Craving Lobster? These Rolls in Portland, Maine Are Worth Every Bite!

When you think about visiting Maine, chances are your mind drifts straight to the food —specifically, the kind that comes fresh from the Atlantic Ocean. No trip to Portland seems complete without indulging in a lobster roll (or two).

But not all lobster rolls are created equal. The perfect one is a harmony of buttery, toasted bread, sweet, succulent lobster meat, and just the right amount of seasoning or dressing.

So, where should you go for the best lobster roll in Portland, Maine? We’ve rounded up some must-visit restaurants that know exactly how to serve up this iconic dish — and might have you coming back for seconds.

Portland Lobster Company

180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

If delicious lobster is what you are after, look no further than Portland Lobster Company, usually known to locals as PLC. The lobster meat is sweet, buttery, and robust.

The lobster roll itself is simple perfection — claw and tail meat right out of the local harbor paired with a touch of butter and delicious bread — it is easy to see why Portland Lobster Company has some of the top-rated lobster rolls on the Southern Maine Coast.

You can enjoy your delicious lobster roll with a gorgeous view, looking out over the water from Chandlers Wharf.

Related: Explore more of Commerical St in Portland

Susan’s Fish-n-Chips

1135 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103

You might not have a view of the water from Susan’s Fish-n-Chips, but it serves one of the city’s best lobster rolls. The classic lobster roll comes on a grilled hot dog bun. Also, it features a very thin spread of mayonnaise and a generous serving of lobster meat.

While the standard roll is undoubtedly a favorite, you may be interested in trying a deep-fried lobster roll, which comes out on a stick. It isn’t always available, but don’t hesitate to ask when you arrive.

Related: Learn all you need to know about Maine lobster

The Highroller Lobster Co.

104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101

The Highroller Lobster Co. used to be a renowned local food cart, but it has since turned into one of Portland’s most popular restaurants. When you order a lobster roll from this popular establishment, you can expect it to come out on a brioche bun that was baked that day and has been toasted perfectly.

In addition, you will be given the choice of a variety of sauces, such as traditional mayo, lobster ghee, or even a unique lime sauce. You can customize your lobster roll to meet your needs, so if you are looking for something a bit different, Highroller Lobster Co. may be your spot.

Eventide Oyster Company

86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

If you are looking for the most famous lobster rolls in Portland Maine, it might be the brown butter lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Co. This restaurant has received a variety of awards from numerous renowned outlets for its delicious lobster rolls.

If you want to try one of these famous creations, you might find yourself waiting outside for quite a while, particularly during the lunch rush. However, the wait will certainly be worth it.

Your delicious lobster meat will be placed on a steamed bun and topped with a unique, nut-filled brown butter. If you want to try something new, pay Eventide Oyster Co. a visit during a trip to Portland.

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights

225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

A bit of an unassuming eatery, The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is easy to overlook but is right off of the coast, so you will have a beautiful view. It has both lobster dinners and lobster rolls. If you decide to get a roll, you will get a generous helping of lobster meat.

The restaurant is known for its signature pickle chip too, so you should expect to find that on top of your roll. There is nothing quite like a delicious lobster roll with a gorgeous view, and you will get both if you visit The Lobster Shack at Two Lights.

Bite Into Maine

50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103

As the name suggests, Bite Into Maine is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a slice of the local food scene, and that includes a lobster roll. You can find its food truck at Allagash Brewing Co. in Portland.

You have plenty of options available if a lobster roll is what you are looking for. For example, you can always go with the Maine classic, which includes mayonnaise and chives. Or, you can go with the Connecticut lobster roll, which has melted butter. They have a few other unique creations as well, so don’t hesitate to ask for some suggestions.

TIP: Bite Into Maine also has a food truck in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth and a year-round takeout location in Scarborough Maine.

Becky’s Diner

390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Did you know that you can treat yourself to a heckuva lobster roll by visiting a local diner? Becky’s Diner is a favorite among locals, and you can trust the lobster roll that you see on the menu.

It comes with meat overflowing from the bun itself. You will be treated to freshly shucked lobster with lettuce, a drip of mayonnaise, and a delicious side of French fries.

Of course, if you don’t like mayonnaise, you can ask for melted butter instead. The customizable options are endless at Becky’s Diner, so consider giving it a try if you find yourself near the waterfront.

Luke’s Lobster

60 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101

You can find plenty of locations for Luke’s Lobster around the country, but the original restaurant is still in Portland, and it’s the only location in Maine. You will be treated to a classic Maine feast, including a delicious lobster roll.

From the restaurant itself, you may be able to watch fishermen bring in lobster in the morning. Then, the kitchen will show you exactly how they prepare lobster before placing it on a delicious roll.

The lobster roll itself comes with a quarter pound of tail and claw meat. Then, it is tossed in lemon, mayonnaise, and butter. If you want, you can add bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes to your lobster roll.

The Porthole Restaurant & Pub

20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101

Next, you may want to try The Porthole Restaurant & Pub. This relaxed, laid-back dining experience is perfect for you to enjoy every bite of your lobster roll. The rolls come in two separate sizes, and the bread itself is simple and warm.

The rolls are served with mayonnaise, but if you don’t like mayonnaise, you can always ask for a roll without it. The restaurant has a variety of customizable options and plenty of other non-seafood items on the menu as well.

J’s Oyster

5 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101

J’s Oyster is actually a very small shack just off the edge of the water, and if you find yourself rushing down the pier, it is easy to miss. It has a variety of lobster rolls, and you can choose from either a traditional roll with mayonnaise or a Connecticut roll with butter.

If you are looking for a way to beat the crowd while enjoying your lobster roll, J’s Oyster might be the place to go. Although it is a bit off the beaten path, it is definitely worth it.

Taste the Best of Maine With a Lobster Roll in Portland

These are just a few of the many spots in Portland where you can sink your teeth into a seriously good lobster roll. Maine and lobster go hand in hand, and travelers may find that nothing quite compares to the rolls they can get in Maine.

Since Portland is Maine’s largest city, perhaps it’s no surprise that the lobster roll scene is top-notch. If you really want to elevate the experience, pair a roll with a craft beer from one of Portland’s incredible breweries. If we’re being honest, it doesn’t get much better than a fresh lobster roll, a cold beer, and an incredible ocean view!