll return to our one-entree-and-share-it protocol for the remainder of our trip. That seems to be working for us. My chicken dish, Pollo con Funghi, which came with tomatoes, olives and mushrooms in a white wine butter sauce seasoned with basil, garlic and oregano, was tasty, but it was too large a portion for me to finish. There was also some squash, and we had ordered a side of spinach, too. I was very sad to not have taken the remaining food for leftovers. Would've been great. My husband ordered the Ravioli di Astice, which was lobster and ricotta filled ravioli in a prosecco and aurora sauce. Not sure what aurora sauce is, but when I tasted it, the sauce was delicious. My issue with his dish was that the ravioli was severely undercooked, and it was way too chewy... definitely not al dente. They simply didn't cook it long enough, which was a shame because the flavors were excellent. Big miss for an Italian restaurant. I suppose I'd give this place another try if we're ever fortunate enough to return to Boothbay. We definitely would have to agree on one entree between the two of us, though, so we don't waste food.

My wife and I have been celebrating as many anniversaries as we can at Primo. With the exception of…read more2020 and 2025 we haven't missed a year. However. This year made us realize that this is our last year. It was our 25th and we were looking forward to it. It started with the hostess who was annoyed that we showed up 7 minutes early for our reservation and told us they were running on time and to take a walk in the garden and come back at the exact time of our reservation. Which we did. We were seated by the manager who seemed impatient. He handed us the menus and walked off. A detail I didn't consider until I noticed that the other manger handed the menus and went over some drink specials and menu specials. Our server was nice in the beginning although seemingly distracted. We found out a little later they had a wedding party upstairs and the kitchen was behind. We didn't mind because we were there for the experience as much as the food. However as the night rolled on and things took longer and longer, the staff seemed more and more annoyed with us for ordering our meal. By the end of the meal, our server asked if we wanted a cheese or dessert service and seemed very annoyed when we said yes. At this point we were 2 1/2 hours in and they wanted us out. However, we were still there because it had taken so long for our service and food. In the end we split a strawberry shortcake, which was very good, I had a coffee, and we got out of there. They wanted us out and we didn't want to stay any more. What is sad is we have been celebrating our anniversary for 20 years there as often as we can and this, our 25th was the worse experience we have ever had and we won't return. It broke our hearts.

Primo, "first". Interesting name to give your own restaurant. And the website doubles down by…read morequoting the chef - "the ultimate Farm to Table experience." (Another superlative?) Further reading boasts that they've received multiple awards and accolades, though the last one seems to be from 6 years ago. (As they say, time changes everything.) After walking around the beautiful grounds and event spaces, the young hostess who greeted us told us confidently that we would not be disappointed. Such hype and a charming setting could be a set up for disappointment, and it was. The friendly and attentive waiter tried to recite the specials but had to check his notes and wasn't certain about some ingredients or pricing. We chose the toast special "with house-made bread, cheese and seasonal berries". Immediately after ordering it, he asked if we wanted the bread service as well. We just ordered the toast . . . It was thin bread spread with bland cheese, a few macerated strawberries, a drizzle of balsamic and some greens on top (because you always put balsamic glaze and a few greens on top at an Italian-inspired restaurant?) Cliché, bland and no way those were local strawberries this early in the season. I like a simple starter but that depends on having flavor. (We had better avocado toast for breakfast at Joe's Flat Iron Cafe in Skowhegan a few days before.) Next we shared the Farmer's Salad, appetizingly and nostalgically served in a hand-turned wooden bowl. The crisp, fresh greens were radicchio, frissé, and romaine with house croutons, shaved Parmesan, pork belly pieces and a tasty dressing. Good effort overall but 1) what local farm produced those greens in early May ("ultimate farm to table"?), 2) I'm over trendy, greasy and sinewy pork belly replacing good, crispy bacon and 3) It was a simple salad I could have made at home. Where was the wow? We again went with the seasonal special for the main - house-made ravioli stuffed with house-made ricotta, lobster pieces and vegetables in an herb infused oil. Sounded great, looked good but another bland disappointment. The vegetable on top (garnish?) was roasted pea shoots that were dry and stringy. Sautéed cabbage was mixed with the raviolis. A flavorless filler. But kudos for including locally foraged fiddle heads to add seasonal color and interest. The pasta was well made but the cheese filling was just bland. As was the colored but flavorless herb oil. (And now I understand why Italian cooks say cheese doesn't go with seafood.) We asked for salt, got a strange look but they brought it. I have to give them credit for carefully crafting an uplifting and appealing setting. The gardens, event buildings, main house and dining spaces have an intoxicating atmosphere. And they clearly have their fans. (A woman at the next table who was eavesdropping on our conversation about the pros and cons of the food pointedly said to us as she left so that others could hear "I hope they got your meal right".) Bless her heart. Fine to support the home team (Maine plates on her car) but it's good theater more than great food. Overhyped and too expensive for what it is.

We stumbled into Bistro Millard on a whim and really enjoyed our meal. They have a really cute…read morerestaurant. We started with the mussels and two of the house salads and they were both delicious. Our waitress was very helpful in helping us narrow down what we wanted to eat. The sauce with the mussels was so good. We all go the same pasta dish- house made white wine and mushroom sauce which was incredible. The star of the show was their chocolate mousse which was some of the best we have had in a long time!

Actually ZERO stars. I put in a request for reservations, thru their email as directed by their…read morewebsite, for either a Friday or Saturday night on a Wednesday. I NEVER received a response back. NOTHING. Not a chirp. If your response to requests is this poor I can understand why there are negative reviews about the service. Good luck surviving with this lack of professionalism. I will not be attempting another reservation.

The entrees, apps and salads were so delicious. We started with the shrimp polenta and it was a…read morehit. We then had Caesar salads and again so yummy. The staff were very friendly and helpful. This place could be a goldmine for the owner on food and location alone. Inside the restaurant feels like a divorce. Half the restaurant is red and half is white. It should all be red and black. Put a tv behind the bar and you'll have a wait every night.

An amazing meal. What a find!! An exceptionally talented chef. It made our first ever visit to…read moreRockland

My husband and I had a delicious dinner here tonight, the servers were friendly and the food was…read moreexceptional! The menu was authentic Italian cuisine and the desserts were divine. We will be back next time we are in the area!

WOWOW!! I ordered To Go Pasta during my visit in Rockport. Easy ordering online. Pick up was a…read morebreeze. We were immediately greeted by several people. We picked up our food effortlessly. I was so eager to dig in before sharing with my daughters and mom while my husband and I drove back to our hotel. The pasta was INCREDIBLE!!! It would've tasted out of this world if we dined in house. We ordered the AGNOLOTTI, FETTUCCINE VERDI ALLA CAROLINA, TAGLIATELLE ALLA BOLOGNESE, and POLPETTINE DI CARNE. The veal ravioli was absolutely delicious, the mushroom and sauce really elevated the veal. Ravioli was cooked perfectly. My mom and husband also enjoyed their dish. The bolognese sauce was on the more tarte taste but my husband liked it that way. My moms fettuccine was perfect. My daughter is a picky eater but kept asking my mom for more!!! The meatballs were moist but could use more seasoning. Overall, food was delicious. Service was inviting. Cant wait to visit again in the near future!!

The ratings on this place do not lie. We ended up here for dinner the other night, and got seats at…read morethe bar. Our server, Jason, was fantastic and friendly, and so were the other servers who chatted with us and checked on us. The cocktails were great, and the Caesar salad was crispy and light. We also were treated to a lovely little antipasto that was colorful, fresh, and flavorful. We were told the meatballs were the best, and since I didn't want them as the appetizer I asked if I could add meatballs to the orechiette with spicy sausage ragu. The long and the short of it is I could, and now you should absolutely go ask for "The Jessie" when you go in and try it for yourself. Tell them Jessie sent you Overall a wonderful meal, a gorgeous environment, and a fantastic staff.

I ordered the chicken parm and thought it was delicious. The focaccia you are given for free wasn't…read morethe best, but I still can always appreciate free bread. I sat at the bar and even though the place was very busy, the servers were attentive. The food did take a bit to come out, but I didn't mind. I would definitely try the meatballs if I get the chance to come back here again. If you plan to come on a weekend, I would definitely recommend a reservation. Overall, everything was good, but I felt the prices were a bit high for the return. Other than that I had no issues.

Two words. Mushroom sacchetti…read more You can have pasta most anywhere but unless you don't like mushrooms.... Let me tell you what the locals get. Spinach and artichoke dip as appetizer. Mushroom sacchetti with mushroom cream sauce as entree and for dessert - flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. You're welcome.

I've been to Delvino's multiple times. Was there last night- food great, service was good. But…read moreambiance was lacking. Mainly due to it being SO hot in the building. We overheard that the A/C was out, which I would've appreciated knowing before we were sat. Even with a reservation they placed us at a table that felt very cramped - so that coupled with the heat led to a less than stellar dining experience. While I will be back, but I will not be back in the summer/a hot day.

We had a fun girls night out at Calzolaio Pasta Company, and our server truly made the experience…read more She was attentive, funny, and immediately matched our energy--honestly one of those servers who elevates the whole night. We loved her. The food, though, was just... fine. I'm a big pasta and sauce person, and while everything was perfectly decent, it didn't quite live up to the hype we'd heard going in. Nothing was bad, but nothing really stood out either. My espresso martini was good, but nothing special. That said, the building itself is charming and a little eccentric in a good way. I can definitely see how the experience would be elevated in warmer weather--sitting out on the patio overlooking the river would be a big plus. Overall, a good night thanks to great service and atmosphere, but the food didn't quite wow us.

The food was great. The bread & olive oil was yummy, a lil spicy. We had the fancy Brussels sprouts…read moreto start. Delicious The bathrooms are amazing!

Well the pounded chicken parm was very thin and was also burned. Waitress seemed to care less -…read moretook away my dish, no credit no free drink or dessert. I'd skip this place.

Burned, under seasoned... pre fab pasta. Worst Italian food ive ever eaten in my life. Not just in…read moremaine but anywhere, ever. Major red flags on the menu... the gnocchi was straight out of the freezer section. Burned butter and about an inch of oil on top of split bland sauces with no garlic or salt.. just bland. We got the stuffed focaccia and it was pesto wet mush, id be ashamed to serve that. You can tell the cook (not chef) has zero knowledge of or passion for cooking food. It's one of the worst restaurants I've ever been to in my entire life. I seriously hope you never have the misfortune of eating here. If anybody ever suggest this place as a restaurant, they must hate you !

I know it seems rough to give three and a half stars, but rounding up to four doesn't seem quite…read moreaccurate. I think the problem is that it's been given a pass for so long that now it's reputation is untouchable, and this unfortunately is going to be a humbling post. It was highly recommended to us by our hotel during our stay in Rockland, and we went the first night, of which they were booked out but no problem at all, it smelled so good we decided to make reservations for the subsequent night. So we did. Mind you, let me caveat and say it's also always a challenge to eat at Italian restaurants, because it means that someone has to make a sauce that's better than you can make it home, and that's normally not the case, save a few exceptions. So we came back, excited, and ready to be blown away, because of the house made pasta, because of the amazing aroma, and because of the beautiful ambience. However, all of our meals fell short. Spaghetti & meatballs, the meatballs were quite dry and somewhat crumbly, and the sauce while yes fresh still had no flavor. The pasta, which was probably most of the excitement for eating there did not taste as delightful as you know fresh noodles should taste. Pizzas were just ok, and although the eggplant Parmesan was cooked well, again the same sauce was used to flavor it and was still non descript. Our server was phenomenal in good news, checking In repeatedly, saw the uneaten meatballs, and asked if there was a problem, which I just replied they weren't quite what I expected. Also, the vibe in the restaurant was amazing. So if anything I would go for that, but food would not recommend.

We came here on a whim while visiting and it did not disappoint. Our server Hyatt was so attentive…read moreand so kind, it was lovely. The food was really great as well. We had the carbonara and the margherita pizza. Both were quite delicious. The carbonara was genuinely one of the best I've had in some time. The pizza was light and not overtly heavy or dense. Definitely great for sharing. I do recommend either getting a reservation or preparing for a wait as they were quite busy the entire time we were there. Overall though the vibe was great and I would definitely go back when in town