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From recent seafood to inventive small plates, these spots showcase one of the best of Portland’s meals scene. Prepare for some significantly scrumptious eats!
Portland, Maine’s meals scene has one thing particular happening. You’ve received recent seafood, inventive small plates, and even some traditional consolation meals – multi function metropolis. It’s the type 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 one of the best spots to eat in Portland. Every restaurant brings its personal character to the desk, supplying you with a style of what makes this metropolis such a standout. From native favorites to a couple hidden gems, there’s a little bit little bit of all the things 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. Each brings one thing a little bit completely different to the desk:
- Finest for Oysters: Eventide Oyster Co.
- Finest for Small Plates: Central Provisions
- Finest for Consolation Meals: Duckfat
- Finest for Japanese-Impressed Dishes: Bar Futo
- Finest for Traditional Diner Fare: Palace Diner
These are the spots I at all times advocate when mates 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 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 received 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 surprise this place is packed on a regular basis, however belief me, the wait’s completely value it.
Eventide is open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., so that you’ve received loads of time to get your seafood repair. This place is definitely certainly one 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 all the things on the menu. It’s all about daring flavors and inventive dishes served tapas-style, which implies you may attempt a little bit little bit of all the things.
The dishes are ingenious, however not in a fussy means. I extremely advocate ordering the bone marrow toast with crimson onion jam., Belief me, it’s a game-changer!
Whether or not you’re sharing just a few plates with mates or going all in your self, you may’t go mistaken right here. My professional tip: sit on the bar should 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 bizarre. From the surface, it’s simple to stroll proper previous, however step inside, and also you’re in for certainly one of Portland’s most memorable meals. The country vibe, with its open kitchen and wood-fired grill, units the stage for some severe taste.
Their menu modifications every 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 ideal 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
In case you’re in Portland, Duckfat is a should. It’s small, it’s cozy, and there’s often a line, however imagine 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 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 stage. And, should 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 just 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 often lamb followers. Parts are huge, 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 certainly one of Portland’s finest eating places, fingers 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 selection should you’re on the lookout for one thing vegetarian however stuffed with taste. The meals right here doesn’t attempt too onerous. It’s simply good, sincere cooking that hits all the fitting notes.
What I like most about Papi is the vibe. It’s vigorous with out being overwhelming, and the drinks are simply as considerate because the dishes. Whether or not you’re right here with mates or simply desire a laid-back evening out, it’s the type of spot the place you’ll really feel proper at dwelling.
The perfect half? Papi feels easy, like all the things comes collectively naturally. Nice meals, good drinks, and a relaxed environment that makes you need to stick round for some time.
7. Izakaya Minato
In relation to distinctive eating places in Portland, Maine, Izakaya Minato stands out. This cozy eatery serves up Japanese small plates with a twist, and should you’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 recent, 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 often a little bit of a wait. However when you’re seated, it’s the type of place the place you may calm down and revel in your meal with none fuss.
At Izakaya Minato, the meals is simple and scrumptious, It’s a stable go-to should you’re on the lookout for one thing a little bit 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 stuffed with taste. I’d say it’s good should you’re within the temper to pattern a little bit little bit of all the things—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 shedding that considerate contact within the cooking. The open kitchen permits you to peek into the way it all comes collectively, however it’s by no means too showy. It’s simply good meals, made effectively, and an incredible spot to unwind with mates.
In case you’re on the lookout for a spot to calm down, share just a few plates, and revel in a stable meal, Chaval does it proper.
9. Bar Futo
One in all my favourite eating places in Portland is Bar Futo. With Japanese-inspired small plates, every dish is filled with 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.
In case you can, seize a seat on the chef’s counter. Watching the workforce in motion provides an entire new stage to the expertise. I extremely advocate attempting 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 received this mild, bubbly really feel that pairs completely with the meals.
What I admire about Bar Futo is that it’s enjoyable with out attempting too onerous. You get inventive dishes, however it’s all about having fun with good meals with none of the fuss. Undoubtedly one to take a look at should you’re on the lookout 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. Truthfully, the wait’s a part of the expertise.
The meals right here is simple, no-nonsense diner classics carried out rather well. The French toast might be a few of the finest I’ve ever had. It’s crispy on the surface, smooth 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 when you wait. Simply bear 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.
Often 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 recognized for?
Portland, Maine is thought for its recent seafood, particularly lobster rolls, oysters, and clams. The town additionally provides a wide range 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 stay and go to in Maine. It’s dwelling to award-winning cooks and a vibrant eating scene, providing all the things from informal seafood spots to modern superb eating.
Is meals costly in Portland, ME?
Meals in Portland, ME can range in worth. Whereas upscale eating places could also be pricier, there are many inexpensive choices, particularly for seafood lovers. You may simply discover nice meals to suit any finances on this New England gem.
