Best Maine Neighborhood for Foodies: Portland’s Old Port Takes the Top Spot

One of Maine's most popular neighborhoods is being recognized nationally for its culinary excellence.

The trendy website LoveFood  took a close look at the country’s best neighborhoods for food and restaurants, compiling a list of the top picks from each state. Maine's representative should surprise literally nobody: it's Portland's Old Port.

The Old Port district is a slam dunk for this category. The neighborhood is a hub for dining, vibrant nightlife, brewpubs, hotels, local shops, and galleries—all nestled within a small radius of classically unique buildings and cobblestone streets. The area stretches downhill from Congress Street to the many piers along the harbor. It’s family-friendly and relatively easy to navigate on foot.

As for the food scene, it’s truly unmatched. There’s something for everyone in the Old Port, from fine dining to hot dog carts. Award-winning restaurants sit right next to long-established dive bars, creating an eclectic mix that perfectly illustrates the city’s food diversity.

But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a bit of what LoveFood had to say about the neighborhood.

Known for its cobblestone streets, historic Harbor Fish Market, and 19th-century brick buildings housing gourmet food stores and souvenir shops, this district comes alive at night with lots of pubs, cocktail bars, and traditional seafood spots by the waterfront.

 

I would argue that the district doesn’t just come alive at night—it’s always hopping, especially during tourist season, which might as well be the entire year at this point.

As great as many Maine neighborhoods are, this is a no-brainer choice by LoveFood. The Old Port plays chess while the rest of the state plays checkers. It’s unquestionably in a league of its own when it comes to the food scene. And more and more people worldwide are discovering this as well.