The Lost Kitchen

We didn't get a chance to eat at the restaurant, but we did get a chance to walk around the property and shop in the store. The atmosphere is tranquil and absolutely beautiful, great for some photo ops. And the staff at the store was very kind. Definitely recommend if you can get in. Otherwise swing by the restaurant and pick up something at the store. There are also signed copies of books on sale for purchase!!

Side note: something to keep in mind when traveling here, is that the restaurant is seasonal. So you may want to check and see if the store based upon the season.

OMG.
We felt like we won the lottery when they pulled out our postcard.
From the way they do reservations at the restaurant, you mail in a postcard and they choose a certain amount for the people that will be able to attend the restaurant. They get tens of thousands of postcards a year.
And yes we were one of the few lucky ones this year.

We had the most incredible night and enjoyed our experience immensely.

Erin Frenh the owner / Chef was very friendly and attentive to all the guests as she was preparing a beautiful multi course dinner for us over the 5 hour period we were there for.

The food was very fresh and tasty. It was all prepared in a beautiful kitchen right in front of us.

The Gris mill itself was beautifully done inside with many updates.
We felt like we were at home and we wish we could stay there for many more hours. Very enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

Ok, so, boo and I come to Maine every summer. We watch the lost kitchen TV show and talk about sending in the postcard every year but we live in la so it's not that practical. Anyway we got an email saying that they were doing a Farmers Market and it was happening the Tuesday we were staying in Darmascotta for the week so of course we went.

It was a blast! We love Farmers Markets and we go to our local (Atwater Village) every week and always try to go to local ones wherever we are. Both of us have eaten at plenty of Michelin star type restaurants over the years so the idea of a dinner at The Lost Kitchen is appealing but not like, a must. On the other hand this Farmers Market experience was authentic AF and Erin was up in the gift shop wrapping purchases and signing autographs and taking pictures. The Farmers Market itself was incredible and included sourdough bagels, two different cheese makers and the biggest asparagus I have ever seen.

They were making pizzas out in front and you could shop in the wine cellar and buy ice cream. There were no bathrooms and it's about half an hour from Belfast so plan accordingly. Honestly I think this was probably more fun than eating at the restaurant and a truer representation of the Erin French aesthetic than the fine dining format she is forced into for marketing purposes. Anyway, she's an icon and what a treat. Highly recommended!

Came here for the freedom market and to get a treat on a Saturday morning. Great atmosphere friendly people and quality vendors. Hope to come back one day for dinner.

A million stars. One of the best dinners I have ever had. Each course was amazingly crafted and put together like a story. The staff so attentive and joyful. It was like a fairytale.

Absolutely exquisite! 🤍 I tried really hard not to hype this experience up in my head prior to coming in July 2022 since I felt it was utterly impossible that it could be as good as it looked on the show… but it was, and so much more. From the moment we got to our cabin, to the dinner, to the morning breakfasts… everything was simply perfect. Still giddy that we got to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity, although I do hope to get lucky enough again in the future for round two. 🤞🏼😄

The Farmers Market was great, as well as The Lost Kitchen. The food and atmosphere were great. The tents at the Farmers Market had fresh and delicious produce, cheeses, and meats. Absolutely worth a visit!

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!

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.

We have been so lucky to have been fed by the soul warming Lost Kitchen 4 times- does not disappoint! Single best oysters I’ve ever had, anything with bone marrow butter is gold, salads and sorbets and snacks are all essentials. It has gotten a little more challenging to dine with a gluten allergy- accommodated pre-covid, but these past two times, no accommodations were made. There was so much food that it really was not a big deal. The price of the meal is also increased quite significantly- I think it will deter us from entering the raffle again. So glad we went when we did!

I ordered a signed book for my wife as a just because gift from the online store. It arrived really nicely packaged it even included a couple of extras. Item was quickly shipped. Thanks a million she was pretty excited, way better than any flowers i have ever sent. We both LOVE Maine and can't wait to get back, we no longer look for great places to vacation as you can not top coastal Maine! Hope to come for dinner sometime!

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!

Wonderfully curated experience including fantastic food, amazing service and hospitality. We stayed in the on-site cabins making it a wonderful overnight.. combining the best of a world class restaurant, B&B and glamping. Highly recommend.

This is #1 on our bucket list of place to dine, so when we found out they now have a small store open to everyone Kim fit this stop into our itinerary. Hoping someday to be selected for dinner, but for now we will have to settle for Erin's cookbook.

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!

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.

The restaurant was closed, but the gift store and wine cellar were open.

If you ever have the chance to experience The Lost Kitchen, consider your yourself blessed. No fancy foo Foo, no complex sauces just pure ingredients artistically presented and thoughtfully prepared. After 4 hours of dining, you still don't want to leave. This is what dining out is meant to be. Erin has found magic at The Lost Kitchen and for a brief time, so did I.

Years later, it remains one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life. The food, experience, setting etc were all perfect.

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.