Portland, Maine has been called the best food city in America per capita — and the designation is deserved. This compact, walkable city of 68,000 people has a remarkable concentration of excellent restaurants, craft breweries, artisan food producers, and one of the finest farmers markets in New England. The city's proximity to the Gulf of Maine — one of the most productive fishing grounds in the world — means that the seafood is extraordinary, and the city's community of talented, passionate chefs has built a food scene that punches far above its weight.

Here's your complete guide to eating well in Portland, Maine.

Eventide is the finest oyster bar in New England — and one of the finest in America. The restaurant's combination of exceptional Maine oysters, creative seafood dishes, and a beautiful, minimalist space has made it one of the most celebrated restaurants in the country.

The Oysters: Eventide serves a rotating selection of Maine oysters, each with its own flavor profile reflecting the specific waters where it was grown. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the selection.

The Brown Butter Lobster Roll: Eventide's lobster roll — warm lobster meat with brown butter on a steamed bun — is one of the finest lobster rolls in Maine.

Reservations: Eventide is extremely popular. Book well in advance for dinner; the bar area is first-come, first-served.

Fore Street is a Portland landmark — a wood-fired restaurant in a beautiful converted warehouse that has been one of the finest restaurants in New England for more than 25 years. Chef Sam Hayward's commitment to local, seasonal ingredients and his mastery of the wood-fired cooking technique have made Fore Street one of the most influential restaurants in the region.

The Menu: The menu changes daily based on what's available from local farms and fishermen. The wood-fired dishes — roasted meats, grilled fish, and wood-oven vegetables — are consistently excellent.

Reservations: Book well in advance. Fore Street is one of the most popular restaurants in Portland.

Duckfat is famous for one thing: Belgian-style fries cooked in duck fat. The fries are extraordinary — crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with a rich, savory flavor that is completely different from ordinary fries. The restaurant also serves excellent sandwiches, milkshakes, and a rotating selection of craft beers.

The Fries: Order the fries with truffle ketchup or the house-made aioli. They're worth the trip to Portland on their own.

No Reservations: Duckfat doesn't take reservations. Arrive early or expect a wait.

The Honey Paw — from the same team as Eventide — is a creative Asian-influenced restaurant that uses Maine ingredients in unexpected ways. The ramen, the dumplings, and the creative small plates are all excellent.

Scales is the finest seafood restaurant in Portland — a beautiful waterfront restaurant with exceptional seafood and a commitment to local, sustainable sourcing. The raw bar, the grilled fish, and the lobster dishes are all excellent.

Portland has one of the finest craft beer scenes in New England, with a remarkable concentration of excellent breweries in a small city.

Allagash Brewing Company — one of the most celebrated craft breweries in America, famous for its Belgian-style ales. The Allagash White is one of the most widely distributed craft beers in the country; the brewery's limited releases are among the most sought-after in New England.

Bissell Brothers Brewing — a beloved Portland brewery with excellent IPAs and a beautiful tap room in the East Bayside neighborhood.

Foundation Brewing Company — excellent craft beer with a focus on hop-forward ales and creative seasonal releases.

Oxbow Brewing Company — a beautiful farmhouse brewery in Newcastle (about 45 minutes from Portland) with excellent farmhouse ales and a beautiful tap room.

Portland's Old Port — the historic waterfront district — is the heart of the city's food scene. The cobblestone streets are lined with excellent restaurants, bars, and shops in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings.

The Portland Public Market House — an excellent indoor market with local food vendors, including excellent cheese, charcuterie, and prepared foods.

The Portland Farmers Market — held on Saturdays in Deering Oaks Park, the Portland Farmers Market is one of the finest in New England, with excellent local produce, cheese, and artisan food products.

The Holy Donut — Portland's most famous bakery, known for its potato donuts — made with Maine potatoes, in creative flavors that change daily. The lines are long but the donuts are worth it.

Standard Baking Co. — the finest bakery in Portland, with exceptional croissants, breads, and pastries. The morning bun is legendary.

Tandem Coffee + Bakery — excellent coffee and exceptional pastries in a beautiful space in the West End.

Portland has excellent lobster options, from casual lobster shacks to upscale restaurant preparations.

Eventide Oyster Co. — the brown butter lobster roll is one of the finest in Maine.

Bite into Maine — a food cart at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth (about 10 minutes from Portland), with excellent lobster rolls in several styles.

Portland Lobster Company — a casual waterfront restaurant with excellent whole lobster and lobster rolls.

Reservations: Portland's most popular restaurants (Eventide, Fore Street, Scales) book up weeks in advance. Plan ahead.

The Old Port: Most of Portland's best restaurants are in the Old Port, within easy walking distance of each other. Plan a food-focused evening in the neighborhood.

Parking: Portland's Old Port has limited parking. Use the city's parking garages and walk.

For more Maine adventures, see our Maine Coastal Guide, Maine Lobster & Seafood Guide, Acadia National Park Guide, Maine Outdoor Adventures, and Best Time to Visit Maine.