Updated June 2026
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.
For a city of about 70,000, Portland, Maine, punches way above its weight when it comes to food. Since first visiting six years ago and moving here in 2024, I’ve seen some favorites close, some incredible new spots open, and I’m still constantly surprised by new-to-me hidden gems.
This is my personal, very opinionated guide to the places I actually recommend: special-occasion dinners, lobster rolls, bakeries, pizza, cocktails, food shops, and the casual spots I return to again and again. I’ve only included places I’ve personally visited, many of which I revisited this year to see if they still hold up, so this isn’t meant to be exhaustive. For that, Portland Food Map should absolutely be your go-to resource.
I’ve kept this guide focused on Portland and nearby Greater Portland favorites. For restaurants worth driving to elsewhere in Maine, check out my regional guides.
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!
Want to plan your meals by neighborhood? I made a Google Map of all my favorites and bucket-list spots here.
CATEGORIES: Special Occasion Restaurants – Casual Favorites – Lobster Rolls & Seafood– Pizza – Breakfast & Bakeries – Dessert – Food Shops & Markets – Cocktails & Bars – More Portland Favorites – Greater Portland
Best Restaurants 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
Twelve opened in 2022 inside the restored Portland Company complex and quickly became one of Portland’s best special-occasion spots. Chef Colin Wyatt, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, built the menu around Maine ingredients, but it never feels too precious. I’ve been several times now, and I don’t think I’ve had a single miss.
For the full experience, go with a group and order the prix fixe so you can try a little bit of everything. Or keep it simple: sit at the bar, order an ice-cold martini, and get the lobster roll, which comes tucked into a handmade croissant. The menu changes with the seasons, but that lobster roll sticks around year-round, and it absolutely earns its spot.
Reservations: Available on Seven Rooms
Favorite Dishes (changes seasonally): Lobster Roll, Russian Honey Cake, 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
When someone is visiting Portland for the first time and tells me they want phenomenal seafood – not just a lobster roll – Scales is where I send them
We went on our very first trip to Portland, though I’ll admit I may have been a little too buzzed to fully appreciate it. After hearing over and over that it was a favorite for so many people here, we went back for a proper second visit. And thankfully, we did.
Perched on a pier in the Old Port, Scales pairs a stunning harborside dining room with exceptional seafood. From cocktails to dessert, I’ve enjoyed every dish we’ve had over the years. If you’re looking for a nicer seafood restaurant in Portland, this is one you really can’t go wrong with.
Reservations: Available on Open Table.
Favorite Dishes: Ramp Rolls, Pan Roasted Halibut , Seared Scallops , Fried Squid & Cherry Peppers, Butterscotch Sundae
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 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 they absolutely delivered – 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. They even won me over on pickled sardines (served on a sunchoke hash brown, no less).
They also have a tight 32-bottle wine list with pours in three sizes, so you can try a few without fully committing to a bottle.
Reservations: Available on Seven Rooms.
Favorite Dishes: Roasted Oysters with Chorizo Butter, Fried Calamari, Sunchoke Hashbrown, Shrimp Chourico, Gem Lettuce, Halibut, Chicken, Cod, Pork Collar, Patatas Bravas, Pasteis de Nata
Special Night Bucket List: Miyake
Our Favorite Go-To Spots
Wayside Tavern (New American) **Top Pick**
747 Congress St, Portland (West End) | 207-613-9568
Tucked inside The Francis hotel, Wayside Tavern has become one of the spots we think of first when we want a cozy dinner but don’t want the whole production of a big night out. After months of hearing locals talk it up, we finally went, and it moved into our regular rotation fast. 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
Oun Lido’s opened in May 2024 from chef Bounahcree Kim and Vien Dobui of Cong Tu Bot, and it quickly became one of our favorite takeout moves. 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
Ladyfish (Seafood) – New Addition
425 Fore St, Portland (Old Port)
To say we were sad when Bar Futo closed would be an understatement, but lucky for us, Jordan Rubin has opened Ladyfish, a summer pop-up in the same space. Well, May through October, technically, but either way, I can already tell it’s going to be on repeat while we have it.
It has the same loose, fun energy we loved about Bar Futo, with Chef Christine Lau making small plates that lean into local Maine seafood without playing it safe. Everything we had was delicious, but I wouldn’t skip the Fragrant Eggplant Dip or the Scallops in a Blanket. Summer won’t be complete until I go back for the Twin Lobster Mountain, which looks like an actual dream.
They’re currently open for dinner, and according to the website, lunch service is coming sometime in June.
Reservations: Available on Opentable.
Favorite Dishes: Fragrant Eggplant Dip, Scallops in a Blanket, Steamed Buns with Uni Butter, Crab Rangoon Melt
Franciska (Argentine Bodegón) – New Addition
111 Middle St, Portland (Old Port) | (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. It’s the kind of small, low-key restaurant that feels exactly right on a cold night. 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, Shiitake Mushroom Tartine, Moosabec Wild Mussels, Peekytoe Crab Canelones, Quince Tart with Fig Ice Cream
Papi (Puerto Rican)
18 Exchange St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-808-8008
We first went to Papi soon after it opened, and it immediately earned a spot on our “best of” list. On that first visit, we ordered a table full of small plates, and every bite hit the mark.
Somehow, after moving here, we hadn’t made it back until this winter, which feels like a real oversight. Happy to report: not only is Papi still fantastic, it might be even better than I remembered. Between the vibrant atmosphere, inventive drinks, and beautifully seasoned dishes, it was the perfect reminder to put this one in the regular rotation.
Reservations: Available on Resy.
Favorite Dishes: Senora Lola (drink), Pernil, Churrasco, Pan Seared Trout, Pollo Guisado, 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. The menu is built for sharing, which is ideal because choosing just a couple things here is hard. 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, Suckling Pig
Crispy Gai (Southeast Asian)
90 Exchange St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-536-1017
We dropped in for a weekday lunch and lucked into two seats at the bar. Our bartender steered us through the Thai-inspired fried chicken, noodle bowls, and shareables, and I wish I had caught her name because she did not lead us astray. 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! Executive Chef Courtney Loreg, Birch Shambaugh, and Fayth Preyer have created the kind of neighborhood restaurant that makes you want to become a regular. The Croque Madame was out of this world!
Reservations: Available on Resy.
Favorite Dishes: Steak Tartare, Old Fashioned, Duck Liver Pate, Hamburger, Croque Madame
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, which is a brutal bit of timing. But when it reopened several months later, it didn’t take long for people to catch on, earning major accolades including a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant and The New York Times 2022 America’s Best Restaurants list. When we’re craving really solid Italian in Portland, Leeward is our go-to.
Reservations: Open 30 days 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
Salvatore’s Hoagie Shop (Hoagies)
448 Forest Avenue, Suite 1, Portland | 207-710-3969
Salvatore’s serves up epic Philly-style hoagies and cheesesteaks on house-baked rolls. After operating out of the back of Howie’s Pub in East Deering, they just opened 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: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Chicken Cutlet Parm, Cheesesteak, Turkey BLT
Luncheonette (Lunch)
147 Cumberland Ave. (East End)
Angela Lee and Alex LeBlanc opened Luncheonette in June 2025, and it didn’t take long for people to notice. Eater named it one of the 15 Best New Restaurants in America for 2025.
Inside is small, cozy, and especially good on a rainy day with coffee, a cinnamon roll, and Ella Fitzgerald playing in the background. On a sunny day, the patio is the move, especially with the bibimbap topped with deviled egg yolk.
I’m often car-less during the week, but if that weren’t the case, I would be here on the regular!
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Bibimbap, Cinnamon Roll
Terlingua (Tacos & BBQ)
40 Washington Ave, Portland (East End) | 207-956-7573
My husband 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
EVO Kitchen + Bar (Mediterranean) – New Addition
443 Fore Street (Old Port) | 207-223-6462
We were late to EVO after hearing about it for ages, but I understand the praise now. The compact open kitchen is ringed with counter seats, so you can watch the team torch octopus, spoon labneh, and plate mezze at close range.
It’s a good dinner, but it’s also great restaurant theater. I left with several ideas for plating my meals!
Reservations: Available on Seven Rooms.
Favorite Dishes: Tuna Crudo, Labneh, Heirloom Beets, Beef Kibbeh
Bánh Appétit (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 Bánh mì fix (Bánh Mì 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: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Thit Nguoi Bánh Mì
Duckfat/Frites Shack (New American)
43 Middle St, Portland (East End) | 207-774-8080
Duckfat built its reputation on twice-fried Belgian frites cooked in rendered duck fat. Before we moved to Maine, the famously long wait kept us from trying the original café, so Duckfat Frites Shack at Oxbow Beer & Bottling was the perfect workaround: same crisp frites, no marathon wait. The move is the poutine, loaded with cheese curds, rich duck gravy, and chives. We eventually made it to the original café for a cozy winter lunch, and yes, it was woth the wait.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Duckfat Poutine, Confit Mushroom & Delicata Squash
Bucket List Restaurants: Marcy’s Diner, Schulte & Herr
Our Favorite Lobster Rolls and Seafood
Bite Into Maine **Top Pick**
Multiple Locations | 207-289-6142
Like many transplants and locals before me, I’m on a quest to find my favorite lobster roll in Maine. This is mostly an excuse to eat as much lobster as possible, but I’m calling it research. 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 4.5-ounce roll is plenty, though I respect anyone going for the 6-ounce. Since trying the wasabi roll, that’s become my usual order.
Reservations: Walk-in only
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. took us a little while to get to, mostly because there always seemed to be a line. But after one visit, I got why people keep recommending it. A few summers ago, we brought a friend there and they liked it so much we ended up going back three times in one week! I’m partial to the spicy mango habanero lobster roll, but the grilled cheese is also ridiculously good.
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 2025) was named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2025, and 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
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
Yosaku (Sushi)
1 Danforth St, Portland (Arts District) | 207-780-0880
My husband 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
Luke’s Lobster
60 Portland Pier, Portland (Old Port) | 207-550-2490
Luke’s Lobster was my go-to in New York when I wanted a lobster roll, so it’s funny that I now live in Maine and still happily go. The company started in Manhattan, but founder Luke Holden is from Cape Elizabeth and opened this full-service Portland location in 2019.
I still order the seafood roll flight because I am indecisive and it lets me try lobster, crab, and shrimp without choosing. The waterfront location doesn’t hurt either.
Reservations: Available on Resy two weeks in advance.
Favorite Dishes: Jonah Crab Roll, Fried Pickles, Seafood Roll Flight, Lobster Roll
Top Seafood Bucket List: The Shop by Island Creek Oysters, SoPo Seafood
Our Favorite Spots to Grab a Slice
Friends and Family **Top Pick** – New Addition
593 Congress St, Portland (Downtown) | 207-536-4022
We were embarrassingly late to Friends and Family, especially because it’s about a block from our place. What started as a once-a-week pizza night at this neighborhood wine bar caught on, and thankfully the pizzas are now available every day. Since we live so close, we usually grab one to go, but I’ve heard great things about the wine too. Clearly, more research is required.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Raclette Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza
Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company
Multiple Locations
Brickyard Hollow first opened in Yarmouth in 2018 and has since 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. The thin-crust pizzas are solid, and I like that they don’t play it too safe with toppings. Mashed potato pizza? Blueberry pizza? I’m listening. We’re not beer drinkers, so I can’t speak to that side of the menu, but we’ve heard good things.
Reservations: Walk-in only
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. Their happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 pm, which makes it an especially good early-evening stop. The Amatriciana and pepperoni are the pizzas I’d start with.
Reservations: Available here.
Favorite Dishes: Amatriciana, Pepperoni
Top Pizza Bucket List: ZA, Monte’s Fine Foods
Our Favorite Bakeries + Breakfast Spots
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: Walk-in only
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
Winner of 2024 James Beard Foundation Award for “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: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Ham & Cheese Croissant, Apple Galettes
Belleville
767 Forest Avenue, Portland (Woodfords Corner) | 207-536-7463
Opened in 2017, Belleville has a well-earned reputation for phenomenal croissants – I’ve heard it even is beloved by many Parisians! I’m partial to the kimchi croissant, but the ham and cheese, egg and cheese, morning bun, and cardamom bun are all strong choices. They’re also known for pizza, which I still need to try. Belleville announced it is closing the Munjoy Hill location on June 8, but the Forest Ave location will be open Saturdays and Sundays.
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 Foods landed on Bon Appetit’s The Very Best Bagels in the US , and as someone who moved here from New York, I had questions.
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! The Regal Rose doesn’t appear to be on the menu anymore, but Rose Foods is still where we go when we need a real bagel fix.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Classic Nova on Everything Bagel with Horseradish Cream Cheese
Dutch’s
28 Preble St, Portland (Downtown) | 207-761-2900
Dutch’s came recommended by Woks of Life, which was enough to get my attention. It’s a quick five-minute walk from us, making it dangerously tempting on mornings when breakfast feels like too much effort. It’s casual counter service, seat-yourself, and exactly the kind of place where I start by saying I’ll order one thing and then somehow add donuts.
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’re in for a treat. 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
Standard Baking Co. sits beneath sister restaurant Fore Street and has been part of Portland since 1995. I haven’t visited as often as I should, but their sourdough is the bread I reach for when I want something reliable and really good.
I still need to make a proper pastry run, preferably early on a weekend before the case gets picked over.
Reservations: Walk‑in counter service only – arrive early on weekends for the best selection
Favorite Dishes: Sourdough Bread
BONUS – Micro-Bakeries
Alecco Bakery makes great baguettes, bread, croissants, and morning buns. During the winter, order by Wednesday for Saturday pickup. You can also find them on Saturdays at The Grateful Cup
The Purple Whisk is a great option for pies, cakes, muffins, and other sweets. Order by Wednesday for Friday or Saturday pickup. The brown sugar swirl coffee cake is the kind of thing I would absolutely build a weekend around.
Top Bakery/Breakfast Bucket List: Hot Suppa, Night Moves Bread, Mourning Cloak
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth – Favorite Desserts
Yuri’s Desserts – New Addition
3 Spring St, Portland (Old Port) | 207-560-7585
Opened in January 2025, Yuri’s is a Korean-style bakery and cafe with gorgeous cream cakes, macarons, donuts, croissants, and bingsu. I usually stop in for coffee and a quick sweet treat, but the cakes have a serious fan club, and I clearly need to make that my next order.
Reservations: Walk-in only
Favorite Dishes: Sweet-Frank Roll, Sweet Red Bean Donut
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: Walk-in only
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: NA
Favorite Food Shops, Stores & Markets
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 one 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 – Rosemont turned 20 in 2025, and it’s introduced me to so many Maine-made ingredients I probably wouldn’t have found otherwise. The shelves are full of local produce, pantry staples, prepared foods, baked goods, and little surprises that make grocery shopping much more fun.
LeRoux Kitchen – 161 Commercial St (Old Port) – The go-to store for all your kitchen gear needs
Best Places to Grab a Drink
- 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
- Cuties (Old Port) – recently opened, great, light filled space, and delicious food and drink
A Few More Portland Favorites
- 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
GREATER PORTLAND FAVORITES
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 Reuben
My favorites and bucket list restaurants mapped out here!
More BEST OF MAINE here.
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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!
We have been to Earth at hidden pond twice over the years and have reservations for a birthday celebration on May 7th. The restaurant is simply stunningly beautiful. They are doing an all 3 or 4 course pre fix now. Highly recommended you check it off your list! Also Walkers in Cape Neddick is a stellar meal and the chef/owner was at Earth years back when it opened. Ken Oringer was the original Executive chef.
Trent – love the information and references! I will be coming to Portland in late summer, early fall, driving from Nova Scotia and along the coastal towns. You make me want to stay in Portland 2 days instead of one! I noted several of your recommendations. However, do you have suggestions in other towns from Saint John, NS to Bar Harbor to Kennebunkport?
Hey Brett! Happy you found this helpful! Building out other Maine guides here: https://storeboughtisfineblog.wpcomstaging.com/my-guides/a-guide-to-maine/ Posting about Deer Isle tomorrow!
any recommendations for places to stay @ Portland, that would be helpful, Thx!
I don’t have any first-hand experience but have heard good things about The Francis and The Canopy!
Have you been to Isa? Wonderful, cozy, unpretentious bistro.
I try to go to a place 2-3 times before adding. Had a great meal the first time we went! Need to revisit it!
Slightly elderly Japanese American guy here —-
I agree that Yosaku is a good Japanese restaurant and Miyake is great for an Asian fusion meal. (And Pai Men has great ramen.) But if you want sushi (not karaage, tempura, ramen or ridiculous rolls with twenty ingredients) where rice and fish are the stars, then my first choice is still Benkay. Nothing weird, nothing twee, just good fresh fish sourced both locally and directly from Toyosu market.
I ALWAYS forget about Benkay! I haven’t been yet, but I’ve only heard rave reviews. Adding to my bucket list so I don’t forget! Thank you!