Ever since I moved to Portland, Maine, I was told Fore Street Restaurant (located at 288 Fore Street in the Old Port) was the best place to eat.  Since then I made several visits and remain unconvinced; I simply do not understand what makes Fore Street so special.  Don't get me wrong, Fore Street's food is fantastic and atmosphere unique;  yet somehow the restaurant is missing something.

It is typically recommended to make reservations for Fore Street several days in advance;  which I generally respect.  My favorite places have long waiting lists, small dining rooms, and a relaxed atmosphere.  However, Fore Street does not have any of that.  What's more bothersome is that on each occasion I have visited Fore Street Restaurant, I felt less convinced reservations were needed due to demand; rather to facilitate their impeccable table-turning system.

Once in the door the dining room is large and rather artificial.  I remember eating in a booth not too long ago, the same type one would find at some chain.   Perhaps the copper table makes it special - but not for me.  Every piece of decor seems to have been planned for the specific dining experience; sometimes it feels like Fore Street tried too hard.  An attempt at a rustic feel overshadowed by the high-end existence.  I think restaurants should evolve, rather than bew created; the same way a chef brings flavors out in a dish.

The wine selection Fore Street Restaurant can be proud of. In fact, I discovered my favorite red wine over dinner one night.  It was a 2000 Varrone Lazio that has left a lasting impression on my palate.  At least that specific wine shows that Fore Street does live up to it's promise of carefully selecting wines from around the world.  Turns out that specific wine was produced near Rome in 1250 cases, all of which are long gone and highly desired by those who had the pleasure to taste it;  I managed to secure one case before it disappeared from New England.   Point being, Fore Street does offer a beautiful selection of wines to accompany meals.

And how about the food, the main reason for visiting a restaurant?  Well, once again I simply remain un-convinced.  Fore Street Restaurant is not the type of place you can easily wander into daily, but their claim to fame is a dynamic menu that changes frequently.   Yet each time I have eaten at Fore Street, I made it a point to visit Street & Company (a sister restaurant) the same week, and guess what?!... the menus are similar.  It is difficult to say anything truly negative - food is wonderful and the menu is dynamic.  It's my personal taste that affects my view.

The dishes themselves were always fantastic. Made with the freshest local (sometimes imported) ingredients. Every dish seems to capture and develop the wonderful flavors of whatever without too much fuss.  They certainly prepare foods that you would likely never do at home, or at least not every day.  They manage to make all their dishes special enough, so that you may remember them and return.

In a nutshell, the food is special, the service is attentive, and Fore Street has plenty of character; what it is missing - in my eyes - is soul.   So to all those that say Fore Street Restaurant is the best, I respectfully disagree.  It is a memorable place, great for the special occasion, and an asset to the Old Port.  However,  there are many other places I would recommend before it.