Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Greater Portland

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Greater Portland? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Benkay Japanese Restaurant And Sushi Bar

4.8

4.8 (35)

$30 and under

Japanese

Portland

About the restaurant

At BENKAY Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, we offer a traditional Japanese dining experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Our extensive menu of appetizers, sushi rolls, nigiri, omakase, udon, bento boxes, and other specialties are carefully crafted to delight your senses. We are proud to offer traditional fare and innovative menu options thanks to weekly imports of Japanese fish, ensuring the freshest and most authentic flavors.

To many Portlanders, the name Benkay is synonymous with sushi. Open for the better part of 20 years BENKAY is located in Portland's Old Port. Chef/owner Seiji Ando prepares weekly special-importation menus, thanks to shipments of fish that arrives every Thursday from Japan.

Top review

Anne-MarieGold

Dined 7 days ago

Fresh and delicious food, large menu, good value and the people are lovely too.

David's 388

4.7

4.7 (1652)

$31 to $50

Bistro

South Portland

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

ScottGold

Dined 2 days ago

They did an absolute great job with the meals, but overall the service was fantastic.

Discover more

Popular dish

Seafood pappardelle GF+

Popular dish

Seafood cakes

The Front Room

4.7

4.7 (586)

$30 and under

American

Portland

About the restaurant

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 !

Top review

Kate

Dined 7 days ago

We have never been disappointed with our meals at The Front Room! Food and service are always excellent!!

Hunt & Alpine

4.7

4.7 (24)

$31 to $50

American

Portland

About the restaurant

Opened in 2013, Hunt & Alpine is a nationally recognized cocktail bar. We feature quality cocktails and spirits, paired with friendly service, a knowledgeable staff, and good food.

For parties of 7 or more, please contact us directly at events@huntandalpineclub.com.

We take limited reservations in order to best serve walk in guests, please stop by - we probably have a spot for you!

Top review

julieGold

Dined on 9 Oct 2026

Always love our visit to Hunt & Alpine. A lively cocktail bar with a highly knowledgeable bar and wait staff. Watching them make the cocktails is just as fun as drinking them.

Bird & Co.

4.7

4.7 (427)

$30 and under

Mexican

Portland

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Michael

Dined on 17 Oct 2026

Great as always. Carnitas fries and tacos were fabulous.

Shade

4.6

4.6 (425)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Scarborough

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Amanda

Dined on 17 Oct 2026

The food is consistently delicious, especially the seafood chowder, and the apple pie ice cream. Our server was so helpful offering menu suggestions, and the ambiance is lovely too. Can’t wait to dine there again!

Rambler Irish Bistro

4.6

4.6 (36)

$30 and under

Irish

Yarmouth

About the restaurant

I'm a lover of two things, archaic language and travel. A couple of years ago I stumbled upon a word that really embodied for me both of my loves. Coddiwomple.

Coddiwomple: To travel purposely towards an unknown destination.

The Irish are known for their willingness to rove and ramble seemed like a natural fit hence Rambler was born. A neighborhood destination filled with hospitality and hearty comforting food & drink. We're so looking forward to our journey together.

Top review

Julia

Dined 4 days ago

We sat at the bar and had a couple of drinks and food. We ordered the Dublin Prawns, a side of mac 'n cheese, Guinness Meatballs and a side of Cauliflower Gratin. The food was so, very good! Rick (bartender) was fun, attentive and helpful with the wine selection. The "Tidepool" was a tasty drink and one I would get again. Will be back to try other dishes and other drinks soon.

The Foreside Tavern

4.4

4.4 (411)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Falmouth

About the restaurant

The Foreside Tavern, located in Falmouth, Maine, is a neighborhood restaurant and sports bar where everyone can join over a great meal featuring fine American cuisine.

For a casual night of watching the game and enjoying a drink, diners can try the Foreside nachos, and deep fried wings. Quick lunches on the Foreside Tavern menu include fish and chips, Classic Reubens and an amazing Cobb Salad. Finally, head in for an elegant dinner with the Hanger Steak, Pan Fried Haddock or Pork Chop.
Curbside Pickup is always an option! Tavern Trivia is every Wednesday from 6-8pm in the Bar!

Top review

Dan

Dined on 10 Oct 2026

We all liked our dinners from pub food to steak. Good value as well. No phoniness.

Little Tap House

4.3

4.3 (458)

$30 and under

Bistro

Portland

About the restaurant

A neighborhood gastropub featuring 14 local beverages on tap and scratch-kitchen fare. Menu features shares, entrees and house-made desserts. Reservations available in our dining room; our bar and high-top area is almost always dedicated to walk-ins. For reservations for seven or more, email us at littletaphouse@gmail.com.

Steps away from popular venues such as the Portland Museum of Art, Cross Insurance Arena, and the State Theater. A welcoming dining experience for locals and visitors-alike!

Top review

Mark

Dined 4 days ago

Service was very attentive and timely. Happy hour made the cocktails very appealing. Smash burger was tasty and delicious. Fish and Chips was good but too much batter. Overall a great experience to be repeated.

Bombay Bistro

4.1

4.1 (30)

$30 and under

Indian

Westbrook

About the restaurant

At Bombay Bistro, hospitality isn’t just a service—it’s our promise to make every guest feel at home. We blend authentic Indian recipes with a genuine passion for welcoming you, ensuring each bite transports you to the heart of India while you enjoy the comfort and care of a family‑run bistro in Westbrook, Maine.

Our menu showcases a vibrant selection of Shareable Bites from the smoky Tandoori Paneer Tikka and Tandoori Chicken to delicate Truffle Malai Chicken Tikka and flavorful kebabs like Hara Bhara Kebab and Lamb Seekh Kebab. We also offer traditional appetizers such as Potato & Peas Samosa, Pav Bhaji, and refreshing Pani Puri Shots that burst with authentic spices and textures.

The Entrée section features Chana Masala, Aloo Gobi, Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala, and creamy delights like Saag Paneer Burrata and Shahi Paneer. We also serve regional favorites such as Goan Fish Curry and Dhabha Chicken Curry, all crafted to bring the warmth of an Indian kitchen to your table.

Top review

Jen

Dined on 5 Aug 2026

We had a great meal on the rooftop deck. The food and cocktails were excellent. The rooftop is a wonderful place to watch the sunset over the river.

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