Five Fifty-Five
One of Portland's top-ranked eateries, this upscale restaurant has an extensive menu of New American, creatively prepared dishes. The dining room is warm (chocolate brown walls, yellow glass pendant lights, copper accents) and quiet--a nice spot for a romantic meal. The menu changes seasonally but may include dishes like the braised octopus appetizer or cauliflower-mascarpone soup. Entrees include the signature hanger steak, lobster mac and cheese with black truffles or grilled, line-caught swordfish. The staff is professional and knowledgeable.
Five Fify-Five
555 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207)761-0555
fivefifty-five.com
Fore Street
This longstanding favorite kick-started the culinary revolution in Portland, and it remains one of the city's finest dining establishments. Award-winning chef Sam Haywood and his team continue to create innovative, freshly prepared, locally inspired dishes. The dark, historic dining room features brick walls and old wood, twinkling candles and a semi-open kitchen. The adventurous menu changes frequently, but signature dishes, like the wood-fired, smoked oysters and the spit-roasted pork loin remain. You may also find a selection of wild game entrees, like pheasant, rabbit or venison, as well as hand-harvested scallops or raw oysters. Local farmers and fishermen provide the bulk of the organic vegetables and seafood. One word of warning: This restaurant is always busy, and reservations are tough to come by. They leave a portion of the seating available for walk-ins, but you'll need to get there early when the doors open--and preferably midweek--to snag a table.
Fore Street
288 Fore St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-2717
forestreet.biz/en/Home
Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar
If you're craving fresh seafood, this Old Port upscale restaurant, overlooking the working seaport, is the place to go. The contemporary dining room is the city's newest martini bar and dining room hotspot--for good reason. You won't find fresher fish, simply prepared to bring out the best of the ingredients. Start with the oysters; the restaurant takes great pride in its selection of bivalves. Of course, you'll want to go with one of the fish or seafood entrees. The wood-fired trout, shrimp or salmon are favorites, as is the signature shrimp scampi and pan roasted halibut.
Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar
93 Commercial St.
Portland, ME 04103
(207) 879-6100
theoldportseagrill.com
About The Author
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
