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Scales, Portland, ME

Scales

4.8 (6809)
$31 to $50
Seafood
68-72 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 199 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Hot spot
A traditional New England restaurant with modern touches, Scales is located on Maine Wharf next to the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal. Enjoy classic fried seafood as well as locally sourced land fare, while enjoying the view of a quintessential working Maine harbor.

Bar seating is available for dinner service by reservation only. Please check with the host to inquire about bar seating.

Our lounge is open for cocktails and raw bar every day beginning at 4:00pm.

We are only able to seat complete parties at this time. Please note: our patio reservations are weather dependent. If we need to make a change because of weather, we will call you on the day of your reservation to cancel or reschedule your booking.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Contemporary French
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Frederic Eliot
  • Neighborhood
    Portland
  • Parking details
    We have complimentary valet parking while you are dining with us.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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What 6,809 people are saying

Scales reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Maine

    Hot spot

  • Maine

    Most Booked

  • Greater Portland

    Best Overall

  • Greater Portland

    Best Food

  • Greater Portland

    Best Service

  • Greater Portland

    Best Ambiance

  • Greater Portland

    Innovative

  • Greater Portland

    Good for groups

  • Greater Portland

    Hot spot

  • Greater Portland

    Great for fine wines

  • Greater Portland

    Good for special occasions

  • Greater Portland

    Lively

  • Greater Portland

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Scales in Portland is celebrated for its "amazing food and service." Diners rave about its "best seafood meals," particularly the halibut, scallops, and lobster dishes. The ambiance, "friendly staff," and "exceptional service" make it a "must-visit" spot. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
6,809 Reviews
  1. Christinel

    Greater Boston21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding as usual! Had a special appetizer- Halibut Cakes. They tasted amazing- panko crusted, moist, but not wet inside over a delicious remoulade sauce. Whole fried fluke was delicious too! One of our favorite restaurants in Portland!

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  2. Rachel

    New York City3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was delicious at this restaurant, however we had to wait over 30 minutes for our entrees to be served. It started off on the wrong foot as they were behind 10 minutes for our reservation. We figured no big deal and got a drink in the lounge. They were wonderful and quick. When we were finally seated, we were given a two top next to a very noisy, large group table. Even though a couple came after us, they were seated at a 4 top next to the windows. That was a little frustrating as well. Our soups came out quickly and almost too quickly the oysters came, as we weren’t yet done with the soup. Then we waited a little over 30 minutes for entrees. Even the server knew it was taking way too long. Then we ordered dessert, which took a bit to come out as well. As we were eating, everybody was cleaning and closing up the restaurant, which felt uncomfortable since we weren’t the reason why we were still there. This became a 2 hour dinner, not of our own choice. The server was nice, but the overall experience was just clouded by all these wait times, making it a less enjoyable experience. Very few apologies for all the missteps made it feel like they didn’t care, which isn’t exactly how I want to feel as a diner.

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  3. kim VIP

    Miami - Dade28 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Fish was good, but the plate was a sea of oil. Had to ask for my food to be re-plated. Server didn’t check in to see how things were.

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  4. Joseph VIP

    Greater Boston34 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Scales was outstanding as is what we expect from this restaurant. We sat at the bar and Paulo was attentive, drinks were outstanding and the attention to detail spot on. The food was amazing, timed perfectly and exceeded expectations. I would highly recommend Scales for fine dining and great service.

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  5. Kim VIP

    Greater Boston10 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 1
    I sat by the window and had the setting sun in my eyes - so bright I had to hold the menu in front of my face for more than 30 minutes. Not a pleasant experience. The managers response was we don’t want to spoil the view. Put up some damn shades that can be raised and lowered to keep your customers comfortable!

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  6. Holly

    Alabama1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hands down best seafood I’ve ever had. Highly recommend the ceviche, scallops, and halibut

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  7. Alicia VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area53 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The restaurant is a true hidden gem, tucked away near the pier and a bit tricky to find, but worth the effort. The food was outstanding—our endive salad was fresh and flavorful, while the scallops were cooked to perfection, tender and tasty. The spectacular view added a breathtaking backdrop to an already delightful meal. The cocktails and oysters looked very good, but I didn't get to try them due to my health condition that day. I highly recommend this spot for a memorable dining experience and will visit it again the next time I am in town.

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  8. Jo Ellen VIP

    Greater Boston49 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and service from our server Natalie! Was a fun night!

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  9. Carrie

    Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. The waitress made wonderful recommendations, everything was just delicious!

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  10. Ryan

    Maine1 review

    1.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    I never even got to eat there. Even with a reservation. Terribly managed for reservations

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FAQs

Scales is rated 4.8 stars by 6809 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Maine
  4. Greater Portland
  5. Portland

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 199 times today
Google Map for Scales

68-72 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Portland
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Contemporary French
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    We have complimentary valet parking while you are dining with us.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Frederic Eliot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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