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The owners of the Anchor Inn now own Damariscotta River Grill, and their classics from that Round Pond summer standby can be enjoyed in the dead of winter, in the downtown of
this charming town...Seafood dishes here are cooked with skill. Italian Seafood Stew ($16.53) is a classic of the Anchor Inn, as the menu proclaims, and also a favorite of diners in
the know, that I hit on by the happy accident of liking the stuff.
There is lots of good wine, and rich desserts to finish the meal...savor the oysters on a half shell. Fresh from the Damariscotta River, where they grow just 10 miles from Main
Street, these plump lovelies can transport oyster lovers to bliss...My River Grill oysters ($10) were beautifully cooked, tender and hot and delicious, a dish that hails from
another era, and tastes good all over again...My dinner, the Italian Seafood Stew ($16.53) came in a big bowl full of mussel shells, scallops, shrimp and fish. Its garlicky broth
tasted fresh, and the Maine shrimp were not overcooked, a feat the kitchen can be proud of.
– Nancy English
The Portland Press Herald
Attentive service and above-average food make the Damariscotta River Grill a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The varied menu ranges from latkes (Jewish
potato pancakes) to sandwiches and seafood, all freshly prepared and reasonably priced. Unusual sauces and creative presentation add interest to traditional menu selections. The
atmosphere is pleasant, and tables are well spaced for privacy. We have never been disappointed at the Grill.
– TripAdvisor.com
What a sweet, no-nonsense, romantic restaurant! I realize those adjectives don't really go together, but I’ve never seen a place like this before.
The vibe is upscale but not pretentious...What on earth was that sophisticated, amazing bread basket doing out here in the boonies? It included apparently housemade breadsticks and
great fluffy Italian peasant bread (some of the best I've ever had...soft but chewy, with beautifully crunchy crust), and came with top-drawer olive oil for dipping. I've rarely
seen this level of quality in top Manhattan spots!
The cider wasn't just great and fresh; it was interesting. Someone had shown artistry in blending the apple varieties. The oysters - local Pemaquids - were sublime. Even the
best oyster bars in big cities are only an echo of oysters such as these. Bread pudding was stately and thoughtful without being presumptuous or precious. It wasn't just slammingly
delicious. It had class. Perfect oysters, perfect dessert, perfect bread, perfect breadsticks, perfect olive oil, perfect ambiance, perfect service (friendly, genuine,
professional).
– Jim Leff
Chow.com
94 out of 100
Official Score for Chef Rich Hirsch's Damariscotta River Grill
FoodPundit.com
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