Expensive but has a cool speakeasy and amazing 5 star food. Can only get the 4 course dining but plenty of options. The dessert is especially good! read more

Novio's Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Bangor, Maine

I have had many great meals at Novio's so disappointed to give a less than stellar review. Might have been an off night, but we were left underwhelmed by a very inconsistent meal. My spouse's pork belly starter was great, but my summer gazpacho was incredibly one acidic note. The salads were fine. Spouse's crab entrée was decent but the fried okra was completely inedible it was so tough and fibrous and roasted potatoes were hard. I was served a very strange grilled asparagus entree that was floating in a bowl full of extremely bland oat cream broth. Had to send it back. The elote risotto was ok but overstated. The pork tenderloin was excellent. Spouse's carrot cake was tough. My lemon ice cream was delicious. We will probably give them another chance, but it wasn't the level I expect from them. Service was good. Nice ambiance as always, though the place was pretty cold. read more

We frequent Novio's for date nights and their monthly wine dinners. After last night's meal, I had to write a review. It was the very best meal we have had here (and we have had a lot of wonderful meals). For our first courses, the tuna tartare was so fresh and paired perfectly with the homemade chips. My husband had the mussels and the broth was drinkable, it was so delicious. We both had the filet for our mains. They were perfectly cooked medium rare with craveworthy pave potatoes. We sat at the bar and Courtney was a wonderful host/server/bartender working the perfect balance of conversation and privacy. read more

We had a wonderful dinner at Novio's with my wife for a very special occasion. And it happened to be very close to perfection. Superb food, friendly and competent service, nice quiet ambiance. Risotto was especially top-notch! They disappointed only once, but that happened 4 times out of 5 in all good restaurants we dined: we like our coffee very hot when we have dessert. So, we always ask to serve them simultaniously. The waitress said "Certainly", but coffee was standing for good 5-6 minutes before desserts arrived, longer than a French press did require. As a result we had lukewarm coffee with very tasty dessert. Oh, well... Exceptional dining place, we were happy to find them. read more

Who would have thought it? A fantastic restaurant in a less visited part of the US...... One word can only express my feelings: GO. I would never have expected to find a restaurant of this quality in Bangor ME and it blew my expectations out of the water. The staff we lovely and their $70 four course set menu offered brilliant taste and value. If only I lived nearer I would be back in a heartbeat. read more

Fourth visit and it did not disappoint. Four course dinner, reasonably priced, really fresh ingredients and innovative. Restaurant interior is cozy, brick with nice low key lighting. Owner is on premise and very welcoming. While the menu is fixed there are many options ranging from meat to seafood to vegetarian. My husband had ceviche that was fresh and delicious. I had mussels in lemongrass broth, amazing. Scallops were plentiful and delicious. Even dessert was yummy. Mixed berry tart. We sat at the high top table, with view to window and street. Great service, atmosphere and food. Wish we lived closer! read more

See all

Certainly Bangors finest table, Novio's is a gem. We had Buffalo Meatballs, Ajo Blanco, and Mussels. All great. The mussels were served in a slightly spicy fresh tomato broth. Both salads were so fresh and bright. Poached pears were a treat. Seared Scallops with home made spaghetti in a slightly citrussy cream sauce. The Brazilian Steak with chimichurri was probably the best restaurant steak of my lifetime. Desserts were very short~lived on our table. read more

Novios is always an amazing experience. Food, service, and atmosphere are always incredible. We recommend Novios to everyone.

As you step into this restaurant it has a very speakeasy vibe. Spectacular options if you are a fan of bourbon, rye's and scotch. Most difficult thing about eating here is deciding what to get in each course. If the Bison fettuccine is on the menu, get that. Very attentive staff and wonder atmosphere a gem of Bangor, ME read more

Novio's Bistro - Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Bangor, Maine

See all

Amazing food. Awesome atmosphere. Drinks are to die for! The staff is always pleasant and attentive to you. Hands down the best place in town!! read more

DO NOT COME IF YOU ARE HUNGRY! The service was good, the ambiance was great, excluding the frigid interior, but the portions were minuscule for 70$ per person. Neither I nor my fiancé were satisfied after paying the bill, choosing to go to the nearest open fast food restaurant to satiate our appetites. Not to mention all courses lacking a key flavor profile and being overall unseasoned, leaving us with a dissatisfied taste in our mouths. The interior is beautiful, but consider the meal before going. read more

See all

Bangor has limited fine dining restaurants but Novios is certain a must stop. The restaurant is intimate with nice finishes and a bar. I recommend you start the evening with one of their cocktails including a take on a standard Manhattan. This sets the stage for the multi-course menu. I normally do not always recommend the fixed menu but here I found it to be a worthwhile option because you still are able to choose from the menu. Notable was the lobster crepe. The main course is a challenge to choose, but I selected the beef that melted in your mouth and was cooked just right. The staff were very pleasant and the restaurant reminds me of Manhattan. read more

See all

After booking a reservation and leaving a note about my Whole Food Plant Based No Oil diet on the OpenTable reservations platform, I received a prompt call from Bob, the owner, who worked with me to ensure that the anniversary dinner my wife and I were planning for the subsequent Saturday night would work with our food preferences. This was the first time a restaurant owner took the time to reach out to me, or even respond to a note I've left. We ended up having a memorable meal. Novio's has a perfectly-sized interior--not too big so that you're competing with a cacophony of diner conversation, and not too small so that you feel an awkward attachment to the other three couples sharing the space with you. With some bar seating near the entryway, tables are spaced enough apart to ensure a comfortable level of privacy for you and your date. Since the Pandemic, the menu has featured a four course dinner with several choices for appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert. I was looking forward to being surprised, as my Vegan meal had been planned by the chef in advance. My wife also had the wine pairing--three glasses of delectable wines--a white, Rosé, and cabernet--each of which complimented the particular course it accompanied. Every plate was not only exceptionally tasty, but also expertly presented. I began with a delicious bowl of Chilled Peach Soup--a perfect meal starter for a mid-summer evening. My wife had the Mahi Mahi Ceviche, which she said was excellent. After a pair of freshly crisp salads, our entrees were served. My Chana Masala, a spicy melange of chickpeas, basmati rice, chunky tomatoes, pickled red onion, cilantro, and mint chutney, was more subtly flavored yet also more nuanced than similar dishes I've had at Indian restaurants. My wife's Brazilian Spiced Filet Mignon was perfectly cooked and delicious. For dessert, I was served the house-made watermelon basil sorbet--a totally novel taste sensation for me--and my wife chose the house mousse, which she said was amazing. We finished with hot cups of French-pressed decaf. An exceptional dining experience, probably the best we've had during six years visiting Bangor. read more

See all

I love the ever-changing menu! We have always felt welcome, and the cave-like interior is so cozy. The food has always been incredible. Every meal, Every time. Service is impeccable! read more

We stopped here before a show in town and we loved it. The space is small, dimly lit, and very comfortable. Table seating is available but we opted for bar seats. We both chose the 4 coarse dinner option with the wine pairing for each course. They have a couple different options to choose from and the bartender chooses what wine would go best with each plate. We were served wines that we have never had or probably would have never bought and they went perfectly with our dishes. (That was a fun and wonderful experience!) From the service to the food, we had a wonderful time. We both couldn't say there was anything we didn't like, food, drinks, the space, parking and service all 5 stars. A definite favorite for us in downtown Bangor. read more

The pre fixe menu is great. A small menu with diverse flavors allow you to build a really tasty meal. The room is intimate and friendly. I try to come here when I'm in Bangor. read more

I believe that the owner of Novio's used to run The Family Dog...another place we like to patron. Novio's is small and personable. The decor and bar are beautiful. The menus change and the food is beautifully creative and delicious: I loved the Chicken Risotto. Each time we have gone, they have run out of the dish we want, so get there earlier than us! I would recommend making reservations. They have an excellent drink menu and my favorite Dessert (drink) is the #18. Delish!!!! If you like chocolate - this is the drink! Dan and I want to be invited into the secret back room. Reminds me of the some of the older bars in Los Angeles- you can go to the secret back bar if you know it's there! read more

See all

A wonderful wine paired meal! Very intimate and nice small setting. The quality of the food and staff is beyond worth it.

A fine succulent meal. They know their judo well, and I highly recommend. Steak was excellent. Crème brulee wonderful. Old fashion exceptional. read more

I try to remember to get pictures for any review but I forget when I am here because everything is so wonderful I'm into just enjoying the food, ambiance and personable service. This time, my guest reminded me to snap a few here and there but no picture can do this place and the meal justice. They always have beautifully made selections and excellent cocktails and wine pairings. Hard to find anything not to like! read more

See all

Excellent experience! Friendly staff and great quality. We recommend the 4 course meal

Very lovely little place with a nice ambiance and excellent food and drinks. The menu is set with a four course prix fix, but at the bar you are able to order a La carte. He got the four courses and I just ordered the entree special for that evening - the chicken and waffles. The taste was delicious, it for $28 I wanted a little more chicken and Brussels sprouts. But great nonetheless. His $65 tasting was well worth it with a plentiful mahi ceviche, a yummy salad, steak and a dessert. The wine and craft cocktails were excellent, with nice glassware and silverware. It was an enjoyable experience I would repeat if I returned someday to Bangor. read more

Phenomenal service and food! Sometimes hard to find parking but overall worth it! Environment was lovely! Great place for a date night! read more

See all

An excellent 4 course dinner with wine pairing. The staff was courteous and helpful for dinner party members who had questions about the course selections and the wine pairing and other drink - wine options. read more

See all

Novio's shines with the quality of the food, and the professional and personal service. My wife and I have been twice for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. We don't drink, but enjoyed some delicious mocktails. We get the impression that the bar offers extensive choices. We've delighted in every selection we've made from every course of the prix fixe menu. The care and pride in the kitchen is reflected on every plate. Personally, we would like to see more dessert options that are less alcohol-forward, but that didn't keep us from cleaning our plates for what we chose. In advance, just make sure everyone in your party understands how the prix fixe menu works and checks out the menu to make sure they find something that appeals to them. read more

Excellent meal and service. The tasting menu had options. We all tried something different shared. Every bite was delicious. We will eat there again. read more

Had dinner with Rebecca last evening. Really a special place. 4 course price fixed menu. I started with garlic soup, then a cavellini bean salad, then cod fish and finished with avocado chocolate flourless tart. Very chocolaty but not very rich. I guess because of the avocado. Becky had some spicy noodles, a caprese salad, duck breast and chocolate mousse. Nice service. The only negative is they need better lighting especially at the entrance. Sat next to newly weds and offered advice on how to stay married for 53 years. I suggested it was ok to fight as long as you didn't keep score. Becky felt there was no need to keep score when you are always right. Wish Novios was closer to Waterville. read more

4 course meal was absolutely amazing. Bob and his staff were inviting, attentive and engaging. The atmosphere was warm and cozy. It was truly an unforgettable experience that I will talk about years to come. read more

Novio's Bistro - Pork Porterhouse with warm potato salad and petite corn - Seafood Near Me - Bangor, Maine

See all

Crab cakes, scallops, and amazing service. Bob - we had a blast and appreciated the delicious food and fun conversation. read more

My favorite restaurant in Bangor. Always delicious. The staff are very friendly, especially Bob. I went for a wine dinner recently and the choices of wine were paired very well with the food. The food itself is innovative without being too complicated or precious. read more

Walking into Novio's, you start to question reality -- is this really Bangor? Are you sure we aren't in the Village? Again...this is Bangor, Maine?! Yes. Bob and Dustin have done it. Creative, delicious craft cocktails with bartenders inviting suggestions for flavor combinations (and playful names)? Check. Standing menu items that call you back to the restaurant time and time again? Check. (see: whatever wizardry Dustin wants to perform on butternut squash, just order) Tantalizing dessert options with Vespertino cocktail options? Check. (if you're not familiar, get the Hair-ah-sim-ee-ak and thank me later) Bob has frequent multi-course themed dinner pairings with featured wines/spirits that are really entertaining. Just beware (or don't) the heavy pours. :-) All in all, this is the best high-end restaurant in the greater Bangor area, and it's easy to see why it has such a strong following. read more

Novio's Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Bangor, Maine

Such an unassuming location and look from the outside but as soon as you step in you feel like you're in a little French restaurant in the heart of Montmartre. The menu is one page, under roughly 20 items from soups through entrees-the mark of a restaurant that wants to give attention to its dishes so that each can be experienced. Each dish is well described and it becomes quickly clear that this place is a gem with many local or homegrown ingredients. Oh how I wished that I had an extra stomach. We only had room for a soup and shared salad and went with the chowder and caprese, both of which we consume often so our ability to compare them is sharp. These were OUT OF THIS WORLD. The caprese has a large beautiful heirloom tomato slice grown in the restaurant's greenhouse, pesto made with basil from the same and delicately fresh and amazing cheese. The chowder came with the ingredients in the bowl and then the base was poured over it in front of you. This chowder cannot be overstated, the base alone could be a sipping course all by itself, then add in the lobster and potatoes and bacon and it's pure heaven! Surrounded by natural stone and brick, beautifully simple, warm, and clean decor and a friendly waitstaff this is THE place in Bangor not to be missed, if only with enough room for something usually as un-fuss-worthy as soup and salad. read more

Novio's Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Bangor, Maine

See all

PHENOMENAL! As delicious as the pictures make everything look! The steak was SO TENDER and flavorful, the lobster bisque and salad were perfection! You will not be disappointed! I had my eye on this place the moment I started planning my trip, so after waiting for the right opportunity to escape and get some great food and drinks, I have to say it was worth the wait and exceeded my expectations! I'm a foodie at heart so I can be very picky, but it's always a good sign when you don't have to add any salt, pepper or butter to any of your meals right? 10 stars for this gem read more

Novio's Bistro - Soo juicy and tender - Seafood Near Me - Bangor, Maine

Great restaurant, amazing food and an awesome selection of whiskeys. The host is incredibly knowledgeable of the whiskeys that are available. read more

Looking for an amazing food experience and a simple constantly updated menu come here. The flavor is mind blowing here. This is a perfect dining experience for a sentimental setting. Each bite would be savored were you to come here. Absolute perfection. You chose from a simple short sweet menu 4 courses with or without drinks. Each dish has an undeniably perfect foundation of thought and flavor. Absolutely a fantastic restaurant indeed. I don't say it lightly but this restaurant is one of the East Coastline's finest. It's a hidden beauty of Maine and America. read more

A remarkably arrogant owner; screwed up the reservation and then blames the patron. Professes the empty restaurant is booked; that sadly eclipses the great quality food by the hard working kitchen and staff. Bob thinks he's a big wheel in a ver small pond. In reality a bully with delusions of grandeur. Should be a great jewel the gastronomic crown of Bangor - but the wannabe proprietor crushes that. read more

First time at Novio's Bistro. My wife and I had dinner on a Saturday night getting a reservation late that same afternoon. The staff was pleasant and very efficient. The room was 3/4 full but very quiet. A great place to have a peaceful meal. The food was maybe the best available in Bangor. I had the chowder for an app which is served with the lobster, potato, and bacon served in a bowl and the creamy broth poured over it table side. Beef tenderloin was the entree. My wife had the calamari salad which was very fresh and crispy. Her entree was lobster risotto which was a little disappointing because of the small amount of lobster. The chowder had as much lobster as did the risotto. We split a lavender creme brulee as a finish which was very good. We will definitely be back! read more

Fricken fabulous lobster, bourbon and company. 5 stars. Had the lobster risotto, it was phenom. read more

Great restaurants. Wonderful food in a nice atmosphere but very relaxed, though the food quality is top notch. So many starters looked great that I had both the chowder and oysters. The chowder came with a large piece of poached lobster (though they did leave in some cartilage) but it was the flavor that really set it apart. Delicate and so nice I wanted to lick the knife I used to cut the lobster (no, I didn't). The oysters were also perfect (I was a little worried ordering them in July) and they came already prepared so all you had to do was eat them. My main as the pork shank. Also a very nice flavor and perfectly tender (fell off the bone) with a little caramelization, perfect. I also enjoyed the Jerusalem couscous it came with. A great meal, highly recommended. read more

The food, the drinks, the staff, the ambience are all stellar. I make time to visit this gem every single time I'm in Bangor. The owner and service team remember me even when I haven't visited in months. Their recommendations for cocktails, wine pairing and courses are always perfect. I only wish I didn't live so far limiting my opportunities to visit. read more