America’s FOODIE capital.
OUR FAVORITES:
A staple in Portland’s dining scene, Evo Kitchen + Bar is known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu and its thoughtful approach to dietary-inclusive dining. The restaurant offers a full range of options, from meat and seafood dishes to well-crafted vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian tasting menus, all built around seasonal ingredients and bold, layered flavors. The space is modern and energetic, with mezzanine seating upstairs and counter seating downstairs centered around an open kitchen.
Located in Portland Foreside, Twelve focuses on ingredient-driven cooking that reflects the Maine landscape, with a menu built around locally sourced and foraged products. The restaurant delivers a modern, design-forward dining experience that balances precision with a sense of place, making it a strong choice for both destination dining and repeat local visits.
Located on Chebeague Island just off the coast of Portland, Chebeague Island Inn offers a dining experience rooted in seasonality and a strong sense of place. The restaurant focuses on ingredient-driven menus that highlight Maine’s coastal products, from fresh seafood to locally sourced produce, presented in a way that feels both refined and approachable. Guests can dine indoors or out on the lawn overlooking Casco Bay, making it a destination for both overnight stays and day trips centered around food, setting, and a slower island pace.
Seafood:
Eventide Oyster Co. - Known for their raw bar and creative takes on classic seafood dishes, Eventide Oyster Co. is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Try the infamous “Brown Butter Lobster Roll” on a freshly made bao bun.
Street & Co. - This cozy restaurant serves up fresh seafood in a rustic setting, with dishes like lobster stew and seared scallops.
Scales Restaurant - Located on Portland's waterfront, Scales offers a menu of seafood favorites like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fried clams.
The Shop by Island Creek Oysters - Buzzy oyster market with a dine-in raw bar for fresh shellfish, wine & beer plus a seasonal patio.
Italian:
Leeward - 2022 James Beard Finalist. Informal Italian restaurant serving pasta, seafood & meat dishes, plus desserts & a large wine list.
Solo Italiano - Intimate farm-to-table restaurant presenting contemporary takes on classic Genovese cuisine.
Via Vecchia - Chic Italian eatery offering brunch staples, small plates, seafood & steak, plus wine & cocktails.
Roma Cafe - Casual neighborhood outpost for traditional red-sauce Italian & wine in a historical mansion.
Vegetarian/Vegan:
Green Elephant - Green Elephant is a vegan restaurant that serves up Asian-inspired dishes like pad Thai and dumplings, as well as creative cocktails and beer.
L.B. Kitchen - Bright counter-serve cafe for health-centric breakfast, lunch & Sunday brunch dishes.
American:
The Honey Paw - This popular restaurant serves up creative American dishes with a global twist, with options like Korean fried chicken and lobster shumai.
Central Provisions - Located in Portland's Old Port, Central Provisions offers a menu of small plates inspired by American and European cuisine.
Duckfat - Known for their Belgian-style fries and sandwiches made with house-cured meats, Duckfat is a casual spot for lunch or dinner.
Wayside Tavern - New England classics playing at the edge of tradition. House-made salumi and European wine served in a warm, convivial atmosphere.
Asian:
Boda - This trendy restaurant serves up traditional Thai dishes like pad Thai and curry, as well as creative cocktails and craft beer.
Miyake - Creative Japanese cuisine including sushi, omakase meals & dishes sourced from the owner's farm.
Empire Chinese Kitchen - With a menu that spans across several Asian cuisines, Empire Chinese Kitchen serves up dishes like dumplings, noodle bowls, and pho.
Izakaya Minato - Cozy, understated spot for izakaya-style Japanese small plates, creative cocktails, beer & sake.
Douro is a seafood-forward restaurant and wine bar in Portland Foreside, offering dinner and weekend brunch in a lively, social setting. The menu centers on bright, shareable coastal dishes with Mediterranean influence, paired with craft cocktails and an extensive by-the-glass wine list. The experience is designed to feel relaxed and conversational, with a focus on good food, good wine, and easy pacing.