Portland, Maine’s Best Seafood Restaurants That Locals Can’t Stop Talking About
Portland sits on the Atlantic, so boats bring in fresh catch to the docks daily. Maine’s biggest little city has built a reputation for lobster rolls, briny oysters, and chowder that warms you up fast.
Locals don’t chase trends; they stick with spots that do it right every time. Ask around and the same names pop up again and again.
This list rounds up the ten places residents recommend first to visiting friends. Bring an appetite, grab a seat by the water, and let Portland show you how it does seafood.
1. Eventide Oyster Company
Brown butter lobster rolls changed everything when this place opened. The owners took a classic Maine dish and added their own twist that makes people wait in long lines.
Oysters come from local waters and get shucked right in front of you. The menu changes based on what fishermen bring in that morning. Small plates make it easy to try several different items without filling up too quickly.
Locals stop by for a quick bite at the bar or bring out-of-town guests to show off Portland’s creativity with seafood.
2. Scales
Chef Sam Hayward brings decades of experience to every plate that leaves the kitchen. His restaurant focuses on simple preparations that let the natural flavor of each fish shine through.
The dining room feels elegant without being stuffy or uncomfortable. Reservations fill up fast, especially on weekends when families celebrate special occasions. Fresh catches get paired with vegetables from nearby farms.
Drink selections match perfectly with whatever seafood you order. Many regulars say this spot delivers the best overall dining experience in the entire city.
3. Street & Co.
Copper pans sizzle as dishes arrive at your table still bubbling hot. This tiny restaurant packs people in tight, but nobody seems to mind the close quarters.
Mediterranean flavors meet Maine seafood in unexpected ways. Garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs make even simple fish taste extraordinary. The open kitchen lets you watch cooks work their magic over open flames.
Getting a table without a reservation is nearly impossible on busy nights. Locals treat this place like a special secret they reluctantly share with others.
4. J’s Oyster
Walking into this spot feels like stepping back fifty years. The building sits right on the working waterfront where real fishing boats tie up daily.
Nothing fancy happens here, just honest seafood cooked the way Maine families have prepared it for generations. Steamers come in big buckets with drawn butter. The atmosphere stays loud and casual, perfect for families with kids who might make a mess.
Tourists and locals mix together at crowded tables. Prices stay reasonable compared to fancier restaurants around town.
5. Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier
Simplicity wins when lobster tastes this fresh and sweet. The rolls here contain mostly lobster meat with just a light touch of mayo and butter.
This small chain started in Maine and stays true to traditional recipes. You order at a counter and eat at picnic tables overlooking the water. Seagulls circle overhead while boats come and go from the pier.
Families appreciate the quick service and reasonable prices. Many people grab lunch here before exploring the Old Port neighborhood nearby.
6. The Highroller Lobster Co.
Creative variations on lobster rolls attract adventurous eaters looking for something different. The menu offers options topped with things like pickled ginger or sriracha mayo.
Started as a food cart, this business grew because locals loved the fresh approach to a classic dish. Portions are generous and prices remain fair. The casual vibe makes it perfect for a quick lunch break.
You can also get traditional rolls if you prefer the old-fashioned way. Either choice delivers plenty of sweet lobster meat in every bite.
7. Portland Lobster Company
Eating outside on the deck provides perfect views of boats moving through the harbor. Seagulls beg for scraps while you crack open steamed lobster with wooden mallets.
This spot embraces the tourist experience without sacrificing quality. Locals bring visiting relatives here because the location and food both impress. Whole lobster dinners come with corn and potatoes. Clam chowder arrives thick and creamy in bread bowls.
Kids love watching the boats while parents relax with cold drinks and fresh seafood.
8. DiMillo’s On the Water
Dining actually happens on a permanently docked boat that was converted into a restaurant. The novelty factor attracts plenty of visitors, but the seafood keeps people coming back.
Large windows provide water views from almost every table. The menu offers everything from fried clams to baked haddock. Families appreciate the extensive options that include non-seafood items for picky eaters.
The bar area gets lively during happy hour when locals stop by after work. Sunday brunch brings crowds looking for waterfront views with their eggs.
9. Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
Raw bars display dozens of oyster varieties from up and down the coast. Staff can explain the differences in taste and texture between each type.
The restaurant balances casual comfort with quality ingredients. Fried seafood gets done right without being greasy or heavy. Whole fish preparations showcase whatever came off boats that morning. The space feels warm and welcoming rather than formal or pretentious.
Locals consider this a reliable choice for both quick dinners and longer celebrations with friends.
10. Gilbert’s Chowder House
Chowder here has won awards and converts people who claim they don’t normally like soup. The recipe stays secret, but locals taste the difference immediately.
This family-run spot keeps things simple and affordable. Lobster rolls, fried clams, and fish sandwiches round out a straightforward menu. The location right on the water provides beautiful views without expensive prices.
Many people make this a regular stop during summer visits to Portland. The lack of pretension and focus on classic dishes appeals to those seeking authentic Maine cooking.