Top 10 Must-Visit Seafood Restaurants in Maine
Maine is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the New England region of the United State. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the Southeast and New Hampshire to the West. Maine is well known for its scenic jagged rocky coastline with very picturesque waterways that are outlined with beaches, lighthouses, fishing villages, and offshore islands. Maine also has low rolling mountains, thickly forested land most of which is uninhabited, inland lakes and rivers. This makes the state a very scenic and beautiful destination for tourists. But Maine is also known for its seafood cuisine especially lobster and clam.
There are countless things to do on the East Coast of Maine such as visiting the historical sites, enjoying the amazing scenery and beaches, but one thing that you should not miss is a taste of the region’s signature seafood. The East Coast of Maine has the best and most fresh finger-licking lobster which is readily available in some of the best and highest rated spots.
Clam is also very popular in the East coast of Maine and it comes in three categories which include the creamy clam which is the most popular among the three and is prepared with milk or cream, the Manhattan or ‘Red’ clam chowder that is prepared with tomatoes and Rhode Island or “clear clam chowder. During the cold season, the lobster rolls are the go-to meal, Maine East coast also has the freshest oysters that you can find and is famous for its signature cake shrimps.
Due to its location in the Indian Ocean, Seafood is a delicacy that is in high demand. People come from far and near to have a taste of Maine seafood cuisine. There are many options of restaurants that offer finger-licking lobsters, crabs, clam, haddock, and other fresh seafood caught off the shore every day.
Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Maine
Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier
Luke Lobster Portland Pier is a beautiful laid back, rustic eatery that sits at the waterfront overlooking Casco Bay, with a 360-degree view of the lobster industry. The restaurant is famous for its simple prepared seafood and lobster specials that are mostly paired with sumptuous chowders and bisques. The menu also consists of finger-licking rolls and sandwiches, steamers, soups and salads, platters that have various seafood options, and a kiddie’s menu for the little ones.
They have a full bar that offers ciders, beers, and signature cocktails that guests can enjoy while overlooking the beautiful water views. Luke’s Lobster restaurant services range from dine-In, curbside pick-up, and take-out options. Luke Lobster Portland restaurant is highly rated for its excellent service and is also among the few restaurants that are dog friendly with an outdoor deck and balcony allocated for puppies.
Address: 60 Portland Pier Portland, ME 04101
Calendar Islands Maine Lobster
Famous for its gourmet lobster main dishes, Calendar Islands Maine Lobster is owned by a group of Maine lobster fishermen and celebrity foodies. This significantly contributes to the high quality fresh from harvest bounty and delectable dishes created from local recipes passed down from generations that are offered at the restaurant. The menu consists of fresh and frozen lobster and offers service options like dine-in and take-away.
Address: 6 Portland Fish Pier, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Eventide Oyster Co.
Eventide Oyster Co. prides itself in the revival of the great American Oyster Bar. The restaurant is famous for its Brown Butter Lobster Roll, Pristine shellfish and Oysters, and a James Beard Award-winning take on a classic New England fare in Boston. Eventide is an all-around seafood restaurant in the heart of Maine. Whether you are looking for a place to dine or seeking a relaxed evening of refreshments, Eventide Oysters Co provides just that.
The restaurant is well known for its delicious clam chowder, lobster stew, battered casco, sandwiches, buns, rolls, variety of sweets, and side dishes are all included in the menu. The open bar offers a list of beer, wine, and signature cocktails.
The restaurant has magnificent interiors with an oyster and shellfish display with bright colored decor that brings a playful mood into the restaurant.
Address: 86 Middle St, Portland.
Helm Oyster Bar & Bistro
Helm Oyster Bar boasts its location along Portland’s historic Waterfront and a few steps away from the ocean. The restaurant offers an intimate dining room ideal for intimate dinners, dates, and special intimate events, a separate bar area, and a seasonal outdoor patio that gives guests a view of the waterfront.
Helm Oyster Bar & Bistro offers a selection of shellfish and seafood such as oysters, clams, and crudo, all freshly harvested. Their menu changes from time to time according to availability and seasons. They have a bar that offers well-curated signature cocktails, a list of New England beers, and Natural wines.
Address: 60 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Saltwater Grille
Located at the East side of the harbor, Saltwater Grille offers a magical waterfront dining experience, with amazing stellar views of the Marina and Portland Skyline. Whether you are inside or outside the restaurant you get the chance to watch the boats enter the harbor and breathe in the ocean air as you indulge in fresh lobsters, oysters, or the variety of seafood that is served at the restaurant.
The menu consists of the raw food bar, fried seafood plates, hand-held snacks, entrees, sides, and kids’ corner. They also offer a wide range of drinks that you can enjoy as you take in the view. With their flexible spaces in their private rooms, Saltwater Grille offers events services for all styles with a tailor-made menu to suit different needs.
Address: 231 Front St, South Portland, ME 04106, United States
Maine Lobster Shack
Looking for freshly caught Lobster seafood dishes, Maine Lobster Shack restaurant is your go-to place. A chic and relaxed venue located in Portland’s Old Port, well known for its ‘one bite, one drink, one roll at a time’ slogan. The Maine Lobster Shack restaurant serves freshly shucked oysters, and a selection of wide caught fish and lobsters. The restaurant also has a bar tap and offers happy hour wine and beer at very affordable prices. To ensure high standards of the meals, freshness, and sustainability, seafood is locally sourced from the best distributors.
Whether you are running a quick errand in the streets of Portland or looking to sample local food joints, Maine Lobster Shack offers the best quick stop for fulfilled seafood taste buds.
Address: 425 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
DiMillo’s On The Water
DiMillo restaurant is a popular Marina mainstay in a huge former car ferry and is the only floating restaurant on the upper east coast. The restaurant serves around 600 guests in the first deck dining lounge, Port Side Lounge, Second Deck Dining Rooms, and three Outside Decks.
The restaurant is famous for its classics like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Chef Melissa’s fan favorite, the Lobster Stuffed Twice Baked Potato! Apart from seafood they also have chicken and beef on their menu.
The service options include dine-in options and curbside pick-up. The restaurant is also a famous event spot such as weddings and banquets because of its beautiful view of Portland and is the only floating restaurant.
Address: 25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Portland Lobster Company
Portland Lobster Company is a seasonal waterside lobster shack that allows take-out and dine-in. It is a famous spot for the locals to enjoy lobster steamers, Maine shrimp, lobster rolls, peekytoe crab cakes, and New England clam chowder as well as Casco Bay lobster stew among other meals.
The Portland Lobster Company is a chill spot for many due to the live music on the patio deck that people enjoy as they have their meals and sip on their beers. It is most popular for the Best Lobster roll and the best outdoor patio and waterfront dining which has won the restaurant several awards over the years.
The restaurant offers a full takeout menu that consists of the lobster roll, wraps, sandwiches, fried seafood dinners, steamed lobster dinners as well as kids’ menus and beverages that are locally crafted. They also have a monthly calendar for the live events at the restaurant which have garnered the restaurant several awards.
Address: 180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
J’s Oysters
Are you hungry for juicy, freshly shucked oysters? J’s Oysters restaurant in Portland is the place to visit. It is a locals’ favorite for dining and takeout, with a spacious sitting set up both indoor and outdoor. The restaurant boasts of the waterfront view where guests enjoy their drinks from the full-service bar.
J’s oyster offers a variety of signature dishes on its menu. Going by their slogan ‘if it swims, we got it on our menu!’ Guests are guaranteed to have a variety of options to choose from. Ranging from J’s Oysters award-winning lobster rolls, oysters, steamers, crab meat rolls, scallops, mussels, shellfish, lobsters, and much more.
J’s Oyster restaurant meals are prepared with high-quality ingredients, and every dish is prepared with precision to ensure they bring out natural flavors to fulfill your taste buds.
Address: 5 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Scales
Located on Maine Wharf next to the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal, Scales restaurant is a traditional New England restaurant with modern touches such as floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the waterfront. Whether you have a special occasion or you are a foodie looking to experience a taste of Portland’s seafood, make a reservation at Scales restaurant to enjoy classic fried seafood while enjoying quintessential working Maine harbor.
Scales is popular for its seafood stew, seared scallops, and oysters. Their menu also consists of homemade bread, soups and salads, appetizers, fish and shellfish varieties as well as sandwiches among others. However, due to its location and quality service as well as limited space, Scales does not accept walk-ins and a reservation has to be made prior.
The restaurant is also famous for its martinis which are made with barrel-aged gin as well as signature cocktails that change with the season, they are also popular for the happy hour during the offseason that feature wine specials and dollar oysters that locals in the know get to enjoy.
Address: 8 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Our Criteria
Eating out is a great way to connect with our loved ones. Whether it’s through intimate gatherings, social events, dates with strangers or random meet-ups with friends it is always a special time to make memories. Considering this, several factors go into play while choosing the best restaurants in a specific region.
Choosing a restaurant can be a time-consuming and tedious process as all restaurants are operated differently even if they list on the top, establishing a set of criteria beforehand will be of great guidance in making the best choice. The above restaurants have met the criteria of being on the top of the list through:
- Good food and drinks that trigger your taste buds.
- Location and easy access as well as being strategically positioned to offer a better experience of the surroundings to the customers
- Excellent service and hospitality.
- Ambiance beautiful decor and mood setters for particular occasions like an intimate dinner or an outdoor relaxing environment.
- Particular signature cuisines and well-planned pairings.
- Value for money to clients through portions, hygiene factors, and customer service.
- All the restaurants we have selected also have very good reviews from other customers
Prepare For a Great Meal!
Maine is a place where you can enjoy wonderful sunrises, charming people, interesting cultural pearls, and, of course, some of the best seafood you can find on the east coast of the United States. That is why we have prepared for you this careful selection of some of the best seafood restaurants in Maine, so you can give your palate a good taste. When you visit the State of Maine you know where to start!
