Portland, Maine, is a city that is renowned for its vibrant food scene, which is deeply rooted in its rich history and cultural heritage. From traditional Maine lobster rolls to innovative farm-to-table cuisine, Portland’s culinary landscape is a reflection of its unique blend of coastal, rural, and urban influences. As a food enthusiast, you’re likely wondering where to eat in Portland, ME, to experience the best of what this charming city has to offer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Portland’s top restaurants, cafes, and eateries, highlighting the must-try dishes and hidden gems that will make your taste buds sing.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Starting your day with a delicious breakfast or brunch is a Portland tradition. Here are some of the city’s top spots to fuel up for your day:
The Holy Donut
This popular donut shop has gained a cult following for its creative flavors and generous portions. Try the maple bacon or blueberry cake donuts for a sweet and savory treat.
Eventide Oyster Co.
This seafood-focused restaurant serves up a mean breakfast, with dishes like lobster benedict and crab cake benedict. Be sure to order a side of their famous chowder.
Central Provisions
This trendy spot offers a unique breakfast menu that changes seasonally. Try their signature dish, the breakfast sandwich, made with house-cured bacon and a fried egg.
Other Notable Breakfast Spots:
- Bard Coffee: A cozy coffee shop with a variety of coffee drinks and pastries.
- Crema Cafe: A popular spot for coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
- Blueberry Cafe: A family-owned restaurant serving up traditional breakfast dishes with a Maine twist.
Lunch and Dinner Options
Portland’s lunch and dinner scene is just as vibrant as its breakfast options. Here are some top recommendations:
Eventide Oyster Co. (Again!)
This seafood-focused restaurant is a must-visit for lunch or dinner. Try their famous oysters, lobster rolls, or fish and chips. (See Also: Where to Eat in Anacapri? Island Delights)
Duckfat
This popular sandwich shop is known for its creative menu, which changes seasonally. Try the famous duck fat fries and a sandwich made with house-cured meats.
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
This historic restaurant has been a Portland staple for over 100 years. Try their famous fish and chips, lobster rolls, or oyster po’ boy.
Other Notable Lunch and Dinner Spots:
- Drifters Wife: A natural wine bar with a menu of small plates and snacks.
- Emilitsa: A Greek restaurant with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
- Fore Street: A farm-to-table restaurant with a menu that changes seasonally.
Seafood and Fish Markets
Portland is renowned for its fresh seafood, and there are several markets and restaurants that offer a taste of the city’s bounty:
Portland Fish Market
This bustling market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including lobster, mussels, and fish. Try their famous fish and chips or lobster rolls.
Eventide Oyster Co. (Again!)
This seafood-focused restaurant is also a great spot to try fresh seafood, including oysters, lobster, and fish.
Red’s Eats
This iconic lobster roll stand has been a Portland staple for over 70 years. Try their famous lobster roll or a plate of fresh mussels.
Other Notable Seafood Spots:
- Portland Lobster Company: A seafood market and restaurant with a focus on fresh lobster and other seafood.
- Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room: A historic restaurant with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
- Lobster Shack at Two Lights: A seafood market and restaurant with a focus on fresh lobster and other seafood.
Desserts and Treats
No trip to Portland would be complete without trying some of the city’s famous desserts and treats: (See Also: Where to Eat Seafood in Kota Kinabalu? Top Local Favorites)
Two Fat Cats Bakery
This popular bakery is known for its creative desserts, including cakes, cookies, and pastries. Try their famous whoopie pies or a slice of their famous blueberry pie.
Standard Baking Co.
This artisanal bakery offers a variety of breads, pastries, and desserts, including their famous sourdough bread and chocolate croissants.
Mike’s Coffee & Donuts
This popular coffee shop is also a great spot for donuts, with a variety of creative flavors and toppings.
Other Notable Dessert Spots:
- Blueberry Cafe: A family-owned restaurant with a focus on traditional Maine desserts, including blueberry pie and whoopie pies.
- Crema Cafe: A popular spot for coffee and pastries, including croissants and muffins.
- Bard Coffee: A cozy coffee shop with a variety of coffee drinks and pastries.
Recap and Recommendations
Portland, ME, is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, or traditional Maine dishes, there’s something for everyone in this charming city. Here are some final recommendations to keep in mind:
- Try the famous lobster rolls at Red’s Eats or Eventide Oyster Co.
- Visit the Portland Fish Market for a taste of the city’s fresh seafood.
- Stop by Two Fat Cats Bakery for a slice of their famous blueberry pie or a whoopie pie.
- Explore the city’s many food trucks and carts for a quick and delicious bite.
FAQs
What is the best way to get around Portland?
Portland is a walkable city, and many of its top restaurants and attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, there are also several public transportation options available, including buses and a downtown shuttle. You can also hail a taxi or ride-share service if needed.
What is the best time to visit Portland?
Portland is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (May-September) when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices. (See Also: Where to Eat in Haworth? Best Kept Secrets)
What is the best way to experience Portland’s food scene?
The best way to experience Portland’s food scene is to try a variety of different restaurants and eateries, from seafood-focused spots to farm-to-table restaurants. Be sure to also visit the city’s many food trucks and carts for a quick and delicious bite. And don’t forget to try some of the city’s famous desserts and treats!
What is the most popular dish in Portland?
The most popular dish in Portland is likely the lobster roll, which can be found at many of the city’s top restaurants and eateries. However, the city is also known for its fresh seafood, including mussels, fish, and oysters. Be sure to try some of these dishes during your visit to get a true taste of Portland’s culinary scene.
What are some of the best restaurants for families?
Portland has many restaurants that are family-friendly, including Red’s Eats, which offers a kid-friendly menu and a fun atmosphere. Other great options include Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room, which has a kids’ menu and a play area, and Fore Street, which offers a variety of dishes that kids will love. Be sure to check out the menu and atmosphere of any restaurant before visiting with your family.