Six Amazing Foodie Spots in Portland, Maine

If there's any place I daydream about moving to, Portland, Maine is high as hell on the list. Thankfully I'm close enough to take weekend trips to visit friends–and to say the food there is incredible is the biggest understatement. I'm a sucker for a city with cute shops and unique food, and Portland hits those nails right on the head. If you're a foodie in any sense of the term, you've gotta check it out, if not only for an afternoon of restaurant hopping! Out of the handful of times I've been up there recently, I already have my favorite spots: read on and enjoy!

The Highroller Lobster Co.

When you're in Portland you have to get seafood at some point, and hands down my favorite spot so far is The Highroller Lobster Co. The little shop on Exchange Street is home to some of the best seafood in the city, where you can find world-class beer selections, fun merch and a damn good Bloody Mary. COVID restrictions were more intense when I visited this spot, so we ordered for take-out–hence the photo of the to-go cocktail.

Once we got back home to lounge on the couch and devour our meals, they were gone in 10 minutes flat. I think my meal was arguably the best thing I've ever eaten: the Buffalo Popcorn Lobster Grilled Cheese. Generously filled with melted cheese, buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and tender chunks of fresh lobster, this sandwich was a delicious, greasy, buttery mess that I'd eat again and again. The only photos I have of the food are screenshots of my Instagram story from that day because I was so hungry that I put stuffing my face ahead of being a food blogger. Sue me.

We couldn't go without getting fries, of course - which came with a handful of different dipping sauces to try. Think tasty mayo flavors like garlic, lime, roasted red pepper, charred pineapple... the list went on and on. They have burgers, tacos, hot dogs, and more, too - so there's something for everyone here for sure! If you're in the city, you can't pass it up.

Slab

Pizza is a food you can't really go wrong with, but Slab goes above and beyond with their Sicilian street food. It's a fast-casual restaurant specializing in their slab pizza that's genuinely bigger than your head (not joking). It's insanely thick, cheesy, saucy, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I last ate it months ago. There are five flavors of the Sicilian pizza, plus plenty of other thin crust options along with appetizers, sandwiches, calzones and desserts. The beer selection is amazing as well–it usually is when you’re in Portland!

Please enjoy more screenshots of these lovely pizzas from my Instagram - clearly I was more focused on capturing the food from this trip on motion picture. In my defense, it was far easier to scan the table with my phone than whip out my actual camera and annoy Slab’s patrons by pretending to be an influencer.

Duckfat

Duckfat is one of the newest spots I've tried out in Portland, and I fell in love the second I sat down and looked at the menu. I've never had the chance to go inside (thanks to COVID) but their outdoor tent had a super cute setup - perfect for a nice breezy day outside. We started out with a refreshing lemonade and one of their signature gelato shakes (the blueberry buttermilk was incredible).

Next up was the appetizer, and the duck fat-fried brussel sprouts were to die for - it was a special so we were lucky to stop by that day! We had to get the fries too, of course, and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, they were the best fries I've ever had (had to have been the fact they were fried in duck fat - YUM). They were so well-seasoned and the perfect crispy-on-the-outside-fluffy-on-the-inside texture that we all know and love.

Then it was time for the main course, and I truly can't recommend Duckfat enough solely because of their Slow Roasted Pulled Pork Cubano. I don't think I even need to elaborate on that - the name alone is enough to make your mouth water, and if that's not enough, the picture above will do the trick. By far one of the tastiest sandwiches I've ever eaten (I don't care I'll keep saying it!). Naturally we couldn't leave without getting dessert, and the doughnut holes hit the spot perfectly - fried in duck fat, scented with citrus, and served warm with a duck fat caramel sauce... need I say more?

Tipo

I went to Tipo with a group of friends just after they opened, and it was one of my favorite dining experiences in Portland, hands down! We sat on the patio and enjoyed pizza, cocktails, and appetizers, and it was the perfect atmosphere for a casual night out with friends.

For appetizers, we started with the burrata plate and the seasonal agnolotti - both were incredible! The burrata came on top of fry bread with rhubarb, sunflower seeds and balsamic vinegar, while the agnolotti was made with basil pesto, pine nuts, parsnips, and stracciatella. They were the perfect size for a table of four to have a bite or two of each plate before our pizza.

On to the pizza! I'm a total sucker for unique pizza flavor combos, and these ones were truly outstanding. Pizza 1: roasted mushroom, mozzarella, fontina, hot pepper honey, and fresh thyme. Pizza 2: lamb, harissa, spinach, arugula, tomatoes, fontina, and basil. Sadly I don't think either of these pizzas are on their current menu, but damn, were they delicious.

Falafel Mafia

Falafel Mafia is a beloved food truck in Portland, and for good reason - their food is phenomenal! They're often at concerts at Thompson's Point, and that's where I tried them for the first time (they post their weekly schedules on social media so you can find them easily!). From shawarma fries to their classic Mafia Bowl, they serve up delicious vegan and often gluten-free food all around the city! Pictured above are the falafel bowl and the falafel pita pocket - simple, stunning flavors and the perfect food to eat on the go or at an event!

Smalls

Smalls is an adorable little all-day cafe and market in the west end, and it's home to one of my favorite small plates I might have ever eaten. Their burrata plate is made with prosciutto, fig mostarda, hazelnuts, arugula, vincotto, and comes with toasted sourdough for dipping. Truly out of this world, and perfect to either share or enjoy on your own. I love this spot for bringing your laptop, grabbing a few snacks and drinks, and spending the afternoon working in a chill atmosphere! They also have a small market in the back with a very cute bathroom that you should absolutely check out.

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