Portland Maine: 12 Top Places to Eat and Drink 

Portland Maine may be a small city but its food is big on flavors. We were absolutely amazed by the food scene here: locally sourced ingredients, unique flavor combos, and outstanding service. We had so much fun on our latest visit to this beautiful city, we had to include a whopping 12 top spots for excellent cuisine and cocktails. Here’s where we went and why we loved it. 

1. Angoor Wine Bar

We stumbled on this gem near the Old Port hotel district and had such a great time. Angoor is a self-pour wine bar, which makes tasting super fun and approachable, and the owners are lovely. We indulged in (a few) delightful tastings that included nebbiolo, rosé, some fun white wines, and some fancy reds — all while diving into the sweet fondue plate. It’s a perfect stop before or after dinner, and they can also host private events. Seriously, check it out! 

2. Fore Street Restaurant

This place is known for its locally sourced flavors. We sat at the cozy bar and loved the open-kitchen vibe. Fore Street is lively without being loud. The mussels were like nothing we’ve had before — so delicious! Try the seared scallops and the foie gras, too.

3. Central Provisions

This spot should be high on your list if you’re looking for small plates with a local flair. The bone marrow toast and tuna crudo with caviar were our two favorite dishes but everything was outstanding at Central Provisions.

4. Thames Landing

We don’t usually rave about a side salad, but this one was really special — and they make their own dressings. Fresh and delicious! The lobster roll with lemon aioli was fantastic, too — just as good as the most popular spots in town. Ooh and the deviled eggs at Thames Landing were full of mustardy goodness. 

5. Eventide Oyster Co.

You can’t come to Portland and not stop at Eventide. Yes, it’s popular. Yes, there will be a wait. But trust us: the brown butter lobster roll and selection of Maine oysters are worth it. Every lobster roll we had in Portland was amazing but this one wins. Pro tip: They don’t take reservations so plan your trip accordingly. They’ll text you when your table is ready, which gives you time to wander the waterfront or grab a drink.

6. Bite Into Maine

This is the only one on the list that requires a car or Uber ride from downtown, but it’s worth the journey. Grab a lobster roll and chowder (if available) from the Bite Into Maine food cart at Fort Williams Park. The line moves fast, and it’s worth the wait. We loved both the Maine (mayo) and Connecticut (butter) style lobster rolls but Maine wins! This food cart and park are located on Cape Elizabeth, a must-stop for coastal views, the iconic Portland Head Light, and a scenic walk. It was a foggy day for us, but we still got to take in some great views. 

7. Evo Kitchen + Bar

When you’re ready for something a little different from Portland’s seafood scene, try Evo Kitchen + Bar for a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern twist. The space is small and vibrant with fantastic cuisine. The hummus is out of this world. 

8. The Holy Donut

This spot usually has a line down the street but we stopped by on a Wednesday afternoon with almost no wait. People come for their famous potato donuts which are super tasty. We don’t generally seek out donuts, but the origin and success story of this place is so heartwarming we’re glad we gave it a try. Wholesome ingredients and an inspiration story. The Holy Donut closes by 3 PM, so be sure to stop by for a morning treat or an afternoon snack. 

9. The Porthole

Come here for the vibes: live music, harbor views, and a laid-back atmosphere. The Porthole is a casual waterfront hangout that’s perfect for day drinking and people watching. They even have draft espresso martinis and some fun frozen cocktails. 

10. Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company

Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company is a chill spot with industrial vibes and excellent local brews. You can choose a 16 oz or 5 oz pour, so we got a bunch of 5ers and split them. 

11. Standard Baking Co.

This charming bakery is perfect for a morning croissant and local, self-serve drip coffee. Standard Baking Co.’s bread is also served at several top restaurants in town, including Fore Street and Central Provisions. 

12. DiMillo’s on the Water

We didn’t get a meal here (yet!) but the food looked delicious and we really enjoyed the cocktails at the bar. This massive floating restaurant has great views and a ton of charm. Even with the crowds, service was smooth and friendly. We’ll definitely be bookmarking DiMillo’s for dinner next time.

There were even more restaurants we wanted to try but we didn’t have enough time. Pro tip: Book your reservations well in advance. Some of these spots fill fast. What are your favorite restaurants in Portland, Maine? Let us know in the comments.

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