So you’re visiting Portland, Maine to eat some lobster? On the surface, you’re probably imagining that restaurants on every corner are going to offer up the same classic lobster dinner. Think again. As Portland has grown, so have the many different ways to enjoy lobster within the city. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with all the options, let us guide you through the different places and options where lobster is the main course in Portland.
Traditional Lobster Dinner – Portland Lobster Company
For some, there’s nothing more delicious than a traditional lobster dinner. You’ll find it on several menus throughout the city but if you’re looking for ambience mixed with deliciousness, try your hand at Portland Lobster Company on Commercial Street. Stick around for the live music after your lobster feast.
Twin Lobster Dinner – The Porthole
When you’re looking for traditional, but one just isn’t enough, get yourself to The Porthole for their famous Porthole Twin Lobster Dinner. You’ll get not one, but two 1 1/4 lb steamed lobsters, served with a side of mashed potatoes, farm vegetable, a warm roll and a a side of drawn butter. Enjoy it all on Porthole’s legendary oceanside deck, and you’ve got yourself a perfect summer day in Maine.
Lobster Bake – Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
You’ll find several restaurants situated on the waterfront for that mix of upscale dining with a classic Portland feel. Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room is one of those spots and offers an incredible lobster bake option on their menu that simply can’t be missed.
While you’re there, indulge a little further with their lobster Bloody Mary cocktail option that features an entire lobster claw in the drink. You won’t be sorry.
Fresh Lobster – Harbor Fish Market
Perhaps you’re more interested in preparing some lobster yourself rather than having it cooked in advance. For all of your live lobster needs, take a trip down to Harbor Fish Market on Custom House Wharf. You’ll find plenty of live lobster available along with other delicious fresh caught seafood.
Lobster Roll – Eventide Oyster Co.
The lobster roll can be a subjective food item. But there seems to be a general agreement amongst locals in Portland that you simply can’t go wrong with the lobster roll offering at Eventide Oyster Co. on Middle Street. Their brown butter lobster rolls are one of the many reasons there is often a line for the restaurant stretching around the building.
Lobster T0 Go – Luke’s Lobster
“The flagship location of Luke’s Lobster at the end of the Portland Pier is absolutely worth a visit for the food and view. If you’re in a rush, order takeout online from Luke’s Portland Pier to enjoy lobster to-go! If you can’t make it, order lobster directly to your door via Luke’s Online Market or find their lobster products in grocery stores across the country. Maine lobster can be yours on any coast.
Food Truck Lobster – Bite Into Maine
If the restaurants aren’t your thing, there are food trucks all through Portland for some grab and go. That includes Bite Into Maine, one of the most popular food trucks/carts throughout the state. It can often be found parked somewhere in and around Portland serving up their signature lobster rolls.
Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco – Highroller Lobster Co.
They call it a ‘happy accident’ at Highroller Lobster Co. on Exchange Street, but it doesn’t matter how they came up with their signature lobster cheese crisp taco because it’s here and it’s delicious. It’s a lobster roll inside of a crispy cheese taco and it’s the kind of thing you’ll have a hard time finding anywhere else.
While you’re at Highroller, don’t forget to indulge further by grabbing yourself a “lobby pop”. A lobster tail skewer that can devoured with some warm butter or deep fried for that extra corndog-like feel.
Lobster Stew – J’s Oyster
Similar to a traditional lobster dinner, there are plenty of people who would like to consume their lobster in a more traditional way. If you’re feeling soupy, you simply cannot go wrong with a cup or bowl of lobster stew at J’s Oyster on the Portland Pier. Snag a seat at the cozy bar and warm with your belly with this rich stew.
Surf + Turf – Old Port Sea Grille & Raw Bar
So yeah, lobster is delicious but sometimes it can taste even better when it’s paired with a delicious steak. While you may not think of the Old Port Sea Grille as a place where you’re going to grab a steak, think again. Pair it with their mouthwatering lobster tail for an immaculate surf and turf combo platter.
Lobster Cocktail – Blyth and Burrows
This is a promise, you’ll never have a lobster roll quite this. The ‘Motion in the Ocean’ is a lobster roll inspired cocktail on the summer menu at Blyth and Burrows on Exchange Street. It’s an incredibly unique combo of lobster, vodka, mayo, Genever, kelp and vermouth. Don’t question it until you take a sip.
Lobster Mac & Cheese – DiMillo’s On The Water
For so many folks, a trip to Portland always includes a stop at the famous floating restaurant on Commercial Street called DiMillo’s. You’ll find lots of seafood options but be sure to key on their lobster mac & cheese. It’s prepared “DiMillo’s style”, which means fresh lobster tossed with campanelle in a creamy lobster mascarpone cheese sauce with cognac and finished with their famous lobster stuffing crumbs along with garlic bread.
