36 Best American Restaurants near Cape Elizabeth

“Our Garden Suite was awesome! Super comfortable and well appointed, awesome soaking tub, the nicest robes, great views and quick walk to the beach. Loved how dog friendly it is. Dog bowls, dog blanket, dog towel, ball, poopie bags and a giant biscuit greeted our pup. Dogs are even allowed in the tavern. Hot chocolate and cookies in the lobby at night. Chocolates in the room. Free use of the steam room and experience shower in the spa for guests. Staff is great! That’s just to name a few things that makes the Inn by the Sea great! We can’t wait to go back!“

“I had the Quiche! And my first ever Bloody Mary. Beautiful presentation, ?. The Quiche was perfectly fluffy with a crispy crust! Side salad with it was a perfect portion size. Our waiter was so friendly and checked in at the perfect times to be sure we liked everything.“

“Absolutely amazing! Each time we visit I am reminded of why it’s my favorite restaurant ever - the food, the service and the atmosphere are all top notch, every time! Thank you!“

“Awesome fries with lots of sauces“

“Personally, I’m not a big fan of leaving reviews after dining at a restaurant, but I’m going to make an exception for this place. The food I had here could easily rank in the top 10 meals I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Everything was so flavorful, fresh, and well-made, yet fairly priced. The only downside is that I live too far away from Portland; otherwise, I would visit this place very often. I want to say thank you to the owner and staff for such a wonderful experience. I’ll do my best to plan another trip to Portland just to come back.“

“We had such a delicious meal at Scales! Everything was presented beautifully and tasted excellent. Service was on-point and the atmosphere is super chic. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone in the Portland area!“

“Impossibly wonderful food and vibe! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“If you have not eaten here it is a must. Make sure to ask for Sarah as she is a phenomenal waitress.“

“Warm welcoming staff, happy regulars, creative events, top notch dedication to their draft list pouring from clean lines and glassware, passionate owners who are present and make food from scratch. A true Portland gem!“

“Wonderful service and excellent food!“

“We were on a weekend in nearby Maine when we realized North Conway was closer than the restaurant's in our town so we head over knowing how great this place was from a previous visit. They did not disappoint, service was excellent and the food was great again! Loved it!“

“The ambiance and the food were amazing. The service could have been better, but I recognize they were slammed on a Saturday night. We had a reservation and still had to wait 25min for our table, however, there is a very nice full service bar/lounge area to wait so it wasn't a deal breaker. The food was incredible and by far one of the best meals we've had in a while. Will definitely be back.“

“Best sandwich ever....Fries were so fresh and delicious.....Horseradish...and cole slaw...all so delicious...Meat was so tender....melted in my mouth....This is the best I have ever had....I have had sandwiches all over the US....This is the upgrade for cheesteak lovers....This meat is so tender and moist... The bread is perfect. Holds up to the juices and is perfect....I have been here 4 times already....I'm hooked....This is better than lobster.....oh my......“

“Every dish was fantastic!“

“Lobstah Roll a must have and gluten free snack bars yummy“

“Last month our flight to Portland was delayed a considerable amount of time due to weather issues and it looked as though we would not be able to make our 5p.m. reservation. My daughter called from the tarmac in Boston where we were rerouted and refueled and explained the situation. The hostess, Susie, was very understanding and compassionate And said that even though our table was booked for another party a 7, we should come in and she would see what she could do. We got there late but Susie greeted us warmly and told us not to worry about being rushed that she had arranged things so no one would be inconvenienced. The atmosphere was warm and cozy; the food so very delicious and our waitperson, Anika, was the best. Atmosphere, impeccable service, food and warmth all rate 5 stars and another visit next time we are in Portland.“

“Every time I go to a new city I try to find a nice place to have a cigar and relax. This place is JUST the spot for that. You can have coffee or liquors depending on what you want with your cigar, and the people are lovely. Wonderful atmosphere and the perfect way to kick off a vacation.“

“We really love this place. Stumbled on it by accident and now its one of our regular haunts when we are in Maine. The food is always delicious, we love trying new things they add. We love this restaurant and can't wait to be back.“

“My family loves this place…food is delicious …tried Many menu options.. host always warm, Welcoming and fun, and prices Family friendly!!!“

“The best breakfast I have ever had, and I own a breakfast restaurant 😂 Super friendly staff, well worth the wait ! If you don't try the hollandaise I will question all your life decisions. Blueberry Fleur Mimosa ... 12/10! Try this spot if you're in the area, we will travel back 3 hours just for brunch !“

“This place is great for room service or eating in the restaurant. Friendly staff, friendly guests, and multiple comfortable places to sit and chill. I stay at the adjacent hotel 3+ times a year because of the food options, bar and location.“

“Grace in Portland, Maine, is a venue that blends historic charm with modern elegance, offering a truly unique setting for weddings and special events. Housed in a beautifully restored former church, Grace combines soaring cathedral ceilings, original stained-glass windows, and a stunning mezzanine, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression. It easily lends itself to a bouquet toss.

The staff at Grace is nothing short of phenomenal. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating a seamless event experience make planning stress-free. They go above and beyond to accommodate every request and ensure the day unfolds perfectly.

The food is another highlight. Their catering team delivers an impressive menu that pairs elevated flavors with fresh, local ingredients. Guests raved about the inventive dishes and impeccable presentation. See the Lobster Rangoon at this Maine wedding shot by JMorr Photo

What sets Grace apart is its ability to feel both grand and intimate. Whether hosting a large wedding or a smaller, more private celebration, the venue can adapt beautifully. The combination of breathtaking architecture and exceptional service makes Grace a top-tier choice for any couple looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Portland.“

“Great Bands like BB & The Silver Screen who care about putting on a great show! Thank you for providing a platform that supports local music!“

“Upon landing in Portland, we were greeted by a Nor'easter, but our determination to savor a superior lobster roll remained unwavering. Highroller Lobster Co. exceeded our expectations, serving a delectable lobster roll accompanied by sublime old Bay seasoned fries and an extraordinary whoopie pie. Although we were unable to finish our meal, we gave it our best effort. The staff was extremely welcoming and knowledgeable.“

“This place is unreal… best roast beef sandwich I’ve ever had…. Onion rings are great aswell“

“We had such a great experience last night! Delicious meals and drinks and absolutely outstanding service from Gerry (Jerry?). We’ll be back!“

“Awesome fries with lots of sauces“

“Oh My God what a gem this place is! First off when you walk in it smells incredible. I had the Godmother grilled cheese. It was so good I couldn't hold a conversation......or maybe it was their margaritas!! Anyway the sandwich was unbelievable and the "secret sauce" on the side for dipping is something I didn't think I needed but ended up wanting to be buried in!“

“i stopped in on my lunch break. the food was delicious. the service was amazing! i will be back“

“As soon as you walk in the ambiance feels inviting and not overbearing for a popular restaurant in a central location. The service is attentive and genuine in wanting to create a well-rounded experience for the guests. I felt guided through the menu and confident in choosing the best items for my group and I. As for the food, spectacular. They've perfect the classics, simple goes a long way when you know how to create the perfect flavor profiles. Definitely end with something sweet as it helps balance out the palate before heading back into the real world. 10/10 will be back.“

“Was ok. The potato bun was yummy! Presentation really cute! But the veggie burger had no flavor..had with the elevation sauce, grilled onions, lettuce and tomato for extra flavor, I guess I had too much hope. But indeed hit the spot!! ☺️“

“Love their variety of drink & food choices! I have dined here multiple times and have always had a great meal! Also love the atmosphere! You quickly forget that you are eating in a hotel restaurant!“

“I visited ZuBakery 4 times in a row while visiting Portland this week. This bakery places a strong emphasis on the quality of the dough and their efforts are well reflected in the wonderful texture of the bread and sweet smell of yeast.

The apple galette is phenomenal. The apples on top are beautifully caramelized and not soggy (!). The crust is the best part and it is perfect; light and crunchy, but yet retains its structure and texture.

I had their ham and cheese croissant and it is excellent. This is not a butter heavy (I am sure a lot of butter goes in here, but you know what I mean) croissant where everything is impossibly buttery. And no, this is a not an airpocket filled croissant (horror) with a rockhard (or) sad droopy shell.
The outer shell is light and crispy. The quality of the dough really shines in the inner layers of the croissant-- the flavor of the dough comes forward and it is so delightful. Ham and cheese are generously added, and they are of a good quality.

Currant scone.. wasn't my favorite. Too dry.

Challah (Fridays only) was very good. It is dense (as it should) and the texture is on point. Flavor-wise, it is not sweet at all. (Personally, I like slightly sweeter challah).

If I had more time in Portland, I would have tried out their fresh baguettes... maybe next time.

Lastly, what the other reviewers say is true. They sell out quickly.. within 30min of the bakery opening time, crowd favorites are gone.“

“Great decor, food and service. Top spot for dinner.“

“Awesome breakfast sandwiches! By far the best breakfast I had in New England. A true Portland hidden gem.“

“We did take out the steak&cheese sandwich was excellent and I loved the fries“