Must-Try Restaurants
Must-Try Restaurants
One of the best parts of boating in Portland is discovering what awaits you when you step ashore. With everything from fresh seafood, to cozy bakeries, to inventive small plates, Portland’s food scene is a reason to visit all on its own.
Whether you are planning a winter weekend getaway or building your itinerary for next summer’s cruise along the Maine coast, add these local favorites to your dining list. And when the warmer weather returns, you can make Fore Points Marina your home base for exploring Casco Bay, with plenty of great meals just a short trip from the docks.
Make a Reservation for a Special Night Out
Twelve
For a memorable dinner in a historic waterfront setting, Twelve deserves a spot at the top of your list. The restaurant celebrates Maine's natural bounty with modern New England cuisine, highlighting regional seafood, seasonal produce, and thoughtfully prepared dishes. Its elegant yet welcoming atmosphere makes it a wonderful choice for a special occasion or a leisurely evening after a day exploring the waterfront.
Located on Thames Street, Twelve brings together Portland's maritime history and contemporary dining in a way that feels distinctly Maine. It's an excellent addition to your plans, whether you're visiting in the quieter months or returning to Portland by boat next summer.
Evo Kitchen + Bar
For something a little different from the traditional New England seafood experience, head to Evo Kitchen + Bar. Its Mediterranean- and Middle Eastern-inspired menu features bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and shareable plates that invite you to try a little of everything. Pair your meal with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail or a glass of wine for an evening that feels like a getaway in its own right.
Evo is a great reminder that Portland's culinary scene extends well beyond lobster rolls and clam chowder. Make it a dinner destination on your next visit, especially if you're looking to explore something new.
Douro
Inspired by the flavors of Portugal, Douro offers another distinctive dining experience along Portland's waterfront. Expect Portuguese-influenced cuisine, seafood, and a wine and cocktail program in a stylish setting. It's a wonderful option for boaters who appreciate discovering international flavors while traveling along the New England coast.
Add Douro to your list for a winter dinner in the city or a future summer evening ashore. It's the kind of restaurant that makes a weekend in Portland feel like a true culinary escape.
Classic Portland Seafood
Scales
Few things say Maine quite like a great seafood dinner, and Scales is a natural choice for experiencing Portland's waterfront dining scene. Located on Maine Wharf, the restaurant pairs a bright, inviting dining room with harbor views and a menu centered on seafood, a raw bar, and New England favorites.
It's an especially fitting stop for boaters: spend the day on the water, come ashore, and settle in for a meal that celebrates the coast. Scales is a great one to keep in mind for your next Portland visit.
Street & Co.
Tucked along the cobblestones of Wharf Street, Street & Co. has long been a Portland favorite for seafood in a cozy, intimate setting. Its Mediterranean-inspired approach lets fresh fish and shellfish take center stage, making it an appealing choice for a relaxed but memorable dinner.
The Old Port's historic streets are part of the experience, too. After an afternoon exploring Portland on foot, find a table, enjoy a leisurely meal, and take in the neighborhood's unmistakable coastal character.
Casual favorites worth seeking out
Duckfat
Sometimes, the best travel memories come from the simplest meals. Duckfat has become a Portland staple for its Belgian-style fries cooked in duck fat, hearty sandwiches, and comforting menu favorites. It's an ideal stop for a casual lunch between exploring the city's shops, galleries, and waterfront.
If you're spending a winter weekend in Portland, Duckfat is a delicious excuse to get out and explore even when the temperatures dip. And next summer, it makes a fun stop before heading back to the boat.
The Honey Paw
For a change of pace, The Honey Paw brings Asian-inspired flavors, house-made noodles, and creative small plates to Portland's Old Port. Its lively atmosphere and inventive menu make it a great option for a casual dinner with friends or a stop during a weekend spent sampling the city's many restaurants.
It's also a good reminder to leave room in your Portland itinerary for something unexpected. You may arrive for the noodles and find yourself planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal.
Make time for small plates and island dining
Standard Baking Co.
Every great weekend deserves a good start, and Standard Baking Co. is a Portland favorite for handcrafted breads and pastries. Stop in for a morning treat, pick up something to enjoy with your coffee, or grab provisions before heading out for a day of coastal exploring.
Conveniently located near the waterfront, it's an especially appealing stop for boaters who like to start their mornings slowly, with a warm pastry in hand and a day on the water ahead.
Central Provisions
If your ideal dinner involves sharing several dishes and discovering new flavors along the way, Central Provisions belongs on your list. Located in the Old Port, this lively restaurant focuses on creative small plates and inventive cocktails in a historic setting.
It's a great choice for a group of friends who want to sample a little of everything, or for couples looking to turn dinner into an evening of exploring Portland's dining scene. Come hungry, order a few plates to share, and enjoy the opportunity to try something different.
Chebeague Island Inn
For a dining experience that combines Maine's food scene with the beauty of the islands, make plans for Chebeague Island Inn. Located on Chebeague Island in Casco Bay, the historic inn offers a memorable island setting and a menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and local seafood.
Reaching the island is part of the adventure, making this a particularly appealing destination for boaters planning a summer cruise around Casco Bay. Build it into an island-hopping itinerary, enjoy a meal overlooking the water, and take your time experiencing a quieter side of coastal Maine.
Because the inn operates seasonally, check its current opening dates before planning a visit during the off-season.
Plan your next Portland getaway
Portland offers plenty of reasons to come ashore, whether you're visiting for a special dinner, a casual lunch, or a full weekend of exploring the city's food scene. The quieter months are a great time to discover local favorites at a more relaxed pace, while summer brings the added pleasure of pairing great dining with days spent cruising Casco Bay.
As you plan your next trip to Maine, put these restaurants on your list and leave room for a few new discoveries along the way. And when you're ready to explore Portland by boat, make the marina your home base for a memorable coastal getaway.