If you ever hear anyone ask why teensy Portland, Maine, has such an outsized reputation in the food world, remember two things: First, those people clearly haven’t eaten here yet, and second, the answer lies in a philosophy ingrained in Maine itself. The state’s proud lack of pretense and its close-knit community of small farms, working waterfronts, and independent restaurants are long-held traditions that predate (and frankly, eclipse) hype phrases like “locavorism.” And that means widespread access to far better food for everyone. Even celebrated fine dining here tends to eschew anything high-concept and instead just keeps it real.
That ethos was first amplified by Portland’s gastronomic forefathers who got the country’s attention back in the mid ’90s (chefs like Sam Hayward at Fore Street, which is still going strong). That opened the floodgates to kitchens cooking serious food, leaning more homey than fancy, that’s all so good it’ll make your head spin: luscious barbecue and pillowy, umami-laced pizzas; straight-from-the-sea sushi; and ethereal donuts made from local potatoes. These days, Portland is a jumble of creative and scrappy spots that make snacking your way around town an utter delight. That said, when you want the complete dining experience of a sit-down-and-linger meal that will haunt your dreams, these are the restaurants to be reckoned with.
Read our complete Portland, Maine, travel guide here, which includes:
How we choose the best restaurants in Portland, Maine
Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.