Updated June 24, 2025
With the busy summer season ramping up in Maine, it feels like the perfect time to share my updated list of favorite restaurants in Portland! This year, I’ve also added a new section highlighting some of our top picks from around the state, beyond Portland.
As with any food scene, things are always changing – some longtime favorites have closed, others dropped off the list after a few disappointing visits, and we’ve discovered so many new (or new-to-us) gems. The list keeps growing: from 18 the first year, to 30 last year, and now over 50. Yes, there really are that many phenomenal places to eat.
With a population of just 68,000, Portland punches far above its weight in the culinary department. If you leave town unimpressed by the food, I hate to say it… but you might be doing it wrong.
To keep things organized, I’ve broken the list into categories: Special Night, The Staples, Seafood/Lobster Rolls, Breakfast & Bakeries, Pizza, Desserts, Drinks, Odds & Ends, and Further Afield.
This roundup only includes restaurants we’ve actually visited: so it’s by no means a complete guide to Portland’s food scene. For that, check out my go-to resource: Portland Food Map.
Have a favorite spot in Portland? Drop it in the comments – I’m always looking for new places to try!
Note: As menus often change, there is a possibility that some of our favorite dishes are only seasonal or no longer on the menu!
CATEGORIES: SPECIAL NIGHT – THE STAPLES – PIZZA – LOBSTER ROLLS/SEAFOOD – BREAKFAST & BAKERIES – DESSERT – STORES – DRINKS – ODDS & ENDS – FURTHER AFIELD
MY FAVORITIES FOR A SPECIAL NIGHT
Fore Street (American) **Top Pick**
288 Fore St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-775-2717
A Portland institution, Fore Street has set the standard for farm‑to‑table cooking since 1996. Reservations disappear weeks in advance, but here’s a pro tip: show up right at opening and you can often nab a bar seat or an early table; that’s how we scored a 6:15 slot on our first visit. From the warm, loft‑like room to every perfectly executed dish, it was one of the most memorable places to grab a meal in town!
Reservations: Open 2 months in advance on Open Table.
Favorite Dishes: Peking Duck Leg Confit, Pineland Farm Hanger Steak, Wood Grilled Moulard Foie Gras, Caldwell Farm Beef Tartare, Heritage Pork Presse, Crab Stuffed Haddock Filet
Twelve (New American)
115 Thames Street, Portland (East End) | 207-910-7400
Opened in 2022 inside the restored Portland Company complex, Twelve is tailor‑made for special occasions. Chef Colin Wyatt (formerly of Eleven Madison Park) crafts a seasonal menu that pays homage to Maine – I’ve been several times and haven’t been disappointed by a single dish. I recommend going with a group and ordering the prix-fixe to sample a bit of everything!
Reservations: Available on Resy
Favorite Dishes (changes seasonally): Sweet Potato, Asparagus – tonnato, morel vol-au-vent, egg yolk, Milk Bread, Cauliflower Gratin, Cod – Jonah crab, carrot bisque, herbsait, New York Strip Steak , Chocolate Sundae, Butterscotch Pudding, Ice Cream Sandwich – rhubarb, pistachio, lime, Yogurt Cake – currants, earl grey ice cream
Scales (Seafood)
68 Commercial St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-805-0444
We visited Scales on our first trip to Portland, but I might have been too buzzed to fully appreciate the meal. After hearing repeatedly that it’s many people’s favorite, we knew we had to give it a proper second chance. This time, the experience lived up to the hype. Perched on a pier in the Old Port, Scales pairs a striking harbor‑side interior with phenomenal seafood. From cocktails to dessert, every dish was flawless. If you’re looking for an nice seafood restaurant in Portland, you can’t go wrong here.
Reservations: Available on Open Table.
Favorite Dishes: Ramp Rolls, Pan Roasted Halibut , Seared Scallops , Fried Squid & Cherry Peppers
Street & Co (Seafood)
33 Wharf St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-775-0887
New‑York cynicism had me convinced that any restaurant launched in the ’80s and set in a tourist hub must be coasting on nostalgia. Street & Co. proved me wrong. The candle‑lit, brick‑and‑beam dining room is as inviting as ever, and the unfussy, fresh seafood shows exactly why this place is still a local favorite. It makes for one cozy and satisfying night.
Reservations: Available on Open Table.
Favorite Dishes: Jonah Crab Sauté, Tuna Tartare, Sole Francaise
Douro (Portuguese) – New Addition
110 Thames St Suite A, Portland (East End) | 207-805-8255
This new Portuguese-inspired spot from the same restaurant group as Twelve is such a welcome addition to the Portland food scene. Opened in October 2025, I went in cautiously excited – after a few highly anticipated openings elsewhere left me disappointed.
But did they deliver – inventive plates, crave-worthy bites, and a shrimp sausage unlike anything I’ve ever had – studded with chunks of scallop to mimic the fat you see in chorizo. They are all about the details. Every dish we ordered was a hit. They even won me over on pickled sardines (served on a sunchoke hash brown, no less).
They also have a beautifully curated 32 bottle wine list, with pours available in three sizes – so you can order half-glasses and taste your way through more of the list.
Reservations: Available on Seven Rooms.
Favorite Dishes: Roasted Oysters with Chorizo Butter, Fried Calamari, Sunchoke Hashbrown, Shrimp Chourico, Gem Lettuce, Halibut, Pork Collar, Potatas Bravas, Pasteis de Nata
Special Night Bucket List: Miyake
THE STAPLES
Wayside Tavern (New American) **Top Pick**
747 Congress St, Portland (West End) | 207-613-9568
A recent discovery and already our favorite “new‑to‑us” spot. Tucked inside The Francis hotel, this cozy spot serves a rotating menu of plates, house‑made charcuterie, and natural‑wines. After months of hearing locals rave, we finally dropped in – and it rocketed straight to the top of our regular rotation. Honestly, not a single dish has missed the mark. The dining room is the perfect refuge on a frigid or rainy Portland night. Insider tip: visit on Sunday or Monday – the only evenings their mouthwatering burger appears. We like to split one, then share another main or a spread of apps and salads so we can sample as much deliciousness as possible.
Reservations: Available on Resy at noon each day for the dinner service 30 days in advance
Favorite Dishes: Broiled Maine Oysters with Chili Butter, Chicory Salad, Cabbage Salad, Eggplant Terrine, Halibut, Pork Schnitzel, Smash Burger (only available on Sunday and Monday)
Oun Lido’s (Cambodian)
30 Market St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-554-3111
Opened in May 2024 by chef Bounahcree Kim and Vien Dobui (the team behind Cong Tu Bot), Oun Lido’s quickly became our go‑to for takeout. No surprise it was the only Maine restaurant to land on Esquire’s 2024 “Best New Restaurants in America” list. While we usually grab take‑out from the first‑floor counter, there’s now a casual upstairs dining room if you want to settle in.
Reservations: Call ahead
Favorite Dishes: Hot Lemon Chicken, Mi Goreng, Beef Salad
Duckfat Frites Shack (New American)
43 Middle St, Portland (East End) | 207-774-8080
Duckfat is famous for their twice‑fried Belgian frites cooked in – what else – rendered duck fat. Before we moved to Maine, the long wait thwarted our plans to try them. Thankfully, they opened Duckfat Frites Shack at Oxbow Beer & Bottling, where you can skip the wait and dive straight into their signature poutine: crisp frites piled with cheese curds, rich duck gravy, and a shower of chives. We finally snagged a table at the original café for a cozy winter lunch, and every bite lived up to the hype.
Reservations: Does not take reservations
Favorite Dishes: Duckfat Poutine, Confit Mushroom & Delicata Squash
Papi (Puerto Rican)
18 Exchange St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-808-8008
Papi’s opened in 2023 and is a fabulous addition to the Portland food scene. We ordered a tableful of small plates on our first visit, and every bite hit the mark. Between the vibrant atmosphere, inventive drinks, and nicely seasoned dishes, Papi has already earned a permanent place on our “can’t‑wait‑to‑return” list.
Reservations: Available on Resy.
Favorite Dishes: Senora Lola (drink), Pernil, Churrasco, Beef Empanada, Bacalaito Shrimp
Central Provisions (New American)
414 Fore St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-805-1085
Our first meal in Portland was outside at Central Provisions during the pandemic, providing the perfect introduction to the city’s food scene. This Portland institution is a can’t-miss for your trip. The space isn’t large and fills up quickly, but if it’s packed, head downstairs to see if you can snag a seat at the bar.
Reservations: Available on Resy.
Favorite Dishes: Bone Marrow Toast, Fried Cauliflower, Okonomiyaki Hashbrowns, Spanish Chopped Salad, Baja Fish Sandwich, Spicy Beef Salad
Crispy Gai (Southeast Asian)
90 Exchange St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-536-1017
We dropped in for a weekday lunch – reservations aren’t taken for parties under six – and lucked into two seats at the bar. Our bartender (wish I’d caught her name!) steered us through the menu of Thai‑inspired fried chicken, noodle bowls, and shareables. The Lo Bak Go Tots with NJS Ranch still haunts my dreams!
Reservations: Available for parties of 6+ here.
Favorite Dishes: Lo Bak Go Tots with NJS Ranch, Bangkok Hot Sandwich, Khao Soi Gai , Kanom Gui Chai
Woodford F&B (American)
660 Forest Avenue, Portland (Woodford Corners) | 207-200-8503
This brasserie, which feels like an upscale mid-century diner, was a finalist in 2024 for James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality, and I can understand why! You can’t go wrong with the welcoming, casual vibe paired with delicious food and tasty drinks. The Croque Madame was out of this world!
Reservations: Available on Resy.
Favorite Dishes: Steak Tartare, Old Fashioned, Duck Liver Pate, Hamburger, Croque Madame
Boda (Thai)
671 Congress St, Portland (Downtown) | 207-347-7557
Though we haven’t dined in at Boda yet, it quickly became a favorite spot for Thai takeout in Portland. My personal litmus test for any Thai restaurant is their Khao Soi – my all-time favorite dish – and Boda’s version does not disappoint. Rich, flavorful, and generously spiced, it hits all the right notes. Even better, they don’t hold back on the heat!
Reservations: No reservations
Favorite Dishes: Khao Soi Gai
Leeward (Italian)
85 Free St, Portland (Downtown) | 207-808-8623
Leeward opened in March 2020, just a couple days before it had to shut down due to COVID. When it reopened several months later, it quickly earned accolades, including a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant and The New York Times 2022 America’s Best Restaurants list. After a visit with a large group of friends, I understand why! We ordered several plates to share, and I would order nearly every dish again.
Reservations: Open 3 weeks in advance on Resy.
Favorite Dishes: roasted fig crostone; grass-fed beef tartare; chicken liver mousse ; gnocco fritto; whole wheat pappardelle, morel mushrooms, confit garlic, sage, cream, parmigiano; spaghetti, Maine lobster, pomodoro, calabrian chile, fennel, colatura, breadcrumbs, basil
Terlingua (Tacos & BBQ)
40 Washington Ave, Portland (East End) | 207-956-7573
Alex and I first stopped by Terlingua for a drink and a quick bite at the bar after work – and were immediately impressed. The spicy margaritas lived up to their name (finally, some real heat!), and the brisket tacos came with an actual slab of tender, flavorful meat. The large, beautiful outdoor space makes it an ideal spot for a summer evening. My current favorite? The Baja Taco!
Reservations: Open 2 weeks in advance on Resy.
Favorite Dishes: Brisket Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Baja Tacos, Spicy Margarita
Yosaku (Sushi)
1 Danforth St, Portland (Arts District) | 207-780-0880
Alex had his first meal at Yosaku with coworkers and couldn’t stop raving about the fried chicken in his bento box. Not long after, my friend Sarah suggested we go there for dinner. As it’s one of her favorite spots, I let her take the lead on ordering, and I was impressed by the spread. Since then, Yosaku has continued to come up again and again as a local favorite.
Reservations: Open 6 weeks in advance on Open Table.
Favorite Dishes: Tatsuta-Age, Any of the sushi
Banh Appetit (Vietnamese)
171 Cumberland Ave (East Bayside) | 207- 613-9399
When we were leaving New York, one of the big questions was where I was going to get my bahn mi fix (Banh Mi Saigon, I miss you). Turns out Portland has its own hero: Bánh Appétit, a tiny, family‑run shop on Cumberland Ave that The Infatuation even named one of the 13 Best Bánh Mì in America.
Reservations: Does not accept
Favorite Dishes: Thit Nguoi Bahn Mi
Salvator’s (Hoagies)
501 Washington Ave (East Deering)
I’d been drooling over these massive hoagies for months after first spotting them on Instagram. Salvatore’s serves up epic Philly-style hoagies and cheesesteaks on house-baked rolls. They currently operate out of the back of Howie’s Pub in East Deering, but later this year, they’re opening their own space on Forest Ave – just five minutes from our apartment. Dangerous! These are beasts of a sandwich, so come hungry. We’ve found that one is usually enough for the two of us – or perfect to split and save for later if you can’t polish it off in one go.
Reservations: NA
Favorite Dishes: Chicken Cutlet Parm, Cheesesteak, Turkey BLT
EVO Kitchen + Bar(Mediterranean) – New Addition
443 Fore Street (Old Port) | 207-223-6462
We were late to the party on this one, finally visiting after hearing – again and again – how good it was. A counter of seats rings the compact, open kitchen, letting you watch the team torch octopus, swirl tahini, and artfully plate mezze – ideal for picking up a few presentation tricks to try at home.
Reservations: Available on Seven Rooms.
Favorite Dishes: Tuna Crudo, Labneh, Heirloom Beets, Beef Kibbeh
Franciska (Argentine Bodegón) – New Addition
111 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101 | (207) 835-0086
Our friends Meg and John suggested we stop by this cute, unassuming little spot on Middle Street (one I’d only heard mentioned in passing) and wow, what a phenomenal meal. This small, cozy restaurant is exactly where you want to be on a cold winter night. Every bite was a hit, and the Argentine wine list was especially impressive. I’m not usually a flan person, so we skipped dessert, but that may have been a mistake, considering it landed on The New York Times’ The 14 Best Restaurant Desserts We Ate Across the U.S. in 2025 Looks like we’ll just have to go back!
Reservations: Available on Open Table.
Favorite Dishes: Deviled Eggs, Almond & Smoked Olives, Radicchio & Mixed Lettuces, Shitake Mushroom Tartine, Moosabec Wild Mussels, Peekytoe Crab Canelones, Quince Tart with Fig Ice Cream
Bucket List Restaurants: Marcy’s Diner, Schulte & Herr, Luncheonette
LOBSTER ROLLS/SEAFOOD
Bite Into Maine **Top Pick**
Multiple Locations | 207-289-6142
Like many transplants and locals before me, I’m on a quest for the best lobster roll in Maine – it’s really just an excuse to eat as much lobster as possible! The type of roll, flavor, and sea view all factor in, and Bite Into Maine checks every box. They have three locations, but my favorite is Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. You can’t beat the views, and you can walk off the rolls heaped with lobster by strolling along the coast. The rolls come in 4.5-ounce and 6-ounce sizes, and the 4.5-ounce is plenty! Since trying the wasabi roll, it has become my go-to order.
Reservations: Not available
Favorite Dishes: Maine Lobster Rolls, Wasabi Lobster Rolls, Connecticut Lobster Rolls
The Highroller Lobster Co.
104 Exchange St, Portland (Downtown) | 207-536-1623
High Roller Lobster Co. always seems to have a wait since it’s landed on so many best-of lists. I was skeptical, but they won me (and my friends) over – we went three times in seven days at our friend’s request. I adore the spicy mango habanero lobster roll, but the decadent grilled cheese is also an absolute treat.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Lobster Roll with Mango Habanero Mayo, Lobster Grilled Cheese
Mr. Tuna (Sushi)
83 Middle Street, Portland (East End) | 207-536-0509
After moving to Portland, this was the very first spot I ran to for lunch—straight for a hand-roll trio. Chef Jordan Rubin (who also owned my favorite restaurant in town, Bar Futo, which closed in 2022) was named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2025, and the The New York Times called the Tuna de Tigre one of the best dishes their editors ate anywhere in 2024. You know you’re in very good hands here. Beyond the food, Jordan just seems like an all-around great human, most recently setting up a community freezer to support neighbors in need.
While all the sushi is fresh and phenomenal, don’t skip the seasonal Toasties for dessert. Last year’s blueberry-yuzu jam with cornflakes and corn ice cream was a standout – and I still think about it.
Reservations: Open 6 weeks in advance on Open Table.
Favorite Dishes: Tuna de Tigre, Ice Cream Toasties, Spicy Scallop and Crab Roll, Potato Salad, Miso Honey Old Fashioned
Luke’s Lobster
60 Portland Pier, Portland (Old Port) | 207-550-2490
My go-to spot in NYC to satisfy a lobster roll craving was always Luke’s Lobster! While the chain started in Manhattan, the owner, Luke Holden, is a Cape Elizabeth native and open this first full-service restaurant in 2019. I still order the Seafood Roll Flight every time (it’s the best way to try a little bit of everything: lobster, crab, and shrimp). Even better is the location – right on the water, so you get the full Maine experience.
Reservations: Available on Resy two weeks in advance.
Favorite Dishes: Jonah Crab Roll, Fried Pickles, Seafood Roll Flight, Lobster Roll
Lil Chippy (Fish & Chips)
52 Washington Ave, Portland (Munjoy Hill)
Lil Chippy opened in June 2024 and quickly became my favorite place for fish and chips. The craggy, breaded, and deep-fried fish is what dreams are made of. Do yourself a favor and get the salt and vinegar seasoned fries.
Reservations: Walk-in Only
Favorite Dishes: Lil Chippy – crispy fish and chips, slaw, tartar and ketchup, Salt and Vinegar Chips, Tuna Crudo
Top Seafood Bucket List: The Shop by Island Creek Oysters, SoPo Seafood
PIZZA
Quanto Basta **Top Pick**
249 Congress St, Portland (Munjoy Hill)
Quanto Basta started out as a food truck and opened this brick-and-mortar shop in 20223. They serve up Neapolitan-style pizza with dreamy crusts and tasty (often seasonal) toppings.
Reservations: Not available
Favorite Dishes: L’Amatriciana, Suppli Classico, Margherita Buffala
Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company
Multiple Locations
Brickyard Hollow first opened in Yarmouth in 2018 and quickly expanded to 10 locations throughout Maine. Our friends Annie and Ron introduced us to this place because there’s a location near their home in Freeport. You can’t go wrong with their thin-crust pizzas, and we love their unique options like mashed potato pizza and blueberry pizza. We aren’t beer drinkers, so we can’t vouch for their selection, but we’ve heard great things.
Reservations: Open 2 months in advance on Open Table.
Favorite Dishes: Cup & Char Pepperoni Pizza; Sausage, Mushroom, Red Onion; Mashed Potato, Bacon, Shallot, Sour Cream Chive Drizzle; Maine Blueberries, Rosemary Ricotta, Roast Shallot, Lemon Zest
Lazzari
618 Congress St, Portland (Downtown) | 207-536-0368
This low-key, unpretentious spot offers great drinks and stellar wood-fired pizzas. The 10-inch pies are just the right size. You can’t beat their happy hour, which runs from 4-7 pm Monday through Friday.
Reservations: For parties of 6 or more here.
Favorite Dishes: Amatriciana, Pepperoni
Top Pizza Bucket List: Off Track Pizza
BREAKFAST & BAKERIES
Tandem Coffee Roasters
742 Congress St, Portland (West End) | 207-760-4440
My friend Annie brought us to Tandem Coffee + Bakery on our first trip to Portland, and it’s still an absolute favorite! This spot is very popular, and I’ve never visited without waiting in some sort of line, but it’s worth the wait! Recipe developer and author Eric Kim is also a fan, and on his suggestion, I tried the epic Loaded Biscuit with Pepper Jelly + Cream Cheese – it was sheer perfection!
Reservations: Not available
Favorite Dishes: Everything Scone, Loaded Biscuit with Pepper Jelly + Cream Cheese , Quiche (changes regularly), Chocolate Chip Cookie, Banana Bread
Zu Bakery
81 Clark St, Portland (West End) | 207-409-0117
Recently crowned the 2024 James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Bakery” – the first Maine spot ever to snag the national title – Zu Bakery more than lives up to the hype. We stopped in on a frigid but sunny winter morning just as a tray of ham-and-cheese croissants was coming out of the oven. One bite – with shatteringly crisp layers, molten cheese, and smoky ham – and we knew we were eating one of the best croissants we’ve ever had.
Reservations: No reservations
Favorite Dishes: Ham & Cheese Croissant, Apple Galettes
Belleville
1 North Street, Portland (Munjoy Hill) | 207-774-8538
Opened in 2017, Belleville has a well-earned reputation for phenomenal croissant – I’ve heard it even is beloved by many Parisians! I usually order the Kimchi Croissant, but anything you choose will be delicious. They’re also known for their pizza, which I haven’t tried yet.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Ham and Cheese Croissant, Egg and Cheese Croissant, Cardamom Bun, Morning Bun, Kimchi Croissant
Rose Foods
428 Forest Ave, Portland (Oakdale) | 207-835-0991
In 2023, Rose Food landed on Bon Appetit’s The Very Best Bagels in the US (Yes, Outside New York). What really drew me in was the Regal Rose – a bagel topped with pastrami, eggs, latke, jalapeno mayo, and cheddar! Unfortunately, when we went, they were out of pastrami and not serving this, so I chose the Classic Nova, which didn’t disappoint! It doesn’t look like they serve the Regal Rose anymore, but you can’t go wrong here. These are truly the best bagels I’ve had outside of NYC
Reservations: No reservations
Favorite Dishes: Classic Nova on Everything Bagel with Horseradish Cream Cheese
Dutch’s
28 Preble St, Portland (Downtown) | 207-761-2900
Dutch’s, a fabulous recommendation from Woks of Life, offers breakfast and lunch classics. Being only a couple of blocks from our apartment, it tempts me every weekend. It’s counter service and you seat yourself. There hasn’t been a miss on the menu.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: The Traditional with Pulled Ham on an English muffin, Loaded Hashbrowns, Donut with Key Lime Cream, Blueberry Mini Donuts, Blueberry Muffins, The Burrito
Norimoto
469 Stevens Ave, Portland (Back Bay)
Norimoto Bakery, an unassuming bakery owned by Atsuko Fujimoto, combines the best of French pastry with inventive Asian twists. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. It’s no wonder Atsuko won the 2024 James Beard award for Outstanding Pastry Chef.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Apricot Tart, Quiche, Shortbread Cookies with Strawberry Rhubarb Cream, Sausage and Jalapeno Roll
Ramona’s
98 Washington Ave, Portland (East End) | 207-956-7194
My friend Annie highly recommended breakfast at Ramon’s, a small grab-and-go breakfast/lunch spot on the East End. We ordered on our way and picked up breakfast sandwiches to eat on the Eastern Promenade. The fog blocked our view, but I was too busy enjoying my delicious Ramona Roll to care – fluffy eggs, cheese, bacon, broccoli rabe, and Calabrian chile spread on a roll.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Ramona Roll, Bacon, Egg & Cooper Sharp on a Roll
Standard Baking Co.
75 Commercial St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-773-2112
Tucked beneath sister restaurant Fore Street, this wood‑fired bakery has been a Portland Institution since 1995. I couldn’t leave Standard Baking Co. off the list. While I haven’t visited often, they’re my go-to for delicious sourdough bread. I need to try all of their pastries!
Reservations: Walk‑in counter service only – arrive early on weekends for the best selection
Favorite Dishes: Sourdough Bread
BONUS – Micro-Bakery
- Alecco Bakery – Great baguettes, bread, croissants and morning buns! Order by Wednesday for Saturday Pickup
Top Bakery Bucket List: Hot Suppa, Night Moves Bread
DESSERT
Gorgeous Gelato
434 Fore St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-699‑4309
There are two gelaterias on Fore Street, and you can’t go wrong with either, but Gorgeous Gelato edges out the competition for me. The Milanese owners, Donato and Mariagrazia, craft silky‑smooth and creamy treats to cool you down on a warm (for Maine) day.
Reservations: NA
Favorite Dishes: Pistachio, Hazelnut
Red’s Dairy Freeze
167 Cottage Rd, South Portland
This classic walk-up ice cream stand, brings out the kid in me – reminding me of my summers growing up in Ohio. I forgot how much I adore soft serve, and this nostalgic spot offers some of the best I’ve had!
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Peanut Butter Soft Serve
Top Dessert Bucket List: Yuri’s Desserts
STORES
Sissle & Daughters – 107 Washington Ave #1 (Munjoy Hill) – Opened in 2018 by the lovely Mary Chapman and Will Sissle, this is THE place for cheese, charcuterie and other delicious ingredients and prepared foods. While you’re there make sure you pick up on of their fabulous baguette sandwiches.
Viand Mercantile – 470 Fore St Ste 202 (Old Port) – This adorable little shop is one of my favorite places in town for home goods and kitchen gear.
Micucci Grocery Store – 45 India St (East End) – Great Italian specialty store to grab ingredients for your antipasto board or Italian feast!
Sun Oriental Market – 626 Congress St (Downtown) – This is my go-to Asian grocer – they pack a lot in a small space and are always super helpful when trying to find specific ingredients.
Skordo – 372 Fore St (Old Port) – This spice store has everything and quickly became a favorite with mixes like Maine Blueberry Pork Rub and their Central Provisions line.
Rosemont Market & Bakery – Various Locations – 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Rosemont Market & Bakery. Their shelves are a treasure trove of local goodies, and they’ve introduced me to countless new Maine‑made favorites I’d never have found on my own.
LeRoux Kitchen – 161 Commercial St (Old Port) – The go-to store for all your kitchen gear needs
DRINKS
- Blythe & Burrows (Old Port) – Tom Yum Punch
- Room for Improvement (Old Port) – Drinks: Gimlet, Strawberry Daiquiris, Cosmo Food: Kraut Dog
- Via Vecchia (Old Port) – Espresso Martini
- Anoche (Munjoy Hill) – Roku (Gin) Martini with a Twist
- Cuties (Old Port) – recently opened, great, light filled space, and delicious food and drink
ODDS & ENDS
- Favorite Burger: Nosh‘s Double Double Burger
- Favorite App: Empire Chinese Kitchen‘s Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Favorite Ice Cream: The Honey Paw‘s Honey Soft Serve
FURTHER AFIELD – FAVORITES OUTSIDE OF PORTLAND
Alna Store (New American)
2 Dock Rd. Alna, Maine | 207-586-5515
Driving to the Alna Store, you might start to wonder if you’ve taken a wrong turn – as you pass fields, a lonely meeting house from 1789, and more fields – until you reach a fork in the road, where the Alna Store sits like a hidden gem. It’s one of our favorite restaurants in the entire state – and we’re not alone. In 2024, it landed on the New York Times Best New Restaurants list and was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.
The first time we visited, there was a Volvo parked out front with “BEYONCE” on the license plate, and I knew I had found my people. It’s a casual, laid back vibe with stellar dishes.
The menu changes constantly with the seasons, so it’s hard to recommend specific dishes – but honestly, you can’t go wrong. Just make sure you save room for dessert. It’s always phenomenal.
Reservations: Available on Resy.
Favorite Dishes: Pork Chile Verde, Ricotta Cheesecake, Tonkatsu, Matcha Crepe Cake, Black Sea Bass, Big Cream Puff
Long Grain (Thai)
20 Washington St, Camden | 207-236-9001
Who would have guessed I’d find some of the best Thai food outside Thailand in tiny Camden, Maine? We stumbled on Long Grain during a spur‑of‑the‑moment day trip, and it instantly became one of our favorite discoveries of the summer. Every dish was phenomenal.
Reservations: Call (207) 236-9001 or (207) 230-8735. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Favorite Dishes: Kao Soi Gai, Som Tum, Gang Keaw Whan Gai
South Freeport Village Market (Sandwiches/Market)
97 S Freeport Rd, Freeport | 207-708-7008
If the Barefoot Contessa had a store in Freeport, I imagine it would feel a lot like South Freeport Village Market – delicious sandwiches, great coffee, and a charming little market. Our friend Annie introduced us to this spot, and we often try to grab sandwiches there when we visit them.
Reservations: NA
Favorite Dishes: Potato Head Sandwich, The Ruben
Congdon’s Doughnuts (Breakfast)
1090 Post Rd, Wells | 207-646-4219
Just a 10 minute drive from downtown Ogunquit is a must-visit breakfast spot in Wells. When we went in August a line snaked out the door, which I’ve heard is usual, but they are pros and things move quickly. They are known for their donuts, but also offer breakfast sandwiches, plates and bagels.
Reservations: NA
Favorite Dishes: Blueberry Fritter
Brix + Brine (Seafood)
49 Shore Rd, Ogunquit | 207-641-2971
On our first trip to Ogunquit, this was our first stop for dinner and it was the perfect way to ease into the weekend. We sat outdoors beneath a massive tree, with a light breeze, and a martini in hand before enjoying some delicious dishes. My kind of night.
Reservations: Does not take reservations. Only open late Spring to mid-October.
Favorite Dishes: Crab Melt, Bluefin Tuna Poke
Lobster Shack (Seafood)
110 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit | 207-646-2941
If you’re staying in Ogunquit, I highly recommend walking the Marginal Way along the coastline – it ends at the charming Perkins Cove. Hopefully you’ll have worked up an appetite for one of the tasty lobster rolls at the Lobster Shack. The lightly dressed lobster salad on a bun is simple and perfect, especially with a side of potato chips. When we went, I ordered the lunch special, which included a cup of clam chowder – and I’m so glad I did.
Reservations: NA
Favorite Dishes: Lobster Roll, Clam Chowder
For our favorites in BAR HARBOR see here.
Maine Bucket List: Earth at Hidden Pond, The Lost Kitchen, Magnus on the Water, Peng’s Pizza Pie, White Barn Inn, Primo, Trevett Country Store, Nina June, Aragosta, Red’s Eats
And click here for a map of my favorites and bucket list restaurants!
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Great list. You need to go try Salvatore’s, a small operation running out of Howie’s pub. He makes the only Italian hoagie (real hoagie) worth eating north of Boston.
Thanks!! Need to go to Salvatore’s ASAP – you had me at Italian hoagie. Thanks for the rec!
What about Monte’s Fine Foods – best pizza, bakery, store in town!
It’s on my bucket list! Need to try ASAP!
Now far from Reds is Scratch Bakery in Willard Square. I would argue they have the best bagels! I fill the freezer during vacation to bring home. Their homemade Ring Dings and coconut cake are delish.
Love a good coconut cake! Scratch has been on the bucket list for too long – time to make a trip!