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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 happening. You’ve acquired contemporary seafood, inventive small plates, and even some traditional consolation meals – multi function metropolis. It’s the type of place the place you’ll be able to seize oysters by the waterfront one night time, and dig right into a plate of poutine the following.
These are my prime picks for the very best spots to eat in Portland. Every restaurant brings its personal persona 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 somewhat little bit of every little thing right here!
At a Look: Coolest Eating places in Portland, Maine
Listed here are my prime picks for the very best eating places in Portland. Each brings one thing somewhat completely different to the desk:
- Greatest for Oysters: Eventide Oyster Co.
- Greatest for Small Plates: Central Provisions
- Greatest for Consolation Meals: Duckfat
- Greatest for Japanese-Impressed Dishes: Bar Futo
- Greatest for Basic Diner Fare: Palace Diner
These are the spots I at all times suggest when buddies ask the place to eat in Portland. Belief me, you gained’t be disenchanted!
1. Eventide Oyster Co.
In case you’re in Portland, Eventide Oyster Co. is a complete no-brainer. This spot is thought for serving up a number of 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 acquired a relaxed, coastal vibe that makes it good for an informal lunch or dinner. The outside 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 each day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., so that you’ve acquired loads of time to get your seafood repair. This place is well one in all Portland’s greatest eating places, and also you’ll be glad you stopped by.
2. Central Provisions
Central Provisions is the type of restaurant the place you’ll need to order every little thing on the menu. It’s all about daring flavors and inventive dishes served tapas-style, which implies you’ll be able to attempt somewhat little bit of every little thing.
The dishes are ingenious, however not in a fussy manner. I extremely suggest ordering the bone marrow toast with purple onion jam., Belief me, it’s a game-changer!
Whether or not you’re sharing just a few plates with buddies or going all in your self, you’ll be able to’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. In case you’re planning to keep in Maine, this spot ought to undoubtedly be in your listing!
3. Fore Avenue Restaurant
Fore Avenue is a hidden gem in Maine that’s something however odd. From the skin, it’s simple to stroll proper previous, however step inside, and also you’re in for one in all Portland’s most memorable meals. The country vibe, with its open kitchen and wood-fired grill, units the stage for some critical taste.
Their menu adjustments each day, so that you by no means know precisely what’s coming. Anticipate dishes like smoky, wood-grilled seafood and completely roasted meats. The bread is served straight from the bakery downstairs, it’s heat, pillowy, and ideal with their whipped butter.
Make that reservation, and don’t miss out. This is likely one of the greatest locations to eat in Portland that delivers each time.
4. Duckfat
In case you’re in Portland, Duckfat is a should. It’s small, it’s cozy, and there’s normally 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 suggest making an attempt the poutine. It’s the final word consolation meals, and including a duck egg on prime 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 trip!
5. The Honey Paw
The Honey Paw is all about daring flavors and creativity, serving up Asian-inspired fusion dishes that you simply 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 individuals who aren’t normally lamb followers. Parts are massive, and the ambiance is heat and welcoming, which makes it simple to calm down and dive into the distinctive menu.
What I really 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 one in all Portland’s greatest eating places, arms down.
6. Papi
In case 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 strong selection if you happen to’re searching for one thing vegetarian however filled with taste. The meals right here doesn’t attempt too exhausting. It’s simply good, trustworthy cooking that hits all the correct 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 night time out, it’s the type of spot the place you’ll really feel proper at residence.
The perfect half? Papi feels easy, like every little thing comes collectively naturally. Nice meals, good drinks, and a relaxed ambiance that makes you need to stick round for some time.
7. Izakaya Minato
With regards 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 incredible place to provide it a attempt. The sushi and yakitori are constantly contemporary, and the flavors really feel easy but satisfying.
The house is intimate, and whereas it’s small, that simply provides to the appeal. It’s a good suggestion to make a reservation or arrive early, as there’s normally a little bit of a wait. However when you’re seated, it’s the type of place the place you’ll be able to calm down and luxuriate in your meal with none fuss.
At Izakaya Minato, the meals is easy and scrumptious, It’s a strong go-to if you happen to’re searching for one thing somewhat 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 filled with taste. I’d say it’s good if you happen to’re within the temper to pattern somewhat little bit of every little thing—from their roasted meats to seafood that’s at all times on level. It’s not overly fancy, however it’s the type 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 enables you to peek into the way it all comes collectively, however it’s by no means too showy. It’s simply good meals, made nicely, and an incredible spot to unwind with buddies.
In case you’re searching for a spot to calm down, share just a few plates, and luxuriate in a strong 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 recognize you’re in for one thing particular.
In case you can, seize a seat on the chef’s counter. Watching the group in motion provides an entire new degree to the expertise. I extremely suggest making an attempt 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 acquired this gentle, bubbly really feel that pairs completely with the meals.
What I respect about Bar Futo is that it’s enjoyable with out making an attempt too exhausting. You get inventive dishes, however it’s all about having fun with good meals with none of the fuss. Positively one to take a look at if you happen to’re searching for distinctive locations to go to within the US!
10. Palace Diner
In case you’re into old-school appeal, 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 finished very well. The French toast might be a number of the greatest I’ve ever had. It’s crispy on the skin, delicate on the within, and barely wants syrup. The restricted seating means they’ll textual content you when your spot’s prepared, so you’ll be able to wander round whilst you wait. Simply keep in mind: it’s money solely!
Palace Diner seems like a slice of historical past, however with meals that’s something however outdated. It’s the type of place the place you allow full, joyful, and already planning when to come back again. Imagine me, when you’ve had that French toast, you’ll be hooked! It’s undoubtedly one of many prime locations to go to in Maine.
Incessantly requested questions (FAQs) about the very best Portland eating places
In search of 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 presents quite a lot of farm-to-table eating places, craft beers, and artisanal breads, making it one of many greatest 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 prime locations to reside and go to in Maine. It’s residence to award-winning cooks and a vibrant eating scene, providing every little thing from informal seafood spots to revolutionary positive 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 price range on this New England gem.
