When the week needs a reset, Saigon Restaurant nails the comfort-food brief with fragrant pho, steamy dumplings, crisp spring rolls, and…
795 Forest Ave
“When the week needs a reset, Saigon Restaurant nails the comfort-food brief with fragrant pho, steamy dumplings, crisp spring rolls, and grilled skewer plates that actually taste like lemongrass. Bonus points for a solid tea lineup and bánh mì to go, perfect for desk lunches or couch mode.”
Portland’s Pizzaiolo is cranking out authentic New York style pizza that hits exactly right this week. They’ve been serving something…
360 Cumberland Ave
“Portland’s Pizzaiolo is cranking out authentic New York style pizza that hits exactly right this week. They’ve been serving something special for over 30 years, and if you’re juggling life stuff, their easy online ordering and catering make feeding a crew delightfully low-stress.”
Portland sushi craving hitting hard this week? Mr. Tuna is dialing in melt-in-your-mouth nigiri and a dedicated Toro Menu, built on…
83 Middle St
“Portland sushi craving hitting hard this week? Mr. Tuna is dialing in melt-in-your-mouth nigiri and a dedicated Toro Menu, built on meticulous prep like super freezing and careful aging that keeps pristine local Atlantic bluefin flowing most of the year… your chopsticks will notice.”
The Great Lost Bear keeps Portland happily hydrated with over 70 rotating taps, weekly microbrewery happenings, and a menu stacked with pub…
540 Forest Ave
“The Great Lost Bear keeps Portland happily hydrated with over 70 rotating taps, weekly microbrewery happenings, and a menu stacked with pub classics and big, juicy burgers. Slide in for a pint, find a rare brew, then realize you accidentally stayed for dinner.”
Solo Italiano is Chef Paolo Laboa’s Genovese love letter to Maine, with house-made pastas and breads, daily fish and produce pulled from…
100 Commercial St
“Solo Italiano is Chef Paolo Laboa’s Genovese love letter to Maine, with house-made pastas and breads, daily fish and produce pulled from local farms. The 2008 Pesto World Champion keeps it simple and seasonal, and the restaurant even snagged Gambero Rosso’s Due Forchette in 2025.”
Portland’s OG Maine Craft Beer Bar, The Thirsty Pig is all about house-made sausages paired with the best local pours. Swing by this week…
37 Exchange St
“Portland’s OG Maine Craft Beer Bar, The Thirsty Pig is all about house-made sausages paired with the best local pours. Swing by this week for a low-key hang, fresh Maine brews, and that glorious moment when mustard, snap, and hops line up just right.”
Thai fried chicken that actually stays shatter-crisp, tropical cocktails that don't phone it in, and a lineup of faves like Pad See Ew, Moo…
90 Exchange St
“Thai fried chicken that actually stays shatter-crisp, tropical cocktails that don't phone it in, and a lineup of faves like Pad See Ew, Moo Ping, oysters, and that cheeky Same Same But Different make Crispy Gai a go-to when dinner needs fun and flavor.”
When you crave a no-fuss bowl that tastes like Sunday at nonna’s, Roma brings the classics in a historic mansion, from ragu alla Bolognese…
767 Congress St
“When you crave a no-fuss bowl that tastes like Sunday at nonna’s, Roma brings the classics in a historic mansion, from ragu alla Bolognese and rigatoni alla carbonara to chicken parm and a tiramisu with Baileys and Kahlua. Pair it with a good Italian red.”
When this week calls for crispy-edged patties and real-deal fries, Black Cow Burgers & Fries delivers with a scratch kitchen that butchers…
83 Exchange St
“When this week calls for crispy-edged patties and real-deal fries, Black Cow Burgers & Fries delivers with a scratch kitchen that butchers and grinds in-house, double-blanches potatoes, and turns out killer sides like nori-dusted onion rings and dirty fries.”
Scales nails that Portland sweet spot, a spacious seaside room where the raw bar is stacked, the local catch shines, and New England…
68 Commercial St
“Scales nails that Portland sweet spot, a spacious seaside room where the raw bar is stacked, the local catch shines, and New England comfort classics actually feel comforting. Go when you want pristine raw-bar picks, a solid pour of wine, and a place that treats regulars right.”
Serving Portland for over 20 years, The Front Room nails New American comfort food with that cozy open-kitchen energy, a lively bar, and a…
73 Congress St
“Serving Portland for over 20 years, The Front Room nails New American comfort food with that cozy open-kitchen energy, a lively bar, and a first-come brunch that locals will happily queue for. Think Eggs Benny, house-made gnocchi, and crème brûlée that makes you consider skipping dinner for dessert.”
Old Port Noodle House specializes in pho that actually tastes like someone watched the pot all day, plus a wide lineup of Vietnamese…
245 Commercial St
“Old Port Noodle House specializes in pho that actually tastes like someone watched the pot all day, plus a wide lineup of Vietnamese favorites and some Thai standbys. Fresh local ingredients keep things bright. Great for a quick order-online night or when you need catering for the crew.”
Smoked Portland turns weeknights into saucy situations, with slow-smoked wings and meats that are actually smoked in-house every day. The…
951 Forest Ave
“Smoked Portland turns weeknights into saucy situations, with slow-smoked wings and meats that are actually smoked in-house every day. The kicker is their creative sauces, from Maine blueberry to pesto and mango to maple syrup, bacon, and even a touch of Jim Beam... perfect for when your fridge plan falls apart.”
Portland Pie Company is the flagship of a regional pizzeria and pub that actually makes crust a headline, with choices like basil, beer,…
51 York St
“Portland Pie Company is the flagship of a regional pizzeria and pub that actually makes crust a headline, with choices like basil, beer, and gluten-free that turn even a simple cheese into an occasion. If you’re craving something heartier, their Sal-Zone hits that late-night, post-game, or couch-dinner sweet spot.”
Whether you’re in a let’s share five things mood this week or craving a solo snack that slaps, Central Provisions nails inventive small…
414 Fore St
“Whether you’re in a let’s share five things mood this week or craving a solo snack that slaps, Central Provisions nails inventive small plates with serious flavor. Think crab salad, tuna crudo, and suckling pig that disappears fast, courtesy of Chef Chris Gould.”
Craving seafood with a side of harbor views, DiMillo's On The Water serves award-winning plates in a historic floating setting that’s pure…
25 Long Wharf
“Craving seafood with a side of harbor views, DiMillo's On The Water serves award-winning plates in a historic floating setting that’s pure Portland. Not up for a sit-down, order online and take that waterfront magic with you for an easy weeknight win.”
UNION Restaurant keeps things approachably excellent with seasonal New American plates built from Maine’s fishermen, farmers, and foragers,…
390 Congress St
“UNION Restaurant keeps things approachably excellent with seasonal New American plates built from Maine’s fishermen, farmers, and foragers, even rooftop honey.”
Craving bright, shareable plates that actually taste like something? Evo Kitchen + Bar pairs Maine ingredients with Mediterranean flavors,…
443 Fore St
“Craving bright, shareable plates that actually taste like something? Evo Kitchen + Bar pairs Maine ingredients with Mediterranean flavors, confident seasoning, and plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, plus polished service and a strong cocktail and wine lineup.”
Leonardo's Pizza hits the sweet spot between classic comfort and gourmet creativity, with traditional, vegetarian, and specialty pies built…
415 Forest Ave
“Leonardo's Pizza hits the sweet spot between classic comfort and gourmet creativity, with traditional, vegetarian, and specialty pies built from quality ingredients. Portland locals lean on them for carryout or delivery when the fridge looks bleak, and there’s even roasted chicken for the non-pizza crowd.”
Bonfire Country Bar Portland keeps it simple with strong whiskey, handmade cocktails, 20 beers, and bar-food cravings like burgers, wings,…
37 Wharf St
“Bonfire Country Bar Portland keeps it simple with strong whiskey, handmade cocktails, 20 beers, and bar-food cravings like burgers, wings, and weekend Bloody Marys, all set to wall-to-wall TVs and country music videos that turn a random Tuesday into a low-key victory lap.”
When you want something unfussy and good, Artemisia Cafe is your neighborhood escape at the “The Pleasant end of Fore Street” with menus…
61 Pleasant St
“When you want something unfussy and good, Artemisia Cafe is your neighborhood escape at the “The Pleasant end of Fore Street” with menus for lunch, brunch and dinner. Expect well-made plates, a solid drink in hand, and timely specials that feel like they read your mind.”
For Portland nights when only char will do, The Grill Room & Bar nails wood-fired steaks and seafood in the Old Port, with an open kitchen…
84 Exchange St
“For Portland nights when only char will do, The Grill Room & Bar nails wood-fired steaks and seafood in the Old Port, with an open kitchen that puts the flame front and center. Look for Pineland Farms cuts, a classic beef tartare, and cocktails that play nice with the smoke.”
When you need an Old Port reset this week, Via Vecchia delivers cicchetti like fried artichokes and warm olives, handmade pastas from…
10 Dana St
“When you need an Old Port reset this week, Via Vecchia delivers cicchetti like fried artichokes and warm olives, handmade pastas from bolognese lumache to bucatini with local clams, plus Bangs Island mussels and a cocktail program blending old world elegance with new school technique.”
Cong Tu Bot nails Vietnamese comfort fare for chilly weeknights and sweaty summer evenings alike, with brothy pho, wok-kissed stir-fries,…
57 Washington Ave
“Cong Tu Bot nails Vietnamese comfort fare for chilly weeknights and sweaty summer evenings alike, with brothy pho, wok-kissed stir-fries, and a drinks lineup of beer, sake, and wine that plays nice with heat. Casual, flavorful, reliably satisfying.”
Off Track Pizza slings big, foldable pies and grab-and-go slices with personality... think Vodka Burrata, Hot Capicola with hot honey and…
15 Exchange St
“Off Track Pizza slings big, foldable pies and grab-and-go slices with personality... think Vodka Burrata, Hot Capicola with hot honey and pickled fresno, and the ricotta-forward Mootz, plus legit chicken parm and meatball subs for when you want your carbs in sandwich form or need a crowd-pleasing catering order.”
Cargo Pizza Company is the food-truck-turned-local favorite cranking out pies with Italian-imported flour and tomatoes, hand-shredded…
1053 Forest Ave
“Cargo Pizza Company is the food-truck-turned-local favorite cranking out pies with Italian-imported flour and tomatoes, hand-shredded cheese, and house-made ranch, no weird fillers. Not feeling pizza? Smash burgers, crispy wings, and beef tallow fries hit that salty-satisfying note...”
Sun Vietnamese Restaurant is a clutch move this week when you want slurpable pho, crispy-fresh banh mi, and boba milk tea for a sweet…
699 Forest Ave
“Sun Vietnamese Restaurant is a clutch move this week when you want slurpable pho, crispy-fresh banh mi, and boba milk tea for a sweet finish. Keep it simple with lemongrass with rice or fried rice, or scratch that pad thai itch, and call dinner handled.”
When you want a neighborhood hangout on Portland’s Back Cove that actually changes things up, Tipo Restaurant keeps it lively with an…
182 Ocean Ave
“When you want a neighborhood hangout on Portland’s Back Cove that actually changes things up, Tipo Restaurant keeps it lively with an ever-changing lineup of Italian-inspired plates plus the pizza and pasta you secretly want most weeknights.”
Izakaya Minato brings the East End a cozy open kitchen izakaya vibe where seasonal small plates, sashimi, and Japanese fried chicken meet…
54 Washington Ave
“Izakaya Minato brings the East End a cozy open kitchen izakaya vibe where seasonal small plates, sashimi, and Japanese fried chicken meet sake, creative cocktails, and local beer. It’s the easy share-everything spot when you want authentic tradition with Maine hospitality.”
Yosaku is the downtown spot locals keep in rotation for premium sushi rolls, classic sashimi, and comfort-y hits from the Japanese kitchen…
1 Danforth St
“Yosaku is the downtown spot locals keep in rotation for premium sushi rolls, classic sashimi, and comfort-y hits from the Japanese kitchen like tempura, noodles, katsu, and donburi. The lunchtime bento boxes are clutch, and the tranquil vibe is perfect when you need a calm reset near the waterfront.”
When the I-should-cook voice loses to the I-deserve-maki voice, King of the Roll brings the no-fuss goods: fresh sushi rolls, cozy udon,…
675 Congress St
“When the I-should-cook voice loses to the I-deserve-maki voice, King of the Roll brings the no-fuss goods: fresh sushi rolls, cozy udon, dependable teriyaki, and bento boxes that actually fill you up. Solid weeknight savior, equally clutch for lazy Sundays.”
Hit Terlingua this week for Texas-style barbecue blended with Southwest and Mexican flavors, where house-smoked brisket can be chased with…
40 Washington Ave
“Hit Terlingua this week for Texas-style barbecue blended with Southwest and Mexican flavors, where house-smoked brisket can be chased with fish tacos, ceviche, and a legit margarita. Perfect for a casual hang with friends or an easy night off cooking, and yes, they cater, too.”
LB Kitchen keeps Portlanders fueled with an all-day cafe menu that makes eating well feel easy, not precious. It’s the spot for a quick,…
255 Congress St
“LB Kitchen keeps Portlanders fueled with an all-day cafe menu that makes eating well feel easy, not precious. It’s the spot for a quick, bright bite during the week, and the LB Mini-Mart offshoots double as modern corner stores when you want convenience that still feels thoughtful.”
On Jordan's working farm in Cape Elizabeth, The Well at Jordan's Farm serves a daily-changing chef’s tasting menu built from whatever just…
21 Wells Rd (Cape Elizabeth)
“On Jordan's working farm in Cape Elizabeth, The Well at Jordan's Farm serves a daily-changing chef’s tasting menu built from whatever just came out of the ground or off the boat. Book a gazebo with friends for family-style platters, or grab Chef’s Porch seats and settle in for a seriously Maine summer meal.”
Warm, casual, and reliably affordable, The Corner Room Italian Kitchen & Bar turns out house-made pastas, pizzas, antipasti, and fresh…
110 Exchange St
“Warm, casual, and reliably affordable, The Corner Room Italian Kitchen & Bar turns out house-made pastas, pizzas, antipasti, and fresh focaccia in a cozy, rustic setting. Think shareable starters, a proper bowl of pasta, and a vino list worth exploring when you want comfort that still feels a little refined.”
Back Cove BBQ & Pizzeria is your excuse to skip the stove this week, with 16-hour Applewood-smoked pork and chicken, fresh-dough specialty…
89 Ocean Ave
“Back Cove BBQ & Pizzeria is your excuse to skip the stove this week, with 16-hour Applewood-smoked pork and chicken, fresh-dough specialty pizzas, legit Greek gyros, and smash burgers that hit just right. Finish at Back Cove Creamery with soft-serve, flurries, baklava or a whoopie pie.”
Noble Pizzeria & Barbecue brings thin & crispy pies, proper smoked meats, and signature sandwiches, all honed from a decade of wood-fired…
476 Stevens Ave
“Noble Pizzeria & Barbecue brings thin & crispy pies, proper smoked meats, and signature sandwiches, all honed from a decade of wood-fired catering and Southern BBQ road trips. Craving an easy win this week, or feeding a crew, let them handle the flavor math.”
Fore Street Restaurant keeps it simple and stellar with a daily changing menu sourced from Maine farmers, fishermen, and foragers, much of…
288 Fore St
“Fore Street Restaurant keeps it simple and stellar with a daily changing menu sourced from Maine farmers, fishermen, and foragers, much of it kissed by an open wood fired oven, grill, and turnspit. Grab a seat facing the hearth and watch your dinner earn its smoky stripes.”
Small plates worth sharing, big flavors built from Maine's bounty, and cocktails mixed like they mean it, Sur Lie is the spot in downtown…
11 Free St
“Small plates worth sharing, big flavors built from Maine's bounty, and cocktails mixed like they mean it, Sur Lie is the spot in downtown Portland when you want a relaxed night that still feels special. American-contemporary tapas, female-owned, and proudly local.”
Whether you're craving classic nigiri or feeling adventurous, Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar keeps things legit with weekly fish…
16 Middle St
“Whether you're craving classic nigiri or feeling adventurous, Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar keeps things legit with weekly fish shipments arriving from Japan on Thursdays. Longtime Old Port staple with omakase, udon, and bento that taste like they actually care.”
