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Fore Street

288 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101-4109
207-775-2717
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Ranked #16 of 485 restaurants in Portland
Cuisines: American, Seafood, Contemporary, Eclectic
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romance, Doing business, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night, 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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584 reviews from our community

79% Recommend
    352
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    65
    34
    22
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Danvers, Massachusetts
1 review
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

After reading many great reviews of this restaurant, my husband and I booked a table for this past Saturday night. It was my husband's birthday so I called ahead to have a "Happy Birthday" plate with chocolates brought to the table. This was confirmed twice. Upon arriving to the table, there was a Happy Birthday card on the table, the... More

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Connecticut
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

Once or twice a year we take a chance and walk over to Fore Street to see if we can score a table. We're usually rewarded with a meal that can't be beat. Tonight it was the the wood-roasted mussels which were the highlight! The open kitchen is a joy to behold. We've never been disappointed.

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See 2 more reviews by Eagleville for Portland
Suwanee, Georgia
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
43 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

Says it all right here..."Fore Street's menu changes every day to allow our kitchen team to create menus from the freshest foods available, regardless of the season. Most of our raw foods are grown by farmers we know, in communities all around Maine." straight from their website. It is almost like being at a large family kitchen...very large and so... More

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See 2 more reviews by rmdtmd for Portland
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

Waitress was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant, atmosphere was casual but upscale, kitchen is open and able to be seen from the tables, booths offer a good deal of privacy and allow you to have a nice quiet dinner. Good drink selection, porkchop was amazing as was the sausage it came with. Not a place for kids but a great date... More

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Virginia
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
40 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 2013 via mobile

Visited on Business and thoroughly enjoyed! From the front you might miss it - old warehouse front with gas lights - but one inside it opens up with nice bar and comfortable sitting area and dining area. Kitchen / prep sits in an island in the middle of the restaurant - and decor fits with old Portland - great ambiance!... More

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Washington, DC
Top Contributor
99 reviews 99 reviews
53 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

Fore Street is a standout in Portland, and offers a menu that makes it difficult to pick something. No matter what you select, you're sure to have a special experience. Superb service and an impressive array of desserts make Fore Street a "must see" in beautiful Portland.

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See 3 more reviews by Qlever for Portland
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2013

I sat in the bar so didn't get full on view of open kitchen but that is a novel idea. For such a high brow hotel was a bit surprised at the amount of 'game' foods on the menu. I mean I guess so but rabbit, really? IMO road kill should be a minimal offering and not have its own... More

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Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 26, 2013

This is Portland's most exquisite dining option. The menu not only changed seasonally but also daily! Don't be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone and try something new. Note: this is NOT a place for kids. They hate it and the other patrons do too. We get a sitter and enjoy am adult night out.

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See 2 more reviews by Kspadegal for Portland
Portland, Maine, United States
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

A perfect jewel. People that care about food and know how to bring it all together. A special place.

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Bear Mountain, New York
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2013

We go to Portland, ME, at the very least, annually and Fore Street is ALWAYS on the itinerary. This year we made our reservation two months out which is as far as they accept them. We were once again thrilled to be there. The food is excellent and they have a decent wine list to make the whole experience spectacular.... More

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