I’ve lived in Portland, Maine for over 35 years and eaten at just about every restaurant. Here are my top picks for where to eat, drink and shop like a local.
Looking to bring something special home from Portland? We have you covered with the perfect gift or keepsake.
Incredible seafood and local craft breweries are undoubtedly one of the best parts about living in or visiting Portland, Maine. This is why Bon Appetit Magazine named Portland, Maine “2018 Restaurant City of the Year”. When time is limited and you want to experience the best of the city, look no further than these top places.
1. DiMillos On The Water
DiMillo’s On the Water, Portland’s One-Of-A-Kind Restaurant, is the only floating restaurant in Maine! It’s one of many reasons why over 14 million guests have enjoyed the DiMillo’s experience. Every year, our restaurant prepares over 25,000 pounds of lobsters, our specialty!
2. The Porthole Restaurant & Pub
The Porthole boasts Portland’s largest waterfront deck hosting live entertainment nightly during the summer months. Bringing great food, great times and great memories to Custom House Wharf. Open year round and available for private events. Hope to see you on the wharf soon!
3. Andy’s Old Port Pub
Andy’s Old Port Pub is a waterfront watering hole frequented by locals, fishermen, music lovers, and tourists. Our visitors always get a warm welcome and an authentic taste of the Old Port neighborhood. Serving live acoustic style music nightly, local brews, and the freshest seafood Portland has to offer.
4. Terlingua
Experience Chef Wilson Rothschild’s menu combining house-smoked meats with caribbean, south-west & Mexican inspired dishes. Mention Portland Explorer & receive chips & salsa on us – pairs perfectly with possibly the best margarita you’ve ever had – VIVA TERLINGUA! Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
5. Portland Beer Hub
Portland Beer Hub is the only combination draft and retail beer house in Portland. Make new friends, drink some of the best beer in the world which is brewed here in the state of Maine. Bring some memories home with you by shopping a wide variety of beers in our retail section.
6. Glass Lounge @ The Hyatt
After site-seeing be sure to stop by Glass Lounge and experience one of our signature cocktails in a chic environment overlooking Portland’s most unique district. Located inside the Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port, where the standard for Maine hospitality is set as the only Hyatt hotel in the Pine Tree State.
7. Coffee By Design
Maine-owned and operated Coffee By Design celebrates 25 years of sustainably sourced, traceable, quality coffee. Committed to supporting the environment and building a strong community, locally and globally. Enjoy at Diamond St., India St. and Congress St. in Portland and L.L. Bean in Freeport.
8. Free Range Fish & Lobster
If you’re looking for fresh seafood pulled right from the ocean in Portland, Maine, come to Free Range Fish & Lobster. Here you can purchase a wide variety of local seafood in our display market as well as ship live Maine lobster and other tasty seafood treats back home or to friends and family.
9. D.Cole Jewelers
D.Cole Jewelers is a family-owned and operated business that has been in Portland’s Old Port for 38 years. They have a wide variety of price ranges from classic silver hoops to dazzling diamond engagement rings. Celebrate all of life’s events, big and small, with D. Cole Jewelers.
10. Sea Bags
Our nautically inspired totes and accessories are made from recycled sails. Handcrafted on the working waterfront in Portland, Maine. Once a sail, forever a Sea Bag.
With hundreds of restaurants, numerous cafes and plenty of shops to choose from, this is only a taste of my top choices.
The city is so much more than just lighthouses and lobsters and is definitely worth a trip. Have you ever been to Portland? What did you like best? We’re looking forward to your comment and your next visit!