Portland, Maine

Pass a languid afternoon sampling 19 different bivalves (including 10 from Maine) and a shellfish-friendly wine list that includes Txakoli, Grüner Veltliner and Muscadet. — Tasting Table

The tapas-style menu celebrates both land and sea, with spicy beef salad, Maine fried oysters and green garlic gazpacho. — Tasting Table

The daily rotating menu highlights Maine's seasonal haul, and simple, wood-fired preparations let natural flavors shine. — Tasting Table

Regulars flock to this little cafe for its charcuterie, panini and housemade milkshakes, but it's the Belgian fries cooked in—you guessed it—duck fat that elicit long wait times and rapturous online reviews. — Tasting Table

At Hugo's, chef-owners Mike Wiley and Andrew Taylor present avant-garde farm-to-table cuisine. — Gayot

You won't find a more local or unfussy place—or one that is more abuzz with conversation at 4 am—than this waterfront institution. — Fodor's

Its dining culture gets much of the attention, but Portland also boasts a wonderfully inventive bakery scene. — Tasting Table

The best brunch in town (in my opinion) nails a delicate balance of sweet, savory, and experimental in a room that’s laid-back and welcoming. — Frommer's

Located in the heart of the charming cobblestoned Old Port, Street and Co. takes simple seafood and through some magical act of alchemy creates foodie gold.  — Frommer's

Set among the many hip pizza and taco spots in Portland's Art District, Emilitsa is an oasis of refinement. — Gayot

Families, students, and bohemian types gather at this popular New England chain flatbread-pizza place. — Fodor's

Located in a historic townhouse in Portland’s West End, BaoBao serves asian inspired comfort food, namely the best dumplings in town. — On the Grid

Chef Masa Miyake's restaurant space in the Old Port is a dramatic change from his former little spot on Spring Street. — Gayot

Proper Italian gelato and sorbetto here comes in traditional flavors, as well as more offbeat varieties like molasses peppermint stick, Wild Turkey bourbon, Girl Scout cookie, Vietnamese coffee. — Fodor's