9 Best Restaurants in Portland, Maine

The design and overall atmosphere here—part rustic Maine hunting lodge, part chic ski Aspen lodge, all beneath soaring ceilings and in front of a real roaring fire—keep crowds coming back, but the craft beer is very good (pale ales, IPAs, pilsners—you name, they’re pouring it), as are the cocktails (the carefully made spirits include a slightly sweet vodka made from corn; a bourbon, and a gin, among others). And, the food deserves kudos, too—snacks like duck fat cornbread with hot honey, and mains, like the lobster mac ’n cheese with Boursin, do not miss. There are three other locations in Kennebunk, Biddeford, and Wells.

The emphasis at this cozy neighborhood restaurant is on the superb food rather than the atmosphere, which isn't surprising, given that the owners formerly served their tasty, no-fuss fare from a truck. Lunch and dinner feature locally sourced, sustainable ingredients in dishes that reflect the seasons. The lobster roll, made with big chunks of knuckle and claw meat, is so good deserves its own cult. 

One of Maine's most legendary chefs, Sam Hayward, opened this much-lauded restaurant in a renovated warehouse on the edge of the Old Port in 1996; today every copper-top table in the main dining room has a view of the enormous brick oven and soapstone hearth that anchor the open kitchen. The menu changes daily to reflect the freshest ingredients from Maine's farms and waters, as well as the tremendous creativity of the staff.

With nods from critics far and wide, one of the state’s most celebrated restaurants is also one of its newest. This high-ceilinged, Italian-centric restaurant comes from husband and wife team Jake and Raquel Stevens who turn out exquisite handmade pasta like the spaghettini Nero laced with squid, serrano chile, pork brood, white wine, and bread crumbs—a revelation of flavors both strong and soothing. Gluten-free? Don't fret: There’s also a homemade ricotta gnocchi that the kitchen can sub in for almost any pasta dish.

In the Press Hotel, Union Restaurant has a sophisticated but unpretentious air that is reflected in its menu, which focuses on local ingredients, many of which are foraged and fished, or gathered from its on-site greenhouse. Most dishes are modern comfort food; breakfast and brunch are a treat: you'll find maple pain perdu served alongside smoked-salmon tartines and classic dishes like eggs Benedict.

Sparkling and gigantic crystal chandeliers aren't exactly the first thing you'd expect to greet you in a brick-and-ivy building tucked into a cobblestoned street, yet here they are—along with myriad other unapologetically glamorous touches. Settle into a green velvet booth and order up a meticulously made craft cocktail, or tuck into small Italian-inspired plates such as juicy lamb belly skewers or bucatini with spicy ‘nduja cream. If the weather cooperates, the alfresco patio is a primo spot for people-watching.

There's an infectious vibe at this eclectic, Spanish-inspired Arts District hot spot that's accentuated by its 2,000-square-foot space, lofty tin ceilings, worn maple floors, and mismatched chandeliers. Regulars chat with servers about which just-caught seafood will decorate the paella or which organic veggies will star in the tortillas, one of several tapas choices.

Trays heaped with St. Louis--style ribs and brisket fly around Salvage’s expansive room, as diners wait for orders to arrive at communal or dinette tables. The deep-flavored meats benefit from time in the outfit’s smoker, custom-built from an old propane tank and fueled by Maine red oak, and sides like collard greens, delicious cornbread, and hush puppies round out the Southern-style feast. The adjoining bar and live music keep things hopping.

One of two large locations (the other is in Freeport), this stylishly decorated, locally owned, and family-friendly trattoria-inspired spot specializes in wood-fired pizzas and hearty (mostly Italian) entrées. There are also seafood options like Maine mussels and oysters as well as a selection of Maine beers on tap.