My wife and I went on our anniversary, and we were blown away!! Great food and the waiter, Randy was one of the best personalities in Maine! A must see and stop!! The chef was also amazing with my wife's food allergies. Great place, will be back, when up there again!!!!
(5)
Estelle L.
This is a very good restaurant off the beaten path. It was a nice change from all the fried foods and fast food restaurant from the area. Caesar salad was great, made table side. Will definetly return when we visit Maine.
(4)
Kat Z.
My boyfriend and I found this place on our way into Old Orchard Beach, where we vacationed for the weekend. We LOVED it. The food was amazing, and the staff was excellent. When we ordered a piece of the Maine blueberry pie for dessert, and our server told us her co-worker just served the last piece, we ordered an entire pie that we picked up on our way out of town. We spent the next week referring to the chef, Dave, as a man sent from heaven to bake us pie. When we picked up our pie we stayed for lunch, and had a second incredible meal. This is now our go-to place any time we head up to the beach or to Portland. Dave is a rock star.
(5)
Julie B.
Very pleasant meal, relaxed and excellent service. Our server was both competent and charming.
(4)
Brett C.
We were trying to find something better than a "chain" place at the last minute that we could get a healthier meal that my kids would also be happy about. We found this place on Yelp and were not disappointed. The service was good as was the food. Will definitely go back if in the area again during dinner time.
(5)
John K.
The place is nice and the food good, but I didn't find it outstanding.
(3)
Andy C.
Really, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this restaurant! My wife and I visited The Chef & The Gardener tonight with my parents, and we all had a lovely meal in a beautiful setting with extremely attentive and courteous waitstaff for a price that I thought was quite reasonable, especially when you consider many of the ingredients are locally sourced and/or purchased from Maine companies! The emphasis on healthy choices was evidenced by the variety of low-fat omnivore, vegan, and vegetarian selections, and by the portion sizes which were very reasonable, but still provided a good value for the money. I was surprised to find the restaurant mostly empty upon our arrival, despite the fact that it has been a cold and rainy day here in southern Maine. As many people know, this can be a sign that a restaurant is not worth going to, so I was concerned. Fortunately, this was not the case. I started my meal with a very tasty if slightly under-salted (and therefore probably healthier) Crab Bisque. One of my companions also had a cup of clam chowder. The specials for the evening included a lobster dinner, available boiled, baked and stuffed, or tail only for the same price. I enjoyed a delicious cornmeal crusted chicken with an onion-wine sauce, complimented with fresh sugar snap peas and warm polenta. The chicken was juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection, and I was quite satisfied with the portion size. Other selections at the table were chicken with fresh strawberry and balsamic reduction (AMAZING!), roast pork loin, and a ribeye steak. All of the meals were properly and reasonably portioned, well seasoned, and perfectly cooked. Desserts consisted of tiramisu and creme brulee, both of which were excellent and again came in a serving size which was satisfying, but was not more than any one person should eat in a single setting. Overall, I cannot give this place a strong enough recommendation to anyone looking for a casual, but tasty and healthier dinner in the Saco/Biddeford area. The service was excellent, the food was outstanding and original, and the setting was warm and cozy but uncluttered. I don't understand how this place could be so empty on a Friday night, as their food, service, and prices should be making this one of the most popular restaurants in the area.
(5)
James N.
Tried this place for brunch and despite it's somewhat unusual setting (there's a hair salon in the same building?), was pleasantly surprised. The service was friendly and attentive and all of the food was delicious. We sat on the hidden patio, which was small but a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather. Comparatively, the dining room seemed a bit dark and gloomy. Too bad alcohol was not available outdoors. We would definitely return as long as we could get one of the few tables on the patio and we're not in the mood for a glass of wine.
(4)
Beth D.
We went to The Chef and the Gardener as a middle ground to meet some friends for dinner between Portsmouth and Portland. I believe our friend just found it online. We were a little hesitant walking into the restaurant because as other reviews state, it is hard to find and in an awkward location right next to a salon. However I am not taking stars off for that because once we got inside it was adorable. It was a very small and cozy atmosphere. The food was absolutely delicious, a very unique menu. None of us could choose what to get because everything looked fantastic. The waitress was extremely good about making recommendations. Our waitress (Emily?) was very friendly and knowledgeable. Exceptional overall service, we were very pleased. Regardless of this place being so far away I think we will be making the trip again.
(5)
Kate M.
We had a great dinner out back in a cute garden area. The lobster spring rolls were very light and fresh; perfect for a summer evening! We also couldn't resist the vegetable charcuterie and you shouldn't either. It was so unique and all the favors went really well together! I had a salmon special, which was delicious and my date had duck. We both would order these dishes again. We will be back! Keep up the great work!
(5)
Courty C.
Small place, with a nice cozy atmosphere and delicious food. Definitely will be back. There service was attentive and friendly. Michael our server was very helpful and led us to make some great decisions on what to eat. Our food came out a bit late, so the owner proactively bought the entire table a round of drinks. We were so surprised and thankful, as at other restaurants you tend to just wait with nothing. Being a bit meat eater, vegetable "charcuterie" was an odd choice of an app for me, but it wowed with flavor. The smoked brisket with caramelized onions special was a great entree, however I was underwhelmed with the mixed vegetables and rice pilaf that came with. Good thing there was so much meat, I was not wanting for any more food. The beverage list is not to be overlooked. There were some great deals on wine, as well as an extensive list of value priced local brews from Maine. And if you are not into the booze, an enticing list of home brewed iced tea including flavors of strawberry and passionfruit.
(4)
Priscilla W.
I found this on yelp and wanted to dine somewhere that was a little fancier than the pub atmosphere. First of all, this restaurant is off the beaten path which may explain why it was relatively empty for a Friday at 7:30. I loved the atmosphere, the rest of my family weren't as enthusiastic as I was. Nice menu with great choices . I opted for the diver scallop special with a quinoa sweet potato cake. What a great choice! Scallops were fresh, cooked perfectly and the quinoa cake was heavenly . my husband has the salmon and said it was good but thought my scallops were better. Our waiter was certainly pleasant if not a bit over attentative shared the limoncello cake for dessert and it was light, cool and lemony. I really enjoyed our meal and think this place is a hit!
Dinner was delicious. My kids shared the Havana Chicken, my wife had the maple steak, and I ordered the Osso buco. The chicken was ok, the steak is to die for, the osso buco was very good.
(4)
Barbara M.
My sisters and I are at Sebago Lake for the weekend. We were going to go to another restaurant in the Old Port, but could not get a reservation. We went to google and found this wonderful restaurant. From the appetizers, to the table Caesar salad, to all our entrees to the fabulous deserts, we all loved it. There were 6 of us and we just can't stop talking about how good it was. It def tasted like from the garden to the table and the spices and herbs challenged your taste buds. Simply delicious. Can't wait to go there again!!!
(5)
Howard B.
I wish I did not have to write this review... Although hard to find, we were hoping this was going to be a gem of a restaurant. We started with the virgin mojito which tasted like ginger ale with one mint leaf on top. We proceeded to the special goat cheese onion tart which looked hot and delicious, but tasted greasy and flavorless. We shared a Caesar salad which was fine, but unfortunately our waitress brought the soup the salad and the entree at the same time. The soup had to be sent back, as it was cold, and the entree, a Shrimp lime cilantro dish was greasy, soggy and on top of over cooked pasta. The owners, a husband and wife team couldn't have been more wonderful to talk with, and once inside, the place was charming. Unfortunately, the food and service are just not adequate.
(2)
Amy Y.
Talk about a "hidden gem"! I think most people would miss this place, but don't, this place is AMAZING! There is nothing better than a farm to table menu done well, and at The Chef & the Gardner, they were masters. The menu is creative, having something for the carnivore, vegan or those in between, as well as many gluten free options. They try to use local or Maine based products as much as possible and strive to be earth friendly. But enough about all that, what you really care about is the food, right? Now that you know you can feel good about what you are eating, dig in! The Vegan Harvest Vegetable Salad is a fun, shoe string cut mix of golden beets, purple turnips, rainbow carrots and parsnips, apples, & spinach, all tossed in a grilled apple dressing. The Bacon, Brie & Pear Grilled Cheese-yes! I did just say that!, was divine! The perfect blend of crisp, buttery, smokey, creamy, sweet and acidic. Thee blueberry balsamic was a great finishing touch. Duck Breast with a Quince Glaze was delicious. Even the kids Pasta and Sauce was good (they do have a kids menu). The house brewed Blackberry Iced Tea was refreshing and not too sweet. Save room for dessert! (They have a clean plate club here). The Apple Caramel Cheesecake is rich, creamy autumn on a plate (& gluten free but who would know?). The Nutella Cheesecake (need I say more?) was all that we had hoped-hazelnutty, chocolatey and RICH! For s lighter but by no means less delicious or flavorful, try the Hazelnut Mousse with Raspberry Buttercream Marjolaine. The mousse and buttercream are both bursting with flavor though light, & nicely balanced with the nutty, delicate, crisp and chewy marjolaine (a chewy meringue). The service is respectfully friendly, pleasant, and very informative. They know their menu and their wine list. The servers are professional and make the dining experience all the more wonderful. More sure you dine at The Chef and the Gardner, you will be thrilled you did. They offer lunch, dinner and brunch so you have no excuse. Now go!
(5)
Eric C.
We happened upon this restaurant on our way home from Old Orchard Beach. We were hoping for a casual dining atmosphere as we had our 3 children (12y, 11y & 17mos) with us. We found that it was small and formal but the staff offered us to dine on their patio which was great as it was shaded and our 17 month old could roam around a bit without being distracting to those eating in the dining room. Our waiter, Michael, was awesome! He was able to answer all of our question and was very attentive to our needs without complaint. Our unrefined palates found the food to be good, but not exceptional. We would definitely return if we were in the area and in the mood for another try.
(4)
Jennifer S.
My husband stopped here on our way back to NH and will definitely be returning! He had the maple steak and it was incredibly flavorful and impeccably cooked. I got the special (scallops with bacon marmalade) and was impressed with the melding of flavors and the party in my mouth:) Table service by Gabe was refreshing and light. We both highly recommend this farm to table restaurant!
(5)
Amybeth H.
I can't begin to contain my excitement that there is a restaurant with vegan selections, and so close by. The selection is amazing, the service was good and our food delicious. I cannot recommend it enough. We go out a lot and enjoy adventures. I found this place on Yelp and trusted the reviews, and we were not disappointed. Amybeth Hurst
(5)
Holly H.
My boyfriend and I were in the area for the night. It was past dinner time and wanted to find a place close to our hotel so we looked on Google maps and luckily found this hidden gem! Everything was excellent! From the beer and wine selection to the home made desserts! I had the Osso Bucco which was amazing and my BF had the Scollop and Asiago grits special which he said was very good, great mix of flavors. We will be back for sure!
(5)
Troy P.
First off this needs to be said. This is a small menu locally sourced small staff eatery. It needs to be said because if your idea of going out is chain restaurants then you will be annoyed. There is nothing wrong with this place. Fantastic dishes, great wait staff, and a cozy atmosphere. It's is nouveau cuisine but not over the top that if you are venturing into a "foodie" world for the first time you'll be fine. If you already are the type that wants to know the origin of every spice and if the pig or duck was well educated in it's free range homeschooled hyperbolic chamber then skip it. I think this place fits well with places like Dogfish Cafe as a bridge restaurant between the experimental and solid good home cooking. I recommend the trip for a change of pace.
(4)
Don W.
This restaurant is incredibly cute. It's small, clean, friendly, and adorable. This is a good spot for first dates, anniversaries and other special occasions, but it's also a good spot when you're just looking for a change. Check out the menus on their website and see what you think. The restaurant says that it's "farm to table" and I have no idea if that means anything specific or if it's just part of the current locavore trend. And seriously, I don't care. The food is damn good and the price is right. My wife and I had apps, entrees, and drinks, and the total was less than $70 with tax and tip. Of course it's more expensive than Rapid Ray's, but it's cheaper than any comparable restaurant in the area and they gave us a 10% off coupon for next time. There WILL be a next time. We had the Caesar salad that was made tableside and it was delicious. Then we had the risotto and the crab-stuffed sole. The only way anything could have been better would be if the tourists with the noisy 5 year old kid had gone somewhere else for dinner, but I don't think that the staff was happy with the kid either. Ah, summer in Maine. :) Portions aren't huge but they're consistent with the prices. The good news is that you'll probably have room for an appetizer or dessert, and you won't have too much food if you're a light eater. The bad news is that if you were looking to bring home enough for three more meals, you've come to the wrong place. But really, prices and portion sizes are not over the top and it means that you get to try an additional dish without stuffing yourself or breaking the bank.
(5)
Tanya S.
I've visited this place each time I was in the area. It's fresh food and great service. Mostly locally grown food. Definitely a diamond in the rough.
(5)
Marti S.
Great food! Caesar salad was solid. Really good haddock. Really, none of this probably matters because I wouldn't be surprised if the menu is entirely different when you go. My husband wasn't thrilled with his osso bucco, but I think that's because he's just used to mine. (brag brag brag) They use many local ingredients & vendors, which is fantastic. My ONLY complaint is that --- okay, I don't know if this is normal, but when we went, it was BLISTERING hot outside, and their air conditioning either wasn't working or it underperforms or something. So, we were still sweating. But maybe that'll be fixed.
(4)
A. K.
The place was half full at prime dining time, and the fans did not adequately cool the restaurant. There were senior citizens, middle aged couples, and even a baby dining. The background music was pleasant. While the place is attractive and the wait staff aims to please, the food falls short. The food really didn't have much taste, and he portions are small for the price, too. No one in the group liked her food. One reviewer writes that "foodies" will be fine here. Me thinks not. I do wish I could have written a more positive review.
(1)
Laura H.
Absolutely delightful little gem. Located in half of an old renovated barn, The Chef and The Gardner is cozy, with a lot of personality. The woman who served us was really friendly and helpful. My mouth started watering just reading the menu descriptions. I wound up with the salmon omelet, and my fiance was very happy with his breakfast burrito. The side of bacon was just the right amount, and the home fries turned out to be a mix of regular and sweet potatoes. I believe it was the first time, ever, I was able to eat home fries without any ketchup or other sauces. Everything was fresh and prepared just right. I was a little nervous at first, because Yelp has a vegan tag on the listing. But, rest-assured, fellow carnivores - the menu may be vegan-friendly, but there is plenty for a meat-eater to enjoy. (On the other hand, if you're offended to eat in a place where other people are eating meat, this may not be the place for you.) It's rather far from home, but if I ever wind up in the neighborhood again, I would love to stop by again. Also, I didn't wind up ordering one, but I swear I saw a sign for $3 mimosas. Awesome.
(4)
Gladys S.
Went for the first time last night with friends & we all were very pleased. Our waiter was awesome! Very knowledgable with the menu. Two of us shared the table side Cesar salad which was delicious! The others had vegan French onion soup. The haddock was light & crisp and full of flavor. We indulged in dessert too which was very good. Would come back for sure.
(5)
Scott R.
A small, comfortable spot with creative and tasty food, much of it locally sourced, and congenial staff. Quick service, well sized portions, and fair prices.
(4)
Jessi A.
Great staff, great locally grown food, creative recipes and accommodates special diets? Yes, all that. Small and tucked back from the road, but a great find. I can hardly wait to take advantage of their outdoor seating when the weather permits.
(5)
Allison C.
Yelp never lets us down! This hidden restaurant is tucked down inside a renovated barn next to a hair salon, but once inside the ambiance is charming and intimate. I cannot say enough about the waitresses, they were both fantastic and super nice. Tableside bread is a huge highlight...so good. I love this place because the food is mostly all local, made in house, and super fresh. For entrees, we had haddock and swordfish and both were DELICIOUS. We shared the bread pudding for dessert with homemade ice cream. Also, the homemade sangria is awesome, and a great beer list, too. HIGHLY recommend!!!
(5)
Dan M.
I want to thank Yelp for helping me find this place. My wife and I went for lunch last week during a rainy day while on vacation in Old Orchard Beach. The menu is creative, the food is very fresh, the service was stellar, and the home made desserts are delicious. I had their luncheon Portuguese risotto and thought it was outstanding (picture attached). I wish I knew were to find something similar to where I live in MA. They have partnered with lots of local vendors to ensure the freshest ingredients. The waitress even told me that in the winter they try to get as much produce as they can from local greenhouses. I can't wait to try this place for dinner.
(5)
Carole M.
Healthy food never tasted so good! It helps that you know it was made with local ingredients, and done by people who obviously love what they do! Fine dining at it's best in Maine! Even my husband loves it, I just don't tell him if it is vegan or gluten-free- he never knows the difference. His fave is the Vegetable Lasagna. If you are looking for non-vegan, they have that as well!
(4)
Paul B.
A pleasant surprise. I have driven past this restaurant a number of times but have never stopped in. That changed when we became the proud owners of a Groupon for The Chef & The Gardner. I will say right off that reservations are strongly recommended. The restaurant is not large and it filled up soon after we arrived. Service at the restaurant was friendly and attentive. There are no mixed drinks, but there is a nice wine and beer selection. The food was excellent. We started off with the crab cakes which wonderful. My wife had duck which was cooked perfectly. I went with the salmon which was also good. We will definitely be heading back soon to sample more of the menu.
(4)
Irmain D.
My family and I pulled into the parking lot after a long drive from NJ they were closing up but invited us in and they reopened the kitchen. Thank you Dave, Emily and Sydney for a great start to our vacation. The food was outstanding I had the seafood risotto (yum) fresh ingredients my kids ordered off the adult menu and cleaned their plates my husband ordered the stuffed halibut -outstandingThe wine was delicious and reasonable priced. A little hard to find if you crossed the bridge you've goon too far. We also returned for brunch on Sunday again we left quite satisfied A true find for us foodies.
(5)
M L.
You've probably unknowingly driven by The Chef and The Gardener. It's hidden off the beaten path. Don't be fooled by the lack of fanfare. What a pleasant find! The restaurant is small - perhaps less than a dozen tables - and neighbors a hair salon. Emphasizing local ingredients, the waitstaff was very knowledgeable and happy to accommodate my vegan diet with soup, homemade bread and gnocchi. My wife's pepper-crusted steak was a home run. Prices were reasonable, especially considering the food is locally sourced.
(4)
R B.
Awesome place. They cater too and do a great job. I've had them cater two events and everybody loved the food. Can't beat farm to table either.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Pierre M.
My wife and I went on our anniversary, and we were blown away!! Great food and the waiter, Randy was one of the best personalities in Maine! A must see and stop!! The chef was also amazing with my wife's food allergies. Great place, will be back, when up there again!!!!
(5)Estelle L.
This is a very good restaurant off the beaten path. It was a nice change from all the fried foods and fast food restaurant from the area. Caesar salad was great, made table side. Will definetly return when we visit Maine.
(4)Kat Z.
My boyfriend and I found this place on our way into Old Orchard Beach, where we vacationed for the weekend. We LOVED it. The food was amazing, and the staff was excellent. When we ordered a piece of the Maine blueberry pie for dessert, and our server told us her co-worker just served the last piece, we ordered an entire pie that we picked up on our way out of town. We spent the next week referring to the chef, Dave, as a man sent from heaven to bake us pie. When we picked up our pie we stayed for lunch, and had a second incredible meal. This is now our go-to place any time we head up to the beach or to Portland. Dave is a rock star.
(5)Julie B.
Very pleasant meal, relaxed and excellent service. Our server was both competent and charming.
(4)Brett C.
We were trying to find something better than a "chain" place at the last minute that we could get a healthier meal that my kids would also be happy about. We found this place on Yelp and were not disappointed. The service was good as was the food. Will definitely go back if in the area again during dinner time.
(5)John K.
The place is nice and the food good, but I didn't find it outstanding.
(3)Andy C.
Really, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this restaurant! My wife and I visited The Chef & The Gardener tonight with my parents, and we all had a lovely meal in a beautiful setting with extremely attentive and courteous waitstaff for a price that I thought was quite reasonable, especially when you consider many of the ingredients are locally sourced and/or purchased from Maine companies! The emphasis on healthy choices was evidenced by the variety of low-fat omnivore, vegan, and vegetarian selections, and by the portion sizes which were very reasonable, but still provided a good value for the money. I was surprised to find the restaurant mostly empty upon our arrival, despite the fact that it has been a cold and rainy day here in southern Maine. As many people know, this can be a sign that a restaurant is not worth going to, so I was concerned. Fortunately, this was not the case. I started my meal with a very tasty if slightly under-salted (and therefore probably healthier) Crab Bisque. One of my companions also had a cup of clam chowder. The specials for the evening included a lobster dinner, available boiled, baked and stuffed, or tail only for the same price. I enjoyed a delicious cornmeal crusted chicken with an onion-wine sauce, complimented with fresh sugar snap peas and warm polenta. The chicken was juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection, and I was quite satisfied with the portion size. Other selections at the table were chicken with fresh strawberry and balsamic reduction (AMAZING!), roast pork loin, and a ribeye steak. All of the meals were properly and reasonably portioned, well seasoned, and perfectly cooked. Desserts consisted of tiramisu and creme brulee, both of which were excellent and again came in a serving size which was satisfying, but was not more than any one person should eat in a single setting. Overall, I cannot give this place a strong enough recommendation to anyone looking for a casual, but tasty and healthier dinner in the Saco/Biddeford area. The service was excellent, the food was outstanding and original, and the setting was warm and cozy but uncluttered. I don't understand how this place could be so empty on a Friday night, as their food, service, and prices should be making this one of the most popular restaurants in the area.
(5)James N.
Tried this place for brunch and despite it's somewhat unusual setting (there's a hair salon in the same building?), was pleasantly surprised. The service was friendly and attentive and all of the food was delicious. We sat on the hidden patio, which was small but a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather. Comparatively, the dining room seemed a bit dark and gloomy. Too bad alcohol was not available outdoors. We would definitely return as long as we could get one of the few tables on the patio and we're not in the mood for a glass of wine.
(4)Beth D.
We went to The Chef and the Gardener as a middle ground to meet some friends for dinner between Portsmouth and Portland. I believe our friend just found it online. We were a little hesitant walking into the restaurant because as other reviews state, it is hard to find and in an awkward location right next to a salon. However I am not taking stars off for that because once we got inside it was adorable. It was a very small and cozy atmosphere. The food was absolutely delicious, a very unique menu. None of us could choose what to get because everything looked fantastic. The waitress was extremely good about making recommendations. Our waitress (Emily?) was very friendly and knowledgeable. Exceptional overall service, we were very pleased. Regardless of this place being so far away I think we will be making the trip again.
(5)Kate M.
We had a great dinner out back in a cute garden area. The lobster spring rolls were very light and fresh; perfect for a summer evening! We also couldn't resist the vegetable charcuterie and you shouldn't either. It was so unique and all the favors went really well together! I had a salmon special, which was delicious and my date had duck. We both would order these dishes again. We will be back! Keep up the great work!
(5)Courty C.
Small place, with a nice cozy atmosphere and delicious food. Definitely will be back. There service was attentive and friendly. Michael our server was very helpful and led us to make some great decisions on what to eat. Our food came out a bit late, so the owner proactively bought the entire table a round of drinks. We were so surprised and thankful, as at other restaurants you tend to just wait with nothing. Being a bit meat eater, vegetable "charcuterie" was an odd choice of an app for me, but it wowed with flavor. The smoked brisket with caramelized onions special was a great entree, however I was underwhelmed with the mixed vegetables and rice pilaf that came with. Good thing there was so much meat, I was not wanting for any more food. The beverage list is not to be overlooked. There were some great deals on wine, as well as an extensive list of value priced local brews from Maine. And if you are not into the booze, an enticing list of home brewed iced tea including flavors of strawberry and passionfruit.
(4)Priscilla W.
I found this on yelp and wanted to dine somewhere that was a little fancier than the pub atmosphere. First of all, this restaurant is off the beaten path which may explain why it was relatively empty for a Friday at 7:30. I loved the atmosphere, the rest of my family weren't as enthusiastic as I was. Nice menu with great choices . I opted for the diver scallop special with a quinoa sweet potato cake. What a great choice! Scallops were fresh, cooked perfectly and the quinoa cake was heavenly . my husband has the salmon and said it was good but thought my scallops were better. Our waiter was certainly pleasant if not a bit over attentative shared the limoncello cake for dessert and it was light, cool and lemony. I really enjoyed our meal and think this place is a hit!
(4)Amy J.
I have never had such a great meal. We got the grilled cheese appetizer. It had a balsamic glaze on the plate which complemented the grilled brie cheese and apples and blueberries in the sandwich. The appetizer definitely got us started off for a great meal. I got the chicken sausage sauté and my boyfriend got the coffee and chipotle crusted steak. My meal was hearty and even though it looked small, it was very filling. The steak was a larger dish with potatoes and veggies side dish. All the herbs were from the garden they grow on site and most ingredients are locally grown which was nice to see. Everything was amazing and very delicious. For dessert we had a puff pastry with ice cream in the center and hot sauce all over it. It was a very good ending to a very good meal. Overall, I could not have enjoyed this night more.
(5)Donald M.
Dinner was delicious. My kids shared the Havana Chicken, my wife had the maple steak, and I ordered the Osso buco. The chicken was ok, the steak is to die for, the osso buco was very good.
(4)Barbara M.
My sisters and I are at Sebago Lake for the weekend. We were going to go to another restaurant in the Old Port, but could not get a reservation. We went to google and found this wonderful restaurant. From the appetizers, to the table Caesar salad, to all our entrees to the fabulous deserts, we all loved it. There were 6 of us and we just can't stop talking about how good it was. It def tasted like from the garden to the table and the spices and herbs challenged your taste buds. Simply delicious. Can't wait to go there again!!!
(5)Howard B.
I wish I did not have to write this review... Although hard to find, we were hoping this was going to be a gem of a restaurant. We started with the virgin mojito which tasted like ginger ale with one mint leaf on top. We proceeded to the special goat cheese onion tart which looked hot and delicious, but tasted greasy and flavorless. We shared a Caesar salad which was fine, but unfortunately our waitress brought the soup the salad and the entree at the same time. The soup had to be sent back, as it was cold, and the entree, a Shrimp lime cilantro dish was greasy, soggy and on top of over cooked pasta. The owners, a husband and wife team couldn't have been more wonderful to talk with, and once inside, the place was charming. Unfortunately, the food and service are just not adequate.
(2)Amy Y.
Talk about a "hidden gem"! I think most people would miss this place, but don't, this place is AMAZING! There is nothing better than a farm to table menu done well, and at The Chef & the Gardner, they were masters. The menu is creative, having something for the carnivore, vegan or those in between, as well as many gluten free options. They try to use local or Maine based products as much as possible and strive to be earth friendly. But enough about all that, what you really care about is the food, right? Now that you know you can feel good about what you are eating, dig in! The Vegan Harvest Vegetable Salad is a fun, shoe string cut mix of golden beets, purple turnips, rainbow carrots and parsnips, apples, & spinach, all tossed in a grilled apple dressing. The Bacon, Brie & Pear Grilled Cheese-yes! I did just say that!, was divine! The perfect blend of crisp, buttery, smokey, creamy, sweet and acidic. Thee blueberry balsamic was a great finishing touch. Duck Breast with a Quince Glaze was delicious. Even the kids Pasta and Sauce was good (they do have a kids menu). The house brewed Blackberry Iced Tea was refreshing and not too sweet. Save room for dessert! (They have a clean plate club here). The Apple Caramel Cheesecake is rich, creamy autumn on a plate (& gluten free but who would know?). The Nutella Cheesecake (need I say more?) was all that we had hoped-hazelnutty, chocolatey and RICH! For s lighter but by no means less delicious or flavorful, try the Hazelnut Mousse with Raspberry Buttercream Marjolaine. The mousse and buttercream are both bursting with flavor though light, & nicely balanced with the nutty, delicate, crisp and chewy marjolaine (a chewy meringue). The service is respectfully friendly, pleasant, and very informative. They know their menu and their wine list. The servers are professional and make the dining experience all the more wonderful. More sure you dine at The Chef and the Gardner, you will be thrilled you did. They offer lunch, dinner and brunch so you have no excuse. Now go!
(5)Eric C.
We happened upon this restaurant on our way home from Old Orchard Beach. We were hoping for a casual dining atmosphere as we had our 3 children (12y, 11y & 17mos) with us. We found that it was small and formal but the staff offered us to dine on their patio which was great as it was shaded and our 17 month old could roam around a bit without being distracting to those eating in the dining room. Our waiter, Michael, was awesome! He was able to answer all of our question and was very attentive to our needs without complaint. Our unrefined palates found the food to be good, but not exceptional. We would definitely return if we were in the area and in the mood for another try.
(4)Jennifer S.
My husband stopped here on our way back to NH and will definitely be returning! He had the maple steak and it was incredibly flavorful and impeccably cooked. I got the special (scallops with bacon marmalade) and was impressed with the melding of flavors and the party in my mouth:) Table service by Gabe was refreshing and light. We both highly recommend this farm to table restaurant!
(5)Amybeth H.
I can't begin to contain my excitement that there is a restaurant with vegan selections, and so close by. The selection is amazing, the service was good and our food delicious. I cannot recommend it enough. We go out a lot and enjoy adventures. I found this place on Yelp and trusted the reviews, and we were not disappointed. Amybeth Hurst
(5)Holly H.
My boyfriend and I were in the area for the night. It was past dinner time and wanted to find a place close to our hotel so we looked on Google maps and luckily found this hidden gem! Everything was excellent! From the beer and wine selection to the home made desserts! I had the Osso Bucco which was amazing and my BF had the Scollop and Asiago grits special which he said was very good, great mix of flavors. We will be back for sure!
(5)Troy P.
First off this needs to be said. This is a small menu locally sourced small staff eatery. It needs to be said because if your idea of going out is chain restaurants then you will be annoyed. There is nothing wrong with this place. Fantastic dishes, great wait staff, and a cozy atmosphere. It's is nouveau cuisine but not over the top that if you are venturing into a "foodie" world for the first time you'll be fine. If you already are the type that wants to know the origin of every spice and if the pig or duck was well educated in it's free range homeschooled hyperbolic chamber then skip it. I think this place fits well with places like Dogfish Cafe as a bridge restaurant between the experimental and solid good home cooking. I recommend the trip for a change of pace.
(4)Don W.
This restaurant is incredibly cute. It's small, clean, friendly, and adorable. This is a good spot for first dates, anniversaries and other special occasions, but it's also a good spot when you're just looking for a change. Check out the menus on their website and see what you think. The restaurant says that it's "farm to table" and I have no idea if that means anything specific or if it's just part of the current locavore trend. And seriously, I don't care. The food is damn good and the price is right. My wife and I had apps, entrees, and drinks, and the total was less than $70 with tax and tip. Of course it's more expensive than Rapid Ray's, but it's cheaper than any comparable restaurant in the area and they gave us a 10% off coupon for next time. There WILL be a next time. We had the Caesar salad that was made tableside and it was delicious. Then we had the risotto and the crab-stuffed sole. The only way anything could have been better would be if the tourists with the noisy 5 year old kid had gone somewhere else for dinner, but I don't think that the staff was happy with the kid either. Ah, summer in Maine. :) Portions aren't huge but they're consistent with the prices. The good news is that you'll probably have room for an appetizer or dessert, and you won't have too much food if you're a light eater. The bad news is that if you were looking to bring home enough for three more meals, you've come to the wrong place. But really, prices and portion sizes are not over the top and it means that you get to try an additional dish without stuffing yourself or breaking the bank.
(5)Tanya S.
I've visited this place each time I was in the area. It's fresh food and great service. Mostly locally grown food. Definitely a diamond in the rough.
(5)Marti S.
Great food! Caesar salad was solid. Really good haddock. Really, none of this probably matters because I wouldn't be surprised if the menu is entirely different when you go. My husband wasn't thrilled with his osso bucco, but I think that's because he's just used to mine. (brag brag brag) They use many local ingredients & vendors, which is fantastic. My ONLY complaint is that --- okay, I don't know if this is normal, but when we went, it was BLISTERING hot outside, and their air conditioning either wasn't working or it underperforms or something. So, we were still sweating. But maybe that'll be fixed.
(4)A. K.
The place was half full at prime dining time, and the fans did not adequately cool the restaurant. There were senior citizens, middle aged couples, and even a baby dining. The background music was pleasant. While the place is attractive and the wait staff aims to please, the food falls short. The food really didn't have much taste, and he portions are small for the price, too. No one in the group liked her food. One reviewer writes that "foodies" will be fine here. Me thinks not. I do wish I could have written a more positive review.
(1)Laura H.
Absolutely delightful little gem. Located in half of an old renovated barn, The Chef and The Gardner is cozy, with a lot of personality. The woman who served us was really friendly and helpful. My mouth started watering just reading the menu descriptions. I wound up with the salmon omelet, and my fiance was very happy with his breakfast burrito. The side of bacon was just the right amount, and the home fries turned out to be a mix of regular and sweet potatoes. I believe it was the first time, ever, I was able to eat home fries without any ketchup or other sauces. Everything was fresh and prepared just right. I was a little nervous at first, because Yelp has a vegan tag on the listing. But, rest-assured, fellow carnivores - the menu may be vegan-friendly, but there is plenty for a meat-eater to enjoy. (On the other hand, if you're offended to eat in a place where other people are eating meat, this may not be the place for you.) It's rather far from home, but if I ever wind up in the neighborhood again, I would love to stop by again. Also, I didn't wind up ordering one, but I swear I saw a sign for $3 mimosas. Awesome.
(4)Gladys S.
Went for the first time last night with friends & we all were very pleased. Our waiter was awesome! Very knowledgable with the menu. Two of us shared the table side Cesar salad which was delicious! The others had vegan French onion soup. The haddock was light & crisp and full of flavor. We indulged in dessert too which was very good. Would come back for sure.
(5)Scott R.
A small, comfortable spot with creative and tasty food, much of it locally sourced, and congenial staff. Quick service, well sized portions, and fair prices.
(4)Jessi A.
Great staff, great locally grown food, creative recipes and accommodates special diets? Yes, all that. Small and tucked back from the road, but a great find. I can hardly wait to take advantage of their outdoor seating when the weather permits.
(5)Allison C.
Yelp never lets us down! This hidden restaurant is tucked down inside a renovated barn next to a hair salon, but once inside the ambiance is charming and intimate. I cannot say enough about the waitresses, they were both fantastic and super nice. Tableside bread is a huge highlight...so good. I love this place because the food is mostly all local, made in house, and super fresh. For entrees, we had haddock and swordfish and both were DELICIOUS. We shared the bread pudding for dessert with homemade ice cream. Also, the homemade sangria is awesome, and a great beer list, too. HIGHLY recommend!!!
(5)Dan M.
I want to thank Yelp for helping me find this place. My wife and I went for lunch last week during a rainy day while on vacation in Old Orchard Beach. The menu is creative, the food is very fresh, the service was stellar, and the home made desserts are delicious. I had their luncheon Portuguese risotto and thought it was outstanding (picture attached). I wish I knew were to find something similar to where I live in MA. They have partnered with lots of local vendors to ensure the freshest ingredients. The waitress even told me that in the winter they try to get as much produce as they can from local greenhouses. I can't wait to try this place for dinner.
(5)Carole M.
Healthy food never tasted so good! It helps that you know it was made with local ingredients, and done by people who obviously love what they do! Fine dining at it's best in Maine! Even my husband loves it, I just don't tell him if it is vegan or gluten-free- he never knows the difference. His fave is the Vegetable Lasagna. If you are looking for non-vegan, they have that as well!
(4)Paul B.
A pleasant surprise. I have driven past this restaurant a number of times but have never stopped in. That changed when we became the proud owners of a Groupon for The Chef & The Gardner. I will say right off that reservations are strongly recommended. The restaurant is not large and it filled up soon after we arrived. Service at the restaurant was friendly and attentive. There are no mixed drinks, but there is a nice wine and beer selection. The food was excellent. We started off with the crab cakes which wonderful. My wife had duck which was cooked perfectly. I went with the salmon which was also good. We will definitely be heading back soon to sample more of the menu.
(4)Irmain D.
My family and I pulled into the parking lot after a long drive from NJ they were closing up but invited us in and they reopened the kitchen. Thank you Dave, Emily and Sydney for a great start to our vacation. The food was outstanding I had the seafood risotto (yum) fresh ingredients my kids ordered off the adult menu and cleaned their plates my husband ordered the stuffed halibut -outstandingThe wine was delicious and reasonable priced. A little hard to find if you crossed the bridge you've goon too far. We also returned for brunch on Sunday again we left quite satisfied A true find for us foodies.
(5)M L.
You've probably unknowingly driven by The Chef and The Gardener. It's hidden off the beaten path. Don't be fooled by the lack of fanfare. What a pleasant find! The restaurant is small - perhaps less than a dozen tables - and neighbors a hair salon. Emphasizing local ingredients, the waitstaff was very knowledgeable and happy to accommodate my vegan diet with soup, homemade bread and gnocchi. My wife's pepper-crusted steak was a home run. Prices were reasonable, especially considering the food is locally sourced.
(4)R B.
Awesome place. They cater too and do a great job. I've had them cater two events and everybody loved the food. Can't beat farm to table either.
(5)