Savoring Maine: Top Recommendations for the Ultimate Culinary Experience
From lobster to blueberries, here are my top recommendations for savoring the best of Maine's culinary scene in Portland. Maine is renowned for its unique ingredients that make up its delicious food traditions.
Maine Lobster - Maine's lobster is celebrated worldwide for its sweet and tender meat. Unlike other varieties, Maine lobster boasts a less salty flavor, owing to the cold-water temperatures of the Northeast.
Maine Blueberries - Maine leads the world in wild blueberry production, thriving in the state's acidic, low-fertility soils and harsh winters, which are perfect conditions for these resilient berries.
Maine Potatoes - Known for their versatility and quality, Maine potatoes are favored for their creamy texture and rich flavor, making them a staple in many dishes from fries to chowders.
Maine Maple - Maine's maple syrup is prized for its pure sweetness, harvested from the state's abundant maple trees and cherished as a quintessential topping for pancakes and more.
Maine Desserts - Maine's state dessert is the classic blueberry pie, made with the state’s famous wild blueberries. This pie has a perfectly flaky crust, often served warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Another Maine dessert favorite is the whoopie pie, a treat of soft chocolate cakes with a creamy filling, which locals consider a Maine tradition.
Sample Maine's Cuisine in One Stop
Bite Into Maine, a beloved lobster roll food truck with locations at Portland Head Light and takeout spots in Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, and Portland, is the perfect place to savor Maine’s iconic flavors in one visit. Try their famous lobster roll, pair it with a refreshing blueberry soda, and finish with a classic Maine whoopie pie for the ultimate Maine culinary experience!
Breakfast:
A Loaded Biscuit from Tandem Bakery & Cafe
Tandem Bakery & Cafe in Portland’s West End is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Their “loaded biscuit” is a must-try, available in two delicious varieties: the sweet version with jam and butter, and the savory option with pepper jelly and cream cheese. I especially love pairing it with a latte or a macchiato. With its bustling atmosphere and mouth-watering pastries, Tandem is the perfect spot for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up!
Bayside American Cafe
Bayside American Cafe is a Portland favorite, but be prepared—it’s a small, cozy spot that’s popular on weekends, with wait times often stretching up to an hour. With charming upstairs, downstairs, and patio seating, the quaint ambiance makes it worth the visit. To beat the rush, consider coming during off-hours or toughing it out for a meal that doesn’t disappoint.
Known for its hearty breakfasts with a creative twist, Bayside serves dishes like the Lobster Eggs Benedict, featuring fresh Maine lobster topped with a creamy dill hollandaise, or their indulgent cinnamon bun pancakes for a sweet treat.
Homecooked Diner Food at Becky's Diner
Located on Portland's waterfront, Becky's Diner serves up hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't miss their Maine Maple Syrup—though it's an additional cost, it's worth every penny! What I love about Becky's is its genuine Maine diner vibe. No frills, just classic, delicious breakfast. Plus, its prime waterfront location makes it easy to explore the Old Port after your meal.
Dinner:
Farm-to-Table Dining at Fore Street Restaurant
Fore Street Restaurant offers a true farm-to-table experience, showcasing the best of Maine's seasonal produce and seafood. Their commitment to fresh, local ingredients makes every meal unforgettable, and it's no wonder this spot is one of Portland’s top-reviewed restaurants! Be sure to make a reservation—it’s a popular place for good reason.
The open kitchen adds a special touch, letting diners watch the chefs in action over a wood-fired oven and grill. The menu changes with the seasons, but one must-try item is the bourbon-brined half chicken—richly flavorful and possibly the best you’ll ever taste!
The family-style menu invites you to share a variety of entrées, from meats and seafood to vegetable dishes, along with delicious sides like mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and cauliflower. Fore Street is a must-visit for an authentic taste of Maine!
Fresh Seafood from Scales
Located on Portland’s bustling waterfront, Scales is a standout destination for those seeking the best of Maine cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, locally sourced seafood with a menu that includes everything from mussels and scallops to lobster and inventive seafood dishes that truly showcase the best of Maine’s flavors. Don’t miss the cloverleaf rolls—soft, warm, and buttery for a perfect start to your meal.
Lobster Dinner with a View at Salt Water Grille
For a quintessential Maine lobster dinner, visit Saltwater Grille in South Portland. With stunning views of the harbor, this restaurant is a top choice for seafood enthusiasts. Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Saltwater Grille offers a variety of seafood dishes, including a popular lobster roll and rich seafood chowder.
The relaxed, nautical-themed ambiance and outdoor seating options make it an excellent choice for both casual meals and special occasions. Enjoy the picturesque Portland skyline from the outdoor deck as you savor your meal.
Desserts and Treats:
Gourmet Potato Donuts from The Holy Donut
The Holy Donut is known for its gourmet potato donuts, which are uniquely fluffy and flavorful. Their potato-based recipe sets them apart from traditional donut shops, providing a denser and more satisfying texture. They offer a variety of flavors, including classic choices like chocolate glaze and maple bacon, as well as seasonal and specialty options.
A slice of Wild Maine Blueberry Pie from Two Fat Cats Bakery
Two Fat Cats Bakery is a must-visit for pie lovers, offering a taste of Maine's finest with their Wild Maine Blueberry Pie. This pie perfectly highlights the state’s beloved blueberries, nestled in a buttery, flaky crust that's nothing short of perfection.
While you’re there, don’t stop at just a slice—treat yourself to a blueberry scone or sip on a seasonal blueberry pie latte for an extra dose of Maine's signature fruit!
Whoopie Pies from Cape Whoopies
End your culinary journey with a classic Maine treat—Whoopie Pies from Cape Whoopies. These dessert sandwiches are a beloved local favorite. Although the iconic whoopie pie is a chocolate cake with vanilla cream, you can also find additional flavors like the "Maple Sunday", a vanilla cake with maple cream or the "Drunken Pumpkin" a pumpkin cake with Irish cream pictured below.
Whether you're savoring fresh lobster by the coast, enjoying a slice of homemade pie, or indulging in gourmet donuts, Maine offers a diverse and unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates its rich natural bounty.
Thanks for reading!
- The Maine Chick
