The New York Times Just Named This Maine Vietnamese Restaurant One Of Their Favorites

Maine is known for having some of the best food in the country and we'd have to agree! Whether you love the nicer places that require a few weeks before snagging a reservation or the spots that let us be our seafood-loving-selves, there's something for just about everyone! That's why we love seeing a national newspaper like The New York Times name one of our local favorites to their list of favorites.

Our go-to sources for restaurant recommendations are typically friends or local websites and publications, but we couldn't help but be thrilled when we saw that The New York Times just named Cong Tu Bot in Portland to their list of favorite restaurants for the year.

Located on one of the best food and drink streets in town, you might miss the restaurant as you drive on Washington Avenue if you're not sure what you're looking for. But when you spot it, you're in luck! The restaurant is large and airy with an open kitchen and bar-type seating.

Con Tu Bot, owned by Vien Dobui and Jessica Sheahan, was originally a noodle shop.

But this year they transformed into the restaurant you'll find today.

They've got some of the best Vietnamese dishes, including Bun Cha which is our personal favorite! If you've spent any time in Vietnam, you'll know Bun Cha as the meal you can't get enough of, but that you won't find after early afternoon. And we're thrilled that there's a spot to snag it here in Maine.

Note that this photo is not of Bun Cha.

The menu features breakfast specialties as well as lunch items.

And, much like you'll find at the small tables at the side of the road in Vietnam, this is a great place to enjoy with friends.

Enjoy one of the wines from their wine list or a local Vietnamese beer and you've got yourself one heck of a great meal right here in Maine!

And we didn't really need The New York Times to tell us that!

CÔNG TỬ BỘT is open Thursday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can learn more about them by visiting their website or following them on Facebook. They can be reached at 207-221-8022.

We love the food in Maine, but there's so much more that makes this place so great. That includes some fantastic overnight options. So, while you plan for the rest of the year remember that this 750-foot cabin sitting on 3 acres of Maine forest is perfect for a winter escape.