CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU /
45
DINING
Long known for serving the freshest of lobster and seafood, Maine has now gained
a national reputation for its innovative restaurants, craft beers, and growing number
of award-winning chefs.
Culinary tourists from around the
country are making pilgrimages to
partake of the creativity of world-class
chefs who have settled in the area
and shaped an epicure’s paradise.
The southern Maine region has a
startling number of restaurants, but
it’s their quality not quantity that’s got
everyone buzzing.
Greater Portland’s dining scene targets
all personalities and tastes, from
sophisticated restaurants to funky,
artsy cafes. Breakfast is one of our
specialties; early risers can start their
day dockside with the fishing crews
at Becky’s Diner. Or try the amazing
buffet at Harraseeket Inn on Sundays.
For dinner, enjoy views of Casco Bay
from restaurants that line the harbor
or soak up the ambiance of venues
tucked away inside beautifully restored
historic buildings.
Many of Maine’s restaurateurs are proud
to be part of the authentic farm-to-table
movement and primarily use fish, meat,
organic produce, and naturally grown
fruit that come from local farmers,
fishermen, and suppliers. Local foods
are featured at century-old farmer’s
markets and at a variety of small
specialty stores that offer a blend of
prepared, imported, and local items.
When you add “bold” and “innovative”
to “fresh and local,” you’ve described the
spirit of Greater Portland’s restaurant
scene and its talented chefs.
Micro-brew mania has also infected
the region and you can quaff many
locally-brewed beers and sample Maine
Mead Works’ award-winning wines
made with honey, and other Maine-
grown ingredients. Create your own
brewery and distillery tour or take one
of the regularly scheduled tours offered
by the Maine Brew Bus.
Now in its sixth year, Harvest on the
Harbor celebrates the creativity of
Maine’s cuisine and the quality of our
locally-made products. Join us the
fourth week in October for four days
full of scrumptious edibles, cooking
demonstrations, and over 150 wines &
spirits to sample. Whenever you visit,
make reservations to ensure you can
experience the food and ambiance at
the dining spots that most intrigue you.
Photo: Chris Lawrence, Wharf Street, Portland
{
RESTAURANTS
}
Summer and fall
find our streets
bustling with
activity, including
lots of sidewalk
dining at intimate
eateries.
45
