Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Fore Street

    4.1 (1.5k reviews)
    Closed 4:30 pm - 10:00 PM

    Fore Street Photos

    Business Info

    FORE STREET ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Fore Street

    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

    Cured duck, foie gras
    Karen T.

    I went on a Saturday and lined up 20 minutes before opening. They allow you to get a walk-in reservation time for later that evening; I got one for about an hour later. The couple we chatted with in line usually come on Sundays and said there usually isn't a crazy line then, and they're able to just be seated at the bar. The ambiance and food was incredible--except one. The free bread from Standard Baking Co. was already a lovely start. The cured duck was a surprise stand out; I didn't expect to love it as much as I did but the tomatoes were excellent and the pine nuts paired wonderfully with the cured duck. The chicken was tender yet with a wonderfully crispy skin, the scallops perfectly seared, and the vegetables a nice balance. But the foie gras was an extreme let down. Far too sweet when paired with the cornbread and strawberry sauce, and overpowering. I think it was a mistake to pair such rich flavors together and lose the magic of the foie gras. I can still taste this dish--in a bad way. I communicated this feedback to our server, and she didn't do anything about it.

    Bread
    Sydney H.

    THIS WAS THE BEST RESTAURANT IN PORTLAND!!!! We did not have a reservation, so we got in line on a Friday at 4:30 right when they opened. We were able to snag 3 bar seats right away or they gave us the option to come back for a table at 5:15. Both great options. Everything we got was seriously so amazing, you cannot go wrong ordering. My favorite was the tuna tartar & the roasted carrots side we ordered. I have never tasted for fresh tuna tartar in my life. The haddock was also cooked perfectly and smothered in an amazing sauce. All the drinks we got were great too. I'm normally not a cosmo girl but we saw these being brought to another table & they looked so good we had to order them. I'm so glad we did because they were delish! The chefs and bartenders really know what they are doing here. Cannot recommend this place enough!!!!!

    Chris T.

    I day out in ME, we ended up at the Fore Street! Easy parking on a weekday, walked up the cut thru staircase from street below. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Went in and it was jumping a lot of people, we opted to sneak pair of chairs at the bar, since dine in section was packed![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our bartender / server was super cool, he had great recommendations and everything felt rustic and savory in there dish wise. From farm to table I type establishment. We started with beef cheeks and it was so tender and a great start to our night with the smoky char from the flame grill. The complimentary bread with in house whipped butter was a delight. The lady enjoyed the oysters we grabbed a half dozen. No dollar oysters that day (not sure if they do it should have asked). We opted for our entrees to be the haddock fillet with roasted carrots on the side. Haddock fillets come in an iron skillet and mind you haha eat it quick, our fillets started to overcook in it. The sauce it came with was a light creamy sauce that paired well. I enjoyed the menu, def on the pricier side but a nice dinner! Would come back!

    Scallops and cauliflower/potato gratin
    Nina F.

    As a walk-in, we were told that the restaurant would be a wait and boy, it was worth it. This farm to table format allowed for fresh produce and a daily rotating menu. When in Portland, eat what the fisherman catch and what the farmers harvest, so that's what we did. The light cod was balanced well with a heavier lobster sauce making a great pairing. All the sides looked appealing but who can say no to cheese, potatoes, and cauliflower? Scallops were perfectly seared and did not need the lemon pea sauce at all It's on the pricier side, but is well worth the cost for quality. Service was attentive and [[HIGHLIGHT]]we loved the rustic, low lighting atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's a great place for a high-end meal, special occasion or romantic night out! Wish we also had time to check out the sister restaurant, Scales.

    Bread and butter
    Yueh Qi C.

    Fore Street is one of the best restaurants I've been to by far. Their menu changes everyday which means I will definitely be coming back to try out a new dish in the future. Their website provided a great description on what to do if you do not have a reservation. For walk-ins, you'll need to be there before it opens, which we did on a Saturday and there was already a line even in the rain! So definitely keep that in mind if you did not make a reservation in advance. We arrived at 4:15pm and got a table for 5:15pm (you can go walk around old port once you put your name down). The server was amazing at providing explanations of the dishes and also providing amazing recommendations based on your taste. Two absolute favorites: meat pie and their maple sundae (this is by far the best sundae I've had in my life so no matter how full you are, I highly recommend it!!). Everything else we got - wood oven roasted haddock fillet, zucchini and summer squash, wood fire turn spit chicken were all very tasty as well. You can't go wrong with any of them. [[HIGHLIGHT]]In the future, I'd probably make a reservation in advance and request to sit where the cooking is happening- it's really cool that you can see them do their magic by the wood oven.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I also like how the seatings are nicely spaced for a very busy restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I will say, we waited ~40 mins in between apps and entrees (wood oven roasted dishes), so keep that in mind if you have post dinner plans.

    BUTTERFIELD, WET SMACK, LOVE POINT OYSTERS
    Lizzie Y.

    The food scene in Portland is unreal, and Fore Street is no exception! After spending the day exploring Portland, dining here was a real treat. We honestly did not have anything planned for dinner but luckily, we were able to get a table for two without reservation. Something unique about this restaurant is that they have a large, open hearth with wood-burning oven + grill. A bunch of their menu offerings are cooked over hardwood and applewood fires, giving it a distinct flavor. Their menu changes often and they source their ingredients from local suppliers. Here's what we ordered: - Beef Cheeks (special of the day) - Half a Dozen Oysters - Haddock Fillet (x2) - Roasted Carrots (side) The beef cheeks were succulent and cooked perfectly. This dish came with broccolini, one of my favorite veggies! We were surprised how tender the beef cheeks were... pretty much falling apart with each bite. I'd totally get this again! I LOVE OYSTERS, so we definitely had to get a half a dozen of oysters to try hehe. All of the oysters were clean and tasted very fresh, great start to our meal. We both ended up getting a haddock fillet & I'm so happy we ordered this. It was flavorful and almost everything about this dish was on point. One thing that we both noticed was, since the haddock is in a cast iron skillet, the fish continues to cook as you eat. The fish basically started to get a little overcooked and dry, making it difficult to finish. BUT I do love cast iron skillet dishes because I love my food hot & it keeps the food hot until I'm finished eating haha. So there's definitely pros & cons to that. Lastly, we ordered a side of roasted carrots to share with our entree. I've never had carrots cooked so evenly through. I loved the texture of the carrots but wished it was more flavorful. I typically like my carrots maple/honey roasted for a touch of sweetness. While the carrots were nicely cooked, they fell a bit short for me, in terms of flavor. The haddock fillet and beef cheeks were definite highlights, and despite the carrots being the only dish that didn't quite wow us, I'd absolutely recommend Fore Street and look forward to returning on my next trip to Portland!

    Haddock fillet
    Yickhong L.

    Service was friendly but a bit slow. I think the chefs were cooking it fresh in their oven so not too bad. They were very attentive in filling water. The longest wait was from the appetizer to the meal which was about 40min; we did order the half chicken so that may be why it was taking so long. The bread starter was good but kind of standard. The appetizer phyllo meat pie was S+ tier, very very good. The haddock fillet with scallop stuffing was S tier in taste but a bit small. The white wine and fennel brined half chicken was a good smokiness to it but did remind me of the turkey legs you would get at amusement parks. This however was not dry and cooked well. It did end up helping to fill us up but I would give it a A tier. Zucchini and yellow squash veggie dish was good, A tier. We aren't dessert people but decided to get the maple Sunday with the brown butter ice cream. Very glad we got it, it was amazing; S+ tier. Did make me question if we should've also tried the rhubarb creme brûlée in addition to it since it might also have been fantastic. Would come again.

    oysters
    Hallie L.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience here is really nice, the interior is super beautiful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our service was so good, the waiter was super helpful! The mushroom toast was my favorite, everything from presentation to flavor to texture, was insane. I loved the oysters as well and the scallops had such good texture to it. The haddock was also cooked amazingly but the chowder it was in was a little bland. The sundae was so good and the maple flavor was strong! Loved the crunch!!

    I am not sure if this is because my expectations are sky high coming from NYC, but I have tried many popular/acclaimed restaurants in the area and left disappointed. I was about to give up on Portland's dining scene until Fore Street. I ordered the foie gras, pork loin, and the tartlette with crème fraîche ice cream. Everything was impeccable. The flavors were carefully considered and beautifully balanced, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine without relying on aggressive acidity or overpowering seasoning. The foie gras came with a compote that was slightly too sweet, but I can't complain because it was so delicious. The pork loin was beautifully cooked and juicy, and paired wonderfully with the sauce. The dessert was the standout. The ice cream had the perfect consistency and balance, and the tartlette with its lard crust was so good. The service was surprisingly friendly despite how busy and bustling the restaurant was. Finally, a restaurant that delivers and isn't just hype.

    The view from the lounge / waiting area (next to the bar)
    Dave R.

    We finally made it to Fore Street. We've tried on previous visits to Portland, but we've never been able to get in. The experience lived up to its reputation. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The room has a warm, energetic feel, with the wood-fired ovens and open kitchen setting the tone for the evening.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We started with oysters -- cold, clean, and briny, served with a house-made mignonette with shallots that added just the right amount of brightness. Exactly how we like them, and a great way to kick things off. From there, we shared the wood-fire "seared" foie gras served over a small waffle, which was rich and indulgent without feeling overdone. We also ordered the Swedish Christmas sausage special appetizer -- partly out of curiosity and partly because my parents were from Sweden -- and I'm glad we did. It was flavorful, comforting, and felt thoughtfully prepared rather than gimmicky. For mains, my partner had the stuffed manicotti, which was hearty and well-balanced, while I went with the wood-fire-oven roasted chicken. The chicken was beautifully cooked, with that subtle depth of flavor you only get from a wood oven -- simple, confident cooking done really well. Service was excellent throughout. Our server, Sydney, was fantastic: attentive, knowledgeable, and perfectly paced without ever feeling intrusive. Overall, the meal felt intentional and grounded in great ingredients, with the fire playing a supporting role rather than overpowering everything. It's easy to see why Fore Street is such a staple in Portland, and we'd absolutely return.

    Cosmopolitan with some other fun stuff
    Celie K.

    Well wow. What an impressive meal. Lived up to all our expectations. Ryan at the bar was wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed a dinner with drinks before dining room service even began. Come at 4:10 to queue up for walk-in service and you're probably set!!!

    Marcel C.

    Good was excellent, drinks were just perfect and the service was great. Place was very busy to be middle of the week - would suggest reservations if possible. Restaurant has a nice ambiance - kind of rustic with a modern touch.

    Cornbread
    Nat P.

    This is an amazing restaurant. Beautiful ambiance. I love everything about it, from their food to their service. Came here for dinner and was seated at the bar. The server was very nice and accommodating! Their menu changes daily. That night, we ordered poached pear salad, Pekin Duck Ragu, Wood Grilled Hanger steak, and Venison. The pear salad was fresh with right level of sweetness. The pear was refreshing! Tender and juicy and actually tasted good with the pistachio! The Pekin Duck Ragu was very interesting! It had a lot of deep flavors and that ragu was so so good! It felt so much like a comfort food and it was absolutely delicious. Wood Grilled Hanger steak was medium rare and it was just so juicy and flavorful. Loved every bite of this! The Venison was another great dish. It was prepared rare as requested by the server and it tasted so tender and juicy! Loved every bite. It was not gamey or anything. It was rich and totally melted in my mouth. We also had their cornbread and it felt like dessert! It was sweet, moist, and had that great crumb that just melts in your mouth. An amazing side order to request! The only downside was that it was hard to get reservations. Calls often went to voicemail and even when someone called back, it would still go straight to voicemail. I did leave my preferred date and time, and eventually they were able to confirm a reservation for me, so it worked out in the end!

    Kitchen

    See all

    Review Insights

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G L.
    0
    1
    0

    25 days ago

    Superb! Our favorite restaurant in Portland. Start with mussels. Haddock is marvelous.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 8
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jen Z.
    17
    19
    19

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    26 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Denise E.
    168
    43
    31

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carl J.
    196
    24
    0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike C.
    220
    242
    2694

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T N.
    0
    2
    0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 37

    Ask the Community - Fore Street

    Do they have food for children?

    They do not offer a kids menu. If your children like fresh bread, veggies, starches and desert they will be happy. The food is great.

    Do they serve cocktails?

    Yes! They have a full menu and a bar by the entrance.

    How expensive is Fore Street?

    It is phenomenal food entirely worth the price with a courteous wait staff I have always found to be helpful and kind in the 25 years I've been going here.… 

    We are vegetarians, someone gave us a gift certificate, anyone know how veg friendly this place is?

    Definitely meat centric, but there are always a few veg dishes on the menu. Worst case scenario, go to the bar and order drinks and dessert (their desserts are the best part anyways)!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Eventide Oyster Company

    Eventide Oyster Company

    4.2
    (4.5k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Eventide's lobster roll was delicious! The portion is on the smaller side, so it may not be the…read moremost filling option if you're very hungry, but the quality and taste definitely stand out. The online ordering process was very easy and convenient. The restaurant looked very crowded when I visited on the weekend, so ordering ahead is a great option if you want to avoid waiting. Overall, a great spot to try for a high-quality lobster roll!

    We had gone to Eventide about 10+ years ago, when it was still growing in popularity and you didn't…read morealways need a reservation. We enjoyed the fresh oysters and the 'clambake' of mixed seafood treats. When we were recently back in town, we were looking forward to a return visit but sadly, were quite disappointed. The good news is that the oysters were fresh and tasty ($37/doz). The rest was disappointing. The servings were now tapas-size. The well-known brown butter lobster roll was not quite like the image on the www site. Tasty, but not a meal. (Red's Eats is a real lobster roll.) We also ordered bluefin tuna crudo, which is sprinkled with scallions and diced ginger bits and slices of radish. The tuna was fresh, but the flavor of this fish is not strong enough to stand up to these toppings. Taken together, the fish is barely detectable. Pull off the radish and the fish comes through but the ginger dominates. Pick off most the ginger and it's pretty good. However, there should not have been a fish scale (~1 cm sq). Makes me wonder about the potential crossover in the kitchen. Sorry, Eventide, we'll go elsewhere next time.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll ($22)
    Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll ($22)
    Maine Halibut Collar ($32) Mole Negro, Curtido & Tortillas

    See all

    Maine Halibut Collar ($32) Mole Negro, Curtido & Tortillas
    Luke's Lobster Portland Pier

    Luke's Lobster Portland Pier

    4.3
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.2 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!
    Scales

    Scales

    4.3
    (1.3k reviews)
    0.1 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)
    0.6 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

    Fore Street - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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