Restaurants near University of Southern Maine

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AmericanItalianSeafoodMexicanChinesePizzeria

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for craft beerGreat for fine wines

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22 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Bird & Co.

4.8

Exceptional(301)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Portland

Booked 23 times today

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.

2. Lucky Cheetah

4.7

Exceptional(259)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Portland

Booked 38 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 like Xiaolongbao and Char Siu Bao, while creative offerings such as Foie Gras Blackberry Dumplings with Brown Butter Miso Crumb 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 a Manhattan riff “Doyer’s Street” made with Chinese five-spice infused Bourbon and Fernet Michaud from 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.

A photo of Isa Bistro - Portland restaurant

3. Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

Exceptional(1470)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Portland

Booked 14 times today

Isa is a small neighborhood bistro serving eclectic and seasonally driven menu. Reservations are available inside the dining room up to 30 days out, with a maximum of 8 guests. Our private outdoor patio is open seasonally with same day reservations available only, as it is uncovered and weather permitting (not dog friendly). Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or a late cancellation fee may apply. Friday lunch available 11:30-4pm. Dinner daily 4-9pm, except closed on Tuesdays.A husband and wife duo! A 2023 James Beard nominated chef, Isaul Perez brings his experience cooking French and Italian food in NYC to life with a splash of his Mexican heritage. His wife Suzie is a certified sommelier and face of the front. They showcase local farms and purveyors, offer craft beers and house specialty cocktails. The dining room is cozy and quaint with an original black tin ceiling. Be sure to order any of the Mexican dishes, whatever they may be!

4. Solo Italiano

4.7

Exceptional(2767)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Portland

Booked 27 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.

A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant

5. David's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(3906)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Portland

Booked 15 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.

6. REGARDS

4.6

Exceptional(285)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Portland

Booked 20 times today

Bringing some LA vibes to the northeast. REGARDS draws inspiration from the diverse food culture of Los Angeles. We highlight flavor profiles from Japan and Mexico with the freshest of Maine produce and products. The menu at REGARDS has bright, zippy ceviches and crudos, rich tamales, plump Argentinian shrimp tacos, along with mezcal cured hamachi collars, crab rice and grilled cabbage with caesar. Clarified lime margaritas with eucalyptus or our gin and sotol martinis with hibiscus pair with our adventurous menu. We pour natural wine and have a large selection of curated mezcals and tequilas.A place for us and for you. Might not make sense, but it sure is delicious. Across the street from Reny's. Nearby Maine College of Art, Portland Stage Company, State Theatre, Empire Comedy Club and Blue Jazz Club. **The 50 Best New Restaurants of 2022, Bon Appetit****Plate Magazine Chef's To Watch, 2023****Star Chef New England, 2023**

7. Magissa

4.7

Exceptional(89)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Greek • Portland

Booked 23 times today

A taverna style Greek restaurant combining traditional preparations with local ingredients to create dishes that are authentically Greek and uniquely Portland, Maine.

8. Benny's

new

5.0

Exceptional(0)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Portland

Booked 30 times today

Benny's is a Philly-inspired, Italian-American restaurant in Portland's Arts District, from the team behind Ramona's Sandwich Shop. Enjoy a signature cocktail at our 14-seat bar, or settle down at a table for a night of classic dishes such as Meatballs, Linguine and Clams, Chicken Parmesan, or Pretzel Garlic Knots. Younger guests can enjoy our unique take on a Shirley Temple while enjoying Mozzarella Sticks and Pasta. Our dining room is fit for date nights and celebratory evenings. Benny’s is all about balance—nostalgic, comforting dishes made with the best ingredients and some modern twists for creative fun.

9. Thames Landing

4.2

Awesome(65)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Portland

Booked 3 times today

Thames Landing brings you modern New England fare—centered around seafood, local meat, and seasonal vegetables—in an airy, bright dining room and on our expansive garden patio.Menu includes appetizers like salt cod croquettes, mussels and deviled eggs, a variety of salads and entrees that range from lobster rolls and smashed burgers to lobster dinners and NY strip steaks. A private dining room remains in place and a cozy expanded outdoor seating area is now available.

A photo of IRONSIDE WHISKEY BAR - Portland restaurant

10. IRONSIDE WHISKEY BAR - Portland

4.4

Awesome(13)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Portland

Booked 2 times today

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.

Dining near University of Southern Maine at a glance

Updated on 5/17/2025

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From verified diners like you

M
morgan
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing place for a celebratory meal - absolutely the best service and delicious food
More info
David's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Portland
•
4.7
S
SusanVIP
Greater Boston •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Went with out-of-state friends for a birthday dinner, 3 out of the 4 of us. We locals knew it would be good, and our friends from Connecticut raved about everything, from apps through dessert. They demanded a return on their next visit!
More info
Isa Bistro - PortlandPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Portland
•
4.9
P
Paul
Caribbean •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
One of the best restaurants in Portland! So amazingly delicious, service…everything!
More info
Lucky CheetahPrice: Expensive• Chinese• Portland
•
4.7
J
Joan
Greater Boston •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Love Bird & Co! The food is delicious and so fairly priced. Service is always excellent. Sitting outside on a beautiful night is awesome.
More info
Bird & Co.Price: Moderate• Mexican• Portland
•
4.8
B
Brandi
Caribbean •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The pasta and cannoli were delicious, lovely staff!
More info
Solo ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Portland
•
4.7

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