Top Best Seafood Restaurants in Sebago Lake

"Favorites at the always packed Eventide Oyster Co. include oysters on the half shell (obviously) served with traditional accoutrements, like cocktail sauce and red wine mignonette, or umami-forward granita-like ices in flavors like horseradish and kim chee. You can't go wrong with any of the seafood: tuna tartare with crispy rice cake, nori, and egg yolk; the lobster roll on an airy steamed Asian bun, with nutty brown butter and a kiss of lemon; or a crispy fried fish sandwich, piled high with shredded iceberg, tartar, pickles, and tare sauce. Reservations are limited here—they will only take them for six or more and even then there are a number of dates they won't accept reservations at all."

"Another famed restaurant here is Eventide Oyster Co, renowned for their oysters and fresh seafood. Jump on route 295 North and head to Freeport, just 20 minutes up the road. You can make the obligatory stop at L.L. Bean (Maine’s most popular attraction) at any time of the day or night because it’s open 24/7/365."

"Best oyster selection in Maine with a set of nuanced small plates designed to sate any appetite. The savory lobster stew with notes of paprika delights, and the lightly cured artic char melts on the tongue. For a unique twist on a classic, try the brown butter lobster roll."

"The gist: In a gorgeous, soaring space overlooking one of Portland’s busiest working waterfronts, you can watch the boats go by while you tuck into chef Fred Eliot’s French inflected seafood-centric menu. The food: Scales employs one the city’s best bar crews, so start with an icy martini (or your favorite beverage) and a plate of smoked bluefish pate, fried whole belly clams, raw oysters or crudo before moving onto larger dishes like local Bang’s Island mussels with a mustardy cider cream sauce or pan roasted halibut with brown butter and hazelnuts. Desserts include a butterscotch sundae with vanilla frozen custard, maple cream, and caramel popcorn."

"Scales, set in a bustling, post-industrial warehouse space on an wharf in Portland’s Old Port neighborhood, sports a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook one of the city’s busiest working waterfronts. In front of a sprawling open kitchen, ice falls from a ceiling-affixed metal chute—fish packing-plant-style—into a large open bin. The cubes keep the raw bar—a striking display of freshly caught whole fish, including octopus, oysters, and clams—appropriately icy cold."

"Dana Street’s wood-fired altar of farm-to-table dining, Fore Street, has been plating up rustic, locally sourced dinners for more than 20 years. The same team has recently added a new restaurant to their portfolio—Scales. A paean to the long-gone, boisterous, and sawdust-filled oyster bars and fish houses of New York and New England, Scales crams an impressive commitment to quality and attention to detail into a busy and fast-paced dining room."

"Bite Into Maine serves six types of lobster rolls, including a Connecticut-style one with hot butter, and others tossed with chipotle or wasabi mayo, and they’re some of the best in Portland. Regardless of when you go, both of their locations will be slammed (there’s a second trailer located at the Allagash Brewery), and each roll will cost you just under $20. But if you’re truly on a quest for the most Maine experience possible, making the 15-minute drive to this food truck parked next to a lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth is a must."

"Bite into Maine has two locations in Portland, and they almost always have a line. Here you can get six different types of lobster rolls that are all under $20. Bite into Maine has a food truck next to the lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth, and it is worth the drive."

"It’s winter with a capital W in Portland, Maine—with cold temps and COVID challenges combined—but in true Portland style, our resilient restaurant community powers on, cooking up creative world-class fare along with inventive ways to serve us lucky diners. From curbside pick-up, takeout, and special pantry offerings to cook-at-home kits, to-go cocktails, and heated outdoor patios, there are many delicious ways to support the local food scene while following state guidelines and keeping safety top of mind. Here is our salute to Portland’s best new restaurants, including brave new stars, as well as faves from the past five-ish years."

"Boone’s Fish House and Oyster Room serves the finest Maine seafood in a historic setting on Portland’s Commercial Street, which has been named one of the best streets in America by the American Planning Association. Boone’s has been a seafood restaurant since 1898 and is currently owned by Harding Lee Smith, a Culinary Institute of America trained chef with experience in Italy and Hawaii. Harding’s faithful restoration of Boone’s includes original Douglas fir beams with a roaring wood fire and tables and booths in beautiful cherry wood."

"David’s Restaurant, located on the edge of Portland’s Arts District, is the namesake of owner and chef David Turin who uses simple ingredients to create innovative, modern American dishes. The restaurant itself is a bohemian melting pot of new and old styles; outside a jazzy neon light bears the restaurant name and high windows give gorgeous views of Portland’s Monument Square, while inside is a contrast of exposed brick walls, retro floor tiles and warm, bistro-inspired lighting. David’s Restaurant dishes include the blackened Atlantic swordfish served with a corn and pineapple salsa and grilled polenta wholesome meatloaf with a modern twist, like the crispy cumin onions, mushroom gravy and roasted garlic potato mash."

"Part of Chef David Turin’s popular restaurant group throughout Maine, David’s Restaurant offers an imaginative dining experience in a classy space. Overlooking Portland’s Monument Square, the exceptional dining destination serves an ever-changing menu of comfort fare with passion and flair and has something for every palate, ranging from imaginative fish dishes and crispy duck breast to Za’atar crusted salmon and Maine lobster roll. Large windows overlooking Monument Square bring natural light into the dining space and offer spectacular views, and a full-service bar offers a wide range of libations from craft beers and craft cocktails to globally-inspired wines."

"Located in the elegant Hyatt Place Portland in the Old Port, Evo Kitchen + Bar is a stylish Middle Eastern bistro that specializes in Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, bring the bold taste and flavors of the region to the heart of Portland. Boasting a chic, energetic vibe, Evo serves a seasonal menu of creative riffs on classic cuisine prepared with locally sourced and regional ingredients with dishes like Pork Sausage with Halloumi, Beef Kibbeh with Yogurt, Chicken and Onion Dolmades, and Skirt Steak. The cuisine is accompanied by craft cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients, five local Portland draft beers and a wine list featuring a wide variety of wines from around the world, including Greece, Spain, and Crete."

"This trendy eatery puts a Mediterranean spin on classic Maine dishes. Floor-to-ceiling windows make it great for people-watching, and you can also see the chefs working their magic in the open kitchen."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. No trip to Portland would be complete without trying some of their fantastic seafood, and one of the best places to do so would be at the Portland Lobster Company!. Here, you and your loved ones can enjoy their fresh and organic seafood - classic clam chowder, crab cakes, lobster rolls, shrimp cocktails, and other delicious meals."

"Located within the Press Hotel across from Portland's City Hall in the heart of Portland's Old Port, Union Restaurant is a sophisticated, yet casual eatery and bar that serves creative and elegant cuisine and house cocktails in a refined setting. The contemporary American farm-to-table restaurant led by Maine native Chef Josh Berry serves a thoughtfully designed menu of market-driven cuisine using fresh locally sourced ingredients. Signature plates include local Norumbega oysters with kimchi caviar, grilled asparagus with goat cheese panna cotta, poached salmon topped with Kalamata olives, local skate, Maine lobster beurre monté, and desserts of Maine maple pudding, and coconut custard tart."

"DiMillo’s On the Water is a floating seafood restaurant with a colorful history. In 1965, local restaurateur Tony DiMillo opened a popular, successful restaurant on Portland’s waterfront and later, in 1978, bought a disused wharf and transformed it into DiMillo’s Marina. In 1980 Tony purchased The New Yorker, a former car ferry and in 1982 the boat became home to the relocated DiMillo’s restaurant, boasting beautiful outside decks with stunning harbour views."

"Of all the places that you can find a lobster roll in Portland, what makes The Highroller Lobster Co. stand apart?. First, one of the owners worked on the docks for years prior to opening this spot, so he has a connection to the freshest lobster, shucked daily. Next, the team commissioned Southside Bakery in South Portland to make custom brioche hot dog rolls, which are, of course, griddled in butter."

"There are more places to get a lobster roll in Portland, Maine than anywhere else on earth. Actually, we can’t prove that—but it sure feels that way. So how do you stand out in such a crowded market?"

"Paciarino is a cheerful, informal eatery and market that specializes in Italian classics, house-made pasta, and made-to-order dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner, the casual restaurant is named for the Italian expression that roughly translates to “the food that makes you happy,” and owner Fabiana de Savino strives to do just that. The dining room is warm and welcoming with Tuscan-inspired pale, yellow walls and large windows which flood the interior with sunlight and has light wooden tables and hanging lights made from stainless colanders, which add a whimsical touch."

"The gist: After turning heads as the chef de cuisine at Eventide and executive chef at Ogunquit’s Velveteen Habit, Chris Wilcox took over a small space in an up and coming neighborhood of South Portland and named it Judy Gibson after his two grandmothers. The food: Wilcox’s winter menu centers around crisp, juicy fried chicken and next-level fixins’ like Lacinato kale, horseradish, and cheddar cheese sauce gratin; three-cheese mac & cheese; coleslaw in a celery seed vinaigrette; and house-made pickle chips. You’ll also find wildcard sandwiches, like smoked mackerel banh mi, dressed with spicy maple nuoc cham, and a marinated vegetable sub, with winter squash mayo and shredded iceberg."

"After beginning its life as a food truck called CN Shawarma, Baharat has recently gone brick-and-mortar in Portland’s East End, where it has expanded its repertoire of Middle Eastern favorites like kofta, falafel and, obviously, shawarma. This expansion entails a full selection of pickles, like turmeric cauliflower and harissa carrot, as well as the more snack-driven meze, such as za’atar deviled eggs and crispy fried chickpeas. Those who can’t decide can opt for the All-In, a shareable platter that encompasses the entire menu."

"It’s winter with a capital W in Portland, Maine—with cold temps and COVID challenges combined—but in true Portland style, our resilient restaurant community powers on, cooking up creative world-class fare along with inventive ways to serve us lucky diners. From curbside pick-up, takeout, and special pantry offerings to cook-at-home kits, to-go cocktails, and heated outdoor patios, there are many delicious ways to support the local food scene while following state guidelines and keeping safety top of mind. Here is our salute to Portland’s best new restaurants, including brave new stars, as well as faves from the past five-ish years."

"Boone’s Fish House and Oyster Room serves the finest Maine seafood in a historic setting on Portland’s Commercial Street, which has been named one of the best streets in America by the American Planning Association. Boone’s has been a seafood restaurant since 1898 and is currently owned by Harding Lee Smith, a Culinary Institute of America trained chef with experience in Italy and Hawaii. Harding’s faithful restoration of Boone’s includes original Douglas fir beams with a roaring wood fire and tables and booths in beautiful cherry wood."

"Four miles southeast of Portland on Cape Elizabeth, 90-acre Fort Williams Park is worth visiting simply for the panoramas and picnic possibilities. Stroll around the ruins of the fort, a late-19th-century artillery base, checking out the WWII bunkers and gun emplacements that still dot the rolling lawns (a German U-boat was spotted in Casco Bay in 1942). The fort actively guarded the entrance to Casco Bay until 1964. A favorite feature of the park is the Portland Head Light."

"It’s located within Fort Williams State Park and well worth a visit. The Press Hotel is a member of Autograph hotels so naturally everything about this place is immaculately designed!. Formerly a printing plant, the hotel redesigned the space with spacious rooms, (comfy king size beds and huge bathrooms!)."

"Just under a half hour from Kennebunkport is Fort Williams State Park and the Portland Head Light guarding the entrance to Portland Harbor. Commissioned by George Washington, the Portland Head Light is a Maine icon, and worth a selfie for sure."

"Be sure to spend some time shopping and grazing your way through Portland’s Old Port where you’ll find shopping galore. A popular stop is Duck Fat, for their fabulous fries cooked in you guessed it…duck fat. Another famed restaurant here is Eventide Oyster Co, renowned for their oysters and fresh seafood."

"Four miles southeast of Portland on Cape Elizabeth, 90-acre Fort Williams Park is worth visiting simply for the panoramas and picnic possibilities. Stroll around the ruins of the fort, a late-19th-century artillery base, checking out the WWII bunkers and gun emplacements that still dot the rolling lawns (a German U-boat was spotted in Casco Bay in 1942). The fort actively guarded the entrance to Casco Bay until 1964. A favorite feature of the park is the Portland Head Light."

"It’s located within Fort Williams State Park and well worth a visit. The Press Hotel is a member of Autograph hotels so naturally everything about this place is immaculately designed!. Formerly a printing plant, the hotel redesigned the space with spacious rooms, (comfy king size beds and huge bathrooms!)."

"Just under a half hour from Kennebunkport is Fort Williams State Park and the Portland Head Light guarding the entrance to Portland Harbor. Commissioned by George Washington, the Portland Head Light is a Maine icon, and worth a selfie for sure."