Scales delivered one of the best meals I've had in Maine. We were seated right along the window with 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. read more

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Scales was an incredible disappointment. I'd been looking forward to this experience for a few months. 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. read more

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Great place ! Cant wait to go back for dinner . Make reservations early hard to get. Decor was on point ! Service great Food was delicious and presented beautifully ! read more

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This was on my list of must try when in Portland and it didn't disappoint at all! We booked this before we arrived in Maine to ensure we got in, I suggest doing that. Our waitress was so kind and helpful when choosing dishes. The food was very well prepared and intentional. I was worried it would be loud in the building but it wasn't bad at all. Overall highly recommend when visiting the area, truly was one of the top meals of the trip! read more

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Loved everything about this restaurant. The decor was costal casual with wood beam accents, a rustic feel. The service was on point. Our server was very helpful and attentive. I dont eat seafood but I keep trying .He gave me a couple of suggestions and explained why he picked the dishes he suggested. I ended up ordering the carrot appetizer. It had a middle eastern flair, the flavors popped and it was one of my favorite dishes while in Portland. My entree was the potato crusted cod over a lemon cream shaved brussel sprout sauce. The cod was mild and flakes. The lemon brussel sprout mixture was delicious. This dish made me a fan of cod. I also added the garlic butter rolls. I saw them going by and they were a great add on. Soft, warm with delicious melted herb butter. Scales is a winener on every point. Definitely a must go to. read more

Scales - Seafood Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Portland has about 5 really good restaurants. This one is in the Top 3. {FYI-The owner just received a James Beard Award For "Outstanding Restaurateur"} I booked early, and before the award, for my Birthday Dinner. Drive down a narrow road, more like an alley, toward the water and you are greeted by the valet. Since parking in Portland is difficult, this is certainly appreciated. Upon entering, there is fresh fish on ice, a semi-open kitchen and lots of space. Plenty of seating, but this place was packed for a Monday at 5:30pm. Who knows when we'd be back, so we ordered a lot !! Cloverleaf Rolls, Fresh Shucked Oysters (3 Types), Fried Scallop Appetizer, Baked Haddock & Pan Roasted Halibut. All these choices were excellent. Although, the hazelnuts did not work well with the Halibut. Unfortunately, the desserts fell short. Their version of Baked Alaska was not what I am used to. A frozen block of the key ingredients is not how it should be served. Although the candle was a nice touch. The plum sorbet tasted more like prunes. I would go back, but I'd skip dessert. read more

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Scales was the best dinner/meal I had during my recent visit to Portland. I was told dining here is a must. It's a great location, right on one of the docks. It's very bright and open inside - very industrial chic but upscale. When you first walk in, you see the large displays of fresh fish/shellfish on ice, and behind it an exposed line where I scoped out several of the entrees being plated. We were early for our reservation, so we took seats in the open bar lounge area. Note - the bar seats are reservation only, however they a lounge section where you can order drinks and bar bites - seating is first come, first served in that area. After we had a round of drinks, our table was ready at the time we reserved, and we were seated. Our server was very friendly and helped make some solid recommendations. I can't remember which rolls we got but they were amazing. I had the sweet potato & lobster bisque as my starter - very tasty. My husband had the Endive & Stilton salad - good portion, also tasty. For our mains, I went with the seared scallops, and my husband went with the beef pot roast (he doesn't eat fish). Both meals were delicious and beautifully plated. To end the night, we got a scoop of the flavor of the day custard - can't remember what the flavor was but it was delicious. Everything from the food to the service to the ambiance was top notch here. I would love to go back and would highly recommend making a reservation to dine here when in Portland. read more

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Unfortunately Scales did not live up to the hype for us. While we were seated right away at 7pm for our reservation, the rest of the service during the evening could have been better. Our server described to us the specials for appetizers but never said anything about entree specials (maybe there weren't any?). We ordered the cloverleaf rolls, a cup of clam chowder, a cup of lobster bisque, and the maine mussels before our entrees. Both the clam chowder and the lobster bisque were just ok.. nothing special. The bisque was too sweet and had very little lobster. The mussels were the highlight of the meal. The sauce of cider, mustard and dill was very interesting and had deep flavor. The bread served with the mussels was also delicious. The cloverleaf rolls were great too, but perhaps a little too soggy/greasy from the butter at the bottom of the skillet. For our entrees we had the scallops and the halibut. The scallops were delicious- nicely seared and served with mushrooms and a green pea sauce which was bright and flavorful. The halibut however was not my favorite. The fish itself was cooked very well with a crispy skin, but it was swimming in brown butter and hazelnuts and lacked depth of flavor. It also seemed like an odd choice of flavors for a spring menu. It was served with potatoes that needed a bit more salt. We were too full for dessert and also didn't finish our meals. We sat around for a fairly long time not touching our meals without the server checking on us. Eventually we had to flag them down to get boxes and pay the check. While the ambiance was very nice, for the price and the reputation we expected more. Everything else we have eaten in Portland so far has been fantastic so it was a bit of a letdown. read more

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Wow. One of my favorite meals ever. The oysters were phenomenal. So salty and delicious. Scallop entree was out of this world. We also ordered some clover rolls and calamari as an appetizer. Great view right on the water in old port. The place was full on a Tuesday night and I can see why! read more

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This was the restaurant I was most excited to try. We had no idea the location was right off the water. Beautifully located and gorgeous inside. Walking in you know that you are about to enter an exceptional dining experience. Sadie helped us tonight and she was phenomenal and very bubbly. The Ramp Rolls were so good, I would not skip out. The New England cornbread was a close second. Clam chowder was decent but I've had better. The Endive & Stilton was amazing. The cauliflower had a middle eastern flare and was cooked to perfection. I ordered the halibut, it was very subtle in its flavor compared to the appetizers which was a nice way to complete the dinner portion. Loved this dining experience. Thanks so much Scales. read more

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Scales has really solidifed its place as my favorite restaurant in Portland, and one of my top 10 restaurants of all time. Everything here is just SO good, even across multiple visits over many years. I always love that their menu incorporates seasonal flavors, while keeping their all time favorites. We've tried a number of dishes here over the years, but favorites will always include the cloverleaf rolls, grilled octopus, crab fritters, scallops, and the bavette steak. All are excellent & flavors are well balanced. On a recent trip, we tried the steamers and seafood stew. The steamers are huge and the broth is absolutely delicious. The seafood stew is tasty, rich & bold in flavors, but does get a little heavy and salty after a while. Scallops are a must - the spring pea cream had perfect freshness & earthiness that balanced out the salt from the bacon & scallops. Service here is always really attentive. The restaurant is also beautiful - perfect for a date night, girl's night out, business dinner, or even just a nicer family dinner out. read more

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We arrived at 6:30 without a reservation and they were able to sit us right away. The inside is beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The service was great and the food was incredible. The rolls were delicious. The potato was fabulous and the stuffed lobster was delicious. The dessert was amazing!!! read more

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We visited Portland for days and looking for one of the best place to eat; Scales! Love the ambiance and interior design of it; simple and classics. All the staff are very friendly and accommodating. We ordered: Clams chowder l Grilled octopus Lobster rolls Pan seared Halibut Foods so amazeeeenggg but the star of the dishes is Grilled Octopus in our opinion. love it! read more

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Scales was on our bucket list and we are so happy we made it come true. Gorgeous location, this restaurant runs like a well oiled machine. From the moment you arrive, you know you are walking into a quality restaurant. We sat at the bar, what a show! We got immediate attention, got our drink order right away, got to see everyone behind the bar work in harmony. We then ordered some oysters, watch out, they come to you, up front and close. They shuck them right in front of you, explain what they are and where they came from and leave you the condiments to enjoy. THE BEST OYSTERS I've had in my life and I've had them all over the world. Fresh, soft delicate goodness. After you are done, they send the ice and shells down a hole built in the bar! Genius! The tuna crudo was sooo good! It is made in front of you, carefully and artfully arranged on a plate. A masterpiece! The specials where then covered and today I wanted to have one of each is an understatement. We both had to order the brown butter halibut, good God that was so delicious. Insanely delicious! We were told that there is one chef that dedicates their time cooking this dish as well as the scallops. Can't beat that! My hubby ordered some rolls to "sop up" some of that brown butter goodness and he was not disappointed. Everyone was so happy, talkative, truly enjoying the evening. This waterfront place is a true masterpiece and classic beauty. Don't walk, run, and then book it twice at least while you are in Portland. read more

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What a great dinner, even at the bar! We loved everything about Scales (except for one of the snooty hostesses). Excellent vibe and ambiance, knowledgeable and attentive servers, delicious food. I would totally do it again when in Portland. I love Scales. read more

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Dinner at Scales was exceptional! Managed to get a res for a bar seat at Scales on Saturday night. Service was great. Don't remember their names but it was a male and a female bartender, sort of tag teaming one end of the bar. Seated promptly, got a coke! (Surprising because everywhere else I've been in Portland has had Pepsi products). Ordered the clover rolls, the grilled octopus, and the potato-crusted cod for dinner and carrot cake for dessert. Clover rolls. Read a review summary that raved about them. They're good, but....if you're a solo dinner? I would pass. Super super garlicky, very buttery (to the point of being greasy). I ate one and saved two for the main course (which was a mistake). Grilled octopus: phenomenal. Description from menu: "pommes dauphine, pine nut & espelette vinaigrette, garlic whip." The vinaigrette really added a nice spice punch to the octopus. Loved it. Cod: (from the menu) "brussels sprouts, lemon cream". Was not what I thought it would be after the bartender described it. It was ore like a bread-crumb coated, roasted cod filet. Still really good, just did not (imo) match the description. The Brussels sprouts were sliced thin longwise which was interesting. I really enjoyed this, cod is a nice firm white fish and it paired well with the lemon cream sauce. Back to the clover leaf rolls: the two I saved? The super buttery part congeals as it cools.....still tastes good, still super garlicky, just more greasy feeling.... Carrot cake: honestly? Just meh. The ice cream that came with was great. Cake felt/tasted way too commercial....very smooth texture, no bits and pieces (in other words, not homemade). I should have asked if desserts were made in house, but I did not (and I bet they aren't). Cake was the only real negative from the meal. Ambiance? Lots of windows overlooking the bay which would be real nice on a nice day....but it was cold and raining, so.....a very busy restaurant though. If you are going to go (I recommend it) get your res way early. And to add: $86 for dinner pre-tip. Worth it? Worth every penny. read more

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Got lucky with open table wait list and got seats at the bar for 8 pm dinner. Josh the bartender was attentive and knowledgeable. started with 2 of each of the local oysters which were served in the trough directly on the bar which was pretty cool! The bottle of pinot he recommended was perfect. we had to refill our own glasses but they were slammed so i'm going to fault him for that. we ordered the Halibut with brown butter that had a slight flavor of pralines in such a good way and potato crusted cod with finely sliced zucchini in a lemon cream sauce that was amazing. it was a little rich for my stomach (not their fault, i just have a stupid stomach). serving size was perfect for us. likely 5-6 ounce max. if your a big eater, i suggest getting a hearty appetizer or salad. total bill with bottle wine, oysters and 2 entrees was $176 plus tip and gratuity for valet read more

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Lovely meal! Went with three friends, although we had to take an early reservation it was totally worth it! The fried calamari was hands down the best I've had in Portland. Grilled octopus was tender and flavorful, true Spanish style. Dishes are clearly well prepared and done thoughtfully. Our server was delightful, appropriately attentive and made great suggestions. Loved the setting, the windows are awesome and the light feels good! Just awesome! read more

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Very outdated review - (late January 2026 experience) Had a very enjoyable dinner at Scales and came away impressed by both the food and service. We started with a couple of mocktails. The Cider House was very apple-forward, essentially a sophisticated take on apple cider, while the Winter Mule was exactly what I was hoping for. I asked for it to be extra sweet, and it arrived with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The grilled whole branzino was one of the highlights of the meal. The chili butter had a familiar, comforting warmth to it, and a light drizzle of the charred lemon brightened the dish without overpowering it. The staff also deboned the fish tableside, which was a nice touch. The lobster and sweet potato bisque was wonderfully warm, rich, and packed with umami. The sautéed scallops were another standout, with a great balance of flavors and a sweet potato cream that complemented the scallops without overwhelming them. For sides, the broccolini with guanciale was simple but well executed, offering a nice touch of warmth and seasoning that wasn't too heavy-handed. The clover leaf rolls came with a flavorful garlic chive butter that I really enjoyed. My only criticism was that the rolls themselves could have been served warmer--they weren't warm in the center. That said, they had a pleasantly crispy exterior and chewy interior. The endive and Stilton salad was also excellent. The Dijon vinaigrette was creamier than I expected, but it created a very balanced combination of flavors. The only dish that didn't quite work for me was the Maine steamer clams. Some had a stronger ocean flavor than I personally prefer, but the white wine broth was delicious and helped balance everything out. Overall, Scales delivered a thoughtful, well-executed meal with attentive service and several standout dishes. I'd gladly return, especially for the branzino, bisque, and scallops. read more

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Great restaurant right on the water in Portland Maine. Visited with coworkers on a Tuesday night and everyone was surprised we got a reservation because it's usually really hard to get into. The vibe is very cozy, dimly lit, and kind of romantic. There is a lot of wood and beige colors which make it feel warm. The food was amazing! I had a delicious lobster and the portion size was large! It came with cornbread and Cole slaw. We also got the fried calamari which was great. Someone ordered the scallops and they said they were really good. Another person got the clam chowder and she liked it. The wait staff was great and came by frequently to check on us. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for fine dining! read more

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The drive up Valet car park service starts the evening off right. Host was accommodating in providing a table that was not in direct sun in your face table. Cocktails were "okay" but a bit on the skimpy side for the price paid. Oysters were awesome. I got a dozen. Then I opted to get a dozen little necks on the half shell. Unfortunately they were very very small and had too much grit. I had them taken off the table. My wife had an awesome steak. Called Bavette. Very good. I got the whole fluke as you can see in the pictures. It was a bit of work to get to the meat which was a bit spongy. This visit was disappointing. read more

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Second trip to this incredible establishment! I've been introduced to New England breads that are just Devine (how did I make it to 65 without knowing what New England Anadama Bread or Boston Brown bread is! ) Fresh daily catch...locally raised beef for me. Impeccable service and location too! On the bay and lots of windows. Fresh decore and can't beat location (watch a working harbor out of two sides. read more

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What an amazing time we had at Scales! My husband recently got into Oysters and when we were thinking of where to go for our anniversary in Portland, he came across a picture of bar at Scales. He saw how they serve the oysters and he just had to go. We arrive and check in and the man behind the desk wishes us a Happy Anniversary, it took me by surprise and then I realized my husband wrote it on our reservations. They also wrote a little personalize card which they gave to us when we were seated. Our server came right over (I'm sorry I can't remember his name) and mentioned he heard it was our anniversary. He was great. Everything about our experience there was wonderful. Drinks were great, food, incredible, desert, delicious. It was also fun watching everything that was going on behind the bar. We were there so we thought we'd go big. My husband got his six oysters which he loved. We started with the Anadama Bread, New England Cornbread and Crab Fritters. For our meal, my husband got the Pan Roasted Halibut & I got the Pineland Farm Bavette Steak with a side of the Brocollini, absolutely delicious! The people next to us got a cheeseburger we both said we have to come back for lunch and have it. It looked so good. We had Frozen Custard for dessert. The service was top notch and the little extras made our anniversary dinner wonderful. I highly, highly recommend Scales! read more

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We expected a different experience considering all the hype about this restaurant. There were no reservations available so we were walk-ins and ate at the bar. Our server was excellent - very attentive, friendly. We ordered a bowl of chowder, steamers, and the fried oyster plate. We should have known better and skipped the fried oysters when after asking the server their origin, he said they were from the mid-atlantic. (The oysters used in the fried oysters) Why would an acclaimed seafood restaurant in portland use oysters from anywhere else? They had no flavor. We ate a few and didn't bother finishing them. Probably the worst fried oysters we ever had, and we've had plenty. Using fresh Maine oysters and charging more for them would be much better. The steamers were excellent, not one grain of sand to be found. The chowder was OK. The place is nice, although when we were there there were a few very large parties and a bit loud. (Bachelorette groups) The server did notice the uneaten oysters and removed the charge for them from the bill, which was very much appreciated. read more

Our first time visiting & we will be back! Wonderful spot for seafood in Portland. Our server was super friendly and gave great insight & recommendations into the menu. We enjoyed the raw oysters and buns for an appetizer. We had the fried whole fluke and local catch hake. Both were wonderful. The fluke was great, but just a bit difficult to eat with the bones. Celebrated a birthday dinner with sticky toffee pudding. Loved how this restaurant was on the water. Even though we did not have a table right by the window, we could still see the water which provided a nice ambiance. read more

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I made a reservation here days in advance...maybe even a week...and couldn't get any earlier than 9pm on a Monday! That says a lot about a place. It is located by the water downtown and has a charming vibe on both the outside as well as inside. Lobster tanks and huge vats of shellfish on ice when you walk in. Open kitchen which is always cool to see. I have to say giving this place a 5 even though I didn't get my own meal for the bites of food I tasted off my boyfriend's plate were phenomenal. We did split the green salad, and his halibut was incredible. Very tasty. Wish I wasn't full from all the food we already had that day! read more

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We came across Scales on an evening walk and decided to try it. It's located off the street and along the back of the harbor. It was very busy, and more on the loud side than anything, but we could still each other speak. We waited 15 minutes before being seating and greeted by a very friendly and attentive waiter. Everything on the menu looked delicious and we ordered way more than we could eat, but it was all very good. The bar area looked very inviting and the decor was perfect for the area. Live lobsters in open tanks, the kitchen is open and everyone was friendly. Scales is an upscale restaurant, prices are pretty reasonable for what we ordered and loved the vibe. Enjoy! read more

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I came here with my husband on our honeymoon and didnt have the best experience mainly because of how bad the service was. My husband made this reservation months before and they knew it was our honeymoon. We had the first reservation spot of the night right when the restaurant opened and the server was rushing us the entire time. When ordering appetizers we weren't ready to order our main course and he made us rush to decide what we wanted and said we HAD to put everything in all at once which is a bit ridiculous. I also ordered a cocktail and it came out luke warm like they hadn't shaken it with ice at all. I had to send it back and ask that they actually make it cold. Other than the terrible service and poorly made drinks, the food was decent. Solid fish & chips read more

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Scales was a beautiful restaurant! I loved walking in seeing the ice machine dropping ice to keep the fish cold and all the lobster tanks holding the lobsters for everyone to see. Our table was outside and it was chilly but they had plenty of heaters making it comfortable. I started with clam chowder which was good. And we split the molasses bread which strangely enough, I did not like. It was their brown bread with molasses on the top. It was beautiful but I guess I'm not a brown bread fan anymore. I had the fish and chips sandwich which was delicious! The tartar sauce was great too! My husband got the stew and he said it was incredible. I tried a calamari and a clam from it and they were yummy! Our waitress was extremely attentive and made sure to top our water and glasses with the bottle of wine we ordered. I wish I took a picture of it because it was delicious. read more

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Service: our waiter was very friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Never was gone other than when we were eating for longer than a few minutes. Never had to wait for water. We sat at the bar lounge during our wait and enjoyed some appetizers. The bar tenders even came over to ask if we wanted drinks. Service here is great. Ambiance/atmosphere: beautiful open kitchen concept to watch the chefs at work. The inside lay out was very nice, but slightly crowded. The waiting area had a bar lounge that was for ordering appetizers and cocktails. Food: halibut was the best I'd ever had, it was perfectly cooked and juicy, tender, with a nice crunch from the hazelnut topping. The sauce was very good and soaked beautifully into the potatoes. My mom loves fish and chips and has eaten it in all the big and recommended places near the oceans, but she was adamant that this was the best she'd ever had. The fish was crispy, perfectly crunchy, and still juicy and full of flavor inside. I can truly say it's definitely the best I've ever had. The fries were incredible. I'd say if you're not a fish and chips regular, you're best off still ordering a side of fries. These truly may have been the best fries I'd ever eaten and my whole table seconded that. The seafood stew was delicious. The broth is soaked in was full of flavor and the seafood within as fresh as you could want. Everything in the restaurant was caught the day of or not served so you can imagine how good this dish was. The piece of toasted bread that came with it was great as well. The bread had a nice salty flavor and was crispy outside and so soft inside as it soaked up the broth. Perfect compliment, but make sure you order extra bread free of charge. The calamari was very well seasoned and fried, also served with a beautiful jalapeño aioli that complemented things very well. read more

A bit more upscale compared to other spots along the harbor, Scales feels like a hidden gem--tucked away but easy to find once you're on the right street. You're greeted by a beautiful seafood display (no fishy smell!), and the decor is tasteful and welcoming. The vibe is elegant but not stuffy--perfect for a nice dinner without feeling too formal. The seafood was fresh and well-prepared. We loved the steamers, and our server kindly explained how to remove the "socks" before eating--something we wouldn't have known otherwise! The seafood stew was rich and hearty, though a little salty for my taste, but packed with variety and flavor. The halibut was unfortunately a bit overcooked, and the hazelnut component overpowered the fish slightly. Still, it was a very enjoyable meal with good service and a lovely atmosphere. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a slightly elevated dining experience by the water. read more

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The food is wonderful ... i love it ... the restaurant is so cute , i sit at batio so cute n lovely , and we dont have to wait for anything... the only minus is i ordered a ex'ra bread and he brought out it cold , they did not make it crispy for me , i felt like i ate a old bread read more

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On Monday we had 7:00 reservations this was the first time we were at the restaurant and we were seated 15 minutes after arrival our waitress was outstanding helping with our food choices and she made great great suggestions. The Restaurant decor was modern nautical and watching the loon swimming outside the window made the evening memorable read more

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This place was very hard to get a reservation for, so definitely plan in advance. We happened to secure a 6:45 outdoor reservation which was sheer luck. The outdoor area was nice and organized, the tables weren't on top of each other so you had space between guests. The food was phenomenal. The oysters were so fresh, and we had a variety of three. The "wave runners" were our favorite. All from Maine. The main dish we had was stuffed lobster and scallops. But the highlight...was the mussels. I can still smell the dill! 10/10 recommend, pharmacist approved! read more

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We went back, as we do every year. Just a top flight restaurant. Exquisite food, perfect presentation and attentive service that isn't intrusive. read more

What a beautiful restaurant and amazing dishes! They were presented so nicely and tasted amazing! Service was great too! Loved the salad and octopus to start and we got the lobster roll. Everything was incredible and it was a perfect last dinner in Portland! read more

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Food was excellent and vibe very cool. Bar staff was a bit uppity and condescending. Dining staff superb and insightful. read more

Scales - Seafood Near Me - Portland, Maine

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5 stars for tourists and 4 for locals. But let's discuss both: For Tourists: -This is probably the best overall Portland restaurant to visit, as it's more seafood oriented than sister restaurant Fore Street, but not entirely seafood like Street and Co, and with much better views. -I'm sure you've noticed that lobster is incredibly expensive in Portland restaurants. The same lobster might actually be cheaper wherever you're from. It's crazy and frustrating. But you're in Maine, so do what you need to do and enjoy the market prices (a $50 single lobster sometimes) or $65 Lobster Frites. -The Halibut and Scallops are the two most popular entrees, and both are great. For Locals: -After many dinners, I think I have a good feel for the menu. First, with two people, always get bar seating. Skip all the fried apps that you can order anywhere, and skip most of the overpriced traditional entrees. I also wouldn't be caught dead ordering a lobster (or even lobster roll) here on my dollar. -If you're hungry, start with any of the amazing breads. Then the Grilled Octopus is the single best octopus dish I've ever had. Next, order one of the ceviche, crudos or tartares. There's usually at least one on special too. Finally, split one of the whole fish, which at the moment are Branzino and Fluke. I prefer the fluke. -Desserts aren't great. I'd rather go to Gross afterwards or Gorgeous Gelato. -I love the cocktails, but they're definitely some of the most expensive in the city. Scales is an overpriced tourist restaurant. But it's probably the best one. It's a huge menu that has something for everyone, with some of the best ambiance in the city and near perfect service. As a tourist, this should be first on your list. And as a local, we know that winter happy hour will come far too fast. read more

Everything was 10/10! We sat outside with the heaters which was lovely. Ordered a bottle of wine, and had to get the lobster while visiting Maine. It was absolutely perfect, and that little corn bread was amazing. Service is always good. Can't wait to go back :) read more

Scales - Lobster - Seafood Near Me - Portland, Maine

Possibly a top 10 restaurant all time. The ambiance is perfect. Started with a cocktail at the bar. Perfectly made. Once seated our server Paige was awesome. Extremely knowledgeable. We started with steamed clams appetizer and grilled octopus. So tender. So good. For entrees the scallops were super. My wife had fish and chips. Fresh cut perfect fries. My brother's lobster was great. My sister in law had the halibut in a brown butter sauce. She loved it. Very extensive wine list. Excellent desserts. Highly recommend and I suggest a reservation. Enjoy read more