Step aside, Portland: Another Maine Culinary Destination is Gaining Recognition.

I'm talking about a town just across the bridge from Maine's largest city—an easy drive for anyone in the Greater Portland area. It's time to let South Portland shine in the spotlight.

South Portland, Maine's Food Scene Continues to Impress with Great Restaurants

South Portland's culinary scene has reached a new level. The town has seen so many new hotspots open that it feels like a smaller version of its big brother, Portland.

However, South Portland also has its staples, which have been around for decades—the places that helped pave the way for this culinary path and culture.

Many Award-Winning and Positively Reviewed Restaurants Can be Found in South Portland, Maine

South Portland has also had a recent run of great press, including James Beard nominations, rave reviews, spots on "Best of" lists. 

Meanwhile, Downeast Magazine called the street where Dok Mali Noodle Bar and Sopo Seafood Market & Raw Bar reside the best culinary block in the state. That is one heck of a compliment.

But South Portland is more than just a street. You can find delicious restaurants, cafes, pizza shops, pubs, and diners in every neighborhood. And the food scene just keeps expanding.

READ MOREMeet Maine’s 10 Semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards

It seems like every week a new restaurant opens, usually garnering wonderful press and adulation from the public. It's truly a wonderful thing to witness.

Here's a Closer Look at Many the Best Restaurants in South Portland, Maine

With the town's reputation skyrocketing, now seems like the perfect time to highlight many of South Portland's finest establishments. Below is a list of what this great city has to offer from a culinary standpoint.

Hope you're hungry!

35 of South Portland, Maine's Best Restaurants

Here's a list of many of South Portland, Maine's best restaurants, cafes, and pizza joints. There's a lot of great food across the bridge from Portland.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Most popular grocery stores in America

The most popular grocery stores in America, from corporate chains to family-owned enterprises. Stacker ranked them using consumer ratings sourced from YouGov polls.

Gallery Credit: Stacker