The historic coastal city of Portland, Maine, is one of New England's most eclectic and tourist-friendly cities. Here you'll find hundreds of charming boutique shops and several maritime museums. Portland's working seaport attracts visitors from all over the world and is where you'll find many of the city's best seafood restaurants. Portland is a great place to try famous regional seafood dishes like New England clam chowder, broiled haddock and, of course, fresh Maine lobster; enjoy the brisk salty sea air and festive ambiance as you dine.
Since 1977 this Portland institution has offered only the freshest oysters, scallops, lobsters and mussels at its unmistakable fishing pier locale. Here you'll find classic shellfish specialities like oysters Rockefeller, shrimp scampi, Alaskan king crab legs and steamed lobster with corn on the cob. There's nothing fancy here; just market-fresh seafood, coleslaw and cold draught beer. In addition to the many seafood offerings, J's also serves a wide selection of burgers and sandwiches, all served with potato chips and a pickle. Order a slice of Izzy's homemade cheesecake if you've still got room at the end of your meal.
J's Oyster Bar
5 Portland Pier
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-4828
jsoyster.com
Popular with tourists and vacationing families, this unique Italian restaurant is located in an old converted car ferry that used to run between Newport and Jamestown, Rhode Island, and now resides in Portland's downtown harbor. You may want to avoid DiMillo's if you get seasick easily, but the experience of eating on a real floating restaurant is unforgettable. DiMillo's seafood and Italian fare are pretty standard, but freshness is practically guaranteed. Main dishes include crab-stuffed haddock with Newburg sauce, angel-hair pasta “frutti de mare” with jumbo shrimp, lobster, calamari and mussels, and Maine lobster ravioli with fresh tomato, basil and Romano cheese. Cheeseburgers, chicken tenders and PB & J are all on deck for the little ones.
Di Millo's Floating Restaurant
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-2216?
dimillos.com
This stylish and modern seafood restaurant overlooks Portland's active seaport and boasts one of the city's widest selections of oysters on the half shell. Old Port offers an impressive variety of fresh, locally caught seafood that's prepared simply enough to emphasize the unique flavors of each dish. As part of its commitment to freshness and to supporting local fishermen, not all dishes are available year-round. Sample dishes include panko- and lime-encrusted yellow fin tuna with seaweed salad and wasabi ponzu sauce, pan-seared cod with maple mashed sweet potatoes, applewood smoked bacon and Brussels sprouts, and wood-grilled swordfish with butternut squash risotto, caramelized fennel and roasted cippolini onions. Market-fresh Maine lobsters are available up to 2 pounds. Save room for the vanilla bean crème brulee, mint chocolate tart or housemade cookie trio with hot chocolate, the perfect send-off on a chilly Maine night.
Old Port Sea Grille & Raw Bar
93 Commercial St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 879-6100
theoldportseagrill.com
