Unearth The Voyage
Portland, Maine is one of those places where seafood is not just a meal, it is a full-on experience. If you have ever bitten into a lobster roll that tasted fine but did not wow you, Portland is about to reset your standards. The waterfront is packed with spots that take the classics seriously and still find ways to surprise you.
From buttery lobster rolls and briny oysters to creative raw bar plates that look as good as they taste, you will find options that fit every mood and budget. In this guide, you will discover the best places to eat seafood in Portland, Maine, from quick pier-side lunches to reservation-only dinners that feel like a special occasion. Let’s get into the can’t-miss spots that locals love and visitors remember long after the trip is over.
1. Eventide Oyster Co.
Walking past Eventide means smelling brown butter from half a block away, and trust me, resistance is futile. Their Brown Butter Lobster Roll isn’t just famous because food bloggers won’t shut up about it.
It’s legitimately one of those rare dishes that lives up to every bit of hype thrown at it.
The lobster comes piled into a steamed Chinese-style bun instead of the usual split-top roll, which sounds weird until you taste it and realize it’s genius. That brown butter situation takes the whole thing from great to “I need another one immediately.” Pair it with an oyster flight because the staff knows their shellfish like sommeliers know wine.
I watched a couple debate their oyster choices for ten minutes once, asking questions that would stump most servers. The staff didn’t blink, just guided them through flavor profiles and harvest locations like pros.
The space itself feels casual but polished, with that industrial-coastal vibe Portland does so well.
You’ll wait during peak times because everyone and their cousin wants in. But here’s the thing: it moves fast, and they’ve got a system down.
Grab a spot at the bar if you can. The energy there beats waiting for a table, plus you get front-row seats to the shucking action.
2. Street & Co.
Street & Co. operates on a simple but brilliant concept: seafood only, cooked over wood and coal, served family-style in a space that feels like someone’s really cool basement dining room. The menu changes based on what’s fresh, which means you’re not getting frozen anything here.
This place fills up fast because locals know it’s special, and tourists figure it out pretty quick too. The vibe leans romantic without trying too hard.
Low lighting, close tables, and the smell of garlic and fire create this atmosphere that makes you want to order another bottle of wine and stay awhile.
Everything comes out hot from the kitchen, often still sizzling in cast iron pans. The mussels alone could convert someone who claims they don’t like mussels.
I’ve seen it happen. Someone at the next table ordered them reluctantly, then proceeded to soak up every drop of that garlicky broth with bread.
The portions encourage sharing, which works great for groups who can’t decide between the scallops and the shrimp. Get both.
The servers know the menu inside out and will steer you right if you’re overwhelmed. Just know you’ll probably need a reservation unless you’re eating at like 5 p.m. on a Tuesday.
3. Scales
Perched right on the wharf with water views that make you forget you’re still in New England, Scales brings serious ambition to its seafood program. This isn’t your grab-and-go lobster shack.
The space feels elevated, the kind of place where you actually iron your shirt before showing up.
The raw bar steals the show before your entree even arrives. Oysters, clams, shrimp, and whatever else looked perfect at the market that morning get displayed like edible art.
The staff can tell you exactly where each oyster came from, down to the specific cove.
Dinner here feels like an occasion without the stuffiness that sometimes comes with waterfront fine dining. You can order fancy without anyone making you feel weird about it.
The menu balances classic preparations with creative touches that show off the chef’s skills without overshadowing the seafood itself.
I appreciate restaurants that understand good ingredients don’t need to be buried under sauces and complicated techniques. Scales gets that balance right.
A perfectly seared piece of fish, some seasonal vegetables, maybe a butter situation that enhances rather than hides.
The location means you can walk along the wharf before or after dinner, which beats circling for parking in the Old Port. Reservations recommended, especially for waterfront seating during sunset hours.
4. Fore Street
Fore Street practically invented Portland’s serious food scene back when everyone else was still serving frozen fish sticks. The wood-fired oven and grill anchor the open kitchen, sending smoke and heat throughout the dining room in the best possible way.
Chef Sam Hayward built his reputation on letting ingredients speak for themselves, which sounds simple until you realize how hard that actually is. The menu changes daily based on what’s available, so you might see completely different options from one visit to the next.
Oysters always make an appearance though, sourced from Maine waters and shucked to order.
The space feels both rustic and refined, with that converted warehouse aesthetic that works so well in the Old Port. High ceilings, exposed brick, tables packed close enough that you’ll probably overhear your neighbor’s conversation.
The energy runs high, especially on weekends when reservations book out days in advance.
Everything gets cooked over wood or turned on the spit, giving dishes this primal, elemental quality that gas stoves just can’t match. You can taste the difference.
The char on roasted fish, the smokiness in vegetables, the way proteins develop that perfect crust.
Prices reflect the quality and the restaurant’s reputation, but you’re paying for two decades of culinary excellence and ingredients that were swimming or growing yesterday. Worth it for special occasions or when you want to remember why Portland became a food destination.
5. Central Provisions
Small plates done right can make or break a restaurant, and Central Provisions absolutely crushes the format. The menu reads like a greatest hits of seasonal New England ingredients, with seafood showing up in ways that feel both familiar and completely new.
Sitting at the bar gives you the best view of the action, watching servers deliver dish after dish to tables that clearly ordered with the “let’s try everything” strategy. That’s the move here.
Order more than you think you need because everything’s meant for sharing, and you’ll regret not trying that one thing everyone else is raving about.
The space itself runs narrow and cozy, with a vibe that’s more neighborhood spot than tourist trap despite being in the heart of the Old Port. Locals pack it regularly, which tells you everything you need to know about consistency.
Chef Chris Gould and the team keep things interesting with menu rotations that follow the seasons.
Cocktails deserve their own shout-out because the bar program takes it seriously. These aren’t your standard vodka sodas.
The drinks match the food’s creativity level, with house-made ingredients and unexpected combinations that somehow work perfectly.
Reservations help but the bar takes walk-ins, and honestly, bar seating might be the best spot anyway. You’re right in the mix, can chat with bartenders who know their stuff, and the energy beats sitting in the back corner.
6. The Honey Paw
From the same culinary minds behind Eventide comes something completely different: Asian-influenced dishes that still taste distinctly like coastal Maine. Noodles meet lobster, and somehow it makes perfect sense once you’re three bites in.
The menu pushes boundaries in ways that could go wrong but don’t. Seafood shows up in broths, on rice bowls, mixed with vegetables you didn’t expect but now can’t imagine living without.
It’s the kind of place where you order something thinking “this sounds weird” and finish your plate planning when you can come back.
The industrial space feels casual and loud in that good restaurant way where everyone’s having a great time. Communal tables encourage conversation with strangers, though you can snag smaller tables if you’re not feeling that social.
The bar stocks an impressive selection of natural wines and craft beers that pair surprisingly well with the bold flavors coming from the kitchen.
I love restaurants that take risks because playing it safe gets boring fast. The Honey Paw commits fully to its concept without apologizing or hedging bets.
You’re either on board with Korean-style fried chicken and seafood dumplings, or you’re not. Most people are very much on board.
Prices stay reasonable considering the creativity and portion sizes. You can eat well here without the sticker shock that hits at some Portland spots.
Perfect for when you want seafood but need a break from traditional preparations.
7. Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
Two floors of waterfront dining mean almost everyone gets a decent view at Boone’s, which matters when you’re paying Portland seafood prices. The oyster program takes center stage, with selections from up and down the coast depending on season and availability.
The space leans into its location without going overboard on the nautical theme. You know you’re eating by the water, but it’s not like they’ve got fishing nets hanging from the ceiling or whatever.
The atmosphere hits that sweet spot between casual and special occasion, making it work for both tourists doing the Portland seafood tour and locals celebrating something.
Upstairs feels a bit more intimate while downstairs gets the bar crowd and walk-ins looking for oysters and drinks. Both levels serve the full menu, so it’s really just about whether you want proximity to the bar or slightly quieter conversation.
The raw bar selection impresses even people who eat oysters regularly.
Beyond oysters, the menu covers all the Maine classics plus some creative preparations that show the kitchen’s range. Lobster, scallops, clams, fish of the day, all sourced as locally as possible.
The seafood tower makes a statement if you’re dining with a group and want to go big.
Service stays professional without being stuffy, which matches the overall vibe. Reservations recommended for dinner, especially during peak summer and fall months when Portland’s tourist season runs hot.
8. The Shop by Island Creek Oysters
Part retail market, part raw bar, entirely dedicated to making oyster lovers very happy. Island Creek Oysters built their reputation in Massachusetts before expanding to Portland, bringing their obsessive attention to shellfish quality with them.
The setup encourages both eating in and taking seafood to go, which gives you options depending on your plans. Grab a dozen oysters to eat at the counter with a glass of wine, or buy some tinned fish and caviar to bring home.
The retail side stocks all the fancy preserved seafood you didn’t know you needed until you saw it.
I appreciate the no-frills approach here. You’re not paying for elaborate decor or a massive menu.
You’re paying for incredibly fresh oysters, knowledgeable staff, and that specific vibe that comes from a place doing one thing exceptionally well. The counter seating puts you right in the action, watching shuckers work through orders with practiced efficiency.
The tinned fish selection alone justifies a visit even if you’re not hungry. Spanish conservas, Portuguese sardines, all the good stuff that costs too much at regular grocery stores.
Pair it with some bubbles and call it lunch.
This spot works great as a quick stop during a day exploring Portland or as a full meal if you’re content with oysters, small bites, and drinks. The casual atmosphere means you don’t need reservations, just show up and see what’s available.
9. Maine Oyster Company
Oysters get top billing here, as the name suggests, but the menu extends into small plates territory with enough variety to build a full meal. The Portland location brings the same oyster expertise that made the original spot popular, with rotating selections that showcase different growing regions and flavor profiles.
The staff genuinely knows their product, which matters when you’re trying to decide between six different oyster varieties that all sound good. They’ll guide you through taste differences, suggest pairings, and generally make you feel smarter about oysters than you actually are.
That’s good service.
The space feels intimate without being cramped, with that neighborhood restaurant energy that makes you want to become a regular. Bar seating puts you close to the action while tables offer slightly more elbow room.
Either way, the focus stays on the food and the company rather than elaborate decor.
Beyond oysters, the small plates menu leans seasonal with preparations that let seafood shine. Nothing too fussy or overwrought, just good ingredients treated with respect.
The kind of cooking that looks simple but requires serious skill to execute consistently.
Prices stay reasonable for the quality, making it accessible for oyster lovers who don’t want to drop a fortune every visit. Perfect for a casual dinner or drinks and snacks before hitting other spots in the area.
The rotating oyster selection means repeat visits reveal new options.
10. Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier
Luke’s built an empire on simple, perfect lobster rolls, and the Portland Pier location puts you right in the heart of the waterfront action. The formula hasn’t changed: fresh lobster, light mayo, butter, a sprinkle of seasoning, served in a toasted roll.
Sometimes simple wins.
The expanded menu beyond just lobster rolls gives you options without overwhelming with choices. Crab rolls, shrimp rolls, clam chowder, all executed with the same attention to quality ingredients and straightforward preparation.
You know exactly what you’re getting, and that consistency builds trust.
Location matters here because you can grab your food and walk the pier, watching boats come and go while eating lobster with a water view. That’s peak Maine tourism right there, and honestly, it never gets old.
The casual counter-service setup means no waiting for tables or dealing with reservations.
I’ve watched tourists debate whether to eat inside or take their food outside, and the answer depends entirely on weather and seagull tolerance. Those birds are bold around here.
Inside offers air conditioning and seating, outside gives you the full waterfront experience.
Prices reflect current lobster market rates, which means they fluctuate but generally stay fair for the portion size. You’re paying for quality and location, both of which deliver.
Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner when you want classic Maine seafood without the fuss.
11. Portland Lobster Company
Sometimes you just need the full classic Maine seafood experience: whole lobsters, steamers, chowder, fried clams, the works. Portland Lobster Company delivers exactly that, right on the water where you can watch fishing boats while cracking shells.
The menu reads like a greatest hits album of coastal Maine cuisine. Nothing revolutionary or trendy, just solid preparations of fresh seafood that tourists dream about and locals crave when the mood strikes.
Lobster dinners come with corn and potatoes, steamers arrive with drawn butter, fried seafood baskets satisfy that crispy craving.
Outdoor seating puts you in the elements, which means gorgeous on sunny days and less fun when weather turns. They’ve got indoor seating too, but honestly, if you’re going to eat lobster on the waterfront, commit to the full experience.
Bring napkins. Many napkins.
The casual atmosphere means families fit right in alongside couples and solo travelers. No dress code, no pretension, just good seafood in a setting that feels authentically Maine.
Kids love it because they can run around a bit, adults love it because the beer stays cold and the portions run generous.
Prices trend higher during peak lobster season but that’s true everywhere in Portland. You’re paying for location, freshness, and that complete Maine seafood experience.
Worth it for the memories and the inevitable food coma that follows a proper lobster dinner.
12. The Highroller Lobster Co.
Born from humble food cart beginnings, Highroller brings personality and a slightly irreverent attitude to Portland’s lobster roll scene. The menu offers traditional preparations alongside more adventurous options that might make purists clutch their pearls, but taste too good to dismiss.
The space maintains that scrappy, fun energy from its cart days even though it’s now a full restaurant. Bright colors, casual seating, and a vibe that says “we’re here to have a good time and eat excellent lobster.” The staff matches that energy, friendly and unpretentious in the best way.
Traditional Connecticut-style hot lobster rolls with butter compete with Maine-style cold rolls with mayo, plus creative variations that change seasonally. All use quality lobster meat, which matters more than any clever preparation.
You can taste when corners get cut, and they don’t cut corners here.
The beer and drink selection leans craft, with local options that pair well with lobster. The casual setup means you can pop in for a quick bite or settle in for a longer meal depending on your schedule.
No reservations needed, just show up hungry.
Prices stay competitive with other quality lobster roll spots in Portland, making it accessible for regular visits rather than just special occasions. The location in the Old Port puts you close to other attractions, perfect for building a full day of Portland eating and exploring.
That controlled chaos energy keeps things interesting.
13. The Porthole
Big deck energy defines The Porthole, where outdoor seating stretches along the waterfront and seafood comfort food anchors the menu. This is the kind of place where you eat fried clams while watching boats, then wonder why you don’t do this more often.
The menu covers all the bases without trying to reinvent anything. Lobster rolls, fish and chips, clam chowder, fried seafood baskets, all the classics executed well enough that locals keep coming back.
Sometimes you don’t need innovation, just solid cooking and a great view.
That deck though. On a sunny afternoon with a cold drink and fresh seafood, it’s hard to beat.
The waterfront location means you’re right in the action, close enough to smell the salt air and hear seagulls fighting over scraps. Peak Maine summer vibes.
The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from families with sandy kids to couples on date night to solo travelers soaking up the coastal experience. No pretension, no dress code, just good food and better views.
Service stays friendly and efficient even when the deck fills up during peak hours.
You’ll remember meals here not because the food revolutionized your understanding of seafood, but because the whole experience captures what makes Portland special. Good seafood, waterfront dining, that relaxed coastal energy that makes you want to stay longer.
Exactly what you came to Maine for in the first place.
