2
From contemporary seafood to inventive small plates, these spots showcase the very best of Portland’s meals scene. Prepare for some significantly scrumptious eats!
Portland, Maine’s meals scene has one thing particular occurring. You’ve received contemporary seafood, inventive small plates, and even some traditional consolation meals – multi function metropolis. It’s the form of place the place you may seize oysters by the waterfront one evening, and dig right into a plate of poutine the following.
These are my high picks for the very best spots to eat in Portland. Every restaurant brings its personal character to the desk, providing you with a style of what makes this metropolis such a standout. From native favorites to a couple hidden gems, there’s slightly little bit of every thing right here!
At a Look: Coolest Eating places in Portland, Maine
Listed below are my high picks for the very best eating places in Portland. Every one brings one thing slightly completely different to the desk:
- Finest for Oysters: Eventide Oyster Co.
- Finest for Small Plates: Central Provisions
- Finest for Consolation Meals: Duckfat
- Finest for Japanese-Impressed Dishes: Bar Futo
- Finest for Traditional Diner Fare: Palace Diner
These are the spots I all the time advocate when buddies ask the place to eat in Portland. Belief me, you gained’t be disillusioned!
1. Eventide Oyster Co.
When you’re in Portland, Eventide Oyster Co. is a complete no-brainer. This spot is thought for serving up among the freshest oysters in Maine, and belief me, they don’t disappoint. Eventide’s menu is stacked with seafood dishes which are assured to hit the spot, even when oysters aren’t your factor.
Eventide’s received a relaxed, coastal vibe that makes it good for an informal lunch or dinner. The out of doors seating is ideal for people-watching and soaking in that salty breeze. Pair your meal with a crisp glass of wine or a killer cocktail, and also you’re set. It’s no surprise this place is packed on a regular basis, however belief me, the wait’s completely price it.
Eventide is open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., so that you’ve received loads of time to get your seafood repair. This place is definitely considered one of Portland’s finest eating places, and also you’ll be glad you stopped by.
2. Central Provisions
Central Provisions is the form of restaurant the place you’ll wish to order every thing on the menu. It’s all about daring flavors and inventive dishes served tapas-style, which implies you may attempt slightly little bit of every thing.
The dishes are ingenious, however not in a fussy approach. I extremely advocate ordering the bone marrow toast with pink onion jam., Belief me, it’s a game-changer!
Whether or not you’re sharing a number of plates with buddies or going all in your self, you may’t go incorrect right here. My professional tip: sit on the bar if you happen to can. You’ll get a front-row seat to the kitchen motion, and it’s like a mini present whilst you dine. When you’re planning to keep in Maine, this spot ought to undoubtedly be in your record!
3. Fore Avenue Restaurant
Fore Avenue is a hidden gem in Maine that’s something however atypical. From the skin, it’s straightforward to stroll proper previous, however step inside, and also you’re in for considered one of Portland’s most memorable meals. The country vibe, with its open kitchen and wood-fired grill, units the stage for some severe taste.
Their menu adjustments every day, so that you by no means know precisely what’s coming. Count on dishes like smoky, wood-grilled seafood and completely roasted meats. The bread is served straight from the bakery downstairs, it’s heat, pillowy, and excellent with their whipped butter.
Make that reservation, and don’t miss out. This is likely one of the finest locations to eat in Portland that delivers each time.
4. Duckfat
When you’re in Portland, Duckfat is a should. It’s small, it’s cozy, and there’s often a line, however consider me, it’s price each minute. They’re well-known for his or her duck fats fries, that are crisp on the skin, fluffy on the within, with simply the correct amount of indulgence.
I’d advocate attempting the poutine. It’s the final word consolation meals, and including a duck egg on high takes it to a different degree. And, if you happen to’re within the temper for one thing candy, the donut holes are dangerously good.
It’s informal, it’s enjoyable, and the meals is downright scrumptious. Get there early, snag a seat, and benefit from the experience!
5. The Honey Paw
The Honey Paw is all about daring flavors and creativity, serving up Asian-inspired fusion dishes that you just gained’t overlook anytime quickly. The meals right here pushes boundaries, from lobster toast to khao soi, and every dish has its personal little twist that makes it particular.
I haven’t tried the lamb curry but, however folks swear it’s a game-changer, even for many who aren’t often lamb followers. Parts are massive, and the ambiance is heat and welcoming, which makes it straightforward to chill out and dive into the distinctive menu.
What I like most about The Honey Paw is how the entire expertise pulls you in. The honeycomb-themed inside catches your eye, and as soon as the meals arrives, you’ll be hooked. It’s considered one of Portland’s finest eating places, fingers down.
6. Papi
When you’re craving genuine Puerto Rican meals in Portland, Maine, Papi is the spot! The tostones are crispy perfection, and the El Yunque dish is a stable alternative if you happen to’re searching for one thing vegetarian however stuffed with taste. The meals right here doesn’t attempt too exhausting. It’s simply good, sincere cooking that hits all the appropriate notes.
What I like most about Papi is the vibe. It’s energetic with out being overwhelming, and the drinks are simply as considerate because the dishes. Whether or not you’re right here with buddies or simply desire a laid-back evening out, it’s the form of spot the place you’ll really feel proper at dwelling.
One of the best half? Papi feels easy, like every thing comes collectively naturally. Nice meals, good drinks, and a relaxed ambiance that makes you wish to stick round for some time.
7. Izakaya Minato
In relation to distinctive eating places in Portland, Maine, Izakaya Minato stands out. This cozy eatery serves up Japanese small plates with a twist, and if you happen to’re into omakase (letting the chef select your meal), it’s an important place to present it a attempt. The sushi and yakitori are persistently contemporary, and the flavors really feel easy but satisfying.
The house is intimate, and whereas it’s small, that simply provides to the allure. It’s a good suggestion to make a reservation or arrive early, as there’s often a little bit of a wait. However when you’re seated, it’s the form of place the place you may chill out and luxuriate in your meal with none fuss.
At Izakaya Minato, the meals is easy and scrumptious, It’s a stable go-to if you happen to’re searching for one thing slightly completely different in Portland.
8. Chaval
Craving a mixture of Spanish and French flavors? Head to Chaval. The menu is constructed for sharing, and the dishes come out easy however stuffed with taste. I’d say it’s good if you happen to’re within the temper to pattern slightly little bit of every thing—from their roasted meats to seafood that’s all the time on level. It’s not overly fancy, but it surely’s the form of meals that simply hits the spot.
I like that Chaval retains issues informal with out dropping that considerate contact within the cooking. The open kitchen permits you to peek into the way it all comes collectively, but it surely’s by no means too showy. It’s simply good meals, made properly, and an important spot to unwind with buddies.
When you’re searching for a spot to chill out, share a number of plates, and luxuriate in a stable meal, Chaval does it proper.
9. Bar Futo
One among my favourite eating places in Portland is Bar Futo. With Japanese-inspired small plates, every dish is filled with taste and a singular twist. The chef was even a James Beard Award semi-finalist, so you’re in for one thing particular.
When you can, seize a seat on the chef’s counter. Watching the crew in motion provides an entire new degree to the expertise. I extremely advocate attempting the “Large Mac” skewer. It’s a playful tackle the quick meals traditional that’s significantly good. And that whiskey highball? So refreshing! It’s received this gentle, bubbly really feel that pairs completely with the meals.
What I respect about Bar Futo is that it’s enjoyable with out attempting too exhausting. You get inventive dishes, but it surely’s all about having fun with good meals with none of the fuss. Undoubtedly one to take a look at if you happen to’re searching for distinctive locations to go to within the US!
10. Palace Diner
When you’re into old-school allure, Palace Diner is a should. This tiny spot is tucked right into a traditional railroad automobile, and it’s one of many few nonetheless round within the nation. It solely has about 15 stools, so be ready to attend. Actually, the wait’s a part of the expertise.
The meals right here is easy, no-nonsense diner classics achieved very well. The French toast might be among the finest I’ve ever had. It’s crispy on the skin, mushy on the within, and barely wants syrup. The restricted seating means they’ll textual content you when your spot’s prepared, so you may wander round whilst you wait. Simply keep in mind: it’s money solely!
Palace Diner looks like a slice of historical past, however with meals that’s something however outdated. It’s the form of place the place you allow full, blissful, and already planning when to return again. Imagine me, when you’ve had that French toast, you’ll be hooked! It’s undoubtedly one of many high locations to go to in Maine.
Often requested questions (FAQs) about the very best Portland eating places
Searching for the very best locations to eat in Portland, Maine? Our FAQs have all of the solutions you want.
What meals is Portland, Maine identified for?
Portland, Maine is thought for its contemporary seafood, particularly lobster rolls, oysters, and clams. The town additionally provides quite a lot of farm-to-table eating places, craft beers, and artisanal breads, making it one of many finest issues to do in Portland, Maine.
Is Portland, Maine a foodie city?
Sure, Portland, Maine is unquestionably a foodie city, making it one of many high locations to reside and go to in Maine. It’s dwelling to award-winning cooks and a vibrant eating scene, providing every thing from informal seafood spots to progressive tremendous eating.
Is meals costly in Portland, ME?
Meals in Portland, ME can range in value. Whereas upscale eating places could also be pricier, there are many reasonably priced choices, particularly for seafood lovers. You’ll be able to simply discover nice meals to suit any funds on this New England gem.
