19 Unique Restaurants in Maine: Railcar Diners, Waterfront Lobster, and Sichuan Spices

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Maine’s food scene is as unique as its rugged coastline, offering unforgettable dining experiences that capture the heart of New England’s beauty. Famous for its fresh lobster rolls and clam chowder, Maine also surprises with global flavors and quirky venues that take dining to the next level.

Imagine enjoying buttery lobster by the waterfront at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, savoring spicy Sichuan dishes at Empire Chinese Kitchen in Portland, or stepping into a vintage railcar for pancakes at A1 Diner. Each restaurant offers more than just a meal…it’s a chance to connect with Maine’s culture and culinary creativity. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something adventurous, Maine’s dining spots promise an experience you’ll talk about long after the last bite.

• 👉 Pro Tip: Get to know coastal Portland the scenic (and delicious) way. I HIGHLY recommend this small-group tour in Portland takes you on a 15-mile bike ride at a relaxed pace, with stops at iconic spots like Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge, and Portland Head Light. Along the way, you’ll pass beaches, historic neighborhoods, and quiet coastal views you’d likely miss by car. The tour includes an XL lobster roll lunch at a local award-winning food truck, plus time to soak up the views at Fort Williams Park. Bikes, helmets, and a guide are all provided – just show up ready to ride and learn a bit of Maine history along the way!

Unusual places to eat in ME

Ready to explore Maine’s best eateries? We’ve got everything from seaside lobster shacks to fusion flavors in refurbished diners. Join me on a tour of the quirkiest places to eat in Maine.

Ever thought about savoring authentic Sichuan or enjoying farm-to-table delights in a converted railroad car right here in Portland? Maine’s dining scene has it all, ready for you to discover. Let’s dive into the most unique restaurants in ME.

1. Palace Diner

• 📍 Location: Biddeford
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Diner
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic 1927 Worcester Lunch Car, 15-seat counter, classic diner comfort food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Diner purists, vintage Americana fans, and breakfast lovers.

Slide onto a stool at Palace Diner and get ready to time-travel! It’s a legit historic Worcester Lunch Car, a gleaming tube of deliciousness. The air crackles with the sizzle of bacon and the clatter of spatulas – it’s pure diner symphony.

Ordering the corned beef hash, crispy and savory, is essential. The massive deluxe sandwich (a griddled concoction of eggs, cheese, and meat), or their fluffy buttermilk pancakes, are also fantastic. Watching the cooks work their magic is like a live-action cooking show.

• Read Next: 12 Maine Hidden Gems So Beautiful, They Feel Like a Dream

👉 Personal Recommendation: The Portland Old Port Culinary Walking Tour is a must for foodies exploring Maine! You’ll visit some of the best local spots, taste fresh seafood and unique treats, and learn about the city’s rich food culture. Come hungry and ready to walk—it’s the perfect way to discover Portland’s Old Port and enjoy a mix of history, flavor, and fun!

2. Central Provisions

If you’re into inventive small plates and craft cocktails, Central Provisions is where you want to be in Portland’s Old Port. The restaurant lives in a historic brick building, and the vibe mixes lively energy with retro charm. Their Raw Beef Salad with sunchokes kept popping up on Instagram for a reason – it’s bold and bright. I couldn’t skip their Spanish Octopus either, served with a kick of harissa and crispy potatoes. The open kitchen and wood-beam ceilings make it feel like a buzzing urban loft. Grab a bar seat for the best action. Afterward, stroll down to the waterfront – Commercial Street is just outside, packed with indie shops and pubs. I’ve never left here without planning my next trip back.

3. Morse’s Sauerkraut

• 📍 Location: Waldoboro
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German Deli / European Market
• 🔥 Standout Features: Housemade sauerkraut, full German deli and market, traditional European fare.
• 🎯 Perfect For: German food lovers, kraut enthusiasts, and European grocery shoppers.

Prepare your taste buds at Morse’s Sauerkraut, where fermented cabbage is king! This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a full-blown European market and deli, packed with pungent cheeses, glorious meats, and barrels of their famous sauerkraut.

Grabbing one of their legendary Reuben sandwiches, piled high with their house-made kraut and corned beef, is a must. Trying some of their authentic German sausages, like bratwurst or knockwurst, or their rich goulash, are also excellent choices.

4. Fore Street Restaurant

This farm-to-table cornerstone brings big wood-fired flavor in a candlelit, brick-and-steel setting. Sitting near Portland’s waterfront, Fore Street elevates Maine ingredients in unexpected ways. The hearth-roasted mussels are legendary – smoky, briny, and soaked with butter and garlic. Their spit-roasted pork loin changes daily, depending on what’s local and good. The open kitchen lets you catch a glimpse of the chefs stoking the flames, and the whole place hums with a kind of rustic warmth. Book early, and come hungry. The Old Port nightlife is literally around the corner, if you have room for a nightcap. I was all in from the first bite.

5. Red Sea Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Portland
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ethiopian / Eritrean
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine, communal injera platters, rich spice blends.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, communal dining, and fans of bold, global flavors.

Ditch the forks and dive hands-first into a feast at Red Sea Restaurant! This vibrant Portland spot serves incredible Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, where spongy, tangy injera bread is your utensil for scooping up rich, aromatic stews. The air is thick with berbere spice.

Trying the doro wat (a spicy chicken stew) is highly recommended. The vegetarian platter, a colorful mosaic of lentil and vegetable dishes like misir wot and gomen, or the savory beef tibs, are also fantastic. Sharing a big platter is a fun way to eat.

6. The Well at Jordan’s Farm

Dining at The Well is like landing at a friend’s backyard dinner party – if your friend was a talented chef and served everything fresh from the fields. Nestled right in Cape Elizabeth farm country, you eat at picnic tables under twinkle lights, surrounded by rows of veggies. There’s no printed menu, but the five-course tasting dinner sings with whatever just hit peak ripeness. Their local chicken roasted with summer herbs is hands-down unforgettable. No need to dress up – the vibe is pure, peaceful Maine summer. Crescent Beach is minutes away, so it’s easy to make this the highlight of an afternoon out. I never knew farm-to-table could taste this intimate.

7. Izakaya Minato

• 📍 Location: Portland
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Izakaya / Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Japanese pub-style small plates, curated sake list, cozy neighborhood feel.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sake lovers, small-plate diners, and casual date nights.

Step into Izakaya Minato and you’re instantly transported to a bustling Japanese pub. This Portland hotspot is all about perfectly crafted small plates, amazing sake, and a buzzy, convivial atmosphere. The smell of grilled meats and soy sauce fills the air.

Ordering a round of yakitori skewers is a great plan – the chicken thigh (momo) or pork belly (butabara) are classics. Don’t miss their fresh sashimi selection or the crispy and juicy karaage (Japanese fried chicken). It’s where you order a bunch for the table.

8. Twelve

This sleek, modern spot on Portland’s waterfront melds clean lines and fresh flavors so naturally. Housed in a cool, re-purposed brick warehouse, Twelve feels sophisticated but totally unstuffy. Seafood is definitely the star here: the butter-poached lobster roll is ridiculous, and even simple dishes like wood-grilled carrots are downright crave-worthy. The space is airy and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let you spy the working waterfront while you sip a citrusy house cocktail. If you’re into people-watching, ask for a table near the action. I was surprised at how quickly I felt like a regular (even after just one visit).

9. Hot Suppa!

• 📍 Location: Portland
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Breakfast & Lunch / Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Southern-inspired comfort food, hearty breakfasts, funky Portland vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Brunch seekers, comfort food fans, and laid-back locals.

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’ll hug your soul, Hot Suppa! is your jam. This beloved Portland joint serves some of the best, most creative comfort food around, and the lines out the door prove it. The smell of coffee and bacon will hit you before you even step inside.

Their corned beef hash is a thing of beauty, chunky and flavorful. The biscuits with sausage gravy are pure bliss, and their huevos rancheros with a spicy kick are also fantastic. You might have to wait, but every single bite will be worth it.

10. Ugly Duckling

Don’t let the quirky name fool you – this Kennebunk gem makes “ugly” beautiful in every way. The menu is a wild remix of breakfast and lunch classics: fried chicken on sourdough waffles, bruléed French toast, and an “Ugly Benny” that looks almost too good to eat. The décor is bold and playful, with mural ducks, neon art, and cozy booths. It buzzes with feel-good energy, whether you’re in for a boozy brunch or lunch with friends. If you get a seat at the bar, snag it. Main Street’s shops and galleries are within a stone’s throw, making this a perfect fuel-up before a day of exploring. I’ve never seen anyone leave here without smiling.

11. Bandaloop

• 📍 Location: Kennebunkport (also Arundel)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic Vegetarian / Global Influences
• 🔥 Standout Features: Global vegetarian/vegan cuisine, organic ingredients, colorful artistic setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Plant-based diners, creative food lovers, and eco-conscious eaters.

Get ready to have your perceptions of vegetarian food rocked at Bandaloop! This funky, art-filled spot in Kennebunkport isn’t just serving salads; they’re dishing out bold, globally inspired vegetarian and vegan plates bursting with flavor. The colorful, eclectic decor is as vibrant.

The sweet potato pad thai is a flavor explosion. Their creative black bean burgers on house-made buns, or the rich and savory mushroom stroganoff, will make you forget all about meat. It’s a place that proves plant-based eating is an exciting adventure.

12. Cong Tu Bot

If you want some heat and style with your meal, go straight to Cong Tu Bot in Portland. This pink-walled, 70s-inspired Vietnamese spot punches big flavors into every dish. The pho ga is my go-to on cold days, loaded with herbs, and their spicy pork noodle bowl is perfect if you’re ready to sweat a bit. Cocktails like the salty lychee spritz are just as creative. The cramped, energetic dining room is bathed in soft colored light and vintage pop tunes. Arrive early or expect to wait, but you can always stroll to Bayside’s markets or Arcadia barcade nearby. The vibe is cool without being try-hard, and their chili oil will have you planning a return trip.

13. Laan-Xang Cafe

• 📍 Location: Belfast
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Laotian / Southeast Asian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Laotian dishes, aromatic herbs and spices, warm family-run feel.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Southeast Asian food fans, spice lovers, and hidden gem hunters.

Take your taste buds on a trip to Laos at Laan-Xang Cafe in Portland! This charming, family-run spot serves authentic Laotian cuisine packed with fresh herbs, chilies, and incredible depth of flavor. The aroma of lemongrass and galangal will transport you.

Trying their nam khao (crispy coconut rice salad with sausage and peanuts) is essential. The traditional laap (a zesty minced meat salad with herbs and lime), or their flavorful green papaya salad, are also fantastic. The sticky rice is the perfect accompaniment.

14. Suzuki’s Sushi Bar

This is the kind of hidden gem sushi aficionados dream about, tucked away in Rockland. Chef Keiko Suzuki whips up artful nigiri and maki that let Maine’s seafood shine. Try the local scallop sashimi or her hand-rolled spicy tuna. The omakase experience is intimate and personal – just you and a handful of other lucky guests at the sushi bar, watching outright craft. There’s minimal décor, quiet jazz, and a totally chill atmosphere that lets the sushi do the talking. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along Main Street’s galleries or head for a sunset at Rockland’s breakwater. I’m still dreaming about her uni.

15. Eventide Oyster Co.

• 📍 Location: Portland (Middle Street)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern New England Oyster Bar / Seafood
• 🔥 Standout Features: Famous Brown Butter Lobster Roll (on a steamed bun), incredible selection of fresh Maine oysters, innovative small plates.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Oyster fanatics, lobster roll connoisseurs, modern seafood lovers, and trying unique New England flavors.

Get ready for a revolutionary oyster and lobster roll experience at Eventide Oyster Co.! This acclaimed Portland hotspot takes New England seafood classics and gives them a fresh, modern, and utterly delicious twist. The vibe is always buzzing, and the seafood is incredibly fresh.

You absolutely must try their famous Brown Butter Lobster Roll, served uniquely on a fluffy steamed bun – it’s a game-changer. Slurping down a dozen fresh Maine oysters with their inventive accoutrements, or trying other creative seafood small plates, are also essential. Eventide is a true taste of modern Maine.

16. The Highroller Lobster Co.

• 📍 Location: Portland
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood / Lobster Rolls / Modern American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Creative lobster rolls, vibrant modern vibe, Maine seafood with a twist.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Lobster roll fans, fun seafood dining, and Portland foodies.

The Highroller Lobster Co. isn’t your grandma’s lobster shack! This Portland hotspot takes Maine’s favorite crustacean and gives it a fresh, modern spin. The vibe is fun and energetic, with a bright, almost carnival-like feel.

Of course, you can get a classic lobster roll (warm with butter or cold with mayo). For something different, try the Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco or their incredible Lobster RANGOON. Wash it all down with a local craft beer. This is where you go for a fun lobster experience.

• Read Next: 12 Fun Things to Do in Portland, Maine

17. Sichuan Kitchen

• 📍 Location: Portland
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Sichuan Chinese
• 🔥 Standout Features: Bold Sichuan flavors, authentic spice and heat, traditional Chinese dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Heat seekers, authentic Chinese cuisine lovers, and adventurous eaters.

Brace yourself for a flavor inferno at Sichuan Kitchen in Portland! This is the real deal if you’re craving authentic, fiery Sichuan cuisine that will make your taste buds tingle and your lips go numb (thanks to those magical Sichuan peppercorns).

Dive into a bowl of their intensely flavorful dan dan noodles. The classic mapo tofu with minced pork, or the twice-cooked pork (hui guo rou) rich and savory with a kick, are also must-tries. This isn’t Americanized Chinese food; it’s a bold journey.

18. The Honey Paw

• 📍 Location: Portland
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Asian Fusion / Noodles
• 🔥 Standout Features: Inventive noodle bowls, pan-Asian fusion, modern design.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Noodle lovers, trend-conscious diners, and bold flavor seekers.

Get ready to slurp your way to happiness at The Honey Paw! This modern Asian fusion spot in Portland 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.

Their khao soi (a Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup with chicken) is rich, fragrant, and utterly addictive. The dandan noodles pack a flavorful punch, and their smoked lamb khao soi is another standout. It’s both cool and comforting.

• Read Next: 12 Fun Things to Do in Portland, Maine

19. Five Islands Lobster Co.

• 📍 Location: Georgetown
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic Maine Lobster Shack / Seafood
• 🔥 Standout Features: Waterfront lobster shack, fresh steamed seafood, scenic coastal setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Classic Maine lobster meals, seafood purists, and oceanfront dining.

For the ultimate, no-frills Maine lobster experience, make the pilgrimage to Five Islands Lobster Co. This iconic lobster pound in Georgetown is perched right on the water, offering stunning coastal views while you crack into a fresh crustacean. The menu is simple.

Ordering a perfectly steamed lobster (picked fresh from the tank) is essential. Sweet corn on the cob, a classic lobster roll overflowing with meat, or a cup of creamy clam chowder complete the experience. The salty air and fresh lobster – it’s pure Maine magic.

• Read Next: 15 Bucket List-Worthy Places in Maine

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the quirkiest restaurants in Maine

Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Maine? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Maine’s most unique restaurants.

What food is Maine famous for?

Maine is famous for its lobster, which you simply can’t miss when visiting. It’s fresh, flavorful, and served up in countless delicious ways, from lobster rolls to steamed pots.

Is Portland a foodie city?

Yes, Portland is definitely a foodie city. It’s packed with innovative restaurants, cozy cafes, and bustling food markets that cater to every taste and preference, making it one of the top places to live and visit in Maine.

What is the best month to visit Maine?

The best month to visit Maine is September when the summer crowds have thinned, the weather is still warm, and the fall foliage begins to show its colors.

What type of seafood is Maine famous for?

Besides lobster, Maine is famous for its clams, oysters, and scallops, offering seafood lovers a fresh and tasty experience straight from the Atlantic, making it one of the best places to visit on the East Coast.