Courtney
6月 2026
★★★★★
My mom and I are from Louisiana, and we've been driving up the East Coast over the past few days. There is nothing we enjoy more than great food. In fact, I plan most of my vacations around what I'm going to eat!
After doing some research, we had planned to try another restaurant. Then, by pure chance, my mom struck up a conversation with a couple staying at our Airbnb, and they couldn't stop talking about David's 388. That conversation completely changed our dinner plans, and I'm so glad it did.
We were seated at 5:00 p.m., and the moment we walked through the door, the incredible aroma coming from the kitchen had us hooked. We immediately looked at each other and said, "Whatever that is, that's what we're ordering!"
The couple had recommended the Seafood Pappardelle, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Being from Louisiana, we're no strangers to amazing seafood and pasta dishes, but this was unlike anything we've had before. It was lighter than the rich cream-based pastas we're used to, yet every bite was packed with incredible flavor. The fresh bread was perfect for soaking up every last drop of the sauce...we weren't about to leave any behind!
The Brussels sprouts were another surprise. Perfectly crispy with toppings that created little bursts of flavor in every bite. They were outstanding. Best we've ever tasted.
While we were eating, I noticed an award hanging on the wall and asked about it. My mom and I immediately looked it up and started reading about the restaurant's recognition. They had received the 2026 Dirona Award of Excellence! After tasting the food, it all made perfect sense.
One of the unexpected highlights of the evening was sitting at the counter with a front-row view of the kitchen. Watching Ian and Emma work was like watching a symphony. The kitchen may be small, but don't let that fool you. They moved effortlessly around one another while juggling pan after pan, many of them literally on fire, without ever looking rushed or overwhelmed. It was like watching master craftsmen who have worked together for years. You could tell they were a perfectly synchronized team.
Even with a completely full restaurant, Emma still took a few moments to answer some of our questions between creating one beautiful dish after another. That personal touch made the evening even more memorable.
I've eaten at a lot of wonderful restaurants, but I've never tipped the chefs before. This time, I couldn't leave without doing so. They were the true stars of the evening.
If you're anywhere near Portland or South Portland, don't miss David's 388. Come hungry, sit at the counter if you can, and enjoy not only one of the best meals you'll have in Maine, but also the chance to watch two incredibly talented chefs turn an evening out into an unforgettable experience.
