From fresh seafood to creative small plates, these spots showcase the best of Portland’s food scene. Get ready for some seriously delicious eats!
Portland, Maine’s food scene has something special going on. You’ve got fresh seafood, creative small plates, and even some classic comfort food – all in one city. It’s the kind of place where you can grab oysters by the waterfront one night, and dig into a plate of poutine the next.
These are my top picks for the best spots to eat in Portland. Each restaurant brings its own personality to the table, giving you a taste of what makes this city such a standout. From local favorites to a few hidden gems, there’s a little bit of everything here!
At a Glance: Coolest Restaurants in Portland, Maine
Here are my top picks for the best restaurants in Portland. Each one brings something a little different to the table:
- Best for Oysters: Eventide Oyster Co.
- Best for Small Plates: Central Provisions
- Best for Comfort Food: Duckfat
- Best for Japanese-Inspired Dishes: Bar Futo
- Best for Classic Diner Fare: Palace Diner
These are the spots I always recommend when friends ask where to eat in Portland. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
1. Eventide Oyster Co.
- 📍 Location: Old Port (Middle Street)
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood / Oyster Bar / New American
- 🔥 Standout Features: Brown butter lobster roll, extensive fresh oyster selection, modern/buzzy atmosphere.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Oyster fanatics, modern seafood lovers, and iconic Portland eats.
Get ready to shuck yeah at Eventide Oyster Co., a Portland institution that has redefined the oyster bar experience! This Old Port hotspot is buzzing, renowned for its fresh, local oysters and its legendary brown butter lobster roll in a steamed bun – a game-changer! The air buzzes with the clatter of oyster shells and the scent of the sea.
A visit here demands you indulge in a platter of freshly shucked oysters, each with its own unique brine and flavor profile. Their creative crudos and other inventive seafood small plates are also phenomenal. It’s a modern, vibrant, and utterly delicious taste of Maine’s bounty.
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2. Twelve
If you want to eat where Portland’s chefs go on their nights off, Twelve is the spot. Housed in a totally renovated historic brick warehouse right on the waterfront, this place nails fine-dining without feeling stuffy. The hyper-seasonal menu is tiny, but everything that hits your table feels like it came straight from a chef’s fever dream. Don’t miss the brown butter lobster or the impossibly silky potato mille-feuille. The cocktail program is equally next-level. Sitting at the bar gives you wild sunset views over the water – and the people-watching is top notch. After dinner, stroll the Eastern Promenade Trail right out the door. I’m still dreaming about their rotating dessert selection.
3. Central Provisions
- 📍 Location: Old Port (Fore Street)
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Small Plates / Gastropub
- 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed small plates program, historic Old Port building, creative/seasonal cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies seeking inventive flavors, sharing various dishes, and upscale casual dining.
Prepare for a symphony of small plate perfection at Central Provisions in Portland’s Old Port! This acclaimed restaurant, housed in a beautifully restored historic building, is renowned for its incredibly creative and delicious New American small plates that are perfect for sharing. The atmosphere is stylish yet rustic, with a constant buzz of culinary excitement.
You’ll certainly want to explore their ever-changing menu, which might feature dishes like bone marrow toast or unique seafood crudos. Their house-made charcuterie is also a must-try. It’s a true foodie destination where every bite is an adventure.
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4. Leeward
Leeward is Portland’s modern Italian showstopper, just on the edge of the Arts District. Everything revolves around pasta made by hand daily – think springy tagliatelle with local mushrooms or orecchiette tossed in a zippy pesto. The open, plant-filled dining room glows at night and is always abuzz, but the best seats are near the kitchen where you can watch the chefs work their pasta magic. Their negroni game is also strong. Save room for the olive oil cake – it’s legendary. After dinner, MeLon Ball Gallery is practically next door if you’re feeling artsy. Hands down, one of my top date night picks in Portland.
5. Fore Street Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Old Port (Fore Street)
- 💲 Price range: $50 – $90+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Wood-Fired / Farm-to-Table
- 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary wood-fired cooking, hyper-local/seasonal ingredients, rustic/elegant open kitchen.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasion splurges, lovers of wood-fired flavors, and iconic Portland fine dining.
Discover the magic of wood-fired cooking at Fore Street Restaurant, a Portland culinary icon. This legendary Old Port establishment is known for its hyper-local, seasonal ingredients, often kissed by the flames of their massive wood-burning oven and grill, visible from the rustic yet elegant dining room. The aroma of woodsmoke and roasting meats is intoxicating.
A meal here is an invitation to savor dishes like their incredible wood-fired mussels, perfectly roasted local fish, or succulent spit-roasted meats. It’s a constantly changing menu that celebrates the best of Maine’s farms and waters. This is a foundational Portland dining experience.
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6. Banh Appetit
Banh Appetit brings a taste of Vietnam right to Portland’s Washington Avenue. This spot is bright and laid-back, filled with potted plants and colorful murals. The must-try here is the banh mi – the pork belly version is killer, with crispy edges and legit pickled veggies. Their pho isn’t messing around either: rich broth, tender brisket, and a mountain of fresh herbs. Don’t skip the Vietnamese iced coffee – super sweet, super strong. Grab a window seat if you can, and watch the East End crowd hustle by. The Portland Observatory is up the street if you’re in the mood for a post-meal climb. I love how the flavors here totally reset my tastebuds after a week of seafood.
7. Duckfat
- 📍 Location: Old Port (Middle Street)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Belgian Frites / Sandwiches / Milkshakes
- 🔥 Standout Features: Belgian fries cooked in duck fat, creative dipping sauces, decadent milkshakes.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Fry fanatics, indulgent casual eats, and a unique, rich comfort food fix.
Get ready to indulge your deepest, darkest fry cravings at Duckfat! This Old Port gem is legendary for one thing above all: its incredible Belgian-style frites, hand-cut and fried to crispy perfection in, you guessed it, duck fat. The aroma alone is enough to make your knees weak. They come served in a paper cone with an array of amazing dipping sauces.
You absolutely have to get a large order of their Belgian fries with at least two sauces (the truffle ketchup is a winner!). Their panini sandwiches are also fantastic, and their thick, creamy milkshakes are pure, decadent bliss. It’s a small place with a massive reputation for a reason!
8. The Highroller Lobster Co.
Highroller Lobster Co. is where lobster rolls get a whole new personality. Found on Exchange Street, it looks like a cross between an arcade and a diner, with animated red accents and comic book murals. You can build your own roll—choose the lobster, the bun, and then wild sauces like jalapeno mayo. Their lobster grilled cheese is full-on indulgence and not for the faint of heart. Grab a craft beer, try the soft-serve with lobster dust if you’re brave, and snag one of the window booths for a prime view of the Old Port hustle. I brought friends here and we argued over who got to finish the lobster cheese crisp—no regrets.
9. The Honey Paw
- 📍 Location: Old Port (Middle Street)
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Asian Fusion / Noodles
- 🔥 Standout Features: Creative noodle dishes, bold pan-Asian flavors.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Noodle enthusiasts, adventurous palates, and trendy, flavorful meals.
Get ready to slurp your way to happiness at The Honey Paw! This modern Asian fusion spot in Portland’s Old Port is all about noodles, glorious noodles, and bold, inventive flavors that draw from across the continent. The sleek, minimalist decor lets the vibrant food take center stage. The aroma of exotic spices and savory broths is captivating.
A visit here is an invitation to explore their incredible noodle dishes, like the rich and fragrant khao soi (a Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup) or their unique lobster toast. It’s a place that’s both cool and comforting, perfect for a satisfying bowl of something amazing.
10. Solo Italiano
Solo Italiano feels like stepping into an Italian family’s home – if that family was obsessed with local produce and handmade pasta. Their flour is milled in Maine, and the focaccia comes out fluffy and olive oil-slicked. Get the octopus carpaccio if it’s on the menu – it’s become a legend in town. The pasta tasting menu is a flex, but every dish sings. It’s a warm, glowing space, with olive trees at the windows and a soundtrack that always has a touch of Italian crooners. Located just off Exchange Street in the Old Port, you’re a two-minute walk from the waterfront piers. I always leave here in a pasta daze, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
11. Papi
- 📍 Location: Old Port (Exchange Street)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Puerto Rican / Caribbean
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Puerto Rican street food, flavorful mofongo/sandwiches.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Caribbean flavor seekers, mofongo lovers, and a taste of Puerto Rico.
¡Wepa! Get ready for a vibrant taste of Puerto Rico at Papi in Portland! This spot is serving up authentic and incredibly flavorful Puerto Rican street food that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny Caribbean. The colorful decor and lively Latin music create a fun, energetic atmosphere.
You absolutely have to try their amazing mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and other goodies), often served with savory meats, or one of their loaded Puerto Rican sandwiches. Their pastelillos (empanadas) are also a must. It’s a true fiesta of island flavors!
12. Cong Tu Bot
This pink-and-teal dream on Washington Ave. is Portland’s best Vietnamese spot hands down. Cong Tu Bot nails classic noodle dishes (the chicken pho is my regular order), but they’re known for clever spins like spicy turmeric crepes stuffed with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs. The playlist leans ’90s rap, the cocktails are playful, and the crowd always feels like Portland’s coolest. Communal tables make it easy to chat with neighbors or mix up your usual dining partner. Don’t miss the Vietnamese coffee slushie. It’s literally walking distance to Oxbow Blending & Bottling for post-dinner drinks. Every visit is an instant mood boost.
13. Izakaya Minato
- 📍 Location: Washington Avenue
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Izakaya / Small Plates / Yakitori
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Japanese pub fare, extensive sake/Japanese whisky.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Sake explorers, Japanese small plate fans, and casual nights.
Kanpai! Step into a bustling Japanese pub experience at Izakaya Minato on Portland’s vibrant Washington Avenue. This spot is all about authentic izakaya culture – delicious small plates perfect for sharing, an extensive selection of sake and Japanese whisky, and a lively, convivial atmosphere. The smell of grilled meats and soy sauce fills the air.
A meal here requires you to order a round of their perfectly charred and flavorful yakitori skewers and don’t miss their fresh sashimi or creative small plates. It’s the kind of place where you gather with friends, order a bunch of dishes, and let the good times (and sake) flow.
14. Empire Chinese Kitchen
If you’re craving dim sum or killer Szechuan flavors, Empire Chinese Kitchen is one of Portland’s most exciting eats. Giant windows, red lanterns, and a steady hum set the scene, but you’re here for the dumplings—get the soup dumplings and don’t look back. Their lobster fried rice is the definition of “treat yourself.” I like to go with a group and order a little of everything (pro tip: save room for the bao buns). It’s right in the heart of the Arts District, so it’s perfect for dinner before a show at State Theatre. The energy here is always infectious, but the food makes it a top-choice every time.
15. Chaval
- 📍 Location: West End (Pine Street)
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Spanish / French / European Brasserie
- 🔥 Standout Features: Iberian Peninsula-inspired cuisine, charming brasserie ambiance, excellent wine/sherry list.
- 🎯 Perfect For: European flavor fans and romantic dinners.
Experience the rustic elegance of Spain and France at Chaval in Portland’s West End. This charming brasserie offers a delightful menu inspired by the culinary traditions of the Iberian Peninsula and beyond, all served in a warm, inviting atmosphere with a touch of old-world charm. The aroma of garlic, smoked paprika, and good wine is captivating.
You’ll certainly want to try their fantastic Spanish tapas, like patatas bravas or gambas al ajillo, or perhaps a classic French steak frites. Their thoughtfully curated wine and sherry list perfectly complements the flavorful fare. It’s a true neighborhood gem.
16. Gross Confection Bar
If you have even a passing sweet tooth, make a late-night stop at Gross Confection Bar in the Old Port. This dessert bar is all dark woods, moody lighting, and blowing-your-mind pastries. The tasting menu is the move for serious dessert nerds (think: chocolate “soil” with edible flowers or caramelized banana cake that tastes like childhood, but fancier). Their cocktails are dessert-inspired too, so branch out with something boozy and sweet. Afterward, hit up one of the nearby whiskey bars or walk down to the docks. I never thought I’d eat foie gras ice cream, but here I am telling you it’s worth it.
17. Bar Futo
- 📍 Location: Old Port (Fore Street)
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese / Yakitori & Kushikatsu / Sake Bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Focus on binchotan-grilled skewers, kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), modern/lively.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Japanese skewer lovers, adventurous small plates, and flavorful meals.
Get ready for skewer perfection at Bar Futo in Portland’s Old Port! This lively spot specializes in the art of Japanese grilling, offering an incredible array of yakitori (grilled skewers) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), all cooked to order over binchotan charcoal. The atmosphere is modern and buzzing, with the irresistible aroma of grilling meats and vegetables.
A wise choice involves ordering a variety of skewers to share – from chicken thigh with tare to bacon-wrapped asparagus or crispy panko-crusted pork. Their sake selection is also excellent. It’s a fun, interactive, and incredibly delicious way to dine.
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18. Hot Suppa!
- 📍 Location: West End
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Breakfast & Lunch / Comfort Food / Eclectic
- 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary Portland brunch/breakfast, creative comfort food, funky neighborhood vibe.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Brunch fanatics, comfort food cravers, and soulful, hearty meals.
For a soul-hugging breakfast or brunch, Hot Suppa! in Portland’s West End is your jam. This beloved neighborhood spot serves some of the best comfort food, with frequent lines out the door as proof. The aroma of coffee, bacon, and amazing baked goods greets you before entering its cozy, funky interior.
You’ll be thrilled by their famous corned beef hash, chunky and flavorful, or the classic biscuits with sausage gravy, which is pure, unadulterated bliss. Many also rave about their unique Mother Futcher’s Nasty Habit breakfast sandwich. It’s where Portland goes to get its breakfast and brunch game on strong!
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best Portland restaurants
Looking for the best places to eat in Portland, Maine? Our FAQs have all the answers you need.
What food is Portland, Maine known for?
Portland, Maine is known for its fresh seafood, especially lobster rolls, oysters, and clams. The city also offers a variety of farm-to-table restaurants, craft beers, and artisanal breads, making it one of the best things to do in Portland, Maine.
Is Portland, Maine a foodie town?
Yes, Portland, Maine is definitely a foodie town, making it one of the top places to live and visit in Maine. It’s home to award-winning chefs and a vibrant dining scene, offering everything from casual seafood spots to innovative fine dining.
Is food expensive in Portland, ME?
Food in Portland, ME can vary in price. While upscale restaurants may be pricier, there are plenty of affordable options, especially for seafood lovers. You can easily find great meals to fit any budget in this New England gem.
