25 Essential Portland Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Portland.
Becky's Diner
Maine
Fishermen & others often pack this waterfront, no-nonsense diner serving American eats.
Fore Street Restaurant
Maine
This rustic spot's open wood-fire grill, oven & spit lend smoky flavors to upscale American fare.
Evo Kitchen + Bar
Maine
Stylish Middle Eastern bistro for creative riffs on classic cuisine with focus on local ingredients.
Boda
Portland, Maine
Late-night eatery & bar specializes in Thai street food, including meat & veggie skewers.
Gilberts Chowder House
Portland, Maine
Well-known chowder house has a dinerlike interior & a patio overlooking Custom House Wharf.
Royal River Grill House
Portland, Maine
Upscale yet casual spot for wood-grilled seafood & steaks, with sweeping marina & water views.
Yosaku
Portland, Maine
Japanese eatery & lounge with a tranquil vibe is known for its sushi rolls & lunchtime bento box.
Bite into Maine
Portland, Maine
Service options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Leavitt & Sons Deli- PORTLAND
Portland, Maine
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot. Planning.
Taco Escobarr
Portland, Maine
Funky, colorful tavern with creative cocktails, outdoor seating & a Mexican menu.
Lil Chippy
Portland, Maine
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar
Portland, Maine
Long-standing local Japanese restaurant with traditional decor prepares sushi & other favorites.
Pizzaiolo
Portland, Maine
Compact counter-serve spot selling NYC-style pies and slices, meatball subs, plus salads.
Nighthawk's Kitchen
Portland, Maine
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room
Portland, Maine
Country-chic 2-story seafood venue with wood-grilled entrees, a raw bar & waterfront views.
Street & Co
Portland, Maine
Simple, upscale preparations of local fish in a rustic & snug bistro on a cobblestone alley.
Kon Asian Bistro
Portland, Maine
Glitzy, loungelike space for hibachi shows & creative sushi rolls, plus Japanese & Chinese entrees.
J’s Oyster
Portland, Maine
Unassuming eatery & bar hidden on a pier is known for its steamed clams & other coastal classics.
Miss Portland Diner
Portland, Maine
University-adjacent diner is a go-to for traditional comfort grub in a vintage dining-car space.
Schulte & Herr
Portland, Maine
Compact, low-key restaurant focusing on homey German specialties like potato pancakes.
Nura Hummus, Falafel, and Shawarma
Portland, Maine
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Pai Men Miyake
Portland, Maine
Refined ramen & soba noodle soups plus yakitori skewers & sake served in a sleek yet warm nook.
Saeng Thai House
Portland, Maine
Long-standing destination for curries, noodles & traditional Thai plates in a homey atmosphere.
Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro
Portland, Maine
Bistro for pan-Asian vegetarian fare, from panang curry with tempeh to noodles with vegan soy meat.
ZA
Portland, Maine
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Offerings: Alcohol, Beer.