Location: Portland
Top Restaurants in Portland
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Top 10 Contemporary food in Portland, Maine, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best Contemporary food in Portland, Maine, United States. From ornate mansions to ocean views, this charming city - the largest in Maine - will enchant you. Saunter down the brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets of the revitalized Old Port District, where you can browse through bookstores, explore craft shops and eat to your heart's content. Visit the Portland Head Light, which dates back to 1791, and is the oldest lighthouse still in continuous use in the U.S. The great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is the city's native son, and you can visit his childhood home, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. With kids in hand, enjoy the highly interactive Children's Museum of Maine. And then go next door to the calmer Portland Museum of Art, a small, but eclectic museum with Impressionist works, Maine landscapes by Homer and Wyeth and other collections. Land or sea is an option here, so if you're tired of the street life, take one of the popular scenic cruises or whale watches, or hop on a ferry to the islands in Casco Bay. At the end of the day, and without kids in hand, unwind and rest your tired feet at one of the city's brewpubs.
Things to do in Portland
10. Union
Overall Ratings
4 based on 509 reviews
At UNION we believe that being supplied by the best local farms allows you to enjoy ingredients at their peak of flavor. We partner with farms and producers across New England to ensure that when you dine with us you are truly getting a taste of the regio
Reviewed By 354irenee
Will return.This restaurant is at the Press Hotel - if you like old typewriters which it has many in their lobby, then do make a bathroom trip.The decoration of the restaurant is simple and woody. The serving staff are efficient and professional. They serve their oysters with cocktail pearls - nice touch. The scallops entree is heavenly good: succulent, lively and tasty, it's bit salty but you still can taste the sweetness. The Bangs Island mussels (house green curry, lemongrass, lime leaf, chili - oh my ... ) is served with a warm baguette - oui - is excellent too. Both entrees are on the salty side, which fit my palate, -:)When we ask for bill, are told is paid for it. The restaurant is relatively empty because we got there a little after 5. When we press the staff, does he reveal is the next table, with two ladies. After a little debate, I walk over and thanked them. The younger one is a little surprised but the older lady said, "you're welcome. I never forget a beautiful face... have we met somewhere?"She does look like a relative I had, grandaunt Lucy. Although Lucy was Chinese but their similarity lie in the way they present themselves: starting from nicely coiffed hair down to matching earrings, not to mention the makeup.On the second thought, she does look like my editor and a good friend Lynda. But I don't think we've met and I told her so. Maybe we've met but I'm senile ...In any case, thank you lady, you made my day. Hope we'll meet one day, somewhere.
9. Nosh Kitchen Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 384 reviews
Destination Fries, Great Food
Reviewed By AndreaTheGreat
Awesome menu with interesting burgers, poutine, apps and a good beer selection (macro as well as craft). High end burgers with great taste. The meat is extraordinary. Worth any wait and worth every penny. We were a party of 4 and went to Nosh on a busy Saturday night. There was the usual wait youâd see at a popular restaurant on weekend night.What was unusual was the high level of professionalism from the host and our server.The host was very good. Organized. Razor sharp. On top of the hubbub. His name was Kenneth. He had complete control over the waiting list and the tables. He checked in with us at one point during our wait, thanked us for being patient, and said weâd be seated soon. The man was hustlinââbuzzing all around the restaurant keeping things going, keeping things moving. Very professional and with it.When we were seated, our server was Nicholas. This guy! Great knowledge of the beer menu. Great beer recommendations based on things I said. This guy was efficient to the max, and let me tell you, the restaurant was insanely busy. Our order came out perfectly, including the annoying little change requests weâd made (âpate on the side, no tomatoes, say nice things to the poutine as you prepare it, etc.â) Nicholas was pleasant and affable. Just a nice guy doing a great job.Nicholas was friendly, knowledgeable, obviously experienced in his work. I saw him operate in this manner with all his tables.At one point Host Kenneth saw me looking over at the bar, and he came over to make sure someone had taken care of us. We had and I was just looking to see what sodas were on tap, but I appreciated this professional attention of a host keeping his room moving and taken care of. I saw him bussing a couple tables here and there, just keeping the glow going and getting people into seats.We had beers, apps, burgers, desserts. Everything was perfect. Soooooooo good!The food was worth the wait and out-of-control delicious. Serviceâexcellent. Great food is awesome, but itâs the people that really make an experience worth it. This place is run by true professionals. Next time we are in Portland, we are making this our go-to spot.
8. Sur Lie
Overall Ratings
4 based on 177 reviews
There's something special about Sur Lie that sets us apart. It's the values we have and the values we all share as a team that is transferred through to our guest. To us it's about buying local. It's about giving back to our community. Food and drink are
Reviewed By Philip C
We helped friends celebrate their anniversary and had a delightful, well-paced evening (Thanks Kevin!). We shared a mix of 8 plates from various categories and still had room for a couple of dessert plates and after-dinner drinks. Add-in a round of dynamite cocktails and a nice bottle of La Selva and our total tab with tip was $150 per couple. The dishes were all wonderful although the Jambon Royal charcuterie was a bit underwhelming. Highlights were the Scallops, Cod, and Swordfish Ceviche.
7. East Ender
Overall Ratings
4 based on 330 reviews
The East Ender offers new American food with bold New England flavors. Chefs Karl Deuben and Bill Leavy . We source products from local farmers and purveyors. Quality local ingredients allow East Ender to create a menu from scratch and present it in an ap
Reviewed By kathy g
So glad the hotel we stayed at recommended East Ender Restaurant. It was exactly what we needed. They took our reservation for 4 and made it easy to reconfirm or cancel if needed. The food was outstanding, very fresh with great subtle flavors. Each of us got something different from cheeseburgers cooked to order, fried haddock that was fresh and crispy (best one had in Portland), salads and chicken sandwich. We were able to change the food that accompanied the main dishes and to order dishes for the table to share. We ordered extra french fries (which were better than Duck Fat's) brussels sprouts (which were liked by all) and a delicious Asian cole slaw to share for the table. Service was friendly and the food came quickly. Loved the upstairs dining area with a view out the sunny large windows. My party loved the choices in beers, too. The food just felt delicious and healthy at the same time. Liked the location, too.
6. Fore Street Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2250 reviews
Reviewed By RalphP2
This is a restaurant we visit everytime we're in Portland. The food is absolutely excellent, the selection varied, with a wine selection that should satify everyone (see note further, however). The wait staff makes this a pleasant to visit here; they are extremely nice and occasionally humorous. The large open kitchen lets you see how your food is prepared. The restaurant can be a bit noisy (always had a feeling the building was originally a warehouse or factory). We have enjoyed the raw clams, hallibut, and steaks. Two notes:1, when you order medium rare meat, it is truly medium rare (cold in the center); and 2, if you like Malbac wine, be careful in selecting it as it appears to be a non-Agentinian grape-not Mendoza, thus not as hearty or full-bodied as one should expect.
5. Union
Overall Ratings
4 based on 509 reviews
At UNION we believe that being supplied by the best local farms allows you to enjoy ingredients at their peak of flavor. We partner with farms and producers across New England to ensure that when you dine with us you are truly getting a taste of the regio
Reviewed By 354irenee
Will return.This restaurant is at the Press Hotel - if you like old typewriters which it has many in their lobby, then do make a bathroom trip.The decoration of the restaurant is simple and woody. The serving staff are efficient and professional. They serve their oysters with cocktail pearls - nice touch. The scallops entree is heavenly good: succulent, lively and tasty, it's bit salty but you still can taste the sweetness. The Bangs Island mussels (house green curry, lemongrass, lime leaf, chili - oh my ... ) is served with a warm baguette - oui - is excellent too. Both entrees are on the salty side, which fit my palate, -:)When we ask for bill, are told is paid for it. The restaurant is relatively empty because we got there a little after 5. When we press the staff, does he reveal is the next table, with two ladies. After a little debate, I walk over and thanked them. The younger one is a little surprised but the older lady said, "you're welcome. I never forget a beautiful face... have we met somewhere?"She does look like a relative I had, grandaunt Lucy. Although Lucy was Chinese but their similarity lie in the way they present themselves: starting from nicely coiffed hair down to matching earrings, not to mention the makeup.On the second thought, she does look like my editor and a good friend Lynda. But I don't think we've met and I told her so. Maybe we've met but I'm senile ...In any case, thank you lady, you made my day. Hope we'll meet one day, somewhere.
4. Union
Overall Ratings
4 based on 509 reviews
At UNION we believe that being supplied by the best local farms allows you to enjoy ingredients at their peak of flavor. We partner with farms and producers across New England to ensure that when you dine with us you are truly getting a taste of the regio
Reviewed By 354irenee
Will return.This restaurant is at the Press Hotel - if you like old typewriters which it has many in their lobby, then do make a bathroom trip.The decoration of the restaurant is simple and woody. The serving staff are efficient and professional. They serve their oysters with cocktail pearls - nice touch. The scallops entree is heavenly good: succulent, lively and tasty, it's bit salty but you still can taste the sweetness. The Bangs Island mussels (house green curry, lemongrass, lime leaf, chili - oh my ... ) is served with a warm baguette - oui - is excellent too. Both entrees are on the salty side, which fit my palate, -:)When we ask for bill, are told is paid for it. The restaurant is relatively empty because we got there a little after 5. When we press the staff, does he reveal is the next table, with two ladies. After a little debate, I walk over and thanked them. The younger one is a little surprised but the older lady said, "you're welcome. I never forget a beautiful face... have we met somewhere?"She does look like a relative I had, grandaunt Lucy. Although Lucy was Chinese but their similarity lie in the way they present themselves: starting from nicely coiffed hair down to matching earrings, not to mention the makeup.On the second thought, she does look like my editor and a good friend Lynda. But I don't think we've met and I told her so. Maybe we've met but I'm senile ...In any case, thank you lady, you made my day. Hope we'll meet one day, somewhere.
3. Vinland
Overall Ratings
4 based on 322 reviews
Comfortable. Delicious. Nourishing. Vinland is the first restaurant in the United States to serve 100% local, organic food. The perfect place to make an ordinary night special. Local food for local people.
Reviewed By Pack4me11
Iâm a picky eater. There, Iâve said it. I was skeptical about this restaurant. A lot of chatter about how long it takes to eat there, how small the portions were, how expensive, etc. it was probably THE BEST dining experience Iâve ever had in my life! And Iâm old! And have eaten all over the world. Full disclosure, I like small portions. BUT, you wouldnât order just one item off this menu. I ordered two, my husband and daughter ordered three. The lobster was served on a mushroom reduction that was like umami x10! It was accompanied by this strangely beautiful, shiny brown rice cake that reminded me of brittle. Such deliciously refined flavor! I literally ran my finger around the plate to get it all! Yes, I licked my fingers! My second course was the chicken with crispy skin and grilled broccolini . It was outrageous! Imagine a crispy piece of chicken skin that snaps when you bite into it, then a bite of moist, juicy chicken thigh in some magical sauce. Yes, it took a couple of hours, but it wasnât like I had a meeting to get to! It was dinner, with my family. I would be remiss if I didnât mention the service. Our waiter, Willow, was so helpful, thoughtful and downright kind. How often do you find that these days? He made me a special blueberry spritzer mock-tail that was quite refreshing. Was it expensive? Yes, it was. And worth every penny.I really appreciate you taking the time to share this. Thank you for making this all worthwhile.
2. Evo Kitchen + Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 279 reviews
Maine food. Bold flavors. With a chic, energetic vibe, Evo puts an unconventional twist on the traditional. Maine's micro seasons enable our Chefs to play. For you, this means they are always coming up with new dishes and creative ways of preparing the Ma
Reviewed By Mary L
We returned to EVO last night for another amazing meal. This restaurant just gets better and better. We started with the Brussel Sprouts, Chickpea fries and Muhammara, with each dish just excellent. The muhammara was served with fresh pita and crackers. The chickpea fries are addictive, and the brussel sprouts carmelized to perfection. We shared mussels served in a tumeric broth and fought over wiping the bowl with the pita bread. We followed that with falafel, monkfish and lobster dishes all of which were flavorful, artfully plated and cooked to perfection. We ended the meal with the cookie plate and baklava ice cream for dessert, the cookies were chocolate, a riff on pb &j, and baklava cookies and just saying that does not do justice to these amazing pastries. The wine list was interesting and varied, we got to try some wines we have ever tried before, and my martini was superb!
What to do and see in Portland, United States: The Best Places and Tips
1. Union
Overall Ratings
4 based on 509 reviews
At UNION we believe that being supplied by the best local farms allows you to enjoy ingredients at their peak of flavor. We partner with farms and producers across New England to ensure that when you dine with us you are truly getting a taste of the regio
Reviewed By 354irenee
Will return.This restaurant is at the Press Hotel - if you like old typewriters which it has many in their lobby, then do make a bathroom trip.The decoration of the restaurant is simple and woody. The serving staff are efficient and professional. They serve their oysters with cocktail pearls - nice touch. The scallops entree is heavenly good: succulent, lively and tasty, it's bit salty but you still can taste the sweetness. The Bangs Island mussels (house green curry, lemongrass, lime leaf, chili - oh my ... ) is served with a warm baguette - oui - is excellent too. Both entrees are on the salty side, which fit my palate, -:)When we ask for bill, are told is paid for it. The restaurant is relatively empty because we got there a little after 5. When we press the staff, does he reveal is the next table, with two ladies. After a little debate, I walk over and thanked them. The younger one is a little surprised but the older lady said, "you're welcome. I never forget a beautiful face... have we met somewhere?"She does look like a relative I had, grandaunt Lucy. Although Lucy was Chinese but their similarity lie in the way they present themselves: starting from nicely coiffed hair down to matching earrings, not to mention the makeup.On the second thought, she does look like my editor and a good friend Lynda. But I don't think we've met and I told her so. Maybe we've met but I'm senile ...In any case, thank you lady, you made my day. Hope we'll meet one day, somewhere.
Portland Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Portland
