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From contemporary seafood to inventive small plates, these spots showcase the perfect of Portland’s meals scene. Prepare for some critically scrumptious eats!
Portland, Maine’s meals scene has one thing particular happening. You’ve obtained contemporary seafood, inventive small plates, and even some traditional consolation meals – multi function metropolis. It’s the type of place the place you possibly can 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 perfect 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 some hidden gems, there’s slightly little bit of every part right here!
At a Look: Coolest Eating places in Portland, Maine
Listed below are my prime picks for the perfect eating places in Portland. Every one brings one thing slightly 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 all the time suggest when pals ask the place to eat in Portland. Belief me, you gained’t be disillusioned!
1. Eventide Oyster Co.
If you happen to’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 might be assured to hit the spot, even when oysters aren’t your factor.
Eventide’s obtained 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 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 obtained loads of time to get your seafood repair. This place is well one in every of Portland’s finest 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 part on the menu. It’s all about daring flavors and artistic dishes served tapas-style, which implies you possibly can attempt slightly little bit of every part.
The dishes are creative, however not in a fussy means. 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 a couple of plates with pals or going all in your self, you possibly can’t go unsuitable right here. My professional tip: sit on the bar when you can. You’ll get a front-row seat to the kitchen motion, and it’s like a mini present when you dine. If you happen to’re planning to keep in Maine, this spot ought to undoubtedly be in your listing!
3. Fore Road Restaurant
Fore Road is a hidden gem in Maine that’s something however peculiar. From the skin, it’s simple to stroll proper previous, however step inside, and also you’re in for one in every 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 modifications 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 finest locations to eat in Portland that delivers each time.
4. Duckfat
If you happen to’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 skin, fluffy on the within, with simply the correct quantity of indulgence.
I’d suggest attempting the poutine. It’s the final word consolation meals, and including a duck egg on prime takes it to a different degree. And, when 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 experience!
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 individuals 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 simple to loosen up 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 every of Portland’s finest eating places, fingers down.
6. Papi
If you happen to’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 alternative when you’re searching for one thing vegetarian however stuffed with taste. The meals right here doesn’t attempt too laborious. It’s simply good, sincere cooking that hits all the fitting 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 pals or simply desire a laid-back night time out, it’s the type of spot the place you’ll really feel proper at house.
The most effective half? Papi feels easy, like every part comes collectively naturally. Nice meals, good drinks, and a relaxed ambiance that makes you need to stick round for some time.
7. Izakaya Minato
In the case of distinctive eating places in Portland, Maine, Izakaya Minato stands out. This cozy eatery serves up Japanese small plates with a twist, and when you’re into omakase (letting the chef select your meal), it’s an awesome place to present it a attempt. The sushi and yakitori are constantly 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 type of place the place you possibly can loosen up and luxuriate in your meal with none fuss.
At Izakaya Minato, the meals is easy and scrumptious, It’s a strong go-to when you’re searching for one thing slightly 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 stuffed with taste. I’d say it’s good when you’re within the temper to pattern slightly little bit of every part—from their roasted meats to seafood that’s all the time on level. It’s not overly fancy, nevertheless it’s the type 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 permits you to peek into the way it all comes collectively, nevertheless it’s by no means too showy. It’s simply good meals, made properly, and an awesome spot to unwind with pals.
If you happen to’re searching for a spot to loosen up, share a couple of 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 full of taste and a novel twist. The chef was even a James Beard Award semi-finalist, so you realize you’re in for one thing particular.
If you happen to can, seize a seat on the chef’s counter. Watching the workforce in motion provides a complete new degree to the expertise. I extremely suggest attempting the “Huge Mac” skewer. It’s a playful tackle the quick meals traditional that’s critically good. And that whiskey highball? So refreshing! It’s obtained this gentle, bubbly really feel that pairs completely with the meals.
What I recognize about Bar Futo is that it’s enjoyable with out attempting too laborious. You get inventive dishes, nevertheless it’s all about having fun with good meals with none of the fuss. Undoubtedly one to take a look at when you’re searching for distinctive locations to go to within the US!
10. Palace Diner
If you happen to’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. Truthfully, the wait’s a part of the expertise.
The meals right here is easy, no-nonsense diner classics accomplished very well. The French toast might be a few of the finest 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 possibly can wander round when 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 type of place the place you allow full, completely happy, and already planning when to return again. Consider 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.
Often requested questions (FAQs) about the perfect Portland eating places
On the lookout for the perfect 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 understood for its contemporary seafood, particularly lobster rolls, oysters, and clams. The town additionally gives 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 certainly a foodie city, making it one of many prime locations to reside and go to in Maine. It’s house to award-winning cooks and a vibrant eating scene, providing every part from informal seafood spots to progressive fantastic 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 may simply discover nice meals to suit any price range on this New England gem.
