Plan Your Trip Up North to These Essential Maine Spots

Across the Eater universe, maps were updated yesterday to reflect the ever-changing most essential restaurants in each city. (Here's the Eater Boston map, in case you missed it.) Our neighbor to the north mapped out the 18 essential spots in Maine — Portland and beyond. Here are some of the highlights to assist with your spring and summer road trip planning.

· Hugo's: A "newly remodeled old standby" in Portland that "provides a fine dining experience unlike any other in the city."

· Piccolo: This Portland restaurant opened in September and serves a "spin on country Italian food" with "traditional desserts" elevated by "advanced techniques."

· Salvage BBQ: This "spacious and casual" barbecue joint opened last August in Portland. Order meat and sides from a chalkboard menu at the counter and make new friends at the communal picnic tables.

· Tao Yuan: A "tiny," "Asian-inspired" bistro in Brunswick helmed by Cara Stadler, a 2014 Food & Wine Best New Chef.

· The White Barn Inn: This renovated barn in Kennebunk "is the setting for Maine food that is 180 degrees from the lobster shack." Jackets required. Kristen Kish served a meal there in February.

· The 18 essential Maine restaurants, April 2014 [~EMAINE~]