Posted in Maine Dining August 06, 2018 by Michelle

A Trip To This Brand New Restaurant In Maine Will Make You Feel Like You’re In The Caribbean

New restaurants are popping up in Maine on, what feels like, a daily basis. In cities and towns like Portland, Rockland and Bangor, you can try something new just about every week. While always delicious, these spots often follow a similar formula… Nautical theme, seafood menu and casual vibes. But, something new has entered the food scene in Portland and we think it’s worth checking out for something totally unique. This cool new restaurant in Maine will brighten up your life and keep you coming back for casual dates or special occasions.

The general store on Great Diamond Island was recently turned into a refreshingly cool restaurant by Alex Wight, former founder of the Flanagans Table series in Buxton.

The new restaurant, Crown Jewel, has been just that!

The interior feels like something out of Key West, including a mix of neon pinks, cool teals and pastel colors that turn even a dreary day into something sparkly.

The decor includes details in virtually every corner of the casual, but upbeat spot.

The bar features a fun drink menu with things like wine, beer, sparkling drinks, rose and cocktails. Their signature is the Crown Jewel Punch.

There's also a House Collins of the day. Hopefully you'll be there when they're offering this one featuring their housemade blueberry or rhubarb syrup along with Maine’s own Bimini Gin.

And, of course, you can't go wrong with bubbles served from the bottle!

The food options are great as well and range from small bites as appetizers, small plates to share, raw bites for seafood lovers and larger plates for a bigger dinner. Try the carrot lox, which includes cured heirloom carrot, dill crème fraiche, rye crumb, and everything bagel vinaigrette.

And every day is a godo day for bacon skewers with burnt onion and tomato jam.

Don't get us started on the grilled oysters with umami butter, yuzu pearls and pickled mustard seed.

Come for brunch and get the bloody bulls with a celery salt rim.

The general store stays true to its roots offering sweatshirts, t-shirts and provisions to enjoy on the way back to the mainland.

This refreshing spot can only be reached by boat, but there are a number of options!

Crown Jewel is located at 255 Diamond Avenue on Great Diamond Island. To get there, you can take the Diamond Cove Casco Bay Lines (check the ferry schedule here) or try a water taxi. You can always arrive with your own boat as well. Check out their website for the full menu and contact information for water taxis. Reservations can be made online at www.crownjewelportland.com or by calling them on 207-766-3000. But, you can always simply walk in without one.

After you’ve tried something new, get back to one of Maine’s tried-and-true options. This spot located in, what feels like, the middle of nowhere will offer you plenty to choose from in a laid-back atmosphere.