Whether you’re planning a trip to Portland, Maine, or just looking for a new restaurant to try out, there’s a lot to choose from. With a variety of different restaurants, from Asian to Mediterranean, you’re sure to find something that’s right for you.
Terlingua
Located on Washington Avenue, Terlingua is a Tex-Mex restaurant specializing in barbecue. It’s the first venture for co-owners Pliny Reynolds and Melanie Kratovil, who are pursuing a career in food and beverage. The restaurant opened last June and recently moved into a larger space. It will add 16 more seats to its outdoor patio. It will also begin serving brunch on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm.
The restaurant’s menu combines Rothschild’s Mexican and barbecue creations. The cocktail list is extensive, and there are flights of tequila, mezcal, and sotol. The bar features 30 agave-based spirits, and customers can even take home growlers of the restaurant’s house-made cocktails.
The market next door is a bit more elaborate, selling prepared food, bottled beer, and Mexican blankets. It’s also got a whole hot sauce and hot sauce section, including a zippy green taco sauce.
The restaurant is also known for its outdoor seating, which has proved popular in the wake of the pandemic. Until the next round of construction, the patio is partially enclosed, and seating is limited to 35 people.
Pai Men Miyake
Pai Men Miyake is located in Portland, Maine, and offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant serves Japanese cuisine casually, making it ideal for a group meal. The menu features traditional ramen and soba soups, as well as a wide selection of sushi and steamed buns. Moreover, the restaurant offers a selection of craft beers, whiskey, and other spirits, making it a great place to enjoy a drink with a meal.
Pai Men Miyake is a new addition to Portland’s burgeoning Japanese restaurant scene and is well worth the visit. The menu includes traditional ramen and soba soups, sushi, and steamed buns, all for a reasonable price. The restaurant’s charming ambiance and professional service make it an ideal spot for a group dinner or date night. The kitchen is open late, Monday to Saturday, making it convenient to eat. It also has plenty of space for bicycle storage, making it a good option for families with young children.
While the menu may not be as expansive as other restaurants in the area, the restaurant has a solid reputation for excellent service. The menu is also available through takeout or delivery.
Izakaya Minato
Located in Portland, Maine, Izakaya Minato is a Japanese restaurant. It offers a variety of small plates and creative cocktails. It is a great spot to bring a group of friends. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, and the service is impeccable. This Japanese restaurant is one of the best dining experiences in Portland.
Izakaya Minato serves small plates, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and poke. There are also pancakes, tea, and sesame ice cream. They also offer a curated sake list and cocktails. Try the Nigori Colada, made with shiso-infused rum and sake for the cocktail. It is yogurty in flavor and a great seasonal special.
A standout dish at Izakaya Minato is the Shiromani pancake, a portion of comfort food. It has a smoky amber dashi base and a mix of tender mushrooms. It is served with shaved daikon.
Another dish at Izakaya Minato to try is the Minato age tofu, a fried crisp izakaya. It is made with tightly compressed tofu rectangles. It is topped with ginger, soy, and green onions.
Chaval
Located in the West End, Chaval is a highly acclaimed neighborhood eatery. This casually elegant brasserie serves seasonal French and Spanish cuisine and excellent craft cocktails. The restaurant also has a lovely patio for those summer evenings.
The restaurant has won several local awards. The kitchen is now integrated into the main room. It was once hidden behind doors, but the chefs have made a bold move. They have also joined forces with social agencies to help feed hungry diners. This has resulted in 450 meals being prepared in the first week. They have also stepped up volunteer efforts.
Chaval isn’t just a restaurant; they also offer takeout and catering. Their menu is an assortment of small plates, entrees, and cocktails. They are also known for their wine selection. They also offer a fine selection of coffee and cocktails. This restaurant is a great place to hold a party or to celebrate a special occasion. The owners are very professional and know what diners are looking for.
They even have a special Star Wars-themed dinner on May 4. The restaurant has a stellar wine selection, a great cocktail program, and a lovely ambiance. They also accept reservations.
Eventide Oyster Co
Located in Portland, Maine, Eventide Oyster Co is one of the best seafood restaurants in the country. It opened in 2012, quickly gaining national attention. Its chefs, Mike Wiley and Andrew Taylor, were named semifinalists in the James Beard Awards for Best Chefs Northeast. They also shared a nomination for Food & Wine’s Best New Chef in 2013.
Eventide’s menu focuses on seafood, including Maine lobster stew, stuffed mahogany clams, and a brown butter lobster roll. They also serve oysters on the half-shell and clam bakes. In addition to seafood, the menu also features several other dishes, including smoked oysters, buttermilk fried chicken, and house-made ice.
Eventide’s interior is minimalist and sparse, featuring hand-painted window signage and a large granite oyster well. There is limited seating, with three wooden picnic tables in the front and two in the back. The interior is designed to create an atmosphere that enhances the experience.
Eventide has an ever-changing oyster menu featuring nine varieties from Maine and nine from beyond. The oysters are served with a choice of accouterments. The oysters are done on the half-shell, with a half-shell label indicating whether the oyster is “From Maine” or “Away.”
Eventide’s Lobster Roll is a house-made steamed bun filled with lobster and cooked in brown butter and lemon sauce. It is trademarked and a favorite among Eventide’s patrons.
Baharat
Located in the trendy Bayside neighborhood in Portland, Baharat is a newcomer that offers an alluring combination of Middle Eastern fare, craft beer, and a well-stocked bar. The restaurant is owned by Clayton Norris and Jenna Friedman, who are well-versed in the restaurant industry. Their experience with restaurant management and the construction industry is a plus in this highly competitive area. They aren’t afraid to make mistakes and are more than willing to learn from them.
The bar is also well stocked with various rums, craft beer, and cocktails. The staff is equally friendly, and the ambiance is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland. This particular establishment is an ideal destination for a weekend outing. It’s also a great place to take your special someone if you’re in the market for a romantic date night.
The food menu is well thought out, including a selection of salads, small plates, and a full menu of meat and fish. There are a few vegetarian and gluten-free selections for those looking for a lighter option.
Fore Street
Located in Portland, Maine, Fore Street has served diners locally sourced meals for over two decades. Its food is prepared in a wood-burning brick oven, and its dishes change daily based on seasonal ingredients.
The menu at Fore Street includes wood-roasted mussels, chowders, and roasted meats. The restaurant also has a great wine list, including carefully selected wines from around the world.
Fore Street has received numerous awards, including the James Beard award for “Best Chef – Northeast.” The restaurant has been named one of the top fifty restaurants in the United States by Gourmet Magazine.
Fore Street is part of the Street & Company restaurant family. The restaurant is located in Portland’s Old Port District. The restaurant is open seven days a week and accepts reservations up to two months in advance. The restaurant features a wood-burning oven, turnspit, grill, and a brick and soapstone hearth.
One of the most popular restaurants in Portland, Fore Street, has been serving local food for over two decades. The restaurant uses as much local produce as possible and makes jams and jellies from local fruit.
Via Vecchia
Located in the heart of Portland’s historic Old Port, Via Vecchia is a well-crafted gem. Its low prices and well-trained waitstaff make it a top choice for lunch and dinner. The menu features the best of both worlds, with an impressive array of pasta and other Italian fare. It’s also near the Old above Port Marina. Via Vecchia is a small place, so reserve a table in advance.
Via Vecchia’s menu features a hefty dose of the good stuff, from the booze above to the best pasta and Italian cheeses. However, it isn’t all about the alcohol; the restaurant also serves a hefty dose of the good old American fare, like an excellent ol’ fashion cheese plate and some well-executed schmear. The bar is also home to one of Portland’s better wine selections, with a well-curated list of Italian and domestic wines.
Via Vecchia also has an impressive list of cocktails, ranging from the booze above to a well-crafted array of non-alcoholic libations. While it’s not the place to go for a romantic evening out, the bar is excellent for unwinding after a hard day’s work.