Anyone who has ever worked in the restaurant industry knows that a career in food service is rarely ever a straight line.
There are ups and downs and restaurant owners as well as staff often don’t stay at one place very long.
While people may come and go, the branding of a restaurant usually stays where it builds its roots. If a well-known and regarded restaurant closes down in Portland, Maine, that is typically the last you’ll hear of it.
Unless of course you plan on taking your restaurant halfway across the globe.
Portland, Maine, Favorite Paciarino Restaurant Has Reopened on The Island of Crete
Once upon a time not that long ago, Paciarino restaurant in Portland, Maine, was a favorite amongst both locals and visitors to the city.
Paciarino’s fresh pasta and delectable sauce kept people coming back and earned the restaurant a following for the decade-plus it was operated.
But after a lease dispute with their original landlords, Paciarino slowed down their operations, especially in the winter. Before long, the restaurant was simply gone.
Gone, but not forever. According to Portland Food Map, Paciarino has once again opened up. But you won’t be booking a reservation this weekend until you plan to booking a flight to the island of Crete.
The New Paciarino is Bringing Their Version of Italian Food to the Greek Islands
Paciarino spells out their history on the front page of their website. The journey of their restaurant from Milan to Portland, Maine, and now on the island of Crete.
Just like Paciarino did in Portland, Maine, the restaurant is focused on using native Cretan ingredients and putting an Italian spin on their dishes.
Although, it appears they’ve taken some influence from Maine as a whoopie pie is still featured prominently on their new website.
The 10 Most Popular Italian Restaurants in Portland, Maine, According to TripAdvisor
Ready to dig into a big bowl of pasta or savor some incredible Italian favorites in Portland, Maine?
Here’s a list of the 10 most popular seafood restaurants in the Forest City, according to Tripadvisor rankings.
These rankings come from May 2026
Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka
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Dining and Cooking