Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in South Portland

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Central MaineGreater PortlandNorthern CoastNorthern NHPortsmouth and Merrimack ValleySouthern Coast

Areas

BiddefordBoothbay HarborCape NeddickDoverFryeburgKennebunk

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

26 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Solo Italiano

4.8

Exceptional(3063)

££££

• Italian • Portland

Booked 17 times today

We currently offer in-house dining Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30-9:30pm.Our restaurant features Paolo Laboa, international chef from Genova, Italy. His menu consists of simple, flavorful and authentic Northern Italian cuisine. This includes handmade pasta, crudo (raw fish), fresh pizza and an all-Italian wine list. Ingredients are sourced locally, from various Maine farms and from the Gulf of Maine, whenever possible.

2. Lucky Cheetah

4.9

Exceptional(478)

££££

• Chinese • Portland

Booked 23 times today

Dumpling enthusiasts and champagne lovers alike can indulge in in the elevated, yet unpretentious fine-dining experience offered in this sexy, and intimate underground hideaway. The menu honors Cantonese classics with dishes Char Siu Bao, while creative offerings such as Lobster Dumplings with Scallion Sabayon showcase culinary innovation in this celebration of Chinese American fare. A deep champagne and wine list complements the menu, and at the 11-seat Pink Italian Stone bar, classic cocktails are shaken up with unique spice combinations and Asian-produced liquors, like an Old Fashioned riff “Old Prosperity” made with Bourbon and Amaro Nonino at Portland, MENote: Table reservation durations: 1:30h for parties of two, 2 hours for parties of 4 or more. Walk-in seats are available at the bar.

3. Mr. Tuna

4.8

Exceptional(106)

££££

• Sushi • Portland

Booked 41 times today

A casual sushi joint in Portland, ME specializing in sustainable, local seafood. Mr. Tuna includes a poppy, pastel-shaded 30 seat sushi bar and seasonal outdoor seating. Chef Jordan Rubin is hyper focused on quality, earning accolades including a James Beard Nominee for Best Chef: Northeast and Food & Wine Best New Chef in 2025. Mr. Tuna was named #6 Best Restaurant in the Country by Food & Wine and was honored with the Innovation Award from Gulf of Maine Research Institute for its commitment to responsible sourcing. The menu is built around super-fresh, seasonal seafood sourced straight from the Gulf of Maine, as the restaurant is just a short walk up from Portland's waterfront. Try the Tuna Tasting, a four-cut journey through local bluefin, or the Tuna de Tigre, a bright, ceviche-style blend of Peruvian and Thai flavors. Don't skip the classics- the hand rolls are what brought Mr. Tuna to fame in the early food cart days. Save room for a hot pressed ice cream Toastie for dessert!

A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant

4. David's Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(4100)

££££

• Contemporary American • Portland

Booked 27 times today

A long established local favorite at the center of the historic arts district featuring eclectic decor,and an energetic atmosphere. David's offers broadly appealing menus that highlight familiar dishes with acreative twist. Open for lunch and dinner, showcasing delectable options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. David’s is known for delicious meals, and warm and friendly service. It’s no wonder that Chef David was voted Portland's best chef in 2021 and chef of the year in 2012.

A photo of Isa Bistro - Portland restaurant

5. Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

Exceptional(1845)

££££

• Bistro • Portland

Booked 28 times today

Dinner 4-9pm, except closed on Tuesdays. Brunch 11:30-4pm Friday & Saturday. Isa is a small neighborhood bistro serving an eclectic and seasonally driven menu. A husband and wife duo. A 2023 James Beard nominated chef, Isaul Perez brings his experience cooking French and Italian food in NYC to life with a splash of his Mexican heritage. His wife Suzie is a certified sommelier and face of the front. They showcase local farms and purveyors, offer craft beers and house specialty cocktails. The dining room is cozy and quaint with an original black tin ceiling. INDOOR DINING - Reservations accepted up to 30 days out, for 1-8 guests. Large parties cannot be separated into multiple tables. **Indoor reservations cannot be moved outside upon arrival.** Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or a late cancellation/no show fee will apply. OUTDOOR DINING - Reservations are available DAY OF only for 1-6 guests as our private patio is weather permitting (not dog friendly).

A photo of The Grill Room & Bar restaurant

6. The Grill Room & Bar

4.5

Awesome(1296)

££££

• Steakhouse • Portland

Booked 24 times today

The Grill Room & Bar is a must-visit steakhouse in Portland, known for its locally sourced French inspired plates and excellent service. Reviewers consistently rate it highly for its quality food, with special mentions for the 'unbelievably delicious' steak and lobster mashed potatoes. The ambiance is also highly praised, with many mentioning the great atmosphere and the ability to see the chef's at work. With its generous variety of wine, local beer, and handcrafted cocktails, it's a great place to spend time and have a good dinner.

7. Bread & Friends

4.9

Exceptional(142)

££££

• Farm-to-table • Portland

Booked 12 times today

Brunch at Bread & Friends is first come, first served - we do not take reservations. At dinner we accept walk-ins and reservations which can be booked up to 1 month in advance.We are a bakery and restaurant, specializing in naturally leavened breads, artisan pastries, and elevated sharing plates for brunch (walk-ins only) and dinner (reservations and walk-ins welcome). Complemented by a coffee program at brunch, as well as wine, beer and aperitivi/amari at dinner. Let's eat, together.

A photo of Dunstan Tap And Table restaurant

8. Dunstan Tap And Table

4.7

Exceptional(731)

££££

• American • Portland

Booked 27 times today

A neighborhood joint serving elevated pub food and drink with an upscale casual vibe.

A photo of Kon Asian Bistro - Portland, ME restaurant

9. Kon Asian Bistro - Portland, ME

4.3

Awesome(351)

££££

• Asian • Portland

Booked 18 times today

Kon Asian Bistro Steakhouse & Sushi Bar is an upscale Asian restaurant with a new, modern flair. We offer a truly amazing dining experience. Japanese, Sushi, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese Hibachi cuisine offers tastes of the orient that leave you wanting more. Kon Asian Bistro is a truly exciting place to socialize and enjoy yourself.Have a cocktail, glass of wine, beer, or other delightful beverage and relax and have fun. Experience our entertaining and delicious hibachi tables. They are something you won't soon forget! Our unique private party room can accommodate larger parties, from business meetings to birthday parties and more!Please advise if your reservation is for the dining room or Hibachi.

A photo of Earth at Hidden Pond restaurant

10. Earth at Hidden Pond

4.9

Exceptional(3961)

££££

• Contemporary American • Kennebunkport

Booked 58 times today

Indulge in an unforgettable dining adventure at Earth, one of Maine's top restaurants. Nestled among balsam and birch trees, Earth embodies community, connecting exceptional cuisine with dedicated farmers and foragers.Our farm-to-table menu celebrates locally-sourced ingredients, including meats, seafood, and vegetables from our organic gardens. Crafted by Chef Justin Owen, each dish boasts distinct, handcrafted flavors.For intimate gatherings, reserve the Potting Shed for up to six guests or the Painting Shed for up to 12 (food & beverage minimum required, call to reserve).Note: Table reservation durations: 2 hours for parties of two, 2.5 hours for parties of four or more. Walk-ins currently unavailable. Check for new openings regularly.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Helena
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My husband and I were excited to try Isa and we were not disappointed! Excellent 4 course dinner in every way!
More info
Isa Bistro - Portland$$$$• Bistro• Portland
•
4.9
B
Bob
Greater Boston •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A go to place for special occasions. We went with another couple to celebrate our anniversaries and a birthday. They make everything so special. The staff is especially amazing. So friendly and efficient. They do it right. The view of the ocean is fantastic.
More info
The Tiller Restaurant at Cliff House$$$$• Contemporary American• Cape Neddick
•
4.7
M
Michele
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is one of the most outstanding meals we have had in a restaurant in a long time! Service was terrific, friendly but professional. The food was full of flavors and expertly prepared and plated. We have all ready recommended it to friends. Definitely will be back!
More info
Magnus on Water$$$$• Comfort Food• Biddeford
•
5
B
Bruce
Maine •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food. Interesting flavors. Wonderful time. Love this place.
More info
Lucky Cheetah$$$$• Chinese• Portland
•
4.9
F
feedback
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined on 9 Oct 2019
Everything was excellent. We came on a Wednesday evening. We were a party of 6. I think my only feedback would be that at 9:15 as we were sitting having dessert, kitchen was cleaned and they were shutting off lights. So the ending felt like we and another table still eating/finishing up were being 'rushed' out some.
More info
North 43 Bistro$$$$• Contemporary American• South Portland
•
4.5

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