I subscribed to Yelp specifically to review two excellent restaurants that our family visited during a recent vacation in Ogunquit. Â Inicio was one of these restaurants.
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We went to Inicio twice, because there were so many interesting dishes on the menu (it is a Tapas restaurant after all), and they were all excellent. Â When we ate there, there were half-price drink specials on several beers and wines as well as the house Sangria (which was excellent). Â Our waitress, Meghan, was very friendly and attentive. Â On our second visit, four days after our first, she remembered us, and seated us in the same corner table overlooking the street.
All of the dishes that we tried were well-executed and very tasty. Â My daughter had the same grilled Manchego sandwich both times. Â She loved it, but says that it needs something sweet to offset the cheese and starch. Â Membrillo is a classic Manchego pairing, but she suggests that a fig jam would work well also. Â A typical precocious 11 year old telling the chef how to improve his food ;). Â All of the dishes that my wife and I had, from soup to seafood, to charcuterie, to simple lamb meatballs were well prepared and super tasty.
Both nights that we were there the restaurant was fairly empty. Â It may have been early in the season, but I suspect that there may be some difficulty in finding the entrance, as it is around the back of the building and up several flights of stairs. Â There is a sign and menu on the main street, but it is easy to miss as it is at the end of the sidewalk. Â The prices may seem slightly on the high side, but compared to other Ogunquit restaurants, they are actually quite reasonable, and the quality and diversity of the food is first rate. Â
I would call this one of Ogunquit's "best kept secrets", but I hope that potential customers read the consistently excellent reviews and that it doesn't stay a secret for long.
What an inviting, relaxing environment! From the expertly mixed cocktails, to the fresh tapas dishes, our server (Charlotte?) guided us through the menu and timed every course perfectly. She took the time to explain the menu to our kids. Â We started with house made White Gazpacho, Hummus, Tahini, Falafel, a delicious charcuterie plate with assorted sausages, Spanish Jamon and pickled caper berries and miniature hot peppers. Â We took a breather for a glass of wine, then shared a perfect medium rare hanger steak with authentic Chimichurri sauce and crispy fries with spicy smoked paprika aioli for dipping. Great room, great vibe, great presentation of each dish, and 2 table visits from the fantastic chef! We'll be back ASAP
Review Source:The terrace is very nice, friendly service and the choice and quality of food is very good. Â They serve a nice range of tapas which are nice to share as starters, and the main courses are very nice although on the smallish size (for an American restaurant). Â I would recommend this restaurant if you are keen to try something different (not the usual American staple food). Â There is no children's menu- although there is still enough variety on the menu to find something good for the kids. Â We have taken visiting family members here twice and had a great time on both occasions.
Review Source:What a pleasant surprise in downtown Ogunquit.  Saw this former nightclub being rehabbed last year, I think they opened late last summer.  Outdoor staircase right off main street leads to a beautiful terrace and screened in seating area.  Indoor restaurant and bar is small and pretty.  The staff was excellent:  friendly and helpful.  Our group of five had 2 entrees and various tapas, including the salmon and swordfish entrees, Mediterranean salad w/ shrimp, smoked seafood, pickles (beets and turnips... done in house and delicious), felafel (light and airy and very green on the inside, unlike the thick, doughy balls most places serve up these days), lamb meatballs, and grilled chorizo kebabs.  I'd say everything was  a hit... pleased w/ everything, from the flavors, presentation, to the service.  Well worth checking out, and we'll be back.  Surprised it was not busier on July 4.  Even in a small town like Ogunquit, it seems locals and tourists can have very provincial attitudes:  Inicio is directly in the center of town, but on the "wrong" side of Main Street.  Also not so well known and no street frontage, so hard to see.  I hope people discover Inicio and that they make a go of it.
Review Source:We decided to give Inicio a try based on their intriguing menu, good range of prices, and plenty of high-protein, low-carb options among the tapas-style plates. It's got a really pleasant atmosphere, up a lighted staircase to a breezy outdoor roofed deck above downtown Ogunquit. The staff was considerate and friendly, letting us move to a street-view table as soon as one became available. We enjoyed the shrimp al ajillo, chorizo skewers and cheese plate, and the good list of Maine beers and plenty of wine selections. It's great to see a little bit of a different concept in a seaside town and there were options ranging from $4 and $6 tapas to $20 and up seafood and meat dinners. Something for anyone!
Review Source:The most beautiful terrace of Ogunquit with fresh Mediterranean cuisine found anywhere elsewhere in the region. Excellent service with the cooking directly on the terrace with dishes at very affordable price. Cooking leaves much to be desired but found the taste of the Mediterranean Spanish style. To try after the beach!
Review Source:
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