47 Best Restaurants and Spots to Eat in Portland, Maine

Last updated August 27, 2025

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In the past ten years, Portland has significantly grown its culinary landscape and now presents a diverse array of distinctive restaurants and dishes.

Food is definitely an essential part of your journey when you travel.

It not only creates unforgettable vacation experiences but also offers a fantastic way to truly experience a city’s local atmosphere.

Here is my compilation of the top 47 Portland restaurants you should experience.

And regardless of the type of restaurants you desire, there’s a choice for you here!

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1. Woodford Food and Beverage

This is a well-known local bistro that provides a revamped diner atmosphere infused with a modern Maine flair.

Their menu includes local seafood and traditional American and French meals, all offered in a cozy and inviting environment.

From trout pâté to grits and zesty shrimp, this restaurant presents a variety of enticing appetizers and substantial offerings.

2. Andy’s Old Port Pub

This is a casual, traditional establishment found on Portland’s Commercial Street.

Even as a popular tourist spot, it retains a unique neighborhood bar atmosphere.

The tavern features seafood-focused bar food, artisanal beers, and evening acoustic performances.

Savor free popcorn or fried seafood with local beer while enjoying live music and engaging in darts.

Customers have lauded the pub’s haddock which is cooked to perfection with flavorful chips and a crunchy breading.

3. Via VECCHiA

This is a stylish Italian restaurant situated in Portland's Old Port District.

The restaurant supports the farm-2-table trend, obtaining some of its herbs, fruits, and vegetables from the historic local farm of its owners and additional ingredients from regional fishermen, farmers, and cheese makers.

Lee Skawinski, its executive chef prepares authentic Italian cuisine using the best ingredients from Maine.

4. Becky's Diner

Becky's Diner stands as a straightforward, family-operated waterfront eatery that has offered comfort food in America for more than thirty years.

This diner remains a community staple recognized for its tasty meals, ample servings, affordable prices, and quick service.

It radiates a vintage Portland vibe with the lively sounds of cheerful patrons and active waitstaff.

5. Solo Italiano

Solo Italiano stands as a cozy eatery in Portland, recognized for its modern interpretation of traditional Genovese dishes.

Paolo Laboa, the chef hailing from Genoa, melds his North Italian roots with Maine's fresh produce to craft a menu that changes every day.

The eatery provides an array of meals including basil pesto with handkerchief pasta, gonfietti garnished with burrata cheese & prosciutto, along with a choice of salads and crudos.

6. Marcy's Diner

Marcy's Diner remains a well-loved local establishment recognized for its warm ambiance and tasty American breakfast dishes.

This charming diner, situated at the intersection of Free and Oak Streets, has a small seating capacity, which means there could be a little wait for indoor dining.

Nonetheless, their broad American menu guarantees that everyone departs satisfied, with choices that include combination plates, omelets, and pancakes.

7. Boda

Boda is a lively late-night bar and restaurant that presents a comprehensive selection of genuine Thai street cuisine.

The lively eatery radiates a cozy and vibrant atmosphere, and patrons can enjoy Bangkok classic street food favorites here such as pork belly skewer, woonsen pad thai, kee mao noodle, and kraprao chicken.

8. Rose Foods

Rose Foods stands as a delightful Jewish deli situated in a peaceful residential neighborhood, providing a selection of unique bagel sandwiches and classic deli favorites.

Their menu includes traditional offerings such as latkes, pastrami sandwiches, and matzo ballsoup, in addition to the chef's renowned sourdough open-crumb bagels and inventive sandwich pairings.

Although currently functioning as a sole takeout-only venue, their dining area is anticipated to reopen shortly.

9. Union Restaurant

Situated in the center of the Old Port of Portland, Union Restaurant stands as a refined and laid-back dining spot and bar found within the iconic Press Hotel.

Under the direction of Josh Berry, Maine native, this modern American restaurant presents a carefully curated menu showcasing market-inspired dishes made with ingredients that are locally sourced.

10. Great Lost Bear

This is a cherished establishment in Portland that has catered to beer lovers since 1979.

Featuring more than 70 taps, this spot provides an extensive variety of beers and organizes weekly microbrewery gatherings.

Their vast food selection might be daunting initially, but their chicken sandwiches come highly recommended, particularly their enormous chicken sandwich

11. Standard Baking Company

Standard Baking is an outstanding family-run bakery situated in Portland, recognized for its wide variety of sweets, morning pastries, and daily breads.

Established in 1995, it has been satisfying customers with handcrafted baked treats made with organic ingredients.

Even though there are queues here frequently, particularly in the summer, the delay is justified because of their top-notch products.

12. DiMillo's

This is a famous seafood restaurant situated on a repurposed car ferry inside Portland Harbor.

Founded by DiMillo Tony, the eatery provides a distinctive culinary experience with scenic waterfront sights and New England traditional seafood.

This renowned restaurant is located close to the Old Port high-end shopping area, making it a perfect spot for both culinary lovers and tourists.

13. Street and Co

Tucked away on an alley in the Old Port of Portland, Street and Co. radiates a delightful and warm bistro atmosphere inside a historic brick structure.

Since its opening in 1989, the seafood-focused eatery has been attracting visitors with its skillfully crafted local fish meals having a Mediterranean touch.

Their daily-changing menu showcases house specialties such as scallops in cream and Pernod, along with rich brown butter and sautéed.

14. Twelve

This is a fresh entry in Portland's culinary landscape, presenting a carefully crafted menu that highlights the best seasonal ingredients.

In fact, it is one of the most outstanding dining spots in Portland.

Their fixed-price menu offers an incredible experience, and their staff is kind and welcoming.

15. Flatbread Co.

Flatbread Company serves pizzas cooked in wood ovens, with free-range meat and organic ingredients in classic clay ovens.

Situated along Portland's waterfront, this restaurant offers a picturesque view while you observe your ordered pizza being cooked in their oven that is clay and wood-fired.

16. Bar Futo

Bar Futo stands as a fresh entry in the culinary landscape, presenting an assortment of grilled-binchotan skewers along with a selection of small cold and hot dishes.

Their menu includes classic selections like ginger sauce topped on grilled fish alongside creative offerings such as theBig Mac skewer accompanied by a special house sauce.

I suggest sampling various skewers here because of their small serving size.

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17. David's Restaurant

David's Restaurant, located at the border of the Arts District of Portland, is an elegant restaurant featuring a bohemian atmosphere.

This restaurant has expansive windows that offer Monument Square’s breathtaking sights.

David Turin, its chef, creates contemporary American cuisine by utilizing basic ingredients.

Their menu showcases creative seafood offerings and comforting classics with a contemporary flair, including Atlantic blackened swordfish and meatloaf topped with cumin onions.

The restaurant also merges traditional and contemporary designs, showcasing vintage floor tiles and bare brick walls.

18. Rí Rá Restaurant & Irish Pub

Rira is a welcoming and friendly spot situated in the heart of the historic Old Port.

The restaurant and pub provide an extensive selection of ciders and craft beers, in addition to classic Irish dishes.

The pub offers indoor rooftop views, so guests can appreciate the scenery here while eating.

Customers have applauded their gluten-free choices and tasty meals like Chips and Fish with Fries, Irish breakfast, and chicken strips.

19. Green Elephant

Green Elephant stands as a well-known Portland bistro that serves a range of vegetarian pan-Asian cuisine.

From tasty panang curry featuring tempeh to scrumptious noodles with soy meat, this eatery serves veg enthusiasts looking for meatless choices.

Their amazing desserts and flexible chefs who incorporate tofu or meat alternatives into dishes make the restaurant a favorite destination for both vegans and vegetarians.

20. Honey Paw

This is a lively eatery offering Asian-infused noodles and various delicious small plates, paired with a range of local beers.

The noodle bar, connected to the close-by Eventide, serves a variety of Asian tastes in its meals.

21. Grill Room and Bar

Tucked away in a delightful part of Portland, Grill Room and Bar provides a warm ambiance that seamlessly combines rustic sophistication with city style.

The atmosphere is enriched by the alluring scent of seafood and meats that are wood-fired, complemented by its exposed brick walls and dark wood features.

Visitors here can relish charming outdoor seating with beautiful views of the park.

Their menu features an enticing array of high-end dishes, including wood-fired popular steaks which have received acclaim from local culinary fans.

22. East Ender

East Ender stands as a laid-back American restaurant that serves carefully sourced American dishes, craft beer, cocktails, and wine in a comfortable atmosphere.

The Sunday brunch here includes a traditional soul-food combination of buttermilk-soaked chicken and yeast-leavened waffles topped with maple syrup and brown butter.

The kitchen's meticulousness always distinguishes it.

23. Empire Chinese Kitchen

This place provides a distinctive dining experience featuring locally sourced dim sum and Chinese cuisine.

Their menu highlights Cantonese-style stir-fry spirit in offerings such as noodles with kale and chicken alongside fried rice salt cod.

Their dim sum assortment complements their renowned DragonMilk cocktail. Be sure to also try their homemade chili sauce with hot-n-sour soup.

Furthermore, you can experience live performances and events on the upper level of this location.

24. Hot Suppa

Hot Suppa stands as a warm Southern restaurant with a strong Maine influence, featuring a menu rich in comforting dishes from different areas.

This restaurant is proud to prepare all meals from the ground up and to source ingredients locally.

Situated in a historic Victorian structure, the cozy atmosphere enhances your dining experience.

They offer items such as Barbecue Eggs Pulled Pork Benedict & Scrambalaya, showcasing influences from Louisiana, Maine, and Montreal.

25. J's Oyster

A cherished seafood spot situated on the lovely Portland Pier, J’s Oyster has been offering coastal favorites for more than forty years.

This modest bar and restaurant is popular with both residents and visitors, and is recognized for its fresh oysters, steamed clams, chowder, and various seafood treats.

Its unadorned structure radiates an authentic community atmosphere and provides a prime view of the lobster local fishermen delivering their daily catch.

26. Wayside Tavern

Tucked away in one corner of Francis Hotel, this is a cozy 40-seat restaurant that provides a warm and welcoming ambiance.

The owners Michael and Siobhan Sindoni host a limited number of guests 5 nights weekly, offering a variety of dishes paired with limitless cocktails and wine.

This tavern really exceeds expectations with the cozy atmosphere and considerate details it has.

27. Boone's Oyster Room & Fish House

This is a delightful two-story seafood eatery featuring a nice raw bar, wood-grilled cuisine, and beautiful views of the waterfront.

Situated on Commercial Street in Portland's historic district, this venue has been providing the best seafood from Maine since the year 1898.

Established by seasoned chef Lee Harding Smith, this restaurant features an authentic restoration with warm cherry wood decor.

28. Leeward

Leeward stands as a delightful Italian eatery in Portland, recognized for its inviting ambiance and tasty cuisine.

The warm interior of the restaurant showcases shelves and ochre walls filled with books and dried flowers, fostering a friendly atmosphere.

Leeward, owned by Jake Stevens and Paige Buehrer, has earned acclaim from culinary fans throughout the nation and state, with several James Beard nominations.

29. Cong Tu Bot

This is a fashionable noodle restaurant serving Vietnamese comfort dishes like stir-fry and pho, alongside an assortment of beer, wine, and sake.

Following a time of inconsistent functioning because of the pandemic, this restaurant resumed operations at the beginning of 2023.

Vien Dobui's famous meals such as hutieu xao and goibop cai remain a favorite among patrons.

30. Izakaya Minato

This is a quaint and modest establishment that provides a pleasant izakaya-style meal experience.

Upon your arrival, the welcoming smile of Elaine Alden, its owner will greet you.

This inviting area includes a compact open kitchen. Here Chef Takashi Cooke Thomas and his staff greet visitors with authentic Japanese warmth.

31. Sebago Brewing

This is a small-chain modern restaurant that provides an assortment of meals, including burgers, pasta, steaks, and seafood, paired with their house-brewed beer.

Founded in the 90s, Sebago has grown to five sites throughout Maine.

This brewpub is notable for its fantastic cuisine, welcoming environment, and a wide array of tasty beers.

Guests of the restaurant commend their caring and well-informed personnel who offer helpful insights regarding their weekly specials and menu.

32. Gilbert's Chowder House

This is a popular restaurant featuring a diner-style interior and an amazing patio that provides Custom House Wharf’s views.

The restaurant boasts its hallmark seafood chowder served in a nice bread bowl that is aromatic, hearty, and filled with tender seafood.

Those desiring a spicier variation here can select their lobster chili, while traditionalists have the option of clam, fish, super seafood, or seafood.

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33. Old Port Raw Bar & Sea Grill

This is a modern seafood eatery situated by the harbor, serving upscale offerings that feature local oysters straight from their own raw bar.

This restaurant is recognized for offering one of Maine’s finest lobster rolls and a hearty version of classic New England-styled clam chowder.

Founded in 2002, the restaurant has now become a fixture in Portland's dining landscape, drawing patrons with its seafood that is locally sourced and cooked to preserve natural tastes.

34. Chaval

Chaval stands as a relaxed and chic brasserie serving a blend of French and Spanish-inspired dishes in a charming and rustic atmosphere.

Their menu includes small plates, snacks, and larger meals that permit combining and matching.

Their menu items feature choices such as warm olives, Iberico ham, patatas bravas, fideos with chorizo and squid ink, seasonal salads, Coq auVin, and additional selections.

You will enjoy outstanding hospitality here from start to finish, and their employees are welcoming.

35. Bayside American

Previously referred to as Bintliffs, Bayside American is a cherished local venue in Portland’s Bayside area.

Operated by a husband-and-wife duo Diane and Joe Catoggio since the year 2003, this lovely cafe is celebrated for its outstanding brunch and breakfast selections.

Their menu showcases an assortment of savory and sweet favorites with a nice Maine flair, including Lemon Blueberry Toast crafted with fresh Crabcake Benedict and Maine berries.

36. PaiMen Miyake

Pai MenMiyake, a warm and trendy restaurant in Portland, provides an exceptional variety of Japanese dishes.

Their menu includes tasty soba noodles and ramen soups, as well as savory sake and yakitori skewers.

A highlight of their menu is the Abura Soba, an excellent Tokyo vegetarian bowl featuring ramen noodles combined with pickled cabbage, chili paste, egg yolk, and nori.

37. Evo Kitchen and Bar

Evo Kitchen and Bar stands as a chic eatery that presents innovative takes on traditional Middle Eastern dishes, utilizing locally sourced produce.

The restaurant's layout has glass walls, enabling visitors to take in sights of the vibrant Fore Street area while also offering those outside a look at the attractively arranged meals.

Guests always commend their meal and exceptional service, and suggest their tasting menu a top choice.

38. Duckfat

Duckfat stands as a delightful café and sandwich shop in European style situated in the historic Old Port.

This restaurant is famous for its signature Belgian duck-fat fries and delightful milkshakes.

Their fries are cooked to perfection with duck fat, resulting in a deliciously greasy treat.

39. The Corner Room

This spot provides a cozy and welcoming ambiance for patrons to savor fine Italian dishes, accompanied by a variety of wines and cocktails.

Their menu offers a range of choices such as pasta, seafood, pizza, steak, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

Visitors have commended the tasty cuisine offered at the lively Corner Room, emphasizing savory options like arancini and SquidInk Campanelle.

40. Scales

Scales stands as a roomy seaside establishment situated in Portland, providing a pleasant dining experience centered on raw bar, local seafood, wine, and comfort favorites of New England.

This restaurant is distinguished by its refined and straightforward take on seafood preparations, showcasing artisanal bread, chips, and fish, and a remarkable array of desserts.

Featuring excellent service and stunning waterfront scenery, Scales offers the perfect ambiance for memorable events and relaxed enjoyment.

41. Front Room

Front Room is a well-known venue famous for its high-quality lively bar atmosphere and US comfort food.

The restaurant's inviting interior and sleek industrial design create an ideal setting for dinner and brunch.

It provides an assortment of robust sandwiches, burgers, and main dishes like shepherd's pie, roasted chicken, scallops, and sirloin steak.

42. Eventide Oyster Company

This is a lively seafood restaurant in Portland famous for its lobster rolls, raw bar, and innovative New England cuisine.

Owned by Mike Wiley, Andrew Taylor, and Arlin Smith, the restaurant has greatly influenced Portland’s local culinary landscape since its debut in 2012.

This venue honors classic US oyster bars by offering 14 different types.

43. Papi Portland

Papi Portland stands as an exciting new establishment in the food world, having started serving in 2023.

The Puerto Rican eatery elegantly embodies the island spirit with dishes that reflect the childhood of its creators, LyAnna Sanabria and Ronnie Medlock.

44. Central Provisions

This is a well-known restaurant situated in Old Port center, presenting a varied selection of cocktails and small dishes in a charming, brick-walled atmosphere.

This restaurant is recognized for its ingredients that are seasonal and sourced locally, along with its skilled line chefs who have attained success in this culinary industry.

Guests here can savor items like bocadillo sandwiches featuring distinctive components such as sheep's milk cheese, membrillo paste, and saba.

45. Luke's Lobster Port land Pier

Situated in Portland, this is a casual and charming restaurant that provides an authentic lobster experience of Maine.

It remains family-owned even though it is among a chain, and it was established by a lobsterman from the third generation.

The restaurant offers seafood classics prepared to perfection, with a light ambiance and sights of the lobstermen's daily haul.

46. Fore Street

Opened in 1996, Fore Street was one of the earliest restaurants in the state of Maine to feature a wood-fired oven with a nice open kitchen, turnspit, and grill.

The owner and chef Sam Hayward's focuses on local produce and collaborations with farmers, foragers, fishermen, and cheese artisans has garnered the restaurant many awards.

Their menu includes rustic wood-cooked meals such as desserts made with seasonal fruits and roasted mussels.

47. REGARDS

REGARDS, a restaurant that opened its doors in 2022, introduces Los Angeles' Asian and Mexican street cuisine lively tastes to the Western Coast.

Owned by Neil Zabriskie, a chef, Cameron Lewin, his partner, and Kimberly Lund, his spouse, the menu reflects Zabriskie's Polish and Afro-Cuban heritage.

Masa is the star ingredient in the foods in this restaurant such as tamales, tortillas, and tostadas.

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