Three Square Meals in Portland's Old Port

February 8, 2024

Where to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Portland, Maine.

Looking for the best spots to eat in Portland's downtown waterfront neighborhood? You won't need to go far - the Old Port has some of the best food you can find in Maine or even the rest of New England. Wandering around the cobblestone streets, you'll see countless options for great food. With so many options to choose from, it might be tough to plan where you'll eat in Vacationland. So here's your guide to three square meals in Portland's Old Port.

Becky's Diner 390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Becky's Dinah, nothin' finah. Okay, there's plenty of "finer" options than Becky's in the Old Port but this is an absolute staple. The waterfront greasy spoon opened in 1991 after Portland changed its zoning laws, allowing non-fishery businesses in the area and has been feeding Portland's locals and tourists alike for over 30 years. Its been featured on Rachel Ray's $40 a Day and Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives as well as having a spread in Gourmet Magazine. Opening at 4:00 AM, this is the ideal spot to fuel up before watching the sunrise from the Eastern Promenade.

Highroller Lobster Co. 104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101

The Highroller Lobster Co. started in 2015 with two guys, a hot dog cart, and a dream. Three years later, they opened the doors to their brick and mortar on Exchange Street and have gotten nothing but rave reviews ever since. If you're looking for the best lobster roll in Maine, this is definitely a contender. The Highroller lobster roll is served on a local, grilled brioche bun, a bit of shredded lettuce, fresh Maine lobster, and your choice of over a half dozen sauces. Or try the popular Lobby Pop - a buttery lobster tail on a stick served with a dipping sauce.

Fore Street 288 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

This establishment deserves an article unto itself. Fore Street is the restaurant that put Portland on the map for fine dining and has started a movement of farm-to-table cooking that has made Portland the foodie favorite city it is today. Chef-Partner Sam Hayward won the James Beard Award for Best Chef - Northeast in 2004 and the restaurant has been a semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurant every year for the last decade. If you don't have reservations, there might be a spot at the kitchen bar - possibly the best seat in the house for somebody that loves the culinary arts.

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