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.
Before you book anything, don’t miss these deals 👇
- ✈️ Find cheap flights you won't see on Google – Going.com finds mistake fares and flash sales I use to save $200+ per ticket
- 🏨 Book your stay – Great deals on boutique hotels, apartments and vacation homes
- 🚗 Score cheap car rentals – Compare top companies in one spot
- 🎟️ Explore top-rated tours and activities – Skip the line and explore more
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.
👉 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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.
✈️ Pro Travel Tip:
I use Going.com to find crazy flight deals...($300 roundtrip to Europe kind of crazy).
It’s free, and I honestly check it more than Google Flights. For a limited time only, they are offering 25% off on Premium and Elite to readers of my website, using my special code: JON25)

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Laan-Xang Cafe
- 📍 Location: Portland
- 💲 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.

8. 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.
9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

Need help planning your trip? Check out these helpful links:
- ✈️ Find cheap flights – I save $10k per year on flights thanks to this tool
- 🏨 Book accommodations – My favorite platform for boutique hotels and budget stays
- 🚗 Compare rental car prices – Great rates from trusted companies
- 🎟️ Discover affordable tours and day trips – Skip the line and explore more