We finally made it! And it definitely was worth it. Stellar dinner where there are no stars for many miles around. The hospitality is well worth their Beard award. The staff was perfect, lovely owner always makes the rounds and the porch provides a lakeside view. Every dish was delicious and well plated. Dietary preferences are followed. It took 3 hours for the prix fixe menu to be served so be prepared. read more

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We had high expectations for this place. It was very disappointing. For the price, the food was bland. The appetizers were the only savory part. There was too much time between courses, about 20 minutes making the entire experience about 3 hours. The service was great. Friendly and helpful. The place was small, we sat in the deck area, the view was amazing. read more

Not to sound dramatic- but this would be my death row meal. My husband and I agreed that we have NEVER had a better meal in our lives. Course after course we were absolutely blown away by the skill and wizardry of the chefs. The portions were generous! Our service was equally as outstanding (shout out to waitress Emily and bartender Richard!) and we observed the owner coming out and chatting with all of the tables. The staff genuinely seem happy to be here and are not only kind to guests but kind to each other! Do not let the lack of website fool you- this restaurant is cranking out the highest level/quality food I've ever had the pleasure of consuming. I am gluten free and mentioned this when I booked our reservation because I was concerned that I might not have many options with a set menu. Much to my surprise- the kitchen had made accommodations to make EVERY SINGLE ENTREE safe for me to eat. They even made gluten free pop overs in place of the complimentary bread course. I couldn't believe it . Every plate is an actual work of art and the taste is like nothing I've ever experienced. This place is an absolute gem and I can very easily see why the owner has been nominated and won awards. read more

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I personally had low expectations, due to our experiences here in Maine, my wife was VERY excited.... WELL let me tell you, it's safe to assume the restaurant is awesome if they win a James Beard award!!! So food, service and ambiance .... Food - Everything we had was awesome! I think you can say it is an 8 course diner including the roll with the whipped maple butter. You're given a few options for your appetizer, entree and desert, while the rest of the courses are standard for the night. I believe the menu, at least in part, changes thru-out the year. All of the dishes were a good size for a bigger menu. Flavors, textures and seasonings for each dish were very thoughtfully crafted, the effort and love is unmistakeable. Our meal was about 3 hours and it really didn't feel like it, everyone left full!!! It's priced at $115 per person, not including drinks or gratuity. Well worth it! Service - while the service was good, our server was prompt and mindful of drink refills as well as getting the order correct, however my one criticism of our dinner was that the service did not meet the standard of dining like this. At this level, you're paying for more, food costs more so the gratuity costs more and the expectation is higher for BOTH! No-one is okay paying for a BMW and getting a KIA. There really is an art and expertise needed to work as a server for a high end restaurant, you cannot serve people like your working at the Olive Garden. It reflects poorly on the restaurant when one of the team doesn't preform to meet the standard, and can affect the dining experience. We didn't care but certainly an area for improvement.... maybe just an off night. Ambiance - the restaurant is tastefully decorated, clean, plain and very spacious. It's not a $30 million building with fancy marble, it's got a small town feel and very comfortable. They don't have the tables packed in there. No-one likes getting their chair kicked or elbow rubbed while eating... Towards the end of the meal we met the chef and owner lulu, who was so down to earth, easy to talk to and very humble... such a nice person. If you're looking for quality fine dining in Maine then I absolutely recommend you make a reservation and take a drive. The Quarry is absolutely a hidden gem. read more

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Excellent! Fantastic treat! Food was absolutely amazing. Server could not have been better. Unique/quaint atmosphere! Love that the chef makes it a priority to visit every table! read more

I really wanted to love this place so the review hurts to write, but at just under $400 for 2 people I feel compelled to share how utterly disappointing it was. We arrived at 6:30p on time and waited a full 20 minutes for anyone to come take a drink order...the whole meal took 3 hours. The ingredients seemed good and fresh, but salad was drenched in maple syrup, the tuna soaked in soy sauce and the main dish extremely unfortunate. The plate was piping hot but the steak and squash seemed pulled from the fridge they were so cold. With store bought bbq sauce I ended up just getting it to go, so I could cook it properly the next day and have it hot. All in all, it was very underwhelming and not at all worth the money or time. read more

Another fall visit to The Quarry, a gem in Monson, Maine. My wife and I stayed at their AirBnB cabin so we enjoyed two nights of fine dining here in a very comfortable cabin right on Lake Hebron. An easy walk to the restaurant. LuLu and her team provided great service. Shout out to our servers Emily and trainee Jada. Both were completely knowledgeable of the menu and made great suggestions. Easygoing and fun to chat with too. Most hospitable, we felt like part of the family. We dined one night in the newly added enclosed porch area. The decor is beautiful and inviting us to linger. Besides the outstanding food and presentations, what we love is the fact that you have the table all evening (no rush to turn tables here) and it is quiet. A rare treat compared to most American "seems to need a theme" restaurants. By eating there two nights we could sample each entree and mix up the appetizers. Starting with a melon amuse bouche with balsamic pearls, then a salad that was layers of flavor. I am typically not a fan of hard-boiled eggs but this salad included a hard-boiled egg covered in flour/panko mixture and quickly fried. Crunchy and tasty texture. Add very fresh local greens, watermelon radish, and those special strawberry diamonds (great flavor bombs) and topped with a very flavorful maple mustard vinaigrette, wow! Appetizers: brie en croute, oh my and the tuna tartare was amazing. The second night we tried the pan-seared duck breast. The pickled onions and poached spiced pears really made for an excellent flavor profile. In between, a lightly curried squash soup that really hit the spot. The curry did not overpower the squash flavor. And a fun apple cider mojito sorbet to cleanse the palate (no rum) prepared us for the entrees. For the entrees, the first night, Pineland Farm Beef Filet. Sorry, no picture as it was eaten too fast! Enjoyed the shallot crisps on top and bourbon glaze with just the right amount of tri-color potatoes on the side. The second night was the pan-seared halibut cooked perfectly on top of a creamy/dreamy saffron risotto and amazing lemon thyme cream with roasted potatoes. Finally, still room for desserts: caramelized plantain crème brûlée and the chocolate torte (that had a chocolate-covered local pear with it, WOW! You can't miss here. It was amazing to see LuLu bringing plates out to the guests and chatting, what a warm, hospitable moment. It is clear that she and her staff love what they do and we are all the lucky recipients! read more

Lou Lou is the best host. The dining is a real foodie adventure.put it in the middle of gorgeous rural Maine and you have some North Woods Magic. The duck was delightful, really enjoyed the roasted rhubarb. Went home and tried it on my own. Not sure which wine I ordered but it was from Paso Robles I believe and delicious as well. Could not find fault with anything she served up and our party left very full and satisfied after our culinary adventure read more

Had an amazing dinner at The Quarry. Lulu is the sweetest host and a culinary genius. Michelin quality cuisine with impeccable service in the small town of Monson. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Absolutely fantastic, a truly magical spot run by some of the most welcoming friendly people I have met. As this is monson Maine you will want to start with the super cute/comfy cabins that Lulu and her husband Bill rent out. Perfect for two, right on the lake with beautiful forest views. They also happen to be a four minute walk to the restaurant. Although Lulu is happy to have someone pick you up or drive you home so feel free to indulge in the tasty cocktails or wines. The menu is fixed price but provides options for the appetizer main and dessert. It changes seasonally as well as with the best of what's available. I have included a copy of the menu from our visit. From the salad, app, soup, entree to desserts every dish came full of artistry, full flavors and satisfying portions, five plus bites and beautiful/delicious rolls with soft maple butter beautifully pipped. Even better than the food (which is excellent) are Lulu, Bill and their daughter Esa. So charming, generous and helpful. They truly treat their guests like old friends or close family. Lulu, the chef makes a point of limiting seating so that she has time to visit with each of her guests. Never intrusive just someone that genuinely likes people and wants to make sure they enjoy her hospitality. It's no wonder the restaurant is a semi-finalist for this year's James Beard awards in the National category of Hospitality. Absolutely worth the trip, we plan to visit again when it's warm. read more

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This was an amazing hidden dining experience. The service the vibe the 5 star course meal was wonderful! Meet the chef! She is very hospitable and fun! read more

The fact that Lulu is nominated for a James Beard award is no mystery here!! The food is absolutely tremendous something a lot of Mainers don't get very often. Freshness-presentation-and flavor are all spectacular-yet there was something else I just couldn't quite put my finger on until I talked with LuLu the chef myself...it was the LOVE!! The love and care that goes into her food is palpable! She absolutely loves what she does and cares so much about the people she serves-it's amazing! She is such a humble yet generously gifted chef-and that transitions into the taste of her food for sure! Absolutely incredible food in every way-I would give a hundred stars if that was an option! read more

The Quarry - Brunch at its absolute finest!! - New American Near Me - Monson, Maine

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Sweet, delicious, ample, Lulu is a genius. Don't want to over-hype, but it's really a cool place.

Outstanding food and service. Chef/owner was a pleasure to meet and share an after dinner drink together.

What an awesome and surprising visit. The food and service were excellent. So blessed to have this wonderful place in a rural area. Worth the money and you'll leave smiling. read more

Celebrating my birthday during COVID. We wanted to go out to eat but also feel like we were in a place that respected distance. We haven't been out for almost a year! Well, let's just say - the food was unreal. LIKE UNREAL! The menu had 3 choices pre-fix, but the three options offered a variety suitable for our historically NYC spoiled crew. Also notably- we felt sufficiently spaced. No crowding. The chef checked on us- and she was incredible- talented- positive- but also 6 feet away. Our server - amazing- gave us space, but was also attentive. My drink was never empty AND we were having intimate conversation. JUST PERFECT. Call in advance, make a reservation. When you get there ENYOY! Amazing! read more

Absolutely incredible experience! Delicious food, awesome service, and also the chef has such great charisma. Five starts. read more

The Quarry - Pork belly - New American Near Me - Monson, Maine

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Lulu and her wonderful staff gave my husband a delightful evening of fine dining! From the moment you step in this charming space, you can feel the warmth and the love. Everything was simply superb and capped off with a lovely rendition of happy Birthday and a chocolate torte and strawberries from Chef Lulu! We will definitely be back. read more

What a wonderful dinner we had last Sunday night at the Quarry. There were 5 of us, and each meal came out perfect. From soup to dessert, you can't ask for more. Mary Lou and staff were so welcoming. Would go back as soon as I can. read more

The Quarry Restaurant Monson, Maine Who would imagine dining at a 5-star restaurant in the North woods of Maine? Well, we not only imagined it, we did and it was delicious, fantastic and a real treat. It is The Quarry, located on Maine State Route 6, in Monson, Maine. It is on the same block as the Monson General Store which basically is the center of this north woods metropolis. The chef/owner Lu Lu, prepares a five-course meal for her guests. You get a reservation for a table, and it is yours, no one is waiting behind you. The dining space is spacious, not crowded. The wait staff, all local people, are first class without being metropolitan stuffy or arrogant. They know the menu and are more than capable of recommending an appropriate wine to accompany your meal. The portions of each of the courses were perfect, not overwhelming. But what is even more important is that Lu Lu makes a point of coming out from the kitchen and greeting each and every diner. She is an engaging woman as well as a superb chef. If nothing else Lu Lu brings real class and panache to the north woods of Maine. The menu is never static. It changes every week. Our meal started with a Salad Frisee, Crispy Boiled Egg, Feta Cheese, Sweet Chile Vinaigrette and Shaved Radish and carrots. Next were a choice of appetizers: Burrata Cheese: Baby Arugula, Candied Fig, Guava Paste, with Reduced Balsamic; or Tuna Tartare: Avocado, Green Onion, Lime and soy Dressing, and Baguette; or Grilled Lamb: Pineapple Shallot Jam, Five Spice Glaze, and pickled Apples. Then soup: Gingered Coconut Tomato Soup with pickled Baby Shrimp. Then a sorbet of Pineapple and Limoncello. A choice of entrees: Pineland Farm Beef Filet: Romanesco Sauteed in Butter, Sweet Potato Puree, Bourbon Glaze, and Sweet Potato Crisps; or Pan-Seared Sea Scallops: Creamy Saffron Risotto, Pickled English Cucumbers, Roasted Tomatoes, and Lemon Thyme Cream. Finally a choice of desserts: Coconut Creme Brulee, Coconut Flakes, and Sugar Glass; or Chocolate Torte: Minted Strawberries, Cream Anglaise, Honey Almond Granola. The Quarry is by reservation only, and is only open for dinner. This year, 2023, The Quarry is a finalist for a James Beard Award. The Awards will be made public on June 5, 2023. We wish Lu Lu and the entire staff at The Quarry, luck. In our hearts we know you are already a winner. It is truly worth the trip to experience and dine at this fantastic and fabulous restaurant. read more

Amazing meal even more amazing staff! What a hidden gem! We celebrated our 25th anniversary there last night with our family. Every course was delicious, creative, and beautifully plated. Marilou, owner and chef, came out to visit a few times. Our waiter, Christian, was helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. Our children have food allergies. Marilou and Christian made sure that our kids were comfortable with their orders. Thank you for a truly memorable visit! We will be back. read more

The Quarry Restaurant was one of the most specials meals I've ever had. Marilou (the owner) and her staff welcomed me so warmly I felt like I was part of the family. Even though I have some dietary restrictions they were able to accommodate me and I truly cannot recommend the restaurant highly enough. I sincerely look forward to returning every time I am in the area for many years to come. read more

I stumbled upon this place while hiking near Moosehead Lake and it was a great surprise. Hearty and delicious flavors. Beautiful porch+ lakeside fine dining. My favorite parts of the meal were the maple butter and the steak's bourbon glaze. The Quarry is a great part of the fine dining scene in the Moosehead Lake region. read more