The Alna Store

Nicole Putnam

2024-05

From the moment we stepped in the door, we were welcomed warmly by one of the owners, in spite of them closing soon. With paint stained clothes and plaster dust in our hair, the fact we just came from a full day of home renovating was of no importance. The service we received was stellar…personable and kind, from the knowledgeable staff who shared in our enthusiasm over the otherworldly flavor combinations.We shared three appetizers, and every dish was a study in extracting maximum flavor from minimal ingredients, respecting the seasonality of the produce. Each dish told a beautiful story, I found myself closing my eyes and sitting in silence to fully appreciate the artistry of the food.Pictures speak louder than words! We shared a dish featuring spring radishes, also a mushroom dish, and lastly a fish spread with some thick brown bread infused with butter. The latter was the only one that wasn’t out of this world extraordinary. Still very good, but something you might find schmeared on a bagel in NYC rather than brought to you by fairies…the other two dishes were truly magical!The Alna Store is a haven for a special corner of the world, full of people willing to pay for the experience of eating. The cerebral thrill of it. Yummy food is all over Maine…but food like this? It’s beyond special. The marriage of unbridled imagination and technique, intuitive understanding and sensibility about flavor and chemistry. Mark my words, this place will earn a Michelin star one day! I’ll be proud to say I knew them when.

Jax

2024-04

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Christine Merser

2023-12

Last spring I used to go for breakfast. But most recently I go, sometimes by myself, for dinner. I believe it’s the best food in Maine. And with a changing menu, thoughtfully and brilliantly prepared, I am finding myself trying new dishes with layered tastes that take me a while to decipher. Their tuna tartare is the best I’ve ever had. And I am known for being a tuna Tartar aficionado. The first dish in my images is actually chicken and do you see those chips? They’re made from lentils. Who knew? Don’t miss the opportunity to drive a little bit out of the way for a truly delightful and delicious dinner. I could go on and on…

Rachel R

2023-07

This place is pricey, but worth every penny. You can't beat the atmosphere and the farm to table food. They use all local ingredients and their cocktail and wine list are both amazing. This feels like New York City dining in Maine. The employees are all very knowledgable about the menu and are super hospitable. I can't recommend this place enough. If you're thinking of going to Portland for a good meal, skip it and come here.

Johanne Garfield

2024-04

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Abby Baker

2023-09

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sbaylin sbaylin

2024-04

When we ate at the Alna Store in December, it was the best meal we ate in 2023 and although it is early in 2024 it was probably the best meal I’ve eaten this year too. This time, the standout dish was the yuca. So many great flavors on one plate. Our server was super. Just a lovely Easter Brunch experience. Looking forward to our next meal at The Alna Store.

michele michael

2024-01

This is truly a gem of a neighborhood restaurant serving really delicious food. They use many local producers and it’s obvious they care a great deal about their community and their customers. The menu changes frequently so there is always something new to try. We have been to a number of their themed dinners including Japanese, Korean, French, and Mexican nights. The cocktails are super fun! The desserts are top notch. The service is fantastic. Plus they have a sweet little general store where you can buy fresh bread, packaged goods, beer, wine and great gifts. Not to be missed!

Jennifer Hope Tinker

2024-04

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Nancy Albertson

2024-04

The food was good. Some tasty combinations of flavor and textures. I appreciated the fact that they did not douse the plates in oil. We could smell the fish when my partners dinner arrived. The menu featured an “Octopus” entree which I found upsetting. Staff was attentive but don’t expect a leisurely dining experience . We were in and done in under an hour.Vegetarian options: 2 Vegan options on the small plates only.

Marie Veselsky

2024-02

Another great find and in the boonies! The appetizer (pinto potatoes) and dessert (pudding) which sound simple but were uniquely fantastic and could stand alone without an entree which is something we are not used to when we dine out. The whole meal and customer service was great and the wines (in my mind the quality of the wine choices makes or breaks a restaurant) were the best!

Margaret Carignan

2024-04

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Teddy Thompson

2024-03

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William Nichols

2024-01

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Peter Nikitas

2024-03

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Kate Billings

2023-11

Incredible tasting food. My only issue was please more! The dinners were small plates. I would suggest a third more food for the price. Bread & butter would have been nice to offset the small plate. The deserts were perfect. And the suggestion of wine, sublime. Would come again. Maybe candles on tables would add a nice warmth.Dietary restrictions: I could only pick 2 dishes that were garlic free. It would have been nice to have more options. Otherwise it was divine.

Hannah Keogh-Dwyer

2023-08

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Jim Church

2023-12

It’s overpriced for the locals. Only the upper middle class and people from out of town go. Not to mention, they’re leftist hacks who promote the pride flag and leftist policies that are destroying this country. When I spoke out against the prices, the new owners started slandering me and showed my photo to staff and customers asking if they knew me. This restaurant is the epitome of what is happening to Maine: rich, snobby democrats moving into the country and making it impossible for the locals to afford to live here and pushing us out.

Fred Muehter

2024-05

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Kyle Markmann

2024-03

Could not imagine a better local spot. Brunch is amazing. Dinner (especially pizza) and the rotating menus bring us back time and again

Holly Augustonovich

2023-07

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Victoria Finecy

2023-06

First trip to Maine and our first dining experience in the state. We LOVED it! The cornbread with onion jam was heaven on a plate and the crispy tofu with cherry peppers was also killer. Cool vibe, great drinks, and amazingly friendly staff. The owner was out and about talking to everyone and our waitress was extremely knowledgeable. Yes, it’s on the pricier side but everything on a plate or in a glass is supporting sustainability…..it’s all created with thoughtful intention. Loved every moment!

William Armstrong

2023-06

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Rheanna Sinnett

2023-05

What a lovely, cozy place to enjoy a delicious dinner with friends! The cocktails were on point - one of the best margaritas I’ve ever had. Rotating menu of absolutely amazing fresh and local food. The burger (among all the other delights on the menu) is not to be missed. Such a warm, friendly place to enjoy after some snowshoeing in the area.

Terrill Waldman

2023-05

Just got an Italian sub and some craft beer here: excellent! We are super excited about the new ownership. NOTE to others many of the previous reviews are of the past management. They guys totally renovated the place. They have local connections and sell locally grown goods. We are thrilled to be able to go for breakfast or snack after hiking in the area.

Diane Pflugrad Foley

2023-09

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Matt Reno

2023-12

I love their pop-up menus, and the food is outstanding!! a little pricey, but I think thats part of the draw for special occasions here

William Boyle

2023-10

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Bob Bickel

2023-06

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Kenn Kid

2023-08

The Store has changed a lot since it was well run by Aimee a few years ago. The prices are high now so it is not a place to frequent regularly. Its mojo now is local food ,seasonal, arty etc This comes at pretty hefty tab. They seem busy at night so maybe this will work for them . $30 for a burger,fries and drink is a bit much for me. They did put a ton of work and $$ into the building. We used to go to the store frequently years ago but it got less and less as time went by . The previous owners Jane and Ken were nice. Good luck to them. Times change, owners change, themes change so....