I love to enjoy a fabulous, locally-sourced meal and creatively-crafted cocktail surrounded by a cool, eclectic vibe and friendly, attentive staff.
But that’s just me—and to each his own. Portland, Maine, therefore, is an ideal city to visit for anyone, no matter what type of cuisine or dining atmosphere you’re looking for.
Trust me when I stay that you could easily spend a weekend—or a week—in this coastal city without visiting the same restaurant twice, and without being disappointed.
It is a true foodie’s paradise—and it’s easy to become overwhelmed with so many fantastic options. To help you out, here are my favorite 25 of the best restaurants in Portland, Maine.
Map of Portland Restaurants
Here is a map of all 25 Portland restaurants in this article.
NOSH
This comfort food gastro-pub is not the place to go if you’re watching your calorie intake (although they do have a couple of delish salads), and I mean that in all the best ways.
Whether you opt for one of their signature honkin’ burgers or any of their other belly-filling offerings—think Shrimp Po’Boys, Pork Macaroni & Cheese, or the House Fried Chicken Dinner—be warned: don’t wear pants that require a belt…because you’ll leave wishing you wore your stretchy pants.
Location: 551 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: NOSH
Tipo
The sleek, minimalistic vibe at Tipo is the perfect backdrop for the rugged brick oven, where pizza after pizza cycles through, emerging with a perfect, Neapolitan-style crust.
The menu is made up of snacks, small plates, pasta, and the aforementioned pizza, and the wine, beer, and cocktail list is impressive.
Location: 182 Ocean Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Website: Tipo
Central Provisions
From the wood used for the furniture to the ingredients for the food, Central Provisions, which is the sister property to Tipo, is all about sourcing locally.
The ever-changing menus here—for both cuisine and cocktails—evolve with the seasons, but you’ll always have raw bar options as well as cold and hot entrees, flights of caviar, and a selection of foie gras.
The lower level has a pub-like feel to it, while the upper section is more upscale with its open kitchen, muted lighting, and windows looking out onto the hustle and bustle of Fore Street. And speaking of Fore Street…
Location: 414 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Central Provisions
Fore Street
Boasting more than a few accolades, Fore Street is renowned throughout Maine—and New England—for its service, atmosphere, and food.
The dinner menu is seafood-centric and utilizes as much local fare as possible, such as their Maine Oysters, Wood Oven-roasted Mussels, and Wood-grilled Marinated Squid.
Surrounded by Fore Street’s warehouse-chic vibe, diners will enjoy dinner and a show with the open kitchen that offers views of open-flame rotisserie roasting and other mesmerizing culinary preparations.
Location: 288 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Fore Street
Street and Co.
Owned by the same company as the venerable Fore Street, Street and Co. opened its doors in 1989 with a goal to serve only the best, freshest, locally sourced seafood on its menu.
And, by the way…if you are not a fan of seafood, you may want to try somewhere else; all of the entrées here feature main ingredients with fins, shells, or pincer claws.
Location: 33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Street and Co.
Scales
Also run by the same hospitality group that owns Fore Street, Scales resembles her sibling in several ways, such as the stylish, industrial vibe, the engaging port views through vast, rafter-reaching windows, and the open kitchen.
The atmosphere is a bit more convivial and livelier, but the fare is just as fresh and flavorful. The menu is skewed heavily toward seafood, but there are a few landlubber options; the house-made breads are divine.
Location: 68 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Scales
Duckfat
Duckfat—which has extremely limited seating—does not accept reservations. But if you are a French fry fan, you can’t not go here.
These Belgian-style frites are astonishingly delicious all on their own, but you can also order a flight of unique sauces to dip them in; there are also small plates, soups, salads, and panini available on the menu.
Location: 43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Duckfat
Hot Suppa
This breakfast and lunch spot has been touted as “Best Breakfast Spot” by the likes of Yankee Magazine and Down East Magazine.
And while this popular establishment does not take reservations, you can get on the wait list if you’re dying to enjoy some of Hot Suppa’s famous fare and brunch cocktails.
Offering southern-style cooking with a creative flair, you can enjoy house specialties like the Pulled Pork Egg Sandwich or Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict.
Location: 703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Website: Hot Suppa
The Highroller Lobster Company
When it comes to enjoying lobster rolls, people can be very divided—and they typically fall into two categories: Classic or creative.
And whether you want your crustacean meat plain or dressed to the nines with one of their flavorful house-made mayos, you’ll find something to drool over on their menu…even if you don’t like lobster. Burgers, raw bar options, chicken…even falafel can be found at Highroller.
Location: 104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Highroller Lobster Company
ViA VECCHiA
For spectacular Italian fare in a posh, cosmopolitan atmosphere, look no further than ViA VECCHiA.
Be transported to Old World Italy faster than you can say deliziosa when you dig into any of the fare here; the homemade pasta is an experience in itself, the small plate carpaccio melts in your mouth, and the craft cocktail program is reason enough to visit.
Location: 10 Dana St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: ViA VECCHiA
Eventide Oyster Co.
This James Beard Award-winning hotspot serves a host of fresh, local oysters along with a half-dozen delightful accoutrements—yes.
But the menu at Eventide offers so much more, such as their renowned Brown Butter Lobster Roll, the Maine Crab Bun, or the house-battered Fish Sandwich. And don’t even get me started on their craft cocktail selection…
Location: 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Eventide Oyster Co.
The Honey Paw
Owned by the same folks that run Eventide, The Honey Paw is right next door to its sister property and features mostly communal seating (there is bar seating and a few bar-style seats along the front windows) for its Asian fusion fare.
The Miso Ramen is one of my favorites, and you can’t leave without having the Honey Soft Serve for dessert.
Location: 78 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Honey Paw
Leeward
Take shelter at Leeward from the ever-present bluster of wind on Free Street. Fresh, house-made pasta, Italian cuisine, and an impressive wine and cocktail list are the backbone of this high-ceilinged, chic eatery that takes reservations but also welcomes walk-ins.
And while, yes, the menu is pasta-forward, the thoughtful folks at Leeward offer a gluten-free gnocchi option.
Location: 85 Free St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Leeward
Terlingua
If the words “barbecue,” “house-smoked meats,” “brisket,” and “Tex-Mex” set your taste buds afire with desire, then head to Terlingua…but get there early, because once these small-batch BBQ and smoked delights run out, you’re out of luck.
Rubbed with a secret house spice blend, the chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork shoulder are slow-smoked and served with pickles, house cornbread, and the side dish of the day.
Location: 40 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Terlingua
The Front Room
This casual, cozy restaurant is a local favorite and offers diners an affordable open-kitchen experience, a creative comfort food menu, and a full bar.
The atmosphere is lively, with sounds from the kitchen, lounge, and dining area all mingling with the delicious smells of specialties like the Bang Island Mussels and the Stout Braised Beef Short Rib.
Location: 73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Front Room
UNION Restaurant
Located at the trendy, boutique-y Press Hotel in downtown Portland, the UNION isn’t your typical hotel-grade restaurant.
All of the diverse breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items here feature ingredients that are locally grown, caught, or made—and the knowledgeable, friendly service pairs perfectly with the stylish, mid-century-modern vibe.
Location: 390 Congress St, Portland, ME 04103
Website: UNION Restaurant
The East Ender
Stellar street food, sumptuous cocktails, and silly singing; that about sums up The East Ender in a nutshell—and I mean that in the most complimentary way.
The menu features quirky, creative comfort food as well as beer, wine, and craft cocktails—and karaoke is available every night at the first level bar (head upstairs to The Hideaway Bar if you’re not in the mood for tipsy versions of “Don’t Stop Believin’” or “Shake it Off”).
Location: 47 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The East Ender
Chaval
To reflect available in-season ingredients, the menu changes daily at Chaval, which is loud and proud with Spanish and French influences.
The house-spiced Barcelona Beef Skewers or the Coq Au Vin are frequently on offer at this casual West End brasserie, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t press you to order the Spanish Ice Cream Sandwich for dessert.
Location: 58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102
Website: Chaval
Jing Yan
This small, Asian eatery offers an equally diminutive menu—but what it lacks in size is made up for in spades by the panoply of flavors you’ll experience, no matter what you order…and that goes for the cocktails, too (the proprietors owned a cocktail bar in China). The Beef Kimchi Ramen and Tuna Poke are perennial favorites, but you truly can’t go wrong with any of the fare here.
Location: 90 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Jing Yan
EVO Kitchen & Bar
Located on the first floor of Hyatt Place, urban-chic EVO is another spot that transcends typical hotel restaurant expectations.
Creative Maine fare with a Mediterranean flair is abundant here, and the menus are tweaked every day, depending on what ingredients are locally available.
The Beef Duo, with tenderloin and short rib, is a flavor sensation…and if you want surf & turf, tell a friend to order the Scallop Crudo—and then inform them you’ll be trading plates at the halfway mark.
Location: 443 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: EVO Kitchen & Bar
Miyake
The menu at Miyake is laden with local seafood-forward, authentically prepared Japanese cuisine—and if you want to step outside of your standard bento box, I advise you to order your sushi in true Omakase style (allowing the chef to choose your sushi elements for you).
It’s a great way to turn your meal into an experience—and expand your horizons. There are also a wide variety of non-sushi menu items, such as the Lobster Tempura, Wagyu Nabe, and the kettle-simmered Kamameshi King Salmon.
Location: 468 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Miyake
El Corazón
For fast, affordable, and undeniably authentic Mexican fare, El Corazón is the obvious choice.
This restaurant is owned and run by Joseph and Laura Urtuzuastegui, a wife-husband team; they use Mexican recipes handed down from Joseph’s mother and Laura’s grandmother.
Many of the menu elements are house-made (chorizo, tostadas, crema), and once you’ve had one of their Cocteles de Marisco (Mexican Seafood Cocktail), you’ll never order shrimp cocktail from any other restaurant again.
Location: 190 State St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: El Corazón
Solo Italiano
With fare that draws equally from Executive Chef Paolo Laboa’s (a “Best Young Chef in Italy” award winner) Genovese heritage and Maine’s prolific seafood pedigree, the daily menu at Solo Italiano features true farm-and-sea-to-table cuisine.
All of the pasta and bread are house-made, and Laboa “wants every ingredient to sing” rather than be masked by other flavors.
Location: 100 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Solo Italiano
Woodford Food & Beverage
While Woodford F&B only opened its doors in 2016, it has since become a local institution. The chic-yet-comfortable aesthetic complements the mid-century modern building that houses it, just as Woodford F&B’s menu items complement the locally sourced ingredients used to create them.
The House-Pickled Crudité is a great starter—as are the Roasted Medjool Dates—and the Seared Duck Breast is a show-stopper.
Location: 660 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Website: Woodford Food & Beverage
>h3>Izakaya Minato
Izakaya—which translates roughly to “casual pub with small plated snacks” in Japanese—seriously surpasses its literal translation in every way imaginable.
And while the menu features plenty of delicious choices for the control freaks in your party, take my advice: Let go of the reins and allow the chef to choose your meal for you, Omakase-style.
You’ll enjoy a 4-course family-style experience for two or more people—and the affordable price will blow you away.
Location: 54 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Izakaya Minato
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