2 Best Restaurants in Bethel, Western Lakes and Mountains

Offering sushi and more, dishes here are deeply rooted in Korea and Maine: the chef's Korean mother owns the restaurant, which she founded in 2002, and spices for the kimchi are grown at the family's local homestead. On summer nights, dining on the wide front porch—lit by torches and candles and right above the sidewalk on Main Street in downtown Bethel—is delightful, but the lively storm-blue dining rooms are also inviting, and perfect for a post-ski meal. Sometimes there’s a bit of a wait for food, but as Cho Sun’s website notes, “We take pride in all of our entrees being made to order.” Diners can imbibe cold or hot sake as well as Asian-themed craft cocktails and Maine craft brews.

A cheery red door welcomes customers to this hip, cozy grocery, opened in 1994 and selling specialty, organic, and Maine-produced foods and goods, from sodas to local poultry. Friendly staff will help you select from the specials-friendly takeout menu and the great to-go beer and wine selection, or suggest grocery items for a picnic or dinner at your lodging. Open even in winter, the orange sticker-clad barbeque trailer outside slow-smokes fresh meat and poultry flavored with house dry rubs.