Where to order up a Down East feast

In the past decade, Portland, Maine, has become “one of the best places to eat in the Northeast,” said Julia Moskin in The New York Times. Here are a few places to enjoy a “Down East banquet.”

Bresca

Chef Krista Kern Desjarlais, who has worked at New York’s Gotham Bar & Grill and Paris’ Guy Savoy, serves up butter-browned gnocchi with charred cherry tomatoes. For dessert: an “infuriatingly delicious” blueberry tart. 111 Middle St., (207) 772-1004

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Miyake

In 2007, chef Masa Miyake opened this innovative restaurant fusing ­Japanese technique and Maine’s oceanic abundance. For his quahog sushi, Miyake sometimes harvests clams himself. 129 Spring St., (207) 871-9170

Paciarino

Two longtime Milanese restaurateurs run this restaurant and shop. Specialties include ravioli stuffed with sweet local shrimp and haddock, as well as hand-stretched, perfectly cooked spaghetti. 468 Fore St., (207) 774-3500