Fantastic atmosphere, service, food, so why haven't we been before?! (Oh, right, avoiding Reds Eats traffic.) This place is outstanding and the review is for their special oyster tastings. There have been several so far but not sure they'll do it all summer. In addition to their seriously delicious menu, they have guest farm presentations with $1.50 oysters and 1/2 price drinks & bottles! We went there for the oysters and were blown away with their regular menu, too. Mushroom toast, octopus, beets, Cesar salad, all stood out as spectacular. Be there! read more

See all

Wow! Just wow! Best Beef Short Ribs with potato gnocchi I've ever had. Sticky Toffee Pudding is excellent also. Quaint spot and hidden gem in Wiscasset off the beaten path. Service was great too. Just go, you won't regret it. read more

Back River Bistro - Outside atmosphere - Seafood Near Me - Wiscasset, Maine

See all

If I could give Back River Bistro 10 stars, I would. From start to finish, our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. The food is pure artistry--every dish layered with flavor and perfectly executed. The octopus was insanely good, tender yet beautifully charred; the mushroom toast was rich, gorgeous, and unexpectedly filling; and the oysters were as fresh as it gets. The Caesar salad completely redefined the classic--so inventive and utterly addictive--and the tomato salad with the mezcal add-on was a delightful, vibrant surprise. Brigid's cocktails were a highlight in themselves: balanced, nuanced, and absolutely delicious. We loved our dinner so much that we couldn't resist booking their Postcard Series exclusive dinner on Westport Island. That evening turned out to be one of the most magical dining experiences we've ever had--an enchanting outdoor meal on a stunning riverside property, with dishes that told a story of Maine's land and water. Back River Bistro isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience that lingers long after the last bite. Truly unforgettable. read more

Great meal, great service, great ambiance. Had the mushroom toast, duck, short ribs - all were delicious. Lemon dessert was also really good. Not cheap, so will be reserved for special occasions. But will def be back. read more

I've now been to Back River Bistro two times for dinner and both were phenomenal experiences! The food was original, fresh, and delicious. The atmosphere is intimate and nicely decorated. And the service was personal and attentive. On our second visit, our waitress (one of the co-owners, Corrinna) even remembered us from our first visit! It is clear that every little detail of this establishment has been well-planned and thought-through. From the neatly rolled cloth towels available in the restroom to the resting dishes for silverware on the table, tasteful presentation and sustainability have been seamlessly married throughout their operations. When we placed a drink order with our waitress, the bartender brought them over and knew whose drink was whose without needing to ask. Its these small details that really make the experience! Back River Bistro's menu is updated often (about every three weeks according to Corrinna) and revolves around locally-sourced ingredients. At our most recent visit, the special was a delicious and unique take on cacio e pepe using green beans because they had access to plentiful amounts of fresh green beans. Each time we have been, we have thoroughly enjoyed our food and loved the opportunity to try new and exciting dishes! We will definitely be back! read more

See all

Owner operated restaurants are some of my absolute favorites. I ordered quite a lot here. Very quaint location, presentation on all the food was excellent, as was the service. I hate mushrooms normally, but the mushroom toast was probably my favorite item I ordered. Bread was delicious and the mushrooms were not overwhelming in flavor. The texture of the toast combined with the variety of mushrooms was perfect. Octopus appetizer was also good, they cooked it well and it didn't have a chewy or unpleasant texture. Flavor was very satisfying, a little too savory, but I would order it again. The carrots were also delicious and very well cooked, another favorite. The potato appetizer was also very good. The exterior was crisp and flavorful, interior potato was soft, but not mushy. I went with the braised beef with gnocchi. I was very excited about this after the appetizers were so good. It was good, not great. The gnocchis were great, the beef was a little salty and the dish was a bit too heavy on the green onions or chimichurri, or whatever that flavor was. The toffee dessert was the only thing I didn't like. Far too much sauce, made the whole cake too mushy. Overall excellent. read more

See all

Neat little restaurant in Wiscasset with a good atmosphere. Went there based on a recommendation by a local. My wife and daughter had salads and said they were good. I had the monkfish which was good but not outstanding - came out piping hot and was cooked just right but I just didn't love the peperonata with it. My son had the short rib which was also good but not outstanding. Outstanding service but the food was slow to come out and it wasn't very crowded. Excellent cocktails. Would probably go back if ever visiting again. read more

This cozy, welcoming bistro is our "must visit" treat when visiting relatives in Damariscotta! We consider it a hidden gem just seconds off the tourist's main route. They are super conscientious and supportive of local vendors to ensure the freshest and most in-season ingredients. Never a boring menu - changes frequently to accommodate Chef Matt's imagination and locally sourced products. Corrinna and their other mixologists are fabulous at pairing wines and cocktails with their seasonal menus. The atmosphere is indigenous to the Back River itself - a tranquil connection between land and sea, they encourage guests to create a connection with their staff - "come get familiar with us and stay awhile" - enjoy great food and exceptional hospitality. read more

Every meal I've ever had here was delicious! The staff is so friendly and engaging. The atmosphere is charming and cozy, like you're in someone's home. I wish I lived closer, but every time I visit Maine I dine at Back River Bistro at least twice! Keep an eye out for their special events, like oyster tastings. Don't hesitate, just go!! read more

So glad we found this gem! Booked a reservation for our 15th anniversary and each dish was superb. The tomato tartare was like a deconstructed BLT, and the panzanella was light and fresh. $2 oysters and half price bottle of wine was a nice surprise (Wednesday special) which we took advantage of. My wife got the tuna crudo to start, which she found a little soy heavy but for my taste was just right. I chose the ribeye for my main which was a perfect medium rare, and the sauce added a layer of complexity (and killer with the mashed potatoes), with the potato pave complementing the steak. My wife got the trout - delicate and flaky with lovely lemon herb flavors along with green beans and tomatoes made for a lovely summer dish. We are already telling our friends, can't wait to be back! read more

See all

Im a fan! Small, chef driven with a decent wine list. Some creative food is coming out of this kitchen with a strong backbone of traditional French cuisine holding it together. If you are looking to treat yourself-make a res! Service was inexperienced but sincere and proficient on the late season night we went. A couple small rooms and outdoor patio on a converted house. mostly quiet, but it varies with the other tables in the room. Tomato carpacio was stunning. Seafood rissotto was perfect... and not an easy dish to keep balanced. Sorry no pic's this time. Got it on our list for a repeat next year! read more

first of all, the food at Black River bistro is AMAZING. We've been here four times now and each time has been excellent. They know their way around a good cocktail, too. we have dined at great restaurants all over the world and hands-down, this is the best steak tartare I've ever tried. All of their starters are innovative, interesting, and delicious & they rotate lots of fresh options into menu. Tonight we ordered their tuna crudo, their Caesar, and their octopus and potatoes. also, seafood risotto with squid ink....all so good. love the ambiance & we sit on outdoor patio with our dog. servers are well trained, professional, friendly & knowledgeable so service also top notch. best restaurant in wiscasset. read more

See all

I so wanted to enjoy my visit. I live locally and would be a big supporter. Only one server on the floor, Kelly, and a new bartender in training. The manager dressed in black seemed to be avoiding any guest or even eye contact as though she has more important work to do. Kellie was trying to be formal, as though the atmosphere and cuisine are elevated to the point where formality is appropriate. Neither the vibe nor the food reflect a serious sense of hospitality. There's no warmth, no friendliness. No one is having any fun. A few odd notes: Tabletops are barren. No candle, no flowers, and no salt and pepper. Adjacent table asked for the latter and received the condescending response "we can get you those", as though the request is somehow insulting and beneath them. Kelli explained that they offer a utensil "resting dish" another oddity. A small bowl intended to keep table linen from being soiled by guests. A first for me. The Food Salmon Belly Crudo The preparation was a bit clumsy as I found the piquant fish and spicy peppers to not meld well. Carrots They were charred to the point of bitterness, inedible. Kelly said she'd take them off my tab, then didn't do so. Pork schnitzel Preparation was light and crisp and nice on a slaw with some peas. However there was no harmony of tastes. Just bland. I did not bother to beg for salt and pepper and be shamed. Cocktail While they plan to offer an actual bar, they currently use a service bar and highlight a few house specialties. I enjoyed a nice bourbon sour. I did not realize they actually have a full inventory of liquors until I saw them later. Wine I enjoyed the Jura Pinot Noir glass pour. Dessert The Olive oil cake was not baked recently, the berry compote couldn't redeem that fact. read more

Another anniversary dinner at an amazing little restaurant. We're so happy this place is still unknown by many. We know, eventually it'll be harder to get in and that's what these amazing people deserve. The food is delicious and we'll thought out. Tonight we had squash fritter, mushroom toast, braised beef with gnocchi and a monk fish dish that was....lick the plate good! Lol Dessert was also amazing. Strawberry cobbler and. Toffee pudding with homemade ice cream. We're already looking forward to our next experience here!!! Love this place! You will too! read more

Matt's talents in the kitchen are over the moon, and his wife Corrinna is magnificent in the front of the house. Every single meal I have had at BRB has been magnificent, the craft cocktails are creative and delicious, and the wine list is outstanding. It's my all-time favorite restaurant in the area. read more

Treat yourself to a meal that is truly worthy of your hard earned money! It is surely the finest dining in the area and the price point is comparable to most local restaurants. BRB owned by a very nice local young couple who have a vision and a culinary gift! If you're on the fence- go- you will not be disappointed! read more

Back River is a new restaurant replacing what many believed to have been the best restaurant in the area for many years (Little Village Bistro). I believe they will improve over time and hopefully reach the level that the Little Village Bistro did. My review of 4 stars reflects that hope that they will improve. As for the details, I started with a two oysters with a shallot vinaigrette which was very good, followed by a very good spinach salad with pickled shallots as well. Unfortunately my main (duck breast), was overcooked and I didn't care for either the lentils and puree that came with it. Lastly, the poached pear dessert was fair, mainly because of the sauce. I did mention my issue with the duck, and to the server's credit I was comped dessert. A professional response. I think that the warmth of the decor was also lacking in comparison to the Little Village Bistro, including the elimination of the bar and especially the uncomfortable metal and wood chairs and the lack of lighting over our tiny table (both of the later two issues are fixable). Certainly, it is too early to cast a final vote to this already above average and aspiring restaurant (only open for a month or so), and I am hopeful and will surely return to see their progress. I wish them all the best. read more

Beautiful atmosphere and excellent food. We had pork schnitzel and polenta. Amazing from the first bite to the last. Tender and delicious. Our friends had the braised short ribs and couldn't say enough about them. It's a great little place. We love it. I would recommend making reservations Enjoy! read more

A hidden gem in Wiscasset. Upscale, delicious, great service, great chef. Lobster fettuccine was absolutely delicious, perfect sauce. Ribeye steak was to die for. Mushroom tart is unbelievable as was the tuna Crudo. We will be back, many many times. Beautiful decor. read more

Delicious and glad we stopped in! I was curious and wonderfully pleased with our meals last summer. We hadn't planned to dine out but were lucky to be able to get a table at the last minute. Service was good, food was amazing! read more

We had an excellent meal last night during half price wine last night! A $40 dollar Morgon rules! The food was excellent and well seasoned! One quick suggestion! Maybe have a few more simpler food offerings for the less adventurous folks like myself or for people with children. read more

Our 2nd visit to Back River Bistro was not so good. Still good service, but two entrees were very subpar. The trout was supposed to be lightly breaded and sautéed - what we got was a burned heavy crust, dry as dust fish, no flavor to sauce - really terrible. The seafood risotto had plenty of seafood - but was extremely salty and poorly cooked. Whoever was in the kitchen really ruined good product. Not sure we will be back. read more

The Back River Bistro is off to a great start! A friend and I came early for dinner on their first Friday, with lots of time to savor the menu selections and complimentary sparkling wine. (It sounded like a distributor had gifted them with sample bottles, very nice of them to share.) The menu, if I remember correctly, had 5 sections: Table, which would be appetizers to share (we had a tuna dish); Firsts - things like a salad; Seconds, which were the entrees; Sides, just what it says; and desserts. Everything was tasty and inspiring. And the servers were very friendly and helpful. What I can't express well are the small things they did in providing service that set a tone of simple excellence. Not flashy, but well thought out and executed. There was a sense that this was still a shakedown cruise. They couldn't offer us a decaf coffee, but hoped to soon. They're working on their beer list. But given the standard of quality they are aspiring to, they don't appear to be compromising with an offering that isn't ready. Great to have another excellent dining option in Wiscasset. read more

Summary: If you are looking for great farm to table, casual/upscale food at a very fair price, then make sure you eat here. We have eaten in many wonderful restaurants and I cannot recommend Back River Bistro highly enough. The Food: We had the Caesar salad and steak tartare as starters. Our mains were the scallops and the duck, and we finished with a chocolate budino. Everything was truly delicious and the attention to detail from the chefs was evident in every dish. We also had cocktails before the dinner that were perfect crafted. The Ambience: Simple, welcoming and sparkling clean. The patio is also a plus as we were able to bring our family dog. The Service: Everyone was attentive and well versed in the menu and specials. Highly recommended!!! read more

Just a quick tip Go here soon and order the short ribs.deeelisious!!! You're welcome read more

If you're in Wiscasset do yourself a favor and eat at BackRiver Bistro. Delicious food, excellent service with an outstanding wine list. Nicest owners - Corinna and Matt - have really brought a gem to mid coast Maine. We particularly enjoyed the risotto, pork ragu, hamburger and hake fish. A beautiful meal! read more

Had a delicious Cubano sandwich and chopped salad for lunch. Warm reception and enjoyed talking with Kennedy.

Great meal and dining experience. The duck and hake entrees were cooked just right with tasty herbs. The beet salad combination was especially delicious. The wait staff were very attentive and courteous. read more

Great food, spectacular service. The staff remember us each time. The Black Card Club gives us priority seating even at the last minute.

Great addition to the local restaurant scene. The prices are a little high for the Mid-Coast, but it's hard to quibble with the excellent service and delicious food. We started with a tuna crudo with pears, delicious. I had octopus with fingerling potatoes and romancesco sauce, the most tender octopus I've ever had, the sauce perfect. My wife enjoyed a tasty spinach salad. For mains we had the duck breast and I the halibut. Both cooked perfectly and well presented. The wine list is quite short, but very interesting. We'll certainly be back. read more

Wow, what a fantastic meal. I have now been there twice with another reservation on the books. I highly recommend this new restaurant! As a foodie and serious cook I am always looking for a menu that covers my desire for high-end delicious foods at a fair price point and unpretentious staff. Nobody in the area comes close to what is being offered here. I was with a large group the first visit and tried many of the dishes and ALL were prepared perfectly and scrumptious. The beef tartar... just like a French bistro. It is my favorite thing on the menu. I could eat it everyday along with the tuna crudo. The steak, fish, pork belly, risotto, short-ribs... you just can't pick a wrong option. Corrinna runs the front of the house with elegance and complete competency. She is generous, has fun positive energy and is very knowledgeable about the wines and suggests perfect pairings. These people are knocking it out of the park - very excited to have this restaurant in our little village. It is small and intimate without being stuffy or cramped. All I can say is GO, it will be time well spent. read more

We had dinner there Saturday night, December 17, 2022. Each course was a gourmet treat. Well presented. Very good service. A little pricey but worth it. We wish you best of luck to continue your business in Wiscasset. read more

My wife and I had the absolute pleasure of having dinner here tonight. Place just opened up a few days ago and after tonight we couldn't be happier to have this place near by our home. The only thing that outshined the amazing service was the amazing menu. To get the evening going I had the speciality cocktail the "seasonal bees knees" which was a lovely and lightly sweet gin base cocktail with a hint of lemon and honey, a perfect blend of citrus & sweet to get the palate ready. We started with a few locally sourced oysters that were incredible then followed with (we went a little crazy haha) the charred octopus layered over fingerling potatoes, the beef tar tar, and a roast leek dish, each one better than the last. For the entree I had the hanger steak that was cooked to perfection served with a root vegetable au gratin and my wife the mushroom risotto which great. We had a sommelier make some perfect wine pairing recommendations and couldn't have had a more wonderful experience for date night. I would 10/10 recommend and will be going back soon! read more