It’s as good as it gets except for the pricing. I think the key is just that the lobster is cooked in butter and not mixed with mayo, which can be provided on the side for dipping. For a similar experience, but 3 rolls for the price of 1 at Red’s (maybe less meat in each one, but far more overall), follow Rt 1 North just past Red’s to take a right on Rt 27 toward Boothbay, and follow that for about 15 minutes until you see the second place on the left offering them (Ray’s? I forget, but it’s 3 for $20). You can even sit outside there and have a beer or a glass of wine with your food.
There are so many good options in Portland if you’re there for an evening:
Miyake – absolutetly fantastic sushi, get the Omakase 5 course; at $50 it’s a great deal (7-course is ridiculous in a good way). I’ve usually gotten something that I’ve never heard of, and preparations are in line with any high-end sushi place in NYC, from what I’ve been told, for much less money. The wine list is not good, which is tough when the food is so amazing. I did find a decent Austrian Riesling last time I was there, but nothing that would really get me excited.
Bresca – wonderful Italian-inspired fare, quite good, though small, wine list. It’s tiny in there, probably seats something like 25 total; it almost feels like you’re eating in someone’s home.
Boda – authentic Thai food, unlike anything I’ve ever had at any other “Thai” restaurant, reasonably priced
Street and Company – great seafood, nice wine list
I agree that Vignola is very nice. I’ve had varied experiences with service there, but the food is very good and the wine and beer lists are good.
Fore Street is one of the more well-known fine dining places. It’s probably good if you like game and other less-common types of meats. I like it a lot, but I came to prefer other restaurants when living in the area since I generally order seafood at that type of place and would rather go to Street and Company for a similar type of experience with a wine list better suited to that kind of food. It can be tough to get in, but you should be able to get a reservation far enough in advance, and if not, you could try to eat in the bar area. good wine list.
Novare Res – beer bar with a FANTASTIC selection, food is mainly sandwiches and the like, which are actually very good and creative, but not necessarily constituting dinner unless you’re not all that hungry or want to order multiple things. go there after dinner if you like beer at all and try some stuff