We stopped in on a whim and loved every second at the kitchen bar. A great vibe, exquisite service, and impressive, flavorful dishes made our night. We will be back on purpose and will be sure to go in very early or secure a reservation. Simply excellent!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Nelsonwood
One of the best meals I've had in Portland! The price was a steal during restaurant week, but I wouldn't hesitate to pay full price.Every dish was delicious and well balanced. I had the best pork chop of my life, and it isn't even close. The desserts were a particular highlight.The atmosphere and service were great, even sitting at the bar right in front of the bartenders was a pleasant experience - they and the kitchen were amazingly efficient and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brenda Landry
All our food was Excellent.Can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike Mayo
My wife and I were looking for new restaurants to try in Portland and anyone we asked suggested this place. It lived up to every expectation. Upon entry you’re welcomed with humble hospitality. The open kitchen is relaxing. The dining room is perfectly configured for a small venue. Our server was attentive, kind and helpful. The food was impeccable with every bite. We had the liver mousse, French onion soup, endive salad, steak tartare, cauliflower soup, flat iron steak and scallops. Every dish was the best of its kind. We were floored. This is a hidden gem and should get the recognition it deserves. Top 3 meals we’ve ever had and by far the best in Portland. We’ll be back over and over again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Focaccia, Chicken Liver Mousse
Elizabeth Dexter
Between the four of us, we ordered ten different dishes and each one was well prepared, presented and delicious in its own right. The cocktails were delightful and the wine selection great. Our server was wonderful as well. I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gordon H.
What a great experience from the moment we walked in and were greeted to our seats at the bar in full view of the kitchen. We ordered drinks, a red wine and paper crane both drinks were excellent. We ordered the focaccia and onion soup for the first course. The focaccia was "ethereal" and the onion soup was spot on with a nice cheese crust. Our next course was the mixed greens and the cauliflower soup with Maine crab. Salad was exactly as it should be with goat hill blue cheese and candied walnuts. The cauliflower soup was something special, like eating a homogenized flavor emulsion. Every spoonful was fulfilling and satisfying. For dinner we had the flank steak and duck breast. Absolute home run on both. Cooked to perfection as ordered. My wife likes her steak on the medium side and I like the duck rare. The portions were generous as well. Great value for your money!!
Denise A.
We chose to dine here to ring in 2024 based on the excellent reviews of food, service and ambiance. The New Year's Eve 6 course tasting menu was not available at the time reservations were made (nor anytime before our arrival) and paid in full: $166.00 dollars per person which included a champagne toast, tax and 20 percent gratuity. The dining area is intimate as well as a bit cramped, but the set up is lovely.We were provided champagne upon arrival. The New Year' s eve menu was provided and much to our dismay, there were no choices and there were 2 fish dishes to be served. The cod fritter was the first course. The salty portion was tiny, accompanied only by a lonely spring of arugula. Next came a broccolini with Hollandaise, followed by poached flounder, veal with potatoes, and then a Tiramisu like cake. All portions were small, even for a tasting menu. I am not sure how broccolini counts as a course.The menu and presentation lacked creativity, innovation, flavor and choice. No party favors were provided. Service was o.k. but like the menu, nothing outstanding. Based on this experience, I would give a 3.5 and I would not look to dine here again.
Josh Lussier
My wife and I Loved this place. We had never been and we didn’t realize how close to our house it is! The host was super friendly and ready to help the second we walked in, our serve was a perfect balance of attentive but not intrusive, and the food was amazing. Very unique dishes for me because I don’t eat at fancy places ever. I give this place 5 stars
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Focaccia
D M.
So... over a year later and I think we have become regulars. This is our favorite restaurant in the area. The food is always outstanding and the menu is well-curated, fresh, creative, and changes almost daily. There is something for everyone on it and we always take visiting guests here for what is always a warm and pleasant evening. And I absolutely adore the people who work here. The moment you walk in you can tell that this is a special place run by people who care. We might have to move closer.
Hannah R.
5/5 for everything!!! The Knotted Apron is one of the best restaurants I've been to in Portland. I loved everything I ate. And the ambiance and service was excellent. I sat outside with the outdoor lights lit, which gave a perfect calm, fairytale vibe. It was my boyfriend's birthday dinner and we were so happy with how everything turned out. Our waiter was super nice and checked up on us in a timely manner.One of my favorite dishes were the mussels. The sauce was so good that you could slurp it by itself. The bread that came with it was a nice addition to dip in the sauce and add crunch. They do change the menu every now and then so the dishes seen in the pictures may not be there when you go. But that's something I enjoyed because it shows how thoughtful and creative the chefs are when they create a dish.Overall, I will definitely return to The Knotted Apron!
If I could give this place every single star that exists, I would. I am a major foodie and travel to places simply for the food scene. This was easily the best meal I’ve ever had from start to finish, and I truly 100% mean that. Everything, including breads/pastry doughs/pasta, are all scratch made. When I took a bite of the chicken liver mousse on fresh griddled bread/ garnished with spiced pears, I seriously became emotional. Do yourself a favor, come here for the best meal you’ll have in Portland (and beyond).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Focaccia, French Onion Tart
Owen
Best swordfish I’ve ever had. Succulent. Friend had 2 pasta dishes and said they were great. Would go back if there were changes as follows: add one more entre and have at least two easily shared appetizers and not just the focaccia. Even better, provide bread like everyone does in Italy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Curt Q.
Very good. At the Knotted Apron you can expect friendly service and a cozy atmosphere. And for the food, expect quality over quantity. The nicely presented pork chop that I had was perfect -- lean as chicken breast with no fat. And the cabbage along with it was some of the best I've ever had. I was also pleasantly surprised that they acknowledged my note in the reservation about it being a wedding anniversary dinner. Thank you Knotted Apron for a fantastic evening.
Lily Townsend
Such a lovely spot! Had the french onion tart, shared the mussels with my husband (so tasty and honestly the biggest I’ve seen!) and really enjoyed the steak, which included these flavorful, smoky potatoes. Just entirely delicious - we plan to be back again soon for the burger Tuesdays.Vegetarian options: There was a vegetarian gnocchi that looked great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Focaccia
Lew H.
The Knotted Apron is a great addition to the lively and high quality food world in Portland Maine. This place is a hidden gem and - because of its distance from the touristy areas of the old port - I feel like you get a taste of what real Portlanders love. The restaurant itself is very small and quaint, quirky even. The outdoor tables are a plus because the dining room is small and cramped. It can also be a bit warm due to the exposed kitchen in such close proximity to the tables. The bathroom might be the smallest bathroom I have ever been in.The food at The Knotted Apron is without peer. Fantastic, fresh, good portion size and cooked to perfection. Each item was a winner. The menu is small - maybe there are 3 choices for the main course. But you will be very happy with everything you put into your mouth! The watermelon salad was a winner. I think it could have "looked" better but it certainly could not have "tasted" better. The mussels were among the best I have ever had. OK, so these dishes did not push the envelope too much. They were relatively uninventive offerings but they were presented perfectly. Our main courses were swordfish and steak. Again, each dish was expertly prepared and so filling. And the drinks were fantastic! I asked for some extra sweetness to my drink and they delivered it beautifully.The service, the service, the service!!! Each person we talked to was great. Well spoken, very friendly, interesting and knowledgeable about the menu and the food. Even if the rest of the meal was below par - which it was NOT - the service would have me coming back. The people here are the STARS of the show.The Knotted Apron is worth the Uber drive out of the central business district. You will not be disappointed. It feels like the kind of place that is a neighborhood gem that you were just lucky enough to stumble upon. Please run, don't walk to the Knotted Apron!
We stopped in on a whim and loved every second at the kitchen bar. A great vibe, exquisite service, and impressive, flavorful dishes made our night. We will be back on purpose and will be sure to go in very early or secure a reservation. Simply excellent!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best meals I've had in Portland! The price was a steal during restaurant week, but I wouldn't hesitate to pay full price.Every dish was delicious and well balanced. I had the best pork chop of my life, and it isn't even close. The desserts were a particular highlight.The atmosphere and service were great, even sitting at the bar right in front of the bartenders was a pleasant experience - they and the kitchen were amazingly efficient and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
All our food was Excellent.Can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife and I were looking for new restaurants to try in Portland and anyone we asked suggested this place. It lived up to every expectation. Upon entry you’re welcomed with humble hospitality. The open kitchen is relaxing. The dining room is perfectly configured for a small venue. Our server was attentive, kind and helpful. The food was impeccable with every bite. We had the liver mousse, French onion soup, endive salad, steak tartare, cauliflower soup, flat iron steak and scallops. Every dish was the best of its kind. We were floored. This is a hidden gem and should get the recognition it deserves. Top 3 meals we’ve ever had and by far the best in Portland. We’ll be back over and over again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Focaccia, Chicken Liver Mousse
Between the four of us, we ordered ten different dishes and each one was well prepared, presented and delicious in its own right. The cocktails were delightful and the wine selection great. Our server was wonderful as well. I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a great experience from the moment we walked in and were greeted to our seats at the bar in full view of the kitchen. We ordered drinks, a red wine and paper crane both drinks were excellent. We ordered the focaccia and onion soup for the first course. The focaccia was "ethereal" and the onion soup was spot on with a nice cheese crust. Our next course was the mixed greens and the cauliflower soup with Maine crab. Salad was exactly as it should be with goat hill blue cheese and candied walnuts. The cauliflower soup was something special, like eating a homogenized flavor emulsion. Every spoonful was fulfilling and satisfying. For dinner we had the flank steak and duck breast. Absolute home run on both. Cooked to perfection as ordered. My wife likes her steak on the medium side and I like the duck rare. The portions were generous as well. Great value for your money!!
We chose to dine here to ring in 2024 based on the excellent reviews of food, service and ambiance. The New Year's Eve 6 course tasting menu was not available at the time reservations were made (nor anytime before our arrival) and paid in full: $166.00 dollars per person which included a champagne toast, tax and 20 percent gratuity. The dining area is intimate as well as a bit cramped, but the set up is lovely.We were provided champagne upon arrival. The New Year' s eve menu was provided and much to our dismay, there were no choices and there were 2 fish dishes to be served. The cod fritter was the first course. The salty portion was tiny, accompanied only by a lonely spring of arugula. Next came a broccolini with Hollandaise, followed by poached flounder, veal with potatoes, and then a Tiramisu like cake. All portions were small, even for a tasting menu. I am not sure how broccolini counts as a course.The menu and presentation lacked creativity, innovation, flavor and choice. No party favors were provided. Service was o.k. but like the menu, nothing outstanding. Based on this experience, I would give a 3.5 and I would not look to dine here again.
My wife and I Loved this place. We had never been and we didn’t realize how close to our house it is! The host was super friendly and ready to help the second we walked in, our serve was a perfect balance of attentive but not intrusive, and the food was amazing. Very unique dishes for me because I don’t eat at fancy places ever. I give this place 5 stars
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Focaccia
So... over a year later and I think we have become regulars. This is our favorite restaurant in the area. The food is always outstanding and the menu is well-curated, fresh, creative, and changes almost daily. There is something for everyone on it and we always take visiting guests here for what is always a warm and pleasant evening. And I absolutely adore the people who work here. The moment you walk in you can tell that this is a special place run by people who care. We might have to move closer.
5/5 for everything!!! The Knotted Apron is one of the best restaurants I've been to in Portland. I loved everything I ate. And the ambiance and service was excellent. I sat outside with the outdoor lights lit, which gave a perfect calm, fairytale vibe. It was my boyfriend's birthday dinner and we were so happy with how everything turned out. Our waiter was super nice and checked up on us in a timely manner.One of my favorite dishes were the mussels. The sauce was so good that you could slurp it by itself. The bread that came with it was a nice addition to dip in the sauce and add crunch. They do change the menu every now and then so the dishes seen in the pictures may not be there when you go. But that's something I enjoyed because it shows how thoughtful and creative the chefs are when they create a dish.Overall, I will definitely return to The Knotted Apron!
Restaurantji Recommends
If I could give this place every single star that exists, I would. I am a major foodie and travel to places simply for the food scene. This was easily the best meal I’ve ever had from start to finish, and I truly 100% mean that. Everything, including breads/pastry doughs/pasta, are all scratch made. When I took a bite of the chicken liver mousse on fresh griddled bread/ garnished with spiced pears, I seriously became emotional. Do yourself a favor, come here for the best meal you’ll have in Portland (and beyond).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Focaccia, French Onion Tart
Best swordfish I’ve ever had. Succulent. Friend had 2 pasta dishes and said they were great. Would go back if there were changes as follows: add one more entre and have at least two easily shared appetizers and not just the focaccia. Even better, provide bread like everyone does in Italy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Very good. At the Knotted Apron you can expect friendly service and a cozy atmosphere. And for the food, expect quality over quantity. The nicely presented pork chop that I had was perfect -- lean as chicken breast with no fat. And the cabbage along with it was some of the best I've ever had. I was also pleasantly surprised that they acknowledged my note in the reservation about it being a wedding anniversary dinner. Thank you Knotted Apron for a fantastic evening.
Such a lovely spot! Had the french onion tart, shared the mussels with my husband (so tasty and honestly the biggest I’ve seen!) and really enjoyed the steak, which included these flavorful, smoky potatoes. Just entirely delicious - we plan to be back again soon for the burger Tuesdays.Vegetarian options: There was a vegetarian gnocchi that looked great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Focaccia
The Knotted Apron is a great addition to the lively and high quality food world in Portland Maine. This place is a hidden gem and - because of its distance from the touristy areas of the old port - I feel like you get a taste of what real Portlanders love. The restaurant itself is very small and quaint, quirky even. The outdoor tables are a plus because the dining room is small and cramped. It can also be a bit warm due to the exposed kitchen in such close proximity to the tables. The bathroom might be the smallest bathroom I have ever been in.The food at The Knotted Apron is without peer. Fantastic, fresh, good portion size and cooked to perfection. Each item was a winner. The menu is small - maybe there are 3 choices for the main course. But you will be very happy with everything you put into your mouth! The watermelon salad was a winner. I think it could have "looked" better but it certainly could not have "tasted" better. The mussels were among the best I have ever had. OK, so these dishes did not push the envelope too much. They were relatively uninventive offerings but they were presented perfectly. Our main courses were swordfish and steak. Again, each dish was expertly prepared and so filling. And the drinks were fantastic! I asked for some extra sweetness to my drink and they delivered it beautifully.The service, the service, the service!!! Each person we talked to was great. Well spoken, very friendly, interesting and knowledgeable about the menu and the food. Even if the rest of the meal was below par - which it was NOT - the service would have me coming back. The people here are the STARS of the show.The Knotted Apron is worth the Uber drive out of the central business district. You will not be disappointed. It feels like the kind of place that is a neighborhood gem that you were just lucky enough to stumble upon. Please run, don't walk to the Knotted Apron!