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  5. Portland

Fore Street

4.8
4.8
3154 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary American

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.



Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 52 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Organic, Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (207) 775-2717

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Sam Hayward

  • Neighborhood

    Portland

  • Cross street

    Franklin and Pearl

  • Parking details

    Fore Street has free parking from 5pm to 12am in the parking lot behind the building, depending on availability. Street parking is available as well as customer paid parking in 2 parking garages within 1 block.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 3,154 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Maine

    Innovative

  • Maine

    Great for fine wines

  • Maine

    Contemporary American

  • Maine

    Most Booked

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Filters

  1. FoodFan

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We’ve been going to this restaurant for some 20 years now, whenever we are in Portland, and have never been disappointed. This time was no exception. Kiera took extremely good care of us, and the scallops in particular were delicious, probably the best I have had in my life.
  2. livethelivecom

    New York Area

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is the restaurant that started the food craze in Portland many years ago, and it is still the granddaddy of fine dining. A must visit if you are in town.
  3. calmark

    New England

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything I ate tonight made me feel like I was a judge on Chopped! Beet salad is eat I have ever had, oysters were perfectly served, cornbread was best I have ever had. Worth every penny spent tonight.
  4. MarkA

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious and inviting. Pork loin is my go-to comfort dish on a cold winter night.
  5. DonnaS

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fore Street is always good. Living on Peaks Island, we go to Fore Street every few months. The food is always outstanding! Our server Sarah was the absolute best. Nothing can elevate a meal experience more than a phenomenal server. We have had Sarah is the past. She is personable, knowledgeable about the food, and her timing is on point. We will asked to be seated in her section from now on.
  6. BrianM

    New England

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    My third or fourth visit here. Never disappoints. I’m a tough grader thus the 4/5 stars. Party of two, we got oven roasted mushroom salad and beet salad for apps. I’m a no on beets but was assured they were excellent. My salad was top notch - something I’d never make at home with such a variety of shrooms and just the right size so I could still enjoy my main. Got scallops with sweet potatoes and pork loin with cabbage for mains. Both excellently cooked. Dark chocolate mousse cake and apple strudel for desserts. Bread basket included sourdough that is so rarely done well and this was! Specialty cocktail menu was nothing spectacular in my view but wine list is well thought out with not an overwhelming number of by the glass options crossing all the varietals. Service was friendly, well-timed and helpful. To be clear though my favorite part of Fore Street continues to be the open kitchen. If I were ever seated in the side room I’d have to decline. The staff work hard and nearly dance around the open kitchen with precision. Thought the price/experience ratio was about right for 2023.
  7. JordanR

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service from the moment I walked in the door. Had a drink in the lounge, the waitress was courteous and kind and made sure I was cashed out before my reservation came up and led me to my friends whom I was meeting. Food was incredible, had the mussels, hangar steak and cornbread. My friends had scallops and cod and said they were fantastic. Highly recommend for anyone looking to have a stellar night out in Portland.
  8. mainers3

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal dining experience---everything was exceptional.....and Joe our waiter was the best!!! Until next time.....bon appetit!
  9. MSHow

    Salt Lake City

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our third visit to Fore Street and once again, we were not disappointed. The food was incredible, the service amazing. There were three of us and we each wanted to lick our plates clean - lamb chops, duck confit, skate wing - all amazing. The cornbread side should really be a dessert! We'll be back!
  10. JohnB

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Fore Street provides all of the ingredients for a thoroughly enjoyable dinner out in Portland. The drinks at the bar were excellent and the food was very good. the service was excellent.
  11. CathyV

    New England

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful dinner thanks to our great waiter, Luke😊
  12. ErikaL

    New England

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fore street never fails to amaze. The atmosphere and quality of each dish keep us coming back for more. Cannot come to Portland without adding this to your list!
  13. HeatherH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best, most consistent wonderful dining experience in town... been going for over 20 years -and it never disappoints.
  14. MaryH

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about Fore Street Restaurant was amazing! The food is so delicious. Thank you for a wonderful evening. Our waiter was so pleasant and attentive.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kind and patient service. Delicious muscles and cod with garlic sauce. Warm atmosphere.
  16. TYoung

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve been going to Fore Street for over 20 years. It is a Portland Maine institution! The staff is top notch and the food never disappoints! When I think of the best food I’ve ate anywhere throughout the globe, Fore Street is always at the top of my list and I consider myself lucky to have it in my home state.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A special meal at a special place. Food is creative, well presented and staff was warm and friendly Never disappoints
  18. StanB

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Well worth the wait to get a reservation. From starters to main course, everything was amazing including the service. Fresh Maine oysters, delicious bread, scallop boat a signature dish. And the warm ambiance is noteworthy.
  19. MichaelR

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It's always a fantastic time at Fore Street. Excellent staff all around and wonderful food!
  20. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing!!! Amazing!!!! Amazing!!!
  21. MaryP

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dinner- one of the best meals we have had out in a long time - server was awesome - attentive to dietary concerns - can’t wait to go back
  22. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday dinner
  23. kathyw

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We felt relaxed and cozy. We were well taken care of by our waiter. The food was delicious. We would go again. The Bang island mussels were a must. Negatives -It’s smoky to the point that it was visible and our clothes smelled like it the next morning and we were sitting at the farthest point from the fire roasting. The chefs inhaling all that was enough of a concern to our medically trained table that we’d recommend they do more to vent the smoke from the fire for the staff’s health.
  24. Leslie

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is truly a restaurant to build a trip around. The ever changing menu is so good.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Main course was just ok.
  26. MaryH

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding experience! Waitress was awesome! Thank you!
  27. SHAIMAN

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Without a doubt, the best restaurant in Maine
  28. MaraM

    Fort Lauderdale

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    When in Portland, Maine… I want to eat at my favorite restaurant is Fore St.
  29. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Fore street is always worth an evening. Sometimes like tonight some food is a little less than perfect—but that means it’s still tremendous overall. The bar is very high here.
  30. RebeccaS

    New England

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food. Great reeves
  31. TomD

    New England

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Started with excellent martinis with local Maine gin. The complimentary bread from Standard Baking was truly addictive! The wood grilled squid had a wonderful variety of flavors including white bean purée, sweet Vidalia onions and savory kalamata olives. My husband had wood grilled chicken and I had hangar steak. Both were great! Fore St continues to live up to its well deserved reputation as one of the better places to eat in Portland!
  32. Maemee

    New England

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience5
    Typically a night that is consistently exceptional, was a disappointment. This night the food was unusually unlike what menu described. Meat was extremely fatty and not flavorful. Similarly some of the dishes in our party were not as expected. When we informed our server, there was no adjustment or no consideration. Such a shame it was our go to restaurant.
  33. TedOB

    New England

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fore Street never disappoints. Have dined there at least 20 times and food/service excel.
  34. JenK

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible dining experience! The open kitchen with the exposed brick and steel windows provides the coziest atmosphere and the food and service were impeccable! We will be back!
  35. scubagirl310

    New England

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    The food was not as good as in the past. The menu seems a little tired and boring. The dessert menu was extensive and looked good but we did not partake.
  36. BobK

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Had a great time, the service was top notch and the meal was very good. I would definitely recommend to a friend.
  37. Sunny

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fore Street always delivers on deliciousness! Sarah took excellent care of us! We’ll be back again soon!
  38. ElizabethH

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always incredible meals at Fore Street....never disappointed!
  39. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful, thank you! My husband enjoyed the dinner and all the special touches.
  40. NatashaW

    New England

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our meal at Fore Street did not disappoint. From the appetizers to the main dish to the dessert, it was all delicious. The cocktails were well made and had a good combination of flavors. We went for a birthday, but will definitely be coming back in the future.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Fore Street is rated 4.8 stars by 3154 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 52 times today
Google Map for Fore Street

288 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Franklin and Pearl

  • Neighborhood

    Portland

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Organic, Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Fore Street has free parking from 5pm to 12am in the parking lot behind the building, depending on availability. Street parking is available as well as customer paid parking in 2 parking garages within 1 block.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Sam Hayward

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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