Portland, Maine has a reputation as a foodie haven. Maine itself. Its long-standing traditions of pride in its lack of pretense, small farms, working waterfronts and independent restaurants, as well as the close-knitness of its community, predate (and, frankly, eclipse) buzzwords like “locavorism.” This means that everyone has access to better food. Even the celebrated fine dining tends to avoid anything too high-concept, and just keep it real.
Portland’s pioneering chefs, like Sam Hayward of Fore Street (which is still in business today), were the first to promote this ethos. That opened the floodgates to kitchens cooking serious food, leaning more homey than fancy, that’s all so good it’ll make your head spin: luscious barbecue and pillowy, umami-laced pizzas; straight-from-the-sea sushi; and ethereal donuts made from local potatoes. Portland’s jumble of scrappy and creative spots makes snacking around the city a delight. If you’re looking for a complete dining experience, a meal to linger over, then these restaurants are the ones to go with.
Please read our entire article Portland, Maine, travel guide hereThis includes:
How to choose the best restaurants for Portland, Maine
Each restaurant listed on this list was selected by independent sources. Condé Nast Traveler The restaurant is reviewed by the editors, and a local contributor has also visited it. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. As new restaurants open or existing ones change, we update this list.
