Restaurants near Merrill Auditorium

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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

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Wheelchair access

76 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant

1. David's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(3921)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Portland

Booked 23 times today

A long established local favorite at the center of the historic arts district featuring eclectic decor,and an energetic atmosphere. David's offers broadly appealing menus that highlight familiar dishes with acreative twist. Open for lunch and dinner, showcasing delectable options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. David’s is known for delicious meals, and warm and friendly service. It’s no wonder that Chef David was voted Portland's best chef in 2021 and chef of the year in 2012.

2. Franciska

4.9

Exceptional(26)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Argentinean • Portland

Booked 11 times today

Franciska is a wine bar dedicated to Argentine Bodegón cuisine, a culinary tradition deeply rooted in Spanish and Italian influences brought by immigrants to Buenos Aires at the turn of the century. In our intimate 20-seat space in Portland’s Old Port, we bring people together over thoughtfully crafted dishes made with New England-sourced ingredients and house-made specialties. Please note: Table reservations are for guests joining us for dinner at Franciska. For wine tastings or drinks only, our bar is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations made within 24 hours of your reservation, or no-shows, will incur a charge of $25 per person. Thank you for understanding and supporting our small restaurant.

A photo of IRONSIDE WHISKEY BAR - Portland restaurant

3. IRONSIDE WHISKEY BAR - Portland

4.5

Awesome(15)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Portland

Enjoy whiskey from all over the world in our relaxing and cozy environment with our Bourbon Steward Liz! Specializing in not only high end offerings, but rare finds and limited releases. Our collection of over 330 spirits has something for every palate and desired experience. Located on the Lobby Level of the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa. Complimentary Valet is available.

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

4. Eighteen95, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

4.9

Exceptional(342)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Portland

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.

5. Evo Kitchen + Bar

4.6

Exceptional(720)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Portland

Booked 12 times today

Local food. Bold flavors. With a chic, energetic vibe, Evo puts an unconventional twist on tradition. Maine's micro-seasons enable our Chefs to play - they are always coming up with new dishes and dynamic ways of preparing the food you know and love. Immerse yourself in an experience at our open-concept kitchen by sitting right in the action, at the window counter, or up in our mezzanine. We require a credit card to reserve any seat. Reservations cancelled within 24hrs prior to your experience will incur a charge of $25 per person Questions please call (207)358-7830

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

6. The Armory Lounge, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

4.0

Excellent(12)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Portland

The Armory Lounge in the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa is a popular bar and restaurant in downtown Portland’s Old Port district. Located in the lower lobby of the hotel, the Armory Lounge provides a cozy atmosphere for hotel guests, and is also considered one of the best bars in downtown Portland by locals. Known for its delicious and inventive cocktails, the Armory also has a wide variety of wine and beer, including several local Maine craft beers. Lunch and dinner options include small plates, soups and salads, sandwiches, fresh local seafood and hearty entrées, such as Fish and Chips and Baked Lazy Man’s Lobster.The Armory Lounge is primarily a walk in seating establishment. If you do not see availability online please come in and grab a seat! Seasonally we will serve in the Garden Cafe and not inside in the Armory Lounge.

7. David's Opus Ten

4.8

Exceptional(184)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Portland

David’s Opus Ten is open during each season for limited and exclusive pop-up events, celebrating seasonal products as they become available. Look forward to David’s Opus Ten Test Kitchen events, Maine Restaurant Week (March), and Portland Wine Week (June). Go to our events page to see what’s coming up.This intimate restaurant within a restaurant is like nothing else in Portland. Chef David is in the Opus kitchen himself to prepare this hyper-local menu. Cocktails and a surprise hors d'oeuvres promptly at 6:00 PM, followed by seven set courses with optional wine pairings or a mocktail option.Reservations are strongly recommend as seating is limited to 18 guests and it sells out very quickly.Opus Ten is also available year round for special events, private dinners, and parties.

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

8. The Garden Cafe, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

4.4

Awesome(5)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Portland

Booked 3 times today

The Garden Café, at the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa - In the warmer months (and weather permitting), we invite you to dine al fresco across the street from the hotel at our enchanting Garden Café. Open for lunch, dinner, cocktails, or dessert, the café is framed by flowers, trees, and gentle ocean breezes; it’s a fabulous destination for catching up with friends or colleagues over delicious fare. During inclement weather we will serve inside at the Armory Lounge.

9. Solo Italiano

4.7

Exceptional(2794)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Portland

Booked 39 times today

We currently offer in-house dining Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30-10:00pm (last dinner seating is at 9:30). Takeout is no longer available at this time. Patio dining is available Memorial Day weekend through September and always subject to weather. Please call us directly to reserve a patio table, but keep in mind that of the six 4-tops available outside, three are kept for walk-ins only.Our restaurant features Paolo Laboa, international chef from Genova, Italy. His menu consists of simple, flavorful and authentic Northern Italian cuisine. This includes handmade pasta, crudo (raw fish), fresh pizza and an all-Italian wine list. Ingredients are sourced locally, from various Maine farms and from the Gulf of Maine, whenever possible.

10. Lucky Cheetah

4.7

Exceptional(281)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Portland

Booked 29 times today

Dumpling enthusiasts and champagne lovers alike can indulge in in the elevated, yet unpretentious fine-dining experience offered in this sexy, and intimate underground hideaway. The menu honors Cantonese classics with dishes Char Siu Bao, while creative offerings such as Lobster Dumplings with Scallion Sabayon showcase culinary innovation in this celebration of Chinese American fare. A deep champagne and wine list complements the menu, and at the 11-seat Pink Italian Stone bar, classic cocktails are shaken up with unique spice combinations and Asian-produced liquors, like an Old Fashioned riff “Old Prosperity” made with Bourbon and Amaro Nonino at Portland, MENote: Table reservation durations: 1.5 hours for parties of two, 2 hours for parties of 4 or more. Walk-in seats are available at the bar.

Dining near Merrill Auditorium at a glance

Updated on 6/17/2025

Bread & Friends

4.9

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From verified diners like you

T
Tim
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was fantastic! The service....impeccable.
More info
David's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Portland
•
4.7
J
John
Maine •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The afternoon tea was a relaxed and enjoyable event in a classy section of the hotel. The staff is wonderful and the treats are tasty.
More info
IRONSIDE WHISKEY BAR - PortlandPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Portland
•
4.5
B
Beverly
Greater Boston •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Lovely new restaurant in Portland that adds a quiet bistro to the mix. Highly recommended. Menu is small and each item prepared with creativity. Trout, muscles, steak, salads all delicious.
More info
FranciskaPrice: Expensive• Argentinean• Portland
•
4.9
C
CindyVIP
Idaho •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 5, 2025
It was a superb dining experience! The food was amazing: super fresh, delicious and inventive.
More info
Evo Kitchen + BarPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Portland
•
4.6
K
Kathleen
Miami - Dade •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
It was Lovely! The wait staff was so attentive, Food was great , we were celebrating with a Birthday Brunch and made it a Real Celebration ! Thank You
More info
Eighteen95, at The Portland Regency Hotel & SpaPrice: Moderate• American• Portland
•
4.9

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