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Fore Street

288 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101-4109
207-775-2717
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Ranked #18 of 490 restaurants in Portland
Cuisines: American, Seafood, Contemporary, Eclectic
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Business, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Dining
Cross street: Franklin and Pearl
Description: Located in Portland's Old Port District, Fore Street opened in June, 1996. The interior surrounds a unique brick and soapstone hearth with a wood-burning oven, grill and turnspit; visible from most tables. We believe that good food travels the shortest possible distance between the farm and the table. Our menu changes every day and is founded upon the very best raw materials from a community of Maine farmers, fisherman, foragers and cheese makers. Most of the Maine foods are organically grown or harvested wild, each brought to us at the peak of its season. In 2002 and again in 2007, Fore Street was named by Gourmet Magazine as one of the Top Fifty Restaurants in the United States. In 2004, Chef-Partner Sam Hayward was named Best Chef: Northeast by the James Beard Foundation.
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594 reviews from our community

79% Recommend
    359
    111
    67
    35
    22
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Tampa Bay, Florida
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 June 2013 NEW

We designed our trip to Portland around our dinner reservations at Fore Street. They do take walk-ins, but we didn't want to chance missing out on this incredible restaurant. And it lived up to it's hype! Great down to earth waiters and waitresses. Rustic farm kitchen decor with delicious aromas coming from the open kitchen. We had 5 different appetizers... More

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See 3 more reviews by Boo002 for Portland
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 June 2013

We went here to celebrate our 34th anniversary..... We had tried to get in on several other occasions and never timed it right without a reservation. This was an amazing place to eat. Hubby had steak that was to die for. The BEST he had ever eaten. Great atmosphere and service. We will go back for sure. It is definitely... More

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See 11 more reviews by didi959 for Portland
Long Branch, New Jersey
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
17 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013 via mobile

We had dinner there Sunday night . The wait was about 30 minutes for the bar and about an hour and a half for the dining room. We had been there years ago and it was a heavy beef menu. Not what I am after in Portland. So glad we went back. On of the best nights we have had.... More

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Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013 via mobile

Everything on the menu is pricey. The steak I had was so juicy and tender I could cut it with a butter knife. Good but it will cost you $50. Couldnt find any greaf appetizer or dessert items so we walked down the street for gelato. Overall good service and food for a nice meal.

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Maine, New York
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2013

My wife and I visited this last week and honestly, were very disappointed by the service of our server. First she seemed put out that I was drinking water only - not normal for me I confess, but I had surgery scheduled the following morning - so after my wife starting with a glass of sparkling, tried to push a... More

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Ogunquit, Maine
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
36 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2013 via mobile

We eat at Fore street quite often. The food is very good, however the attitude is ridiculous! We ordered mussels to start, as we do EVERY time we go. They were way under cooked and most of them not even open. We told the server of the situation he had an attitude and snatched them away from us. the hostess... More

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Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2013

Every time I am in Portland I make a reservation for dinner at Fore St. During our first visit we ordered a sun choke side dish which we had never heard of before - It was so delicious we found some to plant in our yard! Unfortunately, I have yet to figure out how to make them as good as... More

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See 3 more reviews by AbbyBee0327 for Portland
UK
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2013 via mobile

We came to Fore Street as visitors to Portland from the UK. The food, setting and service was excellent. The prices are expensive but you are paying for the experience and food. We enjoyed the fish and the appetisers and our waiter from Nebraska was very friendly and helpful. A great experience!

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Sharon, Massachusetts
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

One of the best meals we've had anywhere. Great service too. Definitely try the mussels and save room for dessert!

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Patchogue, New York
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

On the referral of a good friend we visited Fore Street for drinks and snacks in the lounge. Great service, great location, and amazing atmosphere. Our food was delicious!

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