Eat Your Way Through Portland at These Top Spots

With a reputation as a foodie hot spot, Portland, Maine, draws top chefs who know how to turn fresh, local ingredients into something unforgettable. And, while the seafood is legendary, the city’s dining scene goes way beyond lobster rolls.

From mouthwatering burgers and wood-fired pizza to smoky barbecue and global flavors, there’s no shortage of incredible eats.

Food critics and culinary magazines have taken notice, showering Portland’s restaurants with awards for their creativity. Believe it or not, some of the country’s best sushi spots are right here, serving native sea urchin, eel, shrimp, crab, and lobster in ways you never imagined.

Take a stroll through the Old Port, and you’ll find cozy cafés, lively microbrew pubs, and charming bistros tucked between cobblestone streets. And, you’re in luck if you love a meal with a view – many of Portland’s best restaurants offer waterfront dining.

At the end of the day, the real winners are us with forks in hand! So next time you’re in Portland, Maine, come hungry and get ready to dig into some of the best food this coastal city has to offer.

Dine on Oysters & Cocktails at Scales Restaurant

68 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

It should come as no surprise that Portland is the perfect place to get the freshest, most delicious seafood. Scales Restaurant is a combination cocktail lounge and oyster bar located right on the harbor. You can enjoy your meal within sight of where it came from. 

“I don’t normally eat at such fancy places, but I had just come into some extra money, so decided to spoil myself and a friend on our road trip. The squash soup and the clam chowder were so good and unbelievably fresh. We both ordered the scallops with bacon (which actually turned out to be more like cubes of pork belly) for our entrees and both of us practically licked our plates clean. Our server was also super friendly and nice.”

– Caelesto, TripAdvisor review

Sink Your Fork into Italian Favorites at Leeward

85 Free St, Portland, ME 04101

Leeward is a newer Italian in the Old Port that just opened in 2020. But it’s already making a name for itself, having been nominated for a national award for Best New Restaurant.

This popular, trendy newcomer to the restaurant scene serves favorites like bucatini, roasted duck breast, tagliatelle, and more.

Satisfy Your Asian Comfort Food Cravings at The Honey Paw

78 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

The Honey Paw is a luxurious lounge that serves the best in Asian comfort food. You can find all kinds of delicious dishes in Asian fusion here, from kimchi to mapo doufu and shio ramen.

There’s also some Maine influence, which is evident by the lobster toast and caramelized honey ice cream!

“The Honey Paw was a wonderful oasis after exhausting our eyes at The Portland Museum of Art…and only a bit more than 1/2 mile down Middle Street. The talented bartender, Laura, was able to succinctly describe the options on the creative Asian menu with a perfect vocabulary. We weren’t disappointed by any dish, from the Napa Cabbage Salad (we did need to order a side of wonderful Fried Bread to help turn off the heat in addition to extra sips of Pinot Gris😉), to the Lobster Toast, to the Lobster Tom Yum…all exciting new treats! And, we finished it off with a Honey Soft Serve (vanilla ice cream with a chocolate covering, sea salt and honeycomb). It is a clean, chic, well-lighted restaurant that was just what we needed.”

– AnnisquamAdventurer, TripAdvisor review

Indulge in Sophisticated Italian at ViA VECCHiA

10 Dana St, Portland, ME 04101

ViA VECCHiA is a small but sophisticated Italian eatery serving authentic cuisine in a historical building in Portland. You’ll find gourmet appetizers, small plates, and entrees, as well as craft beer, wine, and cocktails. This is the perfect spot for a romantic date or an elegant event.

Nosh on Fresh Seafood at The Highroller Lobster Co.

104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101

The Highroller Lobster Co. started as a food cart on the streets of Portland, Maine, in 2015. These days, it’s a full restaurant serving some of the most delicious seafood on the Maine coast — and that’s saying something.

The menu features unique specials, like lobster grilled cheese, lobster corn dogs, and whoopie pies.

Experience Karaoke While Eating at East Ender

47 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

East Ender is Portland’s prime spot to enjoy high-end American classics in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The drinks here are flowing all night with plenty of signature cocktails.

You’ll also find karaoke going on regularly, whether you decide to watch over a delicious meal or hit the stage.

Enjoy the Freshest Bites From Farm to Table at Solo Italiano

100 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Solo Italiano is Portland’s finest farm-to-table Italian restaurant. With a menu that changes every day, it serves the most cultivated, locally sourced dishes that use only fresh, seasonal ingredients. You never know what will be served, but you know it will be delicious.

“This dinner was absolutely delicious. While it is a bit more expensive than usual for myself, Solo is an experience everyone should have at least once. Their gin cocktail was so yummy, with a punch of flavor. Our dinner was more than expected. Our server was attentive, kind, patient, and explained everything so well. He assisted us in pairing our drinks to the meals. I highly recommend this location.”

– Anniiieeee, TripAdvisor review

Dine on Thai Cuisine at Boda

671 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Boda is a high-end Thai restaurant featuring an excellent dine-in and takeout menu. You can choose from classic East Asian dishes, such as sticky rice balls, pad thai, kee mao, and Thai soup. There’s also a stellar drinks menu, so you can choose the perfect pairing for your meal!

Have a Fusion Meal With Drinks at Chaval

58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102

Chaval is a brasserie and outdoor patio in Portland’s West End, featuring delicious dishes with a Spanish-French fusion inspiration. The restaurant prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and also features an extensive menu of craft beer, wine, and cocktails.

When the weather is pleasant, you’ll find many diners enjoying a meal on the patio! 

Indulge in Harbor & Farm Fresh Dishes at UNION Restaurant

390 Congress St, Portland, ME 04103

When you eat at UNION Restaurant, you might just be enjoying the freshest food you’ve ever had. With seafood from the nearby harbor, produce from local farms, and honey from the restaurant’s rooftop beehives, every meal is made to be exquisitely fresh. That’s what makes UNION a bona fide community restaurant.

Taste the Fusion of Japanese & Maine Ingredients at Izakaya Minato

54 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101

Think that Portland isn’t a place where you can find great Japanese food? Think again.

In Portland’s East End, Izakaya Minato offers a unique fusion of Japanese food and locally sourced Maine ingredients. You can make your choice of sashimi, fried chicken, soup, and other delicacies. Or, let the chef choose a surprise dish for you.

“Located in a burgeoning area for dining in Portland, Izakaya Minato is a must for Japanese tapas. Each and every shared plate was creative and was an explosion of flavour. I can’t recommend any single dish because everything was so good. You simply cannot go wrong no matter what you order. Hip atmosphere, terrific service, innovative cocktails, and for dessert, perhaps the best ice cream (from a local small-batch dairy) I have ever tasted. This place is simply a must.”

– icopnick, TripAdvisor review

Grab a Bit of Mediterranean Cuisine at Street and Co.

33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101

Street and Co. has been a landmark in Portland since 1989. This seafood-focused Mediterranean bistro offers the flavors of Southern Europe made from the freshest ingredients in Maine.

The small, cultivated menu changes seasonally to bring you the most delicious dishes, such as cream scallops and sole francaise.

Order Regional American Dishes at Hot Suppa

703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

Hot Suppa might have a quintessentially Maine name, but its focus is on the best regional dishes throughout America. This cozy neighborhood eatery serves gourmet spins on classic comfort foods, such as burgers, hearty sandwiches, breakfast items, soups, and chowders.

Make sure to order a mimosa or other breakfast cocktail while you’re here!

Get a Taste of the Iconic French Fries Made in Duckfat

43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

Just the name of Duckfat probably makes you feel hungry. This family-owned restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes, but the main focus is hot, crispy French fries made in duck fat.

You’ll want to try some poutine or slow-cooked duck confit with handmade mayonnaise from local farms. 

Eat an Unpredictable Meal at Fore Street Restaurant

288 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

You won’t want to miss Fore Street Restaurant in Portland, which gets its name from the famous neighborhood. Here, you’ll find a fresh menu that changes daily based on what seasonal ingredients are available.

Fore Street Restaurant partners with fishermen, hunters, farmers, and foragers to stock its kitchen.

Experience Every Type of Japanese Fare at Pai Men & Miyake

188 State St, Portland, ME 04102 (Pai Men)
468 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101 (Miyake)

Pai Men & Miyake are family-owned Japanese restaurants serving one-of-a-kind authentic cuisine in the heart of Portland, Maine. Their focus is on small plates with hearty portions, so you know you’ll leave satisfied.

The menu at Pai Men features specialties such as pork gyoza, Japanese fried chicken, and freshly prepared sushi. Meanwhile, Miyake serves traditional and refined cuisine.

Nosh on Comfort Food at Central Provisions

414 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Central Provisions has a history that stretches back to the 19th century. In its modern form, it’s a trendy eatery serving upscale comfort food, snacks, desserts, and more. The restaurant is unapologetically hipster, so you’ll find everything from cheddar curds to oysters to foie gras on the menu. 

“Fabulous! Can easily get a seat at the chefs bar. The food And service are fantastic! I popped in twice while I was in Portland. My absolute Favorites in the small bite category were the beat salad and their curry plate – the drinks were fantastic as well. This is a must-do while in Portland.”

– Sammy1232018, TripAdvisor review

Eat Hearty Diner Fare at The Front Room

73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

The Front Room is widely considered Portland’s go-to comfort diner and neighborhood hangout. Here, you can find hearty burgers and sandwiches, such as Cubanos, Reubens, and BLTs.

Also, there are entrees galore with options such as shepherd’s pie, roast chicken, sirloin steak, and scallops. You might need to undo your belt before you leave!

Enjoy Delicious Barbecue at Terlingua

40 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101

Terlingua is partly a barbecue restaurant and partly a meat market where you can find all the freshest and most delicious meat cuts in Maine.

The menu features appetizers for sharing, as well as brisket, burgers, chili, and carnitas. Or, order the daily lunch board to try all the day’s best-smoked meats.

Have Bites From Land & Sea at Woodford Food & Beverage

660 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103

Woodford F&B is Portland’s neighborhood bar and eatery designed to offer a great time with great, fresh food — it’s that simple.

But, with a simple mission comes some of the best eats the town has to offer. Choose from hearty burgers, fresh seafood, homemade soups and chowders, and much more.

Get the Full Gastropub Experience at Little Tap House

106 High St, Portland, ME 04101

Little Tap House is Portland’s combination bar and restaurant, serving upscale bar food favorites. But don’t expect small portions — the dinner here includes items like wings, crab cakes, fried calamari, fish and chips, lobster rolls, and clam chowder.

Check out the drinks menu for craft beers and signature cocktails too.

One Bite and You’ll See Why Portland’s Food Scene Shines

One thing’s for sure – you won’t leave Portland with an empty stomach! This city is packed with incredible dining spots that cater to every craving – from fresh-caught seafood and gourmet small plates to hearty comfort food and international flavors.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic lobster roll, a wood-fired pizza, a perfectly seared steak, or something sweet to finish the night, Portland’s restaurants have you covered. With so many options that the only challenge is deciding where to eat first!

More Portland Maine Restaurants to Visit

There are tons more restaurants in Portland, Maine, that make delicious food. Check them out the next time you visit the Old Port!

Steak & Seafood

• DiMillo’s On the Water
• J’s Oyster
• UNION Restaurant
• The Highroller Lobster Co.
• Old Port Sea Grill & Raw Bar
• The Grill Room & Bar
• Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
• Scales
• Street and Co.
• Rí Rá

Casual

• Flatbread Company
• Becky’s Diner
• Susan’s Fish-n-Chips

American

• Hot Suppa
• DuckFat
• Bayside American Cafe
• Eventide Oyster Co.
• Andy’s Old Port Pub

Asian, Chinese, & Japanese

• Pai Men & Miyake
• Saeng Thai House
• The Honey Paw
• Ginza Town
• Thanh Thanh 2
• Boda
• Mekong Asian Bistro
• Benkay Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

International

• India Palace Restaurant

Italian

• Roma Cafe
• Anthony’s Italian Kitchen

Latin, Mexican, & Spanish

• Amigos Mexican Restaurant & Bar
• Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
• El Rayo Taqueria
• Taco Escobarr