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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Portland, Maine

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26 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Solo Italiano restaurant
1. Solo Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(3042)
$$$$
• Italian • Portland
Booked 27 times today
We currently offer in-house dining Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30-9:30pm.Our restaurant features Paolo Laboa, international chef from Genova, Italy. His menu consists of simple, flavorful and authentic Northern Italian cuisine. This includes handmade pasta, crudo (raw fish), fresh pizza and an all-Italian wine list. Ingredients are sourced locally, from various Maine farms and from the Gulf of Maine, whenever possible.
A photo of Lucky Cheetah restaurant
2. Lucky Cheetah
4.9
Exceptional(465)
$$$$
• Chinese • Portland
Booked 19 times today
Dumpling enthusiasts and champagne lovers alike can indulge in in the elevated, yet unpretentious fine-dining experience offered in this sexy, and intimate underground hideaway. The menu honors Cantonese classics with dishes Char Siu Bao, while creative offerings such as Lobster Dumplings with Scallion Sabayon showcase culinary innovation in this celebration of Chinese American fare. A deep champagne and wine list complements the menu, and at the 11-seat Pink Italian Stone bar, classic cocktails are shaken up with unique spice combinations and Asian-produced liquors, like an Old Fashioned riff “Old Prosperity” made with Bourbon and Amaro Nonino at Portland, MENote: Table reservation durations: 1:30h for parties of two, 2 hours for parties of 4 or more. Walk-in seats are available at the bar.
A photo of Mr. Tuna restaurant
3. Mr. Tuna
4.9
Exceptional(96)
$$$$
• Sushi • Portland
Booked 39 times today
A casual sushi joint in Portland, ME specializing in sustainable, local seafood. Mr. Tuna includes a poppy, pastel-shaded 30 seat sushi bar and seasonal outdoor seating. Chef Jordan Rubin is hyper focused on quality, earning accolades including a James Beard Nominee for Best Chef: Northeast and Food & Wine Best New Chef in 2025. Mr. Tuna was named #6 Best Restaurant in the Country by Food & Wine and was honored with the Innovation Award from Gulf of Maine Research Institute for its commitment to responsible sourcing. The menu is built around super-fresh, seasonal seafood sourced straight from the Gulf of Maine, as the restaurant is just a short walk up from Portland's waterfront. Try the Tuna Tasting, a four-cut journey through local bluefin, or the Tuna de Tigre, a bright, ceviche-style blend of Peruvian and Thai flavors. Don't skip the classics- the hand rolls are what brought Mr. Tuna to fame in the early food cart days. Save room for a hot pressed ice cream Toastie for dessert!
A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant
4. David's Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4083)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Portland
Booked 33 times today
A long established local favorite at the center of the historic arts district featuring eclectic decor,and an energetic atmosphere. David's offers broadly appealing menus that highlight familiar dishes with acreative twist. Open for lunch and dinner, showcasing delectable options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. David’s is known for delicious meals, and warm and friendly service. It’s no wonder that Chef David was voted Portland's best chef in 2021 and chef of the year in 2012.
A photo of Isa Bistro - Portland restaurant
5. Isa Bistro - Portland
4.9
Exceptional(1820)
$$$$
• Bistro • Portland
Booked 16 times today
Dinner 4-9pm, except closed on Tuesdays. Brunch 11:30-4pm Friday & Saturday. Isa is a small neighborhood bistro serving an eclectic and seasonally driven menu. A husband and wife duo. A 2023 James Beard nominated chef, Isaul Perez brings his experience cooking French and Italian food in NYC to life with a splash of his Mexican heritage. His wife Suzie is a certified sommelier and face of the front. They showcase local farms and purveyors, offer craft beers and house specialty cocktails. The dining room is cozy and quaint with an original black tin ceiling. INDOOR DINING - Reservations accepted up to 30 days out, for 1-8 guests. Large parties cannot be separated into multiple tables. **Indoor reservations cannot be moved outside upon arrival.** Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or a late cancellation/no show fee will apply. OUTDOOR DINING - Reservations are available DAY OF only for 1-6 guests as our private patio is weather permitting (not dog friendly).
A photo of The Grill Room & Bar restaurant
6. The Grill Room & Bar
4.6
Exceptional(1283)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Portland
Booked 18 times today
The Grill Room & Bar is a must-visit steakhouse in Portland, known for its locally sourced French inspired plates and excellent service. Reviewers consistently rate it highly for its quality food, with special mentions for the 'unbelievably delicious' steak and lobster mashed potatoes. The ambiance is also highly praised, with many mentioning the great atmosphere and the ability to see the chef's at work. With its generous variety of wine, local beer, and handcrafted cocktails, it's a great place to spend time and have a good dinner.
A photo of Bread & Friends restaurant
7. Bread & Friends
4.9
Exceptional(134)
$$$$
• Farm-to-table • Portland
Booked 6 times today
Brunch at Bread & Friends is first come, first served - we do not take reservations. At dinner we accept walk-ins and reservations which can be booked up to 1 month in advance.We are a bakery and restaurant, specializing in naturally leavened breads, artisan pastries, and elevated sharing plates for brunch (walk-ins only) and dinner (reservations and walk-ins welcome). Complemented by a coffee program at brunch, as well as wine, beer and aperitivi/amari at dinner. Let's eat, together.
A photo of David's Opus Ten restaurant
8. David's Opus Ten
4.8
Exceptional(177)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Portland
David’s Opus Ten is open during each season for limited and exclusive pop-up events, celebrating seasonal products as they become available. Look forward to David’s Opus Ten Test Kitchen events, Maine Restaurant Week (March), and Portland Wine Week (June). Go to our events page to see what’s coming up.This intimate restaurant within a restaurant is like nothing else in Portland. Chef David is in the Opus kitchen himself to prepare this hyper-local menu. Cocktails and a surprise hors d'oeuvres promptly at 6:15 PM, followed by seven set courses with optional wine pairings or a mocktail option.Reservations are strongly recommend as seating is limited to 20 guests and it sells out very quickly.Opus Ten is also available year round for special events, private dinners, and parties.
A photo of Dunstan Tap And Table restaurant
9. Dunstan Tap And Table
4.7
Exceptional(724)
$$$$
• American • Portland
Booked 3 times today
A neighborhood joint serving elevated pub food and drink with an upscale casual vibe.
A photo of Kon Asian Bistro - Portland, ME restaurant
10. Kon Asian Bistro - Portland, ME
4.4
Awesome(345)
$$$$
• Asian • Portland
Booked 5 times today
Kon Asian Bistro Steakhouse & Sushi Bar is an upscale Asian restaurant with a new, modern flair. We offer a truly amazing dining experience. Japanese, Sushi, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese Hibachi cuisine offers tastes of the orient that leave you wanting more. Kon Asian Bistro is a truly exciting place to socialize and enjoy yourself.Have a cocktail, glass of wine, beer, or other delightful beverage and relax and have fun. Experience our entertaining and delicious hibachi tables. They are something you won't soon forget! Our unique private party room can accommodate larger parties, from business meetings to birthday parties and more!Please advise if your reservation is for the dining room or Hibachi.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • mary ellenGold
    Greater Boston •117 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful experience on a foggy and chilly Sunday evening. The food was exceptional, the cocktails delicious and the server knowledgeable and attentive with excellent suggestions. The eggplant lasagna was awesome.
    More info
    Isa Bistro - Portland$$$$• Bistro• Portland
    •
    4.9
  • Virginia
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The haddock and salmon were excellent, our waiter was very pleasant and the piano music was lovely. A wonderful experience overall.
    More info
    Clay Hill Farm$$$$• American• Ogunquit
    •
    4.8
  • Elizabeth
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great atmosphere, food and service was Excellent!!! Only recommendation music could be turned down a tad making conversation at tables where speakers more background than prominent.
    More info
    Lucky Cheetah$$$$• Chinese• Portland
    •
    4.9
  • ConnorGold
    Greater Boston •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 2, 2026
    Great meal! Glad we finally checked out this spot! Service, food and prices were wonderful!
    More info
    Jin Sushi and Ramen$$$$• Japanese• Saco
    •
    4.7
  • Douglas
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 24, 2026
    Magnus on Water had a very unique menu. Service was excellent as was the food.
    More info
    Magnus on Water$$$$• Comfort Food• Biddeford
    •
    5

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Portland

Discover the exceptional dining scene in Greater Portland, Maine, where each restaurant visit promises an adventure worth the drive. Renowned for their commitment to quality and a unique culinary experience, these establishments offer a variety of cuisines that cater to all tastes and preferences. From innovative dishes inspired by global flavors to classic local favorites, the restaurants in this area are characterized by their creative menus and exceptional service. Diners can expect not only a meal but an experience that combines both atmosphere and gastronomy in a way that's truly memorable. Whether you're seeking a casual evening out or a sophisticated dinner, the carefully curated selections in Greater Portland ensure a satisfying and delightful culinary journey. Each location is praised for its ambiance, often blending rustic charm with modern elegance, making every meal a special occasion. For food enthusiasts and casual diners alike, Greater Portland's restaurant scene is a treasure trove of gastronomic delights, definitely worth the drive.

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