Franny's Bistro - 55 Chestnut St, Camden, ME

An Intimate Culinary Gem

An anniversary dinner deserves an extra touch of pizzazz, so we scored a table at Franny’s.

If you are looking for a special dinner out, this is the place to be—but you have to plan ahead. This is a dark, intimate venue, featuring a small bar and only about 10 tables. Because of its size and popularity, reservations are an absolute must.

 From the moment we sat down, the service stood out. Our waiter was extremely professional and attentive. You could tell immediately that he took a great deal of pride in his job, the restaurant, and the food being served.

We started the evening with delicious Espresso Martinis while we perused the wine list. The waiter was incredibly helpful in guiding us toward a red wine that we ended up thoroughly enjoying.

One of the most exciting parts of a meal for me is when I realize they serve free focaccia bread with olive oil—it’s a simple touch that Franny’s gets just right.

 We tried a mix of starters. While the calamari was honestly nothing special, the mussels were very good and definitely the better choice of the two.

 The main courses were where the kitchen truly shined. The rare tuna served over coconut rice with asparagus was truly mind-blowing—a term I don’t use often!

The Portuguese Seafood Linguine was extremely good, packed with flavor.

The Filet served with grilled lettuce and fries was a good, solid dish, though perhaps overshadowed by the impressive seafood options.

The building itself adds to the charm, feeling tucked away and exclusive. In the summer months, they open up outdoor seating, which expands the capacity slightly.

Hours: Open Wednesday through Saturday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Pricing: It is on the higher end, with entrées landing in the $40s.

Verdict: While the pricing is a bit high, the quality of the ingredients and the exceptional service make it completely worth it for a special dinner out.

Add it to your list!!