*BEST IN PORTLAND* Back in August it was our first and only night in Portland, before heading south to Boston, and we decided to give Twelve a try. We were a bit skeptical based on the outside looks, but you could consider this to be a "whole in the wall." It is a bit crowded and noisy when you first walk in, mainly because of the tight enclosed space. We would recommend getting a table at the "chefs counter" in order to see all of the action in the kitchen. There are only a handful of menu items, so don't expect a variety of choices. We started off with the milk bread (you have to get it), and the lobster roll (you also have to get it). We've had that milk bread at a couple other restaurants and man, I don't know what's so different but it's pretty good. This was my first time having a lobster roll (since we live in North Carolina) and I loved it. It is buttery with that bold lobster taste and other flavors. Just a good combo. I'll be coming back whenever and however I can to get one more of those. I got the swordfish and my grandmother got the cod. She said the cod was a little much because of the cornbread layer, scallops, and cod all in one, but was still pretty good. On the other hand, my swordfish was fantastic (first time ever having swordfish). It was buttery, fishy (but in a good way), and just was grilled perfectly. Afterwards we both shared the chocolate dessert (I cannot remember the name). It had a scoop of chocolate ice cream with a honeycomb pepper shell. I think chocolate and pepper is an odd combination but they still blended pretty well together! The honeycomb adds that natural sweetness and the pepper spruces up the chocolate, crafting a balanced taste. Was great! Our server was very attentive and friendly, and so were the chefs actually! They talk to you about the food and tell you how it's made and what they put on it, helping you make your decision. Very friendly people! If you are in Portland, you HAVE to come to Twelve. read more

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My wife and i had dinner here during a weekend stay and the food/ambiance/service was top notch. Would highly recommend and we will definitely be back on our next visit. We both tried the 3-course prix fixe menu (without the wine pairings) - she chose the Halibut which was cooked to perfection and I had the Roast Chicken which was delicious. We had requested that the sommelier pick wine to go with our mains and the selection was perfect. Staff was friendly and the service was impeccable. read more

Holy cow, what an amazing experience. We were fortunate enough to secure a reservation 90 minutes in advance. I can't believe our good fortune. We also got perfect seats. So, we're off to a great start. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and an absolute delight. And then there was the best part, the food! I had the five course pre fixe. Corn soup, very good, lobster roll, kinda unbelievable. The lobster was great and the roll was inspired. The beef tartare was fun and the strip steak perfect! My wife got the potato chips and goat cheese with fig jam and that was entertaining ( I stole some of her chips to go with the tartare and I can only humbly suggest that they be paired) She also got the salad a vegan ceasar cashew and THAT was great. And then it got really fun, she had ordered the monk fish , instead they brought the halibut with cucumber and it was pretty fantastic, we had not noticed the mistake and would have been pretty thrilled, it was that good and very unique but, they had recognized the error and brought the monk fish as well and THAT was great. The owner came by, she's a delight. I had the ice cream sandwich, holy moly! This happened to be my birthday and they brought a delicious multi layer cake and that was also terrific What meal, and what a wonderful experience. Our thanks to the staff and to the chef...BRAVO!! read more

Everything was exceptional. This restaurant should not be missed. Michelin star quality!

My husband and I dined here on our last night in Portland after a week long trip along the coast. We did the prix fixe along with the elevated wine pairing. We subbed the dessert for an additional appetizer. We were blown away by every course! Each dish was elegant and decadent. Some of our favorite bites were the tuna crudo (melts in your mouth ), mussels and the broccolini. Serving sizes were well portioned for a tasting menu and the wine pairings were excellent. Very special and memorable meal in our books! read more

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Had the best dining experience at Twelve. Went as a group of 4, and each did the prix fixe menu, picking different items. Every single course was incredible -- beautifully plated, full of bold and balanced flavor. For dinner I had the cod and it was perfectly cooked and paired nicely with the lobster crab bisque. Parker house rolls, a total must! The wine pairing is definitely worth it and complements the dishes perfectly, but honestly, the dessert was the real star of the night if you asked me. This is truly a special occasion restaurant -- from the stunning atmosphere to the exceptional service, everything felt elevated and memorable. Pro tip: If you're planning a trip to Portland, book weeks (or even a month) in advance. Tables fill up quickly and walk-ins aren't really option. It's absolutely worth planning ahead for! read more

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By accident, hubby and I BOTH booked a dinner on the same night though 3.5 hours apart. I contemplated canceling Twelve because we were here for hubby's birthday, after all. Our days of bang bang dinners are fewer and far between due to getting older lol. But I consulted with him and both agreed we can do it. So at 5, we strolled over from our nearby hotel and were promptly greeted and seated at the chef's counter. We explained to our server Andrew who was very nice that we weren't super hungry and wanted to do just the a la carte menu. At the end of the day, we realized, we ordered probably just as much food as the prix fixe but the dishes were heavily weighted in the appetizers section. We started with the bluefin tuna and the tomato galette. Both were delicious in different ways. The bluefin was nice, fresh and clean...the heavy lifting on the seasoning was left to the pickled veggies on top so don't snooze on those. The tomato galette was comforting and rich, cheesy. Hubby enjoyed this a lot. We also ordered the mussels which was on the app list but they served it to us as a main alongside our cod order. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of mussels but if I had to describe the "jus" in this dish, it would be that of sour cream and onions. The whole thing was perfection. So glad Andrew asked if we wanted Parker House rolls because they were the perfect vehicle for mopping up all that sauce. The cod was also sublime. The fish itself was tender and delicate. The sauce it was served atop was also very good, just not as wow as the mussels' sauce. This was possibly one of the best cooked fish dishes I've ever had. For dessert, we went with the ice cream sandwich. It was a wild blueberry flavor I think? They very kindly cut it in half when serving and hubby ate his up in no time. He even dipped his piece back into the scattered sprinkles. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here. Definitely some place we would 10/10 recommend to anyone. Their prix fixe a great "deal" for a spot that we think is Michelin star level. Biggest regret: Not getting the lobster roll. It looked amazing but we didn't know if we could do that and then be able to enjoy dinner #2. Favorite dish: Mussels (unanimous) read more

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5/29/25 My wife's 75th- The positives: the beef tartare is a ten, against which all other dishes must be rated. The bratwurst an eight- interesting but I wished I'd gone for the mushrooms main course. Chef Colin is gone from the kitchen having moved up to a management positive; Hannah has taken over as head chef and the kitchen has not missed a beat. The negative: and the reason for the loss of a star: construction immediately surrounds the building; the close parking lot is gone; the immediate approach road is blocked off; wherever you are coming from, leave an additional half hour travel time; leave your partner at the door so she doesn't have to negotiate a long loose- gravel road to the more distant lot. I regret the detraction, but this is a major change and you should be warned. read more

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Twelve was first brought to my attention from one of my brother's friends - he recently took a trip to Portland and had great things to say about the restaurant. I had never heard of this place before, and after a little research I discovered that this was a somewhat fine-dining restaurant that had only opened this year. After mulling it over, we decided to have dinner here our final night in Portland. Twelve is located close to the water in the East End section of the city. We were staying in Old Port, and it took us about 15 or so minutes to walk to the restaurant. The exterior is somewhat inconspicuous - the restaurant is housed in a recreation of a historic, industrial-looking building and the surrounding area is a combination of offices, businesses, and apartments. The interior is lovely - there's a good amount of space in the dining room but not enough to make it seem impersonal - tables are scattered throughout with a bar lining one of the walls and an open kitchen in the back. Color scheme was mostly light woods with pale blues that kept the aesthetics fresh. Our server explained that the menu is prix-fixe, where we choose our appetizer, entree, and dessert - I saw an a la carte option on their website but the prix-fixe was the full experience so we went with that. There was an option for wine pairing, but we decided on cocktails instead - I had their alpine margarita which had a light, refreshing flavor. Before apps, we were all served gazpacho - this was unique as it was smooth/pureed and paired with slices of cucumbers and a single cherry tomato. It was good - really fresh and a great way to start the meal. For my app I went with the tomato galette which had a good balance of tomato and cheese - this was calling my name. The app section also had the option to get an additional bread course to share which we opted for - the carbs were quite good and paired with a butter-shallot confit. For my main I went with the swordfish - the fish was cooked well and it was topped with almost dried slices of eggplant and peppers which added good flavor. It was also paired with a lobster sabayon which complemented the fish well, as well as what was almost a tapenade that had very strong flavor. It wasn't bad, but I had to take it in small bites as it could easily have overtaken other flavors in the dish. For dessert I went with the chocolate sundae - the ice cream was rich (a compliment) and was paired with a tasty tasty sauce and crispy caramel to cut through the texture. Service was great - our waiter was super knowledgable, each course came out at a reasonable pace, and everyone made sure we were taken care of throughout our meal. Overall, I had a great time at Twelve; while I don't think this is everyone's cup of tea, I thought the meal was great and appreciated the entire experience. I would definitely return if given the opportunity. read more

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horrifically slow and poor service with the most rude, disinterested waitstaff i've ever met. patrons don't come to spend 100s at an establishment to be talked to like that. the food was mostly unmemorable other than the steak, which was genuinely very good, and the lobster roll, which mostly just tasted of the "roll" it came on. NOT recommended read more

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Delicious vegan tasting menu and wine pairings! These chefs are magical! The flavors! The textures! Emily the pastry chef makes insanely good vegan desserts. How does a vegan ceasar salad taste this good! What a well run kitchen! Sit at the chef's table to see the magic up close. Wow! Perfection! Excellence! Vegan dishes that make your mouth water! read more

On a scale of 1-5 stars...they are a Twelve!! Surprised my wife with a quick adventure from southern New Hampshire up to Portland, Maine - to cap off our trip and finally experience Twelve--a place I'd heard so much about. I honestly don't know how I'll ever top this birthday dinner for her. We left in a euphoric food coma-speechless and amazed. From the moment we walked in, every detail was dialed in. The golden ambiance, the open kitchen, the energy electric! Classy without a hint of pretension. Arguably the best in town, yet completely humble about it. The entire team was engaging from the Executive chef and kitchen team, to the GM, to the host to every server and mixologist --warm, genuine, attentive, and deeply knowledgeable. Service here isn't just good--it's effortless and intentional. We chose the five-course prix fixe, and it was, without question, the best meal we've ever had! As avid New England food lovers--traveling all over from Providence to Boston, Portsmouth to Woodstock and Kittery to Freeport-we've experienced a lot. Twelve stood out above them all! The menu speaks for itself, but it's the unseen work that sets it apart. A green buttermilk dressing delight with the asparagus layered with 30+ herbs--paired with asparagus and mushrooms in a way that stops you mid-bite. A vegan Caesar with fermented tofu and meticulously prepared cashews that outshines any classic version. Perfectly seared Maine fresh sea scallops, floating atop a green goddess emulsion with ramps and potatoes- a rich yet refreshing balance of flavor. A NY strip with truffle jus that melted in your mouth effortlessly. Banana foster that lingered long after the last bite. Cocktails- like the delicious Espresso martini made with Tequila to the "Jefferson Lives"a sweet blend of scotch, bourbon, lime and hint of strawberry - each precisely balanced, each unforgettable. That's the difference here: creativity meets calibration. Every dish and drink is crafted with watchmaker precision--mosaic layers of flavors, somehow both vivid and perfectly in balance, yet refined and composed! We found ourselves slowing down, knowing we were in the middle of something special. Our server, Andrew, elevated it even further--thoughtful, engaged, and intuitive. He listened, guided, and anticipated--right down to surprising us with a birthday cake for her after a single mention earlier in the evening. That kind of care sticks with you. The entire team moved as one-like a perfectly timed piece of music, each course arriving in harmony. It's rare to see that level of cohesion. I don't usually write reviews--let alone ones this long--but then again, I've never experienced anything like Twelve. It's now our #1 restaurant in all of New England--and easily among the best in the country. Make the trip-it is far beyond worth it! Kudos to Hannah, Dave, Andrew, Jenn and the entire team! Wow! All the best! - Damien Davis read more

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Service was amazing- Very impressive. Drinks and apps were top notch. Great experience.

Let me just start off by saying Emma at the bar made our night unforgettable and we will absolutely be back because of her exceptional service, amazing recommendations for the menu and around town, as well as going above and beyond to make our first meal in Portland ever so damn memorable. We did the pre fixe vegan for my husband while I selected off the ala carte menu to try, according to Emma, what they are known for. Before we got to the food though, Emma whipped us up a cranberry Negroni and a Tom Cat Old Fashioned, which were both fantastic. The amuse bouche was a sweet potato, molasses and miso concoction that I thought for sure I would hate because I dislike those first two ingredients--they proved me wrong. It was incredible! For our appetizers my husband had a salad that was so fresh with herbs and their vegan Caesar was so well done that you'd never know. The chefs kiss on the salad was the crunchy cashew nuts and the pairing was harmonious. My appetizer was the lobster roll that I would quite literally punch a baby for -- no joke, full closed fist to the cutest baby to get my hands on another one of these lobster rolls. Don't let anybody steer you away from having this buttery, rich, and just mouth orgasming dish. I don't know how any place could beat this roll and their Chardonnay pairing was perfection. Our main was a lions main that was skewered and roasted over coals with a mushroom scallion whip and pommes anna. Mine was their burger made from blended NY strip and brisket that was cooked exactly how it should be with a little redness in the center. The "fries" on the side were to die for. Lions mane was paired with a beautiful Pinot and the burger with a Rioja, which both accented them so well. The last dish was our desert--the vegan ice cream with miso chocolate sauce and a pepper twill cracker. The pairing with this dessert was probably the standout with a 30yr port that brought out the pepper in the twill. Do not hesitate to book this place and absolutely sit at the bar so you can be treated like royalty from Emma. read more

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This meal will forever be one of the great meals I've enjoyed. It helped that it was 1:1 time with my son. The food was delicious and imaginative while having perfect balance of flavor. The dining environment was lovely. A wonderful meal. read more

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Came here for a friend's birthday dinner on a Friday night for the four course prix fixe menu and everything was absolutely exceptional. The restaurant itself is lovely, with warm low lighting setting the mood. It does get full and so it's a bit noisy but nothing unusual for a popular restaurant. Service was very attentive and knowledgeable. For each course, they described each dish in detail, which was helpful since some dishes were composed of many elements. Now on to the food - everyone at the table started with a bit of sweet potato in broth. The broth was extremely flavorful and the sweet potato was cooked to caramelized perfection. We also split the milk buns, which were incredibly fluffy and soft and buttery. For my appetizer I chose the vegan Caesar salad. It was unlike any Caesar salad I've ever had - the dressing was tangy and refreshing and I loved the addition of the chopped cashews for crunch. For my main I got the oyster mushrooms. They came with sourdough bread topped with kale and more mushrooms. The mushrooms themselves were delightful. I loved the addition of the sweet grains (I think it was bulgur and buckwheat) on top to balance out the savoriness, and the dollop of truffle butter (at least that's what I think it was) was delightful. For dessert I got the galette. This was the only course that didn't blow me away. It was very good but just a little dry and I would have preferred more of the filling. The whipped cream was delicious and did balance out a little bit of the dryness. All in all I had an excellent experience at Twelve and hope to be back! read more

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This was our splurge during our trip to Portland and we really enjoyed the experience. We ate at the bar and ordered the 4 course meal with wine pairing. The parsnip first course was amazing and a great start. For appetizers we got mussels, roasted carrots and the green salad. The mussels were the favorite of this course. The sauce was really tasty with green peas and green garlic...it was balanced and went well with the wine pairing. For mains we got the duck and New York strip. I had a few bites, but I was stuffed by this point. We asked to get out desserts to go and ordered the honey cake and butterscotch tart. We nibble on them the next day and they were definitely good. To be honest I think we were overly ambitious with trying the four course meal...next time we will order off the regular menu so we don't overdo it. This was a memorable meal with beautiful food and a lovely environment. Definitely worth checking out if you live in the area or are just visiting. read more

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Wow! This is hands down the best restaurant in Portland. I had the pre-fix menu with the tuna credo, steak, and floating island. Each course was delicious, and you could tell each ingredient on the plate was chosen with care. Definitely a must try for any ME foodie! read more

Twelve - Tuna crudo - New American Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Had Andrew W as our server, he is absolutely amazing. Definitely needs to be paid more. He goes above and beyond and made me feel so good about eating. He made the experience so grand. Love him. Food was so amazing and unique. read more

Twelve - New American Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Round two. Two years later still spectacular. Consistent. Thoughtful. The tuna. The caesar. And we met Myan. Ask for him to be your waiter when you make the reservation. Next level. read more

My husband and I came to Twelve for an anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint. We sat at the chefs counter which was a new experience for us. It was great to see the chefs work together to compose every plate. Everything we ordered was so good, our steaks were cooked to perfection and the service was impeccable. If you are looking to celebrate or just treat yourself I highly recommend Twelve! We look forward to coming back one day. read more

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Emma was incredible! She made me the best tea experience at the end to cap off the most perfect meal! I never write reviews but I had to! What a great culinary experience! Core memory check! Oh, and that ice cream sandwich with peppermint bark! I'm still dreaming about it! read more

I hate leaving a review that is nothing but raves. There is usually something that can be improved upon. But, at Twelve, I am at a loss to find anything amiss, anything less than perfect. So, get ready for a love fest from me to Twelve in Portland! Last night, we ate at the chef's table. What an experience! At most chef's tables, you get to talk to and converse with the chefs but not here. These people were too busy creating and churning out the meticulous food of a lifetime. You could just look at these consummate professionals and KNOW that it would be impolite to interrupt their artistry with mundane questions. And this intense effort, attention to detail and extreme professionalism extended to the wait staff, the host, the bar and everyone we met. I do not know where you find people like this who are so focused and deliberate in delivering the ultimate in top notch cuisine and service, but the Prentice Hospitality Group has succeeded in putting together a perfect staff. They have the individual focus of fine artists and yet, somehow, they work together like a finely oiled machine, attuned to the needs and movements of their colleagues around them. It was truly impressive to watch this kitchen in action. Our waiter, Andrew (or Tennessee) is also a consummate professional. Thank God he is not a lawyer or a nuclear physicist - both of which I believe he could be - because his hospitality skills are second to none. We started out with a celeriac amuse bouche. It was kind of like savory pancake with sorrel, almond, garlic and horseradish and - of course - the perfectly smooth celeriac. Every bite gave me a slightly different take on the dish but the result was the same - an almost sensual experience! Bravo! For our starters, we had the Tuna Crudo and the Mussels. Each was fantastic! You think - oh - whatever - tuna crudo - I have had that a thousand times before. But, somehow this elevated version surpassed all those others. The vinaigrette was to die for! The Bangs Island mussels were likewise perfection. They were out of the shell and accompanied by things that only a MASTER - yes, I said it, a master - would have concocted. Squid ink pasta, roasted garlic and little heavenly flakes of fried Lacinato Kale (whatever the hell that is)!!! It might be the most unusual presentation of mussels ever! And I am thankful that I was able to eat it! For our main course, we each had the New York Strip. I believe we got this dish because the guy who was working the meat was solitary in his work!. He never stopped moving, preparing, testing, tasting, touching, salting. He was the best of the best! When he handed the saucepans to others, he ensured that the handles were turned to their side so they didn't have to turn the pan before they moved them! And it all happened in the blink of an eye! He was poetry in motion. The steak was expertly grilled. The potato puree was like foam it was so creamy and smooth AND there was little gem underneath it - roasted garlic puree that added something luxurious to the potato foam! INSPIRED!!! And I think that this layering of ingredients and flavors is a hallmark of Twelve. Just when you think you know what you've ordered, they surprise you with something else underneath. Truly the Prentice Entertainment Group and everyone who worked there last night should be very proud of what they have accomplished at this restaurant. It is a pleasure to be served such food, in such an elegant and professional way and in such a beautiful yet restrained atmosphere. I feel lucky to know Twelve, to have been here twice and to know that I will be going to Twelve again! read more

Looking for a superb meal? Head to Twelve on the Portland waterfront. Reservations are definitely best, even at 5:45 the place was full. The restaurant is tastefully decorated and comfortable. Our server was charming and funny, incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. His recommendations were spot on! We chose the prix fixe option, from the appetizer to dessert nothing was less than perfect. The keen attention to detail in plating and well developed flavors made it worthy every penny! Great night out! read more

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The food here is delicious. Really unique and unlike what you find elsewhere around Portland. The servers are top gear and take very good care of you. I have to concur with another review I read before though about kids. Last night there were 3 kids running around, in and out the front door allowing freezing cold air in. I kept hearing Hey Eli! Being yelled. It went on for 20-30 minutes. I don't know really what to think about this, but if I was on a date, I certainly wouldn't describe this as romantic. Tbh I don't know why anyone would bring their kids here as the menu has nothing for them. No wonder they were running around. But it's too expensive for this kind of nonsense. Restaurants are not public environments, they are private operations. As such it's up to the restaurants to tell people to reign their kids in or hit the road. I dine somewhat regularly at high end restaurants-Honolulu and Boston, and kids running around yelling is not a common thing to see. I have seen kids running around at McDonald's playland. read more

Twelve did a wonderful job honoring my dear friend on her birthday with a special slice of cake with a candle AND a complimentary cheese plate simply because she showed an interest! So thoughtful and it made her feel very special. Also our sommelier was a delight and her pairings were so on point! We had a wonderful evening at Twelve! read more

A stand out in an already culinary gifted city. Sit at the chef's counter and enjoy the show. I have eaten at many Michelin and James Beard restaurants and this was one of the best meals I've had--not to mention the value if compared. The staff were friendly and very accommodating. The lobster roll is a must--one of the best in the city with most delicious bread. This is a must visit if visiting near Portland. read more

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While in Portland and visiting some sites, we made it to Twelve and luckily, after our meeting, we were able to snag a table outside. Their outdoor space is bright with fresh air blowing through but unfortunately it got a little cool for us. Not to fret! the attentive servers were able to pull down the shades and it was much better! I stared at all of the dishes coming out to the neighboring, tables and they all looked really good so I was excited to place my order. We started out with the chips & dip. You may think to yourself, "No big deal" but let me tell you this thinly fried potato was a perfectly seasoned crisp. Now let's get into the dip... OMG I need the recipe. That's all I can say! Please do not forget to order the Parker rolls with the pesto butter! Do not miss out on that experience! For my entrée, I ordered the cod which was swimming in a lobster bisque, surrounded by tiny potatoes and topped with some sort of moose cream and fennel with a crispy element on top which was then finished with fresh dill. Hands-down, it was amazing! I felt like I wanted to be somewhere else where no one was watching so I can completely put the bowl to my face and devour it in private! It was that good! For dessert we had the strawberry Galette and it was light and refreshing, which was a good finisher for the palate. Thank you Twelve for an exceptional dining experience! read more

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Simply superb. Every bite was an experience. Each course outdid the previous one. The entire staff was delightfully charming and even without Jenn Forge as your sommelier everything was exquisite. But her service and pairings sent the experience to a whole other dimension. Over the course of the evening the food and the pairings took us on a journey like an orchestral symphony. We can't wait to go back! Thank you all! read more

Ambiance was perfect for a 2-year anniversary celebration! Food was amazing, and the waitstaff brought us an extra dessert for our anniversary -- excellent service :) read more

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Such an outstanding dinner!! Every dish is so thoughtfully created with textures and flavors put together to create a unique mouthful, perfectly cooked for the ultimate dining experience. Service is by far the best and genuine, it's always a pleasure! The size of the restaurant, the vibe, watching the kitchen, it's such an enjoyable evening. This is a must do every time I visit Portland!" read more

We had a wonderful evening. Our server Lee was excellent- friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Our meals (5 course prix fixe) was more than we expected offering us a few surprises like the asparagus and the consommé. Both were delightful. And compliments to the pastry chef on the ice cream sandwich and esp for the meringue w/ rhubarb- superb! read more

We scored seats at the chefs table to celebrate our anniversary and had a very enjoyable and delicious meal overall. The vibe is very casual and informal, no pretense here. You have the option to enjoy a four course prix-fixe or a la carte menu. All diners are not required to have the prix fixe, which provides flexibility. Sitting at the chefs table provided an awesome view of the kitchen, and it was fun to see this very well organized team work together. It was really nice to have the different members of the team present dishes and explain what we were being served. Service was friendly, prompt and efficient, maybe too efficient, more later. The prix fixe option is $90 per person, with optional wine pairing. We chose to start with cocktails and then had a glass of wine. Some may find the menu a bit limited, but the chef takes some basic proteins and elevates the dishes to something special. I wasn't sure about the vegetarian eggplant option, but after discussing with our waiter I decided to give it a go, and so glad I did. Rich, grilled, umami flavors with a bit of crunch, made it a real delight. Bread service is available for an additional $9, and is 4 very delicious parker house style rolls. Delicious yes, but I felt that was a steep upcharge. If you are really hungry, you can opt for the lobster roll as your appetizer course, $20 upcharge. We did not elect this option, but it looked great! My wife had the swordfish, which she said was delicious but a rather small portion. The standout dessert was the ice cream sandwich, just about perfect! All in all, the food was very good with two dishes that didn't hit the mark for us. We thought the vegan caesar dressing was odd, not quite tasting like caesar. I found the Farro Sabayon appetizer to be just a tad over salted for my taste, but I am pretty sensitive to salty food. We did feel a little rushed through our dinner however, perhaps because we had an early reservation and they needed a second turn. Despite the cost, this was not a leisurely dine. Start to finish in less than 90 minutes, and we tried to slow our waiter down a bit when he asked to take our order before our cocktails arrived. I just don't like to feel rushed when having a nice dinner. Had we not put the brakes on, I think we would have been in/out in less than an hour, which is just too fast to enjoy such a meal. If you are looking for an above average dining experience, give Twelve a try, perhaps asking for a later seating and perhaps won't be rushed. read more

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A true culinary experience. Celebrated my four year anniversary with my boyfriend and the team at Twelve made sure to make it a memorable one. We selected their four course menu and had to start their kohlrabi followed by the yellowfin tuna and the tomato tonato which were both delicious. We then had their Parker rolls, which were so fluffy and perfect. As our main course, we went with the New York strip and the swordfish and were both impressed by how amazing they both were. My steak was tender, cooked to perfection and came paired with potato. The swordfish was light, flaky and well balanced. As our final dish, we had the chocolate pudding and the blueberry galette. The team, then, was kind enough to surprise us with a slice of layered cake to celebrate. I couldn't tell you which dish I liked more because they each were so flavorful. Overall, our experience was nothing short of amazing. Our waiter was fantastic and what I would describe as being, "on the ball." Definitely recommend Twelve! read more

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Extremely creative cod, lobster roll and ice cream sandwich. A very well executed meal. By the harbor. Nice staff. read more

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My wife and I came to Twelve for our second wedding anniversary and provided such a memorable experience. We informed them during the reservation process that it was our anniversary and they truly went above and beyond. We were seated a beautiful corner window table, and were given a complementary piece of delectable honey cake that is customary for weddings and anniversaries in Ukraine, where the pastry chef is from. As for the food... the best we've ever had. The dinner started off with a celeriac dish that set the tone for the entire dinner, absolute flavor explosion. I had the mussels for an appetizer, which ended up being my favorite dish of the night. The sous chef worked some absolute magic with the sauce on this dish, which was a reoccurring theme for the night. My wife splurged for the lobster roll and it did not disappoint. For a main I had the cod dish which is in a lobster bisque, absolutely beautiful presentation and intense rich flavor. My wife had the New York Strip and we both agreed it was the best piece of beef we've ever eaten. It came with a beautiful potato pureé that was highlighted by some delicious black garlic that is hidden underneath. For desert I had the ice cream sandwich and my wife had the strawberry galette, which were both terrific but the piece of honey cake absolutely stole the show for desert. The service was impeccable. We had the pleasure of being served by a very southern gentleman, kicking myself that I can't remember his name because he deserves a shout out. He had immense knowledge of every dish and of the kitchen staff. Truly a 10 out of 10 experience and could not recommend it more to anyone in or traveling to Portland. 100% will be back in the future. read more

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Thank you for a truly unforgettable Mother's Day celebration. The food was beyond a '10'. It was a 12! Everything perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. The service was exquisite and we look forward to many, many happy return visits to make more memories at Twelve! read more

Twelve is a real stand out in Portland. Fine dining at its best. The food is always top notch, as is the service. It's pricey compared to other places in the area but it's well worth it. read more

This was my second time at Twelve and we came for Portland's Wine Week. I will just say the chef of Twelve did not disappoint nor did Jenn Forge the Sommelier, her knowledge of the wines she presented us was excellent. Because it was a birthday celebration and wine week we decided to do the premium wine pairings. We started our evening with outstanding parsnips, something I would never think to order but they were truly amazing. This was paired with Bollinger La Grande Annee Champagne, AMAZING! Then we had a choice of appetizers, all of us chose the tuna and that too was outstanding. This was paired with Jean Et Sebastien Dauvissat. We then were served a palate cleanser that I did not care for, tasted very acidic to me from France. Finally, the main course I chose the black bass, my husband the strip and my daughter the halibut. All were fantastic. A scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream was served with 20 year old aged sherry, I thought I had died and gone to heaven but no we were not done.We finished this amazing meal with the chocolate sundae, tawny port and they surprised me with the ice cream sandwich. A most memorable evening! read more

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Great food, truly spectacular. Acoustics no issue- not too loud, comfortable seating not crowded tables. Five star experience for prix fix menu. read more