Must-try restaurants in Portland, Maine are a feast for the senses: salty sea air, creative coastal menus, and a harborfront pulse that inspires every plate. It’s where I dive into bold flavors with dock views and a side of maritime charm.
I’ve got a buttery lobster roll on a brioche bun, a craft cider from a local orchard, and boats swaying gently outside the window—right in the heart of Portland, Maine’s historic Old Port. Who knew small-city charm could come with such world-class cuisine?
"Seaside bites, bold chefs, and flavors that speak of the sea? This is Portland’s food scene—authentic, inventive, unforgettable."
This is Why I Keep Coming Back for More:
Unique Restaurants in Portland, Maine:
1. Indulge in Creative Coastal Cuisine at Isa Bistro
Isa Bistro is a cozy neighborhood gem in Portland, featuring exposed brick walls, tiled floors, and tin ceilings that create a warm, inviting space to gather with friends over exceptional food and wine.
Recommended For: Mediterranean food lovers, cozy date nights, brunch enthusiasts, and anyone craving comforting, thoughtfully crafted dishes in a welcoming setting.
- Savor signature dishes like local rabbit pot pie with leeks and steak au poivre with whiskey cream sauce.
- Indulge in brunch favorites such as eggs Benedict and croque madame.
- Pair your meal with selections from an indulgent wine list, craft beers, or creative signature cocktails.
- Enjoy a laid-back, stylish atmosphere perfect for both casual lunches and intimate dinners.
- Visit Wednesday through Monday for lunch or dinner and experience the flavors of the Mediterranean in Portland.
Isa Bistro, 79 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-808-8533
2. Spice Up Your Night with Thai Tapas at Boda
Boda in Portland is a lively late-night eatery and bar specializing in authentic Thai street food, offering an extensive menu packed with flavorful favorites like Thai sticky rice balls, pork belly skewers, kee mao noodles, kra-prao chicken, and woon-sen pad thai.
Recommended For: Thai food lovers, night owls, cocktail enthusiasts, and anyone craving bold, authentic street food flavors in a vibrant, social setting.
- Feast on a wide variety of authentic Thai street food dishes crafted with fresh, bold flavors.
- Relax in the lively atmosphere of the ten-stool bar, perfect for casual bites and drinks.
- Enjoy signature cocktails like the Thai Basil Tom Collins and the Fuge’s Dilemma alongside top-shelf spirits and craft beers.
- Snack on delicious tapas options like house-fried peanuts, crispy squid, spicy Thai wings, and oysters.
- Visit any night of the week for dinner and experience one of Portland’s top spots for late-night eats.
Boda, 671 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-347-7557
Date Ideas:
3. If You’re Craving Refined Seaside Dining, Book a Table at David's Restaurant
David's Restaurant, part of Chef David Turin’s celebrated restaurant group, offers an imaginative dining experience in a classy, light-filled space overlooking Portland’s Monument Square.
Recommended For: Creative food lovers, date nights, business lunches, and anyone seeking refined yet approachable dishes in a sophisticated setting.
- Enjoy imaginative dishes like crispy duck breast, Za’atar crusted salmon, Maine lobster rolls, and inventive fish specialties.
- Soak in the natural light and spectacular views from the large windows overlooking Monument Square.
- Pair your meal with craft beers, artisan cocktails, or globally inspired wines from the full-service bar.
- Dine Monday through Friday for lunch or dinner, or enjoy weekend dinner service in this elegant city-center space.
- Experience the passion and creativity that have made David’s a beloved dining destination in Portland.
David's Restaurant, 22 Monument Square, STE 600, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-773-4340
4. Escape to Island Charm and Fresh Flavors at Diamond's Edge Restaurant
Diamond's Edge Restaurant, housed in a historic former quartermaster’s storehouse overlooking Diamond Cove, offers a seasonal dining experience just steps from the full-service marina.
Recommended For: Seafood lovers, romantic dinners, boaters, and anyone looking for a scenic, seasonal dining experience on the water.
- Indulge in seasonally changing menus featuring New England favorites, fresh local seafood, prime USDA meats, and organic salads and vegetable dishes.
- Dine alfresco on the gorgeous summer deck, perfect for enjoying meals under the stars.
- Relax in an elegant yet casual setting with unbeatable views of Diamond Cove and the marina.
- Pair your meal with selections from the outstanding wine list, craft beers, or artisanal cocktails.
- Visit daily for lunch or dinner during the season for a truly memorable coastal dining experience.
Diamond's Edge Restaurant, Portland, ME 04109
Phone: 207-766-5850
5. If You Love Bold Dishes in a Sleek Setting, Try Evo Kitchen and Bar
Evo Kitchen and Bar, located in the elegant Hyatt Place Portland in the Old Port, is a stylish Middle Eastern bistro that brings the bold tastes and vibrant flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean to the heart of Portland.
Recommended For: Eastern Mediterranean food lovers, adventurous diners, cocktail enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a trendy, vibrant dining experience in Portland.
- Savor dishes like pork sausage with halloumi, beef kibbeh with yogurt, chicken and onion dolmades, and skirt steak.
- Enjoy craft cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients alongside five local Portland draft beers.
- Explore a global wine list featuring selections from Greece, Spain, Crete, and beyond.
- Dine in a chic, lively atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner gatherings.
- Visit Tuesday through Sunday for a memorable taste of the Eastern Mediterranean in Portland’s Old Port.
Evo Kitchen and Bar, 443 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-358-7830
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What makes Portland a great destination for romantic dining?
- Set on a peninsula extending into Casco Bay, Portland is packed with a variety of great options for romantic wining and dining.
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What is the heart of Portland’s waterfront scene?
- The Old Port waterfront is at the heart of the city and features busy working fishing wharves and gentrified warehouses with an array of shops and restaurants.
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Where can you find scenic views in Portland?
- The Western Promenade is a great spot to head to for spectacular river and mountain views.
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What historic district is worth visiting in Portland?
- The West End is a beautiful historic district full of beautifully preserved Victorian-era homes, including the Victoria Mansion museum.
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