Let me start by saying that this could have been a disaster. We arrived with a toddler in tow and waited for a seat. The Cafe is small, but homey. We waited about 15 Minutes. One way we make dinning out with a toddler easier for everyone, is to look at the menu quickly and when the waitress comes for a drink order, we just go ahead and order. We occupied our son with toys at the table and watched as the single waitress worked the tables inside. People who were seated after us began receiving their meals. We had waited for almost an hour, our waitress had only come back to bring our drinks. We finally called over the hostess and told her that we not happy. She ran to the back, came back and apologized profusely and told us that the meal was on them. If the food had mediocre I would have written a bad review, but it wasn't. It was great! I could tell that great care was taken in the ingredients of our meals. Hand cut fries! That's a star right there. We enjoyed our meals so much that we did end up paying something towards the cost. Cafe Miranda stepped up to the plate on their error, and very few restaurants do. I left satisfied and will be returning when we are in town.
(5)
Amanda S.
Ok, so I'll start with the positives: The food here was awesome! I am vegetarian, and this was one of those rare places that not only had an abundance of veggie options, but also understood that vegetarian doesn't just mean a caesar wrap without the chicken. We ordered the deconstructed nachos and they were amazing! The stir fry was spicy, so stay away if you don't like heat. My meal included lentils and rice, which were cooked perfectly. The chefs definitely know what they're doing. The downsides? First, the price. Waaay to expensive for what it is, even considering that it is in a resort town on the coast. We paid $60 for two entrees and one app. We didn't bother ordering drinks because the drinks were pricier than some places in Boston! Second, the service. Our waitress was slow and inattentive. After we were seated, she disappeared for so long that by the time she returned we knew everything we wanted, from drinks to apps to entrees. Then she disappeared again for even longer. All we asked for to drink was water, but somehow it took her 15 minutes to get that to us. She never refilled the water either despite our empty glasses, it was the busboy who finally came over at one point and offered to bring us more. She popped in maybe once to ask if everything was okay, but never cleared any empty plates. After we were finished, it took another 10-15 minutes before we were able to flag her down for the check. She then forgot to bring it to us several times before she realized we were sitting there waiting. Third, no a/c. It was a hot evening, and with the open kitchen, the dining room was even hotter. There was seating outside, and after dinner we wished we had requested an outside table instead. Overall, the quality of the food made up for the poor service. We will probably return, but we'll ask to sit outside and hope for a different waitress!
(3)
Connie C.
Holy crap the food is soooooo fabulous! But bring a book or someone really talkative, maybe your own tableware too. Because you're going to have to wait, and sometimes, busboys decide to ditch everything ad leave you with no fork. If you have nothing better to do but eat all night (because you're going back to the dock to start a schooner cruise for the night) this place is for eaters. The portions are hearty, including the appetizers, and each dish has a lot of complexity that's fun to dissect with every bite. However, since we were outside, not only were we biting our food, but mosquitoes were biting me(totally forgot about the bug spray, but I didn't think I would be there until sundown) So if you want really good food, maybe do takeout here, or wait....
(3)
Ken K.
Once you enter Miranda's the pink flamingo lights strung from the ceiling send a signal that Chef Kerry is as offbeat as his menu. This is not your cookie cutter run of the mill restaurant. The menu is huge and dishes are unique and tantalizing, offering something for everyone. It's an open kitchen with the oldest continuously fired brick oven in the state of Maine. Chef Kerry, who is guarded by a 3 foot tall lit up pink flamingo is at the helm, entertaining the patrons who sit at the counter, while calmly conducting cooking magic. The food was great and the atmosphere was truly unique. We'll be back!
(5)
Ian M.
I completely agree with Simon's experience. I've been to Miranda's several times now and always come away disappointed. We tried it again after quite a bit of time away, but alas, nothing had changed except the prices had inched even higher. This time, the service was especially poor, with us spending about half an hour in the restaurant longer than we needed to because our waitress was nowhere to be found for long periods of time (keep in mind that there are about 8 tables in this place and there were two servers working the room). I had the Gnu Thing, which was some sort of white-bread Thai-ish creation that left me hankering for the real thing at Tamarind. My dinnermates liked their meals a bit better (sticking with the Italian dishes seems like a good bet), but given that one can have a truly exceptional meal for almost the same price at Lily Bistro or several other restaurants down the street, I just don't think that Miranda is competitive.
There are some places where you feel immediately at home when you walk in. Maybe it was the buttercup yellow walls w/ forest green wainscoting and white crown molding. Maybe it was the sign above our table, HIPPIES USE SIDE DOOR, and in small lettering underneath, Woodstock Merchants Association, testifying to its authenticity. It was recommended by a woman at the front desk where we're staying. The restaurant was about half full when we arrived and filled as we sat there. The menu is overwhelming, both sides of a legal size piece of paper, closely spaced. At the top it states, "No lobster bibs, no adverbs." If you click through to their site and click on Dinner Menu, you can see it. They have goofy names for their dishes, but not in the annoyingly earnest New Age manner of Cafe Gratitude. Their spelling is idiosyncratic and funny. I quote verbatim. We shared IT'S SPRING SOMEWHERE: roasted aspergrass, caramelized onion, sweet peppers, locatelli. It was heavenly! We were brought a basket of focaccia; olive oil and balsamic vinegar are on the table. Alan ordered BBQ PORK: house smoked, in our sauce, corn bread to order, fresh slaw, black beans. I ordered the STICKEY C-FOOD SAMPLER: mussells, shrimp, fish, pulled BBQ pork and calamari in a steamer basket w/ ginger and garlic and rice vinegar, Japanese sticky rice, nappa leaf, scallion, soy dipping station. It was soooo good. All of it. Service was friendly, attentive and accommodating. When I noticed they had Morse's pickles served w/ some of the dishes and asked if I could have (buy) one she brought me one on a very cool little dish. Neither of us noticed whether they even charged us for it. Very nice! If it were in Berkeley we'd be regulars.
(5)
Krista W.
We went this past week. Besides the face that Rockland in March isn't what I would call a vacation hot spot this time of year, I would come back and go to Cafe Miranda's in a heartbeat. I had the Mushroom Pasta- on a platter that looked like it was for 6 people, and my husband had Pasta Bleu (hello CHEESE! yumm) .... We couldn't finish- and we tried, the portions are huge! The flatbread seasoned perfectly was our only pre-entree food (it comes with your meal)... and I only nibbled not because it wasn't good but because I was so excited for my food! I was not disappointed. I could see them cooking our food from our table, and knew immediately that these guys don't skimp. Not on quality of ingredients, spice/flavor, or garlic. We exclaimed before eating that we'd never seen mac n' cheese for almost 20 bucks before... and how could it really be, but after eating there, we can only imagine the divine mac n cheese it must be! They have captured our taste buds, hook, line and sinker. I can't imagine anything on their menu being a 'miss', it's all a 'hit', and with such diversity you're bound to find exactly what you've been craving! Don't miss a trip up Highway 1, through Rockland, without a stop here. Tip: in tourist season you'll need a reservation. Even though it was low season, most people entering had reservations, and we felt lucky to get a spot!
(5)
SaSa ..
This is a great place for dinner - definitely one of my favorites in Rockland. The restaurant is small - probably about 8-10 tables in total, plus an outdoor seasonal patio. The dining is all in one room, with an open kitchen, so there's always a lot of activitiy and it can be quite busy. The menu is amazingly diverse for such a small place, with italian inspired dishes to thai flavors to mexican. Everything is good, but the pastas and salads stand out. The desserts are amazing also - they have a few that are always on the menu, and a few that change depending on what fresh ingredients are available and what the baker feels like making. The restaurant can get very busy in the summer, so it can be better to go for an early or late dinner so you don't feel quite as rushed.
(5)
Jack B.
I can't believe this place doesn't have a 5 star rating! Went for dinner tonight and everything was fantastic. Sat on the outside patio next to a wood burning stove, ambiance and decor was quirky and comfy. The menu is expansive and varied- everything from comfort American to Asian inspired dishes, and everything in between. Everything was incredibly tasty and well portioned- we ended up with leftovers for an entire other meal! Service was prompt and friendly, and while a little bit pricey it was an all around great experience. Already excited to come back when we are in town next year!
(5)
Ryan C.
This is one of the best restaurants I have been to in a long time. Great food, nice atmosphere, attentive servers, great prices. It was suggested to us that we should make a reservation, but my girlfriend and I ignored the advice (silly us). We showed up and couldn't get a table for another hour, so we ended up walking around shopping to pass the time. We eventually sat at the counter, which was actually great because we had a view of part of the kitchen and the drink selection. We ordered two appetizers, the shrimp and grits and the egg rolls. They were huge! Those, along with the complementary bread could easily have been our entire meal. They were also delicious. For entrees we ordered the duck and prosciutto topped haddock (wish I could remember the names of the dishes, but keep an eye out, I would recommend both). The duck was juicy, not overly salty, and overall how I think duck should taste. The haddock was a great mix of fish, meat, veggies and cheese. We were already full from the appetizers, but couldn't stop eating until these were gone. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. She had a good sense when when we needed something. Price was great. I could pay 50% more to get the same quality meal most places. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area, even if it's only for a quick bite. Definitively worth it!
(5)
Cliff H.
Varied. Delicious. Friendly. Hard to find fault with Miranda's. Fantastic food. Friendly service. And more food customizations than episodes of The Simpsons. Inside diner-like, outside picnic-like. Pulled beef tacos were sumptuous, but messy: ask for extra napkins. Sweet potato fries offer a potpourri of dippings, most 2x the size of the fries themselves. Be aware: Miranda gets busier than an Arkansas Walmart on Black Friday so avoid the peak times or be prepared to wait. If waiting use that time to narrow down our choices from the 5 page, chock-full menu. Everything is customizable here so know what you want before trying to make sense of the Encyclopedia de Miranda. A neat gem off the beaten path on the Rockland downtown strip.
Brunch at lunch! I love that you can have that everyday :) the bread at night is awesome. The wine list is just right. There is always something to satisfy your mood. Can't wait to try breakfast in the morning !
(5)
Becky L.
Great atmosphere. It was busy- had to wait about 10 minutes for a table. I sat outside. They have a huge menu and large wine/beer list. I had the wheat seasonal beer that they had on tap. It was good. I had the haddock enchilada for dinner. Ends up enchilada's aren't my thing. It was good. But just not for me. I had a small side of french fries. They were to DIE for. So good. I had a brownie sundae with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Very good. I believe the ice cream is homemade. I will go back sometime and try something else.
(4)
Anne S.
We were told that Cafe Miranda has something for everyone, and that's definitely true - their menu is ridiculous! Went here a few weeks ago while in town with a group of 7, including my dad, who is the world's pickiest eater. It's so hard to find restaurants where he'll actually find something he likes, but seeing the "Meat & Potatoes" section on Cafe Miranda's menu told me this was the perfect place. Our party enjoyed some sangria and all had wonderful meals. My fiancee and I split the beet salad and lobster macaroni, and were both sufficiently stuffed. The portion sizes are no joke here! The service was great and the atmosphere is cozy, warm and inviting. But the space is incredibly small, so make sure to make a reservation if you'll be going with a group.
(4)
Mark T.
Great, very hip restaurant without airs. Varied menu, we had the Smoked Chicken Egg ROlls, the Szechuan Peanut Noodles and the "Wee Meat Pies." All very good, fresh and in no way ordinary. Busy and bustling, but we cam eat the end of the lunch rush so it calmed greatly as the meal progressed.
(5)
Michelle C.
In a nutshell this place is a must for the mid coast area. Extensive menu suitable for all palates. Given my experience You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I recommend the following as repeat and favorites of mine. Miranda margarita Deconstructed nachos 50mph tomatoes Jerry's pizza Any of the pastas (house made noodles) It gets busy on weekend nights so try to make a reservation or expect wait time.
(5)
Diana B.
After seeing many positive reviews of this establishment, my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. The restaurant is small and very cute, and our service was good. I'm giving one star because of the food. Our expectations were high but we were both disappointed - I more so. My boyfriend ordered the fish and chips - good sized portions but he mentioned the taste being a bit bland. I ordered the stir fry with noodles and shrimp. My meal was awful and I regret not sending it back. Again, the portion was nice but it seemed my meal was grossly overcooked - all the vegetables were charred and black, and the noodles were too spicy to taste any flavors at all, save for the burnt flavor. And to add insult to injury, our meals were expensive! A costly and regretful dinner.
(1)
Barbara B.
Cafe Miranda has been one of our favorite restaurants for the past 12 years - and it still is. This review is to congratulate the chefs who have been consistently amazing and mind boggling to watch the past couple of times we've been there. Thank you for your multitasking, cooking talents! And, gosh, your food is good!
(5)
Marcia F.
Everything we tried was great - creative, fun, well-executed. Only criticism (and many will think this is stupid, but, oh-well...) - we ordered a couple of the *yummy* French fry appetizers, and they were *way* too big. Didn't leave much room for the delicious dinners that followed. Can't wait to go back when we're visiting next year to try some other creations!!
(4)
Milt B.
Cafe Miranda rocks! This is not your father's restaurant. It's riotous: casual, noisy, crowded, eclectic, and one-of-a-kind. The menu is big, expansive and ever-changing, and after eating here a half dozen times I've only just begun to appreciate how well Cafe Miranda executes. Service is sassy, friendly and attentive if just a little bit on the slow side. Servers know the menu well, can answer any question with authority and sometimes with flourish. The food--and that's what we go back for--is over-the-top! Every dish my wife and I've had has been innovative, tasty and well prepared, with huge servings. We've split salads and that works, and most entrees are also large enough to be split if you wish. The giant hamburgers (BIG selection) come on focaccia bread, and they are superb. I loved Cafe Miranda's shrimp and grits, listed as an appetizer but it made a great entree for me. House wines are inexpensive and delicious. Desserts are big and sweet--one for the table is all you'll need. Cafe Miranda is just one of Rockand's great restaurants. Maybe, just maybe, the first among equals. Probably not the place for a romantic dinner or anniversary celebration (unless you dine outside), but definitely a great find.
(4)
Michael O.
This is a Gem. Not easily found by tourist cruising Main St. However for those that find it or search it out, the reward is an great meal at reasonable prices. The place is small and on a side street in Rockland. It has an unassuming store front look but upscale food quality. It takes a while to go through the multi page menu and in half a dozen visits and as many different meals I've never been disappointed. Do yourself a favor and try it. If you've already been there you know it's worth a return.
(4)
Dan H.
Went here on recommendation of a friend. Was fearful that with such a large menu that they would only make everything decent but nothing amazing. Boy, was I wrong! I had a haddock special, wrapped in prosciutto and tossed with fresh herbs and artichoke hearts - the Fish was obviously so fresh, and expert care went in to making sure the flavors came together. The squid appetizer is a MUST have. The fresh tomato sauce on it is unreal. Also, the fish tacos, again with fresh fish and great flavor. Only complaint at my table was the scallop dish was just too spicy ("Anybody Want A Peanut") - knowing that know we will just ask ahead of time to keep the spice level down. Also a fun beer list highlighting some Maine craft selections, and a great wine and cocktail list.
(5)
Matty W.
Been meaning to stop in for months. Finally had the chance and, wow, am I glad I did! Breakfast Burrito was huge and just spicy enough, with gorgeous cheese and egg filling. Large liquor list. Had a "shorty" beer for the occasion; hey, this was lunch, and I'm a small person. Totally yummy, but had to bring half the burrito home. Very reasonable for what you get, will absolutely come back. This is NOT a fancy place, and it's actually kind of difficult to find a fancy physical place in Rockland (that may be changing). The food and staff are so great you won't want for anything else!
(5)
Ken P.
Over priced, over rated and just not that good. I had a lobster sandwich which consisted of a half a loaf of focaccia bread and a dab of lobster salad. Luckily there was lettuce and a tomato on it so I got some sustenance. The focaccia bread was ok but hard to eat and just too much. I'd look for some place else.
(2)
Jim M.
By far my favorite, must go to restaurant anywhere in the galaxy! The menu is eclectic and delicious and your biggest challenge will be what to eat. This is a must eat destination for anyone that considers themselves a foodie. Mange!
(5)
Mike M.
I have had several good meals at Cafe Miranda. Not tonight. Tonight's takeout featured a Greek pizza and sweet potatoe fries, both of which were burned. The fries were inedible. The pizza nearly so.
(1)
Amanda H.
This review is for the bread - the delicious, delicious bread, which tastes like the most perfect pizza crust ever. A little sweet, a little chewy, with a bit of crunch. YUM. Also, the staff is super friendly, the atmosphere is adorable and the food is at least partially locally sourced. Our entrees (Reuben, tofu sandwich, lentil soup) were good but not amazing -- but the bread alone is worth the trip. Happy.
(5)
Marc L.
Food is generally of high quality but it is pricey. I accept that until the service is poor. Such was the case in my most recent visit. Restaurant was not at all busy but service was extremely slow. Although there was but one party indoors it took the wait staff nearly thirty minutes to process our bill...all this without an explanation. Eventually I had to go find our waitress who said she had been locked out of her computer. Wish she had told us as our party was left waiting for way too long. Not the kind of dessert we had in mind when we went here.
(2)
Daniella D.
Spot-on! The menu is extensive and varies wildly so be prepared if you are indecisive. Everything is locally sourced which explains why the food is so flavorful. The decor is a bit weird but that's part of the fun. The fish "chowdah" was out of this world - I doubt I will ever find another chowder that lives up to the high standard that has now been set. The haddock was cooked fresh and to perfection in a delicate fumet, fresh cream, thick real chunks of bacon, sweet corn kernels and buttery baby potato's, each mouthful beckoned another until there was not a scrap left except the sauce which was mopped up with stone-pizza-oven made focaccia. I will never forget this chowder and the perfect flavors of the cream base. No awful thickeners. No stodginess. The fish taco's were also fantastic; fresh fish again cooked to perfection with a good spicy mix and an unbeatable homemade salsa. Unfortunately the "chowdah" took center stage, I wish I didn't live a thousand miles away from Cafe Miranda as I will now be forced to spend the rest of my days trying to re-create this memorable dish to satisfy the perpetual chowdah craving.
(5)
Lori S.
I give this a 3 star and boyfriend would give it a two star. first of all the food is overpriced. We each got a dinner and honestly it was so much food. we could have shared one dish easily. I dont know if it is overpriced to make up for the size but it makes more sense to cut down size and price. The best part of the meal was the bread which was offered before dinner came. Dessert was also overpriced but it was tasty.
(3)
Jeff K.
The best word for this place is "quirky." It has a funky, retro vibe, with 1950's-style metal and formica tables. Red and black are the dominant colors everywhere, even in the checkerboard floor. It is nearly impossible to describe the food. There are some Asian dishes, some American dishes and other dishes that defy categorization. It is apparent from the eclectic menu that the restaurant strives to serve original and creative food. Based on our limited lunch experience, some of it succeeds brilliantly and some of it doesn't. The start of our lunch was very promising. The two of us shared a fabulous platter of sweet potato fries, arugula and walnuts in a honey and oil dressing. It was large enough for four people, but so delicious that we couldn't stop eating it and finished it all. A five-star appetizer, for sure. Unfortunately, my main course deserved a far lower rating. It was Asian-style crispy beef over mixed greens. The beef went beyond crispy, all the way to charred. Every time I put a piece in my mouth, I felt as if I was swallowing charcoal. The greens and dressing were tart. The dish lacked, but needed, a compensating flavor to offset the overall sour profile. One to two stars at best for this entree. I feel a bit guilty reviewing Cafe Miranda after having only one meal there, since I think that familiarity with more of its wildly different offerings might provide a truer picture of its overall quality. A kitchen that goes off in so many unrelated directions is bound to have both hits and misses, as our meal demonstrated.
(3)
Jennifer C.
Such a large menu! I went in indecisive which was a huge mistake, but the food was fabulous!!! A little bit of everything for everyone.
(4)
Reagan S.
Excellent place for dinner. The hostess/greeting system is confusing, but well worth any wait. We had the Mushroom and Gorgonzola dip for an appetizer; it was incredible. Cafe Miranda makes all their own bread, and it is some of the best bread in Maine. We all had different dishes, all of which were fantastic. Unfortunately, we were all too full to finish them. (One thing to mention: I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 because the shrimp in the shrimp and grits were not peeled. We were surprised to have to peel our own shrimp, especially when they were served in a creamy dish.) I recommend Cafe Miranda.
(4)
Brandon Y.
The best restaurant thy you can go to. Period. I would consider myself a good foodie, but the food served here is one that can make anyone a foodie. They have eclectic, but amazing dishes. You had better come ready to eat, because the portion sizes are enough to make any appetite disappear. Come here to enjoy good food and a great time with anybody!
(5)
Abby K.
Enormous menu, funky decor and the food was great! Make sure you make a reservation - they fill up fast!
(5)
Barbara C.
I don't get it. All the locals love this place. Menu has too many choices. Always feel like I could have ordered something better. Food is good but not great. The bread is really good and I have been a few times. Guess I'm looking for the great menu choice.
(3)
Tim D.
Been here many times. Large menu to choose from, food is great, very good beer and wine list, staff is excellent. We had burger, gnocchi, chicken sandwich and chicken lettuce wrap - all excellent. Best to make a reservation.
(4)
Rastus U.
Miranda is the best. Great variety, hospitality, and vibe. Not for those who need white tablecloths and like technicolor frou-frou drinks. This is the real deal. Inventive, large selection, decent wines, friendly service, great flavors. If you are tired of Cafe Miranda, you are tired of life!
(5)
Cat W.
This place was quite a surprise. With as isolated as Maine tends to be, my Texan friend and I were surprised to find Cafe Miranda, a restaurant that looks as though it has just been teleported from Austin. Large menus usually concern me, but here the size of the menu seems to indicate a great variety of fresh ingredients in the back. They have Mexican, Italian, Asian and fusion options and everything we tried was surprisingly good. I was delighted for the opportunity to order gluten free macaroni and cheese, which was scrumptious. I didn't believe that it was GF at first, since the Italian GF pasta tasted so real and was unfamiliar to me. They had to bring out the packaging to convince me it was safe. So good! Four stars just because the waitress had a lot of trouble with our order. But on the upside, even when we got the wrong item it was good!
(4)
Rachel D.
Everytime I come home my mom and I pretty much make it a point to come to Cafe Miranda. This time we were even planning on going somewhere else but they were closed, so Cafe Miranda it was! The menu is so huge you can almost guarantee that there's something to satisfy anyone. The entrees are a little pricey for the area, but some of the appetizers are so big that you can get them as a meal. My usual go to meal is the Gnu Evans - a delicious salad with arugula, shaved parmesan, a few other vegetables, oil, and yes delicious hand cut made on the spot - french fries. This time we went a little off the beaten path this time and ordered 1 appetizer and 1 entree, to share, and a glass of wine each - not going to lie, best chardonnay i've had in awhile. For the appetizer we got mussels cooked in a home-made marinara sauce with parsley and fresh tomatoes, and for our appetizer we had their famous baked macaroni and cheese which was cooked with tomatoes, unforgettable cheeses, and kale. They also give you free flatbread and oil to every table. If you didn't make a reservation there's usually room at their quaint, four seated bar where you can watch the cooks season and prepare your food right in front of you. Their interior is plastered with Elvis memorabilia and 1960's hawaiian themed, vintage decor - it's a very casual and relaxed atmosphere offering comfort food with a twist!
(5)
Rose S.
This restaurant claims on their site to have "bites to please even the pickiest of palettes", yet they are so inflexible when you order an entree that the experience makes it abundantly clear you should frequent the other fine dining establishments in the area that are more flexible with their menu. I was originally going to order one of their salads and requested that a couple of ingredients be switched out on the salad for ingredients that they carried that I'd prefer. I said I was willing to pay extra for the trouble. I also wanted to pay extra for a few avocado slices added to the salad, which they also stock. The waitress very rudely said no to both requests. I told her that, due to the restaurant's inability to make any changes to their salads, I would need to change my order to something else. I guess she realized how rude she'd been. She attempted a smile at that point and stated that they can't make any changes as it would confuse their billing system which is set up in a rigid manner to only accept the entree as listed on the menu - no changes, period. I changed my order and, when she left the table, the entire group said they did not wish to return to this restaurant during the 2 weeks we were staying in town.
(1)
Margo G.
Can't understand the negative reviews. My husband and I LOVE this place. If you're looking for a gourmet experience, this may not be for you but if you enjoy good drinks, good food from a crazy, wonderful menu, quirky decor, and a delightful wait staff, Cafe Miranda fits the bill.
(4)
Sue S.
Great place for a light and casual dinner. Gourmet food and wine. Shared the Renee salad and Greek pizza. Very tasty and plenty of food for two! My husband enjoyed the Elvis-themed men's bathroom.
(4)
K W.
Went here hungry for dinner & left happy and full. Sit outside if you can. There's a huge menu so you will find whatever you're in the mood for. Portions are large and meals are flavorful. We had the pierogis and the mussels and were very happy with both.
(5)
Dan B.
If you like it spicy this is the place for you. Stopped by for a light lunch, soup and chowder, and it was good. Not sure the food is worth the prices though. The bread and our soup and chowder were a lot spicer than we anticipated and prepared differently. The chowder was a hunk of fish with the potatoes, corn and spicies. My wife had a veg soup.
(3)
Anne A.
We decided to have dinner at Cafe Miranda, which is one of the best/most popular restaurants in town (according to Yelp) but quite expensive even for Los Angeles' standards for fine dining. Be prepared to pay a lot for your dinner but for quality ingredients in down home bohemian casual environment. Be aware that during the time we were there dining I again got bitten by mosquitoes while dining in their patio which was quite annoying that I didn't really enjoy my meal because of the itchiness. The locals don't seem to be bothered by the mosquitoes as they are probably more attracted to the agitated visitors of this lovely town. I told the server I wanted to have a lobster dish and our server suggested the homemade pasta dish topped with lobster. I thought it was OK but nothing spectacular as it lacked flavor and bland. My cousins had the huge lobster mac and cheese dish which was much tastier than my meal of $34. Most of the dishes seemed like they were in the $30+ range. Plain spaghetti would set you back $20, the priciest spaghetti I've ever seen in my life. Seems like this town is taking advantage of tourists with the cost of dining out since they charge so high for their food. We were sitting next to locals so that is good sign that locals would pay to eat here too even if it is expensive for what it is. We were told by someone that the reason for the expensive food might be is the transportation costs to get food delivered there to Rockland. I would think though if the food they served was from the local farms, then it would in effect would not affect the cost of food. Not sure if I would return to this restaurant but it is worth a try to experience it. Very bohemian and one of the best in Rockland.
(3)
Carol K.
3.5 stars. Glad I made a reservation through Yelp. This place was jumping and very busy on a festival weekend. . I thought it was a fun, fresh meal. The portions are over large and even though I have a huge appetite, I would do an appetizer and split an entree next time. I had a latino dish. He had a mixed plate with curries and lentils and it was too busy with flavors and textures. The plate was all good, we just felt it was trying to overachieve. The menu was huge and inventive. I loved the kitchy decor and the vibe.
(3)
Nick D.
The wait staff was so rude we changed our mind 5 minutes after sitting down. We walked in. We came up from Kittery with my Mom. My Mom says to the hostess as she walks up, "We heard this is the place to be!" The hostesses response, "If you're eating here you have to eat outside. Only reservations inside." No, oh how nice, we're glad to have you! Or that's fantastic, welcome. Very cold, very rude. She doesn't say follow me, she walks off. Looks back after a moment with a glare like, Hey, idiots, are you coming? We sat down, all kind of shocked. And after waiting 5 minutes for a waitress who never came to acknowledge us....we left. I really can't stand rude staff. You are in a service industry. We ended up going to RUSTICA. Highly recommend Rustica and not Cafe Miranda. Rustica had amazing and attentive wait staff.
(1)
Kathy D.
Excellent drink menu, some unusual concoctions that taste great! Food menu is eclectic but there is something for everyone from the vegetarian, meat lover, Asian specialist, and burger lover. I had the Not Pozole and it was wonderful. We also had the Blue Job salad which was to die for. Check this place out!
(5)
Mindy K.
Excellent! The food is flavorful and reasonably priced. It was recommended by locals and it is easy to understand why. Don't miss it!
(5)
cristin o.
Probably one of the worst dinners I've had in a long time. My family was here in Maine for vacation and we ate out a few times. The food was so overpriced and not appetizing. My mussels seriously consisted of 9 mussels and that's it. I looked at it when it was placed in front of me like you have gotta be kidding. My son ordered nachos but they threw down a plate of chips with no cheese. The waitress was awful and didn't check in on us or anything very ignored. I left starving and our appetizer was lobster dip of some kind that was 20$ and gross. I do not recommend this place at all. My husband paid 85$ and tip and it was a truly awful experience.
(1)
M C.
Don't believe the hype! We had several people, locals and prior visitors telling us this place was great. However, the food is bland and the service is mediocre. I ordered black bean soup that was cooked without any added flavor, the salad on top of the soup is what gave it a little flavor, but still not good enough. Then I got the fish patties and it came with garlic fries that were the only decent flavor food. The fish was just put together without any flavor and placed on top of white bland beans. The sauce was okay, but not enough. My friends ordered spagetti with meat balls, which was bland and had no flavor according to her. My other friend ordered the aggablagga, which he tells me that the calamari was made from frozen calamari, and the spinach, pasta noodles, and sauce was also bland. My other friend found the tacos interesting and she liked them a little, but would not order again. So, I would not recommend. I believe they may have been good at one point, but not now. I would rather go down the street to 3 Crow which was the best!
(1)
Dore D.
We showed up without a reservation at about 8:30 and were seated within about 5 minutes. It was a Monday night and the place was still buzzing. The atmosphere was bustling and fun. Our server was pleasant and helpful. We ordered pasta dishes as we were told the pasta was made in house. I had the mushroom pasta and my daughter ordered the vegetable noodles. A very enjoyable evening!
(4)
Julie T.
Wow what a major disappointment! So many great places to eat throughout mid-coast Maine and this is NOT one of them! Food and service were both dismal! After a week of eating our way through Maine we decided to try something different despite some of the bad reviews What a big mistake that was. I ordered fish cakes recommended by our server and they were 2 silver dollar sized, hard as a rock -corn meal crusted flavorless nuggets. My husband ordered fire roasted greens with mushrooms and ricotta and when they say fire roasted Boy do they mean it because they wore torched! Both "entrees" were also more the size of appetizers which is what they turned out to be since We headed to McLoons for a lobster rolls as soon as we escaped! Will never be back here!
(1)
G H.
7/24/12 Tuesday Lesson 1: Show up and expect to wait for a table. A reservation does not help at this popular restaurant. Lesson 2: Order your food all at once because they will not process (cook) your order until the last person orders the food. I waited 45 minutes for an entree order that I placed first and that I requested to be submitted first because my boyfriend was still trying to decide what to order from the extensive menu . My order was not processed (the waitress explained that the chefs were overwhelmed and did not want to process my single order first) . My boyfriend got the Steak appetizer he ordered 10 minutes after me first, 25 minutes after he ordered it, then the Renee salad he ordered and the Summer lobster pasta I ordered came out at the same time 25 minutes after he ordered it and 45 minutes after I ordered mine. Lesson 3: Don't try to special order anything. I requested my food to be spicy and have less salt. The food was not that spicy but I had brought my own chili flakes so that was not a big deal. The food which was good (4/5) was however too salty. If I was in Los Angeles where the service is better (less wait for food, food less salty when requested), the reservation system on Open Table excellent, I would have sent the lobster pasta back. I ate the pasta because I was hungry and really did not want to wait another 45 minutes for an order. Lesson 4: Inquire promptly if you don't get what you ordered. My boyfriend had requested a beer at the same time I ordered my lobster pasta. It never arrived. He inquired about it 20 minutes later and it was finally brought out. We discovered from looking at the carbon copy of our order that had 3 different types of carbon copy writing that the beer order and the steak appetizer and the Renee salad were all added later. Problem 1: My boyfriend made a reservation on Open Table before 6 pm for 7:30 pm. We got there at 7:24 pm and the male host-waiter who greeted us told us that we did not have a reservation. My boyfriend told him that we reserved on Open Table. He proceeded to apologize that they had not checked their computer for 2 hours (the restaurant was packed). He will seat us at the bar if we wanted to wait a little vs the wait for a table for 2 would be 20 minutes. Problem 2: My boyfriend went outside to make a quick phone call. I was seated 7:30 pm at the bar. I ordered my food at 7:40 pm. It came out at 8:25 pm. My boyfriend ordered his Steak Appetizer at 7:50 pm. It arrived at 8:15 pm. He ordered his Renee salad at 8:00 pm and it came out at 8:25 pm. We complained after we paid our bill and asked to speak to the manager. We found out that our waitress was the manager on duty that day. SHOCK! It seems that the chefs are her boss. We ate here 3 years ago and had a similar experience waiting for our food sitting at the bar for a long time. We put up with it because we did not have a reservation and it was a rainy Saturday night. It seems that Tuesday night with a reservation did not make a difference. I wanted to come back because I liked the food although I am very sorry I did. It ruined a precious evening of my vacation. CONCLUSION: The food (4 out of 5) is as expensive as in Los Angeles where we are from (or Boston) although the service is 1 out of 5 and the atmosphere is very casual. Total food bill for lobster pasta (29), Renee salad with chicken (12 + 3.5), Steak appetizer (13), beer (2.5) + tax = 64.5 dollars. The servings are standard and not as generous as some people may comment about. Our waitress aka manager on duty apologized and offered to get us a gift card to come back and try again or send us a gift. We left our email with her since we are traveling.
Excellent meal. The fish chowder was a meal in Itself!
(5)
Shannon C.
Cafe Miranda is a very cute little place in downtown Rockland. The menu is huge, the staff is friendly, and the drinks are delicious! The thai red curry calamari was so yummy, we used the bread to keep eating the sauce...and the bread was really good too! I got fish tacos for dinner, which were really good, perfect cabbage slaw and fish combo. My boyfriend had the lamb burger, which he couldn't stop raving about...and for once, he couldn't finish! our only complaint was the salt content, which in my opinion was high, but I don't like salt. All in all, great meal had!
(4)
Bob A.
If you judge food to be good by portion size then this place is a winner. Portions are enormous , and let me add, over priced. If you judge a meal based on quality preparation, creativity and FLAVOR, then this place is not worth the time and money. I ordered the Aggablagga (a pasta and calamari dish) made with a marinara sauce. The calamari was no better than the frozen kind you can get in supermarket. The marinara was just chunky tomato with no herbs or garlic. Essentially this dish had no flavor. I get the feeling this place survives on what was once a good reputation. And finally service and attention to requests like can "I get a glass of water" goes ignored.
(1)
Bill B.
Quirky and delicious food ..... We go once a year for our anniversary.... Always a special treat...... House Cabernet is smooth and tasty too
(5)
Carlie D.
This place was a pleasant surprise on my recent trip to Maine. My aunt took her friend and I here while we were in town for the National Toboggan Champioship. That's right, tobogganing. The dinners that we each had were excellent. The prices were a little more expensive that I am used to finding in small towns like Rockland but the food was quality. They have an interesting menu with rather funny and playful names for some of their stuff on their menu. Their bathrooms are decked out in Elvis accessories galore! It's pretty awesome. Even if you aren't an Elvis fan. The service could have been a little better. I've never felt so rushed by the wait staff at a restaurant before. That would be my only complaint. Other than that, everything was great.
(4)
Valerie L.
We ate here two years ago and had a nice meal. Maybe they were having an off night but the food wasn't as good. The focaccia was a little burnt and my drink that was supposed to be made with soda water had no bubbles at all. Not the quality that we remembered but the quantity was still generous.
(2)
Jason C.
Been here also many times when we go to maine each year, this is a small restaurant on a side street right off the main street in rockland dont miss it, it has a very big menu with lots of choice's and take your time to read it top to bottom . This is hip/cool place to go to and you have to go open minded and not afraid to order new things. Bread they serve is great, so many apps to choose from, as well the entrees and we have never had a bad meal here.
(4)
Jim O.
Over the years we have tried to eat a Cafe Miranda whenever we are in the Rockland area for a few days. Whether it is the dead of winter, or August high-tourist season, the place is always packed. And for good reason, the menu is varied with many vegetarian selections and the food is plentiful and good. It is pricey, but we're not talking BK here. Our last visit on a Tuesday evening after a day trip to Vinalhaven was interesting in that we were tired out and just wanted to take dinners home. That was fine with the waitress who took our order and told us to come back in 20 minutes. So, we windowshopped along the main street and returned to find a chagrined waitress who apologized profusely saying they didn't have what I ordered. We didn't want to wait another 20 minutes or more, and asked what she would suggest. She recommended that I get the pot roast (which was pretty close to the meatloaf that I ordered in concept) and she would buy us drinks while we waited. So we sat at the bar with some foccacia and beer, exchanged pleasantries with one of the chefs at the open kitchen and in 10 minutes our food was ready. My wife got polenta with mushrooms and greens which she liked alot and my pot roast with roasted potatoes and carrots was delicious. We also found some chocolates in the take out bag. We felt the staff owned up to their error and made things work for us. We continue to be fans of this great local eatery.
(4)
Steve B.
We found ourselves in Rockland, and decided to try Cafe Miranda. We called for a reservation (good idea!), since the restaurant is not large and the outside tables got rained out. The menu is varied, and there are many small plates and large plates. After a few pieces of Cafe Miranda's terrific focaccia, we decided to go for the large plates. Dinner partner had lamb on a bed of couscous. I had grilled sausage on a bed of arugula. Each was terrific.
(5)
Erik T.
Cafe Miranda was great. My family was on vacation in Camden and came down here for dinner one night on the recommendation of friends. We loved everything we had, and came back again later in the week. I don't know how such a small place can have such a large menu, but I'm glad they do. For appetizers, the melted Emmentaler was delicious, and the olive spread as well (we got that one both times). We also enjoyed the asparagus tremendously. For entrees, the Bleu Cheese pasta (Old Bleu I think it's called?) was incredibly filling. I took it home and had two more meals out of it. I also tried the cauliflower pasta, which was not quite as thick, but just as tasty. Note to cilantro haters - they enjoy it there, but if you let the waiter know, you can avoid it. Our waitress even introduced us to the chef and told him we didn't want any cilantro and we had a fun conversation with him. And the homemade ice creams were great. We were too full to try any the first time, so we made sure to save room on our second trip. I had the ginger, and my brother had the peanut butter chocolate. I wish I lived much closer to Maine. As it is, I live in Brooklyn and enjoyed Cafe Miranda better than some of the foodie places we have here in the city.
(5)
Christy A.
one of my favorite restaurants with strong bold flavors and a lot of cilantro, blue cheese and onions. Even if you never eat bread, this is the singular place to break down and have a few pieces. The portions are huge, so plan to share. The menu is fun and the drinks are great. Each table has a different salt and pepper shaker. You'll need reservations.
(4)
Nancy K.
Reservation made on Yelp not received at restaurant. Food is pricey, true, portions are huge, but I would rather have more choices for smaller entrees. There were four of us, 3 out of 4 thought food was just OK. I will stick to seafood restaurants in Rockland.
(3)
Meg R.
Amazing. Went here for the first time ten years ago on our first trip to Maine, and was very excited to know Miranda's was still here. We went on a Tuesday night around seven, so there was no wait. The inside was fairly busy, but there were still some tables available. Sat outside though as it was an amazing September night, and they had a great fire going. The menu is full of so many options, that if there is not something on there for you, you have issues and should not be eating out. Started with the bowl of meat. Kinda like the trendy Thai lettuce wraps you find elsewhere, but with a nice kick. Husband had the burrito....HUGH portion size. I had a cheese app. as my meal. All very yummy. Drove the whole way home ( 5 hours) with the burrito left overs I the car..... Can't wait to dig in!
(5)
K B.
Well located, but not the greatest location.... otherwise, I adore Miranda. It's one of those places where you can have a standby dish, and unwillingly move up/down the menu and safely wind up w/ good, creative faire. Service... like all of Maine... San Francisco could use a lesson on hospitality.
(5)
Amy F.
This is one of our favorite restaurants. The menu is huge and a lot of fun. Some of the dishes are a little hit or miss in flavor combinations/results--but the staff, atmosphere and adventurous menu more than make up for this. I do not understand the comments about this restaurant being overpriced--compared to big city restaurants?? Yes, some of the entrees are on the expensive side. But the portions are huge. My boyfriend and I feel this is a place where we can go and get a lot of value for the quality of food and service. We can either order a couple of apps to share (which are of good portion), or we can split an entree and a small salad and still feel pretty full. If it is still on the menu - the Pasta Mushroom has a very nice flavor. But plan for it to feed 2 to three people! Perhaps the one thing missing would be a better explanation on the menu about portion size--the larger entrees really should be split or plan that you'll have a couple of leftover meal-sized portions!
(4)
Lindsay L.
Dear Cafe Miranda, I visited your establishment the Saturday after Christmas. As embarrassed as we were to show up at the early dinner hour of 5:30, the even-fresher-than-usual bread was a worthwhile pay-off. My food was unusually good this time. Delighted that it was actually not made with a meat stock, I opted for the Roasted Sweet Onion and Pea Risotto (on the apps list) and the lemon and parsley were a perfect match to offset the otherwise sweet onion dish. The freshly chipped Parmesan finished it off nicely. As an accompaniment, I ordered the roasted greens. The kale was a bit chewy this time, but I will forgive them. It was all so tasty with the roasted mushrooms and feta that came with the greens that I barely noticed having to chew more. Thanks for another great dining experience!
(5)
Peter B.
Cafe Miranda has a funky, casual atmosphere and a huge, eclectic menu. The prices are high given the ambience, but the food is fresh and well prepared. Much of the menu is locally sourced, including some of the fish that comes from the fishermen of Port Clyde, Maine. Other menu items, such as the "organic" Scottish Atlantic salmon is somewhat dubious as a menu choice, but overall Cafe Miranda is dedicated to local, sustainable food. Last night we took my young boys to Cafe Miranda for an early dinner. We sat outside and were well taken care of by the friendly staff. The boys had hot dogs and burgers. both were served with a weeks worth of homemade french fries. The only complaint from the youngsters was that both the hot dog and hamburger were served on house made crusty bread instead of buns. This would have been great for an adult, but perhaps not so lovely for young kids. I ordered an artichoke appetizer and the chili con queso. Both were delicious. The chili con queso was a mountain of cheese and delicious salsa- enough food for an entire table. The artichoke was well done, but definately not light fare- heavy with oil. Rachel ordered the chicken risotto and it was wonderful- rich and flavorful. For one entree, two appetizers, two kids meals and non-alcoholic drinks we spent over $80. Overall Cafe Miranda is a fun experience with a diverse, if expensive, menu. Highly recommended when in Midcoast Maine.
(4)
Katie M.
Love. This. Place. It's been around for a while, and I've been going here a while. When I went to prom my sophomore year of high school, we ate here. I've eaten here for the past two new year's eves. And now they serve brunch, which is also amazing. Love their bread. I always get full on it before the meal even arrives. I usually go pretty safe with what I order here, because their items are very literal. For example, I ordered a fried cheese ball, and that was literally all it was: a little tiny 1 inch ball of fried goat cheese. My date once ordered pigs in a tent, and it was literally pasta pitched like a tent over two large links of sausage. I always get the sausage and spaghetti and it's amazing. Their decor is cute and funky, a nice getaway from the more redneck aspects of Rockland. I always try to use the Elvis bathroom when I go here. It's adorable. I try to go here whenever I can. It's cozy and has great, comforting, rich food. Great for dates. Definitely call ahead and get reservations, not the kind of place that just has open tables on a weekend evening. What else can I say? Best place in Rockland. Camden too, for that matter.
(5)
Jane Z.
Such a yummy and quaint restaurant! My brother and I had to examine the menu for almost 15 minutes in silence because it was sooo huge. I even took home a copy to show my friends. I ordered the scallops appetizer and my brother got the calamari. Both were good. For entrees, I got the Pork Sam and he got steak frites smothered in this awesome porcini mushroom + gorgonzola cheese sauce. Both were so awesome I wished I had two stomachs. The service was attentive, and all the happy diners created an even more pleasurable atmosphere. I live in Manhattan but my heart stays in Maine.
(5)
Arielle D.
Cafe Miranda is hands down my favorite restaurant EVER. We have been going here every summer since their opening and it is always the highlight of our time. Not only are Kerry and his wife welcoming and hilarious, they know how to run a successful restaurant with amazingly creative, delicious food while maintaining their own quirkiness. I am so sad to be missing my yearly trip to Cafe Miranda this August, and look forward to my next visit there. Do NOT miss the opportunity to visit!
(5)
Leslie S.
I live in Boston and enjoy eating out. This restaurant beats anything I have had in Boston or anywhere else in the US for that matter. Extensive and creative menu. Food is OUTSTANDING! You must eat here if you happen to be within 30 miles of Rockland.
(5)
Amy H.
This is my favorite restaurant I have ever been to. EVER. We sat outside in the cold cold rain and I didn't even notice because the food was so amazing. The HUGE menu is filled with the most delicious food, there is not ONE thing I wouldn't order here and everything I had (grilled veggies, mussels, roasted veggies, salad,flatbread, etc) was Perfect. The portions are also huge and the best best best! I would eat here every day if I could it is that good and there are that many options. AND it was my moms birthday and the waitress brought us the most scumptious piece of dark chocolate ganache. Everyone working here was extremely nice and supported all local foods and growers. I could not dream of a better restaurant. I can't even write about this place anymore I feel homesick for their amazing food that I only get once a year!!!
(5)
Leah G.
I was in the Rockland area for a business trip last week and tried Cafe Miranda after a friend suggested it. It was amazing! The menu was so creative. The staff was very kind. I loved how the menu highlighted local fresh food. I had the shredded beet salad (loved the homemade dressing) and a homemade pasta and veggie dish for my entree. I also had a Greek wine that was tasty. I recommended Cafe Miranda to someone else on my biz trip and he brought his wife to dinner the next day (they loved it as well).
(5)
Emily B.
The menu at Cafe Miranda was a little overwhelming. Because we couldn't decide on our entrees we ordered 4 appetizery dishes for the two of us. Everything was fresh and very tasty. First, we ordered the flavorful olivada shmear for the delish focaccia bread that was provided for the table and the gnocci which was super tender and in creamy vodka sauce. Then, we had the escarnot and the scallop app, so good! We stayed with a Mediterranean theme, but the options seemed endless! We will definitely be back to try the Western European and Asian dishes. Service was a little on the slow side so I took away one star.
(4)
Lynn J.
This was our second visit to Cafe Miranda. We made a reservation and was seated right away. We ordered drinks, took too long to get them. Finally got a basket of bread from the busboy. They need to have an extra waitress. We saw several tables looking around for the waitress at various times. Food was ok. Pricey!!
(2)
Lisa H.
Having patronized this place for years, I wanted to like it better. Food has gotten so much better in Rockland in the past few years and choices are opening up all the time, that said I recently took my father for dinner here after a 3 year hiatus.....It's the last time I will go back! Everything had TOO MUCH garlic in it, (and the bottled kind to boot), the mussels were miniscule, and the bread absolutely DID NOT taste fresh....closer to shoe leather than bread! The service was bright, and the ambience is local funky.....but, much better food to be had other places in Rockland!
(2)
Mal G.
We've eaten here before (see previous review below), but this time I was underwhelmed. While the food was great, it required a looooonnnnng wait (45 minutes + longer for folks at a nearby table). It wasn't until I mentioned it to the hostess that she acknowledged the problem--and our waitress never said a thing, which is inexcusable. Oh--and the prices have gone up about 20-25% since 2007. It will be a long time, if ever, that we'll go back. There are too many other great places to eat here in Maine.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Trevor B.
Let me start by saying that this could have been a disaster. We arrived with a toddler in tow and waited for a seat. The Cafe is small, but homey. We waited about 15 Minutes. One way we make dinning out with a toddler easier for everyone, is to look at the menu quickly and when the waitress comes for a drink order, we just go ahead and order. We occupied our son with toys at the table and watched as the single waitress worked the tables inside. People who were seated after us began receiving their meals. We had waited for almost an hour, our waitress had only come back to bring our drinks. We finally called over the hostess and told her that we not happy. She ran to the back, came back and apologized profusely and told us that the meal was on them. If the food had mediocre I would have written a bad review, but it wasn't. It was great! I could tell that great care was taken in the ingredients of our meals. Hand cut fries! That's a star right there. We enjoyed our meals so much that we did end up paying something towards the cost. Cafe Miranda stepped up to the plate on their error, and very few restaurants do. I left satisfied and will be returning when we are in town.
(5)Amanda S.
Ok, so I'll start with the positives: The food here was awesome! I am vegetarian, and this was one of those rare places that not only had an abundance of veggie options, but also understood that vegetarian doesn't just mean a caesar wrap without the chicken. We ordered the deconstructed nachos and they were amazing! The stir fry was spicy, so stay away if you don't like heat. My meal included lentils and rice, which were cooked perfectly. The chefs definitely know what they're doing. The downsides? First, the price. Waaay to expensive for what it is, even considering that it is in a resort town on the coast. We paid $60 for two entrees and one app. We didn't bother ordering drinks because the drinks were pricier than some places in Boston! Second, the service. Our waitress was slow and inattentive. After we were seated, she disappeared for so long that by the time she returned we knew everything we wanted, from drinks to apps to entrees. Then she disappeared again for even longer. All we asked for to drink was water, but somehow it took her 15 minutes to get that to us. She never refilled the water either despite our empty glasses, it was the busboy who finally came over at one point and offered to bring us more. She popped in maybe once to ask if everything was okay, but never cleared any empty plates. After we were finished, it took another 10-15 minutes before we were able to flag her down for the check. She then forgot to bring it to us several times before she realized we were sitting there waiting. Third, no a/c. It was a hot evening, and with the open kitchen, the dining room was even hotter. There was seating outside, and after dinner we wished we had requested an outside table instead. Overall, the quality of the food made up for the poor service. We will probably return, but we'll ask to sit outside and hope for a different waitress!
(3)Connie C.
Holy crap the food is soooooo fabulous! But bring a book or someone really talkative, maybe your own tableware too. Because you're going to have to wait, and sometimes, busboys decide to ditch everything ad leave you with no fork. If you have nothing better to do but eat all night (because you're going back to the dock to start a schooner cruise for the night) this place is for eaters. The portions are hearty, including the appetizers, and each dish has a lot of complexity that's fun to dissect with every bite. However, since we were outside, not only were we biting our food, but mosquitoes were biting me(totally forgot about the bug spray, but I didn't think I would be there until sundown) So if you want really good food, maybe do takeout here, or wait....
(3)Ken K.
Once you enter Miranda's the pink flamingo lights strung from the ceiling send a signal that Chef Kerry is as offbeat as his menu. This is not your cookie cutter run of the mill restaurant. The menu is huge and dishes are unique and tantalizing, offering something for everyone. It's an open kitchen with the oldest continuously fired brick oven in the state of Maine. Chef Kerry, who is guarded by a 3 foot tall lit up pink flamingo is at the helm, entertaining the patrons who sit at the counter, while calmly conducting cooking magic. The food was great and the atmosphere was truly unique. We'll be back!
(5)Ian M.
I completely agree with Simon's experience. I've been to Miranda's several times now and always come away disappointed. We tried it again after quite a bit of time away, but alas, nothing had changed except the prices had inched even higher. This time, the service was especially poor, with us spending about half an hour in the restaurant longer than we needed to because our waitress was nowhere to be found for long periods of time (keep in mind that there are about 8 tables in this place and there were two servers working the room). I had the Gnu Thing, which was some sort of white-bread Thai-ish creation that left me hankering for the real thing at Tamarind. My dinnermates liked their meals a bit better (sticking with the Italian dishes seems like a good bet), but given that one can have a truly exceptional meal for almost the same price at Lily Bistro or several other restaurants down the street, I just don't think that Miranda is competitive.
(2)Kay L.
Having recently moved to the area, I really wanted to like this restaurant (I appreciate quirkiness, locally sourced food, diverse menus). However, I've tried Café Miranda three times and am simply underwhelmed. For me, it hasn't lived up to its reputation and reviews. On our most recent trip, the service was terrible (more than a half-hour wait for food, server was nowhere to be seen, lukewarm food... and the restaurant was less than half full). Maybe the menu is too eclectic and doesn't allow the chef to specialize. Maybe I've just ordered poorly each time, but I think I've given up. For the price, you can get much better food and more attentive service elsewhere.
(2)Toni M.
There are some places where you feel immediately at home when you walk in. Maybe it was the buttercup yellow walls w/ forest green wainscoting and white crown molding. Maybe it was the sign above our table, HIPPIES USE SIDE DOOR, and in small lettering underneath, Woodstock Merchants Association, testifying to its authenticity. It was recommended by a woman at the front desk where we're staying. The restaurant was about half full when we arrived and filled as we sat there. The menu is overwhelming, both sides of a legal size piece of paper, closely spaced. At the top it states, "No lobster bibs, no adverbs." If you click through to their site and click on Dinner Menu, you can see it. They have goofy names for their dishes, but not in the annoyingly earnest New Age manner of Cafe Gratitude. Their spelling is idiosyncratic and funny. I quote verbatim. We shared IT'S SPRING SOMEWHERE: roasted aspergrass, caramelized onion, sweet peppers, locatelli. It was heavenly! We were brought a basket of focaccia; olive oil and balsamic vinegar are on the table. Alan ordered BBQ PORK: house smoked, in our sauce, corn bread to order, fresh slaw, black beans. I ordered the STICKEY C-FOOD SAMPLER: mussells, shrimp, fish, pulled BBQ pork and calamari in a steamer basket w/ ginger and garlic and rice vinegar, Japanese sticky rice, nappa leaf, scallion, soy dipping station. It was soooo good. All of it. Service was friendly, attentive and accommodating. When I noticed they had Morse's pickles served w/ some of the dishes and asked if I could have (buy) one she brought me one on a very cool little dish. Neither of us noticed whether they even charged us for it. Very nice! If it were in Berkeley we'd be regulars.
(5)Krista W.
We went this past week. Besides the face that Rockland in March isn't what I would call a vacation hot spot this time of year, I would come back and go to Cafe Miranda's in a heartbeat. I had the Mushroom Pasta- on a platter that looked like it was for 6 people, and my husband had Pasta Bleu (hello CHEESE! yumm) .... We couldn't finish- and we tried, the portions are huge! The flatbread seasoned perfectly was our only pre-entree food (it comes with your meal)... and I only nibbled not because it wasn't good but because I was so excited for my food! I was not disappointed. I could see them cooking our food from our table, and knew immediately that these guys don't skimp. Not on quality of ingredients, spice/flavor, or garlic. We exclaimed before eating that we'd never seen mac n' cheese for almost 20 bucks before... and how could it really be, but after eating there, we can only imagine the divine mac n cheese it must be! They have captured our taste buds, hook, line and sinker. I can't imagine anything on their menu being a 'miss', it's all a 'hit', and with such diversity you're bound to find exactly what you've been craving! Don't miss a trip up Highway 1, through Rockland, without a stop here. Tip: in tourist season you'll need a reservation. Even though it was low season, most people entering had reservations, and we felt lucky to get a spot!
(5)SaSa ..
This is a great place for dinner - definitely one of my favorites in Rockland. The restaurant is small - probably about 8-10 tables in total, plus an outdoor seasonal patio. The dining is all in one room, with an open kitchen, so there's always a lot of activitiy and it can be quite busy. The menu is amazingly diverse for such a small place, with italian inspired dishes to thai flavors to mexican. Everything is good, but the pastas and salads stand out. The desserts are amazing also - they have a few that are always on the menu, and a few that change depending on what fresh ingredients are available and what the baker feels like making. The restaurant can get very busy in the summer, so it can be better to go for an early or late dinner so you don't feel quite as rushed.
(5)Jack B.
I can't believe this place doesn't have a 5 star rating! Went for dinner tonight and everything was fantastic. Sat on the outside patio next to a wood burning stove, ambiance and decor was quirky and comfy. The menu is expansive and varied- everything from comfort American to Asian inspired dishes, and everything in between. Everything was incredibly tasty and well portioned- we ended up with leftovers for an entire other meal! Service was prompt and friendly, and while a little bit pricey it was an all around great experience. Already excited to come back when we are in town next year!
(5)Ryan C.
This is one of the best restaurants I have been to in a long time. Great food, nice atmosphere, attentive servers, great prices. It was suggested to us that we should make a reservation, but my girlfriend and I ignored the advice (silly us). We showed up and couldn't get a table for another hour, so we ended up walking around shopping to pass the time. We eventually sat at the counter, which was actually great because we had a view of part of the kitchen and the drink selection. We ordered two appetizers, the shrimp and grits and the egg rolls. They were huge! Those, along with the complementary bread could easily have been our entire meal. They were also delicious. For entrees we ordered the duck and prosciutto topped haddock (wish I could remember the names of the dishes, but keep an eye out, I would recommend both). The duck was juicy, not overly salty, and overall how I think duck should taste. The haddock was a great mix of fish, meat, veggies and cheese. We were already full from the appetizers, but couldn't stop eating until these were gone. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. She had a good sense when when we needed something. Price was great. I could pay 50% more to get the same quality meal most places. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area, even if it's only for a quick bite. Definitively worth it!
(5)Cliff H.
Varied. Delicious. Friendly. Hard to find fault with Miranda's. Fantastic food. Friendly service. And more food customizations than episodes of The Simpsons. Inside diner-like, outside picnic-like. Pulled beef tacos were sumptuous, but messy: ask for extra napkins. Sweet potato fries offer a potpourri of dippings, most 2x the size of the fries themselves. Be aware: Miranda gets busier than an Arkansas Walmart on Black Friday so avoid the peak times or be prepared to wait. If waiting use that time to narrow down our choices from the 5 page, chock-full menu. Everything is customizable here so know what you want before trying to make sense of the Encyclopedia de Miranda. A neat gem off the beaten path on the Rockland downtown strip.
(5)Jen M.
Excellent! Great quality of food, nice attention to flavors being presented. Not your average café!
(5)Jennifer J.
Brunch at lunch! I love that you can have that everyday :) the bread at night is awesome. The wine list is just right. There is always something to satisfy your mood. Can't wait to try breakfast in the morning !
(5)Becky L.
Great atmosphere. It was busy- had to wait about 10 minutes for a table. I sat outside. They have a huge menu and large wine/beer list. I had the wheat seasonal beer that they had on tap. It was good. I had the haddock enchilada for dinner. Ends up enchilada's aren't my thing. It was good. But just not for me. I had a small side of french fries. They were to DIE for. So good. I had a brownie sundae with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Very good. I believe the ice cream is homemade. I will go back sometime and try something else.
(4)Anne S.
We were told that Cafe Miranda has something for everyone, and that's definitely true - their menu is ridiculous! Went here a few weeks ago while in town with a group of 7, including my dad, who is the world's pickiest eater. It's so hard to find restaurants where he'll actually find something he likes, but seeing the "Meat & Potatoes" section on Cafe Miranda's menu told me this was the perfect place. Our party enjoyed some sangria and all had wonderful meals. My fiancee and I split the beet salad and lobster macaroni, and were both sufficiently stuffed. The portion sizes are no joke here! The service was great and the atmosphere is cozy, warm and inviting. But the space is incredibly small, so make sure to make a reservation if you'll be going with a group.
(4)Mark T.
Great, very hip restaurant without airs. Varied menu, we had the Smoked Chicken Egg ROlls, the Szechuan Peanut Noodles and the "Wee Meat Pies." All very good, fresh and in no way ordinary. Busy and bustling, but we cam eat the end of the lunch rush so it calmed greatly as the meal progressed.
(5)Michelle C.
In a nutshell this place is a must for the mid coast area. Extensive menu suitable for all palates. Given my experience You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I recommend the following as repeat and favorites of mine. Miranda margarita Deconstructed nachos 50mph tomatoes Jerry's pizza Any of the pastas (house made noodles) It gets busy on weekend nights so try to make a reservation or expect wait time.
(5)Diana B.
After seeing many positive reviews of this establishment, my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. The restaurant is small and very cute, and our service was good. I'm giving one star because of the food. Our expectations were high but we were both disappointed - I more so. My boyfriend ordered the fish and chips - good sized portions but he mentioned the taste being a bit bland. I ordered the stir fry with noodles and shrimp. My meal was awful and I regret not sending it back. Again, the portion was nice but it seemed my meal was grossly overcooked - all the vegetables were charred and black, and the noodles were too spicy to taste any flavors at all, save for the burnt flavor. And to add insult to injury, our meals were expensive! A costly and regretful dinner.
(1)Barbara B.
Cafe Miranda has been one of our favorite restaurants for the past 12 years - and it still is. This review is to congratulate the chefs who have been consistently amazing and mind boggling to watch the past couple of times we've been there. Thank you for your multitasking, cooking talents! And, gosh, your food is good!
(5)Marcia F.
Everything we tried was great - creative, fun, well-executed. Only criticism (and many will think this is stupid, but, oh-well...) - we ordered a couple of the *yummy* French fry appetizers, and they were *way* too big. Didn't leave much room for the delicious dinners that followed. Can't wait to go back when we're visiting next year to try some other creations!!
(4)Milt B.
Cafe Miranda rocks! This is not your father's restaurant. It's riotous: casual, noisy, crowded, eclectic, and one-of-a-kind. The menu is big, expansive and ever-changing, and after eating here a half dozen times I've only just begun to appreciate how well Cafe Miranda executes. Service is sassy, friendly and attentive if just a little bit on the slow side. Servers know the menu well, can answer any question with authority and sometimes with flourish. The food--and that's what we go back for--is over-the-top! Every dish my wife and I've had has been innovative, tasty and well prepared, with huge servings. We've split salads and that works, and most entrees are also large enough to be split if you wish. The giant hamburgers (BIG selection) come on focaccia bread, and they are superb. I loved Cafe Miranda's shrimp and grits, listed as an appetizer but it made a great entree for me. House wines are inexpensive and delicious. Desserts are big and sweet--one for the table is all you'll need. Cafe Miranda is just one of Rockand's great restaurants. Maybe, just maybe, the first among equals. Probably not the place for a romantic dinner or anniversary celebration (unless you dine outside), but definitely a great find.
(4)Michael O.
This is a Gem. Not easily found by tourist cruising Main St. However for those that find it or search it out, the reward is an great meal at reasonable prices. The place is small and on a side street in Rockland. It has an unassuming store front look but upscale food quality. It takes a while to go through the multi page menu and in half a dozen visits and as many different meals I've never been disappointed. Do yourself a favor and try it. If you've already been there you know it's worth a return.
(4)Dan H.
Went here on recommendation of a friend. Was fearful that with such a large menu that they would only make everything decent but nothing amazing. Boy, was I wrong! I had a haddock special, wrapped in prosciutto and tossed with fresh herbs and artichoke hearts - the Fish was obviously so fresh, and expert care went in to making sure the flavors came together. The squid appetizer is a MUST have. The fresh tomato sauce on it is unreal. Also, the fish tacos, again with fresh fish and great flavor. Only complaint at my table was the scallop dish was just too spicy ("Anybody Want A Peanut") - knowing that know we will just ask ahead of time to keep the spice level down. Also a fun beer list highlighting some Maine craft selections, and a great wine and cocktail list.
(5)Matty W.
Been meaning to stop in for months. Finally had the chance and, wow, am I glad I did! Breakfast Burrito was huge and just spicy enough, with gorgeous cheese and egg filling. Large liquor list. Had a "shorty" beer for the occasion; hey, this was lunch, and I'm a small person. Totally yummy, but had to bring half the burrito home. Very reasonable for what you get, will absolutely come back. This is NOT a fancy place, and it's actually kind of difficult to find a fancy physical place in Rockland (that may be changing). The food and staff are so great you won't want for anything else!
(5)Ken P.
Over priced, over rated and just not that good. I had a lobster sandwich which consisted of a half a loaf of focaccia bread and a dab of lobster salad. Luckily there was lettuce and a tomato on it so I got some sustenance. The focaccia bread was ok but hard to eat and just too much. I'd look for some place else.
(2)Jim M.
By far my favorite, must go to restaurant anywhere in the galaxy! The menu is eclectic and delicious and your biggest challenge will be what to eat. This is a must eat destination for anyone that considers themselves a foodie. Mange!
(5)Mike M.
I have had several good meals at Cafe Miranda. Not tonight. Tonight's takeout featured a Greek pizza and sweet potatoe fries, both of which were burned. The fries were inedible. The pizza nearly so.
(1)Amanda H.
This review is for the bread - the delicious, delicious bread, which tastes like the most perfect pizza crust ever. A little sweet, a little chewy, with a bit of crunch. YUM. Also, the staff is super friendly, the atmosphere is adorable and the food is at least partially locally sourced. Our entrees (Reuben, tofu sandwich, lentil soup) were good but not amazing -- but the bread alone is worth the trip. Happy.
(5)Marc L.
Food is generally of high quality but it is pricey. I accept that until the service is poor. Such was the case in my most recent visit. Restaurant was not at all busy but service was extremely slow. Although there was but one party indoors it took the wait staff nearly thirty minutes to process our bill...all this without an explanation. Eventually I had to go find our waitress who said she had been locked out of her computer. Wish she had told us as our party was left waiting for way too long. Not the kind of dessert we had in mind when we went here.
(2)Daniella D.
Spot-on! The menu is extensive and varies wildly so be prepared if you are indecisive. Everything is locally sourced which explains why the food is so flavorful. The decor is a bit weird but that's part of the fun. The fish "chowdah" was out of this world - I doubt I will ever find another chowder that lives up to the high standard that has now been set. The haddock was cooked fresh and to perfection in a delicate fumet, fresh cream, thick real chunks of bacon, sweet corn kernels and buttery baby potato's, each mouthful beckoned another until there was not a scrap left except the sauce which was mopped up with stone-pizza-oven made focaccia. I will never forget this chowder and the perfect flavors of the cream base. No awful thickeners. No stodginess. The fish taco's were also fantastic; fresh fish again cooked to perfection with a good spicy mix and an unbeatable homemade salsa. Unfortunately the "chowdah" took center stage, I wish I didn't live a thousand miles away from Cafe Miranda as I will now be forced to spend the rest of my days trying to re-create this memorable dish to satisfy the perpetual chowdah craving.
(5)Lori S.
I give this a 3 star and boyfriend would give it a two star. first of all the food is overpriced. We each got a dinner and honestly it was so much food. we could have shared one dish easily. I dont know if it is overpriced to make up for the size but it makes more sense to cut down size and price. The best part of the meal was the bread which was offered before dinner came. Dessert was also overpriced but it was tasty.
(3)Jeff K.
The best word for this place is "quirky." It has a funky, retro vibe, with 1950's-style metal and formica tables. Red and black are the dominant colors everywhere, even in the checkerboard floor. It is nearly impossible to describe the food. There are some Asian dishes, some American dishes and other dishes that defy categorization. It is apparent from the eclectic menu that the restaurant strives to serve original and creative food. Based on our limited lunch experience, some of it succeeds brilliantly and some of it doesn't. The start of our lunch was very promising. The two of us shared a fabulous platter of sweet potato fries, arugula and walnuts in a honey and oil dressing. It was large enough for four people, but so delicious that we couldn't stop eating it and finished it all. A five-star appetizer, for sure. Unfortunately, my main course deserved a far lower rating. It was Asian-style crispy beef over mixed greens. The beef went beyond crispy, all the way to charred. Every time I put a piece in my mouth, I felt as if I was swallowing charcoal. The greens and dressing were tart. The dish lacked, but needed, a compensating flavor to offset the overall sour profile. One to two stars at best for this entree. I feel a bit guilty reviewing Cafe Miranda after having only one meal there, since I think that familiarity with more of its wildly different offerings might provide a truer picture of its overall quality. A kitchen that goes off in so many unrelated directions is bound to have both hits and misses, as our meal demonstrated.
(3)Jennifer C.
Such a large menu! I went in indecisive which was a huge mistake, but the food was fabulous!!! A little bit of everything for everyone.
(4)Reagan S.
Excellent place for dinner. The hostess/greeting system is confusing, but well worth any wait. We had the Mushroom and Gorgonzola dip for an appetizer; it was incredible. Cafe Miranda makes all their own bread, and it is some of the best bread in Maine. We all had different dishes, all of which were fantastic. Unfortunately, we were all too full to finish them. (One thing to mention: I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 because the shrimp in the shrimp and grits were not peeled. We were surprised to have to peel our own shrimp, especially when they were served in a creamy dish.) I recommend Cafe Miranda.
(4)Brandon Y.
The best restaurant thy you can go to. Period. I would consider myself a good foodie, but the food served here is one that can make anyone a foodie. They have eclectic, but amazing dishes. You had better come ready to eat, because the portion sizes are enough to make any appetite disappear. Come here to enjoy good food and a great time with anybody!
(5)Abby K.
Enormous menu, funky decor and the food was great! Make sure you make a reservation - they fill up fast!
(5)Barbara C.
I don't get it. All the locals love this place. Menu has too many choices. Always feel like I could have ordered something better. Food is good but not great. The bread is really good and I have been a few times. Guess I'm looking for the great menu choice.
(3)Tim D.
Been here many times. Large menu to choose from, food is great, very good beer and wine list, staff is excellent. We had burger, gnocchi, chicken sandwich and chicken lettuce wrap - all excellent. Best to make a reservation.
(4)Rastus U.
Miranda is the best. Great variety, hospitality, and vibe. Not for those who need white tablecloths and like technicolor frou-frou drinks. This is the real deal. Inventive, large selection, decent wines, friendly service, great flavors. If you are tired of Cafe Miranda, you are tired of life!
(5)Cat W.
This place was quite a surprise. With as isolated as Maine tends to be, my Texan friend and I were surprised to find Cafe Miranda, a restaurant that looks as though it has just been teleported from Austin. Large menus usually concern me, but here the size of the menu seems to indicate a great variety of fresh ingredients in the back. They have Mexican, Italian, Asian and fusion options and everything we tried was surprisingly good. I was delighted for the opportunity to order gluten free macaroni and cheese, which was scrumptious. I didn't believe that it was GF at first, since the Italian GF pasta tasted so real and was unfamiliar to me. They had to bring out the packaging to convince me it was safe. So good! Four stars just because the waitress had a lot of trouble with our order. But on the upside, even when we got the wrong item it was good!
(4)Rachel D.
Everytime I come home my mom and I pretty much make it a point to come to Cafe Miranda. This time we were even planning on going somewhere else but they were closed, so Cafe Miranda it was! The menu is so huge you can almost guarantee that there's something to satisfy anyone. The entrees are a little pricey for the area, but some of the appetizers are so big that you can get them as a meal. My usual go to meal is the Gnu Evans - a delicious salad with arugula, shaved parmesan, a few other vegetables, oil, and yes delicious hand cut made on the spot - french fries. This time we went a little off the beaten path this time and ordered 1 appetizer and 1 entree, to share, and a glass of wine each - not going to lie, best chardonnay i've had in awhile. For the appetizer we got mussels cooked in a home-made marinara sauce with parsley and fresh tomatoes, and for our appetizer we had their famous baked macaroni and cheese which was cooked with tomatoes, unforgettable cheeses, and kale. They also give you free flatbread and oil to every table. If you didn't make a reservation there's usually room at their quaint, four seated bar where you can watch the cooks season and prepare your food right in front of you. Their interior is plastered with Elvis memorabilia and 1960's hawaiian themed, vintage decor - it's a very casual and relaxed atmosphere offering comfort food with a twist!
(5)Rose S.
This restaurant claims on their site to have "bites to please even the pickiest of palettes", yet they are so inflexible when you order an entree that the experience makes it abundantly clear you should frequent the other fine dining establishments in the area that are more flexible with their menu. I was originally going to order one of their salads and requested that a couple of ingredients be switched out on the salad for ingredients that they carried that I'd prefer. I said I was willing to pay extra for the trouble. I also wanted to pay extra for a few avocado slices added to the salad, which they also stock. The waitress very rudely said no to both requests. I told her that, due to the restaurant's inability to make any changes to their salads, I would need to change my order to something else. I guess she realized how rude she'd been. She attempted a smile at that point and stated that they can't make any changes as it would confuse their billing system which is set up in a rigid manner to only accept the entree as listed on the menu - no changes, period. I changed my order and, when she left the table, the entire group said they did not wish to return to this restaurant during the 2 weeks we were staying in town.
(1)Margo G.
Can't understand the negative reviews. My husband and I LOVE this place. If you're looking for a gourmet experience, this may not be for you but if you enjoy good drinks, good food from a crazy, wonderful menu, quirky decor, and a delightful wait staff, Cafe Miranda fits the bill.
(4)Sue S.
Great place for a light and casual dinner. Gourmet food and wine. Shared the Renee salad and Greek pizza. Very tasty and plenty of food for two! My husband enjoyed the Elvis-themed men's bathroom.
(4)K W.
Went here hungry for dinner & left happy and full. Sit outside if you can. There's a huge menu so you will find whatever you're in the mood for. Portions are large and meals are flavorful. We had the pierogis and the mussels and were very happy with both.
(5)Dan B.
If you like it spicy this is the place for you. Stopped by for a light lunch, soup and chowder, and it was good. Not sure the food is worth the prices though. The bread and our soup and chowder were a lot spicer than we anticipated and prepared differently. The chowder was a hunk of fish with the potatoes, corn and spicies. My wife had a veg soup.
(3)Anne A.
We decided to have dinner at Cafe Miranda, which is one of the best/most popular restaurants in town (according to Yelp) but quite expensive even for Los Angeles' standards for fine dining. Be prepared to pay a lot for your dinner but for quality ingredients in down home bohemian casual environment. Be aware that during the time we were there dining I again got bitten by mosquitoes while dining in their patio which was quite annoying that I didn't really enjoy my meal because of the itchiness. The locals don't seem to be bothered by the mosquitoes as they are probably more attracted to the agitated visitors of this lovely town. I told the server I wanted to have a lobster dish and our server suggested the homemade pasta dish topped with lobster. I thought it was OK but nothing spectacular as it lacked flavor and bland. My cousins had the huge lobster mac and cheese dish which was much tastier than my meal of $34. Most of the dishes seemed like they were in the $30+ range. Plain spaghetti would set you back $20, the priciest spaghetti I've ever seen in my life. Seems like this town is taking advantage of tourists with the cost of dining out since they charge so high for their food. We were sitting next to locals so that is good sign that locals would pay to eat here too even if it is expensive for what it is. We were told by someone that the reason for the expensive food might be is the transportation costs to get food delivered there to Rockland. I would think though if the food they served was from the local farms, then it would in effect would not affect the cost of food. Not sure if I would return to this restaurant but it is worth a try to experience it. Very bohemian and one of the best in Rockland.
(3)Carol K.
3.5 stars. Glad I made a reservation through Yelp. This place was jumping and very busy on a festival weekend. . I thought it was a fun, fresh meal. The portions are over large and even though I have a huge appetite, I would do an appetizer and split an entree next time. I had a latino dish. He had a mixed plate with curries and lentils and it was too busy with flavors and textures. The plate was all good, we just felt it was trying to overachieve. The menu was huge and inventive. I loved the kitchy decor and the vibe.
(3)Nick D.
The wait staff was so rude we changed our mind 5 minutes after sitting down. We walked in. We came up from Kittery with my Mom. My Mom says to the hostess as she walks up, "We heard this is the place to be!" The hostesses response, "If you're eating here you have to eat outside. Only reservations inside." No, oh how nice, we're glad to have you! Or that's fantastic, welcome. Very cold, very rude. She doesn't say follow me, she walks off. Looks back after a moment with a glare like, Hey, idiots, are you coming? We sat down, all kind of shocked. And after waiting 5 minutes for a waitress who never came to acknowledge us....we left. I really can't stand rude staff. You are in a service industry. We ended up going to RUSTICA. Highly recommend Rustica and not Cafe Miranda. Rustica had amazing and attentive wait staff.
(1)Kathy D.
Excellent drink menu, some unusual concoctions that taste great! Food menu is eclectic but there is something for everyone from the vegetarian, meat lover, Asian specialist, and burger lover. I had the Not Pozole and it was wonderful. We also had the Blue Job salad which was to die for. Check this place out!
(5)Mindy K.
Excellent! The food is flavorful and reasonably priced. It was recommended by locals and it is easy to understand why. Don't miss it!
(5)cristin o.
Probably one of the worst dinners I've had in a long time. My family was here in Maine for vacation and we ate out a few times. The food was so overpriced and not appetizing. My mussels seriously consisted of 9 mussels and that's it. I looked at it when it was placed in front of me like you have gotta be kidding. My son ordered nachos but they threw down a plate of chips with no cheese. The waitress was awful and didn't check in on us or anything very ignored. I left starving and our appetizer was lobster dip of some kind that was 20$ and gross. I do not recommend this place at all. My husband paid 85$ and tip and it was a truly awful experience.
(1)M C.
Don't believe the hype! We had several people, locals and prior visitors telling us this place was great. However, the food is bland and the service is mediocre. I ordered black bean soup that was cooked without any added flavor, the salad on top of the soup is what gave it a little flavor, but still not good enough. Then I got the fish patties and it came with garlic fries that were the only decent flavor food. The fish was just put together without any flavor and placed on top of white bland beans. The sauce was okay, but not enough. My friends ordered spagetti with meat balls, which was bland and had no flavor according to her. My other friend ordered the aggablagga, which he tells me that the calamari was made from frozen calamari, and the spinach, pasta noodles, and sauce was also bland. My other friend found the tacos interesting and she liked them a little, but would not order again. So, I would not recommend. I believe they may have been good at one point, but not now. I would rather go down the street to 3 Crow which was the best!
(1)Dore D.
We showed up without a reservation at about 8:30 and were seated within about 5 minutes. It was a Monday night and the place was still buzzing. The atmosphere was bustling and fun. Our server was pleasant and helpful. We ordered pasta dishes as we were told the pasta was made in house. I had the mushroom pasta and my daughter ordered the vegetable noodles. A very enjoyable evening!
(4)Julie T.
Wow what a major disappointment! So many great places to eat throughout mid-coast Maine and this is NOT one of them! Food and service were both dismal! After a week of eating our way through Maine we decided to try something different despite some of the bad reviews What a big mistake that was. I ordered fish cakes recommended by our server and they were 2 silver dollar sized, hard as a rock -corn meal crusted flavorless nuggets. My husband ordered fire roasted greens with mushrooms and ricotta and when they say fire roasted Boy do they mean it because they wore torched! Both "entrees" were also more the size of appetizers which is what they turned out to be since We headed to McLoons for a lobster rolls as soon as we escaped! Will never be back here!
(1)G H.
7/24/12 Tuesday Lesson 1: Show up and expect to wait for a table. A reservation does not help at this popular restaurant. Lesson 2: Order your food all at once because they will not process (cook) your order until the last person orders the food. I waited 45 minutes for an entree order that I placed first and that I requested to be submitted first because my boyfriend was still trying to decide what to order from the extensive menu . My order was not processed (the waitress explained that the chefs were overwhelmed and did not want to process my single order first) . My boyfriend got the Steak appetizer he ordered 10 minutes after me first, 25 minutes after he ordered it, then the Renee salad he ordered and the Summer lobster pasta I ordered came out at the same time 25 minutes after he ordered it and 45 minutes after I ordered mine. Lesson 3: Don't try to special order anything. I requested my food to be spicy and have less salt. The food was not that spicy but I had brought my own chili flakes so that was not a big deal. The food which was good (4/5) was however too salty. If I was in Los Angeles where the service is better (less wait for food, food less salty when requested), the reservation system on Open Table excellent, I would have sent the lobster pasta back. I ate the pasta because I was hungry and really did not want to wait another 45 minutes for an order. Lesson 4: Inquire promptly if you don't get what you ordered. My boyfriend had requested a beer at the same time I ordered my lobster pasta. It never arrived. He inquired about it 20 minutes later and it was finally brought out. We discovered from looking at the carbon copy of our order that had 3 different types of carbon copy writing that the beer order and the steak appetizer and the Renee salad were all added later. Problem 1: My boyfriend made a reservation on Open Table before 6 pm for 7:30 pm. We got there at 7:24 pm and the male host-waiter who greeted us told us that we did not have a reservation. My boyfriend told him that we reserved on Open Table. He proceeded to apologize that they had not checked their computer for 2 hours (the restaurant was packed). He will seat us at the bar if we wanted to wait a little vs the wait for a table for 2 would be 20 minutes. Problem 2: My boyfriend went outside to make a quick phone call. I was seated 7:30 pm at the bar. I ordered my food at 7:40 pm. It came out at 8:25 pm. My boyfriend ordered his Steak Appetizer at 7:50 pm. It arrived at 8:15 pm. He ordered his Renee salad at 8:00 pm and it came out at 8:25 pm. We complained after we paid our bill and asked to speak to the manager. We found out that our waitress was the manager on duty that day. SHOCK! It seems that the chefs are her boss. We ate here 3 years ago and had a similar experience waiting for our food sitting at the bar for a long time. We put up with it because we did not have a reservation and it was a rainy Saturday night. It seems that Tuesday night with a reservation did not make a difference. I wanted to come back because I liked the food although I am very sorry I did. It ruined a precious evening of my vacation. CONCLUSION: The food (4 out of 5) is as expensive as in Los Angeles where we are from (or Boston) although the service is 1 out of 5 and the atmosphere is very casual. Total food bill for lobster pasta (29), Renee salad with chicken (12 + 3.5), Steak appetizer (13), beer (2.5) + tax = 64.5 dollars. The servings are standard and not as generous as some people may comment about. Our waitress aka manager on duty apologized and offered to get us a gift card to come back and try again or send us a gift. We left our email with her since we are traveling.
(2)Simon L.
I love to think I am going to love Café Miranda every time. I have eaten here at least one time per summer for the last 15 years. Each time I trick myself into believing that I ordered the wrong thing last time and this time will be better when I order the alternate dish I could not decide between last time. Alas, each summer I remember why I left the year before determined to never return. The portions are enormous and the menu is as well. Unfortunately, I think this may be the problem as there are just too many things listed on the menu for a chef to do them all well during any particular dinner service. From the menu, I ordered the following last time I was there in August 2010 PORK PARMESAN FROM HELL- bone in loin chop, cornflake coated, sautéed, on herbed roasted roma tomatoes w/ mozz & romano cheeses, pasta sheet (it is not spicy, just outrageously good, big too) 25.5 For $25.50, the food is no bargain and it is just not that tasty. This may not be the exact item that was on the menu in August as the chef does get marks for using locally grown, fresh ingredients, but it was something very similar - I want to say more of a pork meat tomato sauce with home made pasta. The menu is absolutely mouth watering to look at but it seems to fail every time. The menu is the reason I return each year - except the food is not as good as it sounds. Shorten the menu and concentrate.
(2)Q A.
Excellent meal. The fish chowder was a meal in Itself!
(5)Shannon C.
Cafe Miranda is a very cute little place in downtown Rockland. The menu is huge, the staff is friendly, and the drinks are delicious! The thai red curry calamari was so yummy, we used the bread to keep eating the sauce...and the bread was really good too! I got fish tacos for dinner, which were really good, perfect cabbage slaw and fish combo. My boyfriend had the lamb burger, which he couldn't stop raving about...and for once, he couldn't finish! our only complaint was the salt content, which in my opinion was high, but I don't like salt. All in all, great meal had!
(4)Bob A.
If you judge food to be good by portion size then this place is a winner. Portions are enormous , and let me add, over priced. If you judge a meal based on quality preparation, creativity and FLAVOR, then this place is not worth the time and money. I ordered the Aggablagga (a pasta and calamari dish) made with a marinara sauce. The calamari was no better than the frozen kind you can get in supermarket. The marinara was just chunky tomato with no herbs or garlic. Essentially this dish had no flavor. I get the feeling this place survives on what was once a good reputation. And finally service and attention to requests like can "I get a glass of water" goes ignored.
(1)Bill B.
Quirky and delicious food ..... We go once a year for our anniversary.... Always a special treat...... House Cabernet is smooth and tasty too
(5)Carlie D.
This place was a pleasant surprise on my recent trip to Maine. My aunt took her friend and I here while we were in town for the National Toboggan Champioship. That's right, tobogganing. The dinners that we each had were excellent. The prices were a little more expensive that I am used to finding in small towns like Rockland but the food was quality. They have an interesting menu with rather funny and playful names for some of their stuff on their menu. Their bathrooms are decked out in Elvis accessories galore! It's pretty awesome. Even if you aren't an Elvis fan. The service could have been a little better. I've never felt so rushed by the wait staff at a restaurant before. That would be my only complaint. Other than that, everything was great.
(4)Valerie L.
We ate here two years ago and had a nice meal. Maybe they were having an off night but the food wasn't as good. The focaccia was a little burnt and my drink that was supposed to be made with soda water had no bubbles at all. Not the quality that we remembered but the quantity was still generous.
(2)Jason C.
Been here also many times when we go to maine each year, this is a small restaurant on a side street right off the main street in rockland dont miss it, it has a very big menu with lots of choice's and take your time to read it top to bottom . This is hip/cool place to go to and you have to go open minded and not afraid to order new things. Bread they serve is great, so many apps to choose from, as well the entrees and we have never had a bad meal here.
(4)Jim O.
Over the years we have tried to eat a Cafe Miranda whenever we are in the Rockland area for a few days. Whether it is the dead of winter, or August high-tourist season, the place is always packed. And for good reason, the menu is varied with many vegetarian selections and the food is plentiful and good. It is pricey, but we're not talking BK here. Our last visit on a Tuesday evening after a day trip to Vinalhaven was interesting in that we were tired out and just wanted to take dinners home. That was fine with the waitress who took our order and told us to come back in 20 minutes. So, we windowshopped along the main street and returned to find a chagrined waitress who apologized profusely saying they didn't have what I ordered. We didn't want to wait another 20 minutes or more, and asked what she would suggest. She recommended that I get the pot roast (which was pretty close to the meatloaf that I ordered in concept) and she would buy us drinks while we waited. So we sat at the bar with some foccacia and beer, exchanged pleasantries with one of the chefs at the open kitchen and in 10 minutes our food was ready. My wife got polenta with mushrooms and greens which she liked alot and my pot roast with roasted potatoes and carrots was delicious. We also found some chocolates in the take out bag. We felt the staff owned up to their error and made things work for us. We continue to be fans of this great local eatery.
(4)Steve B.
We found ourselves in Rockland, and decided to try Cafe Miranda. We called for a reservation (good idea!), since the restaurant is not large and the outside tables got rained out. The menu is varied, and there are many small plates and large plates. After a few pieces of Cafe Miranda's terrific focaccia, we decided to go for the large plates. Dinner partner had lamb on a bed of couscous. I had grilled sausage on a bed of arugula. Each was terrific.
(5)Erik T.
Cafe Miranda was great. My family was on vacation in Camden and came down here for dinner one night on the recommendation of friends. We loved everything we had, and came back again later in the week. I don't know how such a small place can have such a large menu, but I'm glad they do. For appetizers, the melted Emmentaler was delicious, and the olive spread as well (we got that one both times). We also enjoyed the asparagus tremendously. For entrees, the Bleu Cheese pasta (Old Bleu I think it's called?) was incredibly filling. I took it home and had two more meals out of it. I also tried the cauliflower pasta, which was not quite as thick, but just as tasty. Note to cilantro haters - they enjoy it there, but if you let the waiter know, you can avoid it. Our waitress even introduced us to the chef and told him we didn't want any cilantro and we had a fun conversation with him. And the homemade ice creams were great. We were too full to try any the first time, so we made sure to save room on our second trip. I had the ginger, and my brother had the peanut butter chocolate. I wish I lived much closer to Maine. As it is, I live in Brooklyn and enjoyed Cafe Miranda better than some of the foodie places we have here in the city.
(5)Christy A.
one of my favorite restaurants with strong bold flavors and a lot of cilantro, blue cheese and onions. Even if you never eat bread, this is the singular place to break down and have a few pieces. The portions are huge, so plan to share. The menu is fun and the drinks are great. Each table has a different salt and pepper shaker. You'll need reservations.
(4)Nancy K.
Reservation made on Yelp not received at restaurant. Food is pricey, true, portions are huge, but I would rather have more choices for smaller entrees. There were four of us, 3 out of 4 thought food was just OK. I will stick to seafood restaurants in Rockland.
(3)Meg R.
Amazing. Went here for the first time ten years ago on our first trip to Maine, and was very excited to know Miranda's was still here. We went on a Tuesday night around seven, so there was no wait. The inside was fairly busy, but there were still some tables available. Sat outside though as it was an amazing September night, and they had a great fire going. The menu is full of so many options, that if there is not something on there for you, you have issues and should not be eating out. Started with the bowl of meat. Kinda like the trendy Thai lettuce wraps you find elsewhere, but with a nice kick. Husband had the burrito....HUGH portion size. I had a cheese app. as my meal. All very yummy. Drove the whole way home ( 5 hours) with the burrito left overs I the car..... Can't wait to dig in!
(5)K B.
Well located, but not the greatest location.... otherwise, I adore Miranda. It's one of those places where you can have a standby dish, and unwillingly move up/down the menu and safely wind up w/ good, creative faire. Service... like all of Maine... San Francisco could use a lesson on hospitality.
(5)Amy F.
This is one of our favorite restaurants. The menu is huge and a lot of fun. Some of the dishes are a little hit or miss in flavor combinations/results--but the staff, atmosphere and adventurous menu more than make up for this. I do not understand the comments about this restaurant being overpriced--compared to big city restaurants?? Yes, some of the entrees are on the expensive side. But the portions are huge. My boyfriend and I feel this is a place where we can go and get a lot of value for the quality of food and service. We can either order a couple of apps to share (which are of good portion), or we can split an entree and a small salad and still feel pretty full. If it is still on the menu - the Pasta Mushroom has a very nice flavor. But plan for it to feed 2 to three people! Perhaps the one thing missing would be a better explanation on the menu about portion size--the larger entrees really should be split or plan that you'll have a couple of leftover meal-sized portions!
(4)Lindsay L.
Dear Cafe Miranda, I visited your establishment the Saturday after Christmas. As embarrassed as we were to show up at the early dinner hour of 5:30, the even-fresher-than-usual bread was a worthwhile pay-off. My food was unusually good this time. Delighted that it was actually not made with a meat stock, I opted for the Roasted Sweet Onion and Pea Risotto (on the apps list) and the lemon and parsley were a perfect match to offset the otherwise sweet onion dish. The freshly chipped Parmesan finished it off nicely. As an accompaniment, I ordered the roasted greens. The kale was a bit chewy this time, but I will forgive them. It was all so tasty with the roasted mushrooms and feta that came with the greens that I barely noticed having to chew more. Thanks for another great dining experience!
(5)Peter B.
Cafe Miranda has a funky, casual atmosphere and a huge, eclectic menu. The prices are high given the ambience, but the food is fresh and well prepared. Much of the menu is locally sourced, including some of the fish that comes from the fishermen of Port Clyde, Maine. Other menu items, such as the "organic" Scottish Atlantic salmon is somewhat dubious as a menu choice, but overall Cafe Miranda is dedicated to local, sustainable food. Last night we took my young boys to Cafe Miranda for an early dinner. We sat outside and were well taken care of by the friendly staff. The boys had hot dogs and burgers. both were served with a weeks worth of homemade french fries. The only complaint from the youngsters was that both the hot dog and hamburger were served on house made crusty bread instead of buns. This would have been great for an adult, but perhaps not so lovely for young kids. I ordered an artichoke appetizer and the chili con queso. Both were delicious. The chili con queso was a mountain of cheese and delicious salsa- enough food for an entire table. The artichoke was well done, but definately not light fare- heavy with oil. Rachel ordered the chicken risotto and it was wonderful- rich and flavorful. For one entree, two appetizers, two kids meals and non-alcoholic drinks we spent over $80. Overall Cafe Miranda is a fun experience with a diverse, if expensive, menu. Highly recommended when in Midcoast Maine.
(4)Katie M.
Love. This. Place. It's been around for a while, and I've been going here a while. When I went to prom my sophomore year of high school, we ate here. I've eaten here for the past two new year's eves. And now they serve brunch, which is also amazing. Love their bread. I always get full on it before the meal even arrives. I usually go pretty safe with what I order here, because their items are very literal. For example, I ordered a fried cheese ball, and that was literally all it was: a little tiny 1 inch ball of fried goat cheese. My date once ordered pigs in a tent, and it was literally pasta pitched like a tent over two large links of sausage. I always get the sausage and spaghetti and it's amazing. Their decor is cute and funky, a nice getaway from the more redneck aspects of Rockland. I always try to use the Elvis bathroom when I go here. It's adorable. I try to go here whenever I can. It's cozy and has great, comforting, rich food. Great for dates. Definitely call ahead and get reservations, not the kind of place that just has open tables on a weekend evening. What else can I say? Best place in Rockland. Camden too, for that matter.
(5)Jane Z.
Such a yummy and quaint restaurant! My brother and I had to examine the menu for almost 15 minutes in silence because it was sooo huge. I even took home a copy to show my friends. I ordered the scallops appetizer and my brother got the calamari. Both were good. For entrees, I got the Pork Sam and he got steak frites smothered in this awesome porcini mushroom + gorgonzola cheese sauce. Both were so awesome I wished I had two stomachs. The service was attentive, and all the happy diners created an even more pleasurable atmosphere. I live in Manhattan but my heart stays in Maine.
(5)Arielle D.
Cafe Miranda is hands down my favorite restaurant EVER. We have been going here every summer since their opening and it is always the highlight of our time. Not only are Kerry and his wife welcoming and hilarious, they know how to run a successful restaurant with amazingly creative, delicious food while maintaining their own quirkiness. I am so sad to be missing my yearly trip to Cafe Miranda this August, and look forward to my next visit there. Do NOT miss the opportunity to visit!
(5)Leslie S.
I live in Boston and enjoy eating out. This restaurant beats anything I have had in Boston or anywhere else in the US for that matter. Extensive and creative menu. Food is OUTSTANDING! You must eat here if you happen to be within 30 miles of Rockland.
(5)Amy H.
This is my favorite restaurant I have ever been to. EVER. We sat outside in the cold cold rain and I didn't even notice because the food was so amazing. The HUGE menu is filled with the most delicious food, there is not ONE thing I wouldn't order here and everything I had (grilled veggies, mussels, roasted veggies, salad,flatbread, etc) was Perfect. The portions are also huge and the best best best! I would eat here every day if I could it is that good and there are that many options. AND it was my moms birthday and the waitress brought us the most scumptious piece of dark chocolate ganache. Everyone working here was extremely nice and supported all local foods and growers. I could not dream of a better restaurant. I can't even write about this place anymore I feel homesick for their amazing food that I only get once a year!!!
(5)Leah G.
I was in the Rockland area for a business trip last week and tried Cafe Miranda after a friend suggested it. It was amazing! The menu was so creative. The staff was very kind. I loved how the menu highlighted local fresh food. I had the shredded beet salad (loved the homemade dressing) and a homemade pasta and veggie dish for my entree. I also had a Greek wine that was tasty. I recommended Cafe Miranda to someone else on my biz trip and he brought his wife to dinner the next day (they loved it as well).
(5)Emily B.
The menu at Cafe Miranda was a little overwhelming. Because we couldn't decide on our entrees we ordered 4 appetizery dishes for the two of us. Everything was fresh and very tasty. First, we ordered the flavorful olivada shmear for the delish focaccia bread that was provided for the table and the gnocci which was super tender and in creamy vodka sauce. Then, we had the escarnot and the scallop app, so good! We stayed with a Mediterranean theme, but the options seemed endless! We will definitely be back to try the Western European and Asian dishes. Service was a little on the slow side so I took away one star.
(4)Lynn J.
This was our second visit to Cafe Miranda. We made a reservation and was seated right away. We ordered drinks, took too long to get them. Finally got a basket of bread from the busboy. They need to have an extra waitress. We saw several tables looking around for the waitress at various times. Food was ok. Pricey!!
(2)Lisa H.
Having patronized this place for years, I wanted to like it better. Food has gotten so much better in Rockland in the past few years and choices are opening up all the time, that said I recently took my father for dinner here after a 3 year hiatus.....It's the last time I will go back! Everything had TOO MUCH garlic in it, (and the bottled kind to boot), the mussels were miniscule, and the bread absolutely DID NOT taste fresh....closer to shoe leather than bread! The service was bright, and the ambience is local funky.....but, much better food to be had other places in Rockland!
(2)Mal G.
We've eaten here before (see previous review below), but this time I was underwhelmed. While the food was great, it required a looooonnnnng wait (45 minutes + longer for folks at a nearby table). It wasn't until I mentioned it to the hostess that she acknowledged the problem--and our waitress never said a thing, which is inexcusable. Oh--and the prices have gone up about 20-25% since 2007. It will be a long time, if ever, that we'll go back. There are too many other great places to eat here in Maine.
(2)