Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Greater Portland

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Greater Portland? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Hunt & Alpine

4.8

4.8 (26)

$31 to $50

American

Portland

About the restaurant

Opened in 2013, Hunt & Alpine is a nationally recognized cocktail bar. We feature quality cocktails and spirits, paired with friendly service, a knowledgeable staff, and good food.

For parties of 7 or more, please contact us directly at events@huntandalpineclub.com.

We take limited reservations in order to best serve walk in guests, please stop by - we probably have a spot for you!

Top review

JohnGold

Dined 7 days ago

Good food, pleasant and friendly service. Happy hour is very good value.

Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar

4.8

4.8 (35)

$30 and under

Japanese

Portland

About the restaurant

At BENKAY Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, we offer a traditional Japanese dining experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Our extensive menu of appetizers, sushi rolls, nigiri, omakase, udon, bento boxes, and other specialties are carefully crafted to delight your senses. We are proud to offer traditional fare and innovative menu options thanks to weekly imports of Japanese fish, ensuring the freshest and most authentic flavors.

To many Portlanders, the name Benkay is synonymous with sushi. Open for the better part of 20 years BENKAY is located in Portland's Old Port. Chef/owner Seiji Ando prepares weekly special-importation menus, thanks to shipments of fish that arrives every Thursday from Japan.

Top review

Anne-MarieGold

Dined on Oct 18, 2026

Fresh and delicious food, large menu, good value and the people are lovely too.

The Front Room

4.7

4.7 (589)

$30 and under

American

Portland

About the restaurant

Due to volume we are unable to accept reservations for Brunch. Tables are available on a walk-in basis. Reservations are available for Dinner. For parties over 6, please call 773-3366 during business hours to make reservations.
Nestled atop Portland’s Munjoy Hill neighborhood, The Front Room, offers dishes & drinks with comfort in mind.
A local Brunch destination, enjoy plates such as house-made Corned Beef Hash, Veggie Gnocchi, & Eggs Benedict. Pancakes & French Toast are always a go to. Serving a variety of Mimosas & Bloody Marys, local coffee & teas.
Dinner at TFR is relaxed & pleasurable. Plates are made with local components & thoughtful recipes. Enjoy the Casco Bay Scallops, Braised Shortrib, Mushroom Toast, or neighborhood favorite Roasted Pork Loin with JJ's famous bacon jam.
Serving a variety of local beer, wine, and cocktails to suit every taste- Come get Happy 4-6 !

Top review

juliet

Dined 5 days ago

Always know the food is going to be great at the Front Room. Shepherds pie is spectacular- and thats coming from a couple of brits for whom that is a lifelong favourite dish. Atmosphere is casual and warm, service personal and friendly. A place to keep coming back to.

David's 388

4.7

4.7 (1656)

$31 to $50

Bistro

South Portland

About the restaurant

From the owner of David's (Portland, ME), 388 is a comfortable and casual neighborhood nook where diners can enjoy a range of bold flavors. Both restaurants share the signature of Chef/Owner David Turin, and David's 388 is built "by the Chef, for the Chef." Every week, David's 388 thrills the palette with new dishes that have both creative and traditional influences spanning the width of the globe. The restaurant seats 42 including seating at a Chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen.

Top review

Maria

Dined 7 days ago

Very cute/cozy restaurant. Got a salad/app, main entrees, and desert. Thought the portions were good. Service was good as well. The only issue was they would open the door occasionally and it would get cold. Besides that it was a very good experience.

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Popular dish

Seafood pappardelle GF+

Popular dish

Seafood cakes

Shade

4.7

4.7 (425)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Scarborough

About the restaurant

Shade: The Eatery at Higgins Beach Inn, is our re-envisioned on-site restaurant serving as your local watering hole, specializing in fresh beach-fare. You'll love our seasonally fresh cuisine featuring oysters on the half-shell and other locally sourced seafood, wine selection, refreshing cocktails, craft brews, and our covered three-season porch.

Top review

Amanda

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

The food is consistently delicious, especially the seafood chowder, and the apple pie ice cream. Our server was so helpful offering menu suggestions, and the ambiance is lovely too. Can’t wait to dine there again!

Bird & Co.

4.7

4.7 (429)

$30 and under

Mexican

Portland

About the restaurant

We are a neighborhood Taco and Margarita bar. We would love to feed you. Located in the middle of Woodfords Corner, tucked away on the Corner of Deering Ave. and Revere St. Our creative tacos and margaritas use the freshest ingredients and we have something on the menu for everyone.

You deserve Tacos.

Top review

LisaGold

Dined 6 days ago

Every time I visit, have a great time, service, and food. Will be back!

Magissa

4.7

4.7 (256)

$30 and under

Greek

Portland

About the restaurant

A taverna style Greek restaurant combining traditional preparations with local ingredients to create dishes that are authentically Greek and uniquely Portland, Maine.

Top review

KeithGold

Dined on Oct 22, 2026

Server was excellent but my appetizer of halloumi was poor

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4.6

4.6 (36)

$30 and under

Irish

Yarmouth

About the restaurant

I'm a lover of two things, archaic language and travel. A couple of years ago I stumbled upon a word that really embodied for me both of my loves. Coddiwomple.

Coddiwomple: To travel purposely towards an unknown destination.

The Irish are known for their willingness to rove and ramble seemed like a natural fit hence Rambler was born. A neighborhood destination filled with hospitality and hearty comforting food & drink. We're so looking forward to our journey together.

Top review

Julia

Dined on Oct 21, 2026

We sat at the bar and had a couple of drinks and food. We ordered the Dublin Prawns, a side of mac 'n cheese, Guinness Meatballs and a side of Cauliflower Gratin. The food was so, very good! Rick (bartender) was fun, attentive and helpful with the wine selection. The "Tidepool" was a tasty drink and one I would get again. Will be back to try other dishes and other drinks soon.

The Foreside Tavern

4.4

4.4 (412)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Falmouth

About the restaurant

The Foreside Tavern, located in Falmouth, Maine, is a neighborhood restaurant and sports bar where everyone can join over a great meal featuring fine American cuisine.

For a casual night of watching the game and enjoying a drink, diners can try the Foreside nachos, and deep fried wings. Quick lunches on the Foreside Tavern menu include fish and chips, Classic Reubens and an amazing Cobb Salad. Finally, head in for an elegant dinner with the Hanger Steak, Pan Fried Haddock or Pork Chop.
Curbside Pickup is always an option! Tavern Trivia is every Wednesday from 6-8pm in the Bar!

Top review

Hilary

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

The maple burbon old fashioned was delicious, as was the citrus salmon special with fennel.

Little Tap House

4.3

4.3 (458)

$30 and under

Bistro

Portland

About the restaurant

A neighborhood gastropub featuring 14 local beverages on tap and scratch-kitchen fare. Menu features shares, entrees and house-made desserts. Reservations available in our dining room; our bar and high-top area is almost always dedicated to walk-ins. For reservations for seven or more, email us at littletaphouse@gmail.com.

Steps away from popular venues such as the Portland Museum of Art, Cross Insurance Arena, and the State Theater. A welcoming dining experience for locals and visitors-alike!

Top review

Mark

Dined on Oct 21, 2026

Service was very attentive and timely. Happy hour made the cocktails very appealing. Smash burger was tasty and delicious. Fish and Chips was good but too much batter. Overall a great experience to be repeated.

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