Local's Guide
Portland ME
WHAT TO DO IN
Portland, Maine
Honestly, we could write all day about the hundreds of incredible shops, restaurants, and experiences available in Maine’s urban center. Broadly speaking, anything you can find in your own big city can be found here, often with a local twist. Maine’s economy is driven by small businesses that populate our small towns and large cities alike, so there’s a beautiful range of options available. Portsmouth, NH is also an interesting and engaging city with a great art and restaurant scene. Both are easily worth a visit, or a lifetime.
Portland's Great
Restaurants and Breweries
There are far too many to mention even all the standouts by name, but we’ve broken it down into very casual, relaxed, and fancy. Within these categories, restaurants are organized alphabetically.
Casual
Restaurants
There are a lot of great cheap, delicious, casual restaurants in Portland. Way more than we can list, but here are a few that we’ve noticed.
Black Cow
Is a classic burger joint with shakes, fries, and cocktails. They’re open late, and a great place to go for nostalgic American cuisine.
Dutch's
Classic diner with a penchant for great sandwiches.
Hot Suppa
A Southern-themes restaurant with a diner-feel, great for a taste of Southern comfort food.
Relaxed
Restaurants
These eateries cost a little bit more, feel a little bit fancier and more like “dining.” You won’t need a tie or high heels to fit in, though.
David's Restaurant
A great combination of casual atmosphere and formal dining.
Isa Bistro
Features a rotating menu of excellent offerings at a reasonable price.
Brickyard Hollow
A great spot to get local brews, eat woodfired pizza, and watch the game or the beautiful Old Port.
Formal
Restaurants
These are the kinds of places where you will want to dress up nicely and will be able to rave to your friends back home about.
David's Opus Ten
Has a limited menu of exquisite offerings that change every week.
Twelve
Twelve delivers elegance without pretension—perfect for special occasions or a memorable night out.
Local 188
Has a more flexible a la carte menu with a range of cuisines and delicious local ingredients.
Testimonials
What Our Guests Say
Elizabeth Saucier
Truly an amazing experience! A little slice of Heaven. Enjoy moments of serenity and relaxation with perfect accommodations.
Michelle Olson-Rogers
What an amazingly perfect experience we had at the Hobbit Home, Fern Hollow! True Lord of the Ring fans here, it was everything we dreamed of and more. The furnishings and kitchen were top of the line and the attention to detail, amazing. You can tell they put a lot of thought into this property! Highly recommend for a family of 4 or two couples looking to getaway. Loved it!
