Best Historic Restaurants in Portland, Maine

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanGrill

Regions

Central MaineGreater PortlandNorthern CoastNorthern NHPortsmouth and Merrimack ValleySouthern Coast

Neighborhoods

BrunswickDoverDurhamKennebunkportLewistonNew Harbor

Top Rated

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

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

18 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant

1. David's Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(4096)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Portland

Booked 31 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 The Grill Room & Bar restaurant

2. The Grill Room & Bar

4.5

Awesome(1289)

$$$$

• Steakhouse • Portland

Booked 21 times today

Opened by local chef/owner Harding Lee Smith & located in the heart of the historic Old Port, The Grill Room & Bar, has been a staple in Portland's burgeoning food since 2008. An open kitchen concept featuring locally sourced french inspired plates makes this "urban steakhouse" a distinctive dining experience for any occasion. Enjoy Chef Entrees or the A la Carte Menu. In addition, The Grill Room Bar offers a generous variety of wine, local beer & handcrafted cocktails. Stop in from 4-6pm Tuesday - Saturday for Happy Hour Small Bites & Drinks. The patio is pet friendly and is available for seating on a weather dependent basis. The Grill Room is joined by Portland sister restaurants The Front Room & Corner Room & The Mountain Room & Last Run Room @ Sunday River Ski Resort... Walk-ins are welcome although reservations are highly recommended.Large parties are encouraged to call the restaurant directly @ 207 774 2333 or email thegrillroom@gmail.com for reservation needs.

3. The Puddle Dock

4.8

Exceptional(1267)

$$$$

• American • Portsmouth

Booked 23 times today

We are excited to announce we have been awarded a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2025! Located on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum in historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire, The Puddle Dock Restaurant proudly offers Modern Colonial feel and fare! Led by esteemed Executive Chef Derek Clough, the Puddle Dock Restaurant will take you back to Colonial America featuring English and American favorites, then snap you back to the present with our modern twists. Chef Derek takes great pride in growing a lot of our vegetables, foraging our mushrooms, and presenting beauty for your palate. His care is evidence in some of our best-loved dishes, Yorkshire Pudding, Portuguese Salted Cod, Pan-Roasted Duck Breast, and our signature Hoe Cake. Be sure to save room for dessert! All our desserts are made in house - Cinnamon Rum Breading and Posset are among the favorites!

A photo of IRONSIDE WHISKEY BAR - Portland restaurant

4. IRONSIDE WHISKEY BAR - Portland

4.5

Awesome(27)

$$$$

• Cocktail Bar • Portland

Booked 1 time today

Enjoy whiskey from all over the world in our relaxing and cozy environment with our Bourbon Steward Liz! Specializing in not only high end offerings, but rare finds and limited releases. Our collection of over 330 spirits has something for every palate and desired experience. Located on the Lobby Level of the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa. Complimentary Valet is available.

A photo of The Chart Room at Black Point Inn restaurant

5. The Chart Room at Black Point Inn

4.5

Awesome(543)

$$$$

• American • Scarborough

Booked 16 times today

Enjoy the warmth and charm of casual dining in The Chart Room Restaurant at Black Point Inn. Our menu features American cuisine using the best ingredients with a commitment to local, sustainable seafood. Enjoy stunning water-views and sunsets and views of Mount Washington over the ocean while enjoying our signature cocktails or a selection from our extensive wine list. **IMPORTANT DATES FROM THE BLACK POINT INN TEAM**Lunch hours are shortened on 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/17, and 10/24 . Our last seating will be at 12:30 pm on these dates.We will be closed for dinner on the follow dates: 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/17, and 10/24.

6. White Barn Inn

4.8

Exceptional(2489)

$$$$

• American • Kennebunkport

Booked 27 times today

Our contemporary New England cuisine has been rooted in the local and seasonal long before they were the mots du jour on menus across the country. At our AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star restaurant, we showcase incredible ingredients sourced through specially cultivated relationships with the farmers, fishermen and foragers of coastal Maine and just beyond for beautifully-presented, always inspired dishes that encapsulate the very essence of our spectacular setting.We have a smart casual dress code; jackets are preferred, but not required. Shorts, sportswear, and flip-flops are forbidden in the dining room.

A photo of Ristorante Massimo restaurant

7. Ristorante Massimo

4.9

Exceptional(3088)

$$$$

• Italian • Portsmouth

Booked 7 times today

Please Note: Online Reservations are for our Main indoor dining room ONLY. Please call us directly for Wine Bar and Terrace reservations. We reserve the right to charge $20.00 per person cancelation fee, please call us by 12:00p.m.. the day of your reservation to avoid possible cancelation fees.**Nestled like a hidden jewel in historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Massimo's warmly lit brick and stone grotto walls, fresh flowers and oil paintings of magnificent Italian landscapes transports guests to Florence, Rome and Venice. Guests relax in a richly appointed atmosphere beneath mahogany-beamed ceilings and private parties unwind in their own intimate dining room. Ristorante Massimo offers authentic dishes from all regions of Italy. From innovative concepts to timeless Italian favorites, our executive chef creates each dish with a distinctive, refined touch as found in some of the world's most celebrated restaurants. **limited dining room availability offered online**

8. Clay Hill Farm

4.7

Exceptional(2818)

$$$$

• American • Ogunquit

Booked 20 times today

Situated on 10 acres of private gardens and woodlands, Clay Hill Farm offers a unique indoor/outdoor dining experience in nature's backyard. Classic coastal cuisine and award-winning service just minutes from downtown Ogunquit village make Clay Hill a popular destination for weddings and special events. The menu features entrees crafted with locally sourced ingredients and the flavors of coastal Maine. Whether it's a dinner for two or a wedding party of 200, the team at Clay Hill Farm is committed to providing guests with a fabulous Maine experience!

9. The Bradley Inn

4.7

Exceptional(207)

$$$$

• Farm-to-table • New Harbor

Booked 3 times today

The Bradley Inn, on the point close to the Pemaquid Lighthouse, is one of the finest restaurants in the area, which is open to the public, serving gourmet food made from local and sustainable fare. The dining room exudes casual elegance with its wooden tables, blue glassware, and soft nautical lighting, looking out towards the back gardens.Designed with a nautical theme, the tavern is warm and inviting, with its shiplap walls, wooden ship models, and muted lighting. Chef Ross Moskwa is known for his soups and a menu that incorporates a flavor profile that is somewhat unique to the area. He is a master at providing Gluten Free foods, plus accommodating other food allergies and preferences. He knows the struggle personally so understands the importance of avoiding cross contamination and how to offer delicious foods that meet our guests needs. Enjoy your meal with a signature cocktail, a craft beer or wine from our extensive wine menu. Non-alcoholic options available.

A photo of Three Chimneys Inn restaurant

10. Three Chimneys Inn

4.8

Exceptional(279)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Durham

Booked 4 times today

The ffrost Sawyer Tavern is located in the beautiful and historic Three Chimneys Inn. The Tavern, with its open hearth Summer Kitchen fireplace, granite walls, and hand-hewn beams, provides a cozy spot for hearty traditional New England fare. The Tavern is a popular dining spot for local guests and travelers. The Maples Dining Room features millwork dating to 1699 and retains the original Indian shutters that protected settlers from Colonial-era attacks. Coppers, the original winter kitchen of the 1649 homestead, provides an elegant and romantic setting. Wide plank floors, the open hearth and original millwork create an authentic old New England dining experience.Our culinary team prepares savory dishes from scratch with exceptional, homegrown flavor. The kitchen works to pick fresh ingredients for creative entrees and innovative cocktails, resulting in exceptional cuisine that showcases the essence of New Hampshire.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
John
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We have been multiple times. Great food and service! Our go to for special occasions.
More info
The Puddle Dock$$$$• American• Portsmouth
•
4.8
D
David
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
good place for a pre-show dinner with friends and family.
More info
David's Restaurant$$$$• Contemporary American• Portland
•
4.8
C
Charlene
Greater Boston •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The house salad was excellent; love the dressing and the goat cheese. I added chicken and the marinade was fabulous. The turkey sandwich could have been more flavorful but the portion was ample. The coleslaw was delicious. The host, our server, the gentleman at the entrance were all so friendly and professional. We will certainly recommend your inn and restaurant to others.
More info
The Chart Room at Black Point Inn$$$$• American• Scarborough
•
4.5
B
Barbara
Greater Boston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 23, 2026
We love the Grill Room!! Last night especially everyone was superb. We love Julio our waiter he just makes the experience that much better. The hostess, the manager and the other wait staff j were all on their game making for an incredible night. We look forward to our next visit to the Grill Room.
More info
The Grill Room & Bar$$$$• Steakhouse• Portland
•
4.5
P
Pauline
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 9, 2026
This was a delightful High Tea with my daughter for her first Mother’s Day. We enjoyed this last year as well. Hoping to make it a bit of a tradition. Thank you!
More info
IRONSIDE WHISKEY BAR - Portland$$$$• Cocktail Bar• Portland
•
4.5

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