Portland, Maine, a charming, coastal city, is a hidden gem for food lovers. Known for its vibrant dining scene, it’s home to some of the best-rated restaurants that serve everything from organic salads and flatbreads to mouth-watering seafood. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler in search of delicious fare, you’re in for a treat.
In the heart of the historic Old Port area, you’ll find a variety of dining options, each with its unique twist.
From the casual, kid-friendly eateries to the top-rated seafood spots, there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget about the fantastic wine, spirit, and beer selections that perfectly complement the food.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 restaurants in Portland, Maine, that have left an indelible mark on the city’s food scene. So, buckle up and get ready for a culinary journey like no other.
10 Best Restaurant in Portland Maine Boston
Portland, Maine, not Boston, is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, offering a diverse array of dining experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences.
Here are 10 standout restaurants in Portland, Maine:
1. The Pioneer of Portland’s Dining Renaissance
Facing a team loss in 2023, a uniquely designed American-themed restaurant bounced back, offering both comfort food like their popular double smashburger and exotic cuisine.
Located at 545 Congress St, Portland, the establishment offers services including dinner reservations, a cocktail bar, happy hour and takeout.
Another thriving dining spot is Café Louis in South Portland which offers a fusion of Costa Rican and Caribbean cuisine.
Run by Chef-owner Evan Richardson, it’s known for its lively atmosphere and welcoming ambiance. It also launched a second location due to its popularity. Both these eateries are contributing significantly to shaping Portland’s evolving food scene.
2. A Seaside Delight: The Ultimate Oyster Experience
Portland, Maine offers a diverse and thriving culinary scene. Notably, there’s an American-themed seafood restaurant on 545 Congress St, known for its double smashburger and scallop poke mixed with Lambrusco.
Also in South Portland is Cafe Louis at 173 Ocean St which serves Costa Rican and Caribbean cuisine in a cozy setting.
Both restaurants managed to bounce back after a challenging year in 2023, demonstrating resilience.
These eateries represent not only the city’s dining variety but also its indomitable spirit. They are just the beginning of what Portland’s food scene has to offer.
3. Authentic Flavors at the Heart of Maine
After a fire, chef Siwaporn Roberts and her son Ben Boonseng reopened their Northeast Thai restaurant in the former Back Bay Grill, transforming it into a casual 30-seat dining room.
Their signature dish is Khao mun gai, a chicken with rice dish that has been popular among patrons.
Another noteworthy restaurant in Portland is Thoroughfare, known for its locally sourced fast food classics including the Filayo – a haddock fillet with American cheese – and smash burgers.
These eateries embody Portland’s resilient spirit and diverse culinary scene, offering everything from traditional Thai flavors to modern fast food twists.
4. The Art of Casual Dining Perfected
The Broken Arrow bar, located in Portland’s Art District, has made a strong comeback after losing its core team in 2023. It’s known for its unique American cuisine and popular double smash burgers.
They also host theme nights and offer dishes like scallop poke with Lambrusco. The address is 545 Congress St, Portland.
Further south lies Cafe Louis, an eatery in South Portland known for its lively atmosphere and Costa Rican and Caribbean dishes.
Despite the small size of the establishment, owner Evan Richardson maintains a warm and intimate vibe at this top cocktail bar.
The address is 173 Ocean St, South Portland. Both establishments contribute greatly to Portland’s diverse culinary scene.
5. The Go-To Spot for Brunch Enthusiasts
Broken Arrow, a quirky American-themed establishment located at 545 Congress St in Portland’s Arts District, offers an array of dining options from cocktail bars to dinner reservations.
The restaurant is known for its signature double smashburger and unique dishes like the scallop poke. In South Portland, Cafe Louis serves Caribbean and Costa Rican cuisine presented by chef-owner Evan Richardson.
Despite its compact size, customers appreciate its inviting ambiance created by efficient servers. These two restaurants are notable for their culinary resilience and diversity in Portland.
6. A Hidden Gem: Exquisite Dining Off the Beaten Path
Portland’s Arts District is home to Broken Arrow, an American-themed restaurant known for its eclectic design and food.
Despite facing a talent loss in 2023, the restaurant bounced back, reflecting the resilient spirit of Portland’s food scene. Its signature dish is a double smashburger and it also offers unique dishes like scallop poke with Lambrusco.
Further down in South Portland exists Cafe Louis, a Costa Rican and Caribbean-influenced dining hotspot created by Chef Evan Richardson. The small but charming space features efficient servers that create an inviting atmosphere.
From starting as a modest venture to establishing a successful second location in Camden, Cafe Louis continues serving irresistible cuisine and cocktails representing Central American and Caribbean tastes.
7. Maine’s Gastronomic Landmark
The Corner Room, The Garrison, and The Honey Paw are key culinary landmarks in Portland’s Old Port district. Since 2009, The Corner Room has attracted patrons with its sociable atmosphere and high-quality service.
Its menu, led by Head Chef Greg Wilson and Sous Chef Jason Macguire, features local and Italian ingredients cooked authentically.
The Garrison, a seasonal Modern American restaurant run by Chef Christian Hayes, offers an appealing blend of fun and sophistication in its food presentation.
Lastly, The Honey Paw is a noodle bar offering dishes that often forego pasta entirely for unique combinations like charred cabbage with fermented soy or rare beef salad with smoked oyster mayonnaise.
8. For the Love of Noodles: Portland’s Best Ramen
Ramen is a significant aspect of Portland’s diverse culinary scene, with local restaurants transforming this simple Japanese dish into an array of gastronomic delights.
‘Fury Ramen’ and ‘Noodle Heaven’ are standout eateries known for their use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
‘Fury Ramen’ offers the spicy ‘Firebird’ ramen with chili oil-infused chicken broth while ‘Noodle Heaven’ is renowned for its Tonkotsu ramen and Vegan Miso Ramen.
Each bite of these dishes represents the culinary skill, creativity and diversity in Portland’s food scene.
9. Gourmet Experiences in an Intimate Setting
Portland’s food scene is renowned for its intimate dining offerings, with two standouts being Broken Arrow and Cafe Louis.
Located in the Arts District, Broken Arrow is an American-themed restaurant known for its innovative spaces and creative menu, including a notable double smashburger and theme nights that blend unique flavors.
Meanwhile, in South Portland, Cafe Louis offers an exotic twist to local cuisine with rich Costa Rican and Caribbean foods served in a small yet efficient space.
Despite their size, both establishments deliver high-quality food and customer satisfaction, underscoring Portland’s reputation as Maine’s culinary hub.
10. The Locale Where Tradition Meets Modern Gastronomy
Portland, Maine’s vibrant dining scene is a testament to the city’s resilience and innovation. From the historic Old Port to South Portland, each restaurant tells a unique story.
Whether it’s the reinvented Northeast Thai cuisine or the locally sourced fast food at Thoroughfare, Portland’s culinary landscape is diverse and exciting.
The city’s love for noodles is evident in the ramen scene, with Fury Ramen and Noodle Heaven leading the charge.
Their creative takes on traditional dishes showcase the artistry of noodle-making. The intimate dining experiences at Broken Arrow and Cafe Louis further enhance Portland’s allure.
With their quirky designs, innovative themes, and exotic twists on local cuisine, they prove that small spaces can indeed create magical dining experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the gastronomic appeal of Portland, Maine?
Portland, Maine boasts a vibrant dining scene, characterized by diverse and resilient culinary offerings. Top restaurants in the historic Old Port area and South Portland serve dishes ranging from exotic twists on local cuisine to traditional ramen with creative spins.
Who are some noteworthy restaurateurs in Portland, Maine?
Notable establishments include Cafe Louis and Broken Arrow bar, known for their unique dishes and dining experiences. There’s also a commendable mother-son duo who reinvented their Northeast Thai restaurant after a devastating fire.
What kind of food is Portland, Maine acclaimed for?
Aside from its freshest lobsters and seafood, Portland, Maine has gained a reputation for its ramen scene. Its local eateries, such as ‘Fury Ramen’ and ‘Noodle Heaven’, are celebrated for their artistry in noodle-making and a variety of flavors.
Are there any creative dining experiences in Portland, Maine?
Yes, dining experiences at Broken Arrow in the Arts District and Cafe Louis in South Portland are magical because of their intimate settings. Broken Arrow offers innovative theme nights while Cafe Louis serves exotic cuisine in a cozy setting.
What makes Portland, Maine a gastronomic wonderland?
Portland’s diverse culinary landscape, the resilience of its restaurants, the variety of flavors offered, along with its quirky, intimate dining experiences, contribute to its allure as a gastronomic wonderland.
Timothy Russell Dewart