Aster & Rose in Lincolnville

Michael and Karrie Nowak, owners of the Youngtown Inn and its in-house restaurant, Aster & Rose, have brought a fresh culinary perspective to Lincolnville, Maine. After running a successful restaurant in Cleveland for nearly a decade, they sought a change of scenery. They found it in Midcoast Maine, where they took over the historic Youngtown Inn in 2021 and launched Aster & Rose the following year.

In the kitchen, Michael’s approach is to create dishes that are deeply influenced by European traditions but tailored with local ingredients. “We make everything from scratch—breads, pastas, cheeses, and desserts,” Michael says. This method provides a dining experience that’s both sophisticated and inviting, with dishes like a Caesar salad reimagined with miso and a chicken liver toast enhanced with pickled wild Maine blueberries becoming local staples.

Karrie manages the dining room and the inn’s guest services, ensuring that every visitor feels welcomed. “Our goal is to make everyone feel at home, whether they’re joining us for dinner or staying at the inn,” she explains. Together, they blend the inn’s traditional charm with a contemporary dining experience that resonates with locals and tourists alike.

The Nowaks are committed to local sourcing, building relationships with nearby farms and producers to support the community and enhance their dishes. Aster & Rose is more than a restaurant; it’s a part of the Lincolnville community, offering meals that celebrate the area's seasonal bounty and the couple’s passion for thoughtful hospitality. “We love that our restaurant is not just a place to eat, but a place where people can experience the essence of Maine through our food,” Michael says.

FAMOUS FOR:
Handcrafted pastas, beautifully balanced flavors, and a dining experience that turns every meal into a special occasion.

ADDRESS:
581 Youngtown Road in Lincolnville, ME

WEBSITE:
asterrosemaine.com

photos by Peter Logue