Reviews of The Lost Kitchen (Restaurant)

Ray Paradis

Great food and service. Lovely location and setting tucked into woods by a river and dam. Nice little wine cellar. Great with friends and family.

Courtney Olson

I don't even know where to begin, this was by far the most amazing dining experience my husband and I have ever had. When we arrived we immediately saw the beautiful mill and all we could hear was water. It was peaceful and relaxing. We walked across the bridge and around the the front of the restaurant we were greeted and escorted down the the wine cellar. They had an amazing selection and we got a perfect suggestion for dinner which was delicious! When we went into the dining room the atmosphere was rustic, relaxing and felt like you were in someone's home for dinner. We sat down and from then until the end we were served 8 absolutely delicious courses! Each one better than the last and served up by Chef Erin and her amazing team. They were so pleasant, friendly, charismatic. They were all more than happy to help guests with anything they needed and made us feel like each one of us was important. As Erin said in her speech, she wanted us to remember the way we felt and I can definitely say we will remember that dining experience for years to come. We hope we get the chance to dine again!

Pam Meyer

The Most amazing meal and experience we have ever had. The whole night from start to finish was perfect , and Erin and the Girls were unbelievable and so nice. Would go again in a minute. Thank You For a wonderful night and experience.

Matthew Whitman

Absolutely amazing.

Kathy Morton

Such a special place; incredible food and atmosphere

Jacob Seilheimer

Absolute perfection.

Fresh Eggs Daily with Lisa Steele

Be prepared to spend around $150pp on a dinner at The Lost Kitchen including tax and tip, (but not including any wine you choose to purchase in the wine cellar downstairs before you head up to dinner). But also know that it will be worth every penny. From the rustic setting in an old restored mill hidden away in tiny Freedom Maine, to the bridge across the stream you cross to get to the restaurant, our evening dining there was nothing short of magical. The ambience and supper club vibe fits chef/owner Erin French's style perfectly. After choosing our wine, we headed up to be seated. There is no real menu. The roughly 45 dinner guests each evening are served a progression of small plates leading up to the entree and dessert.. We had been given a card with a few courses that would be served so we could pick appropriate wine to go with our dinner, but were warmed that was only a 'teaser'. And they weren't kidding! Course after course was served to out table. Each one more delicious than the last. The wait staff explained each dish - all featuring local and seasonal ingredients. About half way through the three hour dinner, Erin (who had been serving throughout the evening and chatting with guests) stood up and thanked everyone for coming. She gave such a heartfelt speech that really showed her passion for what she does. That is also evident in her food. I travel alot and have dined at plenty of upscale restaurants, but I have to say that my meal at The Lost Kitchen was quite possibly the best I have ever eaten in my life. There is absolutely nothing I would change. From the cheese, beet and radish plate to the oysters artfully arranged on a bed of moss and stones to the lemon basil sorbet to the entree of halibut to the edible nasturtium garnish and chive butter... Every bite was delicious. Dinner ended with a rhubarb custard dessert and coffee. Even the coffee was amazing. After dinner, Erin chatted with dinners as they left, signed her cookbook (you can bring your own copy or purchase a copy in the wine cellar). If you are lucky enough to have your postcard chosen in the annual April "lottery" - this small seasonal restaurant has come up with truly unique way to assign tables which involves sending in a postcard through the mail during a week long period before the season opens, and then hoping you are chosen from the more than 10,000 entries they receive each spring - then you are lucky indeed. If I could give The Lost Kitchen ten stars I would. It's virtually impossible to put into words how much we enjoyed our evening. So much more than the food, it was a magical experience that I will remember forever. Last tidbit of information: there is no salt or pepper on the tables. And not a single dish needed any. Everything was perfectly season.

No Name

A dream come true the best meal I have ever had. It was worth the wait (lottery).and the whole staff was exceptional. Erin French is truly a gift.

Stacey Harris

The greatest food experience I’ve ever had. Magical!

James Conte

Word of mouth calls it, "Fine Country Dining!"

Annie Pickford

Creative, tasty ...an incredible evening....every season is an experience....it’s like coming home ! Cheers to Erin and her wonderful staff!

Wanda Wobecky

Love to cook and experiment! This opened up a whole new way of foo!! Cuodos!! Bon Appetite!

Cristine Crabtree

There are flowers in every dish in every pic. You can make a dish look pretty w/the food w/out adding flowers. I mean it looks pretty but I wouldn't want to eat the food, it might taste like plants bcus of the flower. I saw a pic w/ I think soup w/ a flower in it. That soup is gonna taste like plants. Wat happens if sum1 was to eat the flower thinking its eatable? And I saw 2 pics w/ 5 clams or oysters sitting on top of rocks and the other had 4 oysters and 2 sea shells. Looks pretty but im not gonna spend a lot of money for that. If I did buy that I better be able 2 keep the rocks or sea shells. But it looks like a very lovely place! The name of the restaurant is unique! And the building/outside looks beautiful!

Brian O'Rourke

Waiting!!! I saw a news report about this place. I had to add it to my bucket list. Since I'm currently serving in Korea, it's gonna be awhile before I send in a postcard! Can't wait!!! So please save me a space!

Eric Werner

Spectacular

Brendan Paradis

What an excellent way to spend the night! We arrived early about 5:30 and walked across their bridge over the water to this beautifully restored mill. we were greeted outside and given a rundown of the night by a very friendly staff member. We then went to buy our drinks for the night in their wine cellar below the restaurant. We then proceeded upstairs to eat the best food we have even eaten. Erin and her staff made every moment memorable and every dish was something to remember. We will be putting in again next year and every year after that!

Todd Reedy

Amazing dinner. Everything is fresh and as much as possible local. It's a really unique experience. Hopefully I can come back next year.

William Brenner

Food was amazing I have had better but I only believe that is because I am from Maine where this restaurant is located and so the food while delicious did not feel especially exotic. When I say I have had better food I did fail to mention that I would only say I have had better food teice in my life and one was at a Michelin star restaurant. I enjoyed the atmosphere very much as well as the large shared table we were seated at in the center of the room, it encouraged conversation with new people.

Kelley Hallworth

Owner Erin French is a self driven, successful, down to earth entrepreneur & her restaurant is a slice of heaven. If you have ever had the chance to dine at The Lost Kitchen, you soon realize this is a once in a lifetime experience. I have complete adoration for Ms. French that I share with others worldwide. Bravo.

Antonina Slavchova

Magical place, from the walk to it, to the beautiful wine shop, lots of choices of great wines. Going upstairs, getting to our table, being amazed and constantly surprised by every single detail, great service, cozy and warm atmosphere, delicious and unique food, just can't find the words to describe the undescribable! Thank you Erin French and all the amazing ladys helping you! We'll try to come back, and would wait patiently if we have to!

Clarke Thomas

LOST DELIGHT In the middle of nowhere (& plan your drive to/from because of it) is a hidden gem of supper club. This is not a restaurant, Erin is feeding friends with her curious flavor profile. Dinner is at 6PM & expect 2-3 hours. Here in Freedom you park across from the Mill & enjoy a picturesque stroll to a renovated mill. Interestingly she shares the building with a school, which is the first door you come to. Per guidance you enter the basement to review the menu & choose a wine/beer(20% of the other diners had beer). When purchasing the steward ties a string around the bottle to inform the staff which types of glassware you require. The supper club is on the 2nd floor. There are 4 seats at the island, but I'm unsure if those are prearranged? Tonight she fed 35 from a handful of tables. While the menu had 4 courses, expect more. While not whimsical, as these extras were prepped prior, it does feel spur of the day for what she was going to prepare. It's a set menu, you can specify allergies, but if you're persnickety this place isn't for you. There were 7 courses served. The highlights were mussles with cold cherry tomatoes drizzled with truffle oil. The basil peach sorbet & the supple swordfish. The smoked ricotta & french melon bib salad. It was a pleasure to be invited to attend. Although the voicemail says she's booked for the year, I got on the waiting list & was granted a spot. Erin as well as the event is a delight. It was she that called & knew I was the lucky one who got in that night. She's the primary server for the extras, so she can explain the dish & is happy to answer any questions at any time. Go. If you love food. This is a culinary adventure. You will be well fed, as I'm still full the morning after.

Tami M

Cozy, delicious food

Nathan Gross

This place is special and people way more qualified than I have written many words about that. I just want to add my sentiment: I love this place. It's provided one of the rare moments in my life when a flavor/aroma triggered a powerful and very emotional memory. A meal that moved me. I very much appreciate everyone here who works so hard to create these moments. Thank you!

Xahbo Jones

more than just food more than a meal. the lost kitchen is a whole body and mind experience. It is so good you find that you love food you used to dislike. the distance traveled is a welcome journey and the setting just heightens the overall magic.

dubom payeng

good

Jared McCullough

Our (party of six) experience at the Lost Kitchen was magical and exceeded our already lofty expectations. What they won't tell you about is how many appetizers they bring out before the actual meal. These appetizers are as good as the actual menu items, themselves. Each food item is perfectly done and spaced out just right between the other items to allow for a little digestion. Trust me, you'll need it. But the actual experience lasted around four hours for us, so it's just the right amount of time for you to never feel beyond full. Erin French is there for the whole experience and does both cooking and serving. She has a handful of talented waitresses and sous chefs to help her out. Erin is a class act, yet extremely humble and gracious. Dress code is farmhouse chic. The Lost Kitchen has a lot of French and Quebec influences and that's a good thing. This will most likely be the best meal of your entire life. So don't hesitate to enter the lottery if you want to go. There's a long, long line. But it's worth every ounce of effort ♥. Notes: - No cell service at the Lost Kitchen. Like zero, zilch, none. - Lost Kitchen may want to consider adding a Maine made & designed pinboard map of the World and US to have for guests to add their own pin to. I would put this in the voyeur waiting area with little pins next to it. Maps are a great conversation piece with guests. Separate synopsis from our blog: Tucked away in the small, remote town of Freedom, Maine (pop. 706) lies the Lost Kitchen, which is the hottest table in America. Each year, approximately 20,000 - 25,000 people submit their entries for a chance to get picked to get the opportunity to dine at one of the world's finest farm-to-table restaurants. The head chef, Erin French, has managed all this success in just a few years. I entered this year's contest via a note card as per the rules and was selected as a winner and I never win anything. Tamra's family and I had the best meals of our lives. For all the extreme foodies out there, trust me when I say that nothing compares to the Lost Kitchen.

Lisa Giulianelli

Love it!

Torrey Grant

Absolutely one of the best meals Ive ever had in a Restaurant. Taking into account the food for sure, but also atmosphere, hospitality and over all care for the customers that is on display here.

B W

Truly a special place..esp once u navigate Byzantine reservation process! Whether you bring your pickiest out of town guests, biz clients or treat yourself it's impossible not to be charmed. Magical in all 4 seasons also, which is no small feat in Maine. The chef, her family and staff have a great rapport. If only we could get modern telecom technology in Freedom Maine in time for April 1st (magic reservation day)...or email!! No matter it's a rare treat to dine here (also great wine)

Michael Bagley

Fantastic place

Jeffrey Toffic

Exceptional meal. Bonus is the historical setting.

J

Sub par dining experience and very elitist atmosphere. I read the story before I visited and thought it was ironic that every thing was incredibly overpriced and unreasonable...not something I’d expect from someone who “had nothing”. The food wasn’t terrible but certainly not fine-dining quality. The whole rich, privileged people only thing is pretty silly too.

Fred Norris

Food was amazing! Great atmosphere and beautiful. I highly recommend this place if you love food and the company you are with.

kevin

I Hurd it's a nice place

Vanessa DeWitt

The most special dining experience of my life. Could not recommend more highly.

Melissa Kaiser

lovely place

Lance Blackstone

Great meal, beautiful surroundings, and enthusiastic staff. Highly recommended.

Andrew Greene

Wonderful food, service, and ambiance.

Margaret Ying

Most amazing dining experience in my life. From the magical setting to the gorgeous old building to every careful detail, it seems that absolutely nothing was overlooked. The food was nothing short of perfection. I knew nothing of this restaurant before my cousin told me she was selected for a reservation and I basically went in blind, following my cousin's lead from NYC to Maine! I researched nothing and just took in the experience and boy was it worth every hour of car travel and every penny spent! The intro to the dinner by owner Erin French was passionate, energetic, and utterly charming. It doesn't get more farm to table than this place! I would love the opportunity to go back every year if I could manage it, without hesitation and I highly recommend this restaurant to every lover of food.

Thomas Martinelli

Wonderful food and service. An experience that transcends any old restaurant. It's a place of it's own kind.

Claudette Davis

Never have been there but saw it on TV and fell in love immediately with this lovely little restaurant and the young lady that brought it to life. Good luck with all your endeavors

Tobi Tucker

Meal of a lifetime.....if you are lucky to get and invitation GO!!!!!!!!

Jennifer Trent

Most magical and lovely food experience ever... and I’ve eaten at a plethora of places. Every detail is covered, from the wine shop experience, to the personalized delivery and service, and the delicious food! We were lucky to have our postcard picked this year and this is my top food experience ever!

Beverly Bisnett-Jenks

An amazing experience. Worth the trip.

Shelley Widoff

A most SPECIAL and ENCHANTING dining experience. Freedom, ME is now a destination.

Lynnette Moser

The surroundings are surreal and the food was amazing! Erin and her staff are outstanding! Thank you

Oscar Jones

What can a person say possibly the greatest dining experience I've ever had anyplace

Marshall Green

Likely the most overrated place in New England. Although the deserts can be very good. Maybe that is the secret? What people remember last?

Thomas Pilsbury

Simply the BEST of everything! Thanks Erin and your staff! Truly a grand adventure in dining!

Brad Wilson

Epic! Fantastic, Memorable evening. Setting, Food, Service, & Vibe. Erin and her staff were all terrific. More than Lives up to the buzz.

Veronica DePietro

An amazing experience. We’ve eaten all over the world in very high end restaurants and this came up even with them. My husband, a top Swiss chef was prepared to be disappointed but instead he was impressed and loved the food and the experience. Congratulations on such an achievement.

William Garver

A dream to enjoy. Loved it!!!

Mark Piscitelli

Priced high, excellent, worth the wait

Laurie Martin

Lovingly prepared outstanding dishes

Galo Hernandez

Well...you will never have a better more unique dining experience,pretty much the one to beat,the food was off the scale good,stunning presentation and meticulus attention to detail.after the multible course appetizers,Owner Erin French gets everyones attention and goes into much detail about the meal to be served,where the ingredients came along with story highlights,it does not get any better than this,Oh and yes,the location in a authentic restored 19th century water powered post and beam grist mill,Gman.

Sandy Nelson

Our experience here was beyond words. Erin French, an amazing woman, has created a place filled with love and beauty and some of the most remarkable food you will ever encounter.

Caitlin McGrath

I am normally not one to take the time out to write a review, that being said, I absolutely had to share the experience that I had tonight(8/2119) at The Lost Kitchen! We were amoung the lucky to get a highly sought-after reservation and when we arrived and were welcomed with warmth and hospitality as if we were old friends coming over for a dinner party. Dinner was SPECTACULAR! Each course was thoughtfully crafted and perfectly executed and told a story, more specificly Erin French's story. From her mother helping us pair wine, to the daily bounty her local farmers provide her, everything had purpose. Her passion clearly resonates with her guests and dinner through her food. We were lucky enough to chat with Erin French after dinner and she couldn't be more gracious and grateful for her guests. From start to finish, I couldn't have been happier! I only hope I could be lucky enough to get a chance to go back!

Charles Crandall

Been 6 times l. Can't wait to go again

mermaid magic

MagicaL ✨✨✨✨✨

Agustin Chieh

Amazing. Unique. Unforgettable.