Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Cape Elizabeth

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

American

Italian

Steakhouse

Seafood

Mexican

Greek

Regions

Greater Portland

Northern Coast

Southern Coast

Neighborhoods

Brunswick

Kennebunkport

New Harbor

Ogunquit

Portland

Scarborough

Top Rated

Charming

Fancy

Good for business meals

Good for groups

Good for special occasions

Great for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

Bar

Counter

Standard

High Top

Outdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

14 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Shade

4.5

Awesome(401)

$$$$

• Seafood • Scarborough

Booked 20 times today

Shade: The Eatery at Higgins Beach Inn, is our re-envisioned on-site restaurant serving as your local watering hole, specializing in fresh beach-fare. You'll love our seasonally fresh cuisine featuring oysters on the half-shell and other locally sourced seafood, wine selection, refreshing cocktails, craft brews, and our covered three-season porch.

2. David's 388

4.7

Exceptional(1595)

$$$$

• Bistro • South Portland

Booked 17 times today

From the owner of David's (Portland, ME), 388 is a comfortable and casual neighborhood nook where diners can enjoy a range of bold flavors. Both restaurants share the signature of Chef/Owner David Turin, and David's 388 is built "by the Chef, for the Chef." Every week, David's 388 thrills the palette with new dishes that have both creative and traditional influences spanning the width of the globe. The restaurant seats 42 including seating at a Chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen.

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3. Fore Street

4.8

Exceptional(4703)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Portland

Booked 48 times today

Located in Portland's Old Port District, Fore Street opened in June, 1996. The interior surrounds a unique brick and soapstone hearth with a wood-burning oven, grill and turnspit; visible from most tables. We believe that good food travels the shortest possible distance between the farm and the table. Our menu changes every day and is founded upon the very best raw materials from a community of Maine farmers, fisherman, foragers and cheese makers. Most of the Maine foods are organically grown or harvested wild, each brought to us at the peak of its season. In 2002 and again in 2007, Fore Street was named by Gourmet Magazine as one of the Top Fifty Restaurants in the United States. In 2004, Chef-Partner Sam Hayward was named Best Chef: Northeast by the James Beard Foundation.

4. Bird & Co.

4.8

Exceptional(403)

$$$$

• Mexican • Portland

Booked 22 times today

We are a neighborhood Taco and Margarita bar. We would love to feed you. Located in the middle of Woodfords Corner, tucked away on the Corner of Deering Ave. and Revere St. Our creative tacos and margaritas use the freshest ingredients and we have something on the menu for everyone. You deserve Tacos.

A photo of The Grill Room & Bar restaurant

5. The Grill Room & Bar

4.5

Awesome(1307)

$$$$

• Steakhouse • Portland

Booked 19 times today

The Grill Room & Bar is a beloved neighborhood gem in the heart of Portland. This local gem offers a unique dining experience with its open kitchen concept, locally sourced French inspired plates and a generous variety of wine, local beer & handcrafted cocktails. Reviewers consistently praise the food, service, and ambiance. One patron shared, 'The Grill Room is everything you want from a steakhouse! Perfectly cooked meat, drool-worthy sides...' Another noted, 'The food was unbelievably delicious. The atmosphere with the music and being able to see the chef’s at work was wonderful.'

6. The Front Room

4.7

Exceptional(556)

$$$$

• American • Portland

Booked 17 times today

Due to volume we are unable to accept reservations for Brunch. Tables are available on a walk-in basis. Reservations are available for Dinner. For parties over 6, please call 773-3366 during business hours to make reservations.Nestled atop Portland’s Munjoy Hill neighborhood, The Front Room, offers dishes & drinks with comfort in mind. A local Brunch destination, enjoy plates such as house-made Corned Beef Hash, Veggie Gnocchi, & Eggs Benedict. Pancakes & French Toast are always a go to. Serving a variety of Mimosas & Bloody Marys, local coffee & teas. Dinner at TFR is relaxed & pleasurable. Plates are made with local components & thoughtful recipes. Enjoy the Casco Bay Scallops, Braised Shortrib, Mushroom Toast, or neighborhood favorite Roasted Pork Loin with JJ's famous bacon jam. Serving a variety of local beer, wine, and cocktails to suit every taste- Come get Happy 4-6 !

A photo of Eighteen95, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa restaurant

7. Eighteen95, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

4.9

Exceptional(362)

$$$$

• American • Portland

Booked 1 time today

eighteen95 offers warm, intimate décor, punctuated by softly lit chandeliers and a lovely brick fireplace. Located on the Lobby level of the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa. Complimentary Valet Parking is available.Currently serving breakfast or brunch 7 days a week. eighteen95 serves special menus on most holidays, check our website for details.

8. The Burleigh

4.6

Exceptional(927)

$$$$

• American • Kennebunkport

Booked 15 times today

Experience culinary excellence at The Burleigh, a delightful tavern-style restaurant located at the Kennebunkport Inn, named in honor of its original owner. Revel in the inviting ambiance, featuring warm red walls and polished wood that create a cozy dining atmosphere. Treat your taste buds to a diverse menu that includes locally sourced seafood, hearty burgers, and innovative cocktails. Enjoy elevated pub fare with delicious gluten-free and vegan options expertly prepared by Chef John Shaw. For an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Kennebunkport, visit The Burleigh.Discover The Burleigh Botanical Bar: Step into The Burleigh Botanical Bar and immerse yourself in a whimsical oasis adorned with organic florals, herbs, and candlelit charm. Relish herbaceous spring cocktails and delightful bites in this enchanting botanical haven, open until September 1st. Open Wednesday-Sunday 4-8 PM. OpenTable Reservations are for the dining room only.

A photo of Hurricane Restaurant - Kennebunkport restaurant

9. Hurricane Restaurant - Kennebunkport

4.8

Exceptional(1800)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Kennebunkport

Booked 33 times today

Sitting over the Kennebunk River in the Kennebunkport neighborhood of Dock Square. Hurricane Restaurant offers the freshest local seafood,locally grown produce and the finest of prime meats available in the market daily. Our Chef and Pastry Chef write our menus each day based on what is the freshest and finest product. Our wine list offers over 130 plus selections by the bottle with almost 60 available by the glass and has won Wine Spectator awards for over 20 years in a row. Our service is casual with our priorities being complete guest satisfaction. Please join us soon to enjoy our wonderful food and beverages and well as our spectacular water views.

A photo of Jonathan's - Ogunquit restaurant

10. Jonathan's - Ogunquit

4.6

Exceptional(3755)

$$$$

• Continental • Ogunquit

Booked 60 times today

With over 49 years in business serving the local and traveling public fresh, local cuisine in a casual yet elegant atmosphere.If you are searching for the perfect place to indulge in an elegant yet comfortably casual dining experience look no further. Jonathan's Restaurant impresses in every way making it the perfect destination for any special occasion. Jonathan's Restaurant is Ogunquit's premiere destination for local cuisine and impeccable service. Accented by soft lighting and elegant décor, Jonathan's Restaurant aims to please and succeeds in doing so. The professional staff caters to its guests'; every need making sure not to cut corners and only offering the finest, highest quality ingredients. The menu is vast and eclectic showcasing an impressive selection of upscale New England specialties.

‘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

C
corey
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great experience, great food and wonderful staff! 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
More info
Shade$$$$• Seafood• Scarborough
•
4.5
E
Eric
New Mexico •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The best experience i have had in a long time. The 48 Oz tommy was perfect for the table. Everything was great from apps to the drinks, flavor and profile was on point. The chef and service staff was amazing...
More info
The Grill Room & Bar$$$$• Steakhouse• Portland
•
4.5
M
Margaret
Portland / Maine •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jul 2, 2026
Excellent service, outstanding food - fresh haddock was delicious, the potato croquettes were perfect, salad was great.....and the creme brulee is the best! We really liked the moderate size of the restaurant - tables not too close.
More info
David's 388$$$$• Bistro• South Portland
•
4.7
A
Arla
Portland / Maine •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 28, 2026
Always great. This is a neighborhood gem. The food is imaginative and the service terrific.
More info
The Front Room$$$$• American• Portland
•
4.7
L
Liz
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 23, 2026
Great tacos, tortilla chips and salsa! We sat outside so the street traffic contributed a lot of noise. Servers great. We stayed a bit after our dinner and check to chat with our friends and never felt as if we were rushed to leave. Would definitely return!
More info
Bird & Co.$$$$• Mexican• Portland
•
4.8

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