25 Best Cafes in Portland

“Good location, nice ambiance, and decor, quality products, friendly staff; Higher Grounds checks all the boxes!
My wife and I checked it out for the first time this evening, and were most impressed.
The owner was really nice, and gave us a great deal.
Will absolutely revisit, and recommend.“

“This is a great little spot for breakfast, lunch, coffee, cocktails. The staff is very friendly and helpful and the service was stellar“

“Great coffee, cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Plus awesome book selection!“

“LB Kitchen has an incredible selection of healthy things, including delicious breakfast items and excellent coffee.“

“They have delicious breakfast burritos and breakfast bowls. Great customer service, friendly and smiling! I can't wait to try their lunch! Thank you Cote's!“

“Great food and service. Nice dining area.“

“We were there at the Regency for a 2 day conference and this was very convenient for us with a short lunch break. The food came fast and was very good. It was a beautiful day and very pleasant. The noise level was what I expected for a summer day in the Old Port with the background music blocking most noise.“

“Best martinis in Portland! It’s a must try if you’re in town. Chocolate salted caramel is my fav 🤤 but, you must ask for Miriam, she’ll take care of you!“

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

“Great latte and wonderful owner and friendly staff. ☕️☕️☕️☕️“

“We visited on a late Saturday afternoon in mid-June 2025.

We found street parking a couple blocks away. The cafe is in the basement of the museum near the bathrooms and water fountains. There is a large meeting room or lecture all auditorium thing we believe too just further down the basement.

We did not actually eat anything here but we did take a bunch of pictures hoping to help others out. We actually didn't see any staff while we visited and we weren't sure if they were already closed for the day or what.“

“Great place for a nice light breakfast“

“Great food and friendly service! Love this place“

“Stopped in looking for a souvenir I could fly with and walked out with some goodies. As a bonus they had delicious vegan cookies which I got for myself! The person I spoke with was super helpful and kind and not at all judgy about my excitement about tinned fish! They went above and beyond with helpful information and advice.“

“delicious bagels. nice people.“

“Josh is a 2 time award winning coffee whisperer. Also there’s an iced malt coffee you need“

“My husband and I traveled from the Ellworth Maine area to both build terrariums and look for a plant that has been on my bucket list for some time. This place did not dissapoint even remotely! We built 2 amazing terrariums without any knowledge about them going into it and came home with a Thai constellation Monstera and a baby pitcher plant! It was one of the most fun and grounding expierences of my life. All of the staff and the owner were so helpful, knowledgeable and passionate about it all! I wish I lived closer as I would frequent this place often just for the people and atmosphere alone! Words can describe how special of a place they have and I hope to see it continue to thrive for years to come. I have a mobility disability and getting around many places in a wheelchair can be a challenge but their set up makes it easy to get around and the staff are so ready and willing to assist in all of the things. If accessibility is a concern for you dont let it be! I want to give a big heartfelt thank you to the staff and owner for this amazing expierence (and a thank you for the happy birthday note in my monstera ❤️).“

“Adorable vibes and the donuts were 11/10. Stopped with our kids and tried the cookies and cream. Possibly the best donuts I’ve ever had. They are mini and you have to order in packs of 6 with one flavor. I wish they did a flight so you can try different ones without committing to a few boxes. Cost is reasonable as well!“

“the blueberry latte is my favorite, but the people who work here are so great too!“

“Uncharted has a few huge features over other boba places that make it our family’s go-to location in the area. First, it makes its drinks from real tea (not powder!) so you can order it less/not sweet. Second, they make a homemade lavender reduction that is the best. Finally, their teas are delicious! Highly recommend.“

“Adorable little cafe with cozy vibes and delicious coffee. My cozyside latte was so good. I also really appreciate their commitment to eco-friendliness. All of their disposable items are compostable, the trash cans are all compost bins, and the for here cups are reusable glasses. So many places only serve their coffee in disposable cups so I have a lot of love for the places that still serve coffee in real glassware“

“The DCNA is a beautiful organization where neighbors get together and make things HAPPEN. Deering Center Porchfest Portland, ME is my favorite time of the year thanks to the DCNA. Join us!“

“My husband, MIL, and myself were visiting Maine all the way from NC and came here TWICE during our visit. First was brunch, then dinner. Both meals were exceptional. Our waitress(I wish I could remember her name, but she has long, red hair), gave the best service I have ever experienced in my life! This will definitely be a spot we must visit everytime we come up ❤️“

“Such a fun and relaxing experience. I highly recommend!!!“

“Best place to eat on Peaks Island. This is the only restaurant on Peaks that is not a tourist trap.“