Guide To The Top Portland Maine Restaurants
Thanks to an abundance of natural resources and notable culinary talent, Portland, Maine has quickly become one of America's favorite foodie destinations. Widely recognized for an endless array of lobster-infused menus, Portland has also earned accolades for its growing craft beer scene, creative ice cream shops and bakeries, and scenic waterfront locales. Here are some of Portland's most popular, and uniquely-inspired eateries.
Fore Street
Fore Street restaurant, Portland, Maine (3)" by Vilseskogen is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
$$$$ American
288 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-2717
http://www.forestreet.biz/
Located one block from the waterfront in Portland's Old Port District, Fore Street Restaurant is an area favorite. All of the food at Fore Street is roasted or grilled over the large brick and soapstone hearth. The award-winning location has ranked in Gourmet Magazine's Top Fifty Restaurants of the United States more than once! Menu items change every day, based on seasonality.
Street & Co.
Photo Credit: Rich Brooks via Flickr CC2.0
$$$ Seafood
33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-0887
http://www.streetandcompany.net/
Fore Street’s “sister” restaurant, Street & Co. is one of Portland’s longest-standing eateries. This iconic establishment is housed in a rustic building with three separate and distinct seating areas: the back room, the middle room (situated around the open-concept kitchen), and the bar room. Street & Co is said to serve up the best seafood in Portland!
Scales
Photo Credit: Kate via Flickr CC2.0
$$$ Seafood
68 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 805-0444
http://www.scalesrestaurant.com/
Portland's best-kept waterfront secret, Scales seafood, land-food and raw bar provides classic coastal comfort foods with a French twist that set this location apart from nearby counterparts. Another member of the Fore Street restaurant collection, Scales serves up dinner with a view nightly.
Eventide Oyster Co.
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$$$ Seafood
86 Middle St., Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-8538
http://www.eventideoysterco.com/
Seafood tapas are the specialty at Eventide, and as the name implies, oysters are tops on the menu (at least a dozen different types, in fact), from both East and West Coast sources. Praise for Eventide extends far beyond the oysters, however. They're also known for exceptional fried fish and one of the most popular lobster rolls in the area - the Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll.
Hugo's
$$$$ Farm-to-Table
88 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-8538
http://hugos.net/
A prominent contributor to Portland’s expanding foodie culture, Hugo’s offers an innovative array of reinvented dishes comprised of ingredients almost exclusively from within the State of Maine. Serving up nightly "blind tasting menus" catering to vegetarians, pescetarians, and omnivores, Hugo’s is the go-to spot for a spontaneous, food-centric adventure!
The Honey Paw
Photo Credit: Corey Templeton via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Asian Fusion
78 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-8538
http://www.thehoneypaw.com/
The Honey Paw combines Asian-influence with New England tradition. Original dishes take advantage of coastal location and pan-Asian inspiration. Choose from bar or communal table seating. Round out your experience with great cocktails and caramelized honey soft serve.
Duckfat
"Lunch At Duckfat" by Joe Shlabotnik is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
$$ Sandwich Shop
43 Middle St., Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-8080
https://duckfat.com/
You'll love every mouth watering minute spent at Duckfat, but leave your dieting plans at home! With highlight southern comfort menu items integrating cheese, gravy, and of course - duck fat, there is no way your visit will be guilt-free, but it will be tasty!
Central Provisions
Photo Credit: Central Provisions Portland Maine
$$$ Small Plates
414 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101
(207) 805-1085
http://www.central-provisions.com/
Central Provisions is a trendy local spot with the most comforting Old Port vibes. The perfect spot for small plate and shareable items for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Upstairs seating situated around an entirely open kitchen. Bar seating available downstairs.
Tipo
Photo Credit: Kate via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Italian
182 Ocean Ave, Portland, ME 04103
(207) 358-7970
http://www.tiporestaurant.com/
Tipo is a cozy neighborhood hot spot on Portland's Back Cove. Serving up wood-fired pies & handmade pastas, Tipo's ever-changing menu is next-level classic Italian with a smart modern twist. Don't miss the stellar Happy Hour specials!
Chaval
$$ Spanish/French
58 Pine St., Portland, ME 04102
(207) 772-1110
https://www.chavalmaine.com/
Fast becoming a local favorite on Portland's West End, Chaval's menu consists of Spanish and French inspired seasonal cuisine. Options include unique twists on traditional dishes, fresh local delicacies, and Spanish staples. Chaval’s cocktail program and delicious Spanish ciders make it a top spot to catch a few drinks with friends as well! Don’t miss the fabulous Sunday brunch opportunities offered here, and at Chaval’s sister eatery - Piccolo.
Piccolo
$$$ Italian
111 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 747-5307
https://piccolomaine.com/
Piccolo is Portland’s top destination for classic Old World Italian cuisine. Using a combination of locally-sourced and imported Italian ingredients, Piccolo offers dinner five nights a week, Wednesday through Sunday. For a unique, limited opportunity, consider Sunday Supper at Piccolo, where up to six guests dine from a customized, seasonal tasting menu at the chef's counter.
EVO
Photo Credit: Corey Templeton via Flickr CC2.0
$$$ Middle Eastern
443 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 358-7830
http://evoportland.com/
Take in the tantalizing tastes of the Middle East with a hearty helping of city views and contemporary energy. Inventive chefs constantly source a rotating variety of the freshest seasonal ingredients to conceive reimagined versions of beloved traditional dishes. EVO dishes are meant to be shared, family-style, and they pair remarkably with the restaurant’s extensive wine list!
Miyake
$$$$ Japanese
468 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101
(207) 871-9170
http://www.miyakerestaurants.com/
Chef Masa Miyake’s flagship downtown restaurant draws from the Japanese 'Washoku' cooking style, placing an emphasis on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Miyake's expert sushi chefs create an unforgettable, multi-course omakase dining experience.
Grill Room
Photo Credit: Rich Brooks via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Steakhouse
84 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-2333
https://www.thegrillroomandbar.com/
The Grill Room is an urban, rustic steakhouse where high-quality meets affordability. Featured in many of Maine’s top publications as a “Best Bet” for food in Portland, The Grill Room’s wood-fired steaks are the stuff of legends!
Lio
$$$ European
3 Spring St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 808-7133
http://www.lio-maine.com/
Lio is a trendy modern wine bar and restaurant with a stunning wooden long-bar and outdoor balcony seating overlooking the city. Using “modern European techniques to create dishes that highlight the bounty of Maine”, Lio specializes in small plates paired with classic wines.
Lolita
$$$ Mediterranean
90 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-5652
https://www.lolita-portland.com/
Bask in the comfort of an Old World bodega-styled eatery where flavor and tradition reign supreme. Choose from small plates or shareable items for a dining experience custom-fit to your party’s needs. The elaborate menu of freshly-sourced tapas, wines, and cocktails provides the perfect start for a night on the town.
The Shop
$ Seafood
123 Washington Ave Portland , ME 04101
207-699-4466
http://portland.islandcreekoysters.com/
The Shop Raw Bar and Shellfish Market offers up hand-picked Maine oysters to take home or enjoy onsite with a glass of beer or wine and a few good friends. Outdoor seating available.
Drifters Wife
$$$ Gastropub
59 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 805-1336
https://www.drifterswife.com/
Featured on Bon Appétit’s 2016 list of the country’s best new restaurants, Drifters Wife has come a long way since its modest beginnings as a wine shop. Evolving menus are crafted around available, prime ingredients. In other words, the meals are always fresh, new, and innovative, with the seafood selections being among the most recommended.
East Ender
$$ American
47 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 879-7669
http://eastenderportland.com/
Casual atmosphere for classic American fare, craft beer, wine, and cocktails. East Ender offers bold New England flavors, from locally-sourced ingredients. Stand-out menu items promise the flair of fusion and the care of from-scratch prep.
Palace Diner
Photo Credit: Allagash Brewing via Flickr CC2.0
$$ American
18 Franklin St., Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 284-0015
http://www.palacedinerme.com/
A TripAdvisor review calls Palace Diner "a diner for diner fans". Located in an old rail train dining car, seating is limited - and coveted - to partake in the breakfast and lunch classics served here all day long. Ample portions are offered up of hardy southern-style favorites.
Boda
$$ Thai
671 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 347-7557
https://www.bodamaine.com/
Take your pick of tapas, skewers, and entrees at Portland’s first destination Thai restaurant. Boda promises “very Thai” food, combining street vendor favorites with traditional home-style cooking. A popular choice for locals seeking late-night dining options.
Emilitsa
Photo Credit: 29-95.com via Flickr CC2.0
$$$ Greek
547 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 221-0245
http://emilitsa.com/
For contemporary casual dining in Portland's Arts District, look no further than Emilitsa! Serving up traditional, rustic Greek cuisine paired with an all-Greek wine list. Small plates and large plates offer mandatory classics, as well as some of the best duck and lamb dishes on the coast.
Woodford F&B
$$ American
660 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
(207) 200-8503
https://www.woodfordfb.com/
One of Zagat's "10 must-try places on the Maine coast", Woodford F&B is a cozy, but upscale Americana diner known for classic cocktails, local beers, the freshest seafood, and one of the best burgers in the state.
Baharat
Photo Credit: Kate via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Middle Eastern
91 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 613-9849
https://www.baharatmaine.com/
Born from food truck roots, Baharat is a fast-casual restaurant serving middle-eastern street foods and favorites like lamb and falafel. Hardy appetites will appreciate the "plus-sized" Shawarmageddon sandwich or The All In combo feast for two or four guests.
The Highroller Lobster Co.
$$ Seafood
104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 536-1623
https://highrollerlobster.com/
Highroller's lobster game is hard to beat, and in Portland, lobster rolls have a high mark to aim for to achieve stand-out status. The secret? Maine lobster straight from the docks, served up on buttery brioche rolls baked daily from Southside Bakery, alongside local craft beers. Non-seafood selections like hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and salads are also available.
Izakaya Minato
Photo Credit: Kate via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Japanese
54 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 613-9939
http://www.izakayaminato.com/
A classic Japanese izakaya dining experience, Minato pairs traditional shared plates with an assortment of beers, cocktails, and sake. Peruse the daily selection of sashimi, dashi broth dishes, grilled fish and Japanese fried chicken, or opt for the omakase experience. Communal and intimate seating centers around the open concept kitchen.
Isa Bistro
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Photo Credit: Corey Templeton via Flickr CC2.0
$$ American
79 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 808-8533
http://isaportlandme.com/
This cozy, bayside neighborhood bistro boasts an eclectic, globally-influenced menu driven by seasonal inspiration. An ideal spot for lunch, brunch, or a casual patio snack.
Hot Suppa
Photo Credit: Bill Phelps via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Comfort Food
703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
(207) 871-5005
http://hotsuppa.com/
Hot Suppa's menu is bursting with delectable, made-from-scratch items using quality, local ingredients. Offering everything from breakfast to cocktails, this West End favorite strives to be known as a "food institution". With eye-catching, mouth-watering Southern comfort foods like gumbo, grits, catfish and corned beef hash topping the favorite recommendations, they seem to be well on their way!
Empire Chinese Kitchen
Photo Credit: Robby Virus via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Chinese
575 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 747-5063
http://portlandempire.com/kitchen/index.html
Specializing in Dim Sum selections, Empire's menu also features traditional and modern Chinese soul food items, sourced locally and taking full advantage of the area's coastal bounty.
The Back Bay Grill
$$$ American
65 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-8833
https://backbaygrill.com/
Recognized by Wine Spectator every year since 1999 with the Award of Excellence, The iconic Back Bay Grill is regarded as the restaurant in Portland with the best selection of fine wines. The revolving menu features a range of starter dishes, locally-sourced salads, delightful desserts, and mouthwatering entrees like North Atlantic salmon, hand-rolled pappardelle, cast iron seared local scallops, and grilled rack of lamb.
Gorgeous Gelato
$ Ice Cream Shop
434 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 699-4309
https://www.gorgeousgelato.com/
Gorgeous Gelato is a bright, vibrant space just waiting to pacify your sweet tooth! Featuring 16 flavors of gelato at any given time, selections range from familiar favorites to more adventurous flavors. Handmade gelato pops and cakes, coffee, cappuccino and "boozy beverages" are also available.
Terlingua
Photo Credit: Kate via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Barbecue
52 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 808-8502
http://www.terlingua.me/
Terlingua's small-batch BBQ menu combines house-smoked meats with Caribbean, southwest & Mexican inspired favorites. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily as well as brunch and the famed weekly "Neighborhood Night" (both on Sundays) for scaled-back, rotating menus at lower price points.
Blue Spoon
$$ American
89 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-1116
http://www.thebluespoon.com/
Located atop Munjoy Hill in Portland’s East End, Blue Spoon is a chef-owned restaurant. Offering a wide range of dishes from traditional hamburgers to duck risotto and ragu, Blue Spoon also serves up brunch six days per week, and Happy Hour specials on food and drink Tuesday through Friday.
OTTO
$$ Pizza
Multiple Locations
https://www.ottoportland.com/
Since 2009, OTTO has been Portland's go-to pizzeria. Whether you're craving a quick slice, or a pie for the whole family, this is the place for some of the best and most unique options around. Surprising toppings like tortellini, pears and cranberries will raise an eyebrow, but if you're feeling adventurous, try The Masher specialty pizza topped with mashed potato, scallion, and bacon. Seven locations in the state of Maine!
Bite Into Maine
Photo Credit: Navin75 via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Seafood
1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 289-6142
https://www.biteintomaine.com/
Serving six different types of lobster rolls, Bite Into Maine serves up fresh lobster on the ocean, with a view of the famous Portland Head Light. Using only locally- sourced lobster on fresh-baked rolls, Bite Into Maine prides itself on consistently being named the home to one of Maine's best lobster rolls and one of America's best sandwiches.
The Holy Donut
Photo Credit: John Buie via Flickr CC2.0
$ Donut Shop
7 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-7776
https://theholydonut.com/
With two Portland-area locations serving up these original Maine potato donuts, you have ample opportunity to try something new! At any given time, there are approximately 20 donut flavors to choose from, with mind-boggling selections like pomegranate, maple bacon, chocolate sea salt, and bacon-cheddar filled.
Salvage BBQ
Photo Credit: Kate via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Barbecue
919 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
(207) 553-2100
https://salvagebbq.com/
It's not just a restaurant - it's an experience! Salvage BBQ features live music on Saturday nights as well as trivia and bingo nights weekly. Offering 17 taps of mostly Maine microbrews, as well as tantalizing North Carolina and Texas inspired barbecue dishes, Salvage BBQ is the tastiest Southern fare you'll find in Maine, and the perfect place for a casual night out.
Flatbread Company
$$ Pizza
72 Commercial St #5, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-8777
https://www.flatbreadcompany.com/
Portland's Casco Bay is the home to Flatbread Company's second Maine location, and probably the most scenic, as it is right on the water. A simple menu with epic choices, Flatbreads offers pizzas both with and without their signature organic wood–fired cauldron tomato sauce, and an assortment of fresh toppings.
The Gelato Fiasco Old Port
The Gelato Fiasco" by Joe Shlabotnik is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
$ Ice Cream Shop
425 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 699-4314
Visitors to the Old Port district will surely appreciate The Gelato Fiasco. Located just a block from Casco Bay, The Gelato Fiasco offers up to 30 bold flavors of gelato from more than 1,500 original house recipes every day using natural cane sugar and fresh milk from family farms.
Local 188
Photo Credit: charlie vinz via Flickr CC2.0
$$ Spanish
685 Congress St., Portland, ME 04102
(207) 761-7909
https://local188.com/
Pioneers of Portland's farm-to-table movement, Local 188 prides itself on locally-sourced items prepared on-site in its prominent, open kitchen. The notable beverage program features a wine list with more than 100 bottles, craft cocktails and local and national microbrews. Weekday Happy Hour brings special pricing on drinks and tapas.
Becky's Diner
Portland: Becky's Diner" by wallyg is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
$ Diner
390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-7070
http://www.beckysdiner.com/
Featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives", Becky's Diner is a Portland tradition. Situated for spectacular waterfront dining on Hobson's Wharf, Becky's offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including incredible blueberry pancakes) starting early enough to catch a picture-perfect New England sunrise.