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Fore Street

New American Restaurant and American Restaurant$$$$
Downtown Portland, Portland
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9.0/10
366
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  • Stars
  • Stars
    Go here. Experience the mussels. It's worth it.
  • Tips
    From Away
    "Mussels and a glass of wine at the bar are always an excellent bet."(29 Tips)
    Dan
    "Turnspit roasted half chicken and hanger steaks are great."(2 Tips)
    Mari G.
    "Beautiful open kitchen!!"(2 Tips)
    Osman J.
    "Chilled seafood platter was a great starter."(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon116 Tips and reviews
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  • trendy
  • turnspit
  • healthy food
  • tarts
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  • Claire E.heart icon on user image
    Claire EvanoffNovember 3, 2014
    This place is heaven. Reservations fill up early but do what I did - stop by when they open and grab one of their walk-in slots. Then have a drink at North Point or Portland Hunt + Alpine Club. 💣
  • Osman J.heart icon on user image
    Osman JavedAugust 5, 2017
    Squash ravioli and black bass were amazingly clean yet flavorful. The chicken was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of char. Chilled seafood platter was a great starter. Staff was amazing
  • Tamara H.
    Tamara HMay 27, 2013
    Fore Street's market-driven, changes-daily menu is amazing, which makes for long waits. Make a reservation a day in advance, or put your name on the list right at 5, if you want to eat before 9 p.m.
  • Tracey Z.heart icon on user image
    Tracey ZaneMay 28, 2017
    Great restaurant that's a fun dining experience in Maine! Open kitchen concept with the menu changing daily. Just ask the waiters for a tip - it can be overwhelming to choose through all the options!
  • Lauren
    LaurenJune 9, 2016
    "Mussels & gin gimlets are fantastic here. You won't be able to get a reservation, but if you arrive 4:40 (doors at 5:00) you can usually get a seat in the lounge. Don't be shy to ask for more bread!"
  • Cristina Z.
    Cristina Z.August 7, 2018
    A must stop in Portland. The atmosphere, the excellent food, the amazing “open” kitchen is a must have experience. Remember to book in advance!
  • Marco F.heart icon on user image
    Marco FrancaOctober 31, 2019
    Fore was exceptional. The Mussels appetizer was exquisite - and the garlic almond sauce stunningly good. The Skirt Steak was perfectly prepared with a almond chimichurri which was to die for.
  • Christine L.heart icon on user image
    Christine LMay 28, 2017
    We couldn't get a dinner res even weeks in advance, but we were able to walk in and order app's at the bar from a pretty extensive menu. Grilled squid, foie gras, mackerel & mussels 👌👌👌
  • Epicurious
    EpicuriousAugust 3, 2014
    From the wood oven–roasted mussels to the seasonal fruit desserts, such as caramelized pear tart—and you get one of the finest restaurants not just in Portland but in the Northeast. Read more
  • Erik C.
    Erik CintronAugust 12, 2015
    The ambiance here is so trendy/sexy. Low lite. Staff looked sharp and attentive. Decor was that of exposed brick. Food was amazing order anything. Nice selection of beer/liquor. Old part of Maine.
  • Frances C.heart icon on user image
    Frances CivelloJuly 16, 2015
    Believe the hype. Our experience here was exceptional from start to finish. The food was exquisite, the service perfection. Highly recommend the wood roasted mussels and the tomato tart.
  • Eater
    EaterJuly 30, 2012
    The James Beard Award-winning chef was the first in Portland to incorporate ingredients from local farmers, fishermen and foragers. His rustic, seasonal menu changes daily. [Eater 18 Member]
  • Ha-ti N.
    Ha-ti NguyenJuly 1, 2017
    foie gras mousse from the offal trio (lamb terrine + pork creton also 👌🏽). you'll regret it if you don't. thank me later.
  • Marcia D.heart icon on user image
    Marcia DunsmoreJune 4, 2016
    The roasted mussels, pork loin , smoked and cured seafood tasting. All seasonal sides. These are great. The others are all damn very good. Incredible professional service.
  • Laurie D.heart icon on user image
    Laurie DennessNovember 1, 2016
    One of the best meals I've ever had. Amazing ambience, couldn't stop watching the kitchen. Lamb was divine
  • Stephanie V.heart icon on user image
    Stephanie VNHDecember 10, 2014
    Amazing farm to table restaurant. Very pure, Organic, local cuisine. Beautiful open kitchen. Nordic influences. Bit pricy though.
  • Christi E.
    Christi EubanksSeptember 1, 2014
    Lives up to expectations every time. These guys do offal really well. Pasta is fresh made. Put your name in at the bar for a shorter wait without reservations.
  • Hutch L.heart icon on user image
    Hutch LeeJuly 18, 2015
    Amazing restaurant. Staff is super friendly. I recommend the fresh green salad, the lamb pastrami, and the Hanger Steak. The bread is unbelievable.
  • Cormac R.heart icon on user image
    Cormac RiordanDecember 5, 2015
    When you want a good fancy dinner in Portland, there's really only two options. This is one of them.
  • Sarah D.
    Sarah Decker SextonOctober 13, 2013
    I've had the whole fish twice now and it's been fabulous both times! I also highly recommend the mussels as an app! Possibly my very favorite restaurant!
  • emma t.
    emma tangorenJuly 4, 2015
    incredible food at fore street. if you don't have a reservation, wait in line around 5pm when the doors open for a same-day table. definitely worth the wait.
  • Zachary C.
    Zachary ChromiakFebruary 25, 2013
    If you're in Portland for any amount of time, make this your first choice of places to eat. Quality is second to none which is no small feat in a city with a fantastic food scene.
  • Noah X.heart icon on user image
    Noah XifrAugust 3, 2012
    Total foodie heaven. Ambiance. Service. Prep. Presentation. They amazingly cook so much more than lobster in Portland Maine! Get ur res early, it's worth the wait.
  • Nilay G.heart icon on user image
    Nilay GandhiAugust 19, 2018
    the corn and carrot soup and chilled seafood plate was probably the best opening to a meal that I've ever had
  • Daniel L.heart icon on user image
    Daniel La FeirOctober 27, 2018
    Amazing food and service! Scallops were perfect. Wine list is huge as well.
  • Matthew C.heart icon on user image
    Matthew CaldecuttDecember 28, 2014
    Skip the mussels, but check out the chicken liver and pork belly if it's on the menu, which changes daily.
  • From Away
    From AwayAugust 3, 2011
    The open kitchen is stunning and cozy, and Fore Street's James Beard award-winning dedication to local food is commendable. Mussels and a glass of wine at the bar are always an excellent bet.
  • Nawaf s.
    Nawaf sApril 21, 2014
    I got the table on the corner back view to the ocean. The foods menu are changing daily. I recommend this place for sea foods lovers.
  • Dana D.heart icon on user image
    Dana DAugust 23, 2010
    Been here 5+ times
    No reservations? Jump in line before 5 PM to get one of their evening seatings. Kick back at the bar for a sipper. Watch the open kitchen work its magic. Menu changes daily with the freshershest catch
  • Danheart icon on user image
    DanAugust 15, 2020
    Turnspit roasted half chicken and hanger steaks are great. Bread from Standard Baking co. also amazing
  • Peter B.heart icon on user image
    Peter BoyceFebruary 11, 2018
    Mussels, seafood platter, chicken
  • emma t.
    emma tangorenJuly 7, 2015
    stop by early for a same-day reservation. the food is incredible so make sure you go at least once while in portland.
  • Matt B.
    Matt BruchMarch 12, 2017
    The chicken here is unbelievable with sourdough croutons
  • Epicurious
    EpicuriousNovember 17, 2010
    Fore Street was one of the first restaurants in Maine to feature an open kitchen with a wood-burning oven, grill, and turnspit and is still famous for its tight network of local food suppliers.
  • Charlie
    CharlieJuly 7, 2011
    I highly recommend Fire Street. The food is really good! This restaurant is by far one of Portland's best! I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience here!
  • Emily
    EmilyDecember 20, 2016
    Every dish we tried was perfect. Fantastic charcuterie options, mouthwatering bass.
  • Matthew F.heart icon on user image
    Matthew FergusonMarch 15, 2018
    The pork belly was delicious. Served up in a cast iron skillet with eggs and bacon.
  • Maritza S.
    Maritza SpitlerAugust 15, 2018
    Don’t do the walk in for the restaurant- try the walk in list for the bar! Much faster. We waited hours for a table and were too tipsy to enjoy the meal
  • Kellie L.heart icon on user image
    Kellie LoebOctober 16, 2023
    Best meal in Portland by far. Outstanding food and service. A must for foodies.
  • Ericheart icon on user image
    EricOctober 12, 2013
    Had a fantastic dinner her on October 10th. Our server M.J. was wonderful! Get the mussels. Great place for foodies
  • Caroline O.
    Caroline OsseDecember 28, 2013
    Fantastic, plump mussels. Even though they're on the appetizer side of the menu, they're filling enough as an entree with a salad.
  • Charlie
    CharlieJuly 5, 2011
    The menu changes daily, I tried the Atlantic Summer Flounder Filet...mid-atlantic, cornmeal crusted, rich lobster and Visalia onion sauce in lobster oil!
  • Carmen N.heart icon on user image
    Carmen NJuly 21, 2015
    Ever changing seasonal menu, guaranteed fresh delicious choices and excellent cocktails.
  • The Daily Meal
    The Daily MealFebruary 22, 2011
    Ask for a table where you can see the kitchen and the waterfront - both excellent views. Order a dozen oysters, because you'll see none of the usual suspects here. Read more
  • Amir Z.heart icon on user image
    Amir ZonoziJuly 11, 2013
    The duck in your mouth is like a pillow fight of deliciousness between your tongue and cheek on elephant tranquilizers.
  • Abbey Road T.
    The only restaurant in the City of Portland that we have never heard a bad review about. This place has been ranked in the top #100 restaurants in the U.S.A!
  • Greg B.heart icon on user image
    Greg BrunoMay 3, 2023
    everything is phenomenal — get the steak & the bourbon braised chicken.
  • Travel Channel
    Travel ChannelFebruary 3, 2012
    Andrew Zimmern took his father to lunch at Fore Street in Portland, Maine. Award-winning chef Sam Hayward pulls out all the stops. As seen on Bizarre Foods. Read more
  • Greg S.
    Greg StoneSeptember 29, 2013
    If you are ever going to Portland Maine, book dinner prior to going. This place is great but also extremely popular.
  • Christopher N.heart icon on user image
    Christopher NasonSeptember 18, 2014
    Great place for special occasions. Located in the hip and trendy old port.
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