Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Greater Portland

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Greater Portland? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Eighteen95, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

4.9

4.9 (342)

$30 and under

American

Portland

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Kathleen

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

Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

4.9 (1503)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Portland

About the restaurant

INDOOR DINING - Reservations accepted up to 30 days out, for 1-8 guests. Large parties cannot be separated into multiple tables. **Indoor reservations cannot be moved outside upon arrival.** Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or a late cancellation/no show fee will apply.
OUTDOOR DINING - Reservations are available DAY OF only for 1-6 guests as our private patio is weather permitting (not dog friendly).
Friday lunch 11:30-4pm. Dinner daily 4-9pm, except closed on Tuesdays.
Isa is a small neighborhood bistro serving an eclectic and seasonally driven menu. 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.

Top review

DeniseVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Everything consistently good excellent food, local ingredients impeccable service, unique dishes I can always find many things there best french fries ever! We love you

Magnus on Water

4.9

4.9 (317)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Biddeford

About the restaurant

Magnus on Water is a cocktail bar and restaurant that features Peruvian-inspired comfort food from Chef Rafael Zimmerman. Bar Director Brian Catapang helms the Pinnacle Award winning cocktail program at Magnus, with rotating, seasonal drinks to compliment the big flavors of Raf's food. Sustainability is paramount to us, and we work with farmers & fisherman who are respectful of Mother Earth, while working diligently to minimize waste.

Our space is polished, but still intimate and cozy, and in the summer Magnus on Water has a large outdoor patio, complete with gardens and fire pits. We also have a private dining room for large parties and are available for full or partial event rentals.

Top review

Ross

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

loved it the outdoor space is phenomenal summer spot!

David's 388

4.8

4.8 (1422)

$31 to $50

Bistro

South Portland

About the restaurant

From the owner of David's (Portland, ME), 388 is a comfortable and casual neighborhood nook where diners can enjoy a range of bold flavors. Both restaurants share the signature of Chef/Owner David Turin, and David's 388 is built "by the Chef, for the Chef." Every week, David's 388 thrills the palette with new dishes that have both creative and traditional influences spanning the width of the globe. The restaurant seats 42 including seating at a Chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen.

Top review

Karin

Dined 6 days ago

Great food and the vegan & pescatarian options were much appreciated and up to the same standards as the rest of the menu. Staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Discover more

Popular dish

Seafood pappardelle GF+

Popular dish

Crème Brulee

Popular dish

Beef carpaccio & crispy polenta GF

The Foreside Tavern

4.8

4.8 (361)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Falmouth

About the restaurant

The Foreside Tavern, located in Falmouth, Maine, is a neighborhood restaurant and sports bar where everyone can join over a great meal featuring fine American cuisine along with a few Asian fusion and French-inspired dishes. The chef at Foreside Tavern is dedicated to providing a menu that everyone will enjoy.

For a casual night of watching the game and enjoying a drink, diners can try the Foreside nachos, and deep fried wings. Quick lunches on the Foreside Tavern menu include fish and chips, Classic Reubens and an amazing Cobb Salad. Finally, head in for an elegant dinner with the Hanger Steak, Pan Fried Haddock or Cavatelli.
Curbside Pickup is always an option!

Top review

Susan

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

It was a little chilly dining inside. Air was on too low of a temperature.

Bird & Co.

4.8

4.8 (311)

$30 and under

Mexican

Portland

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

liz

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Bird &Co did not disappoint. We had dinner with some friends and the host was incredibly caring about finding us a table we liked. The tacos were yummy, as were the chips and guacamole. The brussels sprouts were also amazing. Really yummy margaritas too.

Magissa

4.7

4.7 (103)

$30 and under

Greek

Portland

About the restaurant

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

Top review

Hannah

Dined 5 days ago

Great food, great service. The space is beautiful, bright and inviting!

Discover more

Experience

Lamb Burger Mondays

Experience

Souvlaki Fried Chicken Thursdays

Experience

Brunch

Little Tap House

4.5

4.5 (405)

$30 and under

Bistro

Portland

About the restaurant

A neighborhood gastropub featuring 14 local beverages on tap and scratch-kitchen fare. Menu features shares, entrees and house-made desserts. Reservations available in our dining room; our bar and high-top area is almost always dedicated to walk-ins. For reservations for seven or more, email us at littletaphouse@gmail.com.

Steps away from popular venues such as the Portland Museum of Art, Cross Insurance Arena, and the State Theater. A welcoming dining experience for locals and visitors-alike!

Top review

MandaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

The arancini is outstanding. We also had deviled eggs, Smashburger and fries, and mushroom risotto. All excellent too. Happy hour is well drinks only, wish they had some premium offerings. Service was excellent.

Thames Landing

4.4

4.4 (77)

$31 to $50

American

Portland

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Patrick

Dined 6 days ago

Waitress was awesome, great food. Would definitely recommend.

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