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From contemporary seafood to artistic small plates, these spots showcase one of the best of Portland’s meals scene. Prepare for some critically scrumptious eats!
Portland, Maine’s meals scene has one thing particular happening. You’ve acquired contemporary seafood, artistic small plates, and even some basic consolation meals – multi functional metropolis. It’s the type of place the place you possibly can seize oysters by the waterfront one evening, and dig right into a plate of poutine the following.
These are my prime picks for one of the best spots to eat in Portland. Every restaurant brings its personal persona to the desk, supplying 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 little thing right here!
At a Look: Coolest Eating places in Portland, Maine
Listed here are my prime picks for one of the best 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 Traditional Diner Fare: Palace Diner
These are the spots I all the time advocate when associates ask the place to eat in Portland. Belief me, you received’t be upset!
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 might be 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 off-the-cuff 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 price it.
Eventide is open day by 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 definitely one among 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 suggests you possibly can attempt slightly little bit of every little thing.
The dishes are ingenious, however not in a fussy approach. I extremely advocate ordering the bone marrow toast with purple onion jam., Belief me, it’s a game-changer!
Whether or not you’re sharing a number of plates with associates or going all in your self, you possibly can’t go fallacious right here. My professional tip: sit on the bar in the event you can. You’ll get a front-row seat to the kitchen motion, and it’s like a mini present when you dine. In case 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 strange. From the surface, it’s simple to stroll proper previous, however step inside, and also you’re in for one among 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 day by 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 imagine me, it’s price 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 amount of indulgence.
I’d advocate attempting the poutine. It’s the last word consolation meals, and including a duck egg on prime takes it to a different degree. And, in the event 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 received’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 environment 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 among Portland’s greatest eating places, palms 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 stable alternative in the event you’re on the lookout for one thing vegetarian however filled with taste. The meals right here doesn’t attempt too onerous. It’s simply good, trustworthy 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 associates or simply desire a laid-back evening 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 environment that makes you need to stick round for some time.
7. Izakaya Minato
Relating to distinctive eating places in Portland, Maine, Izakaya Minato stands out. This cozy eatery serves up Japanese small plates with a twist, and in the event you’re into omakase (letting the chef select your meal), it’s an incredible 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 allure. 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 possibly can calm down and revel in your meal with none fuss.
At Izakaya Minato, the meals is easy and scrumptious, It’s a stable go-to in the event you’re on the lookout 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 filled with taste. I’d say it’s good in the event you’re within the temper to pattern slightly little bit of every little thing—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 enables you to peek into the way it all comes collectively, nevertheless it’s by no means too showy. It’s simply good meals, made nicely, and an incredible spot to unwind with associates.
In case you’re on the lookout for a spot to calm down, share a number of plates, and revel in a stable meal, Chaval does it proper.
9. Bar Futo
Certainly one 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 recognize you’re in for one thing particular.
In case you can, seize a seat on the chef’s counter. Watching the staff in motion provides an entire new degree to the expertise. I extremely advocate attempting the “Huge Mac” skewer. It’s a playful tackle the quick meals basic that’s critically 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 attempting too onerous. You get artistic dishes, nevertheless it’s all about having fun with good meals with none of the fuss. Positively one to take a look at in the event you’re on the lookout for distinctive locations to go to within the US!
10. Palace Diner
In case you’re into old-school allure, 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. 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 a number of the greatest I’ve ever had. It’s crispy on the surface, tender 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 appears 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 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.
Continuously requested questions (FAQs) about one of the best Portland eating places
On the lookout for one of the 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. 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 dwell 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 high quality 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 inexpensive choices, particularly for seafood lovers. You possibly can simply discover nice meals to suit any finances on this New England gem.
