This waterfront town has so many incredible restaurants you could spend your entire visit just noshing. But when the need comes to push back from the table and stretch your legs, you’ll find great shopping and a beautiful landscape to explore.
Where to Eat
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86 Middle St., eventideoysterco.com
Visiting Portland and not going to Eventide is like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. The insanely popular spot is emblematic of Portland’s dining scene in general - it’s New England seafood dressed to impressed. The lobster roll is warm and reminiscent of an Asian bao bun, the oyster menu is ample, as are the accouterments, and the cocktails are innovative. One visit might not be enough.
288 Fore St., forestreet.biz
One of the original spots that turned Portland into a foodie town. For close to thirty years, the talented chefs have been transforming locally sourced ingredients into plates deserving of praise from critics across the country. Despite the numerous culinary awards, the interior feels cozy and familiar, warmed by the wood-burning oven and grill in a brick and soapstone hearth that serves as the centerpiece of the space.
414 Fore St., central-provisions.com
The perfect spot for a light snack or a long leisurely meal. The menu offers a selection of small plates that range from oysters, to cheese, to inspiring vegetables to suckling pig. Choose your own adventure each and every time. And for a real treat, take a tour of the caviar section.
85 Free St., leewardmaine.com
This newcomer opened in 2020. Yes, you read that right. And not only did they weather the pandemic, they have garnered praise from The New York Times and the James Beard Foundation in addition to local outlets. The secret to their success is simple - it’s just really delicious homemade pasta. And the rest of the menu is pretty tasty too.
468 Fore St., miyakerestaurants.com
Set aside some time for a really special dining experience. It’s not just the novelty of excellent Japanese food in Maine, but the care and attention to detail taken to create each plate is evident even before you take a bite. For an equally delicious meal that is a little less precious, head to their sister restaurant, the ramen restaurant Pai Men.
Where to Drink
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75 Market St., huntandalpineclub.com
Drinking here feels like going on an adventure. The menu looks and feels like a map to a hidden treasure and the rustic interior could have been decorated by a fashion designer. You’ll be perfectly happy to stay right on your stool and travel through the creative cocktails and tasty Alpine-style bar snacks.
5 Portland Pier, jsoysterportland.com
An iconic, no frills spot on the pier to get fresh oysters and cold beer. There are no fancy cocktails, no internationally recognized wine list. Just classic seafood on the water. There are tables and chairs outside, but to really experience the personality of the place, sidle up to the bar with the locals.
742 Congress St., tandemcoffee.com
This is bold to say, but this could be one of the best coffee shops in the states. It has everything you would want; a funky interior that was once a gas station, incredible baked goods and egg sandwiches, a staff that looks like they’re all artists models on the side, and really really good coffee.
660 Forest Ave., woodfordfb.com
This is one of those spots that nails the nostalgia without being cheesy. There’s a subtle retro vibe that perfectly matches the familiar New England fare with modern touches. The welcoming and large bar is a great place to perch and sample their beverage program which of course includes classic cocktails and original concoctions.
Where to Stay
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163 Danforth St. and 46 Carleton St., larkhotels.com
Technically two separate guest houses, with 15 rooms between them, that are about a ten minute walk from each other in the West End. All of the rooms are distinctly decorated, typical of all the properties in the Lark Hotel portfolio. Each room has also been assigned a host, comprised of the city’s tastemakers, who provide their unique insights and recommendations helping guests to feel like a local.
119 Exchange St., thepresshotel.com
Once the headquarters of the Portland Press Herald, the seven floors have now been transformed into modern guest suites. But the history is evident throughout the hotel’s artwork and in the aptly named Inkwell coffee shop in the lobby.
140 Congress St., bestbower.me
Act like a true Mainer at this hotel furnished with custom stone, tile, metal and woodwork from craftsmen in an upscale, laid-back, minimalist style. Guests have the option to call ahead and have their fridge specially stocked with local provisions and the artwork changes based on the latest artist-in-residence. The neighboring iconic Portland Observatory provides a historic backdrop.
747 Congress St., thefrancismaine.com
The locally-owned boutique hotel boasts 15 rooms in a stately refurbished Victorian mansion. Built in 1881 for Mellen E. Bolster and his family, historic features have been preserved and highlighted within the modern renovation. The building also houses the Wayside Tavern, a cozy spot for drinks and comfort food.
Explore
Portland still has a thriving brick and mortar boutique scene. Wander the Old Port neighborhood and discover locally-owned shops aplenty. There’s Chilton Furniture (chiltons.com) specializing in domestically sourced hardwoods, Terrarium (terrariumportlandme.com) where you can buy a house plant and a beer, Edgecomb Potters (edgecombpotters.com), La Roux Kitchen (lerouxkitchen.com), Judith (shopjudith.com), for a curated selection of the latest women’s designers and Folly 101 (folly101.com) for home decor.
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Thompsonspoint.com
The 2.25 million square feet of land at the end of the city has had many lives. Once a thriving hub for the rail industry, and then a site for industrial manufacturing, the area has been revitalized as a destination for restauranteurs, designers, musicians and artists. Catch a concert in the summer season, head to the Maker’s Market on select Sundays, visit the Children’s Museum or the Cryptozoology Museum, or simply grab a drink at one of the breweries. The best way to get there? Rent a bike in town and ride over.
Cutter Street, portlandmaine.gov
For some of the best views of Portland, head to this 68.2-acre public park where you can gaze out on the harbor and Casco Bay. Stroll the perimeter for a leisurely walk, head to Fort Allen Park for some history, or a more active crew can take advantage of the tennis courts, basketball courts and jogging trails.
609 Congress St., statetheatreportland.com
Looking for an after dinner activity? Look no further than the State Theater where the always lively calendar lists concerts, film screenings, and comedy shows.
Photography by: Serena Folding/ Visit Portland
