Excellent service, extremely welcoming and the food exceeds all expectations. Next time we visit family in Maine this is a destination restaurant! Thank you everyone at the restaurant to make our dinners to remember. Well done! read more

Very good Italian restaurant that has been around for generations. I can't remember when it opened because I think it is older than me, maybe different owners, but same basic place. I remember going here as a kid in the summer with the neighbors and riding backwards in their station wagon and getting car sick. Anyways, we sat outside in the parking lot that had been closed with an umbrella for dinner on a Saturday nite. Great looking menu, with so many choices that looked good. I chose create your own pasta. I picked capellini with creamy pesto and veggies. Great pasta, nice sauce, large portion. Prices were good for an upscale Italian restaurant. Waitress was extremely nice and accommodating. Garlic rolls were good that come with all entrees and nice little salad too, comes with salami which luckily the waitress mentioned and I got it without it. Wonderful time. read more

If you want to go here, make a reservation. Whether or not there are people waiting, they seat people with reservations first. They will take your name and continually seat every other party first. I was part of a party of three and there were two two-tops about to clear, and the hostess seated a party of two with a reservation in a location where a four top could fit. I realized that I was never going to get a seat because they were going to continually seat everyone with reservations before any of us who were waiting in the very tiny lobby. If that's your policy, that's fine. But don't encourage people to wait when you actually have no intention of seating them. read more

Food was fresh, restaurant was clean and the service was amazing. The prices were cheaper than going for fast food. AMAZING gem of a place. I do want them to assess their prices. Market value for scallops was more than prepared plate. This is a great local spot!!!! read more

Confused by the negative reviews...I have only had positive experiences here! The name is somewhat cheese (pun intentionally placed), but everything else is wonderful. Generous helpings, kind service and right on Maine St. Highly recommend when you are seeking a cozy and familiar meal with some options you just simply can't find around here unless you attempt to make it yourself! Delicious! read more

First time visiting, will definitely be back. We tried the steak medallions and the seafood Alfredo with ricotta dishes. Our waitress Lee Ann was fantastic. Only negative was the garlic knots tasted a bit doughy. read more

This is a comfortable local dining spot where the service is good, the staff is friendly, and the portions are big. The food is okay, but it's elevated by the friendly feel of the place. We had a nice, relaxing evening while traveling through... read more

Made a reservation for 8. We came and there was no table reserved for us. Waited for 30 minutes and even told the hostess we would split tables if need be. At least 5 parties were sat before us in tables that could've been split. Asked to talk to a manager and there was none working. Food seems decent but Will not be coming here ever again. Restaurant is also run down and has poor ambiance. Service seems poorz read more

I love Brunswick and I think they are doing a pretty decent job with food in that down town area, so I was excited to find out they had gluten free options here. And they do, and that is great. However, that's about where my excitement ended. I really don't need much from a server, I don't need you to entertain me, or make me feel like the most important person in the restaurant or any of that (I'd really rather do without all that), but this man didn't even ask us if we wanted anything other than water to drink. He seemed sort of annoyed we were choosing to eat there, as if it was a burden for him to have to do his job. The food was a bit bland for me, I had to add a lot of salt, pepper and parm. They were out of the gluten free lasagne, so I got a creamy pesto dish and my wife got the scampi. It was just ok, I'm sorry to say. The gluten free bread is a nice try, but I'd recommend them branching out there, trying something more attractive. There's so many gluten free options these days, I really think it would behoove businesses to be competitive there. It was also way too cold in there and I couldn't wait to leave. I think they had the AC on and most people don't even have their snow tires off yet. read more

Had the peacatore, sauce was grainy and broken, 1 scallop, 4 mussels, 1 tiny shrimp, invisible clams, I think.?? Food lacked flavor, or Italian seasoning. Seafood lasagna was cold in the middle, lacked any Italian seasoning or flavor. Maybe they were having an off day. Service was good. Unsure if we will return. I would not recommend this spot, based on today's meals. read more

Service, location great. Seafood with ricotta sauce terrible. Tasted like garlic milk. Miniature shrimp two scallops did have muscles. Clams were all on one side. The sauce was just flat out horrible. read more

I've been eating here on occasion for years, and the lack of visits is due to how popular this restaurant can be on most nights. I'm not big on waiting for long periods to dine. Every meal here has been absolutely excellent, and the latest lunch we had was extremely enjoyable. The carbanara is loaded with bacon and a lovely flavor that wasn't created for the spice dweebs who think that everything they shove in their faces should create an explosion on their tastebuds. It could be that these other reviewers simply lack the level of appreciation and sophistication for different levels of flavor. The garlic knots disappear at a frightening speed. The pesto is exceptional, and the staff is very friendly and attentive. If you do count yourself as one of the army of trend-sucking, faux-epicurean dilettantes, then you might want to skip this place and find something more expensive that you can complain about. As for me, I'll keep going and enjoy every minute of it. read more

Wonderful food, service and ambiance! We do order for pick up quite often. Delicious!

Oh man, the garlic knots are where it's at. I've been checking out this restaurant since I was probably 14, and if it's not a reason to drive from Boston up to Brunswick, it's at least the restaurant that should be your top choice. The entrees are huge (some are offered in half-sizes, like the lasagna) and always perfectly cooked. The veal is always tender, and the tomatoes in the side salads are super juicy. I've had dessert and wine here, and while our choice of a bottle wasn't top notch, we were able to cork it and take it home. Ahhh, Maine. read more

The Great Impasta - Italian Near Me - Brunswick, Maine

Service was excellent. The food was good and plentiful; definitely better than Olive Garden, but not the Nonna homemade depth of flavor you get at Italian neighborhoods where families emigrated to in the 1800-1900s. Perfect for families and those looking for a protein/carb/sauce satisfaction. read more

I loved my lasagna! Though was a small portion, and I was still a little hungry after. But it was easily the best I have ever had. My husband said his chicken parm had very dry chicken and the sauce had no flavor. My parents both loved their meals and had no complaints! I got the limoncilla for dessert, and I loved that too. My son did as well. Overall, cute little place, with decent food for decent price. Service was slow, but we could tell they were training someone new and it got very busy shortly after we got in. read more

This place is cute and homey. Also very tolerant of toddlers. The chicken fettuccini Alfredo is not great, Alfredo could use more flavor and the chicken wasn't tender enough, but the meatballs, Tuscan chicken, lasagna, and gluten free options are tasty. The house salad dressing is really good. Also complimentary garlic knots! read more

The Great Impasta is a Brunswick institution! The menu is very traditional Italian. The ambience is intimate and casual, with traditional Italian music in the background. The decor is pleasantly Italian countryside....ahhh The atmosphere is warm and friendly, even if you catch them as they are trying to close and you are the first customer of the evening. They will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. The food is prepared fresh daily! Locally sourced for most ingredients! I absolutely love the Bruschetta! The menu is constantly rotating, but if you can catch a Pasta de polio, you will be psyched! I love the Italian sausage soup and minestrone! Cannolis.....forget about it...the Best! read more

Trying to find some good Italian food while passing through Brunswick and stumble upon the best hole in the wall ever. Amazing pasta, sauce, garlic knots, garlic knots wrapped around a meatball (WHAT) conveniently called a meat knot... Dessert was to die for. Super cute atmosphere, very homey. Mary Beth was literally amazing as a server. Food that tastes straight from Italy, hometown feel, phenomenal service... We WILL be back!! read more

The food was good, average Italian food. Homemade which was nice and portions were decent for the price. Service unfortunately made me feel like I was in trouble with someone the entire time. We grabbed a high chair and was told don't touch anything they didn't provide., The salad and entrees were delivered at the same time, and when a second drink didn't show up to the table but on our bill we were questioned about it. It was fine for the pop in but will not be back. read more

Been to this restaurant a few times and I don't think we'll return. Meat lasagna hardly had any meat - mostly just cheese. Garlic knots were very doughy without much flavor. The chicken in the chicken parm was tough and stringy. Service was fair. read more

Very little I can say except EXCELLENT !!! Fresh, delicious salad, mouth watering entre and wonderful garlic knots. read more

Love that they offer half portions. Food was great, service friendly! Parking can be a.challenge but worth it!

I've been a bunch of times but I definitely don't go here enough. Every time the food has been top notch and utterly delicious. They have a chefs, not cooks, and they care about each meal they plate. We've never had a bad thing to eat. I'm not a huge Italian food eater, but if that's what you are looking for then The Great Impasta is where you want to go. They have the best types of sauces and gravy, and the service is always great. It's not a big place and their is no water view, but the food is so dang good that you won't be spending much time looking around. Great place for a date night and the wine selection is decent. It ain't cheap, but it is not overpriced at all. The quality is so good that it makes it worth what you will be paying. If you go for lunch you can get a soup, sandwich and a glass of wine for about $20 and that's a great way to try out a few things without breaking the bank. The turkey sandwich is wicked good, not sure where they get the turkey from but it's tasty and clean, (meaning no grizzle or fat) and the Impasta Italian is really good as well. They make a decent $10 sandwich, but every time I've been there for lunch it has been busy, so expect a wait. This place has been around like forever and its' staying power is evidence of their efforts to serve the absolute best Italian food in New England, (on par with Rino's in East Boston, but with a better atmosphere). They are creative and meticulous with each plate. You will not be disappointed. read more

Such a quaint place! Friendly staff. Food was good. Very relaxed and easy atmosphere. Excellent value. A hidden gem nestled in Brunswick.

I just had the most amazing meal linguini pescatore. It was filled with seafood and cream. I ate it so fast I did not get to take a picture. The staff was accommodating and amazing. I would recommend you stop by and try this delicious and delectable Italian delight. read more

For starters, I grew up in Brooklyn, New York in the 50s and 60s. There were great Italian places in every neighborhood and some that were really spectacular. They were usually family-type places, with very unpretentious atmosphere and great food. The Great Impasta reminds me of those days. Excellent food, comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, outstanding, friendly service and a price tag that makes eating there a bargain. Everything we had from the salad and soup to the main course right through to the desserts was excellent. We intend to go back regularly and could not be more pleased. read more

We came in 30 minutes before closing on a Monday night, very hungry. We had a choice of outside tables & our dog was not only accepted, but welcomed with his own bowl of ice water. The rolls were delicious & fresh from the oven, & my husband ordered breaded meatballs as an appetizer that he really enjoyed. I tasted the marinara that came with it--*really* good! I had a haddock dinner with pecans, cranberries, & orange marmalade--not only delicious, but no dairy!! Sam had puttanesca, with anchovy & capers--spicy as requested. With the salads, we both took half our entrees home for lunch tomorrow. We will come again! read more

This place is awesome!! They accommodated our large group. The server was awesome, the food was awesome and large portions that we had leftovers, some of which we took w/us. I highly recommend this restaurant read more

Our entire family enjoyed yummy Italian food last week, sitting outside, sharing family-style: Amazing lasagna, butternut squash ravioli, pesto fettucine, angel hair marinara, etc. The children loved the pretzel appetizers too. The service was friendly and good. Thank you again for accommodating our large party reservation. We appreciate it. read more

We came here on a Saturday around 2pm. The building is cute and the parking was easy. Seemed like a good vibe when we walked in, the host was friendly and we were seated fast. The prices on the menu were very reasonable. $11 for an average meal. They brought us bread? Garlic knots? They were balls of dough (wheat and white) covered with oil, and sprinkled with parm cheese. Tasted like stale bread reheated, mushy and not appetizing. We started with wine, bruschetta and minestrone soup. The wine was a decent size glass. The bruschetta was ok, it was about the size of half a bagel cut up. And the soup was good. The waitress was not rude, but not friendly at all. I got shrimp scampi. It was store bought pasta with tiny shrimp (quarter size) with decent garlic tomato sauce. The portion was small. The plate was tiny. The sauce did have a nice garlic flavor. My partner got seafood lasagne. Had heavy pasta and ricotta cheese, did not taste much seafood. Very heavy cream. Also a small portion. This place is a value, the pricing was low. But it felt like they took stuff out of the freezer and microwaved it. It was a comfy place, but the waitress was not friendly. I don't think it would take much to make this place great. read more

I went here and was then regretful that I wasted my money. I came with a party of three and we all ordered different things, the vegetable sandwich, the primavera puttanesca, and the butternut squash ravioli. First off the wait for the food was about enough time for me to drive to the Hannafords, drive home, and cook all three dishes myself. The wait for anything at that place was also this long. When the food arrived I eagerly dug in. My vegetable sandwich was wet and soggy. The focaccia was so poor, that it was dampened by the vegetables that tasted like they had sat out in storage for a while. There was not a touch of flavor and I had to resort to putting half the shaker of pepper in my sandwich just to taste something interesting. We all shared, and the "primavera puttanesca" was not any better. I think there was one olive in the entire dish, and maybe just maybe a piece of garlic for the "primavera". There was maybe a tablespoon of red sauce. The rest (99.999% of the dish) was the plain, unbuttered, unsalted, unseasoned pasta. The butternut squash ravioli was a little sus. I think there was a cup of olive oil in the pasta dish. In fact each time I stabbed my fork and gathered a bite I had to wait at least a good 20 seconds for all the olive oil to stop dripping off. There was an ABUNDANCE of nut topping and maybe four ravioli itself. The nut topping wasn't bad, it just tasted like something I would eat in my granola, and since this was a pasta dish that didn't bode well. If your looking for a great Italian meal don't go here! If you're looking to feel good about your bad cooking go here! read more

We have been before with great food but this time it was sub par. Garlic knots were raw in the middle, mozzarella app was burnt and chicken parm was cut up cutlets on top of a child's portion pasta bowl. Very disappointing to say the least read more

Table for six , no problem. The special was awesome pictured here. The staff is friendly and welcoming. A wonderful place to dine. You feel like you are part of an Italian family where you are the favorite cousin. read more

The Great Impasta - Special was very special - Italian Near Me - Brunswick, Maine

We were met with the kindest host who summarized this restaurant perfectly when she said "we're small but we try to accommodate everyone." We had a large party, had made dinner plans at the last minute, and didn't have a reservation (also came in half an hour before closing). The waitress was very kind, quick to a joke, and gave us excellent service. The food was wonderful! It came out quickly and cooked perfectly. Such a lovely place with lovely people! read more

This used to be one of my all time favorite restaurants. The food is amazing and the staff used to be very accommodating. However, since it has changed ownership it is completely not worth it to go here during lunch due to the food being below the usual standards. The food at dinner is still delicious but be prepared to eat day (or more) old garlic knots if you get lunch here. Unfortunately the service is always terrible. It's seems as if the staff is in a constant state of "why are you bothering me" the last few times I've been here at least one dish ordered is forgotten and the wait staff acts put out when asked for simple things that they should have already done (like bring bread, drinks, etc.) read more

A perfect example of a hometown spot that has its roots entrenched in homestyle Italian recipes that have been able to update with the times. The punny name, the quaint patio, and the hand drawn murals inside and out lend to the very home-y atmosphere as you walk through the door. Contrary to many of the other reviews, we were only greeted with a smile and super attentive wait staff, but not too nice like they were faking it. The age of the patrons definitely trends upwards, but don't let this turn you away- the drink menu, food specials and nice ambiance all lent to an enjoyable experience. The pasta was cooked nicely, a little over done, but that doesn't bother me much. The traditional pasta sauce was bright and fruity but not overly sweet. I ordered the strawberry balsamic chicken dish and found it quite tasty- though the balsamic marsala sauce was a little thin and didn't add much after the first few bites. I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice little spot for dinner, but either go very early, or very late, as around 5 it starts to fill up fast! read more

Staff is very friendly, good service. Ordered the Aragosta which is a lobster and fettuccine dish... lobster was tough. Texture similar to chicken breast, no flavor at all. read more

Worst food I've ever paid for. We ordered to go as we have small kiddos and didn't want to disturb the other patrons as the place is tiny. I ordered the pesto pasta with shrimp and my husband ordered the bolognese. The noodles tasted like dishwater and my pesto was mostly oil. My husbands bolognese had an odd "water" substance at the bottom of the container. We also ordered a pizza for our toddlers that was swimming in sauce and only large enough for my three year old. Don't waste your time with this place. Ambiance is ALL they have going for them. read more

I have never felt so catered to in my life!! Called to do a pick up order and noted some family members were celiac. They checked with staff and made us a gf family meal. When I picked it up, all gluten containing items were clearly marked in a separate bag and they even included some gf brownies. The thought they put into our order on a busy summer night was amazing! And, of course, the food was fantastic! Cannot recommend them enough!!! read more