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From contemporary seafood to artistic small plates, these spots showcase the very best of Portland’s meals scene. Prepare for some critically scrumptious eats!
Portland, Maine’s meals scene has one thing particular occurring. You’ve bought contemporary seafood, artistic small plates, and even some basic consolation meals – multi functional 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 subsequent.
These are my prime 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 a bit of 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 a bit of totally 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 advocate when buddies ask the place to eat in Portland. Belief me, you received’t be disenchanted!
1. Eventide Oyster Co.
When you’re in Portland, Eventide Oyster Co. is a complete no-brainer. This spot is understood for serving up a few of the freshest oysters in Maine, and belief me, they don’t disappoint. Eventide’s menu is stacked with seafood dishes which can be assured to hit the spot, even when oysters aren’t your factor.
Eventide’s bought 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 marvel this place is packed on a regular basis, however belief me, the wait’s completely value it.
Eventide is open each day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., so that you’ve bought loads of time to get your seafood repair. This place is well considered one of Portland’s greatest 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 little thing on the menu. It’s all about daring flavors and inventive dishes served tapas-style, which suggests you may attempt a bit of little bit of every little thing.
The dishes are ingenious, however not in a fussy means. 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 couple of plates with buddies or going all in your self, you may’t go improper right here. My professional tip: sit on the bar in case you 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 positively be in your listing!
3. Fore Avenue Restaurant
Fore Avenue is a hidden gem in Maine that’s something however atypical. From the surface, 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 critical taste.
Their menu adjustments each 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 greatest 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 value each minute. They’re well-known for his or her duck fats fries, that are crisp on the surface, fluffy on the within, with simply the correct quantity of indulgence.
I’d advocate making an attempt the poutine. It’s the last word consolation meals, and including a duck egg on prime takes it to a different degree. And, in case you’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 received’t neglect 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 often lamb followers. Parts are huge, and the environment is heat and welcoming, which makes it straightforward 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 considered one of Portland’s greatest eating places, arms 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 in case you’re in search of one thing vegetarian however filled with taste. The meals right here doesn’t attempt too laborious. It’s simply good, sincere cooking that hits all the best notes.
What I like most about Papi is the vibe. It’s full of life 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 need a laid-back evening out, it’s the form 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 environment that makes you wish to stick round for some time.
7. Izakaya Minato
On the subject of distinctive eating places in Portland, Maine, Izakaya Minato stands out. This cozy eatery serves up Japanese small plates with a twist, and in case you’re into omakase (letting the chef select your meal), it’s an ideal place to provide it a attempt. The sushi and yakitori are persistently contemporary, and the flavors really feel easy but satisfying.
The area 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 often a little bit of a wait. However when you’re seated, it’s the form of place the place you may calm down and luxuriate in your meal with none fuss.
At Izakaya Minato, the meals is easy and scrumptious, It’s a stable go-to in case you’re in search of one thing a bit of totally 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 in case you’re within the temper to pattern a bit of little bit of every little thing—from their roasted meats to seafood that’s at all times 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 shedding that considerate contact within the cooking. The open kitchen allows 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 effectively, and an ideal spot to unwind with buddies.
When you’re in search of a spot to calm down, share a couple of plates, and luxuriate in a stable meal, Chaval does it proper.
9. Bar Futo
One in every of 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 understand you’re in for one thing particular.
When you can, seize a seat on the chef’s counter. Watching the workforce in motion provides an entire new degree to the expertise. I extremely advocate making an attempt the “Massive Mac” skewer. It’s a playful tackle the quick meals basic that’s critically good. And that whiskey highball? So refreshing! It’s bought this mild, bubbly really feel that pairs completely with the meals.
What I recognize about Bar Futo is that it’s enjoyable with out making an attempt too laborious. You get artistic dishes, but it surely’s all about having fun with good meals with none of the fuss. Positively one to take a look at in case you’re in search of distinctive locations to go to within the US!
10. Palace Diner
When you’re into old-school appeal, Palace Diner is a should. This tiny spot is tucked right into a basic railroad automotive, and it’s one of many few nonetheless round within the nation. It solely has about 15 stools, so be ready to attend. Truthfully, the wait’s a part of the expertise.
The meals right here is easy, no-nonsense diner classics finished rather well. The French toast might be a few of the greatest I’ve ever had. It’s crispy on the surface, comfortable 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 bear 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 positively one of many prime locations to go to in Maine.
Regularly requested questions (FAQs) about the very best Portland eating places
On the lookout for the very best locations to eat in Portland, Maine? Our FAQs have all of the solutions you want.
What meals is Portland, Maine recognized for?
Portland, Maine is understood for its contemporary seafood, particularly lobster rolls, oysters, and clams. Town additionally affords a wide range 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 stay 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 progressive fantastic eating.
Is meals costly in Portland, ME?
Meals in Portland, ME can fluctuate in value. Whereas upscale eating places could also be pricier, there are many reasonably priced choices, particularly for seafood lovers. You may simply discover nice meals to suit any funds on this New England gem.
