Ask a Chef: Rob Evans, Where Should We Eat in Portland, Maine?

by JBF Editors on May 18, 2011

Though it is said that Maine is the way life should be, it can't hurt to know where to find the state's best eats. We asked 2009 JBF Award winner Rob Evans of Hugo's to tell us about the best restaurants in the budding culinary mecca of Portland.

Late-Night
Boda (207.347.7557, 671 Congress Street)
“They have one of the best late-night snack menus in town, serving food until 1:00 a.m. They serve Thai tapas and even have an industry discount night.”

Quintessential Maine
Fore Street (207.775.2717, 288 Fore Street)
“The cornerstone of Portland restaurants. Fore Street always serves fresh local farm ingredients in an atmosphere that is timeless.”

Special Occasion
Miyake (207.871.9170
, 129 Spring Street)
“One of the most exciting restaurants to join the scene in the past five years. I highly recommend getting the omakase—the reason to go to Miyake is to let them do what they do best.”

Quick snack
Nosh (207.553.2227, 551 Congress Street)
“Cool, hip, outrageous snacks. It’s open all day and night and it’s a great spot to go for lunch, mid-day snack (when hardly anyone else is open), or anytime during the night.”

Date Night
Bresca (207.772.1004, 111 Middle Street)
“A very small intimate space with Italian- inspired food. It’s chef-owned, and the food always delivers, but be smart and save room for possibly the best dessert in town.”