The number one question we get asked is, “Where’s good to eat in Portland?”.
Odds are if you are coming to Portland you have heard about our amazing food scene. Named as Restaurant City of the Year by Bon Appétit in 2018, Portland is famous for cooking crafted with the freshest, seasonal ingredients and an intrepid creative spirit.
Whether you’re grabbing a lobster roll from a food stand, enjoying a refreshing craft beer in one of our many microbreweries, or sitting down for oysters in a harbor-side restaurant, you’re sure to find a welcoming atmosphere in Portland, a city that loves its food.
But with all this choice, how do you know where to go? Well, that’s where we come in. Many of our guests come to explore Portland in the warmer months when the crowds tend to be larger than usual, so it’s good to have some ideas about where to eat before setting out for the day.
Below, you’ll find a selection of our favorite local spots and some of Portland’s most renowned, award-winning restaurants.
If you have any questions about our choices, don’t hesitate to get in touch. And, while you’re here, be sure to check out our Maine Bicycle Tours and Walking Tours.
Our Favorite Places to Eat in Portland
Terlingua
Terlingua accepts reservations, seats walk-in diners, and even offers take out food, so there’s plenty of flexibility. The chefs are dedicated to uses lots of local Maine produce, but the cooking their cooking style combines Caribbean, Southwest, and Mexican influences. With a lot of expertly smoked meats on the menu, this is an excellent choice for fans of barbecue.
40 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101, ME 04101, 207-956-7573
David’s
Another Portland icon. David’s has been in Portland in one form or another for over 25 years. Seasonally he operates David’s Opus Ten featuring a multi-course prix fixe menu. It is Summer Feet’s favorite fine dining experience in Portland. Expect a cozy atmosphere, open kitchen where you can observe the chefs hard at work, and amazing food – classic flavor combinations creatively prepared.
22 Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101, 207-772-8833
Isa
Isa describe themselves as “a cozy neighborhood bistro serving an eclectic yet seasonally driven menu. The dishes are influenced by the places we’ve been and the things we love.” A newcomer to the Portland food scene Isa has quickly become a favorite. Be sure to save room for their marvelous desserts.
79 Portland Street, Portland, Portland, ME 04101, 207-808-8533
Famous Portland Restaurants
It can be hard to get a table at the following restaurants during the summer months, but these award-winning eateries are popular for good reason…
You’ll find locals sitting side-by-side with tourists in the Eventide Oyster Co., an establishment with a well-earned reputation for quality seafood, particularly their oysters. In spite of the crowds, the restaurant carries an authentic Maines feel. As mentioned above, there are often queues here, though the staff will give you an indication of wait times.
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101, 207-774-8538
Fore Street
Located in the heart of Portland’s Old Port district, Fore Street is a multi-award-winning restaurant that has been in business since 1996. They have a big focus on sourcing all their ingredients from local fishermen and farmers (though Portland is exceptionally strong across-the-board when it comes to fresh produce). Out of this world shellfish – another Portland staple.
33 Wharf St. Portland, ME 04101, 207-775-0887
Specializing in “seasonally inspired small plates with international flavors,” Central Provisions is located in a historic brick building in Portland’s Old Port district. This is a great choice if you don’t quite know what you’re after as the small dishes are perfect for mixing-and-matching and sharing with your travel companions. The bar in Central Provisions also serves some pretty excellent cocktails.
414 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, 207-805-1085
Casual Fare in Portland, Maine
Another challenge in such a food-centric town is finding good casual fare. here are a few casual places where you will often find us eating and drinking.
Great pizza with both traditional and eclectic toppings, Bonobo is a comfortable neighborhood spot in the west end. After a long day’s cycling and exploring, is there any dinner as satisfying as a pizza?
46 Pine Street, Portland, ME 04102, 207-347-8267
In the heart of the Old Port, Mash Tun offers a great $6.00 grass-fed burger and a big selection of local and not-so-local craft beers – a must-visit spot for beer lovers.
29 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101, 802-505-5115
Flatbread Company
You can hardly go wrong with pizza, and the Flatbread Co. make exceptionally delicious pizzas. Overlooking the Casco Bay, this is an ideal spot for a causal dinner. Enjoy a few beers and some wood-fired pizza. The menu has a strong range of vegetarian options and a big focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
72 Commercial St #5, Portland, ME 04101, 207-772-8777
Whatever kind of dining experience you’re looking for, Portland is sure to have it. Be sure to check out our Summer Feet blog for entries on beers, lobster rolls, lighthouses, and other magnificent Maine content.
If you have any questions or comments relating to this blog or our Maine cycling tours, please get in touch.
