Portland has become an important food destination. We’ve visited a number of times and have never been disappointed with the dining options. We have done a few things other than eating too.

Lodging | Restaurants | Bars | Activities

Lodging

Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront

145 Fore St
(207) 761-1660
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pwmdt-residence-inn-portland-downtown-waterfront

This hotel couldn’t be any more convenient to the heart of the action in Portland. It is only a couple of blocks from the wharves and several excellent restaurants.

Amenities: Gym; indoor pool

Westin Portland Harborview

157 High St
(207) 775-5411
www.westinportlandharborview.com

The Westin is conveniently located on High St half a block from Congress. This provides easy access to local businesses, the arts and some good dining options. The hotel is comfortable offering what you’d expect from a downtown Westin. Our only complaint is that the street-side rooms are impacted by traffic noise.

Amenities: Restaurant; rooftop lounge; gym; spa

Restaurants

Central Provisions

414 Fore St.
(207) 805-1085
www.central-provisions.com

This new Portland eatery is a recent James Beard winner. Upstairs is the restaurant while downstairs is a nice bar where you can also eat. We have only had brunch and drinks so far but based upon those, this would be a recommended stop.

Cuisine:	Contemporary American
Hours:	Lunch: 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.; Dinner: 5:00 P.M.- 10:00 P.M.; Late Night: 10:00 P.M.- 12:00 A.M.
Dress:	Casual

Duckfat

43 Middle St.
(111) 555-1234
duckfat.com

Duckfat is a very good sandwich shop in the Old Port area of Portland. They offer tasty salads and panini made with locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss out of the fires which are, of course, cooked in duckfat.

Cuisine:	Sandwiches
Hours:	Daily: 11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Dress:	Casual

East Ender

47 Middle St
(207) 879-7669
eastenderportland.com

The East Ender is a small restaurant located near the old port area. It has a handful of tables and a six seat bar. There are a few tables outside as well. They offer “New American” cuisine created with locally sourced ingredients. Service is friendly and attentive.

Cuisine:	Contemporary American
Hours:	Mon–Sat: 11:30 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.; Sun: 5:00 P.M. – 9 P.M. Sun Brunch: 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Dress:	Casual

Eventide Oyster Co.

86 Middle St
(207) 774-8538
www.eventideoysterco.com

This small seafood restaurant in the heart of Portland never disappoints. We’ve had several excellent meals hear usually stopping in for a late lunch which often ends up with us lingering and ordering more food. NOTES: The lobster rolls are excellent. Brunch is offered on Sunday from 11:00 – 3:00. The challenge is that they do not take reservations and there is often a line waiting for tables.

Cuisine:	Seafood
Hours:	Daily 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 A.M.
Dress:	Casual

Five Fifty-Five

(207) 761-0555
(111) 555-1234
www.fivefifty-five.com

So far we’ve only had the chance to dine here once and that experience was a good one. The service was top-notch and the food, while not super adventurous, was delicious.

Cuisine:	Contemporary American
Hours:	Dinner: Daily 5:00 P.M. – Close; Brunch: Sun 9:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Dress:	Casual

Fore Street

288 Fore St.
(207) 775-2717
www.forestreet.biz

Fore Street was the first restaurant we went to in Portland back a number of years ago and our first experience was a very good one. We enjoyed both the food and service. It has become very popular and harder to get into so we haven’t been back in a while. We would still recommend it however.

Cuisine:	Contemporary American
Hours:	Mon-Thu, Sun: 5:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M., Fri-Sat: 5:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.
Dress:	Casual

Hugo’s

88 Middle St.
(207) 774-8538
www.hugos.net

Hugo’s is one of the many good restaurants located on a small strip of Middle St. in the Old Port district of Portland. The space is nice with tables along a brick wall and a decent sized bar along the other side. We’ve only dined here once and went with a tasting menu which was delicious. Our server was very nice but, unfortunately, was not all that knowledgeable about wine pairings.

Cuisine:	Contemporary American
Hours:	Mon-Sat 5:30 A.M. – Closing
Dress:	Smart Casual

Vinland

593 Congress St
(207) 653-8617
vinland.me

We tried Vinland on our most recent visit to Portland and weren’t disappointed. Many restaurants claim to be locally sourced but Vinland is serious about it. They won’t even use olive oil because it can’t be locally sourced. We went with the five-course tasting that allows you to select any five courses you’d like. The flexibility is wonderful but it does end up being quite a bit of food. We have no complaints other than being stuffed. Each of the plates was delicious. Our server was very friendly and attentive. NOTES: There is live jazz on Wed nights.

Cuisine:	Local
Hours:	Daily 5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Dress:	Casual

Bars

Ri Ra Irish

72 Commercial St.
(207) 761-4446
www.rira.com/portland

The pub feels just like Irish pub should. They serve well poured Guinness and pub food.

Cuisine:	Pub Fare
Hours:	Mon-Fri: 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 A.M.; Sat-Sun: 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 A.M.

Activities

Wine Wise

www.winewiseevents.com

You join Sommelier Erica Archer for a stroll through Portland stopping at several restaurants to sample small bites paired with wine. During the interactive stops you learn about the wines and how to pair them with food. We found this to be a great way to experience Portland while learning about and tasting wine. We have only done the walk but she offers sunset sails as well.