DineInPortland.com: In-depth Restaurant Reviews for Portland, Maine.

Caiola's Restaurant, located at 58 Pine Street, Portland, ME (West End), is currently one of my favorite restaurants in Portland.  Caiola's is all about well prepared food, made with fresh local ingredients, a simple yet exciting menu, reasonable wine selection, and a friendly and busy atmosphere.  It is the kind of restaurant where I can celebrate the end of a busy week, or a special occasion, a dinner with friends, or a place where I can impress my clients. 

From the outside Miyake Food Factory, located at 129 Spring Street, leaves much to be desired.  In fact, I drove past it many times never giving it a second look - until I saw it reviewed by Andrew Zimmern (Travel Channel) almost a year after it opened.   The cliche of never judging a book by its cover slapped me in the face with a dose of reality; Miyake had something exciting to offer - excellent traditional Sushi and more.    Miyake, at the time of my discovery, was in an excellent position to offer a unique sushi experience;  they could provide a larger variety of sushi, in smaller quantities, because their demand exceeded their supply (number of seats).  Masa-san (Chef) had (and has) an extensive background to create phenomenal dishes.  Unfortunately - for me at least - the splendid preparation of sushi and other dishes,  exquisite talent, and superior ingredients, combined with high demand has become Miyake's "Achille's Heel".

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.

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.

David's Restaurant, in Monument Square (Portland, Maine), is one of my favorite places to eat year round;  it's difficult to say why.    Their menu is far from seasonal, their atmosphere is a hit-or-miss,  and my favorite bar tender just left.  Food is often good, but not always great, and service can be sub-par on occasion.  Moreover, their menu has remained relatively static over the years, which by itself is not a problem, except that the restaurant appears to be on a roller-coaster some months.