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Scales, Portland, ME
Scales, Portland, ME
Scales, Portland, ME
Scales, Portland, ME
Scales, Portland, ME

Scales

4.8
4.8
5519 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
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 4:30pm Sunday - Thursday, and 4:00pm Friday - Saturday.

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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 79 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Contemporary French
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (207) 805-0444
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Frederic Eliot
  • Private party contact
    Assistant Front of House Coordinator Kelly Scharf: (207) 805-0444
  • 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

What 5,519 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Maine

    Hot spot

  • Maine

    Lively

  • Maine

    Seafood

  • Maine

    Most Booked

  • Greater Portland

    Best Overall

  • Greater Portland

    Best Food

  • Greater Portland

    Best Service

  • Greater Portland

    Best Ambiance

  • Greater Portland

    Best Value

  • 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

5,519 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love Scales, we try to go once a season and it never disappoints.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Hammurabi

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food, wine and atmosphere were outstanding. More important however, was the absolutely superb service by Sandra.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Maine

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    if you're not familiar with the 'hood', restaurant is hard to find very noisy - conversation could be difficult as you hear the folks at the nearby tables yelling to be heard menu choices were intriging and appealing // presentation was attractive and food was very good - albeit small portions bar area was comfortable and cordial / attentive bare tenders

    Is this helpful?

  4. SuzanneD

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We took a friend to Scales to thank her for a favor. The atmosphere was very jolly with a very happy vibe. The staff were all wonderful… and the food sensational. We all totally enjoyed the evening and would absolutely recommend Scales to friends and family.

    Is this helpful?

  5. MarkwithaG

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very active place. Great food and server was excellent and engaging

    Is this helpful?

  6. Mainea

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Since the day it opened, Scales has been my family's favorite. The ambience is beautiful and authentically Maine. The food is always outstanding and the service is friendly and professional. 12/10 Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Maine

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We sat at the bar, the service was very good. We ordered oysters and the display and service was great. The server who shucked the oysters explained where the oysters came from and was very quick. The food was good and the ambiance was very nice since it was during the holiday season.

    Is this helpful?

  8. LezleeS

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely love this restaurant. The food is always amazing and worth every penny. The staff is courteous and very professional. Always incredible service. We’ve been returning customers for years whenever we visit Portland. don’t miss out on the opportunity to dine at this Lovely spot.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    I’ve enjoyed going to Scales for many years. This time I was disappointed with the quality of service, specifically our server. There are many other places to go for great food, service, and ambiance in Portland. I won’t be going back to Scales anytime soon.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Hendo

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Waiter was amazing… we split dishes so we could all try a bunch of dishes… we had a wonderful time and food was great!!! The server put it over the top

    Is this helpful?

  11. MikeP

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic atmosphere and food. Right on the water, phenomenal service, really couldn't ask for more. The Endive and Blue Cheese salad was a star, and the Scallop main course with the sweet potato cream sauce was skillet licking good. We are considering making Portland an annual excursion and Scales will always be part of the trip!

    Is this helpful?

  12. CherylB

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Seafood stew was AMAZING! Excellent service too. Definitely would return!

    Is this helpful?

  13. BrettM

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The food, service and ambience was amazing. The alcohol drinks were not what we wanted or expected. Believe that Scales needs a better selection of cocktails.

    Is this helpful?

  14. JenniferS

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great.. it felt like our waiter was annoyed anytime we ordered and said we had to order everything at once vs doing an app first.. she wasn’t very nice.

    Is this helpful?

  15. DelW

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best restaurants I have ever been to. I highly HIGHLY recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding seafood! A must if you’re in Portland.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From valet to service to food… this experience was a 5/5. Everything was on point and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone coming to Portland. We’ll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  18. MicheleM

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful dinner on our visit to Portland

    Is this helpful?

  19. jmb81812

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Unbelievable meal at Scales for a date night. The mussels were out of this world, and every bite of the scallops and halibut were incredible. Absolutely worth it, love this place and will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  20. mmmmmeat

    Detroit

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great service great place. What else do you need for date night?

    Is this helpful?

  21. MaryD

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious, and our waiter was very knowledgeable and made excellent suggestions.

    Is this helpful?

  22. KeithL

    Greater Boston

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Always professional service and outstanding food at Scales. The waitstaff is among the very best in Northern New England.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is always was very tasty, but my soup came out cool-ish as well as my main dish

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I’ve been wanting to try this place for so ling. Apparently I had high expectations since I love the other restaurants and bakery. Service was great! Food was meh. We ordered: Maine clam chowder - it was ok Octopus- rubbery and peppers totally overwhelmed the dish Oysters - the ones from Freeport were great! Steamers - way too gritty, we couldn’t enjoy them Endive salad - delicious Crab fritter - good but was expecting something more elevated. There was a long piece of hair on the dish. The waitress was so kind and friendly! She noticed we barely touched the steamers and we told her they were too sandy, which she removed from the bill. We told her she didn’t need to bec it happens but she insisted. My husband said he’d try again but it will be a while before I return.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve traveled extensively and the ambience, service and meal was first rate.

    Is this helpful?

  26. JimM

    San Antonio

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent waiter. Food was exceptional. Outstanding setting and lighting.

    Is this helpful?

  27. DanA

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sitting at the bar is such a great way to enjoy Scales as you are shielded from the crowd in the main room. The smoked sable fish was an outstanding appetizer. We've had the seafood stew before and will be having it again. The flank steak was perfectly cooked (beauvet steak?). If I had one constructive complaint - it was the inability to substitute a vegetable for the au gratin potatoes. I worked in a restaurant and get it but just thought I'd lob that in. We look forward to coming back. A fabulous restaurant on all levels.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    33 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Been many many times and was just off this time. Super slow service and the food wasn’t up to standard. Mushy clams and a short rib which was gelatinous and fatty which they replaced with an even fattier piece. Went to Chaval instead and had an incredible experience there.

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing and the experience was great.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Foodie

    Greater Boston

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a crowd pleaser! The tuna tartare the best anywhere. The service was not as good as usual. But overall a great night once again.

    Is this helpful?

  31. SueH

    Denver

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    For the price especially, the service was poor. The server spent more time clearing dishes off our table than being sure we had what we needed or checking in…there need to be people bussing tables so that the servers can attend to patrons. On multiple occasions we had to call out to the waiter for another drink or something else…thankfully he did give us his name so that we could address him. Service not in keeping with Fore Street or Street and Company.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Kate

    Washington DC

    73 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    73 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always an amazing time at Scales! The bar seats are actually a lot of fun.

    Is this helpful?

  33. HelenL

    Maine

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was delicious and the service was great! I took my husband there for his birthday and we had a wonderful time.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful as always. Friendly servers, everything was delicious. My kids loved it.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Steph

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect crab fritters, exceptional steak and the best lobster roll of my life!

    Is this helpful?

  36. Mari

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and ambience! Great service, too! We want to give special praise to our server, Sadie, as well!!

    Is this helpful?

  37. SteveC

    Maine

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food at Scales is fabulous! We had cloverleaf rolls, clam chowder, steamers, scallops, and halibut. All prepared perfectly. Impressed by the consistent size of the steamers. We came for our anniversary and the attention to detail by the staff included an anniversary card at the table. Service was impeccable. Go for an occasion and you won't be disappointed!

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love Scales always consistent, lovely food and service. 

    Is this helpful?

  39. JamesS

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 1
    Fried clams are still wet with cooking oil. Noise level intolerable. Service excellent. Seafood stew and steak very good, cod too. Good wine list.

    Is this helpful?

  40. KarenT

    Greater Boston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    As always the food was outstanding. The scallops and halibut are particularly great. And, don't forget the sides - the Delicata squash gratin was superb.

    Is this helpful?

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

Scales is rated 4.8 stars by 5519 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 79 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 5:00 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
  • Phone number
    (207) 805-0444
  • Private party contact
    Assistant Front of House Coordinator Kelly Scharf: (207) 805-0444
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