Cancel

Open app

Search

David's Restaurant

4.0 (509 reviews)
Closed 11:30 am - 9:30 pm

David's Restaurant Photos

Business Info

DAVID'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Happy hour specials
Good for groups
Dogs allowed

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - David's Restaurant

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Lobster Roll and Open Face Lobster Ravioli
Krista E.

I didn't prepare for the don't be so good. The ambiance is great because it appears to be a mall place from the front half since there limited seating, but I opens up in the back as well. The food was delicious and we had no complaints at all.

Migardise
Elizabeth B.

This place was adorable from the curtain lights in the window, beautiful bar area & the fish holding the pots & pans above the kitchen. It was warm & cozy inside. The serve greeted & sat us quickly away from the door (I freeze). I had the open faced lobster ravioli & it was delicious. The lobster was cooked perfectly & not chewy, The rest of the seafood was yummy a well. My husband had the finally famous meatloaf which he loved & the smash burger both hit the spot. We also had dessert which was delicious. It was a variety of items called Migardise yummmm. I highly recommend checking this place out. We were thoroughly impressed & will be back if ever we return to this area.

Duck Andouille Meatballs
Chuck K.

Enjoyed Maine Restaurant Week at David's restaurant and it was a triumph! Each course brought deep flavors, familiar yet presented in a new way. The service was outstanding, the portions filling, and the overall quality outstanding! The Duck Andouille Meatballs had subtle flavor and a lovely cream sauce to pair with it. The Pork Tenderloin had a Bacon Jam topping that was an explosion of flavor in your mouth. The Pan Seared Hake had a subtle flavor that highlighted the fish flavor without it being overwhelming for the dish. And then the desserts were the perfect ending to this delightful meal. The Maine Blueberry Crisp was a perfect, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And then the desserts Chocolate & Strawberry Pavlova was a delight! A chocolate meringue with an orange curd and raspberry whip topped with sliced strawberries was a a culinary memory I will carry for quite a while! Go to David's and enjoy! It will be a regular on our Portland dining list of quality restaurants!

Lobster roll
Lori H.

Admittedly, this was a mid afternoon meal, so probably not primetime. But the lobster roll was overrated and the ambience was average. Apparently, it's common to serve lobster rolls cold in Maine ...not a fan ‍ the homemade chips were good.

Lunch menu
Ike R.

Went for lunch on a Monday afternoon. One of the few places that takes reservations. It's a darling place. We sat outside. We ordered avocado, heirloom salad as a starter to share and then my friend got the lunch Tornado of beef. It came with steamed spinach and mash potatoes- yum. There was a blackened chicken salad and I got the lobster open face ravioli. It was to die for. Although I think it might've killed some people because it was so rich, but it was wonderful. I would highly recommend this place!!

APEROL SPRITZER
Noah F.

We have a great experience here for the first time. We got a birthday lunch and were seated right away. Service was super friendly and the ambiance inside is relaxing and upscale. We started off with an aperol spritz and a paper plane. Drinks were good and well made. For food we started with garlic knots which were very oily but soooo good. For mains we got the steak and cheese and the open faced lobster ravioli. The steak and cheese was packed with steak and very delicious. The lobster ravioli was also very good and for the price it's a good deal. It was super rich and savory and full of cheese, cream and good flavors. We finished our lunch off with the crème brulee and the espresso special cake. Both were excellent and they were able to write happy birthday in chocolate on the plate which was nice. If you're looking for a solid, very nice, upscale, and delicious lunch/dinner look no further. We highly recommend this spot, you'll enjoy every second.

Lovely Greens
Melanie B.

For our last night in town, we headed to David's for dinner. It was cold and rainy, but warm and cozy when we got there. Our server was good, but not over the top good. She was polite, smiled, and did her job. It was fairly crowded when we got there and then it slowed down a bit. A second wave of people came in shortly before we left. Our cocktails, salads, entrees, and dessert were all tasty! I couldn't eat all of my pizza and o my had three bites of our dessert, but I enjoyed it!

Garlic Knots
Ethan G.

One of my absolute highlights when visiting Portland. I loved the atmosphere in here, there's a kitchen where you can see and watch the head chef calling tickets and for service (truly really is fascinating to watch). You can tell the kitchen is a well oiled machine and that leads to quality food coming. The most disappointing thing is, this is a menu that has a lot of selections and so many of them look incredible. Our group spent so much time trying to decide on all the options. I went with the tournedos au poivre and omg, there's no other word than divine. The au poivre was peppery and the brandy flavored was infused into that creamy sauce. The meat was cooked to the perfect medium rare that every bite just took me to my happy place. I really almost shed a tear. Tried some of my friends dishes and the meatloaf was the best I've ever had in my life. The potato and bacon pizza was also a hit, we thought it'd be too heavy but it was just the right amount. Will be recommending this place to anyone and everyone.

Pepper Crusted Sushi Rare Tuna*. N
Kerry H.

Wishing I could give 10 stars for tonight! We walked in at 5:45 without a reservation and were immediately seated. The staff was top notch and very attentive. The dishes were delectable. I had to take pictures as they were a piece of art!!! The calamari is a must have as a starter and the pepper crust sushi tuna is my absolute favorite. My husband chose the meatloaf dish and he said it put grandmas recipe to shame. Thanks for a lovely evening!

lobster roll with truffle fries
Vi L.

I've eaten here once. Got a lobster roll which was served warm on a grilled hamburger type brioche (I think) bun, which was a fun change from the usual hot dog roll. I opted for the truffle fries instead of chips - the truffle flavor was very mild but present, and the fries were fresh and well crisped batter type fries. My friend wanted to come here for the oysters which she was very satisfied by, and told me they were very fresh and very good. Service was fast and friendly. We came when it was pretty empty on a weekday early afternoon. Prices were on the high end. The restaurant vibe was sort of fancy. The food was good, though not particularly unique, and as such, I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to come back. What I ate was very good but not something I would necessarily write home about. I'd probably give it 4.3 stars.

Meatloaf was OUTSTANDING!

Quiet evening meal in the patio served with a smile. Calamari was exotic! Clam chowder to die for! Burger tender with mound of fries! Great dining reasonably priced!

David's Meat Loaf was surprisingly good!

See all

2 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 3
Oh no 0

22 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

21 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nick P.
0
25
11

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 2

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 2
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Michael L.
1
179
158

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Amber E.
747
3011
6738

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Jared L.
90
39
65

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Pear B.
1
242
889

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 2
Photo of A Matt P.
25
42
16

1 year ago

The best food and spirits, serves Shiraz by the glass! Excellent service, romantic ambiance, celebrated 25th anniversary.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

The manager heard about what happened and promptly called me to apologize. We went back and had a very good meal.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 2

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 13

Ask the Community - David's Restaurant

You might also consider

Luke's Lobster Portland Pier

Luke's Lobster Portland Pier

4.3
(1.4k reviews)
0.5 mi
$$

My husband and I had the best experience at Luke's lobster. The lobster roll was absolutely…read moredelicious full of lobster and not smothered in mayonnaise. The roll was buttered and toasted perfectly. It was the best lobster roll I've ever had! Seriously!! The service was outstanding. There was one young man that was super attentive and made sure that we had everything we needed. His name was Hakeem. I will certainly go there again. I can't wait!

After a Seadogs game my wife and I went down to Old Port for a bite to eat and ended at Luke's. Its…read morea nice location, on the pier looking out into the harbor. We were seated inside immediately as it was between lunch and dinner hours. Service throughout was terrific My wife ordered their fish and chips while I opted for the fried fisherman's platter. My wife enjoyed her dinner as the fried haddock was fresh with a nice light batter. The fries were okay, albeit a bit generic. My platter also came with the same nicely fried haddock. It also came with a small handful of fried whole bellied claws and a large amount of popcorn shrimp. The clams were disappointing, a bit on the rubbery and soggy side, sitting under the haddock getting steamed in the process. The breading had disappeared. The tiny shrimp added nothing to the dish. The cole slaw that came with both plates was weak, with little if any dressing and overly shredded veggies. All in all it was just okay, but admittedly a disappointment. I should have went with the lobster roll.

Photos
Ain't she a beaut?
Ain't she a beaut?
Welcome!
Welcome!
Our classic lobster roll - not to be missed!

See all

Our classic lobster roll - not to be missed!
The Highroller Lobster

The Highroller Lobster

4.3
(2.3k reviews)
0.2 mi
$$
Locally owned & operated
Outdoor seating

3 different sized lobster rolls based on how much lobster meat you are craving! (2oz, 4oz, 7oz!…read more$19, $34, $57 today, 7/21/26) Solid lobster roll, after having lobster for the past 4 days of our Maine vacation! According my Mainer hubby, this was the best one of the several we've had--buttered and toasted brioche bun, very fresh lobster meat. We tried the mayo-lime sauce, as hubby did not want a "naked" lobsta roll. If you like your lobster rolls classic (light mayo, maybe a squeeze of lemon), this sauce works perfectly! Potato salad was also very much on point. If the wait to sit down and dine in is too long for your liking, they do have a to-go menu (which is what we did today) . Quick and easy, with very friendly service! Do note that their to-go menu is a shorter version of their dine-in menu, as the food is coming from different kitchens! There is also outdoor seating, which is basically 2 curbside parking spots blocked off for picnic tables. Very nice to enjoy the weather if it is pleasant outside.

can't believe i am rating this place 5 stars as a seafood hater. i came here with family so that…read morethey could try the lobster rolls and was shocked to discover that i didn't hate my bite!!! truly the first piece of lobster that i consumed and didn't hate. my mind is blown. i wouldn't order one for myself but very impressed. wide variety of fun sauces as well. the whoopie pie is excellent!! the man that helped us was super welcoming and made the to go ordering process easy. cute store with merchandise, clean and bright.

Photos
SO GOOD. Lobster tasted so fresh and tender. Bread was hefty and a great compliment. (Lobster Roll)
SO GOOD. Lobster tasted so fresh and tender. Bread was hefty and a great compliment. (Lobster Roll)
The Highroller Lobster
Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco, Lobster Roll

See all

Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco, Lobster Roll
SoPo Seafood Market & Raw Bar

SoPo Seafood Market & Raw Bar

4.7
(107 reviews)
1.5 mi
$$

This is such a beautiful eatery and market. This was our third visit, and it certainly won't be our…read morelast. We came for the oysters, and they were outstanding--five varieties served with three different vinaigrettes, all incredibly fresh and delicious. We also ordered the salmon chowder, which was one of the best chowders we've had in a long time. The salmon was exceptionally fresh and really made the dish. One of my all-time favorites here is the crab and cheese melt. The combination of sweet crab, rich cheese, and buttery toasted bread is absolutely irresistible. The service is consistently top-notch, making every visit a pleasure. This place continues to be one of our favorite stops.

We were on our way to the lighthouse and looking for a place to stop for lunch when we found this…read morespot on Yelp. Based on the reviews, we decided to give it a try, and it definitely lived up to the hype. It's a small, charming place that combines a seafood market with a restaurant and bar. We were seated right away, and the service was friendly and attentive throughout our visit. The lobster roll was outstanding, packed with tender, fresh lobster claw meat and lightly dressed with just the right amount of mayonnaise. They also offered a great selection of fresh oysters and other seafood, all of which looked excellent. If you're in the area and craving fresh seafood, I would definitely recommend stopping by.

Photos
Bar seating
Bar seating
SoPo Seafood Market & Raw Bar
Deli counter menu

See all

Deli counter menu
Bite Into Maine

Bite Into Maine

4.6
(121 reviews)
0.7 mi
$$

While I'm not the biggest fan of lobster, while visiting Maine I knew I had to try a lobster roll…read moreat least once. I ordered the lobster roll flight because I wasn't sure what style I wanted. The 'flavors' I got were the Maine (mayo & chive), Connecticut (butter), and chipotle. The butter was definitely my favorite one, and I wish I had gotten a full size of that instead. The others were not bad at all, I just liked the butter the best. I will say, the chipotle didn't have any discerning flavor to me and tasted exactly like the other mayo one just without the chives. I was expecting a little spice but did not get any. I would say this place lived up to the hype for me. The lobster was absolutely delicious. Even though the flavors were mild, I would rather have it that way than drenched in mayo and overpowering the lobster.

We saw a high score and thought it would be a good place to go to. Asked if they could warm up the…read morelobster as we don't like it cold and when they said "Yes"...we thought we were good to go! Food was delivered and when we bit into it, the lobster was cold. When we took it back and asked them to heat it up, they said they could not...then she reiterated that they served it cold. Duh, that's why we asked if we could have it heated!! Very disappointing that they could not do something so simple to make us happy customers!

Photos
Bright, cool inside area
Bright, cool inside area
Maine Lobster Roll (4.5-oz)
Maine Lobster Roll (4.5-oz)
Bite Into Maine

See all

Scales

Scales

4.3
(1.2k reviews)
0.5 mi
$$$

Scales delivered one of the best meals I've had in Maine. We were seated right along the window…read morewith a perfect waterfront view of the boats and fishing gear on the wharf below. It gave the entire evening that authentic, working-harbor Portland feel while still feeling polished and comfortable. We started with a crisp, refreshing local Belgian wheat beer that was light, slightly citrusy, and an ideal match for the seafood-heavy meal ahead. For appetizers, the grilled octopus was excellent -- tender with a proper char, beautifully seasoned, and full of flavor. It came with pommes dauphine, pine nut and espelette vinaigrette, and garlic whip. There was a light touch of oiliness toward the end of the plate (typical with generous finishing oil), but it didn't detract from what was otherwise a very well-executed dish. The dozen raw oysters were exceptional. All three varieties were local Maine and served ice-cold: Fare Well (Newcastle), Nautical Sisters (Yarmouth), and Weskeag (South Thomaston). I had them with just the mignonette and was rewarded with clean, sweet, briny flavor. These were some of the freshest, highest-quality oysters I've had in Portland. The main courses were the real stars. The Stuffed Lobster Frites was outstanding. The lobster was sweet and perfectly cooked, the claws were pre-cracked for easy access, and the tail was cleanly split with a buttery, herby breadcrumb crust that added excellent crunch and texture. It was accompanied by scallop mousseline and dijonnaise. This is a premium dish, but the quality and generous portion made it feel worth it. Equally impressive was the seared scallops, served in a cast-iron skillet. The scallops had a beautiful golden crust and were cooked exactly right -- sweet and tender. They were paired with crisp corn, applewood-smoked bacon, kale, and roasted peppers in a light, well-balanced cream sauce. This dish avoided the common issue of being overly salty. Every bite offered a nice variety of textures and flavors, and the cast-iron kept everything hot throughout the course. It was precise, thoughtful cooking. We finished with the Chocolate Silk Pie*, which was rich, silky, and deeply satisfying with lovely hazelnut undertones and a crunchy chocolate-hazelnut topping. The presentation was beautiful, and it made for a perfect ending. Service was attentive and professional without feeling rushed or intrusive. The pacing between courses was ideal. Bottom line: If you're serious about high-quality Maine seafood, Scales is delivering at a very high level right now. The ingredients are pristine, the execution is precise, and the waterfront setting (especially from a window seat) adds real character. This was easily one of the best meals I've had in Portland. I'll definitely be back. Highly recommended for seafood enthusiasts, special occasions, or anyone who appreciates a restaurant that respects its local ingredients.

Scales was an incredible disappointment. I'd been looking forward to this experience for a few…read moremonths. Scales is lively and vibrant and the host staff was friendly. My server was nice enough, though a bit aloof. When I booked, there was only bar seating available, which is not my preference, but I was so excited to dine here that I did not care. I wish I had made a different decision. I found the cocktail list uninspiring, so I started with a lovely Albariño. I ordered the halibut ceviche, swordfish, and griddled brown bread. Being a Bay Stater, I was looking forward to the brown bread. It never arrived. No one noticed. My server did not say anything until the end, where I was offered a free coffee and ice cream/sorbet. Insulting does not begin to describe it. The halibut ceviche was delicious. It was briny and salt and tasted of the sea. I loved it. The swordfish was rich, heavy, and overcooked. I am always cooking heirloom beans, so maybe that is why I did not love the beans. I don't think I even ate half of my entree. At dessert, my server noted the missing bread and offered a sorbet or ice cream. However, he offered after I had ordered the strawberry cream puff, so it seemed like it was an option for that, not an in lieu of offer. It was not clear until the sorbet arrived along with my cream puff. The strawberries had no flavor. I took a few bites of dessert and was over the whole experience. My server did clearly offer a complimentary coffee though, which again, was insulting. From what I can tell, the kitchen never saw the mostly untouched food, due to my seat the bar. The server placed my dishes below the bar. However, he didn't ask any questions about why I didn't finish the dishes, so it must have been clear to him. I do wish the kitchen had been informed as well. I have never regretted a meal as much as the one I had at Scales. I was looking forward to a delicious dinner with a few glasses of wine. Instead, I left hungry and sad. Scales is a waste of time and money. It's a definite skip in Portland.

Photos
Beautiful !
Beautiful !
Endive & Stilton Salad
Endive & Stilton Salad
Buckwheat brownie

See all

Buckwheat brownie
The Shop

The Shop

4.5
(262 reviews)
0.8 mi
$$

This place came recommended by multiple people, and now that I've been, I can really see why this…read moreis a must-visit in Portland. Once you are seated, you're handed a paper menu on which you mark your selections, then bring that marked-up menu to the counter, where you order and get a number. Food is brought up to you, and you can order subsequent rounds of food by crossing out previous orders and marking up the menu anew. I would highly recommend multiple rounds of oysters -- the first to try one of each and figure out which varieties you prefer, the second to get more of the ones you like, and the last to go all in on your favorite. They've got a varied selection that will suit various tastes, whether you favor a large creamy oyster, a small briny guy, or somewhere in between. All from Maine, which made me feel better about having oysters in a non-ber month. The oysters here are top notch, and the shuckers are, too. Not a single speck of shell in there! I love oysters, and this was my paradise. The non oyster items are also worth trying, so if you have a friend who isn't into oysters, there's something here for them, too. The smoked fish dip and french onion dip are awesome, and the chips they get from another local producer are fantastic. Whether you're a beer lover, a wine person, or a cocktailer, they've got something for you here. Any of those could be the perfect company for your favorite oyster, or you could go for their cucumber mint lemonade slushy, which is insanely refreshing and a great palate cleanser between oysters. Service is efficient, welcoming, and friendly. I think anyone from an oyster novice to an aficionado would feel right at home here. If I didn't live on the opposite side of the country, I'd be here all the time. Unfortunately for me, I'm relegated to pining for these oysters from a distance. If you live nearby, take advantage of your proximity and eat some oysters for me.

5/29/26 A special note- a new dish added to the menu- the…read moreseafood cocktail- is a winner. This is the go-to dish for the partner who doesn't care for oysters- it it superlative, and I hope it remains on the offerings. The service today- especially fine. I have become, as the French would say, "an habitué"

Photos
Bloody mary (already ate the oyster, oops)
Bloody mary (already ate the oyster, oops)
From the street- plenty of parking
From the street- plenty of parking
Oysters

See all

Oysters

David's Restaurant - newamerican - Updated July 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...