Linda

Petrillo’s is a cute little restaurant located at the train station in Freeport, just a stone’s throw from the outlet stores. It is a cozy place with a bar and a few tables in the main room and more seating in its enclosed porch. Even though we visited in March, the porch was a popular place to dine. It is a casual dining spot and one where you immediately feel welcome.

Friends have told us they have great burgers and pizzas, and this is a popular spot for both lunches and dinners. A daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. offers bargain prices on drinks and a selection of appetizer specials.

We met Dom Petrillo and his wife at the Flavors of Freeport event, where the dish they served was voted “Best Food.” Impressive indeed. We learned that they also serve wonderful Italian dishes and fresh seafood and quickly made plans for a visit.

Dom proudly explained that everything is made right here, from their focaccia bread and pizza dough to daily soups and exceptional marinara sauce. Two housemade items that are very popular are the chicken sausage and the meatballs.

Now, I don’t often go crazy for meatballs, but thought we should certainly try one for a starter. I am very glad that we shared one ($3). They are quarter pounders. One bite and I was in love. The meatball had such a light texture and the seasoning was spot-on. My eyes lit up as I tasted the marinara sauce. It had to be one of the best I’ve ever enjoyed. When I return I will order anything that has that marinara in it.

You’ll find a variety of appetizers and salads here, and sandwich offerings are served on focaccia, wraps or as paninis. Each one of them was tempting. I counted 15 different pizzas, and gluten-free crust is an option. You may also order any pizza as a calzone.

But the Chicken Sausage a la Vodka Sauce ($16) was a must after our server told us it was one of their most popular items. Cavatappi, a curly tube pasta, is tossed in the house marinara with a touch of cream and chicken sausage. The bowl that it is served in initiated two reactions: “Oh my goodness. We should have split this” or “Oh boy, I am going to enjoy these leftovers.” Wow. That was a great pasta dish.

George

“Wow” will be a common reaction here. Dom actually created a dish just for us, a delicious scallop entree with roasted red peppers on linguini with a Sambuca cream sauce. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. Dom clearly has a very creative mind and knows his way around ingredients. There’s nothing like fresh Maine scallops.

Dom has a friend who dives for scallops, but the season is very short, so he doesn’t dare put a scallop dish on the regular menu. That’s a shame, because I’d order this every time.

We sampled a delicious chicken and rice soup before tackling that huge meatball. I could make a meal out of a couple of those.

They always have clam chowder on the menu, and the house-made pickles are not to be missed.

Dom also has a good selection of Maine microbrews, but we opted for glasses of San Fabio Putto Chianti ($7.50). I loved the focaccia bread, but Linda forbade me from ordering more. And she was right, because I didn’t come close to eating all of my scallops.

There’s a nicely varied menu, including appetizers like steamed mussels, chicken wings, bruschetta roma and six salads. Main courses include veal parmesan, duck breast and beef short rib and mushroom ragu. Examples of their sandwiches are a Cuban panini and fresh Maine lobster roll (always on the menu), all natural burgers including an Italian burger, and creative pizzas including my favorite — the Margherita. There’s also a children’s menu — something for everyone.

Our server, Karen McDine, welcomes customers, serves them and even makes their drinks. She’s also a singer, songwriter and guitarist. She’s a very talented Mainer. I’m listening to one of her lovely songs, accessed at www.karenmcdine.com, as I write this column. Karen graduated from Portland School of Art, worked at an Italian restaurant in Virginia Beach for six years, and then returned to her home state, working here since last September. A very good story, indeed.

Karen said the Petrillos have made her “feel like I’m part of the family,” and it was clear that a lot of the diners there with us were regulars. Despite being in a tourist town (thanks to L.L. Bean), 60 percent of their customers are local.

As Karen described the desserts, all made right here, my mind lit up. Alas, Linda limited us to just one. But she did allow me to choose, and I went for the Coconut and Chocolate Bread Pudding. It was a large piece, served warm and oozing chocolate chips and coconut, whipped cream and ice cream. No leftovers on this dish.

In the summer, you can sit outside. But I wouldn’t wait if I were you. And surely, there is something you need at L.L. Bean.

Visit George’s website — georgesmithmaine.com — for book reviews, outdoor news and all Travelin’ Maine(rs) columns, found listed by town in the “Best of Maine” section.

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