5 Restaurants You’ll Love In Portland’s Old Port

The dining room at Portland Regency.

With its attractive brick and granite buildings and cobblestone streets, the historic Old Port District in Portland, Maine is one of the most beloved destinations for New England boaters.

Pan-seared scallops served over a bed of black forbidden rice, accompanied by roasted red peppers and garnished with yellow squash rings at Via Vecchia.

Visiting boaters can conveniently dock along the Old Port waterfront, steps away from historic streets, antique shops, boutiques, and—perhaps best of all—restaurants.

For a relatively small city, Portland’s impressive collection of interesting restaurants punches well above its weight. Visitors can’t walk more than a few steps without passing a four- or five-star restaurant, interesting international cuisine, and, of course, fresh seafood that is literally right off the boat.

While the Portland waterfront has many excellent restaurants to enjoy, here are a few of our favorites.

OLD PORT RESTAURANTS

DiMillo’s On The Water

DiMillo’s is Portland’s famous floating restaurant and is conveniently located right at the marina. It features outside seating along the waterfront and has an extensive menu will many seafood favorites.

Blyth & Burrows

Blyth & Burrows is a vintage-inspired cocktail bar with upscale small plates. Be sure to get there early. This popular spot is first-come, first-served and only accepts reservations for parties of eight or more due to their small size.

Via Vecchia

Located in an iconic ivy-covered brick building in the heart of Old Port, Via Vecchia is an Italian-inspired restaurant offering creative small plates.

Relax overlooking the docks at Dimillo’s On The Water.

Central Provisions

Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, Central Provisions offers small plates and craft cocktails. If you love variety, they change their menu regularly.

Portland Regency

A hotel conveniently located near the Old Port Waterfront, the Portland Regency is home to four fantastic dining establishments. The eighteen95 restaurant features upscale dining and offers breakfast, brunch, and special events. The Armory Lounge offers lunch and dinner, and it has a gorgeous mahogany bar where you can enjoy creative cocktails. Dine al fresco at the Garden Cafe seasonally. Or have an appetizer and sample whiskey from all over the world at the Ironside Whiskey Bar.

WHERE TO DOCK

DiMillo’s Old Port Marina is the only marina with transient dockage in downtown Portland. DiMillo’s offers deep-water access for boats up to 250 feet, as well as a popular restaurant (see below).

Two other marinas—South Port Marina and Sunset Marina—are across the Fore River in South Portland and just a short taxi ride away.

Learn more about visiting Portland here.

Written by Dan Mathers
Dan is the editor of New England Boating & Fishing and the former associate editor for Offshore Magazine.
His freelance work has appeared in Backpacker, Adirondack Life, Cape Cod Life, South Shore Living, and many other publications.
Dan loves exploring the New England outdoors. He enjoys paddling, camping, hiking, and running ultramarathons.