A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
Fore Street. Old Port · New American / Wood-fired — The restaurant that launched Portland's serious food scene in 1996. Chef-partner Sam Hayward won the James Beard 'Best Chef Northeast' award in 2004; the…
Eventide Oyster Co.. Arts District / Congress Street · Oyster bar / Seafood — James Beard Award-winning oyster bar (Best Chef Northeast 2017) celebrated by Food & Wine and Bon Appétit as one of America's best. The brown…
Mr. Tuna. Old Port / Middle Street · Japanese / Sushi — Food & Wine named chef Jordan Rubin a Best New Chef for 2025, then ranked Mr. Tuna #6 Best Restaurant in the Country. The 30-seat sushi bar is built…
Scales. Old Port / Maine Wharf · New England Seafood — Set back on Maine Wharf with views of the working harbor, Scales serves Maine oysters on the raw bar, brown butter halibut, and creative non-seafood…
Street & Co.. Old Port / Wharf Street · Mediterranean Seafood — Portland's original all-seafood bistro, open for 35+ years in a cozy Wharf Street brick space with an open kitchen. The menu leans Mediterranean…
J's Oyster Bar. Old Port Waterfront · Raw Bar / Seafood — A no-frills, beloved Portland institution right on the working waterfront, known for ice-cold local oysters, steamed lobster, and chowder in an…
Luke's Lobster. Old Port / Portland Pier · Lobster Shack — Founded by a Maine lobsterman's son with a mission for sustainable sourcing, Luke's oceanfront spot at the end of Portland Pier specializes in classic…
Duckfat. 43 Middle St · 4.6★ (5,528 reviews)
Cafés, bakeries & casual
Becky's Diner. Waterfront / Commercial Street · American Diner / Breakfast — Portland's beloved waterfront institution since 1991, Becky's opens at 4 am to feed the fishing fleet and has been named Maine's best…
The Highroller Lobster Co.. Old Port / Exchange Street · Seafood / Lobster — Named best lobster roll in Portland by Portland Old Port's Best of Awards. The retro-diner-meets-modern-kitchen spot on Exchange Street serves…
Tandem Coffee and Bakery. 742 Congress St · 4.7★ (1,799 reviews)
Standard Baking Co. 75 Commercial St · 4.7★ (1,501 reviews)
Scratch Baking Co. 416 Preble St · 4.8★ (923 reviews)
Coffee ME Up. 221 Cumberland Ave · 4.8★ (809 reviews)
Bread & Friends. 505 Fore St · 4.6★ (581 reviews)
The Works Bakery Cafe. 15 Temple St · 4.4★ (631 reviews)