Portland, Maine: A Gastronomic Haven of New England
Welcome, fellow foodies! If you’re on the hunt for the best places to sate your appetite, let me introduce you to the delightful food scene of Portland, Maine. Known for its charming scenery, Portland, the biggest city in Maine, is also home to an array of eateries that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
There’s no better place to start our culinary journey than in this coastal gem. With its rich fishing history and proximity to the ocean, you can bet that you’re getting some of the freshest and most delectable seafood dishes you’ll ever feast on. And it’s not just about lobster rolls and chowder—though they’re undeniably delicious—Portland’s gastronomy has far more up its sleeves.
In the heart of its bustling streets, Portland is teeming with food havens that reflect its multicultural lineage. Italian pizzerias, Japanese sushi bars, roadside food stalls, farm-to-table restaurants – you name it, they have it. But there’s more to Portland’s culinary charm than the variety; it’s the city’s commitment to quality and innovation that really sets it apart.
With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and a flair for creative dishes, Portland’s restaurant scene is an exciting blend of traditional New England fare and modern cuisine. From high-end dining establishments to homey, rustic eateries, every foodies’ palate will be amply satisfied here.
So, if you’re up for a scrumptious adventure that delivers a feast for your eyes as well as your stomach, let’s dive into the vibrant world of Portland’s culinary scene. Get ready to bookmark your next food destination!
Most Popular Restaurants in Portland
If you are traveling to the charming seaside city of Portland, Maine, gird yourself for an unforgettable food adventure. In a city with a population of just over 66,000, Portland has an impressive array of gastronomic hot spots that draw visitors from far and wide.
First on our list is Duckfat. Situated in 43 Middle St. Portland, Maine, this small sandwich shop is renowned for its decadent Belgian-style fries and mouth-watering paninis. The fries are deep-fried in flavorful duck fat, resulting in a crispy, golden delicacy that is immensely satisfying. Their paninis are equally gourmet, specially curated with the finest local ingredients. Duckfat perfectly sets the bar in offering a unique twist on classic American comfort food.
Another must-visit is Central Provisions. Located in the heart of the Old Port at 414 Fore St. Portland, Maine, Central Provisions presents an open kitchen concept, where diners can watch their food being prepared. Their diverse menu of small plates draws inspiration from cuisines around the globe, perfect for the adventurous palates. Their raw bar also offers an extensive array of seafood, including fresh oysters and crudo.
For seafood enthusiasts, a visit to Portland will be incomplete without stopping by Eventide Oyster, located at 86 Middle St. Portland, Maine. This modern interpretation of a classic seafood shack has risen to fame with its innovative dishes like the Brown Butter Lobster Roll. Their oyster selection is vast and impressive, accommodating East Coast and West Coast preferences alike.
Also worth mentioning on our must-eat list is Hugo’s, nestled at 88 Middle St. Portland, Maine. Boasting a regularly changing menu based on locally sourced ingredients, Hugo’s offers a unique and intimate dining experience. Their innovative New American dishes are served in a blind tasting format, an exciting journey for food lovers that enhances the dining experience.
Another absolute gem is Fore Street. Located at 288 Fore St. Portland, Maine, Fore Street has been a classic Portland dining staple for over two decades. Their food philosophy revolves around seasonal ingredients and wood-fired cooking, resulting in hearty, flavorful dishes that never fail to satisfy.
Each of these eateries in Portland, Maine offer unique and distinct dining experiences that should not be missed. They perfectly exemplify the city’s evolving food culture and the commitment of its local chefs to create innovative, memorable meals using the freshest regional ingredients.
Most Unique Restaurants in Portland
Portland, Maine is a city renowned for its vibrant food scene, bustling with a variety of unique dining establishments that are bound to satisfy your taste buds. One such place is Miyake located at 468 Fore Street. Known for its fresh and innovative take on Japanese cuisine, Miyake sets itself apart from the rest with its farm-to-table concept. It sources most of its ingredients from its very own farm, providing a delightful experience filled with fresh vegetables, poultry, and even pigs.
The standout dish at Miyake is definitely its sushi. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by skillful chefs who piece together a harmony of flavors that will entirely transform your understanding of sushi. Their signature dish, the Miyake Sushi Omakase, is a must-try. This dish offers an assortment of the chef’s hand-picked selection of sushi. It’s a true foodie’s dream!
Not too far off from Miyake, at 321 Commercial Street, you’ll find another extraordinary spot – Central Provisions. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience that is akin to time travel. Housed in a 200-year-old brick and beam building, Central Provisions presents a new-age culinary experience in a historic atmosphere. Their menu is ever-changing with seasonal ingredients, which means you could visit multiple times and still be surprised.
Central Provisions is known for its Tapas-style dishes. The must-try dish here is the crispy pork belly served with a jalapeno vinaigrette. The pork belly is cooked to perfection with a crisp outer layer and velvety inside. It’s another high point of the Portland food scene.
Moving towards the heart of the city at 288 Fore Street, the charming little alley known as Wharf Street is home to The Grill Room and Bar. Those looking to savor some wood-fired grills and comfort food will find themselves at home here. The open kitchen ambience creates an inviting and warm atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience.
The Grill Room and Bar offers an extensive selection of steak cuts all prepared in their wood-fired grill. Their grilled steak tips, a customer favourite, are marinated for hours and cooked to perfection over the open flames. The result is a faultlessly tender, smoky, and succulent dish that’s hard to resist.
Exploring Portland’s food scene is like embarking on a fascinating culinary journey. Each restaurant brings its own unique charm and array of delectable dishes that make Portland a true paradise for food lovers.
Best Casual Restaurants in Portland
First off, let me introduce you to The Highroller Lobster Co. Nestled at 104 Exchange Street, Portland, this casual restaurant offers the best of Maine’s famed seafood. The lobster roll here is a must-try, served on a custom-made brioche roll with your choice of unique sauces. Be sure to also give their lobster cheese crisp taco a whirl, boasting a filling of fresh Maine lobster and a taco shell made entirely of crispy cheese. The atmosphere is laid-back and the staff is friendly. An added bonus, they serve locally crafted beer that perfectly complements the seafood selections.
Next on the list is Duckfat. Situated at 43 Middle Street, Portland, Duckfat is a heaven for sandwich lovers. Topping the list of favorites is their signature duck confit panini, a perfect blend of shredded duck leg confit, spicy mustard, and sweet fruit chutney all piled into a crunchy bread. One simply cannot visit Duckfat without trying their Belgian fries, fried in – you guessed it – duck fat! Rich and flavorful, they are considered some of the best fries in town, along with their divine milkshakes. Though the restaurant has a casual feel, the food quality is certainly gourmet.
If comfort food is what you crave, head over to Nosh Kitchen Bar at 551 Congress Street, Portland. They serve creative and scrumptious comfort food with a twist. Their Nosh burger topped with bacon dust, yes bacon dust, and their pork belly apple pie are the highlights of the menu. If you are an adventurous eater, try their mac and cheese stuffed with bacon and served in a can. The restaurant has an urban, relaxed setting with big windows that are perfect for people-watching.
Last but not least, let’s head to The Snug Pub, located at 223 Congress Street, Portland. This hidden gem is known for their cozy atmosphere and exceptional pub food. Their Buffalo chicken dip and the Snug mussels, simmered in a white wine garlic broth, are absolutely delightful. For those nights when you just want a perfectly poured pint and a plate of hearty, flavorful food, The Snug Pub fits the bill. It’s definitely one of Portland’s best casual dining spots.
Best Family Restaurants in Portland
One must-visit spot on your family food adventure should be Becky’s Diner. Located at 390 Commercial St, Portland, this eatery embodies a classic American diner with a unique Maine twist. Serving hearty meals since 1991, Becky’s Diner offers up genuine hospitality as a side dish to their comfort foods. Don’t miss out on their famous Lobster Rolls or Becky’s Homemade Meatloaf.
Next up is Flatbread Company. Conveniently placed at 72 Commercial St, Portland, this vibrant spot is both an amusement for the kids and a delight for the grown-ups. They are recognized for their organic, locally sourced and wood-fired flatbread pizzas. The open kitchen concept allows families to watch as their pizza is crafted and cooked, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the dining experience.
No food tour in Portland would be complete without experiencing the culinary masterpiece that is Fore Street. Situated at 288 Fore St, Portland, this restaurant has been captivating the taste buds of locals and tourists alike since 1996. The menu changes daily depending on the fresh ingredients available, but one can always expect an assortment of wood oven roasts and indulgent homemade desserts. Although a bit upscale, it remains family-friendly with its welcoming ambiance.
For families seeking an international flair to their meal, The Thirsty Pig is the place to be. At 37 Exchange St, Portland, this restaurant infuses Maine’s cuisine with a blend of international flavors to create a unique dining experience. Kids will enjoy their creative hot dog menu featuring locally made sausages, while adults can explore the rotating craft beer lineup.
Dine at Silly’s Restaurant if you’re in search of a fun, eccentric dining environment. Located at 40 Washington Ave, Portland, Silly’s is known for its quirky décor and equally delightful menu. It offers a wide range of options for all dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for families. From loaded vegan shakes to meaty ‘slab’ pizzas, there’s something at Silly’s to please everyone in the family.
Best Takeout Food in Portland
When hungry rumblings start to take over, Duckfat is the perfect antidote. This culinary hotspot, located at 43 Middle St, Portland is renowned for its Belgian french fries, which are indeed fried in duck fat. What sets Duckfat apart is not just this unique twist but also the incredible range of house-made dipping sauces available, from Thai Chili Mayo to Truffle Ketchup.
For those with a hearty appetite, the Duck Confit Panini with its enjoyably rich flavor is a must-try. Duckfat is also famed for its delectable milkshakes – think flavors like Wild Maine Blueberry or Tahini Milk Chocolate. Rest assured, all their milkshakes come with a topping of cruelty-free whipped cream!
Moving on to the vibrant world of Mexican cuisine, El Corazon at 190 State St, Portland is a takeout treasure. This food truck has been serving up authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican fare since 2014. Specialties here include the classic Chicken Tamale and soulful Beef Barbacoa Burrito, loaded with tender shredded beef, refried beans, and Mexican slaw.
El Corazon’s menu also offers vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring a truly inclusive dining experience. The Vegan Bowl, loaded with Spanish rice, black beans, veggies, and garnished with fresh avocado slices, is a real crowd-pleaser.
Craving for some Southeast Asian flavors? Boda located at 671 Congress St, Portland, should be your first choice. Boda offers a variety of Thai-inspired ‘street food’ and comfort food dishes. Their Kuay Tiew Rua (Boat Noodle Soup) is a flavorful explosion of tender beef, meatballs, bean sprouts and Chinese broccoli swimming in an aromatic broth.
Their skewer selections are also worth exploring, especially the Shrimp Paste Rice Kebabs, which deliver a unique texture and flavor profile that’s hard to forget. Boda also provides a selection of vegetarian dishes, with the Tofu and Mushroom Stir-fry being a standout favorite.
When it comes to pizza, Portland’s Slab Sicilian Street Food at 25 Preble St, is a go-to. Known for their hand-made, thick-crusted Sicilian style pizza, Slab has been a crowd favorite since opening its doors in 2014. The Hand Slab – a one-pound slice of pizza layered with rich tomato sauce, cheese, and your choice of toppings – is a must-try for pizza enthusiasts.
Don’t forget to end your culinary journey with a sweet finish at The Holy Donut located at both 194 Park Ave and 7 Exchange St, Portland. Their legendary donuts made from Maine potatoes offer a unique, moist texture and are available in a wide array of flavors, from dark chocolate sea salt to sweet potato ginger.
What Foods is Portland Known For?
When it comes to must-try food in Portland, Maine, the conversation must start with Eventide Oyster Co. Located at 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101, this seafood joint is famous for its Brown Butter Lobster Roll – undoubtedly, a city staple. Their version serves the cooked lobster in a unique Asian-style steamed bun with brown butter vinaigrette, creating a splendid balance of sweet and salty flavors. The oysters, too, are a marvel. Freshly harvested from both the East Coast and West Coast, they are the epitome of ocean-to-table dining.
However, the culinary scene of Portland, Maine extends far beyond seafood. Duckfat located at 43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101 is a testament to that fact. Famous for its Belgian-style fries fried in duck fat, this cozy eatery will make you fall in love with this humble comfort food all over again. Pair these crispy golden sticks with housemade truffle ketchup or Thai chili mayo for a mouthwatering experience. And don’t forget to try their unique, yet delectable, Duck Confit Panini as well!
For pizza lovers, there’s Slab Sicilian Street Food. Located at 25 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101, this restaurant stole the hearts of locals and tourists alike with their Hand Slab, a hefty one-pound piece of thick, bready Sicilian-style pizza topped with homemade tomato sauce, a blend of cheeses, and a range of toppings. This is far from the thin crust, minimal topping Italian style of pizza you might know, but it is a culinary experience you won’t want to miss while in Portland.
For those with a sweet tooth, treat yourself at the city’s beloved dessert spot, The Holy Donut. Situated at 7 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101, the doughnut shop uses Maine’s famous potatoes in its doughnuts, resulting in a unique texture and taste. The Dark Chocolate Sea Salt doughnut is a standout, a delicious example of how sweet meets savory.
Every food enthusiast must visit Central Provisions located at 414 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101. This James Beard Award finalist brings a unique dining experience with its globally-inspired menu. Their Bread and Butter, made of cultured butter and locally-sourced bread, might sound simple, but it is an exquisite dish that is raved about far and wide.
Portland’s food scene truly has something for everyone. So whether you’re a seafood lover, a pizza aficionado, or a dessert devotee, Portland, Maine has a place at the table waiting for you.
Eating Your Way Around Portland: A Detailed Food Trip Itinerary
We’ll start our food journey in Portland, Maine at The Holy Donut located at 7 Exchange St, Portland. They use Maine-grown potatoes as the backbone of their business and the star ingredient in each of their donuts. These donuts are incredibly soft with a slight chew and you can find flavors ranging from dark chocolate sea salt to sweet potato ginger.
After a scrumptious donut breakfast, our next stop is Central Provisions at 414 Fore St, Portland. A James Beard nominee, Central Provisions offers small plates with globally-inspired flavors that highlight the local ingredients of Maine. Be sure to try their signature raw bar selections.
For lunch, we’re heading to Duckfat at 43 Middle St, Portland, named one of “The Top 10 Places in the World to Get Your Fries” by the Food Network. You can’t go wrong with their famous Belgian fries, fried in duck fat and served in a cone with a selection of unique dipping sauces.
Midday pick-me-up can be found at Tandem Coffee + Bakery, 742 Congress St, Portland. It’s an old school turned ethereal coffee shop and bakery with a fantastic selection of coffee and pastries. The malt iced coffee and biscuits are out of this world.
We’ll be having dinner at Eventide Oyster Co. located at 86 Middle St, Portland. This seafood-focused restaurant offers a variety of oysters, as well as unique dishes such as lobster stew and fried fish sandwiches. Their brown butter lobster roll, served in a steam bun, is a must-try!
Our food tour can’t be complete without visiting Standard Baking Co. at 75 Commercial St, Portland, ME. It’s arguably the best bakery in Maine, serving an array of artisan breads and classic French pastries. The morning buns – swirly brioche packed with cinnamon and sugar – is an absolute delight.
Finally, end your day with a drink at Oxbow Blending & Bottling situated at 49 Washington Ave, Portland. This brewery is known for its unique Farmhouse Ales that are brewed in a renovated warehouse. Pull up a stool, enjoy a flight of beer, and soak in the hip, industrial vibes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are some must-visit food places in Portland, Maine?
A1: Portland, Maine is a food lover’s dream destination. A few must-visit places include Eventide Oyster Co. known for its unique selection of oysters, The Honey Paw which serves a mix of regional American cuisine, and Fore Street, a pioneer of farm-to-table dining in the city. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss The Holy Donut, famous for its handmade donuts made from Maine potatoes. Lastly, hit up Allagash Brewery for some locally brewed beers.
Q2: I’m a vegetarian/vegan. What options do I have in Portland?
A2: You’re in luck! Portland is quite vegan and vegetarian-friendly. You can visit the Green Elephant for Asian vegetarian cuisine, or hit up the Silly’s Restaurant for a wide range of vegan choices. For a more upscale dining experience, try Vinland which is the only 100% local and organic restaurant in the US. Lastly, don’t miss out on some vegan donuts at The Holy Donut!
Q3: I love seafood. Where should I go?
A3: Portland, being a coastal city, is heaven for seafood lovers. Eventide Oyster Co. is the go-to place for a range of fresh oysters. For the best lobster rolls in town, visit Highroller Lobster Co. Other great seafood destinations include Street & Co., for their seafood pasta and Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room for their famous fried clams.
Q4: What are the local specialties I should try?
A4: When visiting Portland, the local lobster is a must-try. It’s often served in many forms – lobster rolls, lobster stew, or steamed lobsters. Don’t miss out on the clam chowder, fried clams, and whoopie pies, a traditional Maine dessert. Maine is also famous for its wild blueberries, so anything with blueberries is worth a try!
Q5: Are there any food tours I can join in Portland?
A5: Absolutely! There are plenty of food tours you can join to experience the culinary delights of Portland. Maine Food for Thought offers tours that delve into the story behind Maine’s food scene. For a seafood-centric tour, try the Portland Old Port Seafood Tour. If you love craft beer, the Maine Brew Bus offers tours of local breweries.
Q6: What are some great budget-friendly places to eat?
A6: While dining in Portland can get pricey, there are still many budget-friendly options. For cheap and cheerful dining, head to Otto for some delicious slices of pizza, or to Duckfat for their famous Belgian fries. Nosh Kitchen Bar is known for its generous and affordable sandwiches, while Bayside American Cafe offers a budget-friendly brunch menu.
Q7: I love bakeries. Any good ones in Portland?
A7: Portland has many excellent bakeries. Standard Baking Co. is a must-visit with its wide array of bread and pastries. Another popular spot is Tandem Coffee + Bakery, known for its biscuits and homemade jams. For a French-style patisserie experience, visit Belleville on North Street.
Are you a globetrotter with a passion for discovering unique culinary delights? Do you yearn to uncover the flavors and foodie hotspots that are hidden in cities around the world? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve crafted an array of travel food guides that dive into the gastronomic treasures of many fascinating cities. From the pizza havens of New York to the tapas trails in Barcelona, we’ve got it all covered. So why not take your taste buds on an adventure and check out our collection of food travel guides? You can explore them right here. Bon Appétit!
