Updated: June 14, 2020

While Portland Maine has long been a busy vacation spot for tourists, the last ten years have seen a notable shift in the volume of travelers visiting Vacationland. And the state’s largest city has been raking in the accolades recently, which might explain some of the booming popularity.

Take a look at the following rankings and awards Portland has won in the past:

• Most Liveable City by Forbes.com
• Greenest City by Organic Gardening Magazine
• AARP The Magazine‘s top five most affordable and desirable places to retire
• U.S. News Editorial Pick for Best Healthy Places to Retire.
• Top 20 best small cities for college students by the American Institute for Economic Research
• Kiplinger’s Best City for Mid-Level Professionals and #6 on Forbes Best Cities for Young Professionals.

With rankings like these, it’s easy to pinpoint reasons for Maine’s waxing popularity. But what is it about Portland that makes it great for students, professionals, and retirees alike? Any local could tell you quickly: the food.

In fact, Maine is a foodie destination in its own right. Since 2004, Portland has won:

• Bon Apetit awarded Portland Americas Foodiest Small Town in 2009
• Portland was featured in the New York Times as a food destination
• Sperling’s Best Places listed Portland as a best city for foodies.
• Food and Wine Magazine editors named Steve Corry of Five Fifty-Five one of the “The Best New Chefs in the U.S.”

If you’re looking for the best of the best without weaning through hundreds of the rest, look no further than this article. From the classic Maine lobster bun to sizzling pad Thai, here are Portland Maine Rentals top ten places to eat in Portland Maine—all conveniently located near our rental properties.

1. Hugo’s

Image courtesy of Yelp.

“Hugo’s restaurant has evolved dramatically. Since opening its doors in 1988, the once-humble family eatery has gone on to garner national attention for its refined cuisine. Seated at the top of Portland’s Old Port in the burgeoning India Street neighborhood, Hugo’s marks the division between the old and new, embracing tradition and pursuing innovation.”

– From the Hugo’s website

Price range: $$$$$

Menu: Not available online

Get contact info here.

2. Eventide Oyster Co.

Mussel appetizer at Eventide Oyster Co. Photo courtesy of http://www.eventideoysterco.com/portland#menus-section.

When most people think of Maine, they think of seafood. Although Portland offers a plethora of options, Eventide Oyster Co, located on 86 Middle Street has some of the freshest catches available. With a high-class menu that changes daily, the restaurant prides itself on perfectly pairing a top tier beverage list with food to match. Voted one of America’s best oyster bars by Food & Wine Magazine in 2019, you can expect a quality dining experience that honors Maine’s fresh seafood throughout the menu.

Price range: $$$$

Menu: Click here

Make a reservation: 207.774.8538 (only accepts reservations for parties of 6+ people)

3. The Green Elephant

Tofu pad thai at Green Elephant. Photo courtesy of http://greenelephantmaine.com/.

If you’re looking for a way to veer from Portland’s seafood beaten path, try dining at The Green Elephant on 608 Congress St. The restaurants cuisine draws inspiration from many different countries, focusing on primarily Malaysia, Japan, China, India and Thailand reminiscent dishes. Most notably, the menu features a completely meat-free and mostly vegan menu—offering a healthy twist that still tastes delectable. The restaurant prides itself on high-quality food while still maintaining a laid-back atmosphere with an affordable menu.

Price range: $$

Menu: Click here

Make a reservation: Not offered

4. Duckfat

As one of Portland’s trendiest places to eat, Duckfat has quickly become the king of elevated comfort food in the downtown area. Having launched into fame for Chef Rob Evan’s unique method of frying French fries in duck fat, the restaurant has since developed a menu that holds up to its legendary fries. Chef Evan was also named “Best Chef Northeast” by the James Beard Foundation in 2009, and is a three-time winner of Food Network’s Chopped champion restaurant. If you’re looking for evelvated comfort food that puts a smile on your face, Duckfat has you covered.

Price range: $$$

Menu:Click here

Make a reservation: Not offered

5. Piccolo

Several dishes made at Piccolo’s, Photo courtesy of https://piccolomaine.com/gallery.

Take a trip to Southeast Italy by dining at Piccolo, Portland’s premiere Italian fine dining experience. With beautifully balanced dishes refined through careful precision in the kitchen, head chef Damian Sansonetti’s passion for cooking is clear in every bite. In order to assure freshness, the menu changes with the current produce in season. With a combined attention to delicious ingredients and a decadent atmosphere, diners can be assured they are getting their full money’s worth when dining at Piccolo’s.

Price range: $$$$$

Menu: Click here (varies daily)

Make a reservation: Click here

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