It has been a few weeks since my last visit to Street & Company restaurant in the Old Port; I am glad we went out there tonight.   Street & Company, in my opinion, is one of the absolute best restaurants in Portland, Maine; much of it has to do with the quality and consistency of their food & service.

Tonight we chose a simple meal of a bottle of wine (a Greek Red), 3 small plates, and a Lobster Diavollo.  The small plates were different than on our last visit: a blue cheese with dates, an herb and gruyere fritata, and clams.  There is no point in trying to describe them, rather urge you to simply try it yourself.  Small bites of delicate and well chosen ingredients.

The Lobster Diavollo is a dish we have shared on numerous occasions.  The Street & Co. menu is filled with delicious items, but the lobster diavollo is my favorite.  The chef's at Street & Co. can send out a steaming-hot pan filled with clams, squid, mussels, pasta, and lobster with every ingredient cooked to perfection.   It is almost amazing to have this combination of delicate pasta and proteins served hot without overcooking. Not only that, but the dish does take a while to eat, and nothing goes awry as the pan sits on the table.  Truly a wonderful experience.

The service at Street & Company is second to none.  The staff - on every occasion - has been attentive, helpful, and polite. Everyone carries a smile on their face; they are always a pleasure.  The staff are abundant, available, and unobtrusive.   Water glasses are refilled, plates disappear, questions are answered, and yet it is all done with courtesy and respect.  Thus far I can only marvel at the way the wait-staff make Street & Co. such an asset to Portland.

Street and Company is not only a great place to enjoy a meal but also a good choice for a special occasion or to simply impress someone.  From a business perspective, I would choose no other restaurant to bring my clients because I know that Street & Co. will deliver a perfect meal each time.  There is no - in my opinion - other restaurant in the Old Port that can sustain that level of consistency.

Lastly, I have been at Street & Company lonesome, as a couple, and with large groups.  In all circumstances they have exceeded my expectations.  Street & Company offers delicious food, a comfortable atmosphere, amazing staff, and a great location.   Street & Company is the restaurant with the excellent food, character, and soul.

And just to offset some of the reviews out there: the perception that Street & Co. is expensive, or possibly overpriced, has been suggested by some verbose critics.  Street & Company Restaurant is a classic establishment that is well staffed and serves fresh local food.  However, tonight's meal was under $85 for the two of us - which is more than reasonable.  More importantly, visit after visit, year after year, Street & Co. has delivered on good service and good food - that's what makes it the best, and the only way to appreciate it is to eat out and do it often.