Butter or mayo? Split-top bun or hot dog roll? Lettuce or not? (Although lobster roll purists will tell you—the authentic Maine experience NEVER includes butter, hot dog rolls, or lettuce…and the mayo should only be added just before filling the bun.) Me? I never say never.
It is notable, however, that the majority of these establishments don’t cater to those Maine lobster roll purists; perhaps it’s a business model thing—you know, a “figure out your audience and then give them what they want” type of mindset—because this list is silly with brioche rolls, drawn butter, herbed mayo, and lettuce.
Anyway, let’s roll on, shell we (*snickers at own punniness*)?
Map Of Portland Lobster Rolls
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Highroller Lobster Company
A restaurant that does not adhere to the purist way of lobster rolling, Highroller has a staunch following for their creation, which they lovingly refer to as “the heart and soul of the Highroller.” This work of art is basically a “top your own” kind of sandwich: 4 ounces of claw and knuckle meat with chopped romaine on a brioche roll, topped with the sauce of your choosing (they recommend the lime and jalapeño mayo). And when the purists start squawking, Highroller’s answer is, “If you don’t like it, you’re doing it wrong.”
Location: 104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Highroller Lobster Company
The Portland Lobster Company (PLC)
Seven-time winners of “Best Lobster Roll” for the Best of Portland Old Port Awards, this seasonal restaurant also strays from the path of purity—but they’re clearly doing something right to keep racking up the medals. PLC stuffs the meat from a one-pound lobster onto a bed of lettuce in a toasted, top-split roll, brushes it with drawn butter, and serves it with lemon and mayo on the side. And as they have also been voted as “Best Waterfront Dining Spot,” you get to enjoy your award-winning lobster roll with a view to match.
Location: 180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Portland Lobster Company
Bite Into Maine
This personal favorite is actually a vintage Airstream trailer—you’ll find it parked at the Allagash Brewery, which is a brilliant pairing (they also have a cart in-season at Portland Head Light and at the Commissary in Scarborough). And while their roll is old-school in some ways, husband and wife team Karl and Sarah Sutton mix things up a bit by offering flavored mayo options (like wasabi or chipotle)—just enough to enhance the lobster’s flavor, not engulf it.
Location: 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Website: Bite Into Maine
Susan’s Fish-n-Chips
Susan’s “Lobstah Roll” is also not for the rigid purists, as it includes lettuce and is served on a hot dog roll…but it comes close. Piled with fresh lobster meat mixed with just a bit of mayo—just enough to hold things together without hiding the incredible flavor—any purist would be hard-put to turn this respectable roll down.
Location: 1135 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Website: Susan’s Fish-n-Chips
Luke’s Lobster
Their flagship establishment in Portland is only one of Luke’s many worldwide locations—and the view of the busy working waterfront only adds to your experience. Basic and almost purist, the lobster roll served here bulges open with four ounces of lobster meat, a bit of mayo, lemon butter, and a touch of seasoning. You have the option of upping your game and ordering 6 ounces of meat, instead…and really—why wouldn’t you?
Location: 60 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Luke’s Lobster
Eventide Oyster Company
This city hotspot is known for their fresh oysters, yes…but their other claim to fame is their Brown Butter Lobster Roll—and chances are you’ll have to wait in line to try it. The folks at Eventide split the top of one of their homemade steamed buns, stuff it with fresh lobster, and pour on their signature melted brown butter. There’s nothing quite like it.
Location: 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Eventide Oyster Company
Becky’s Diner
Becky’s is certainly one of the more popular spots for breakfast in Portland…and now you know a secret: They also have a kick-butt lobster roll. Four ounces of fresh lobster meat, shredded lettuce, and mayo (or a side of melted butter)—no extra flavors or spices to detract from your lobster love fest.
Location: 390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Becky’s Diner
Gilbert’s Chowder House
Very close to purist-perfect despite those scant few lettuce leaves beneath all that glorious Maine lobster meat, Gilbert’s lobster roll is spectacular in its simplicity. The split-top bun is filled to the point of bursting with lightly-mayo’d meat (enough to hide that pesky roughage beneath—easily removed for purity’s sake), and served up with a pile o’ chips and a pickle.
Location: 92 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Gilbert’s Chowder House
DiMillo’s on the Water
Another place with a fantastic view to accompany your shellfish shenanigans, DiMillo’s is a local fixture that has been satisfying happy customers for generations (since 1965, to be exact). Their version of the Maine classic involves chilled lobster meat piled on a brioche roll with Boston lettuce, and then drizzled with a brown butter aioli. It may not be purist-pleasing, but I say it’s pure genius.
Location: 25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
Website: DiMillo’s on the Water
J’s Oyster
Another scenic spot to enjoy your repast, J’s serves up a hearty scoop of fresh lobster meat in a grilled hotdog roll (from Botto’s Bakery in Portland) with lettuce. They give you the mayo on the side so that you can dress it to your liking—then you can sit back and enjoy the authentic sitting-on-the-dock-of-the-bay type of vibe, perfect for the occasion.
Location: 5 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101
Website: J’s Oyster
Porthole Restaurant and Pub
If you’re from Maine, then you’ve probably seen the local ads for this place—and it’s obvious that you’re going to get a legitimate, casual, waterfront dining experience here. The Porthole fills a fresh brioche roll with cold lobster meat and tops it with lettuce—and you can choose between lemon aioli, mayo, or drawn butter to slather on your sandwich.
Location: 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Porthole Restaurant and Pub
Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar
No seaside lobster shack, this; the Sea Grill is a higher-end establishment with an urban-chic aesthetic, and their lobster roll reflects this slightly elevated atmosphere. Plated with fries, this version of the traditional Maine icon is served with herbed mayo, topped with lettuce on a grilled brioche roll.
Location: 93 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar
Gritty McDuff’s
This one came as a surprise to me—I guess I expected the food to match the name. But Gritty’s lobster roll was pleasantly upscale without being fussy—four ounces of fresh lobster meat on shredded lettuce on a grilled brioche bun, with your choice of tarragon mayo or a side of drawn butter.
Location: 396 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Gritty McDuff’s
David’s Restaurant
David’s is another more upscale option on this list, and while you won’t be able to enjoy an ocean view while dining, their lobster roll bears serious consideration. Served on a toasted-and-buttered brioche bun with just a few curls of Little Leaf lettuce, David’s tosses a quarter pound of just-picked knuckle and claw meat with a wee bit of mayo.
Location: 22 Monument Sq, Portland, ME 04101
Website: David’s Restaurant
Scales
One of the only places listed here that serves their lobster roll warm (which, in turn, is the only element keeping this roll off the purists’ radar), Scales provides a more bougie (but not stuffy) dining experience. No leaves of green in this specimen, though: Their grilled, homemade, split-top roll is all about the meat—chock-full and lightly dressed with Scales’ house mayo.
Location: 68 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Scales
And for my postscript, I give you Miyake. Many readers will raise an eyebrow or two after reading this wave-making entry (there isn’t even a roll involved in this lobster roll)—but remember, I never say never. Miyake’s Spicy Maine Lobster Roll is a taste sensation…and this crustacean recreation goes off the reservation in all aspects: They broil their lobster, then toss it with kewpie (egg yolk) mayo and togarashi (hot Japanese chili pepper) before wrapping it in black sesame soy paper and topping with truffle oil and tobiko (fish roe). Step outside of the lobster trap…er, box, I mean, and give it a try!
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