🍽Top 10 Fine Dining
Portland's crown jewels — nationally recognized
1TWELVE — The Current Crown Jewel
Modern New England, seasonal, locally-sourced. Rating 4.7/5 (280 reviews). NY Times "50 Best Restaurants in America"
🚘 Driver Tip: Popular pre-cruise dinner destination. Peak times 6–9 PM Thu–Sat. Allow 15 min for downtown parking. Passengers often request for special occasions.
2FORE STREET — The Restaurant That Put Portland on the Map
Wood-fired New England, farm-to-table. Opened June 1996 — one of the first to focus exclusively on local seasonal ingredients. Changed Portland's dining scene. Consistently Top 5 TripAdvisor Portland
🚘 Driver Tip: Highest cruise ship passenger traffic of any Portland restaurant. Busiest 6–9 PM. Passengers will wait 30–60 min without reservations. Heart of Old Port.
3EVENTIDE OYSTER CO. — Revolutionized the Lobster Roll
Oyster bar, New England seafood with Asian influences. Opened 2012. Owners: Andrew Taylor, Arlin Smith, Mike Wiley. Invented the lobster roll on a steamed Chinese bao bun with brown butter vinaigrette — inspired countless variations nationwide. James Beard AwardWalk-in only
🚘 Driver Tip: Peak waits 45–90 min. Walk-in only = passengers can't plan exact pickup times. Central Old Port.
4SCALES — Elegant Seafood on the Waterfront
Upscale New England seafood. Consistently ranked. Near Casco Bay ferry terminal. Popular for special occasions — anniversaries, birthdays. Easier parking than downtown Old Port.
5CENTRAL PROVISIONS — Small Plates, Big Flavors
Small plates, internationally inspired. Opened 2014. Chef Christopher and Paige Gould. Historic red brick building in Old Port. Open kitchen. Consistently top-ranked.
6LEEWARD — Italian Soul in the East End
40 Washington Avenue, Portland · (207) 808-3111 · $$$
Italian-inspired, seasonal. Opened March 2020 — days before COVID lockdown. Reopened months later to immediate acclaim. "I would order nearly every dish." James Beard Nomination — Best New RestaurantNY Times "America's Best" 2022
7OUN LIDO'S — The Newest Star (2024)
Washington Avenue, Portland · Opened May 2024 · $$–$$$
Pan-Asian. Chefs Bounahcree Kim & Vien Dobui. Reservations via Resy (open noon daily, 30 days out). Must-try: Broiled Maine oysters with chili butter · Chicory salad · Cabbage salad. SUNDAY & MONDAY ONLY: smash burgers — locals rave. 🆕 Esquire "Best New Restaurants in America" 2024 — ONLY Maine restaurant on list
8IZAKAYA MINATO — Japanese Izakaya, East End
Washington Avenue, Portland · $$–$$$
"Once you've spent the afternoon drinking beer at a few breweries, head to Izakaya Minato to recharge." Sashimi, fried chicken, udon, sake, robata grill. Star dish: Uni spoon (sea urchin + raw quail egg) — "might be the best single bite in town." East End = easier parking.
9DUCKFAT — Belgian Fries & Paninis
Old Port, Portland · $
Belgian fries with dipping sauces · Panini sandwiches · Milkshakes · Poutine · Soups · Maine root beer floats. Counter service. Quick (15–20 min total). What to order: Fries with truffle ketchup or Belgian mayo · Any panini · Milkshake (10–15 min, worth it).
10Other Top Fine Dining Options
- Miyake — Upscale sushi, James Beard nominated
- Isa Bistro — French bistro
- Tipo — Upscale Italian
- Caiola's — Upscale American comfort
- Back Bay Grill — Long-running fine dining
- Grace — Farm-to-table fine dining, stunning church space
- The Grill Room — Hotel fine dining / steakhouse
- Street & Co. — Italian-influenced seafood, Old Port
🍴Casual & Mid-Range Restaurants
Great food without the wait or price of fine dining
BECKY'S DINER — Classic Waterfront Diner Since 1991
390 Commercial Street, Portland · $ · Opens 5 or 6 AM · Closes mid-afternoon
Portland institution. Classic American diner + Maine seafood. Working waterfront atmosphere. Eggs, seafood plates, burgers, sandwiches, homemade pies. Cash friendly.
🚘 Popular breakfast spot (lines in summer). Working waterfront location.
HOT SUPPA — Congress Street Comfort Food
703 Congress Street, Portland · (207) 871-5005 · $$
Famous "Double Double" burger — homage to In-N-Out. Maine-raised beef (brisket, chuck, rib blend). Also serves excellent breakfast and brunch.
THE GREAT LOST BEAR — 70+ Beers on Tap
Portland · $$
Legendary Portland institution. 70+ beers on tap. Solid pub burgers. "Tremendous nachos, burgers, and other pub items." Good for groups.
LUKE'S LOBSTER — Portland Pier
National chain with Maine roots. Sustainable, direct-from-boat. Maine-style lobster rolls, crab rolls, shrimp rolls, lobster bisque, chowder. Consistent quality every time. Jetport location too.
🚘 Portland Jetport location: passengers picking up lobster to fly home.
More Casual Favorites
- Cong Tu Bot — Vietnamese. East End. Creative, delicious.
- LB Kitchen — Italian-American. Congress St area. Brunch popular.
- Local 188 — Mediterranean-influenced American. Longfellow Square.
- Emilitsa — Greek taverna. Portland institution.
- Ribollita — Tuscan-inspired Italian.
- Tempo Dulu — Indonesian. Unique in Portland.
- Gritty McDuff's — Portland's first brewpub 1988. Old Port. Pub food.
- Federal Spice — Southern comfort. Congress St.
- DeMillo's — Floating restaurant on the waterfront. American/seafood.
- The Porthole Restaurant & Pub — Portland Pier. Neighborhood pub + lobster.
- Otto Pizza — Multiple Portland locations. Creative rotating pizzas. Slices $4–5.
- Arabica — 2 Free Street. Mediterranean wraps & plates. Quick, $8–12.
By Neighborhood
Old PortFore Street · Eventide · Scales · Central Provisions · Duckfat · J's Oyster · Luke's Lobster · Gritty McDuff's · DeMillo's · Novare Res (Belgian beer bar) · Bull Feeney's · Ri Ra Irish Pub
East End / Washington AveLeeward · Oun Lido's · Izakaya Minato · Terlingua · Cong Tu Bot · Most breweries (Rising Tide, Austin St, Belleflower, Oxbow, Goodfire, Lone Pine)
Congress St / Arts DistrictHot Suppa · Nosh Kitchen Bar · Federal Spice · Various cafes · Starbucks (468 Congress)
Waterfront / Commercial StBecky's Diner · Portland Lobster Co. · Harbor Fish Market · Porthole Restaurant · Working docks
South Portland / SuburbsMaine Mall restaurants · Multiple chains · Hotels · Airport area
Windham / Gray / WestbrookEP's Pizza · Café Sebago (lakeside) · Thai Taste · Hashi (sushi) · Blazes Burgers
🦢Maine Lobster Rolls
Maine-style (cold mayo) vs Connecticut-style (warm butter)
Maine-style: Cold lobster meat, light mayo, chives, toasted hot dog bun | Connecticut-style: Warm lobster, melted butter, toasted bun. Key: fresh lobster, let it shine.
1EVENTIDE OYSTER CO. — The Iconic Bao Bun Roll
86 Middle Street, Portland · (207) 774-8538 · $$$
Served on a steamed Chinese bao bun with brown butter vinaigrette — this innovation put Portland on the national map. Small but intensely flavorful; order at least two. Expect 45–90 min waits at peak. James Beard Award
2BITE INTO MAINE — The Scenic Choice
Fort Williams Park, 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth (Portland Head Light) · AND · Allagash Brewing Co., 50 Industrial Way, Portland
Started as food truck, now two permanent locations. Rolls $29.50–$37.50 (4.5 or 6 oz). Choose Maine or Connecticut style. Stunning lighthouse setting at Fort Williams. "One of the best lobster rolls in Maine."
🚘 Fort Williams = touristy but spectacular. Allagash = brewery crowd. Long lines in summer.
3LUKE'S LOBSTER — The National Standard
Sustainable, direct-from-boat. 4 oz or 6 oz. Consistent quality every time. Also: crab roll, shrimp roll, bisque, chowder, whoopie pies.
4HIGHROLLER LOBSTER CO. — The Creative One
Portland · $$
Customize your roll. Creative sauces: wasabi, curry, and more. Lobster pops (sushi-style). Lobster roll flights — try multiple styles. Raw bar. Casual, fun, popular with younger crowd.
5J'S OYSTER — Old Portland Authenticity
Portland Pier · Founded 1977 · $$
Cozy waterfront oyster bar. Authentic Maine — not fancy, just fresh seafood on the docks. Lobster rolls, oysters, steamers, chowder, fried seafood. Service can be rough around edges — part of the old-school Portland charm.
6RED'S EATS — Wiscasset (Legendary)
Route 1, Wiscasset · $$ · You can't miss the line
Famous for massively overstuffed rolls — full pound of lobster meat. "Gets lots of bad press, but year after year we go back and always think it is the best." Long lines (30–60 min in summer). Simple, classic.
🚘 45+ min north of Portland. Worth planning if combining with Midcoast trip.
🦥Oyster Bars in Portland
World-class oysters from Maine's pristine cold waters
⭐ Best Oyster Deals: $1.95/oyster ALL DAY: Eventide + The Shop | $1 oysters WEDNESDAY 4–9 PM: Blyth & Burrows | $1 oysters LUNCH: Bar Futo (11 AM–3 PM) | Happy hours: Maine Oyster Co., J's Oyster, Blyth & Burrows after 4 PM
Maine Oyster Regions: Damariscotta River — "The Oyster Capital of Maine" (1.5 hrs north). Strong brine, clean bright taste, world-class. Pemaquid Oyster Festival: Last Sunday of September — $2.50 oysters all day, 8 farms, live music. GA $15, VIP $100.
1EVENTIDE OYSTER CO. — 14 Varieties, $1.95/oyster all day
86 Middle Street · (207) 774-8538 · $$$
14 oyster varieties on the half-shell — "From Maine" and "From Away." Korean-style accompaniments: cucumber-ginger ice, kimchi ice. "Revival of the great American oyster bar." James Beard Award
2SCALES — Waterfront Oysters
68 Commercial Street · $$$$
Oysters from Duxbury MA farm. Watch experienced shuckers. Seasonal patio. "Many people's favorite Portland restaurant." Upscale, special occasion.
3J'S OYSTER — Portland Institution 1977
Portland Pier · $$
Cozy waterfront bar. Great happy hour. Old Portland vibe — authentic, no frills. Founded 1977.
4BLYTH & BURROWS — ⭐ $1 Oysters Every Wednesday
Portland · $$–$$$
Craft cocktails + oysters. Historic decor. WEDNESDAY 4–9 PM: $1 oysters (Oyster Social). Happy hour 4 PM+. Best oyster deal in Portland.
5MAINE OYSTER COMPANY
Portland · 4.9/5 (170 reviews) · $$
Cozy, historic raw bar. Unbeatable fresh seafood. Happy hour specials.
BAR FUTO — $1 Oyster Lunch
Portland · $ · $1 oysters 11 AM–3 PM ONLY
$1 Maine oysters during lunch only. House-made wasabi ice. Best weekday lunch deal in Portland.
LADY SHUCKERS — Mobile Raw Bar
Food truck / mobile oyster experience
Mobile oyster bar. Appears at events, breweries. Check social media for locations.
🍔Best Burgers in Maine
Classic diner to over-the-top gourmet
1VENDREDI'S (at Oxbow Brewing) — The Food Truck Champion
Outside Oxbow Brewing, Portland · Food truck · $$
"This Vendredi's food truck is actually the best hamburger in Portland… and it's not even close." Caramelization crisped to perfection. Simple, balanced: cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, vendredi sauce. Light, fluffy bun.
🚘 Food truck — check social media to confirm they're there before heading over.
2NOSH KITCHEN BAR — Down East Magazine #1
551 Congress Street, Portland · (207) 536-4723 · $$–$$$
The "Not a Gimmick" Burger: provolone, red pepper marinara, pesto. Blend of beef, pork, and herbs. TWO FAT patties. Down East Magazine #1 Burger
3HOT SUPPA — The Double Double
703 Congress Street · (207) 871-5005 · $$
Homage to In-N-Out. Maine-raised beef (brisket, chuck, rib blend from Maine Family Farms). Buttered brioche, garlic aioli, smoked cheddar from Pineland Farms.
4OWL & ELM — Yarmouth Gastropub
Yarmouth village · $$
Ground chuck, brisket, short rib blend (Maine Family Farms). Laced with house steak sauce. Smoked cheddar (Pineland Farms). Buttered brioche with garlic aioli. Down East Magazine recognized
More Great Burgers
- Mash Tun — "Great juicy burgers, among the best in Maine." Great vibe.
- The Great Lost Bear — Solid pub burger + 70+ beers on tap. Portland institution.
- Wayside Tavern — Dark horse. Elevated pub burger, craft cocktails, gastropub atmosphere.
- Oun Lido's — Smash burger SUNDAY & MONDAY ONLY. Reserve via Resy. Locals rave.
- Gnarley's — Best veggie/vegan burger. "Might not even realize" it's plant-based.
- Chains: Five Guys (198 Maine Mall Rd) · Burger King (449 Forest Ave) · McDonald's (multiple) · Elevation Burger (organic)
🥐Best Bagels in Maine
Nationally recognized — rivals anywhere outside New York
1ROSE FOODS — Bon Appétit National Champion
Portland · Opened July 2017 · Owner: Chad Conley
Authentic Jewish café. Chad Conley was inspired by NYC's Lower East Side. Crafted the winning recipe in his home kitchen. 🆕 Bon Appétit "Best Bagels in America" 2023
2FORAGER — Wood-Fired Bagels
Munjoy Hill, Portland
Wood-fired bagels (Montreal influence). Brick oven fired 3 hours before baking. Early morning ritual. Bakers start while Portland sleeps. Market component. Bon Appétit recognized
3SCRATCH BAKING COMPANY — Sourdough Specialists
South Portland (original) + Toast Bar location
"I was sure New York bagels were the best bagels. But then I discovered Scratch." Changed one writer's entire perspective. Food & Wine "Best Bagels in America" 2021
4MISTER BAGEL — Traditional Authority
Portland · Westbrook · Maine Mall · Other Maine towns · Founded 1980s
Portland institution since 1980s. Traditional bagel bakery expanded across Maine.
5ROVER BAGEL — Biddeford
Biddeford (30 min south of Portland) · Reopened January 2025
Closed about a year, reopened to fanfare January 2025. Artisan approach, creative flavors. Worth the drive — combine with Mister Donut and Palace Diner. Bon Appétit "Best Bagels in America" 2023Food & Wine 2021
More Bagel Spots
- Tandem Coffee + Bakery — Portland (East Bayside). Coffee + bagels. Local favorite.
- The Works Café (formerly Bagel Works) — 15 Temple St, Portland. Opened 1990. 11 New England locations.
- Rosemont Market & Bakery — Multiple Portland locations. Artisan approach.
- Bernie's Foreside (Falmouth) — Mister Bagel counter. Suburban option.
- Sunrise Bagels — Three locations including Augusta. Sourdough made fresh daily.
Best times: Early morning 7–9 AM for full selection. Many shops close when they sell out. "The earlier you arrive, the more choices you have." Weekend mornings busiest.
🍺Portland Breweries
25+ in Greater Portland · "Beer Capital USA" · Highest breweries per capita in US
Portland Beer Stats: 25+ breweries in Greater Portland · 100+ statewide · Second-highest brewery per capita in US (14.3 per 100k people, 2024) · "Almost as many breweries as Subarus" (local saying) · Heavy focus on New England IPAs (hazy, juicy) · Also: sours, lagers, stouts, experimental styles
1ALLAGASH BREWING — The Maine Flagship
One of the best outdoor spaces of any Portland brewery. Large outdoor area, covered seating, fire pits. Spacious indoor tasting room. Free tours (reserve ahead). Bite Into Maine food truck often here.
Famous beers: Allagash White (flagship Belgian witbier) · Curieux (bourbon barrel-aged) · Saison · Tripel · Brett series (wild ales) · Coolship series (spontaneous fermentation)
2BISSELL BROTHERS — Thompson's Point
Larger waterfront location at Thompson's Point. Full restaurant with locally-sourced menu. "Beer is just the beginning." Near ice skating in winter. The Substance Ale (flagship IPA available daily). Founded 2013.
3MAINE BEER COMPANY — Precision Brewing
Industrial Way, Portland
City's best food trucks pop up in taproom. Small but fun. Outdoor seating, covered areas, corn hole, games, fire pits, community vibe. "The entrance can be hard to find, but it's worth seeking out." Dog friendly.
4GOODFIRE BREWING — Detroit Pizza + Beer
Industrial Way, Portland
One of the few Portland breweries with substantial food. Detroit-style square pizza. Hoppy beers, sours, pilsners, lagers, stouts, rotating seasonals. Heaters and fire pits in colder months. Family-friendly.
5RISING TIDE BREWING — East Bayside Mecca
East Bayside, Portland
Large outdoor space. Garage doors open to tasting room. "Extremely cozy environment in East Bayside, the brewery Mecca of Portland." Family-owned. Food trucks frequent the area.
More Portland Breweries
- Lone Pine Brewing — 28 Resurgam Place. Hop-forward New England IPAs.
- Austin Street Brewery — East Bayside (original) + new Industrial Way. Neighborhood favorite.
- Oxbow Brewing — East Bayside. Farmhouse ales, European-style. Vendredi's food truck (best burger in Portland!) often here.
- Shipyard Brewing — Old Port, founded 1994. Famous for Shipyard Pumpkin Beer. Tours available.
- Belleflower Brewing — East Bayside. Small, quality-focused.
- Battery Steele — Industrial Way. Small batch, local ingredients.
- Foundation Brewing — East Bayside cluster.
- Bunker Brewing — South Portland.
- Fore River Brewing — South Portland.
- Gritty McDuff's — Old Port. Portland's first brewpub (1988). Pub food.
Brewery Neighborhoods — Walk Between Them:
Industrial Way Cluster: Allagash · Goodfire · Lone Pine · Austin St (new) · Battery Steele · Foundation — all within walking distance!
East Bayside "Brewery Mecca": Rising Tide · Austin St (original) · Belleflower · Oxbow · Definitive — all walkable!
South Portland: Bissell Brothers (Thompson's Point) · Bunker · Fore River — 5-minute drive between them
Track trucks at breweries: allagash.com ·
bissellbrothers.com · Check each brewery's website/social for food truck schedules
🦢Lobster & Clam Shacks
50+ notable shacks from Kittery to Bar Harbor
Top 10 — Southern Maine
1LOBSTER SHACK AT TWO LIGHTS — Cape Elizabeth
Perched on rocky ledges above crashing surf. Two Lights State Park nearby with active lighthouse. "The views can't be beat. Crack off those lobster claws while waves crash into the dark, intimidating rocks just feet away." Quintessential Maine lobster shack.
🚘 15 min from Portland. Very touristy but spectacular. Combine with Portland Head Light visit.
2BITE INTO MAINE — Portland Head Light
Fort Williams Park, 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth (at Portland Head Light)
Maine's most iconic lighthouse backdrop. Rolls $29.50–$37.50. Maine or Connecticut style. Spectacular photo opportunity + great lobster.
3THE CLAM SHACK — Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport · Seasonal · $$
Classic Maine shack near Kennebunkport attractions. Summer crowds. Parking can be challenging in season.
4RED'S EATS — Wiscasset (Legendary)
Route 1, Wiscasset · $$ · You can't miss the line
Famous for massively overstuffed lobster rolls — full pound of lobster meat. "Gets lots of bad press, but year after year we go back and always think it is the best." Long lines in summer (30–60 min).
5HARRASEEKET LUNCH & LOBSTER — Freeport
South Freeport (on the working harbor) · $$
"Take a break from power shopping L.L. Bean's and the outlets and head to Harraseeket." Working harbor, active fishing port. Picnic tables on pavement and tiny dining room. Pretty extensive menu for a lobster shack.
6FOX'S LOBSTER HOUSE — York / Nubble Lighthouse
York area (45 min south of Portland) · Seasonal · $$
At Maine's famous "Nubble" lighthouse. Spectacular photo opportunity combined with great lobster. Lobster rolls, whole lobsters, fried seafood, chowder. Very touristy — combine with lighthouse photos.
7BARNACLE BILLY'S — Ogunquit
Perkins Cove, Ogunquit (1 hour south of Portland) · Seasonal · $$
Beautiful harbor setting in Perkins Cove. Scenic, touristy, summer crowds and traffic.
8DAY'S CRABMEAT & LOBSTER — Yarmouth
Route 1, Yarmouth (just north of Portland) · $$
"True Maine experience." Outdoor red picnic tables. Classic roadside seafood shack. Easy combination with Portland trips.
9OFF THE BOAT LOBSTERS — York
"Atlantic to plate lobster shack." Fresh-caught lobsters every day right at the dock. Call ahead or show up. New to lobster? Check out "Lobster 101" on their website.
10Additional Southern Maine Shacks
- The Goldenrod — York Beach. Famous for taffy + lobster roll.
- Cape Neddick Lobster Pound — Cape Neddick
- Billy's Chowder House — Wells. Voted best chowder in Maine.
- Congdon's Donuts — Wells. Iconic donuts + lobster roll combination.
- Cook's Lobster & Ale House — Bailey Island, causeway views
- Morse's Cribstone Grill — Bailey Island
- Giant Stairs Seafood — Bailey Island
- Gurnet Trading Co. — Brunswick, seafood market + eatery
Top 10 — Midcoast & Downeast
1FIVE ISLANDS LOBSTER CO. — Georgetown
Five Islands, Georgetown (off Route 127) · $$
"One of the best drive-up views to a restaurant in all of Maine." Harbor known as "Prettiest harbor in Maine." Working harbor, authentic experience. "One of my happy places. I love all the food here." About 45 min from Portland.
🚘 Worth the drive. Can combine with Reid State Park.
2ERICA'S SEAFOOD — Harpswell (Hidden Gem)
End of Basin Point Road, Harpswell · Overlooks Potts Harbor · $$
"One of Maine's best lobster shacks." Down a peninsula, end of the road, overlooking beautiful Potts Harbor. A true find.
3ESTES LOBSTER HOUSE — Harpswell Islands
Bailey Island / Orr's Island / Harpswell (connected by causeways) · $$
Scenic drive worth it — islands connected by small causeways. More of a family restaurant than shack. Lobster + full seafood menu. Also: Estes I, II, III (multiple locations on islands).
4McLOON'S LOBSTER SHACK — Spruce Head Island
Spruce Head Island, near Rockland · 1.5 hours from Portland · $$
Picnic tables, harbor views, island vibe. Seasonal. Quality + setting = worth the drive for Midcoast Maine trip.
5SHAW'S FISH & LOBSTER WHARF — New Harbor
New Harbor (Pemaquid Peninsula) · $$
"Tucked away in the Mid Coast treasure town of New Harbor." Working wharf. "You'd never guess..." it's there.
6LOCAL LOBSTER POUND — Near Rockland
Near Owl's Head Light, St. George area · $$
Favorite of longtime Maine residents. Near Rockland but less touristy. Picnic tables in the open or covered porch in back. "Our most favorite."
7TRENTON BRIDGE LOBSTER POUND — Trenton
Route 3, Trenton (en route to Bar Harbor) · Seasonal · $$
Simple, quality, no frills. "When you want seafood without shticks or gimmicks." Perfect stop before/after Bar Harbor. Route 3 traffic can be heavy in summer.
8THURSTON'S LOBSTER POUND — Bernard (Bass Harbor)
Mount Desert Island · $$
MDI classic. Local favorite vs. the tourist traps in Bar Harbor proper.
9STEWMAN'S LOBSTER POUND — Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor area, Mount Desert Island · $$
"Lobster, lobster, lobster! Gotta love Bar Harbor if you are a foodie." $31 for 1.25 lb lobster dinner. Complete lobster dinners, rolls, steamers, sides.
10LUNCH ON THE WHARF — Corea (Downeast)
Corea, Downeast Maine · $$
Sixth-generation lobsterman Joe started serving lobsters, rolls, and lobster grilled cheese sandwiches ("delicious!"). Menu expands yearly. Wharf-top seating. Crab claws, baked beans, haddock chowder, oysters.
🏪Wholesale Lobster Sources
Where to buy lobster off the boat or direct
Important Reality Check: "Buying lobster off the boat isn't really a thing in Maine." Lobsters are measured and crated on the water, handed to co-ops. Too much trouble to sell off the boat. But here are the best direct sources:
HARBOR FISH MARKET — Best in Portland
"Portland has many of the most well-regarded restaurants anywhere in the northeast, and the best of those come to us as their source for quality seafood." They'll cook lobsters for you. Working waterfront.
🚘 Driver Tip: Tourists and chefs both shop here. Frequent pickup/dropoff.
FREE RANGE FISH & LOBSTER
450 Commercial Street, Portland
Retail fish monger. Fresh lobsters daily. Working waterfront.
LUCKY CATCH CRUISES — Unique Experience
Portland waterfront
Take a lobster boat cruise, catch lobsters, buy what you caught. Restaurant at pier will cook your lobsters. Tourists love this experience.
KLENDA SEAFOOD INC. — Wholesale
Online Shipping Options
- Maine Lobster Now — mainelobsternow.com — Free overnight shipping over $150. Free chowder sample when you spend $200. Step-by-step cooking instructions.
- Get Maine Lobster — getmainelobster.com — Online ordering, ships nationwide. Select live, fresh, or frozen. Choose delivery date.
- Port Lobster Co. — Cape Porpoise Pier, Kennebunkport — portlobster.com — Direct from pier, no preservatives.
What to Look For When Buying
- Hard shell vs soft shell — Hard = more meat | Soft = sweeter
- Lively lobsters — Active, claws up = fresh
- Market price varies daily/seasonally — Summer typically cheaper (more boats fishing)
- Ask where caught — Maine lobsters only!
- Many places will cook lobsters for you (free or small fee) or pack with ice for travel
🚌Food Trucks
77+ Portland food trucks tracked by Roaming Hunger · 82 listed by Portland Press Herald
Top 10 Portland Food Trucks
1BITE INTO MAINE — The Lobster Truck
Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth · AND · Allagash Brewing, 50 Industrial Way
Two permanent locations. Lobster rolls $29.50–$37.50. The lighthouse location is one of the most scenic dining experiences in Maine.
2VENDREDI'S (at Oxbow Brewing) — Best Burger in Portland
Outside Oxbow Brewing, East Bayside
"Actually the best hamburger in Portland... and it's not even close." Check social media to confirm they're there.
3TACOS DEL SEOUL — Korean-Mexican Fusion
Various Portland locations (check social media) · Highly rated Yelp
Korean BBQ tacos, burritos, fusion bowls. Korean-Mexican fusion done right.
4THE MUTHAH TRUCKAH — Comfort Food
Rotates around Portland (check social media)
Highly rated comfort food, creative preparations. Rotating locations.
5–10More Top Trucks
- Nom Bai — Vietnamese
- Crispy Gai — Thai
- Mainely Meatballs — Italian meatball subs
- Mac Daddy's Seafood and Tots — Mac & cheese, seafood, tater tots
- Taco Cat — Tacos (name spelled backwards = Taco Cat)
- Portland Lobster Co. — Also has restaurant location
Food Truck Parks & Regular Locations
THOMPSON'S POINT — Summer Sunsets LIVE
Thompson's Point, Portland/South Portland · All summer long
Portland's premier hangout spot. Best food trucks + musicians + performers. Top beer/cocktails from local partners. Free, open to public, pet-friendly, kid-friendly. Select Sundays 10 AM–3 PM market. Majestic sunset views.
ALLAGASH BREWING — Regular Food Truck Rotation
50 Industrial Way, Portland
Multiple trucks rotate regularly. Bite Into Maine often here. Check allagash.com for current schedule.
Suburban Locations
- Windham Community Park — Mondays. 2025 vendors: B & D Roadside Grill, Great Scott's MacWagon, Poppie's Kettle Corn.
- Gorham — 664 Gray Road, Naturally Jammin. Summer Thursdays: July 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sept 9, 23. 6–8 food trucks per event.
- Brunswick Town Mall — Maine Street side, downtown. Summer, up to 5 trucks. 2025: Taco the Town and others.
Additional Food Trucks by Cuisine (40+)
Lobster & SeafoodBite Into Maine · Mac Daddy's Seafood · Portland Lobster Co.
Tacos & MexicanTacos Del Seoul (Korean fusion) · Taco Cat · Taco the Town (Brunswick) · El Rodeo Go · Vazquez Mexican Takeout (Milbridge)
AsianCrispy Gai (Thai) · Nom Bai (Vietnamese) · Rose's Spring Rolls · Various rotating Asian trucks
Sandwiches & ComfortThe Muthah Truckah · Black Salt · The Portland Board (charcuterie) · Mainely Meatballs
Bowls & HealthyBowlicious (Brunswick) · Vantage Point Provisions
Desserts & SweetsBogs Bakery · Ms. Rosie/Ms. Leah's Donuts (hot elaborate donuts) · Poppie's Kettle Corn (Windham) · Farmer Bill's Frozen Custard
Finding Food Trucks — Tracking Tools
- Roaming Hunger — roaminghunger.com — 77 Portland trucks tracked
- Food Truck Movement App — iOS/Android — tracks Portland trucks
- Food Trux App — Launching in Portland
- Maine Food Truck Tracker — Web-based, 23 trucks
- StreetFoodFinder — Website + mobile apps
- Food Truckalico — Instagram page tracking Portland trucks
- Check individual truck social media day-of — schedules change frequently
- Brewery websites — Allagash, Goodfire, Lone Pine, Rising Tide, Battery Steele all list their trucks
📋By Cuisine Type
Complete Portland restaurant directory
ItalianLeeward · Ribollita (Tuscan) · Tipo (upscale) · LB Kitchen · Mimmo's (classic red-sauce) · Bonobo (wood-fired pizza) · Via Vecchia (traditional)
AsianIzakaya Minato (Japanese izakaya) · Oun Lido's (Pan-Asian) · Miyake (upscale sushi) · Cong Tu Bot (Vietnamese) · Tempo Dulu (Indonesian)
SeafoodEventide · Scales · Fore Street · Luke's Lobster · Street & Co. · Harbor Fish Market · Five Islands Lobster · DeMillo's (floating restaurant)
PizzaOtto (multiple locations, creative rotating) · Slab (Sicilian-style thick slices) · Bonobo (wood-fired) · Portland Pie Co. (local chain) · Flatbread Company (organic wood-fired) · Ohana (Detroit-style square) · Micucci's (Italian)
Steakhouse / AmericanDavid's 388 · The Grill Room · Local 188 · Blue Spoon (comfort food) · Gritty McDuff's · Great Lost Bear · Rosie's (casual)
Breakfast / BrunchBecky's Diner (open 5 AM) · Hot Suppa · Bintliff's American Cafe · Green Elephant (vegetarian) · Dutch's · Standard Baking Co.
Mediterranean / Middle EasternArabica (fast-casual wraps) · Local 188 · Emilitsa (Greek taverna) · Freebird Burritos
Bars & BeerNovare Res (Belgian beer bar, 500+ bottles) · Great Lost Bear (70+ taps) · Gritty McDuff's (Portland's first brewpub) · Bull Feeney's (Irish pub) · Ri Ra Irish Pub · Arcadia (bar + vintage arcade)
Coffee ShopsTandem Coffee (specialty, East Bayside) · Bard Coffee (third-wave) · Speckled Ax (roaster, café) · Coffee By Design (local roaster, multiple cafés) · Arabica Coffee Co.
Bakeries & SweetsStandard Baking Co. (legendary) · Scratch Baking Co. · The Holy Donut (potato donuts) · Gorgeous Gelato · Mount Desert Island Ice Cream · Gelato Fiasco · Two Fat Cats (whoopie pies) · Rosemont Market & Bakery
Veggie / VeganGreen Elephant (vegetarian bistro) · Elevation Burger (organic) · Gnarley's (plant-based burger) · Chipotle (customize)
South Portland HighlightsMultiple options near Maine Mall · Hotels area restaurants · Waterfront restaurants (evening) · Thai Spice · Several local favorites
