Top 10 Places to Eat in Portland, Maine, in Winter
Portland, Maine, is a winter wonderland filled with charm, cozy streets, and some of the most delectable food on the East Coast. Known for its vibrant culinary scene, Portland has something for every palate—from warm, comforting dishes to fresh seafood caught just miles away. Here’s your guide to the top 10 places to eat in Portland, Maine, during the winter.
1. Fore Street
Cuisine: Farm-to-table
Location: 288 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Fore Street is the pinnacle of Portland's farm-to-table movement. The open kitchen with a wood-fired oven creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for escaping the winter chill. The menu changes daily based on the freshest local ingredients, but their roasted meats, seafood, and hearty sides are always a highlight.
Why Visit in Winter?
Fore Street’s rustic charm, roaring fire, and rich, comforting dishes make it the perfect spot for a special winter dining experience.
2. Eventide Oyster Co.
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Winter in Maine wouldn’t be complete without fresh seafood, and Eventide Oyster Co. is the place to get it. Known for its extensive selection of oysters and creative seafood dishes, Eventide is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Their famous brown butter lobster roll is a must-try.
Why Visit in Winter?
Eventide offers a cozy retreat where you can savor the flavors of the ocean while enjoying warm, satisfying dishes that celebrate Maine’s seafood heritage.
3. Central Provisions
Cuisine: Small plates, New American
Location: 414 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Central Provisions is perfect for those who love to sample a variety of flavors. Their menu of small plates blends local ingredients with global influences. Dishes like pork belly and kimchi pancakes or their famed tuna crudo make for an exciting dining experience.
Why Visit in Winter?
The restaurant’s intimate setting and warm atmosphere make it an ideal spot to enjoy inventive dishes while escaping the cold.
4. The Honey Paw
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Location: 78 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
The Honey Paw is a casual eatery known for its bold, flavorful Asian-inspired dishes. From their creamy, rich lobster curry to steaming bowls of miso ramen, The Honey Paw offers soul-warming meals that are perfect for a chilly day.
Why Visit in Winter?
A steaming bowl of their noodles is like a warm hug, and the contemporary decor offers a bright, modern space to shake off the winter blues.
5. Duckfat
Cuisine: Comfort food, Belgian-inspired
Location: 43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Duckfat is famous for its Belgian-style fries cooked in—you guessed it—duck fat. This small eatery serves elevated comfort food, including decadent panini sandwiches and rich poutine topped with house-made gravy and cheese curds.
Why Visit in Winter?
Few things are more comforting than crispy fries and gooey poutine when the temperature drops.
6. Hot Suppa
Cuisine: Southern-inspired
Location: 703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
If you’re looking for Southern comfort food with a Maine twist, Hot Suppa is the place to go. Known for their hearty breakfasts and dinners, this spot serves up dishes like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and mac and cheese that are sure to warm you from the inside out.
Why Visit in Winter?
Their homey vibe and stick-to-your-ribs meals are exactly what you need after braving the winter elements.
7. Street & Co.
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired seafood
Location: 33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
Street & Co. specializes in Mediterranean-style seafood dishes served in a rustic, cozy setting. The restaurant is known for its signature dishes, such as whole-roasted fish and lobster fra diavolo, served in sizzling copper pans.
Why Visit in Winter?
The hearty seafood dishes and warm ambiance make it a fantastic place to enjoy a comforting meal on a cold winter night.
8. Union at The Press Hotel
Cuisine: New American
Location: 390 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Union offers a modern take on New American cuisine, focusing on locally sourced ingredients. The chic, stylish setting is complemented by dishes like braised short ribs, seared scallops, and roasted root vegetables, all of which are perfect for the winter season.
Why Visit in Winter?
The sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere, paired with hearty seasonal dishes, makes Union a standout winter destination.
9. J’s Oyster
Cuisine: Classic seafood
Location: 5 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101
A Portland classic, J’s Oyster serves no-frills, delicious seafood in a charming waterfront location. Their seafood chowder, baked stuffed lobster, and classic oyster dishes are legendary.
Why Visit in Winter?
There’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of chowder and a welcoming, casual atmosphere to warm you up on a frosty day.
10. BaoBao Dumpling House
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Location: 133 Spring St, Portland, ME 04101
BaoBao Dumpling House is a local favorite for its delicious, handcrafted dumplings and flavorful small plates. From pork and leek dumplings to spicy lamb skewers, the menu offers a variety of comforting options.
Why Visit in Winter?
The piping-hot dumplings and bold flavors are just what you need to beat the winter chill.
Portland, Maine, transforms into a cozy culinary haven during the winter months, offering warm, hearty, and innovative dishes across a variety of cuisines. From fresh seafood to globally inspired fare, these ten restaurants capture the essence of winter dining in this charming coastal city. Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or a local looking for your next dining adventure, these spots promise a memorable experience.
Bundle up, grab your appetite, and let Portland’s rich culinary scene keep you warm all winter long!
