Costa Media in Camden
Café Louis in Camden—affectionately referred to as Costa Media—is the sister restaurant to Evan Richardson’s acclaimed South Portland spot by the same name. Tucked just off the beaten path downtown, this cozy and plant-filled bistro brings Central American flavors to the Midcoast with a light, seasonal touch. The name Costa Media, or “Middle Coast,” nods to both its geography and its playful, layered identity. “We’re not trying to recreate Costa Rica—we’re inspired by it,” says Evan, whose father’s side of the family is Costa Rican. “We just want to make really good food that feels both familiar and new.”
Scratch cooking is the heart of the kitchen. The team mills masa in-house, bakes all their breads, and fabricates their own meats. Standout dishes like achiote-smoked half chicken and cinnamon-sugar rosquillas (served in a pool of tres leches) show how much care goes into each element. The seasonal flan rotates constantly—blueberry, fig, rhubarb—while the bar program keeps pace with a coriander margarita, clarified piña colada, and a deeply thoughtful wine list.
Inside, the space is intimate and unfussy, with an ever-growing jungle of plants and a team that makes the restaurant feel less like a brand and more like a dinner party. Evan credits much of the restaurant’s success to his staff: “They really run it. It works because they care about it.” Reservations are encouraged via email to allow for personalized touches, whether you're celebrating something or just want to request the greenest table in the room.
In the warmer months, the patio doubles the seating and adds to the neighborhood charm. Café Louis isn’t trying to be flashy—it’s aiming to be one of your favorite places to eat in the Midcoast. And by all accounts, it’s already there.
FAMOUS FOR:
Their achiote half chicken, scratch-made tortillas and breads, seasonal flan, and inventive cocktails like the clarified piña colada and coriander margarita.
ADDRESS:
50 Elm St in Camden, ME
WEBSITE:
midcoastlouis.com
photos by Peter Logue
