Last updated: 2025-03-21
Portland’s culinary scene blends the bounty of Maine’s coast with innovative gastronomy. From the fresh-caught seafood at Eventide Oyster Co. and Scales to the wood-fired excellence of Fore Street, the city’s upscale dining venues showcase local ingredients in sophisticated settings.
The Old Port’s cobblestone streets lead to gems like Sur Lie and Chaval, while spots like Twelve and Roma Portland elevate classic dishes with modern flair. Each restaurant adds its own character to Portland’s reputation as New England’s rising culinary destination.
Explore Portland’s finest dining destinations below!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Portland
- Fore Street
- Scales
- Twelve
- Eventide Oyster Co.
- Chaval
- Street & Co.
- Sur Lie
- Roma Portland
- Solo Italiano
- The Honey Paw
Fine Dining in Portland
Eighteen95
What to Expect
Brick Fireplace Ambiance
Description
Eighteen95 offers modern American cuisine with a New England twist, featuring dishes like lobster stew and bison. The restaurant is known for its warm, intimate décor, complete with softly lit chandeliers and a brick fireplace. It emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and offers an extensive wine selection. Eighteen95 is ideal for upscale fine dining with its elegant atmosphere and seasonal desserts made in-house. It features private dining rooms and live piano music on select evenings.
Where: Portland | More Info: Eighteen95
Solo Italiano
What to Expect
Authentic Northern Italian cuisine
Description
Solo Italiano offers authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases traditional Northern Italian dishes, including handcrafted pastas and seafood options. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and its warm, inviting ambiance make it an ideal choice for upscale fine dining. Solo Italiano features an extensive selection of Italian wines, enhancing the dining experience.
Where: Portland | More Info: Solo Italiano
Tipo
What to Expect
Wood-fired Italian cuisine
Description
Tipo offers a creative, ever-changing menu of Italian-inspired dishes in Portland's Back Cove. The restaurant features wood-fired cooking, a practice inspired by its owners' experience at Coppa in Boston. Dishes like rabbit saltimbocca and cacio e pepe showcase complex flavors, while warm zeppole provide a delightful dessert option. Tipo's simple yet elegant décor and attentive service make it a standout for upscale dining. It features a brick oven and a focus on breaking down whole animals for diverse menu offerings.
Where: Portland | More Info: Tipo
Twelve
What to Expect
Historic building renovation
Description
Twelve is a fine dining restaurant located in the historic Portland Co. building, offering a seasonal Modern New England menu. The restaurant features a state-of-the-art kitchen and a highly customized dining room. Led by executive chef Colin Wyatt and general manager Daniel Gorlas, Twelve emphasizes local ingredients and creative dishes. Its unique blend of historic charm and contemporary cuisine makes it a standout in upscale dining.
Where: Portland | More Info: Twelve
Farm-to-Table in Portland
Fore Street
What to Expect
Wood-burning hearth kitchen
Description
Fore Street offers upscale fine dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Its unique brick and soapstone hearth features a wood-burning oven, grill, and turnspit, providing an open-concept kitchen experience. The restaurant emphasizes farm-to-table cuisine, showcasing New England's best seafood, meats, and vegetables.
Where: Portland | More Info: Fore Street
Sur Lie
What to Expect
Tapas with local Maine ingredients
Description
Sur Lie offers a unique dining experience with tapas-style American contemporary cuisine, blending eclectic global influences. The restaurant emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from Maine, creating a vibrant atmosphere that fosters community and culinary craftsmanship. It is particularly noted for its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, making it a standout in upscale dining.
Where: Portland | More Info: Sur Lie
Seafood in Portland
Eventide Oyster Co.
What to Expect
Granite Shellfish Display
Description
Eventide Oyster Co. is a revival of the classic American oyster bar, offering pristine oysters and shellfish alongside innovative New England fare. The menu features a variety of oysters, including Maine and international options, paired with unique accoutrements like kimchi ice and red wine mignonette. Standout dishes include the Brown Butter Lobster Roll and New England Clam Bake. The restaurant's lively atmosphere, complete with a granite shellfish display and nautical lighting, enhances the dining experience. Eventide is particularly noted for its creative take on seafood, making it a standout for upscale fine dining.
Where: Portland | More Info: Eventide Oyster Co.
Scales
What to Expect
Waterfront seafood dining
Description
Scales offers upscale fine dining on Portland's waterfront, specializing in fresh seafood and land options. The restaurant features a raw bar and an elegant setting with high ceilings and large windows. Its menu includes dishes like scallops with bacon and asparagus, and it is known for its exceptional service and lively atmosphere. Scales is part of a family of restaurants that includes Fore Street and Street & Company.
Where: Portland | More Info: Scales
Street & Co.
What to Expect
Mediterranean seafood cuisine
Description
Street & Co. is a Mediterranean, bistro-style restaurant specializing in fresh seafood. Located in Portland's Old Port, it offers a menu featuring signature dishes like clams in white sauce with linguine and sole française. The restaurant emphasizes local ingredients and provides a cozy atmosphere with rustic charm and an extensive wine list. It is well-suited for upscale fine dining with its focus on quality seafood and personalized service.
Where: Portland | More Info: Street & Co.
Fusion in Portland
Chaval
What to Expect
Spanish and French-inspired cuisine
Description
Chaval offers refined elegance with its Spanish and French-inspired cuisine, crafted from the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. The menu features a sophisticated array of dishes celebrating Maine’s rich flavors. With impeccable service and an exquisite selection of wines and craft cocktails, Chaval provides a distinguished dining experience. It is particularly noted for its upscale atmosphere and creative dishes, making it an excellent choice for fine dining.
Where: Portland | More Info: Chaval
The Honey Paw
What to Expect
Pan-Asian fusion cuisine
Description
The Honey Paw offers a unique dining experience with a blend of Asian flavors and creative dishes. Its modern space features a large communal table, fostering a lively atmosphere. The menu includes innovative options like smoked lamb Khao Soi and lobster wontons, showcasing a fusion of global ingredients. The Honey Paw stands out for its eclectic yet balanced dishes, making it a standout in Portland's culinary scene. It features a well-crafted cocktail menu and offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Where: Portland | More Info: The Honey Paw
Other Upscale Dining in Portland
Roma Portland
What to Expect
Traditional Italian cuisine in a rustic setting
Description
Roma Cafe is a traditional American Italian restaurant located in Portland's historic West End neighborhood. It offers a warm, rustic atmosphere with cozy seating, making it suitable for both casual and special occasions. The menu features classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, including pasta, pizza, and seafood, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Roma Cafe provides a full bar and late-night dining options, making it a great choice for upscale dining experiences.
Where: Portland | More Info: Roma Portland
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