Portland Restaurants

America’s "Foodiest Small Town" is how one magazine described Portland, which is practically bursting at the seams with fabulous restaurants to rival those of a major metropolis. It's worth it to splurge and try as many as possible while visiting. Fresh seafood, including the famous Maine lobster, is still popular and prevalent, but it is being served up in unexpected ways that are a far cry from the usual bib and butter. There is a broad spectrum of cuisines to be enjoyed, and many chefs are pushing the envelope in their reinventions of traditional culinary idioms. More and more restaurants are using local meats, seafood, and organic produce as much as possible; changing menus reflect what is available in the region at the moment. Even the many excellent food trucks that have popped up across the city—several of which remain open in the off-season—reflect this trend. As sophisticated as many of these establishments have become in the way of food and service, the atmosphere is generally laid-back; with a few exceptions, you can leave your jacket and tie at home—just not your appetite.

Smoking is banned in all restaurants, taverns, and bars in Maine.

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  • 1. Allagash Brewing Company

    $

    Arguably the best-known among all of Maine's many outstanding breweries, Allagash was one of the state's pioneers, first opening in the '90s with its signature Belgian-style wheat beer, Allagash White. There are plenty of other styles to discover at the brewery, including wilds, sours, barrel-aged brews, and special seasonal concoctions on tap, and when hunger strikes, there's a Bite Into Maine’s food truck on-site, where you'll find burgers and excellent Maine staples like lobster rolls and whoopie pies. It's a bit out of the way from central Portland, but the above, plus a fun and friendly tasting room, make the brewery well worth the small trek.

    50 Industrial Way, Maine, 04103, USA
    207-878--5385

    Known For

    • Bite Into Maine Food truck offerings
    • One of Maine's brewing pioneers
    • Home of Allagash White

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
  • 2. Batson River Brewing & Distilling

    $$$

    The design and overall atmosphere here—part rustic Maine hunting lodge, part chic ski Aspen lodge, all beneath soaring ceilings and in front of a real roaring fire—keep crowds coming back, but the craft beer is very good (pale ales, IPAs, pilsners—you name, they’re pouring it), as are the cocktails (the carefully made spirits include a slightly sweet vodka made from corn; a bourbon, and a gin, among others). And, the food deserves kudos, too—snacks like duck fat cornbread with hot honey, and mains, like the lobster mac ’n cheese with Boursin, do not miss. There are three other locations in Kennebunk, Biddeford, and Wells.

    82 Hanover St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-800--4680

    Known For

    • Part Maine hunting lodge, part Aspen ski lodge atmosphere
    • Very good brews and spirits
    • Festive, sophisticated atmosphere
  • 3. Blyth & Burrows

    $$

    There are craft cocktails, and then there is Blyth & Burrows, where the alchemy of spirits is taken to the next level with creative concoctions that include the unholy integration of gorgeous (albeit unusual) ingredients such as absinthe foam, house-made black-lime cordial, blackstrap maple-chipotle syrup, and uncommon liqueurs and spirits. Delicious and inspired small plates, like squid ink bao stuffed with tuna tartare, tenderloin with chimichurri, and local meat and cheese boards keep you from falling under the table.

    26 Exchange St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-613–9070

    Known For

    • Knock-you-under-the-table cocktails
    • Nautical-theme atmosphere filled with antique ships and mermaid figureheads
    • Adventurous food that goes well with cocktails
  • 4. Central Provisions

    $$

    Small plates take center stage at Old Port’s award-winning, always-busy bôite, with chef Chris Gould, who co-owns the place with his wife Paige Gould, cheekily pairing stalwart Maine ingredients with luxurious and  global ones. Witness creations like the confit of tomato salad with smoked duck, rice noodles, and Lanzhou oil, or the bone marrow toast with red onion jam, horseradish cream, and fontina. If the rhubarb honey cake is on the menu, don’t even think twice.

    414 Fore St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-805--1085

    Known For

    • A busy and excellent brunch
    • Use of local ingredients
    • Creative small plates
  • 5. Coffee By Design

    $ | Coffee

    Housed in a former bakery building, this small and local coffeehouse company pours specialty coffee employing unusually high standards for environmental and economic sustainability. Flavor-wise, the sturdy coffee is brewed from beans they roast themselves, which have become a staple in many locals’ home kitchens. In this space they also bake up quirky and creative baked goods—everything from vegan poptarts to rich daily quiches.

    67 India St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-780–6767

    Known For

    • Among Portland’s original artisanal coffee roasters
    • Community commitment
    • Three locations citywide
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  • 6. Công Tử Bột

    $$

    Follow the scent of chili and sizzling scallions to this highly regarded Vietnamese joint, where the dishes are as authentic as they are adventurous. Beyond the requisite pho (and for the record, theirs is flavorful and addictive) are dishes ready to push your repertoire of Vietnamese cuisine: cold caramel vermicelli with caramel pork and fish sauce; Khmer sour beef sausage; and stir-fried turnips with oyster mushrooms and fermented tofu. Don't come expecting anything fancy; the draw here is the big flavors and the friendly service.

    57 Washington Ave., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-221--8022

    Known For

    • National recognition and award nominations
    • Big flavors and the friendly service
    • Excellent Vietnamese food

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
  • 7. Duckfat

    $$

    Even in midafternoon, this small, casual, and cool panini-and-more shop in the Old Port is packed. The focus here is everyday farm-to-table fare: the signature Belgian fries are made with Maine potatoes cooked, yes, in duck fat and served in paper cones, and standards include meat loaf and the BGT (bacon, goat cheese, tomato). Drink choices include gelato milk shakes, French-press coffee, lime-mint fountain sodas, beer, and wine.

    43 Middle St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-774–8080

    Known For

    • Decadent poutine with duck-fat gravy
    • Hopping atmosphere—waits for a table can be long
    • Thick milk shakes prepared with local gelato by Gelato Fiasco

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
  • 8. East Ender

    $$$

    The emphasis at this cozy neighborhood restaurant is on the superb food rather than the atmosphere, which isn't surprising, given that the owners formerly served their tasty, no-fuss fare from a truck. Lunch and dinner feature locally sourced, sustainable ingredients in dishes that reflect the seasons. The lobster roll, made with big chunks of knuckle and claw meat, is so good deserves its own cult. 

    47 Middle St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-879–7669

    Known For

    • Mouthwatering house-smoked bacon
    • Crispy, thrice-cooked fries
    • Brunch cocktails that incorporate ingredients from local distilleries and house-made cordials

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 9. Eventide Oyster Co.

    $$

    Not only does Eventide have fresh, tasty oysters from all over Maine and New England, artfully prepared with novel accoutrements like kimchi, ginger ices, and cucumber-champagne mignonette, it also serves delicious crudos and ceviches with unique ingredients like blood orange and chili miso. The menu constantly changes, depending on what's in season. So it's best to order a handful of small plates, a glass of bubbly or one of the signature tiki-style cocktails, and, of course, a dozen oysters.

    86 Middle St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-774–8538

    Known For

    • Brown-butter lobster rolls
    • A decent selection of alternatives for nonseafood lovers
    • Teaming up with other local restaurants for special cook-offs and menus
  • 10. Evo Kitchen + Bar

    $$$$

    Take a bounty of Maine ingredients, add an ever-changing Middle Eastern menu, and a chef that knows how to subtly blend the two, and you’ve got Evo. Chef Matt Ginn opened this swanky, two-story spot housed in the Hyatt in 2015, and has since earned a following for dishes like bluefin tuna with avocado toum, Fresno, and turmeric. His addictive chickpea fries with harissa and sumac will melt-in-your-mouth and steal your heart.

    443 Fore St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-358--7830

    Known For

    • Terrific Middle Eastern classics with a Maine twist
    • A chic bar scene
    • A menu that changes daily with ingredients’ availability
  • 11. Fore Street

    $$$

    One of Maine's most legendary chefs, Sam Hayward, opened this much-lauded restaurant in a renovated warehouse on the edge of the Old Port in 1996; today every copper-top table in the main dining room has a view of the enormous brick oven and soapstone hearth that anchor the open kitchen. The menu changes daily to reflect the freshest ingredients from Maine's farms and waters, as well as the tremendous creativity of the staff.

    288 Fore St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-775–2717

    Known For

    • Turnspit roasted meats
    • Handmade charcuterie
    • Last-minute planners take heart: a third of the tables are reserved for walk-ins

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 12. Gelato Fiasco

    $ | Coffee

    Proper Italian gelato and sorbetto here come in traditional flavors as well as more offbeat varieties like torched marshmallow s'more, mascarpone pistachio caramel, and mint brownie cookie. There are new flavors every day, along with espresso and other hot drinks. If you are overwhelmed by all the choices, get the "mystery pint" and have the selection made for you.

    425 Fore St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-699–4314

    Known For

    • You can try every single flavor before deciding on what you'll get
    • Long lines out the door in the summer
    • Multigenerational bonding spot
  • 13. Leeward

    $$$

    With nods from critics far and wide, one of the state’s most celebrated restaurants is also one of its newest. This high-ceilinged, Italian-centric restaurant comes from husband and wife team Jake and Raquel Stevens who turn out exquisite handmade pasta like the spaghettini Nero laced with squid, serrano chile, pork brood, white wine, and bread crumbs—a revelation of flavors both strong and soothing. Gluten-free? Don't fret: There’s also a homemade ricotta gnocchi that the kitchen can sub in for almost any pasta dish.

    85 Free St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-8088623

    Known For

    • Thoughtfully chosen wine list
    • Delicious handmade pastas
    • Happening bar scene on weekend nights

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 14. Mami

    $$

    Japanese street food takes center stage at this cozy locale. The menu rotates regularly, but you're likely to find uncommon takes on burgers and soba noodles as well as some form of okonomiyaki—a savory pancake filled with crazy-delicious flavor and texture combinations.

    339 Fore St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-536–4702

    Known For

    • Ramen
    • Steamed buns
    • Grilled rice balls

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 15. Miss Portland Diner

    $$

    A local institution (it's been here since 1949, and Portland's historic preservation department even helped restore it), Portland's beloved gem housed in a Worcester dining car is as authentic as they come. The menu's full of diner staples—lots of homemade pies, daily soups, big breakfasts, BLTs, and thick specialty milkshakes (in flavors like grasshopper and s'mores). The unusually friendly staff—when they're not swamped—will happily dole out advice on spots to visit in town. Expect crowds in the summer, accommodated by extra seating in the back, built off the car. 

    140 Marginal Way, Maine, 04101, USA
    207-210--6673

    Known For

    • Authentic diner car history
    • Friendly staff
    • Creative milk shakes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 16. Pai Men Miyake

    $$

    Some of the richest, most flavorful ramen this side of Tokyo is served at this Japanese gastropub, brought to Portland by chef and sushi wizard Masa Miyake; He's shuttered his nearby fine dining sushi restaurant, Miyake, for renovations and no reopening date has been set. And while yes, there is indeed terrific sushi also being rolled at this, his more casual outpost, it’s the cooked stuff that brings in the crowds. Big bowls of steaming pork and chicken broth laden with roasted pork belly, soy marinated egg, scallion and ginger. Or try the lobster miso ramen with bok choy, corn, and sesame. Wash it all down with one of the brick-walled bar’s local beers and you’re well on your way to a Matsuyama-meets-Maine feast.

    188 State St., Maine, 04102, USA
    207-541--9204

    Known For

    • Terrific ramen
    • Creative sushi
    • A fun, casual vibe

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 17. Portland Pâtisserie and Grand Café

    $ | French

    This is the perfect spot for a quick, delicious bite any time of day, but early risers will be rewarded with a wider selection of pastries at this chic patisserie, with floor-to-ceiling picture windows that allow for superb people-watching. Whether you're in the mood for a frothy café au lait and a macaron, or a decadent duck-confit-and-Gruyère-filled crêpe, Portland Pâtisserie does not disappoint. Don't shy away from sharing a couple of different desserts, or taking some for the road.

    46 Market St., Portland, Maine, 04101, USA
    207-553–2555
  • 18. Rose Foods

    $$ | Sandwiches

    In opening this pitch-perfect bagel shop, chef-owner Chad Conley filled a long-neglected gap in Portland's food scene. Here you'll find spot-on New York-style bagels (made in-house every morning) with both expected and unusual add-ons, including pastrami nova, chopped liver, and whitefish salad. 

    428 Forest Ave., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-835–0991

    Known For

    • Family-friendly, neighborhood environment
    • House-cured gravlax
    • General-store-style shop items including books, games, and specialty food items

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 19. Rosemont Market & Wine Bar

    $

    A fantastic small local chain of markets based around the superb creations of its bakery, this location practices the same locovorism as the rest of the company, but also offers a place to enjoy its creative sandwiches. Expect the likes of turkey with goat cheese, roasted red peppers on puffy focaccia), sushi, and homemade soups, as well as a wine bar for sampling the well-curated vino program. You can also pick up picnic fixings to take with you and enjoy on the lawn of Thomson’s Point during any of its events.

    42 Resurgam Pl., Maine, 04102, USA
    207-956--7341

    Known For

    • Local specialties
    • Pick up picnic fixings for Thompson's Point events
    • Great lunch spot before or after the Children's Museum

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 20. Scales

    $$$$

    Seafood purists and adventurers alike find bliss in chef Fred Elliot’s menu of superb pan-roasted, smoked, and grilled fish; fresh-as-can-be seafood crudos; and fried shellfish. Perched on Maine Wharf directly over the harbor, the contemporary-but-comfortable restaurant was opened by two local culinary heroes, restaurateur Dana Street and chef Sam Hayward, in 2016, and has since become one of Portland’s most beloved. There are New England classics like fried clams and fish ’n chips (perfectly crisp outside, tender and sweet in) alongside creative dishes like Bangs Island mussels in hard cider, cream, dill, and locally made Raye’s mustard. If you’ve got time, come a little early and grab a drink at the expansive room’s buzzing bar.

    68 Commercial St., Maine, 04101, USA
    207-8050444

    Known For

    • Beautiful waterfront location
    • Excellent pan-roasted and grilled seafood
    • Fun bar scene

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

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