Tuesday, June 18, 2013
ANTHONY'S ITALIAN KITCHEN $$
151 Middle St.
(207) 774-8668
www.AnthonysItalianKitchen.com
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
For 20 years, Anthony's has been serving, as its saying goes, "a lot of Italian for not much American." Owner Anthony Barrasso makes mile-high lasagna, homemade meatballs and chicken cacciatore and other Italian fare from fourth-generation family recipes from Naples. Beer and wine are available. Anthony's has free parking and is handicapped accessible.
AURORA PROVISIONS $-$$
64 Pine St.
(207) 871-9060
www.auroraprovisions.com
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Aurora Provisions Café has been a West End haunt for more than 13 years. It's independently owned, with a warm and casual atmosphere. Locals come here for a breakfast of homemade granola and raspberry scones, or a breakfast panini and locally roasted Carpe Diem coffee. Lunch includes three homemade soups daily and a large sandwich selection, including house-roasted turkey breast and panini specials. Hot entrees vary between black bean burritos, chicken pot pie and quiches. Desserts are baked on site and include a choice of more than 50 brownies, bars and cookies. Lunch delivery is available, and there's outdoor seating in the warmer months.
BACK BAY GRILL $$$$
65 Portland St.
(207) 772-8833
www.backbaygrill.com
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Chef Larry Matthews uses fresh, local ingredients to create dishes his customers won't soon forget. Start with the Bangs Island mussels steamed in white wine with fresh herbs, garlic and shallots. Then try the Harris Farm veal two ways, served with potato gnocchi, pattypans and roasted tomatoes, or the Loch Duart salmon with hand-rolled fettucine, braised turnips, cauliflower, and cauliflower and truffle purée. The restaurant also creates its own specialty cocktails, such as Mrs. Baker's Blueberry Martini, made with Stoli vodka, fresh Maine blueberries, lemon juice and simple syrup.
BAR LOLA $$$
100 Congress St.
(207) 775-5652
www.barlola.net
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.
When chef Guy Hernandez and his wife, Stella, created Bar Lola, they wanted to offer diners the option of having a five-course meal without having to pay big bucks. So, at Bar Lola, the menu is divided in small, medium and large meals, salads and sweets. Diners can select one dish for a meal or a dish from each menu to create a five-course meal. The restaurant's cuisine is eclectic – basically based on what the Hernandezes like to eat. The menu changes every four to six weeks. A recurring favorite is Tony's chicken and rice, based on a family recipe.
THE BAYOU KITCHEN $-$$
543 Deering Ave.
(207) 774-4935
www.thebayoukitchen.com
Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
The Bayou Kitchen brings classic Cajun cuisine to Maine with authentic jambalaya, gumbo and traditional beans and rice. The choices on the restaurant's Wall of Hot Sauces ranges from pleasant to downright painful. They serve breakfast and lunch only, and the menu includes a tasty array of omelets, pancakes, French toast and homemade corned beef hash served all day. Don't forget to try the fresh cornbread and weekly specials.
BAYSIDE BOWL $-$$
58 Alder St.
(207) 791-BOWL (2695)
www.baysidebowl.com
Kitchen Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday
Portland's only downtown ten-pin bowling alley features fine comfort food at an affordable price by chef James Turner. The menu ranges from design-your-own grilled pizza or mac and cheese to a twin crab and lobster cake dinner. Creative vegetarian options are also available. Bayside Bowl, locally owned and operated, has quickly become a great scene for live music and DJ's, and locals love to hang out at its funky four-sided full bar. Personalized catering menu available.
BECKY'S DINER $$
390 Commercial St.
(207) 773-7070
www.beckysdiner.com
Hours: 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Popular with locals and tourists alike, this waterfront diner is run by an actual Becky, with help from many if not all of her children. Becky's is known for hearty breakfast dishes such as "The Hobson's Wharf," which includes bacon or sausage, two pancakes or French toast, two eggs, home fries and toast. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chowders, local seafood and lobster rolls are also found on the diner's extensive menu. Seating is in booths or on stools at the giant wrap-around counter. Becky's is a favorite with local fishermen.
BIBO'S MADD APPLE CAFE $$$
23 Forest Ave.
(207) 774-9698
www.bibosportland.com
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday to Friday; dinner 5:30 p.m. to close Wednesday to Saturday; brunch
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Regular guests love the flamboyant, arty atmosphere and the casually elegant food at BiBo's. The roasted stuffed chicken with gnocchi is a must-try, but the entire menu is inviting. BiBo's is a favorite destination for patrons of Portland Stage Company, next door. Call for reservations.
BINTLIFF'S AMERICAN CAFE $$
98 Portland St.
(207) 774-0005
www.bintliffscafe.com
Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily; not open for dinner.
Located near Deering Oaks, Bintliff's specializes in brunch featuring Maine-made ingredients, including local produce and seafood, pure Maine maple syrup, locally made wines, and coffee by Coffee By Design in Portland. It's one of the most popular brunch spots in the city. The menu features seven different kinds of eggs Benedict, four different kinds of French toast, and breakfast specialties including huevos rancheros and homemade corned-beef hash. Outdoor seating is available during warm weather. The menu includes options for kids, and beer, wine and brunch specialty drinks for adults.
BODA $$-$$$
671 Congress St.
(207) 347-7557
www.bodamaine.com
Hours: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
This “very Thai” restaurant offers Thai homestyle prepared entrees, Thai street vendor-inspired tapas, beer and wine, and unique cocktails such as the Thai Basil Tom Collins and the Thai Tea Margarita in a warm, casual atmosphere, with an open-air dining room in the summer. Regulars love the Miang Kum Som-oh pummelo fruit salad served on betel leaves and the seasoned Kanom-krok quail eggs. Food served until 1 a.m.. Get half off the late-night food menu from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays. Wednesdays from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. restaurant industry workers get 20 percent off. No reservations.
BONOBO $
46 Pine St.
(207) 347-8267
www.bonobopizza.com
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday; dinner 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Bonobo is a neighborhood restaurant in the West End that offers 13-inch wood-fired pizza. All pizzas are one size (but slices are available). You can create your own or choose from more than a dozen specialty pizzas. The Bonobo, for instance, is made with mushrooms, prosciutto, spinach, leeks, fontina and cream. The restaurant also offers a small selection of soups and salads.
BREALU CAFE $-$$
428 Forest Ave.
(207) 772-9202
Hours: Daily 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The BreaLu Cafe, a neighborhood spot with a funky atmosphere located within walking distance of USM, has been serving breakfast and lunch for more than 20 years. Favorites include the homemade corned beef hash, eggs Benedict, cinnamon raisin French toast and the Hungry Man (three eggs, home fries, two pancakes and ham steak). Build your own omelet or breakfast burrito, or try one of the daily specials. Breakfast anytime; lunch Monday through Friday.
BRESCA $$$$
111 Middle St.
(207) 772-1004
Hours: Dinner from 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
When it opened in 2006, the buzz about Bresca – a Catalan word for "honeycomb" – was great. That buzz is still strong, as chef and owner Krista Desjarlais, a former pastry chef, continues to dazzle patrons with everything from creative pasta dishes and fresh seafood to tender veal and exquisite desserts. The braised Tuscan black kale with 6-minute egg, crispy pancetta, kombu butter and charred multigrain bread has been known to make people swoon. This is a tiny restaurant, so reservations are recommended.
BRUNO'S RESTAURANT & TAVERN $$-$$$
33 Allen Ave.
(207) 878-9511
www.brunos.biz
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily; happy hour 4 to 7 p.m. Closed Sundays February-August.
Bruno's offers up ten varieties of homemade pasta – including three types of raviolis, chicken cannelloni, arugula pappardelle, spinach fettuccine and spinach capellini – to be enjoyed with classic Italian, seafood, and creative American dishes. Lighter fare includes Bruno's famous steak or chicken sandwiches, clam chowder and homemade calzones and pizzas. Reservations aren't required, and there is plenty of free parking. The newly renovated tavern has a 106-inch HD TV. A new function room is available for special events, meetings and celebrations. Take-out also available.
BULL FEENEY'S $$-$$$
375 Fore St.
(207) 773-7210
www.bullfeeneys.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily.
You've got to love a restaurant that uses as its logo a lobster sucking down a Guinness. Attitude is everything, right? Bull Feeney's is one of those traditional Irish pubs in the Old Port with a massive menu that includes everything from sweet potato fries to filet mignon. There's plenty of seafood options, and the appetizers – mussels, steamers, chicken wings, chicken fingers – make for a friendly happy hour.
CAIOLA'S $$$
58 Pine St.
(207) 772-1110
www.caiolas.com
Hours: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This four-year-old cozy neighborhood restaurant prides itself on using local farm-fresh produce and fish. Start with a bowl of black-and-white bean soup with summer vegetables and basil, then dig into some Spanish paella or chicken Marsala. Or sink your teeth into a Caiola's burger – they're popular here. For Sunday brunch, choose from a variety of classic egg dishes or try an oyster po' boy. A custom-built bar and handcrafted wooden tables contribute to Caiola's warm atmosphere. Set in Portland's West End, Caiola's has a room for private dining as well as a courtyard patio for outdoor dining. Caiola's takes reservations.
CAPT. PERRY'S CATERING & CAFE -$$
Ponces' Landing
Long Island
(207) 766-2004
Hours: (Winter) breakfast 5:30 to 9 a.m. Monday to Friday; breakfast and lunch 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday to Sunday
For a different kind of dining experience, hop a Casco Bay Lines ferry from Portland at 10 a.m. on the weekend for a brunch overlooking the bay. (You can be back in Portland by 1 p.m.) Capt. Perry's serves light breakfast, coffee and specialty muffins every morning. The weekend menu, served Thursday through Sunday, focuses on panini sandwiches made with turkey, ham, veggies, Maine shrimp, lobster and other fresh ingredients. Capt. Perry's also serves dinners by reservation every other Saturday through spring. The ferry departs Portland at 5:45 p.m. and returns before 10 p.m.
DAVID'S RESTAURANT $$$
22 Monument Square
(207) 773-4340
www.davidsrestaurant.com
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday,
5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
David's, which serves creative American food, has become a local hot spot for business lunches or dinner before shows at Merrill Auditorium or the Cumberland County Civic Center, both of which are nearby. David's menu includes artfully prepared dishes such as mushroom-dusted haddock with mussels, served with a mushroom risotto and braised spinach. The pepper-crusted sushi-rare tuna with sesame peanut soba noodles is a customer favorite. There's a nice selection of pasta and wonderful pizza options as well. Reservations are recommended.
DIMILLO’S ON THE WATER $$$
25 Long Wharf, off Commercial Street
(207) 772-2216
www.dimillos.com
Hours: 11 a.m. daily.
DiMillo’s family-owned restaurant and lounge specializes in fresh Maine lobster, local seafood, choice cuts of beef and traditional Italian fare. The restaurant is a renovated car ferry docked in Portland Harbor that’s been a popular dining destination and gathering place since 1982. Lobster Mac & Cheese is a signature item, as is the crab-stuffed haddock. From 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays, October to May, the restaurant features “Sunset Specials” that offer a choice of five classic entrees for $14. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, Wednesday until 8 p.m.
DOGFISH BAR & GRILLE $
128 Free St.
(207) 772-5483
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; opens
at noon on Sundays.
www.thedogfishbarandgrille.com
Deck seating is available at this restaurant located next to the Portland Museum of Art. The menu includes sandwiches, salads and burgers. Try the open-faced chicken quesadilla made with marinated grilled chicken, diced apple-smoked bacon, tomatoes, scallions, black beans and colby jack cheese, and topped with seasoned sour cream and mango salsa. For something a little different, check out the chili nachos – they're made with free-range bison chili. Drop by for live music Wednesday through Saturday; there's never a cover charge.
THE DOGFISH CAFE $$
953 Congress St.
(207) 253-5400
thedogfishcafe.com
Hours: 11:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; Sunday brunch
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is a casual place with a relaxed atmosphere. The menu tends toward sandwiches and salads, and the prices are reasonable. Wash down the Dogfish
Burger – 8 ounces of Caldwell Farms beef with white cheddar, applewood bacon, ranch dressing, house-made barbecue sauce and topped with fried shallot rings – with a $2 beer. Dinner specials are offered from 5 to 9 p.m. and change nightly.
DRY DOCK RESTAURANT & TAVERN $$
84 Commercial St.
(207) 774-3550
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The Dry Dock has been part of the Portland waterfront for more than 26 years. Known for homemade soups and chowder, fresh seafood and filet sandwiches, the menu appeals to tourists and locals alike. Quaff a Bloody Mary on the two-story decks that look out on the working waterfront.
DUCKFAT $$
43 Middle St.
(207) 774-8080
www.duckfat.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Duckfat, a trendy bistro owned by the same chef who owns Hugo's, is so called because the restaurant fries its hugely popular Belgian fries in duck fat. Those fries – made from local, organically grown potatoes – are served in a paper cone with a choice of dipping sauces, from truffle ketchup to Thai chili mayo. What better to go with the fries than another best-selling menu item, the Five Dollar Milk Shake (which actually sells for $4)? Reservations not taken.
EAST ENDER $$$
47 Middle St.
(207) 879-7669
eastenderportland.com/home.html
Hours: Opens 11:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday; closing varies but may be open as late as midnight to 1 a.m.
This is a casual neighborhood kitchen and bar that serves food that wouldn’t be out of place in a fine dining establishment. Start with some trout fritters, then add a duck or codfish entree. Or maybe you feel like something more casual, like a lobster-and-beef burger or some slow-smoked barbecue. Side dishes include a smoked cheddar potato gratin and apple cider-steamed quinoa. On Wednesdays, the restaurant offers half off all wines sold by the bottle.
EL RAYO TAQUERIA $
101 York St.
(207) 780-8226
www.elrayotaqueria.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Creative Mexican fare is served in this brightly colored restaurant, located in a former gas station, that opened last spring near the Casco Bay Bridge. Nachos, tacos, burritos and quesadillas are done with flair, including a burrito stuffed with portobello mushrooms and a taco with grilled achiote-seasoned fish. El Rayo's "chilaquiles" are casseroles featuring crushed corn tortillas, queso blanco, avocado and crema fresca, served with shredded pork or chicken. There's a full bar with Mexican drinks, and a menu for kids.
EMILITSA $$$$
547 Congress St.
(207) 221-0245
www.emilitsa.com
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday;
5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Emilitsa specializes in traditional fare from the various regions of Greece. The stunning dining room provides a feast for the eyes as diners sample dishes made from fresh, local, organic ingredients. Both small and large plates are available, and the menu changes daily.
EVE'S AT THE GARDEN $$$$
468 Fore St.
(207) 523-2075
www.portlandharborhotel.com
Hours: Breakfast 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and 6:30 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday; lunch
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; dinner 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Eve's at the Garden is in the Portland Harbor Hotel, just a stone's throw from the Portland waterfront. On the menu you'll find dishes such as spiced grilled turbot with charred tomato risotto, clams, asparagus and saffron emulsion. The hotel hosts an annual ice bar in January, with drinks served via martini luge. The restaurant overlooks a garden, and there is patio seating in season.
THE FARMER'S TABLE $$$
205 Commercial St.
(207) 347-7479
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; dinner 5 to 9:30 p.m. Tues.
day to Saturday; Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This bistro-style restaurant has gotten plenty of attention since it opened last winter, boasting comfort food such as roasted chicken with lemon, thyme and pan juices served over mashed potatoes. The Farmer's Table, as its name implies, takes the local-foods mantra seriously, featuring Maine-sourced meats, seafoods and vegetables. The menu changes weekly, but may include choices such as pasta with locally foraged mushrooms, and blueberry cobbler for dessert. If the weather allows, there's a nice rooftop deck. Reservations are recommended.
15 EXCHANGE GRILLE $$
15 Exchange St.
(207) 774-1595
http://15exchange.com
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to close Monday to Saturday
Located in the historic Old Port, the interior of 15 Exchange features exposed brick and an open kitchen. The changing menu includes soups, salads, tapas, sandwiches, and Mediterranean comfort food like osso buco and coq au vin. The restaurant has a full bar with experienced staff.
FIVE FIFTY-FIVE $$$$
555 Congress St.
(207) 761-0555
fivefifty-five.com
Hours: 5 to 10:30 p.m. daily. Brunch 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Five Fifty-Five classifies its cuisine as modern American and New England fare. Chef Steve Corry, one of Food and Wine's choices for "Best New Chef" in 2007, serves up such popular dishes as truffled lobster "mac 'n' cheese," pepper-crusted diver scallops with butter and vanilla emulsion, Bangs Island mussels and grilled Caesar salad. Reservations are recommended.
FLATBREAD CO. $$
72 Commercial St.
(207) 772-8777
www.flatbreadcompany.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
This is not pizza, but flatbread – wheat-flour dough topped with cheeses, herbs, vegetables and ingredients such as homemade sausage and nitrate-free pepperoni. Kids love the activity around the wood-fired oven. Flatbread Co. is located right on the working waterfront. It has a great deck where, in good weather, you can eat outside and watch the harbor activity. There is a full bar as well.
FORE STREET $$$$
288 Fore St.
(207) 775-2717
www.forestreet.biz
Hours: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The bar opens at 5 p.m.
One of Portland's best-known restaurants, Fore Street focuses on regional cuisine with fresh ingredients delivered daily by local farmers, foragers and fishmongers. Ingredients such as hand-picked diver scallops and island-raised lamb are cooked over hardwood and applewood fires under the supervision of Chef Sam Hayward, winner of the 2004 James Beard award for Best Chef in the Northeast. The menu changes daily, but customer favorites such as turnspit-roasted pork loin and Maine-grown mussels roasted in the wood oven are always available.
THE FRONT ROOM $$$
73 Congress St.
(207) 773-3366
www.thefrontroomrestaurant.com
Hours: Brunch daily 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Bar open nightly until 11 p.m.
The Front Room is one of three Portland restaurants owned by Chef Harding Lee Smith (the Grill Room and Bar and the Corner Room Kitchen and Bar are the others). The Front Room specializes in comfort food made with local produce, meats and fish. Popular items include the hash and eggs and the potato gnocci off the brunch menu and the lamb shepherd's pie, scallops and cedar-planked salmon on the dinner menu. The restaurant does not take reservations.
FUJI $$$
29 Exchange St.
(207) 773-2900
www.fujimaine.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 Monday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
Fuji Restaurant, a sushi bar and Japanese-style steak house, is located in the heart of the Old Port at the corner of Milk and Exchange streets. The menu includes more than 30 types of sushi and 40 types of maki rolls, as well as a variety of Japanese favorites. Sit in a private booth, in the traditional tatami room or at a hibachi table. Try the charcoal-grilled eel and takuan over a bed of rice, or the beef negemaki, scallions wrapped in thinly sliced rib-eye steak with teriyaki sauce. Reservations are not required but encouraged for parties of three or more. Reservations do not guarantee seating at the time requested.
FULL BELLY DELI $$
1070 Brighton Ave.
(207) 772-1227
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday.
The Full Belly Deli is a traditional family-owned deli whose legion of fans swear by the stacked corned beef and hot pastrami sandwiches. The deli also offers a blend of kosher-style Italian and American dishes, including pizzas, calzones and dinner entrees. Hot or cold sandwiches are served on your choice of bread with a half-sour spear. Try a side of the deli's locally famous homemade potato salad with your order. There's plenty of good seating available for dining in, or take your dinner home, along with a pound of your favorite freshly-sliced meat or cheese from the deli case.
GILBERT'S CHOWDER HOUSE $$$
92 Commercial St.
(207) 871-5636
61 Tandberg Trail, Route 35, Windham
(207) 893-0700
www.gilbertschowderhouse.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Gilbert's is a casual restaurant with five chowders: clam, fish, corn with chicken, seafood and seafood chili. It also has lobster stew. Sandwiches include lobster rolls, and plates offer clam cakes, clam strips, whole clams, haddock done several ways, lobster and scallops. This is a place where locals eat. If you are allergic to shellfish, the Portland location might not be the place for you. Try the Windham location, which has a different menu that includes a lot of dishes with no seafood.
GRACE $$$-$$$$
15 Chestnut St.
(207) 828-4422
www.restaurantgrace.com
Hours: Dining 5 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; Bar open 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Chef Eric Simeon has brought a locally driven, ever-changing menu to the restored, 150-year-old cathedral-style church that houses Grace. Multi-level dining and an open kitchen in the former sanctuary offer inspiring views and "heavenly" cuisine. A signature bar menu is available at the 28-seat circular central bar, the balcony-level cocktail lounge or the upstairs turret bar during the daily happy hour from 5 to 6:30 pm. House-infused liquors form the base for customer favorites like "The Heated Affair" or "The Holier Than Thou."
THE GREAT LOST BEAR $$
540 Forest Ave.
(207) 772-0300
www.greatlostbear.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; noon to 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
This pub and restaurant is known for its burgers and beer selection, with 65 beer taps. The beer selection includes many Maine microbrews. The menu includes a large selection of appetizers and bar munchies, from jalapeno poppers and super nachos to a half-dozen kinds of Buffalo wings. Extensive dinner and lunch menus include salads, vegetarian entrees, seafood, chicken, sandwiches and more than a dozen specialty burgers.
THE GREEN ELEPHANT $$
608 Congress St.
(207) 347-3111
www.greenelephantmaine.com
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; dinner 5 to 9:30 p.m.; dinner only on Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m.; closed Monday.
Got a vegetarian or vegan in your dining party? The Green Elephant vegetarian bistro has a full menu of Asian-inspired dishes, served in an elegant setting, that will delight vegetarians and satisfy the most ardent meat eaters as well. Try the char guay teow – Malaysian stir-fried wide rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, scallion, red chili paste, tofu and soy ham – or the spicy pad-sha rotini. The Green Elephant does not take reservations, and stops seating 15 minutes before closing.
THE GRILL ROOM $$$$
84 Exchange St.
(207) 774-2333
www.thefrontroomrestaurant.com
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; dinner 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The Grill Room is all about beef, with rib-eye and sirloin topping the menu. There's also wood-fired pizza and a great variety of wood-grilled fish and meat, including a remarkable tuna steak and completely unpretentious baked chicken. The Grill Room has a touch of Old World character and a comfortable, welcoming feel, with an exposed kitchen and chatty staff. Reservations are recommended, but a light bar menu also is available.
GRITTY MCDUFF'S BREWING CO. $$
396 Fore St.
(207) 772-2739
www.grittys.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Gritty McDuff's is Portland's first brew pub, opening in 1988. Beer is king at Gritty's, and the quality of the brews is excellent. Pub Style, Best Bitter, Best Brown and Black Fly Stout are always available, and there are some seasonal brews as well. The menu includes a lot of sandwiches and appetizers, but there's also fried Maine shrimp, meatloaf, shepherd's pie and ale-braised kielbasa.
HOT SUPPA! $
703 Congress St.
(207) 871-5005
www.hotsuppa.com
Hours: Breakfast and lunch, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Dinner, 5 to 9:15 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
A homestyle Southern flair is the distinguishing characteristic of this breakfast-lunch-and-dinner place. Biscuits and sausage gravy and a fried-green tomato BLT are on the menu, along with comfort foods such as two-cheese macaroni and cheese with grilled kielbasa, or grilled cheese and creamy tomato soup. For dinner, stick with Southern and order the cornmeal-crusted catfish fillet, the Cajun jambalaya or the chicken-and-a-waffle, or go fancy French-Canadian with the fois gras poutine.
HUGO'S $$$$
88 Middle St.
(207) 774-8538
www.hugos.net
Hours: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Founded by chef Rob Evans, who won the 2009 James Beard award for Best Chef in the Northeast, this well-known Portland restaurant was purchased in 2012 by three members’ of Evans’ staff. They have promised Hugo’s loyal clientele that they won’t tinker with the menu too much. (There are plans for a new, more casual oyster bar next door.) All plates at Hugo’s, whether slow-poached Arctic char or North Star Farm lamb, are similar in size, and range from around $12 to $18. Three or more courses are encouraged. For a dinner you won’t forget, try the chef’s tasting menu. Reservations are recommended.
THE INN ON PEAKS ISLAND $$$
33 Island Ave.
Peaks Island
(207) 766-5100
www.innonpeaks.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
If the weather's nice, hop a ferry and take a 20-minute ride across Casco Bay to Peaks Island for lunch or dinner and a fabulous view of Portland. The inn is just a short walk from the ferry, and outdoor seating is available. The menu options here range from casual nachos, salads and burgers to pricier entrees such as seafood-stuffed haddock and lobster carbonara. The inn's restaurant is open year-round, and reservations are accepted.
J'S OYSTER $$$
5 Portland Pier
(207) 772-4828
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday to Saturday; noon to midnight Sunday.
Founded in 1977, J's is a great place to soak up local color while slurping oysters at the horseshoe-shaped bar and chatting with the fisherman sitting on the next stool. Enjoy the '70s decor and the view from the pier while digging into a steaming bowl of seafood bouillabaisse or lobster stew. The menu features only sauteed seafood – you'll find no fried anything here. Oysters are served raw, baked, Rockefeller and Mornay-style. Fresh steamers arrive daily.
JP's $$$
496 Woodford St.
(207) 899-4224
www.jpsportland.com
Hours: 4 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.
JP's is a cozy neighborhood restaurant on Woodford Street that offers a full bar and patio seating. The menu includes a broad variety of entrees that have an Italian influence as well as nightly blackboard specials and homemade desserts. Customer favorites are the arugula salad, Maine crab cakes with roasted red pepper mayo, mushroom dusted scallops over risotto, seafood Fradiavlo, Parmesan-crusted haddock and the 14-ounce rib-eye steak with grilled portobello mushroom and gorgonzola cheese. Reservations are recommended on the weekends.
KING OF THE ROLL $$
675 Congress St.
(207) 828-8880
Hours: Lunch 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; dinner 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
This Japanese restaurant and sushi bar in the city's arts district serves tempura, teriyaki and katsu dishes, plus a wide variety of sushi and sushi rolls. Udon noodle soups and dinners are on the menu as well. There is an extensive takeout menu. Outdoor seating is available in good weather.
KOREA HOUSE $-$$
630 Congress Street
(207) 771-2000
Hours: Lunch 11 to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
With seven centuries of cooking in her family, Mrs. Kum You and her family moved to Portland with a vision to introduce Mainers to vibrant and authentic Korean food. Located in the Arts District, Korea House is Maine's only all-Korean restaurant. Korea House is best known for their dol sot bibimbop, a rice dish cooked in a stone bowl with a rainbow of vegetables, beef, and homemade spicy-sweet gochuchang sauce on the side. Other favorites include grilled beef short ribs (LA galbi), spicy squid stir-fry (nak jji bok um), and seafood soft tofu stew (seafood soon dubu jjigae). Every Korean meal starts with fresh, complimentary banchan, or side dishes, to tease the palate before your entrees arrive. Vegetarian/vegan options are available on the menu. Reservations are encouraged for large parties.
LA FAMILIA $$$
906 Brighton Ave.
(207) 761-5865
http://906lafamilia.com
Hours: Noon to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and Saturday and Sunday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday.
Serving wonderful food from Puerto Rico, the islands and Central America, this is a casual-dining family restaurant. The atmosphere is homey with a touch of elegance. Try the ceviche, codfish fritters, fried plantain or empanadas to start. Entrees range from grilled meats to Cuban sandwiches and Caribbean fish and chips.
LITTLE SEOUL $$-$$$
90 Exchange St.
www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Seoul-Restaurant/174471242622369
(207) 699-4326
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday; dinner 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
Portland didn’t have a single Korean restaurant for years, then all of a sudden the city found itself with two really good ones. Little Seoul, located in the Old Port, serves a wide range of preparations, including teriyaki, sushi and specialty maki. Whether it’s a version of bi-bim-bop or a spicy kim chee stew, Little Seoul’s food warms the soul during long Maine winters. Finish your meal with fried ice cream or a banana spring roll.
LOCAL 188 $$$
685 Congress St.
(207) 761-7909
www.local188.com
Hours: Brunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; dinner 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The brunches at Local 188 are legendary. The Cuban hash breakfast burrito has a zip and bite that distinguishes it from anything else in Portland. Other tantalizing choices are the huevos rancheros and the build-your-own scramble, with tempting choices of meats, cheeses and veggies. The ingredients are fresh and local, and used expertly in a fluid dinner menu that always includes choices of steak, chicken and local seafood. The bar is open until 1 a.m.
LOCAL SPROUTS CAFE
& BOMB DIGGITY BAKERY $-$$
649 Congress St.
(207) 899-3529
www.localsprouts.coop
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Local Sprouts Cafe provides local organic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a community environment. The menu offers free-range natural meats, vegetarian and vegan food, and gluten-free options. The Bomb Diggity Bakery features vegan, gluten-free and regular baked goods. The cafe serves fair-trade organic coffee and tea, locally harvested herbal teas, housemade chai, local beers, local and organic wines, and drink specials. Drop by for one of the monthly art shows, or for the music and community events that take place many nights a week.
MARIA'S RESTAURANT $$$
337 Cumberland Ave.
(207) 772-9232
www.mariasrestaurant.com
Hours: Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday to Friday; dinner starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
When it comes to Italian fare, Maria's is a culinary institution in Portland. The Napolitano family opened the restaurant in 1960, and a Napolitano has been in the kitchen ever since. The family says its goal is "preserving the authentic Italian dining experience." Chef Anthony Napolitano is carrying on this tradition by serving specialties such as veal bracohintini, zuppa de pesce fradiavolo, homemade ricotta gnocchi and homemade gelato.
THE MERRY TABLE $$
43 Wharf St.
(207) 899-4494
www.myspace.com/418317313
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; Dinner 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The Merry Table is all about crepes, but other casual fare – salads, soups and sandwiches – are offered, too. Two of the most popular items on the menu are the poireaux crepe (braised leeks, wild mushrooms and goat cheese) and the croque monsieur (a sandwich of broiled ham, Swiss cheese and bechamel). Outdoor seating is available in summer. Have fun speaking and ordering in French only on "French nights" held the first and third Thursdays of the month. Between the language and the live music, you'll feel like you're in a cafe in Paris.
MESA VERDE $$
618 Congress St.
(207) 774-6089
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; closed Monday.
For more than 15 years, Mesa Verde has been fusing natural ingredients with a south-of-the-border flare. Located in the heart of Portland's arts district, the restaurant serves organic rice and beans and a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, homemade salsas, moles, rellenos and tamales created from old family recipes. Margaritas are made with fresh fruit and homemade sour mix, with a full selection of the world's premium tequilas. On Thursdays, margarita pitchers are $6. Or stop by on Saturday or Sunday between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the Latin-flavored brunch. Free wi-fi.
MISS PORTLAND DINER $$
104 Marginal Way
(207) 210-6673
www.missportlanddiner.com
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
This diner opened on Forest Avenue in 1949, later moved to Marginal Way, and reopened again in late 2008 about 500 yards down from its previous location. Portland native Tom Manning, who worked for Newsweek magazine, bought the diner after reading that attempts to sell Worcester Lunch Car Co. #818 were not going well. While the original diner car has been preserved, there is extra seating in an attached wing. Breakfast is typical diner fare, as is much of the lunch/dinner menu.
MIYAKE $$$-$$$$
129 Spring St.
(207) 871-9170
Hours: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Monday to Thursday, 5:30 to
10:30 p.m. Friday; closed Sunday.
Owner-chef-namesake Masa Miyake changes the menu of this West End establishment daily, but one thing remains a constant: sushi, prepared right in front of the customer. There are three basic dinner prices – $35 includes two appetizers and a sushi dinner; $55 consists of five dishes, and $75 gets you a seven-course meal. There is no children's menu, and drinks are BYOB. Reservations are recommended. Miyake also owns a restaurant at 188 State St. (in Longfellow Square) called Pai Men Miyake that focuses on ramen and makes terrific gyoza and pork buns.
NOSH KITCHEN BAR $$
551 Congress St.
(207) 553-2227
/www.noshkitchenbar.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday to Saturday; 12:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday.
Nosh Kitchen Bar borrows from traditional culinary techniques of a New York-style deli and offers a new perspective based on the use of local, fresh, all-natural and sustainable products. Classic sandwiches get a new twist with meats that are butchered, brined and roasted in-house, and served on locally baked bread. Create your own tastes by choosing from a selection of meats, cheeses, seafood and vegetables offered in Noshing Platters available after 4 p.m. Nosh is an urban-style eatery with a casual, neighborhood environment where you can eat in, take out, enjoy drinks and just nosh. Parking is available after 5:30 p.m. in adjacent lots.
OLD PORT TAVERN STEAK HOUSE & RESTAURANT $$$
11 Moulton St.
(207) 774-0444
www.oldporttavern.com
Hours: Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; dinner daily 5 to 9:30 p.m.
The Old Port Tavern is located in the heart of Portland's Old Port district in the historic Mariner's Church Building (circa 1828), which has been declared a National Landmark by the Smithsonian Institute. The menu includes fresh seafood and daily specials. Seafood dishes include steamed lobster and roasted salmon with lemon dill sauce. The restaurant specializes in steak dishes such as prime rib of beef and sirloin steaks. The Mariner's Church Banquet Center is available to cater parties and other functions.
OLIVE CAFE $
127 Commercial St.
(207) 772-6200
www.olivecafeportland.com
Lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday; dinner 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; dinner 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; breakfast and lunch 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Delivery Hours: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (lunch) and 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday (dinner). Delivery available through www.2DineIn.com.
Olive Café brings Lebanese Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of American to Portland in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. There is something for everyone on the cafe's menu, whether you're a vegetarian, a vegan or a meat lover, including falafel, shawarma, kafta, thin-crust pizza baked in a brick oven, salads made with local ingredients, homemade soups and fish tacos. Dinner was recently added to the mix.
ORIENTAL TABLE $$
106 Exchange St.
(207) 775-3388
www.orientaltable.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; until 9 p.m. weekends.
The Oriental Table is a standard lunch and dinner spot, specializing in Szechuan, Hunan, Cantonese and vegetarian cuisine. The lunch buffet, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, is $7.25 and includes several specials every day. It is popular with workers at City Hall and many of the downtown offices. Dinner is quieter and slower-paced. Signature items include a homestyle sweet-and-sour chicken, crispy chicken, chicken with lemongrass and teryaki beef.
PACIARINO $$$
468 Fore St.
(207) 774-3500
www.paciarino.com
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; dinner 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday; store is open 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.
You can't get more authentic Italian than the fresh-daily pastas and sauces served at Paciarino. That's because the owners, Fabiana de Savino and Enrico Barbiero, moved to Portland from Milan in 2008. Watch the couple cook as you feast on dishes such as pumpkin ravioli and lasagna Bolognese and listen to Italian music. Most pastas, raviolis and sauces can be purchased to take home. There's also plenty of olive oils and other imported goods from Italian producers for sale.
PASSAGE TO INDIA $$$
29 Wharf St.
(207) 772-0072
www.passagetwoindia.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
One of Portland's many Indian restaurants, Passage to India has a traditional menu that includes tandoori specials, biryanis, curries, kormas, Thali plates and seafood specialities from the Bay of Bengal. The samosas are good here, and if you like lamb try the keema matar, an especially flavorful dish of ground lamb cooked with peas and herbs. It is possible to rent the entire restaurant. Passage to India also caters.
PARKER'S RESTAURANT $$$
1349 Washington Ave.
Northport Business Park
(207) 878-3339
www.parkers–maine.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily
Parker’s features a full-service lounge and luncheon and dinner dining daily. Ahi Tuna, homemade spinach and artichoke dip, and “dirt wings” are a sampling of the appetizers. Parker’s serves salads and sandwiches, as well as a wide selection of entrees such as pecan chicken, haddock Casco Bay, seafood marinara, and a single bone premium pork chop with sweet jalepeno BBQ sauce. Homemade desserts and “handcut” steaks in the F. Parker Reidy tradition are house specialties. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. daily, and features drink and appetizer specials.
PEPPERCLUB/GOOD EGG CAFE $$$
78 Middle St.
(207) 772-0531
www.pepperclubrestaurant.com
Hours: Good Egg Cafe, 7 to 11 a.m. Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Pepperclub 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The Pepperclub has just celebrated 20 years in business, specializing in local fish, beef and chicken and vegetarian and vegan meals. This has long been a favorite spot for Portland's vegetarians, who have come to love such creative offerings as the roasted potato chipotle corn quesadilla torte. The Good Egg Cafe built a reputation as a great breakfast spot in the West End, but a few years ago moved into the Pepperclub space. All meals include salads and bread.
PO' BOYS & PICKLES $-$$
1124 Forest Ave.
(207) 518-9735
www.poboysandpickles.com
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Po' Boys & Pickles serves authentic New Orleans-style sandwiches, gumbo, sweet potato fries, and loads of other southern delicacies. Try the golden fried oyster sandwich, the tender roast beef, or the ever-popular pulled pork. For something lighter, their blackened fish sandwich or roasted beet salad is sure to hit the spot. Desserts include coconut macaroons and the infamous "sticky toffee pudding." Whether you're enjoying a plate of wings and a few beers while watching the game, or bringing home mufaletta and Creole sausage po'boys (with Zapp's potato chips) for dinner, Po' Boys & Pickles delivers on real New Orleans fare.
POM'S THAI TASTE RESTAURANT & NOODLE HOUSE $$-$$$
571 Congress St.
(207) 772-7999
ALSO:
209 Western Avenue
South Portland
(207) 347-3000
435 Cottage Road
South Portland
(207) 767-3599
www.thaitastemaine.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
With sweet dipping sauces, plump dumplings, fresh Maine shrimp and a terrific range of curries and noodles, Pom's Portland location stands out as a full-service Thai restaurant. It's always fresh, and a sushi bar is popular with First Friday Art Walk patrons. This restaurant is one of three operated by Rattanaphorn Boobphachati, who has created something of a Thai dynasty in the Greater Portland area. Popular dishes include Crabmeat Pad Thai, Crispy Pad Thai, Thai Orange Chicken, Mango Curry, Evil Prince Tofu and Tamarind Duck. The restaurant offers $1 sushi on Monday and Tuesday.
PORTLAND PIE CO. $$
51 York St.
(207) 772-1231
portlandpie.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Portland Pie Co. specializes in gourmet pizzas, such as the Old Port with pepperoni in a three-cheese blend, or the Dead River, with spinach and roasted red peppers. Folks who prefer chicken on their pizza shouldn't miss the Harbormaster, which is loaded with chicken smothered in barbecue sauce, caramelized onions and smoky bacon. But don't neglect the rest of the menu. The specialty sandwiches (the Great Salt Bay with Genoa salami, tomato, pepperoncini, fresh basil, balsamic and provolone is recommended), wraps and calzones are also solid options.
PORTLAND LOBSTER CO. $$$
180 Commercial St.
(207) 775-2112
portlandlobstercompany.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Portland Lobster Co. is primarily a seafood restaurant, with some of its most popular dishes being, not surprisingly, lobster dinners and lobster rolls. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations except for large parties. The place considers itself dog-friendly, offering dog treats and water bowls to canine customers, which are allowed on the restaurant’s deck overlooking Portland Harbor.
PUBLIC MARKET HOUSE $-$$
28 Monument Square
(207) 228-2056
www.publicmarkethouse.com
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The public market house contains two eateries on the first floor and three on the second floor, along with a coffee shop, beverage shop and a specialty foods shop. There is seating for up to 50 people on the second floor, WiFi and a great view of Monument Square. Choose your breakfast from three shops and lunch from five shops, including soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, toasted bagels, oatmeal, cereal bars and tapas plates. Prepared food can be purchased from three shops up until 7 p.m. Grocery products include a wide selection of native and international beer, wine and cheese. Native bread, meats, smoked seafood and produce are available for take home. Entrepreneurs sell their own homemade products at day tables on the second floor, and outdoors when the weather is good.
RIBOLLITA $$$
41 MIDDLE ST.
(207) 774-2972
www.ribollitamaine.com
HOURS: Dinner from 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Located in the heart of what was once a largely Italian neighborhood between the Old Port and East End districts, Ribollita has served artisanal Italian food made with local ingredients for more than a decade. The pasta is handmade, the produce is straight off the vine, and the seafood comes from the Maine coast. The wine list is strictly Italian. And yes, they have ribollita, a reheated bean-and-bread soup.
RI-RA IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT $$$
72 Commercial St.
(207) 761-4446
www.rira.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily (upstairs dining room closes from 3 to 5 p.m. and after 11:30 p.m.).
Ri-Ra is a chain, but a small one, with 11 locations along the East Coast. It has a great location, overlooking the waterfront and the Casco Bay Island ferry terminal. The menu has a large selection of Irish pub fare, including fish and chips, shepherd's pie and bangers and mash, but it also features bistro fare, including such items as Kilbeggan salmon. Signature menu items include corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, lobster, and the field and wharf – a filet mignon and lobster.
ROSIE'S RESTAURANT & PUB $$
330 Fore St.
(207) 772-5656
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday to Saturday; noon to 12:30 a.m. Sunday.
Rosie's is a neighborhood tavern in the Old Port that's been a favorite of locals since 1987 and is sometimes compared to Cheers. The pub is known for its calzones, half-pound burgers and jumbo whole wings, but also serves homemade soups, chowders and "all meat" chili. The extensive menu features sandwiches, salads, nachos, enchiladas and seafood as well. Try the house brews, pale and brown, known as Hooker Ales. Daily specials include wings by the dozen on Sundays and two pounds of crawfish with Louisiana hot sauce on Thursdays..
THE SALT EXCHANGE $$-$$$
245 Commercial St.
(207) 347-5687
www.thesaltexchange.net
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; dinner 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; bar open later. The restaurant will open on Mondays again in May.
The menu has been designed around sharing and sampling. It is American fare, with some French and Italian influences. The restaurant's extensive wine list features primarily New World wines, and wines are served by the glass, half-glass and bottle. The Salt Exchange also has a large microbrew selection and a heavy bourbon bar. It has just added outdoor seating.
SAPPORO $$$
230 Commercial St.
(207) 772-1233
www.sappororestaurant.com
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11:30 to 2 p.m. Friday and noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday
and 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Sapporo Restaurant is billed as the first Japanese-cuisine restaurant in Maine, opening its doors in 1984. Named after the biggest city in northern Japan, Sapporo is located at about the same latitude as its namesake. It is still a staple in the Old Port, serving a large selection of Nigiri sushi, rolls and combination plates. There are plenty of options for diners who aren't sushi fans, from shrimp and vegetable tempura to soft-shell crabs. Meat and poultry dishes include ginger chicken and beef sukiyaki.
SEASONS GRILLE $$-$$$
155 Riverside St.
(207) 775-6538
www.seasonsgrille.com
Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 4 to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Seasons Grille offers steaks, seafood and specialty dishes created by Chef Emmy Anderson with fresh, local ingredients. The menu includes fresh-baked breads and desserts daily. Try the Greek flatbread with kalamata olives, peppers, feta onions and bacon, or the hanger steak with fried onions and balsamic glaze. There is also a casual fare selection that includes burgers, wings and fried seafood. Enjoy live music in the lounge on Friday nights, and karaoke on Saturdays. Weekday happy hours are 4 to 7 p.m. and feature half-price flatbreads and $2.25 drafts.
SEBAGO BREWING COMPANY $$-$$$
211 Fore Street
207.775.BEER (2337)
www.sebagobrewing.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. everyday
OTHER LOCATIONS:
201 Southborough Drive
Scarborough
(207) 874-2337
Hours: Same as above.
29 Elm St.
Gorham
(207) 839-2337
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday to Saturday; 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; happy hour weekdays 4 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close nightly
Sebago Brewing Company has been serving locally crafted beer since 2000. It's a popular place for business lunches, a dinner date or meeting friends for a casual night out. The Portland location is a short walk from Merrill Auditorium or the civic center, so it's also a good place to meet before or after a show. The menu includes fresh seafood, steaks, sauteed pasta dishes and salads, as well as burgers, sandwiches and a large variety of appetizers. The full menu is served until closing time.
SHAY'S GRILL PUB $$
18 Monument Square
(207) 772-2626
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.
Shay's Grill Pub offers a unique and upscale take on classic pub food, focusing on fresh ingredients and simple preparations. With nightly drink and food deals as well as outdoor patio dining, Shay's is a good place to grab a meal before catching a show at one of the various venues around town. Be sure to stop by on Monday nights, when guests enjoy $4 signature quesadillas, such as caramelized pear and blue cheese, and $1.50 Pabst Blue Ribbon pints. Wednesday nights are also a steal, when all entrees on the menu are priced at a won't-break-the-bank $9.
SILLY'S $$
40 Washington Ave.
(207) 772-0360
www.sillys.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
Silly's is a funky, colorful place with a creative, eclectic menu, located at the base of Munjoy Hill in the city's East End. The Abdullah Wraps are over-stuffed wraps with names like Inner Peace (spinach, cheese, scallions, smoked pulled pork and barbecue sauce) and the Diesel (American cheese, coleslaw, pickle, chips, smoked pulled pork and barbecue sauce.) Dinners, burgers and pizzas are equally creative. One pizza has Thai peanut sauce and chicken. The milkshakes are a specialty too, including an "Elvis" with peanut butter and banana.
SONNY'S $$$
83 Exchange St.
(207) 772-7774
sonnysportland.com
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday; Dinner 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Bar open daily until 1 a.m.
Sonny's serves New World Cuisine, featuring traditional Latin, Caribbean, African and American comfort foods. Enchiladas and tamales are made with local and seasonal seafood, cheeses, produce and meats. Fritters and empanadas are stuffed with fresh meats, vegetables, beans and grains. Local clams, scallops, mussels, haddock crab and lobster routinely appear in Sonny's dishes.
STAREAST CAFE $
646 Forest Ave.
(207) 775-0013
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Take a trip to the Middle East in this informal coffee shop and cafe owned by an Iraqi man who moved to the United States 15 years ago. Vegetarian dishes and shish kabobs are cooked to order, and the flatbread is baked on site. The menu also includes falafel, stuffed grape leaves, lamb stew, curried chicken soup and kofte kabob, made with mildly spiced ground beef and lamb. Top off your meal with a cup of Arabic coffee and a pastry from the cafe's tempting selection. WiFi is free here.
STREET & CO. $$$
33 Wharf St.
(207) 775-0887
www.streetandcompany.net/home
Hours: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
This seafood bistro has been in business for 20 years, and for good reason. It specializes in local fresh seafood, and grills, blackens and broils its fish to perfection in its open kitchen. The standards on the menu include broiled scallops and halibut. The rustic atmosphere comes alive in the summer, when outdoor seating puts patrons on the cobblestone street. The restaurant typically seats up to 85, and some tables are reserved for walk-ins, but it's still a good idea to make a reservation.
SUSAN'S FISH N' CHIPS $-$$
1135 Forest Ave.
(207) 878-3240
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.
Susan's Fish n' Chips has been a family-owned business for 21 years, serving clams, scallops, shrimp, haddock, lobster and other Maine seafood. Try the two fish burger special for $2.50 on Mondays and Tuesdays. Dine in or take out, and take $10 off your bill on your birthday. Patio dining is available in summer.
TANDOOR RESTAURANT $$
88 Exchange St.
(207) 775-4259
Hours: Lunch and dinner 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday; dinner only 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Specializing in northern-style Indian food, Tandoor provides a good dining spot for visitors to the Old Port and those searching for a sit-down meal before shows at Merrill Auditorium off Congress Street. Chef Bhupinder Singh has served up dishes here since its opening. Tandoor has a beer and wine menu, but not a children's menu. It has some of the best masala chai in town.
THREE DOLLAR DEWEYS $$
241 Commercial St.
(207) 772-3310
www.ThreeDollarDeweys.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily.
This is a casual place that has been an Old Port landmark for 30 years. Locals come here for the large variety of burgers and sandwiches, and for the 36 varieties of draft beers, many of them from Maine microbreweries. Daily specials are always available, as well as award-winning chili, pizza, homemade chowders, soups, salads and other pub fare. Three Dollar Deweys also has a full-service bar.
TWENTY MILK STREET (at the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa) $$$-$$$$
20 Milk St.
(207) 774-4200
www.theregency.com
Hours: Breakfast 6:30 to 11 a.m. Monday to Friday and 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday; lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; brunch 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Twenty Milk Street serves a menu the chef describes as American cuisine, with particular emphasis on prime steaks and fresh, local seafood, including lobster and scallops. Lobster Benedict and Malted Blueberry Pancakes are favorites from the breakfast menu. All desserts, such as the Apricot Ginger Upside Down Cake, are homemade. Sit by the fireplace in winter or at the outdoor cafe in the warmer months. There is live piano music on Saturday nights.
VERANDA THAI $$$
9 Veranda St.
(866) 605-8960
www.verandathaifood.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Portland is known for having a huge number of Thai restaurants, so it can be tough for a place to stand out. Veranda Thai became popular fast, in part because the food is noticeably fresh. For an appetizer, try the pork-filled dumplings made with homemade dough. Entrees include the usual curries and stir-fries, as well as specialties such as salmon curry and ginger haddock. Most of the food is Thai, but there are also a few Vietnamese dishes, including pho and a barbecued pork chop or grilled chicken marinated Vietnamese style.
VIGNOLA CINQUE TERRE $$$
10 Dana St.
(207) 772-1330 www.vignolamaine.com
Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Monday to Saturday; 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Two of Portland’s best-known restaurants became one when they merged in 2012. Vignola is named for a small town in Italy known for its love of food. Cinque Terre, named for five ancient fishing villages in the Italian Riviera, was dubbed one of the “Top 10 Farm-to-Table Restaurants in the U.S.A.” by Epicurious.com, and for good reason: The owners grow produce for the kitchen on their own Grand View Farm in Greene, where they also host cooking classes and special dinners. Chef Lee Skawinski travels to Italy regularly with his staff to meet with artisanl food producers. The newly merged restaurants now have a chef’s table with a view into the kitchen. Reservations are recommended.
WALTER'S $$$
2 Portland Square, Union St.
(207) 871-9258
www.waltersportland.com
Hours: Daily 11:30 a.m. to midnight.
Located in Portland's historic Old Port, Walter's enjoys a loyal following of local regulars and visitors from away. Jeff Buerhaus, the chef-owner, is inspired by the flavors of Asia, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. His menus are fresh and seasonal, accented by daily specials that add unique twists to traditional Maine ingredients. Local favorites include the Crispy Asian Ravioli and Cracklin' Calamari starters. For lighter fare or after-work cocktails, visit the lounge area and wood-and-tile bar, where a bar menu is available from 2:30 p.m. to midnight.
ZAPOTECA $$$
505 Fore St.
(207) 772-8242
www.zapotecarestaurant.com
Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; Sunday Brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday
Inventive cocktails, a rustic atmosphere and well-prepared food from a wood-burning oven all contribute to this Mexican restaurant’s authentic feel. Start your meal off with a customer favorite, the Habanero Watermelon Margarita, which has quite a little kick to it. Or order a flight of tequila from the bar’s large selection of blanco, reposado and anejo, all served with a housemade tomatillo sangrita. The guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips at Zapoteca are all fresh and housemade. Entrees range from fish tacos to enchiladas made with chicken, pork or Maine crab and shrimp.
OCEAN HOUSE PIZZA $-$$
337 Ocean House Road
(207) 741-9191
www.oceanhousepizza.com
Hours: Open 7 days 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This family-owned restaurant serves specialty gourmet pizza with homemade sauce, thick calzones, meaty burgers and authentic gyro sandwiches. The menu also features grilled choices, such as cheesesteaks and heated subs. For those interested in eating light, salads like the large chicken Caesar make a meal in themselves. There are daily lunch and dinner specials, and wine and beer are available. Delivery is free in the town of Cape Elizabeth.
SEA GLASS AT INN BY THE SEA $$$-$$$$
40 Bowery Beach Road
(207) 799-3134
www.innbythesea.com
Hours: Breakfast 7 to 11 a.m. Monday to Friday; brunch 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday; dinner 5:30 to 9 p.m. daily. Light fare served all day in the fireplace lounge.
Chef Mitchell Kaldrovich infuses local ingredients with his international experience, creating flavorful dishes such as his Gulf of Maine Seafood and Lobster Paella featuring local clams, lobster tail, shrimp, calamari, cured chorizo and fresh peas, all served on a bed of saffron rice. Pan-seared Maine scallops served on a bed of parsnip puree, airy guafrettes and buerre monte is a customer favorite. Ninety percent of the menu is gluten free.
RACHEL’S ON THE GREEN $$
Val Halla Golf Course
60 Val Halla Road
(207) 829-2225, Ext. 4
www.valhallagolf.com
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday; breakfast buffet served first Sunday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon.
Rachel’s On The Green, located at the Val Halla Golf Course, is operated by Mike and Lowell “Bubba” Smith, both former owners of the Cumberland Cafe, and has a fireplace that overlooks the 18th green. This family-friendly eatery is always open to the public and offers a menu that includes omelets, burgers, Caesar salads, broiled seafood, rib eye steaks and the restaurant’s signature marinated tenderloin tips. Live entertainment Friday nights on the deck.
RICETTA'S RISTORANTE $$
240 Route 1
Falmouth
(207) 781-3100
www.ricettas.com
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day,
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Ricetta's is a popular brick-oven pizza restaurant. Toppings such as sauteed spinach with garlic, roasted zucchini and summer squash, fried eggplant, prosciutto and pesto chicken help diners create their own unique pizzas. The restaurant also serves pasta and other Italian dishes, calzones and a kids menu. Kids can watch pizzas being spun, topped and baked.
ON THE MARSH BISTRO $$$
46 Western Ave.
(207) 967-2299
www.onthemarsh.com
Hours: Dinner 5:30 p.m. until closing Tuesday to Sunday.
On the Marsh Bistro serves European country cuisine in a circa-1800 converted barn and farmhouse on three acres of splendid plantings alongside a tidal salt marsh. Executive chef Jeffrey A. Savage changes the menu weekly, but typical offerings include seared sea scallops and lobster-truffle risotto, handmade tagliatelle pasta, and grilled center-cut beef tenderloin. Looking for lighter fare? Visit the piano bar, where specialty drinks are available to accompany the bar menu. Diners can also purchase art, antiques and other items during their evening at the bistro.
ONE DOCK $$$$
One Dock Square
(207) 967-2621
www.onedock.com
Hours: Patio happy hour 4 to 5:30 p.m. daily (in season); dinner 6 to 9 p.m. daily.
One Dock restaurant serves Maine cuisine with a creative flair. Featured dishes include steamed Maine mussels with blue cheese cream, bacon, onions and chives; fresh Maine lobster spring roll with endive, mandarin oranges, basil, and citrus dipping sauce; and a grilled ribeye with Parmesan and herb-dusted Yukon Gold potato wedges, grilled asparagus and smoked tomato butter. One Dock offers entertainment daily in its piano bar, where cocktails and an expansive wine list are available. Reservations are strongly recommended.
THE TIDES BEACH CLUB $$$$
252 Kings Highway
Goose Rocks Beach
(207) 967-3757
www.tidesbeachclubmaine.com
Hours: Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Located on pristine Goose Rocks Beach, the beach club's kitchen uses local ingredients to create menu items such as Seared Sea Scallops with Lobster Fried Rice; Seared Heritage Pork Loin with Bacon Marmalade and Cornbread Puree; and summer dishes such as Lazy Lobster and BBQ pork, simply prepared and served with accompaniments such as grilled corn, slaw and roasted potatoes. Every afternoon from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., the restaurant hosts an event called ÒBaubles and Bubbles,Ó serving fresh local oysters and sparkling wines. Reservations are strongly recommended.
GYPSY SWEETHEARTS RESTAURANT $$-$$$
30 Shore Road
(207) 646-7021
www.gypsysweethearts.com
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to close Tuesday to Sunday; bar open until 1 a.m.
A family owned business for 33 years, Gypsy's makes everything, from salad dressings to ice cream, from scratch. The menu includes lobster tacos, grilled romaine Caesar salad, potato gnocchi, almond-crusted haddock, organic ribeye, poblano pepper rellenos and rack of lamb. The restaurant has a garden, a deck and indoor seating.
THE LANDMARK RESTAURANT $$-$$$
28 East Grand Ave.
(207) 934-0156
www.landmarkfinedining.com
Hours: Dinner daily 5 p.m. to close.
The Landmark Restaurant, located in a 100-year-old Victorian house with an enclosed porch, offers a varied menu including panko-fried scallops, coconut shrimp, char-grilled black Angus sirloin, roasted half duckling with lime ginger glaze, and lobster stew. The restaurant has a casual, friendly atmosphere and a full bar. A children's menu is available.
JJ'S EATERY TOO $$$
12b Old Orchard St.
(207) 934-0222
jjseatery.com
Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; bar open daily until 1 a.m.
JJ's Eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. The restaurant is known for its Bloody Mary, homemade corned beef hash and huge pancakes. Other popular breakfast items include Lobster Benny, raspberry or apple brie-stuffed French toast and baked eggs. For lunch, try the reuben made with slow-cooked corned beef or the lobster club. Dinners, which big eaters can also order for lunch, include rack of lamb, prime rib, lasagna and meatloaf or turkey dinners.
JONATHANS OGUNQUIT $$$
92 Bourne Lane
(207) 646-4777
www.jonathansrestaurant.com
Hours: Dinner 4:30 p.m. to close daily.
Jonathans features casual fine dining, with a menu that includes wood-fired grilled steaks, pasta and lobsters. Check out the restaurant's 600-gallon fresh water aquarium, or take advantage of the plasma televisions in the lounge. Hear Lex & Joe's "Blues on Fridays" in the lounge, and light jazz with John Melisi and Steve Carter on Saturdays. Nationally known entertainers such as Paula Poundstone, Iris Dement, Judy Collins, Greg Brown and Leon Redbone appear in the upstairs concert venue.
ANJON'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT $$$-$$$$
521 U.S. Route 1
(207) 883-9562
www.Anjons.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; lunch is served until 4 p.m.
Anjon's, located one mile down the road from Scarborough Downs, is a family owned and operated restaurant that has been serving traditional Italian fare since 1954. The large menu includes everything from veal piccata to tenderloin tips Marsala and fresh Maine seafood, showcased in dishes such as haddock pesto and lobster scampi. Anjon's is known for its homemade pasta sauces and stuffed breads, and also makes its own desserts, including tiramisu and cannoli. Anjon's has a full bar and accepts reservations. A children's menu is available. The restaurant is handicap accessible.
CHOWDERHEAD'S RESTAURANT $-$$
Oak Hill Plaza at Routes 1 and 114
(207) 883-8333
www.chowderheadsrestaurant.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday; noon to 8 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday
For 20 years, Chowderhead's has been serving seafood chowder and traditional fried seafood fare such as fried haddock fish 'n chips. Try the Maine shrimp plate, which comes with two sides, or the grilled swordfish or salmon sandwich, served with cole slaw. There's also a variety of sandwiches and chicken dishes on the menu. Takeout is available. After your meal, stop at the new Beal's Ice Cream located right next door.
DAVID'S 388 RESTAURANT $$$
388 COTTAGE ROAD
(207) 347-7388
www.Davids388.com
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
This 24-seat restaurant is owned by the same chef who owns David's Restaurant in Portland, but the menu is more oriented toward fine dining. Chef de cuisine Bo Byrne helps carry out the vision for the place, preparing customer favorites such as tuna tartare with coconut-chili truffle oil and sweet potato pommes goufret, and crispy potstickers with duck breast, apricots and Peking sauce. The garlic and rosemary foccacia is made in-house. Reservations are recommended.
FIRE AND WATER RESTAURANT
$$$-$$$$
Marriott, 200 Sable Oaks Drive
(207) 871-8000
www.marriottsouthportland.com
Hours: Breakfast 6:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday; lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; dinner daily 5 to 10 p.m.
Fire and Water attracts young couples and families with its "New England grill" cuisine and a comfortable bar environment. Try the restaurant's signature seafood penne, which features lobster, sea scallops and shrimp in a lobster cream sauce; a gorgonzola and wood-grilled steak salad; or a Downeast sautéed salmon fillet with bell pepper salad, roasted fingerlings, rapini and whole grain mustard sabayon. Relax in front of the stone fireplace with cocktails and light bites in the lounge, where mini burgers, sandwiches and other comfort foods are on the menus. There's a breakfast buffet every Saturday and Sunday morning for $14 per person.
JEWEL OF INDIA $$-$$$
45 Western Ave.
(207) 828-2001
www.thejewelofindia.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Jewel of India, a family-owned restaurant in Biddeford known for its fresh sauces and house-made ingredients, recently opened a second location just a short drive from the Maine Mall. Prem Sharma prepares entrees and desserts, while his father presides over the traditional tandoor oven, baking tasty breads stuffed with potatoes, onions, ground lamb and other ingredients. Dinner entrees include dishes made with chicken and lamb, served with a full range of curries. For lunch, be sure to try the chicken curry or Guru's vegetable delight, or check out the popular buffet.
JOE'S BOATHOUSE $$$
1 Spring Point Drive
(207) 741-2780
www.joesboathouse.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday; brunch 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, then dinner 5 to 9 p.m.
Located at the Port Harbor Marina with a good view of downtown Portland, Joe's Boathouse leans toward the seafood side of the menu, as is appropriate for its location. But there is plenty there for the meat eaters, too. A lot of people with boats at the marina eat here, and locals come in as well. It is a great place to eat and chat, watch the view and relax.
NARA SUSHI RESTAURANT $$~$$$
50 Maine Mall Road
(207) 772-0006
www.narasushisushi.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Nara Sushi Restaurant, located between the Maine Mall and the jetport, serves authentic Korean and Japanese cuisine. The menu includes a mix of Japanese teriyaki, tempura and noodle dishes alongside Korean specialties such as Bibim Bap and Seng Sun Chi Ge, which is Korean vegetables and fresh haddock cooked in a spicy bean broth. The restaurant has a dining room as well as a traditional Japanese tatami room and a sushi bar. Nara offers a full bar and a complete wine list as well.
SEA DOG BREWING COMPANY $$$
125 Western Ave.
(207) 871-7000
www.seadogbrewing.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday to Friday; 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday (breakfast menu available until 3 p.m.).
Sea Dog Brewing serves creative pub fare from fish and chips and lobster rolls to grilled New York sirloin. Sample the award-winning line of year-round and seasonal beers, such as Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat Ale. For families, there's a game room, kid's menu and hand-crafted root beer. Breakfast is served on weekends, and features a make-your-own martini bar.
SNOW SQUALL RESTAURANT $$-$$$$
18 Ocean St.
(207) 799-0811
www.snowsquallrestaurant.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to close Wednesday to Friday; 8 a.m. to close Saturday and Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday.
An old South Portland favorite has re-opened, serving breakfast Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 a.m., and lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The breakfast menu includes homemade sausage, corned beef hash, eggs benedict and pancake specials. For lunch or dinner, sample the jambalaya, pierogies, shrimp raviolis, pan-seared salmon, baked haddock and seared hanger steak. There are happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, with half-price appetizers and, depending on the day, $4 house wine, $2.50 bottled beer and $5 well drinks.
SOUTH PORTLAND HOUSE OF PIZZA $-$$
433 Cottage Road
(207) 767-2300
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; breakfast
Eric Bruneau owns and manages this family-style neighborhood restaurant that serves pizzas, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches. Homemade Greek salad dressing, along with his special Italian dressing, are customer favorites. Generous servings and a "Cheers"-style atmosphere mean that you can always expect a team dinner or a celebration to roam in at anytime. Great quiet spot to enjoy the Sunday paper. Check for specials on Facebook.
SUPER GREAT WALL BUFFET $$
198 Maine Mall Road
(207) 771-9988
www.sgreatwall.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; lunch buffet: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; dinner buffet: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
This all you-can-eat buffet features more than 250 items daily. Options include Chinese, American, Japanese and Italian dishes, and a full salad and dessert bar. Specialties include grilled steak, sushi, hibachi grill, hot and cold oysters and shrimp, king crab legs and many other seafood items. The restaurant offers free WiFi and a free room for parties or business meetings with purchase of the buffet.
WILD WILLY'S $
449 Westbrook St.
(207) 822-9999
www.wildwillysburgers.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Wild Willy's burger patties are made by hand every morning, using fresh 100-percent certified Angus beef. Or try a bison burger, which is lower in fat, cholesterol and calories. This Western-themed restaurant also serves chicken sandwiches made from trimmed, skinless chicken breasts raised without hormones. Side orders include hand-cut french fries, sweet potato fries and onion rings. Wash it all down with fresh-squeezed lemonade or a frappe made with Gifford's ice cream. Children's menu available. Dine in or take out.
BULL N' CLAW $$-$$$
2270 Post Road
(207) 646-8467
www.bullnclaw.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
The Bull n' Claw offers diners a number of specialty dishes, many of them centered around seafood and steaks. Try the Captain Salmon Morgan, Lobster Louie, prime rib, Fisherman's Platters For Two, steamed lobsters and clams, sirloin steaks, Lobster Alfredo, Shrimp FraDiavolo and Scallop Scampi. The restaurant has a salad bar and a soup bar, daily lunch specials and a breakfast buffet on Sundays. The bar makes signature cocktails with whimsical local names like the Nubble Light, the Perkins Cove and the Wells Jetty, and also serves giant cocktails for two.
FAJITA GRILL $
857 Main St.
(207) 591-8150
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
This casual restaurant serves authentic Mexican fare in a relaxed atmosphere for extremely reasonable prices. Try the mole poblano, which is marinated chicken cooked with the restaurant's own mole sauce, or pick something from the long list of combination plates, including about a half-dozen for vegetarians. Soft tacos, burritos and other items are also offered on the side.
THE FROG AND TURTLE $$$
3 Bridge St.
(207) 591-4185
www.thefrogandturtle.com
Hours: 4 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday; Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Monday.
This Westbrook hot spot is known for its live music and concerts as well as classic French and New England dishes. From the pub menu, try the black Angus beef burger, the house-cured charcuterie plate, or the upscale version of poutine, the classic dish of Canadian cheese fries and gravy. Entrees range from crepes to steaks. A calendar of events and concerts can be found at the Web site.
PROFENNO'S PIZZERIA & PUB $
934 Main St.
Pizzeria: (207) 856-0033 Pub: (207) 856-0011
profennos.biz
Pub Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; food served 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
This family-owned restaurant serves standard pub fare and pizza. Pub fare includes sandwiches, seafood, steak and homestyle meals. They also have regular food and drink specials daily. Profenno's is known for its freshly baked bread and specialty pizza. The menu also features grilled choices and, for those interested in eating light, salads are available. Profenno's has a full-service bar with live music every night Wednesday through Saturday and an Open Mic Night on Sundays.
SEAGRASS BISTRO $$$$
305 U.S. Route One
(207) 846-3885
www.seagrassbistro.com
Hours: Opens at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
SeaGrass Bistro is small, open-kitchen restaurant that serves American bistro-style cuisine with Asian, French and Tuscan influences. The menu changes every three weeks, but typical entrees might be Pomegranate Maple-Glazed Hen with Roasted Walnut Crusted Potatoes and Wilted Greens, or House made Raviolis with Butternut Squash Reduction with Sun Dried Cranberries and Escarole. Chef/owner Stephanie Brown offers lots of gluten-free options and is happy to consider special requests. Reservations are recommended.
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