If you’ve never been to Portland, Maine, I urge you to book a trip to this coastal city as soon as possible, especially if you love food. Portland is packed to the brim with restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops that are a foodie’s dream come true. Read more below and discover my top 5 foodie eats in Portland, Maine!
This post was written by Marnely Murray who pens Cooking with Books.
Duckfat – 43 Middle Street in Portland, Maine
A gourmet sandwich shop that has a cult following, Duckfat is a fantastic spot to grab lunch or dinner in Portland. The fries are what make people come back every time and after one bite, you’ll understand why. Local Maine potatoes are fried in duck fat to a crisp. Along with the fries, we ordered a duck confit panini that was divine.
DiMillo’s on the Water – 25 Long Wharf, Portland, Maine
A traditional seafood restaurant right on the water, this doesn’t pop up as a “trendy” must eat in Portland, but it has been an institution for decades. Families flock to this restaurant for the freshest seafood and Main lobster. The preparations are simple and to the point. Like the lobster meat in butter I ordered or the broiled scallops my husband ordered. Both so tender, so flavorful, and yet so simple. If you love seafood, DiMillo’s is the place for you.
Scratch Baking Co. – 416 Preble Street, South Portland, Maine
Whenever I travel, scouting out the best bakeries is always a top priority. Whether a bakery is known for croissants or they are specialists in chocolate, I need to know about it. When every one of my travel friends started recommending Scratch Baking Co., I knew the bakery gods were smiling down on me. If you only have one thing from Scratch, make it one of their fresh bagels – just make sure to be there nice and early! If you’re looking for something sweet, their fudge brownies are seriously divine.
Top of the East – 157 High Street Portland, Maine
Located on the top of the Westin Portland Harborview Hotel, with panoramic views of Portland and Casco Bay and is the only Portland Maine rooftop bar, Top of the East is a great date night idea. Order a carefully crafted cocktail (the bartenders have so many great recommendations, so chat it up with them) and these lobster sliders. The lobster meat is tender and just lightly tossed in mayonnaise, herbs and lemon. When in Maine – always order the lobster!
The Honey Paw – 78 Middle Street, Portland, Maine
Last but not least, The Honey Paw was one of our favorite restaurants in Portland. Ethnic Asian fusion, it was the perfect meal to round out our trip. A blend of Southeast Asian and Chinese cuisine, the dishes are ideal for warming up on a cold winter day. We also sat at the bar here and enjoyed light conversation with our bartender, who gave us some great tips as well. Must haves here? The radish kimchi, the bibimbap, and no matter how cold – the soft serve honey ice cream!
