Portland, Maine Food Tour- G.Gatto

My trip to Portland, Maine was one of the best trips that I have taken in the states. While I was in Portland, I made sure to live out my food dreams. As a result, this Portland, Maine food tour will leave you drooling. Portland is jam packed with some pretty incredible food and I was on a mission to eat my way around town.

Check out my Portland, Maine Food Tour Video

Just like the name lends, Portland is a coastal city. This photo of Portland was taken on a ferry ride to one of the islands surrounding the city.

Highroller Lobster Co.

This was my first lobster roll during my trip and it was far from typical. Highroller is known for their ability to offer customizable lobster rolls with interesting ingredients. I ordered a Maine style lobster roll with garlic mayo and lobster ghee. I am here to report that it tasted as good as it sounds. If you are someone like me who has a preference for Connecticut style lobster rolls, then Highroller is the perfect option to mix it up and give Maine style a try. Their menu has some other pretty unique lobster roll options such as a charred pineapple mayo and curried ketchup. Lastly, one item that I didn’t try but is really popular for obvious reasons is their lobster grilled cheese.

What is the difference between a Maine and Connecticut Lobster roll?

The biggest difference is..mayo! A Maine lobster roll is more like a lobster salad. It is cold lobster meat tossed in mayo, unlike a Connecticut Lobster Roll which is served warm. Connecticut style is warm lobster tossed in butter. Both of them are served in hotdog type buns like what is shown above. However, as expected the Maine roll is cold and the Connecticut is freshly toasted.

Duck Fat

If you are doing research for where to eat in Portland, Maine, it is hard not to come across Duck Fat. The name might seem strong if you don’t know the meaning behind it. Duck Fat is a Belgian style fry restaurant. Still confused? Well in Belgium they take their fries very seriously. They double fry their potatoes at two different temperatures. One temperature is for cooking and one for crisping, and they are all fried in, you guessed it, duck fat. The star of the show for me is pictured below, the duck fat gravy poutine, which is a Canadian dish. If you stop by Duck Fat I highly recommend getting their poutine and if you are feeling like a potato head, then try some regular fries with their dip sampler to get the full Belgian experience.

Eventide Oyster Co.

Another Portland, Maine must eat is Eventide Oyster Co. which is a James Beard award winning restaurant. Their menu has a bit of Asian flare boasting buns that resemble bao buns, instead of traditional hotdog buns with their lobster rolls. I ordered a chef’s selection of oysters, a lobster roll, and a crab bun. If you want to eat high quality ingredients prepared in a creative and refreshing way, then this is your spot. I mean, I got kimchi ice as an accouterment, like um, wow.

Below is their iconic and trademarked brown butter lobster roll tucked in a pillowy soft bun. It is better than you think.

Hot Suppa

On my last day, we stopped at Hot Suppa for a southern style breakfast. I ordered their shrimp and grits and I think I can still taste the dish. It was perfectly balanced with complex and complementary flavors. Every bite was better than the last making this just another must eat when in Portland, Maine.

If you would like to learn more about the places listed below then check out my Youtube video for a more comprehensive Portland, Maine Food Tour here.