New American Restaurants in Portland, ME

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

“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!“

“The chef is a G! I mean genius! Watched him stay cool and delivery fabulous food to sooo many tickets. The food was outstanding and our server was so friendly and efficient. No wonder it so hard to get in this restaurant. It's a winner.“

“Had brunch at this restaurant and it was fantastic!! The atmosphere in the hotel is cute. It used to be the newspaper building, so they carried this theme through. They have vintage typewriters on the wall in the lobby, so cute. Our server, Anna, was so sweet and kind! Food was sooooooo good. I would highly recommend this place. This is off the beaten path in Portland, it’s not in the port area, but the walk is so pretty to get to it. You can go up to exchange street, with so many cute shops. Definitely worth the short walk, especially if you’re there on a Sunday and all the other brunch places by the port have 45 minute waits.“

“We had the always amazing mussels, pork cheeks also amazing ( cut w/ a fork) & special tomato tart which was very special! Entrees were the always wonderful spit roasted chicken and venison which was perfectly cooked & served w/ fantastic steak fries. And the leek sauce was phenomenal. But this is the Portland restaurant I always recommend to anyone visiting area along w/ sister restaurant Scales! I would say among the best in the country!“

“Wonderful service and excellent food!“

“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“

“We had a lovely dinner a few nights ago at Wayside with our delightful server (sorry, I didn't learn her name). However, our (and our neighboring table) were disturbed by a very loud party of 5 '(birthday group) with no consideration of fellow diners. I understand that Wayside has no control over the behavior of the rude, but it's disappointing to have an enjoyable evening spoiled by the behavior of fellow diners.“

“Great brunch alternative, especially if you tried to go to Becky’s and it was too wild there. Great menu and the coffee is exceptional. What really really set this place apart is that the Jam they make here might be the best jam I’ve ever had. It’s truly next level, tried to buy it, but they make it fresh here lol“

“Every dish was fantastic!“

“Cocktails were not our favorite. The jalapeño margarita was bitter didn’t taste good. Enjoyed the hummus good price point generous portion. Cozy lounge good music and plenty of seating available. Nice ambiance and excellent customer service.“

“Amazing from start to finish ~ love the decor and everything we tried was delicious 🦩“

“I LOVE that DTL is requiring proof of vaccines to enter!! Keep up the great work!! I prefer to not drink/dine in the company of antivaxxers :)“

“One of our favorite places, nice laid back atmosphere with couches & bookcases, reasonably priced beers, and located at the entrance to Portland’s wonderful West End. They serve a great Beyond burger, as well as a black bean burger. They also have a number of other nice options including vegan cheese pizzas, chili, and chili cheese fries! Updated from previous review on 2024-06-25“

“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.“

“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 ❤️“

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

“karaoke Wednesday and Thursday nights. Very chill people to hang around with, my favorite place in town to have some beers!“

“The best seafood, great service and setting.“

“Great cocktails, food, and atmosphere! We will be back!“

“Nice place, good beer choices and the smash burger was great. Little bit of rain didn’t stop the server from coming outside to serve us with our dog. Thanks again for enduring the rain!“

“I loved the place and the good. Great service and atmosphere too. Joe from Virginia Beach.“

“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.“

“The best seafood, great service and setting.“

“Went for the music, stayed for the laughs. Fun place. Chowder was delicious. Us Minnesotains were not so sure on the brown ketchup though 😆“

“The prices are reasonable and economic. Good option if you are staying in the holiday inn by the bay and you don’t want to walk in the evening. Good quantity and quality of food here. The menu is small but the service and atmosphere is very good.“

“REGARDS is an amazing restaurant with unique dishes that I have never seen before. Where else can you get hamachi collar? Everything we ordered, from the burrata with salsa verde and country bread to the tamale with macadamia mole was balanced, delicious, and special. I wish I had more time in Portland to eat there again. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable. I let them know that my wife was vegetarian when making the reservation and the hostess noted all the dishes that were vegetarian and what could be modified. A very beautiful place. I'm grateful that I knew about it“

“Have always loved Bayside Bowl, but their parking situation is a disappointment. Admittedly it was clearly my fault for not paying attention to the parking signs, but my car was towed yesterday from the premises and I was charged $260 cash to retrieve my car from Riverside Street in Portland. It was my birthday and we were celebrating first at Batson River and then we planned to go to Bayside's rooftop deck to continue our evening's celebrations. After leaving the distillery, after only one hour, I was shocked to see that my car had been towed away. Again, my fault. Please be mindful of the parking signs if you visit this establishment. The money charged for an accidental parking violation is greedily exorbitant and predatory in my opinion. I hope that the owner is not profiting from this, and if he or she is, I hope they are putting the money towards a good community cause to better the Portland Bayside neighborhood.“

“I am sure Councilman Dion and Mrs Dion were just having an off night - my wife and Granddaughter and I had dinner on Friday night and my veal parmigiana was awesome and my wife’s asparagus and Gorgonzola ravioli was as great ! Jim our waiter must have lit the table candle 50 times for my granddaughter to keep blowing it out ! Brunos rocks !“

“Good food and service that’s well worth the extra buck“

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