Erin Elizabeth
Portland, holding about one third of Maine’s population, sits on the rocky coast of the Casco Bay.
The city houses a population of diverse communities and holds plenty of places of interest for travelers.
Portland remains well-known for its fresh lobster, scenic views, and ever-evolving tourism. If you find yourself in this city, make sure you get a taste of the theater, music, and art scenes. You can also visit one of the many seafood restaurants Portland has to offer.
Portland boasts a healthy reputation as one of the best places in the US to try seafood. The “all-display fresh seafood auction” that began at The Portland Fish Exchange in 1986, makes Portland an excellent destination for seafood connoisseurs.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Portland
- J’s Oyster
- Scales
- Street and Co
- DiMillo’s On The Water
- Gilbert’s Chowder House
- Eventide Oyster Co.
- The Highroller Lobster Co.
- Susan’s Fish-n-Chips
- The Porthole Restaurant & Pub
- Saltwater Grille
- Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar
This list highlights some of the best seafood restaurants in Portland. I hope it makes it easier for you to indulge your seafood cravings the next time you visit here.
J’s Oyster
5 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-772-4828
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We start this list of the best seafood restaurants in Portland with J’s Oyster. The restaurant offers delicious steamed clams and plenty of other coastal classic dishes.
A favorite haunt of food connoisseurs across the United States, J’s Oyster also provides a cushioned and historic atmosphere perfect for family outings.
The amenities here include an on-site bar, gender-neutral toilets, and a child-friendly setting.
J’s Oyster’s menu consists of organic dishes, alcohol, coffee, cocktails, wine, and more. Find all sorts of seafood dishes here, including Oysters Rockefeller, New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Scampi, Scallops with Lemon and Dill, and Seafood Bouillabaisse.
I enjoyed the various local beers and the clams. Remember to try out their excellent oysters and the lobster rolls as well.
Scales
68 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-805-0444
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The Scales seafood restaurant in Portland offers a spacious seaside venue and a menu complete with local seafood, New England comfort classics, and spirits.
Located on Maine Wharf, close to the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal, this restaurant can satisfy your seafood desires.
This upmarket restaurant’s romantic atmosphere makes it ideal for dinner dates or group outings.
If you like eating healthy, Scales represents a superb choice. Do try out their dessert and coffee for the complete Scales experience.
The Scales restaurant menu includes Raw Oysters, Steamed Lobsters, Seafood Stew, Seared Scallops, Cloverleaf Rolls, Grilled Octopus Chorizo, Steamed Clams with Drawn Butter, and more.
I recommend the Seafood Stew, Smoked Haddock, and the Grilled Octopus. Also, a taste of the delicious oysters will make you want to visit here again.
Street and Co
33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-775-0887
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Street and Co represents the next seafood restaurant on this list. This snug, rustic bistro provides simple, upscale preparations of local fish that can very well surprise you.
The loving atmosphere here attracts large groups and plenty of tourists. This LGBTQ+ friendly restaurant’s amenities include an on-site bar, high chairs, and wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating options.
The menu offers Grilled Lobster with Linguine, Lobster Diavolo, Local Oysters, Shrimp Linguine, Scallops and Pernod, Blackened Swordfish, and more.
I found the Sole Francaise here absolutely delicious. I also suggest trying out their Scallops in Pernod and the Pecan Pie.
DiMillo’s On The Water
25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-772-2216
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Demillo’s On The Water represents the perfect choice if you enjoy fine dining and exceptional seafood.
This popular marina mainstay offers a splendid view of the harbor and top-notch seafood.
The upmarket restaurant’s ambiance features a non chalant, cozy, and romantic atmosphere. You can safely take your kids here without worrying about the crowd.
Visit this LGBTQ+ and family-friendly restaurant for the best experience of Portland’s seafood offerings.
The menu here includes Maine Lobster on the Water, Lobster Stew, Dimillo’s Style Lobster Mac and Cheese, Bacon-wrapped Scallops, Seafood Scampi, Fisherman’s Platter, Sauteed Mussels, and more.
Do try out their Clam Chowder, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and the Haddock. I also found the Crab Cakes with Ancho Lime Aioli quite tasty.
Gilbert’s Chowder House
92 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-871-5636
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Gilbert’s Chowder house represents a popular destination for chowder lovers. The restaurant sports a diner-like interior with a patio overlooking the Custom House Wharf.
The casual, historic, and warm atmosphere makes it a superb choice for family outings and dinner dates. The amenities provided include an on-site bar, free Wi-Fi, and high chairs.
The menu at Gilbert’s Chowder House includes Clam Chowder, Lobster Stew, Maine Lobster Roll, Super Seafood Chowder, Fried Clam Strips, Steamed Mussels with White Sauce, Fried Calamari, and more.
The restaurant lives up to its hype as a terrific chowder place. I loved the clam chowder and fried scallops here.
Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-774-8538
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The Eventide Oyster Co. represents a tiny seafood joint in a city full of big restaurants.
Once you get closer, however, you notice the bustle and the rush of people looking for a taste of the delicious seafood this place offers.
The restaurant specializes in tasty lobster rolls, New England fare, and cocktails. The informal, cozy atmosphere here makes it excellent for family gatherings. The usual crowd includes tourists and university students.
The menu here includes Dozen Norumbega Oysters Unshucked, Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll, New England Clam Bake, Fluke Ceviche, Fried Oyster Bun, New England Clam Chowder, and The Fish Sandwich among others.
I recommend the Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll and the Maine Lobster Stew. The mussels also did not disappoint.
The Highroller Lobster Co.
04102, 104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-536-1623
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The Highroller Lobster Co., located close to the Portland Museum of Art, represents a dine-in seafood restaurant famous for its delectable lobster rolls and wide range of spirits.
The casual atmosphere here brings in plenty of university students. Families and tourists make the rest of the crowd. The amenities include an on-site bar, gender-neutral toilets, free Wi-Fi, and high chairs.
The Highroller Lobster Co.’s menu consists of Lobster Roll with Lobster Ghee, Surf and Turf Burger, Variety of Raw Oysters, Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco, Lobster Corn Dog, Lobster Tail Lollipop, and more.
I recommend the Oysters, Lobster Rolls, and cocktail offerings. Non-seafood enthusiasts will also find the burgers here to their liking.
Susan’s Fish-n-Chips
1135 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Phone: 207-878-3240
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Susan’s Fish-n-Chips features an open kitchen specializing in fresh fried seafood at affordable prices. The nautically-themed garage-like space lends itself to the maritime ambiance.
The nonchalant, warm atmosphere, coupled with the novelty of dining in a marine-themed environment, attracts groups of visitors, tourists, and university students. The restaurant also ensures your children remain safe at all times.
The menu here consists of Lobster Roll with Fries, Clam Chowder, Seafood Platter, Seafood Chowder, Fish Sandwich, Fisherman’s Platter, Haddock, Nuggets, Crab Cakes, Fried Shrimp Rolls, and more.
I recommend the Grilled Scallops with Onion Rings, Clam Chowder, Seafood Chowder, and the Fish and Chips with Fried Clams.
The Porthole Restaurant & Pub
20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-773-4653
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The Porthole Restaurant & Pub offers both raw and fried seafood, along with a long list of spirits.
It boasts a vintage diner interior and a wharfside deck complete with live music to brighten up your mood.
This family-friendly restaurant draws tourists and university students alike. The on-site bar and free Wi-Fi make up some of the amenities available here.
Their offerings include alcohol, comfort food, a kids’ menu, and vegetarian options among others.
The menu at The Porthole Restaurant and Pub includes Twin Steamed Lobster, Fish Tacos, Fish & Chips, Oysters, Scallops, Fresh Seafood, Lobster Benedict, Steamed Clams, Lobster Roll with Butter, and more.
I liked the Fresh Seafood and cold beverages here. The outdoor seating area on the wharf also makes for an excellent change from the usual confinement of most other diners.
Saltwater Grille
231 Front St, South Portland, ME 04106
Phone: 207-799-5400
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The Saltwater Grille represents a hidden waterfront restaurant offering stellar views of the Portland skyline and the marina.
Enjoy fresh oysters, lobsters, and other seafood selections while watching boats entering the harbor.
This upmarket restaurant provides a warm, informal, and lovely atmosphere ideal for romantic getaways and family dinners. Tourists and groups of local visitors constitute the daily crowd.
The Saltwater Grille’s menu includes Lobster Rolls, Scallops, Haddock Sandwiches, Fish & Chips, Raw Oysters and Shrimp Cocktail, Stuffed Lobster, Broiled Haddock, Grilled Salmon, and more.
I recommend the Seafood Newburg and the Calamari. I also suggest trying out the Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer.
Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar
93 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-879-6100
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The Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar restaurant lies close to the Portland harbor. Its contemporary setting adds to its image as an upmarket establishment.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood choices, including local oysters from a raw bar.
The tender setting, in addition to its casual, cozy atmosphere, makes it perfect for couples and families.
This LGBTQ+ friendly restaurant sees plenty of tourists and local visitors passing through its doors for a taste of the delicious seafood on offer.
The menu at the Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar includes Try the Mere Point Oysters, Maine Lobster Rolls, Mussels, Lobster Pasta, Fried Clams, Lazy Man Lobster with Fingerling Potatoes and Green Beans, and more.
I recommend the Shrimp Cocktail and the Key Lime Creme Brulee. The Maine Lobster Rolls also proved excellent, and the raw bar provides superb, fresh oysters.
Final Thoughts
Portland represents a food pilgrimage for seafood connoisseurs. This fresh fish mecca offers visitors a chance to partake in their choice of classic oyster bars and local dishes from the North East.
Take your pick of the best seafood restaurants in Portland. I hope this article helps you decide on the seafood restaurant you want to dine in, without visiting each one in person. Let me know what you think about this list in the comments.
If you’re looking for other great places to eat in the area check out our list of the best restaurants around Portland, right here.
Feel free to leave a comment if you do not see your favorite seafood restaurant on this list. I will not hesitate to visit it in the future.
