🌟 Food Review: Front & Main – Waterville, Maine 📍 9 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901

Tucked away in downtown Waterville, Front & Main is serving up some seriously bold flavors and thoughtful presentations. Sometimes you have to leave the buzz of Portland to discover hidden culinary gems, and this spot proves it. The ambiance is elevated yet comfortable—with beautiful seating and a cozy fireplace area that adds a warm, inviting touch. Let’s dive into the food! 🍴

STARTERS & SMALL PLATES 🧀 Smoked Ricotta (V/GF) – $18 This dish was… intriguing. It featured roasted asparagus, a ricotta whey emulsion, and an orange leek gremolata. Based on the menu, I expected it to be warm—especially the asparagus—but it was served cold. ❄ While the flavors worked surprisingly well together, the temperature threw me off. Honestly, a bit confusing but still tasty? A solid 7/10 for flavor. 🌮 Street Tacos (3) – Pork Belly Special These were the highlight of the entire meal. No notes, no complaints—just pure joy. 🤤 Crispy, juicy pork belly with the perfect blend of spices, tucked into soft tortillas. Easily a 10/10, and I’d return just for these alone.

MAINS 🥜 Gambian Peanut Stew (GF/V+) – $34 What a flavor bomb! 🔥 The mafe sauce was rich and spiced beautifully, and the lentils, carrots, plantains, and peas added heartiness. That said, some of the vegetables (especially the potatoes) were undercooked, and a few elements felt more raw than al dente. Still, I was so taken by the flavor that I’d order it again in a heartbeat. 9/10, with room to perfect the texture.

🥔 Potato Gnocchi (V) – $29 Wow. These gnocchi were pillowy soft, served with pearl onions, asparagus, a pine nut & arugula pesto, and topped with pecorino. 🌿 The pesto sauce was vibrant and full of life—hands down one of the best gnocchi dishes I’ve had in Maine. A perfect 10/10!

🍗 Roasted Chicken (GF) – $32 This one fell a bit short. The curried cauliflower, mushrooms, and tikka masala flavors were great, but the chicken itself was dry and lacked the tenderness I hoped for. 😕 With better execution on the protein, this dish could have been a standout 6/10.

🍰 Frozen Key Lime Pie (GF) – $14 A beautiful blend of tart and sweet, topped with toasted meringue, pistachio crumble, and a blackberry sauce. Refreshing and indulgent at the same time. Loved it! 💚

🍌 Bananas Foster Budino (V/GF) – $14 This was my favorite dessert of the night. A velvety banana custard, brûléed on top with vanilla wafers and chantilly cream—like crème brûlée meets banana pudding, and I was obsessed. 😍 Both desserts easily earned 10/10.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS The ambiance is polished but relaxed, and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout our visit.

Food: 9/10 Affordability: 5/10 – This is definitely on the upscale side for Waterville. Expect to spend.

Ambiance: 8/10 – Sleek, elegant, and warm—especially with that fireplace nook.

Would I come back? Absolutely. Those pork belly tacos and Gambian stew are calling my name. 🔥