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If you’re traveling to the most populous city in Maine you’re in for a treat! New England prides itself on fresh seafood, lobster rolls, and boils. However, over the last decade, Portland has really expanded its food scene and now offers a wide range of unique restaurants and eats!
When traveling, food is such a staple of your trip. Not only can it make a vacation memorable, but it’s also a great way to really get the local vibe of a city.
Below you’ll find our list of the best restaurants in Portland Maine that you need to try out! We made sure to include everything from cafes to food trucks so no matter what type of Portland restaurants you’re craving there’s an option for you.
The Best Restaurants In Portland Maine
1) Eventide Oyster Co.
The fresh oyster bar at Eventide Oyster Co
Had to kick off this list with a New England classic. Eventide Oyster Co. is a raw bar that offers a wide range of seafood options. If you’re looking to try the local catch, this is a must!
Lobster roll via @eventideoysterco
Eventide has a laid-back vibe from its bright colors, casual eats, and outdoor picnic tables (heated). They’re known for their popular lobster rolls which include the brown butter lobster roll (the best lobster roll in Maine in my opinion). As well as their delicious lobster stew.
You’re in good hands at Eventide, in 2017 Chef and co-founders Mike Wiley and Andrew Taylor won a James Beard Award for the Best Chef: Northeast category. These awards are viewed by some as the Oscars of the food world.
Location: 86 Middle Street, Portland, Maine
Hours: 7 days a week 11 am – 11 pm
Price $: $6-$20
Website: www.eventideoysterco.com
2) Fore Street Restaurant
We couldn’t do the best restaurants in Portland Maine without including Fore Street. Located in the Old Port of Portland, Fore Street Restaurant is one of the best spots for fine dining. Fore Street sources its food from local farms, fishermen, and foragers, which is reflected in its seasonal menu.
With its extensive wine list, local ingredients, and open kitchen, Fore Street is the perfect spot for a special occasion or if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience.
Seasonal dish via @288forestreet
Since 2011, Fore Street has been a semi-finalist for “Outstanding Restaurant”, a national category from the James Beard Foundation. Along with multiple awards for their executive chef-partner Sam Hayward.
Location: 288 Fore St, Portland, Maine
Hours: Daily at 5 pm
Price $$$: $50 and over
Website: www.forestreet.biz
3) Hot Suppa
If you’re looking for one of the best places for southern comfort food head to Hot Suppa! Open for brunch and lunch, this restaurant’s tasty food is sure to hit the spot!
Drawing inspiration from some of America’s best-known restaurants, be sure to try out their fried chicken and waffles and corned beef hash.
Location: 703 Congress St, Portland, Maine
Hours: Open every day 8 am- 2 pm | Except Thursdays
Price $: $6 – $20
Website: www.hotsuppa.com
4) Pai Men Miyake
Lobster Miso Ramen via @PaiMen_Miyake
Pai Men Miyake is a Japanese restaurant located at the beginning of the Arts District in Portland. Known for their colorful dishes and warm meals is a great spot for authentic Japanese.
Pai Men Miyake specializes in sushi, ramen, and donburi. If you’re craving their dishes in a more neutral setting, they also do takeout orders.
Location: 188 State St. Portland, Maine
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:30am-8:00pm | Friday & Saturday 11:30am-9:00pm. | Closed Sunday & Monday
Price $: $6 – $30
Website: http://www.miyakerestaurants.com/paimen
5) Duckfat
Duckfat is a casual European sandwich, soup and cafe with good food and an outdoor patio. They’re known for their mouth-watering fries with duck as the main ingredient. This includes poutine with cheese curds and duck gravy as well as fresh-cut fries cooked in duck fat. They also have premium side sauces including truffle ketchup and delicious paninis!
Poutine via @duckfatmaine
Duckfat recently opened a sister restaurant called Duckfat Frites Shack. This establishment has a walk-up window and courtyard to sit in and eat. Here you can find their classics along with great snack food like smoked wings and soup with a sandwich.
Location: 43 Middle Street, Portland Maine
Hours: Thursday – Monday 11 am – 10 pm | CLOSED Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Price $: $6 – $15
Website: http://www.miyakerestaurants.com/paimen
6) Izakaya Minato
Izakaya Minato strives to bring classic izakaya dining to the east end of Portland. Izakaya means stay, sake and shop in Japanese, which is what this restaurant aims to achieve. It’s a great place for sharing dishes and sake. The fare is seasonal and will vary depending on what’s in season. It’s known for its fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and Japanese fried chicken.
Tuna Sashimi via @izakayaminato
Izakaya Minato has a large open kitchen which creates an immersive experience for guests along with fun and creative dishes that are sure to wow!
Location: 54 Washington Avenue, Portland, Maine
Hours: 5pm – 10pm Tuesday – Saturday
Price $: $5 – $20
Website: https://www.izakayaminato.com
7) Central Provisions
Central Provisions is a small plates restaurant set in a rustic setting in one of Portland’s historical buildings. To keep the historic feel of the building, the owners have used a lot of local craftsmen to fabricate their interior decor.
Image and food via Central Provisions | Snow peas, snap peas, strawberries, French breakfast radishes, Urfa chili, black olive crumble and @joycefarms country ham
All of their small plates are fresh and the ingredients are sourced from local farmers. Easily a local favorite, the dishes change based on the season, making you a repeat spot!
Location: 414 Fore Street, Portland, Maine
Hours: Dinner 5pm – 10pm Daily | Lunch 11am-2pm Thursday-Sunday
Price $$$: $5 – $80
Website: http://www.miyakerestaurants.com/paimen
8) Chaval
If you need a break from seafood, Chaval is a great option. Offering seasonal French and Spanish cuisine, Chaval is a local favorite in the west end of Portland.
Seasonal meal via Chaval
Chaval prides itself on using local ingredients to craft their mouth-watering creations. Offering a wide range of craft cocktails, it’s a great spot to grab a drink, relax and eat.
Location: 58 Pine Street, Portland, Maine
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 4 pm – 9 pm
Price: $6 – $40
Website: https://www.chavalmaine.com
9) Scales
Scales is a local elevated seafood restaurant with local New England comforts! Considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Portland, it consists of a large menu and raw bar. With a classic and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect sit-down spot if you’re craving classing Portland seafood.
Tuna Tartare via Scales
Scales’ most popular dishes include lobster, seafood stew, grilled octopus, and scallops. Hard to go wrong with a dinner at scales!
Location: Maine Wharf 68 Commercial Street. Portland
Hours: Seasonal
Price $: $10 – $50
Website: http://www.scalesrestaurant.com
10) Becky’s Diner
If your craving a diner vibe with classic seafood dishes then Becky’s Diner is a must! Open for breakfast, lunch, and diner they offer basic hearty fare and friendly staff that will leave a lasting impression!
Buttermilk Chicken & Aacdo Benedict via @beckysdiner207
Becky’s diner has a wide range of menu items but is known for their Lobster eggs Benedict, French toast, and fresh seafood. If you’re looking for a casual spot with water views this is a great option!
Location: 390 Commercial St, Portland, Maine
Hours: Open Daily 6 am – 9 pm
Price $: $10 – $30
Website: https://www.beckysdiner.com
11) Báhn Appétite
Báhn Appétite is a Vietnamese takeout sandwich joint! If you’re looking for a quick lunch that can be eaten on the go this is a great option!
Opened by Tuyet Thi Le, a Portland native who was inspired by her mother (a local Vietnamese chef), she was able to provide easily accessible Vietnamese food for all.
Banh mi Tom via @banh.appetit
Known for their Banh mi sandwiches and pho, it’s the perfect place for a quick bite before seeing the beautiful sights of Portland.
Location: 171 Cumberland Ave, Portland, Maine
Hours: Monday – Friday 11:30-3:30pm then 5pm – 8pm | Saturday & Sunday 11am – 6pm
Price $: $5 – $15
Website: https://www.banhappetitme.com
12) Totally Awesome Vegan Food Truck
Totally Awesome Vegan Food Truck is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike! If you’re vegan or want to try some awesome vegan food this is the place to go!
Image and burger via @totallyawesomeveganfoodtruck
Winner of the “Best of Portland”, “Best Food Truck” and “Best Chef” awards by Portlandoldport.com this food truck is a great spot to get everything from cheeseburgers to tater totes! Located in the east end of town, they operate in pop-up mode during the off-season. It’s definitely a food cart you won’t want to miss!
Location / Hours / Price: Seasonal
Website: https://www.totallyawesomeveganfoodtruck.com
13) The Honey Paw
Honey Paw is a bright and welcoming restaurant that offers a noodle bar and other tasty bites. They offer steaming broths, savory wontons, and wok-fried noodles.
Mee Goreng with mein noddle (best thing on the menu!) by @thehoneypaw
After a delicious meal of noodles, indulge in their soft serve ice cream as a sweet treat on your way out!
Location: 78 Middle Street, Portland, Maine
Hours: Thursday – Monday Lunch 10:00am – 10:00pm
Price $: $5 – $20
Website: https://www.thehoneypaw.com
14) Solo Italiano
To complete the best restaurants in Portland Maine, we wanted to include an Italian restaurant. Solo Italiano is located in the heart of Portland. It’s an intimate restaurant that provides Northern Italian farm-to-table cuisine.
Image and dishes via @soloitaliano.maine
Executive Chef Paolo Laboa’s, uses local ingredients to create classic Genovese dishes. The menu changes regularly making it the perfect place to visit regularly!
Location: 100 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Price $$: $20 – $70
Website: https://www.soloitalianorestaurant.com/#inspired-italian-cuisine
Coffee Shops and Dessert in Portland
If you’re a coffee drinker you know how important it is to discover the best cafes while traveling! That’s why we wanted to include some of our favorite coffee and dessert spots you can pop into while on the go!
1) Ohno Cafe
Ohno Cafe is a great place to get a strong cup of Joe and a breakfast sandwich! If you’re on the go and seeing the sights of Portland, this is the perfect first stop to start your day.
If you’re in a rush Ohno Cafe even lets you order online so you can quickly pick up and go!
2) Coffee Me Up
Another option for coffee is Coffee Me Up! Located in downtown Portland near the west side, this coffee shop offers a wide variety of light fare from a bagel and cream cheese to sandwiches! It’s the perfect on-the-go food stop!
3) Holy Donut
Holy Donut is a locally owned artisan dessert shop featuring donuts made from local ingredients and Maine potatoes! Popular flavors include pomegranate, pure vanilla glaze, maple, and toasted coconut.
Image and donuts via @holydonutmaine
If you’re craving something sweet this is the shop to try!
Location: 194 Park Ave, Portland, Maine
Hours: Daily 6:30am – 1pm
Price $: $3.50
Website: https://theholydonut.com
Happy Hour
1) Blyth & Burrows
Mutiny on the bounty by @blythandburrows
To finish off the best restaurants in Portland Maine, we wanted to include a fun place to go with a great happy hour! Blyth & Burrows is a vintage-inspired cocktail bar with a maritime theme. It’s the perfect place for small bites and artisan cocktails! Blyth & Burrows even has a speakeasy outback that is a must-see!
Location: 26 Exchange Street, Portland, Maine
Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Sunday Varies
Price $$: $12+
Website: https://www.blythandburrows.com
New Restaurants
1) Butcher Burger
One of the newer restaurants in Portland is the Butcher Burger! They offer a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, and artisan lobster rolls. If you’re in the mood for a burger with some New England flare check them out and leave them a review!
Location: 7 Union Street Portland, Maine
Hours: Varies
Price: TBD
Website: Check out their Instagram @butcherburgerco
We hope this guide of the best restaurants in Portland Maine has provided some inspiration! The Casco Bay Area is such a beautiful location to travel to and explore, which is why you need to fuel up on good eats beforehand!
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