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    Fore Street

    4.1 (1.5k reviews)
    Open 4:30 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Fore Street New American Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    FORE STREET ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Fore Street

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    Reviews With Photos

    The view from the lounge / waiting area (next to the bar)
    Dave R.

    We finally made it to Fore Street. We've tried on previous visits to Portland, but we've never been able to get in. The experience lived up to its reputation. The room has a warm, energetic feel, with the wood-fired ovens and open kitchen setting the tone for the evening. We started with oysters -- cold, clean, and briny, served with a house-made mignonette with shallots that added just the right amount of brightness. Exactly how we like them, and a great way to kick things off. From there, we shared the wood-fire "seared" foie gras served over a small waffle, which was rich and indulgent without feeling overdone. We also ordered the Swedish Christmas sausage special appetizer -- partly out of curiosity and partly because my parents were from Sweden -- and I'm glad we did. It was flavorful, comforting, and felt thoughtfully prepared rather than gimmicky. For mains, my partner had the stuffed manicotti, which was hearty and well-balanced, while I went with the wood-fire-oven roasted chicken. The chicken was beautifully cooked, with that subtle depth of flavor you only get from a wood oven -- simple, confident cooking done really well. Service was excellent throughout. Our server, Sydney, was fantastic: attentive, knowledgeable, and perfectly paced without ever feeling intrusive. Overall, the meal felt intentional and grounded in great ingredients, with the fire playing a supporting role rather than overpowering everything. It's easy to see why Fore Street is such a staple in Portland, and we'd absolutely return.

    Marcel C.

    Good was excellent, drinks were just perfect and the service was great. Place was very busy to be middle of the week - would suggest reservations if possible. Restaurant has a nice ambiance - kind of rustic with a modern touch.

    Cornbread
    Nat P.

    This is an amazing restaurant. Beautiful ambiance. I love everything about it, from their food to their service. Came here for dinner and was seated at the bar. The server was very nice and accommodating! Their menu changes daily. That night, we ordered poached pear salad, Pekin Duck Ragu, Wood Grilled Hanger steak, and Venison. The pear salad was fresh with right level of sweetness. The pear was refreshing! Tender and juicy and actually tasted good with the pistachio! The Pekin Duck Ragu was very interesting! It had a lot of deep flavors and that ragu was so so good! It felt so much like a comfort food and it was absolutely delicious. Wood Grilled Hanger steak was medium rare and it was just so juicy and flavorful. Loved every bite of this! The Venison was another great dish. It was prepared rare as requested by the server and it tasted so tender and juicy! Loved every bite. It was not gamey or anything. It was rich and totally melted in my mouth. We also had their cornbread and it felt like dessert! It was sweet, moist, and had that great crumb that just melts in your mouth. An amazing side order to request! The only downside was that it was hard to get reservations. Calls often went to voicemail and even when someone called back, it would still go straight to voicemail. I did leave my preferred date and time, and eventually they were able to confirm a reservation for me, so it worked out in the end!

    Kitchen
    Colleen D.

    What an incredible meal. Everything was delicious and each member of our group thoroughly enjoyed their dishes. The ingredients are very fresh, and therefore the menu changes daily based on what's available. The bread service is sourdough from Standard Baking, which is next door so it's very fresh as they get the fresh baked bread daily. Service was excellent. Our server was knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Offered some great recommendations. The space is warm and inviting. Creative design with an open kitchen concept. The kitchen right behind the host station as soon as you walk in. Can even see the fresh vegetables for the day through the windowed pantry. I won't go into details on the dishes since the menu changes daily and they may not be available. I don't think you could go wrong with any choice here. My 2 favorites were the crab stuffed haddock and autumn squash creme brulee. Fore Street is definitely a must visit!

    Little Neck Clams
    Perry V.

    We had the good fortune to find a table at the storied Fore Street restaurant on the eve of the great snowstorm of 2026. We trudged over to Fore Street from our Airbnb and entered into the warmest, cozy dining room and shed our layers in their cloak room. We were warmly welcomed by the host and our server to a generous booth overlooking the open kitchen. We started with a non-alcoholic amaro that was especially refreshing. We ordered the following spectacular dishes: Raw Little Neck Clams Honey Roasted Dragon Carrot Salad with Cara Cara Supremes, Endive, Pomegranate Arils, and a Pistachio Labneh Sauce was a flavor and texture of fireworks. Wood-Grilled Squid with a Meyer Lemon Aioli and Olive Tapenade, OMG what a great dish! The squid was perfectly cooked and transported us to Greece. Dry-Rubbed Roasted Pork Loin with Braised Red Cabbage, was pure heaven! Perfect cold winter night entree. Pan Seared Skate Wing with Sunchokes and Leeks in a Lobster Newberg Sauce. This dish was a feat! The skate wing was cooked to perfection with a golden caramelization on both sides. The fried Sunchoke Chips and roasted Sunchoke were such great textural contrasts. The creamy lobster newborn sauce was so luxurious. Dinner was stupendous from beginning to end! The service was gracious and refined. As a former chef, I had many questions about the preparations, and our server responded immediately, with a proud sense of ownership. Dining at Fore Street has been a dream since opening in 1996, and it fully rose to the occasion of our maiden voyage. Thank you for taking us in on the evening of a massive blizzard when everything else was closed, and most bears were at home hibernating.

    Wood Grilled Natural Hanger Steak
    Elizabeth B.

    We stopped by here 2 nights previously & it was packed with a 1 hour wait. It smelled so delicious that I made a reservation for Sunday night however last night we went late a little after 9 when we got off work & got lucky to get bar seating. The hostess was super nice & seated us right away. I love the atmosphere which is warm & inviting. I got hot tea because I was frozen. I ordered the bean & ham soup which hit the spot. My husband started with pork belly & beef cheeks which he thoroughly enjoyed. The bartender brought sourdough bread & butter all fresh & locally sourced. My entree was crab topped grilled haddock which was light & flaky & so delicious with the creamy sauce. My husband had the hangar steak & he said it was so tender & flavorful. We both very much enjoyed it & are excited to go back on Sunday.

    Open Kitchen
    Maggie J.

    It has been almost a decade since my last dining experience at Fore Street but I will not be waiting that long in between visits again! We were in town for one week this summer but I forgot to make a reservation well in advance and was SOL. My husband and I decided to try our luck walking in early on Monday evening. We arrived around 5:30pm and were able to be seating at a table by the kitchen right away. I had forgotten what a cozy restaurant this is and love the vibe of the open kitchen in the glassed in produce pantry. Service was exceptional and our waitress even ended up taking a dish off the meal because I had mentioned that it was overly salty. Standout dishes that we loved were the wood grilled pork tenderloin with polenta fries and the turnspit roasted half chicken. The strawberry shortcake with local strawberries was absolutely incredible and insanely fresh. I also highly recommend getting a box of the chocolates to take home.

    Nichole B.

    I came in with no reservation around 5:30 and was seated quickly. The service was so friendly & provided lots of details about all the dishes of the day.

    Mashed potatoes
    Rachel M.

    We came here while in town for our honeymoon. We made the reservation a month and a half ago and it didn't disappoint. I would highly recommend trying to make a reservation at least a month in advance otherwise I don't think you'll get in. I ordered the scallops which were cooked perfectly. My husband got the lamb shoulder with couscous which was also incredible. Sometimes when people cook lamb wrong it tastes like a pot roast but this was not that way. It was very tender but didn't resemble a roast. The meals were so filling we almost didn't need the sides but they still hit the spot!

    Kristin N.

    This was a cozy refuge after a chilly, rainy day. Our server, Greg, was great. My husband's fois gras was phenomenal- came with currants and a reduction that was so damn tasty. Oysters were also very good. His pork chop was massive and moist. I loved my smoked salmon appetizer and then had the roasted squash with sausage and spiced walnuts atop polenta cake. Very tasty as well. So even though there were no misses, the food wasn't as inventive or tasty as Central Provisions.

    Angelina G.

    wow the resys were booked out for a month and a half but we decided to try to do a walk in around 9:10 and WOW. best american food i've ever had!!! eveything is sourced from local farms daily, menu changes everyday!! mussels: super plump and juicy scallops ceviche: very fresh but flavor was ight. dish was small too haddock fillet: the fish was super soft and juicy. it was deliciousssss!! the sauce was lobster cream sauce with bits of lobster -- it was so rich and decadent. the fish also had a crumble top. you could tell it was seared then slow cooked. pork loin: WOAH -- this one was so surprising bc i didn't think pork could be this good lolol it was slightly pink on the inside which was intentional and it was so juicy and flavorful hanger steak: it was done rare and slightly cold lolol but it was yummy lame shoulder: the boys say it's soooo good but i just don't like lamb at all. it's super tender and soft

    Menu
    Mike C.

    The service and atmosphere is casual and welcoming. Open dining room with wood windows all around. The food is great, local farm to table seasonal cooking and open fire cookery is an experience that everyone should try.

    Lourdes V.

    I celebrated my birthday here, and it was absolutely incredible. From the moment my husband and I arrived, everything felt special. We started with fresh oysters and beef tongue, both prepared to perfection. The flavors were rich and unique, and you could tell every ingredient was chosen with care. We enjoyed a particular wine that paired beautifully with the meal, along with the house special, which truly showcased the chef's creativity. To top it all off, dessert was delicious--a sweet finish to a perfect evening. The service was outstanding--warm, attentive, and professional. Every detail was thoughtful, and our waiter made my birthday dinner feel so memorable. We've dined at many great places, but Fore Street is now our top restaurant overall. It's the kind of experience that stays with you, and we can't wait to go back.

    Venison special.

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    19 days ago

    Food was absolutely amazing and the wine list was top notch. Very cozy yet lively atmosphere as well. Highly recommend.

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    28 days ago

    Best dinner I have had in Portland Maine. And I have had a few!!! I loved the cheese plate and the hanger steak. Truly awesome experience!!

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    Page 1 of 37

    Ask the Community - Fore Street

    Do they serve cocktails?

    Yes! They have a full menu and a bar by the entrance.

    How expensive is Fore Street?

    It is phenomenal food entirely worth the price with a courteous wait staff I have always found to be helpful and kind in the 25 years I've been going here.… Read more

    We are vegetarians, someone gave us a gift certificate, anyone know how veg friendly this place is?

    Definitely meat centric, but there are always a few veg dishes on the menu. Worst case scenario, go to the bar and order drinks and dessert (their desserts are the best part anyways)!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    The Highroller Lobster - The HighRoller (captured by @a.bite.of.life)

    The Highroller Lobster

    4.3(2.3k reviews)
    0.2 miOld Port
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    From the minute we walked in, the staff could not have been more delightful! We sat at the bar and…read moretalked to one of the bartenders for suggestions, so we ordered 2 jumbo lobster rolls, with jalapeño and lime sauces, a basket of fries and coleslaw. All of the food was spectacular!! We loved the addition of the two sauces to the lobster ! My husband also had an ice cream sandwich and devoured it. Highly recommend!! Will definitely return next time I'm In town !

    We came here super excited about this place with its cool outside look and decor inside. We were…read morepretty disappointed leaving and wished we had gone elsewhere for dinner. We checked in and were sat down and told promptly to let anyone know if we needed anything and we would be helped. Went to order and there was some confusion amongst staff, and instead of taking our order then figuring it out, they had us wait and watch while they sorted things. Sat back down and realized we might have not ordered the lobby pop fried how we wanted but instead regular and went back up to change. Was charged an additional $2 when we had waited through the ordering scuffle and already paid $150. Food was brought to table in an okay span of time, and after drinking my soda, asked for a refill with one of the staff members that brought my food. She said I could go to counter and be helped - ironic after being told anyone could help if we needed anything. Know lobster is expensive, but felt it was overpriced for the experience we had. Seems as though they need to figure out if tables should be served or a kiosk system should be in place. Would not come back or recommend to anyone.

    Photos
    The Highroller Lobster - SO GOOD. Lobster tasted so fresh and tender. Bread was hefty and a great compliment. (Lobster Roll)

    SO GOOD. Lobster tasted so fresh and tender. Bread was hefty and a great compliment. (Lobster Roll)

    The Highroller Lobster
    The Highroller Lobster - Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco, Lobster Roll

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    Scales - Seafood stew

    Scales

    4.3(1.2k reviews)
    0.1 miOld Port
    $$$

    Loved everything about this restaurant. The decor was…read morecostal casual with wood beam accents, a rustic feel. The service was on point. Our server was very helpful and attentive. I dont eat seafood but I keep trying .He gave me a couple of suggestions and explained why he picked the dishes he suggested. I ended up ordering the carrot appetizer. It had a middle eastern flair, the flavors popped and it was one of my favorite dishes while in Portland. My entree was the potato crusted cod over a lemon cream shaved brussel sprout sauce. The cod was mild and flakes. The lemon brussel sprout mixture was delicious. This dish made me a fan of cod. I also added the garlic butter rolls. I saw them going by and they were a great add on. Soft, warm with delicious melted herb butter. Scales is a winener on every point. Definitely a must go to.

    Unfortunately Scales did not live up to the hype for us. While we were seated right away at 7pm for…read moreour reservation, the rest of the service during the evening could have been better. Our server described to us the specials for appetizers but never said anything about entree specials (maybe there weren't any?). We ordered the cloverleaf rolls, a cup of clam chowder, a cup of lobster bisque, and the maine mussels before our entrees. Both the clam chowder and the lobster bisque were just ok.. nothing special. The bisque was too sweet and had very little lobster. The mussels were the highlight of the meal. The sauce of cider, mustard and dill was very interesting and had deep flavor. The bread served with the mussels was also delicious. The cloverleaf rolls were great too, but perhaps a little too soggy/greasy from the butter at the bottom of the skillet. For our entrees we had the scallops and the halibut. The scallops were delicious- nicely seared and served with mushrooms and a green pea sauce which was bright and flavorful. The halibut however was not my favorite. The fish itself was cooked very well with a crispy skin, but it was swimming in brown butter and hazelnuts and lacked depth of flavor. It also seemed like an odd choice of flavors for a spring menu. It was served with potatoes that needed a bit more salt. We were too full for dessert and also didn't finish our meals. We sat around for a fairly long time not touching our meals without the server checking on us. Eventually we had to flag them down to get boxes and pay the check. While the ambiance was very nice, for the price and the reputation we expected more. Everything else we have eaten in Portland so far has been fantastic so it was a bit of a letdown.

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    Scales - Open concept kitchen

    Open concept kitchen

    Scales - Buckwheat brownie

    Buckwheat brownie

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    The Shop - oyster shooter

    The Shop

    4.5(259 reviews)
    0.6 miEast End
    $$

    This place came recommended by multiple people, and now that I've been, I can really see why this…read moreis a must-visit in Portland. Once you are seated, you're handed a paper menu on which you mark your selections, then bring that marked-up menu to the counter, where you order and get a number. Food is brought up to you, and you can order subsequent rounds of food by crossing out previous orders and marking up the menu anew. I would highly recommend multiple rounds of oysters -- the first to try one of each and figure out which varieties you prefer, the second to get more of the ones you like, and the last to go all in on your favorite. They've got a varied selection that will suit various tastes, whether you favor a large creamy oyster, a small briny guy, or somewhere in between. All from Maine, which made me feel better about having oysters in a non-ber month. The oysters here are top notch, and the shuckers are, too. Not a single speck of shell in there! I love oysters, and this was my paradise. The non oyster items are also worth trying, so if you have a friend who isn't into oysters, there's something here for them, too. The smoked fish dip and french onion dip are awesome, and the chips they get from another local producer are fantastic. Whether you're a beer lover, a wine person, or a cocktailer, they've got something for you here. Any of those could be the perfect company for your favorite oyster, or you could go for their cucumber mint lemonade slushy, which is insanely refreshing and a great palate cleanser between oysters. Service is efficient, welcoming, and friendly. I think anyone from an oyster novice to an aficionado would feel right at home here. If I didn't live on the opposite side of the country, I'd be here all the time. Unfortunately for me, I'm relegated to pining for these oysters from a distance. If you live nearby, take advantage of your proximity and eat some oysters for me.

    5/29/26 A special note- a new dish added to the menu- the…read moreseafood cocktail- is a winner. This is the go-to dish for the partner who doesn't care for oysters- it it superlative, and I hope it remains on the offerings. The service today- especially fine. I have become, as the French would say, "an habitué"

    Photos
    The Shop - Bloody mary (already ate the oyster, oops)

    Bloody mary (already ate the oyster, oops)

    The Shop - From the street- plenty of parking

    From the street- plenty of parking

    The Shop - Oysters

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    Fore Street - newamerican - Updated June 2026

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