15 Best Breakfast in Portland, Maine

Portland is the largest city in Maine, United States. It is the seat of Cumberland County. 

This city has much to offer, with its most explored areas being the Art District and historic Old Port. Its majestic lighthouse, cobblestone streets of Old Port, coastline, and ocean air are worth exploring.

However, don’t mistake its old-school charms and history for being behind the times. The city has one of the most celebrated and creative food scenes on the East Coast.

Here is our list of the best places to have the best breakfast in Portland, Maine. 

Best Breakfast in Portland, Maine

1. Miss Portland Diner

hMiss Portland is the go-to spot for weekday and weekend breakfast in Portland, Maine.

The restaurant is a recognizable landmark popular for its breakfast and lunch menu and lively blue bus cart with a golden logo.

The Diner’s location is very near to the downtown area, making it close to significant attractions of the city, including the waterfront district, the old port, and the art district. 

The interior of Miss Portland Diner is quite traditional, with vintage diner booths, checkered tiles, and blue-green cushioned chairs. The ambiance of the Diner is extremely friendly and sociable.

Their menu includes a wide variety of scrambled eggs and omelets; they also serve cereal and fruits, salads and soups, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, desserts, and comfort food.

In addition to their regular dishes, Miss Portland Diner serves incredible specials that are not on their normal menu.

Also, their bloody marys are outstanding. The food is exceptional, the prices are unrivaled, and the service is top-tier. You will not regret dining at Miss Portland Diner.

Address: 140 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101, United States

2. Hot Suppa

Hot Suppa is an amazing but deluxe breakfast spot in Portland, Maine. It was established in 2006 by brothers Moses and Alec Sabina.

Hot Suppa rapidly emerged as one of Portland’s leading daytime destinations. It is a Southern-style restaurant and bar serving one of the city’s best, most fluffy, and creamiest omelets.

Hot Suppa‘s menu is produced from scratch from top-quality ingredients and frequently used local goods. They also offer a full bar service featuring drinks like draft beers, Bloody Marys, and cocktails. 

One of the dishes to try is their scrumptious chicken and biscuits, which tastes incredible. Another unique and tasty meal is the Local Mushroom Scramble.

Additional hits include eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes, juicy fried chicken coated in sausage gravy, and local cheese curds on top of a biscuit.

Hot Suppa is quite small and extremely popular, so you will have to wait in line if you come here after 9 am on the weekend. Their outstanding breakfast and lunch are served every day at the restaurant.

Address: 703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102, United States

3. Dutch’s

If you are looking for an unconventional place to have the best breakfast in Portland, Maine, Dutch’s is perfect.

The inventive dishes on their menu complement the intriguing interior decor. Don’t be deceived by that – their food is undoubtedly tasty.

Imagine grilled banana bread sprinkled with rich, creamy caramel sauce. Although the prices may be a little high, every trip to Dutch’s is an enjoyable treat.

Address: 28 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

4. Stacks Pancake Company

Stacks offer some of the finest pancakes in the city. All their options are amazing, making it one of the top places to have breakfast in Portland, Maine.

Their menu features 27 various ways to order your pancakes, such as the Oreos pancakes accompanied with Oreos cookies inside and chocolate syrup on top and the honky tonk pancake with cuts of fresh bananas and peanut butter.

One of their most requested dishes is chicken and waffles, and while you can have this in many places, they swear they make the best.

In addition to the chicken and waffles, Stacks Pancake Company offers popular pancake wrap.

Apart from these dishes, they also serve some more time-honored breakfast grub like eggs Benedict. Of course, you can request an omelet if you prefer a more traditional breakfast.

Stacks Pancake Company is open daily from 6:30 am to 4 p.m.

Address: 139 Riverside St, Portland, ME 04103, United States

5. Bayside American Café

Bayside American Café, located in the heart of Portland, is a unique restaurant serving Louisiana-inspired breakfast and lunch daily. 

This bayside neighborhood institution, known and loved for years as Bintliff’s, changed its name in 2015 while maintaining a strong hold on its reputation as a deluxe breakfast /brunch spot. 

Joe and Diane Catoggio have owned and run this restaurant since 2003. It has been a local landmark since 1990 when Roger Bintliff opened it.

Bayside American Café serves Portland’s own Caffe by Design, seafood, local produce, 100% Maine maple syrup, and locally made wine, beer, and spirits.

The atmosphere at Bayside American Café is eclectic and casual. The city’s history can be seen in the architecture and décor of their building, with a story in each corner.

This restaurant offers breakfast and lunch with a taste for everything Cajun, fantastic pancakes, and omelets teeming with the freshest ingredients.

Though they specialize in Cajun classics, such as Gumbo and Traditional Beans and Rice, they also serve French toast and other amazing homemade items. The cornbread is ever-fresh, and the ambiance is funky Portland fun.

Favorite menu options include the cinnamon roll pancakes and the Louisiana Bayou Benedict (handmade corncakes with poached eggs, a Cajun-spiced hollandaise, and smoky andouille sausage), which are exactly as delicious as they sound.

During the warmer season, Bayside American Café opens its deck and patio for dining.

Address: 98 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

6. Union Restaurant

If you are searching for an upscale breakfast experience, head to Union at the Press Hotel for a sensational menu filled with fresh, inventive, and locally sourced options. 

Union Restaurant is a gorgeous and inviting modern American farm-to-table restaurant headed by Chef Josh Berry, a Maine local. It is among the top places to visit for an outstanding breakfast in Portland, Maine.

Their menu is carefully designed and split into broad categories of tiny plates, large plates, sides, and must-haves on the last side of the menu. 

The classy yet understated atmosphere reflects the innovative simplicity of their dish, and every meal contains an element either reaped, crafted, or caught in the state.

Some of their meals to try include their Pork Belly BLT Breakfast sandwich washed down with a Dark Before Dawn breakfast cocktail (orange juice, amaro, and espresso.)

Address: 390 Congress St, Portland, ME 04103, United States

7. Porthole

Porthole is a seafood restaurant located near the water. In mild weather, enjoy brunch alfresco and appreciate the sea air and breathtaking sceneries.

Porthole offers mouthwateringly fresh Maine seafood brunch items like unmatched lobster rolls. It also serves a rich lobster eggs Benedict.

For those who want something with more meat, the restaurant provides gravy with roasted pork belly and gravy. 

For those looking for a toothsome treat, you can order their Maine blueberry and mascarpone stuffed brioches.

A rustic spot that instantly makes one feel at home, the Porthole is unmatched for its blend of outstanding food and terrific views.

Address: 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101, United States

8. Artemisia Café

Artemisia Café, a beautiful restaurant in Portland, is buried away only a few blocks from the busy downtown area.

This little spot is among the highly revered spots for breakfast in Portland, Maine. You can find all your classic breakfast food on the menu and feel at home in the environment. 

The environment is extremely cozy and relaxing, the customer service is exceptional, and everyone is gregarious and welcoming.

Artemisia Café’s fresh ingredients are made into artisan dishes that display the simpler side of breakfast.

They serve amazing hashes-both the kielbasa and veggie hash are a breath of fresh air compared to other popular restaurants. Every dish is accompanied by some tasty and fresh bread toasted to perfection.

Artemisia Café is small, so you may have to wait unless you come early. But if you want that mouth-watering breakfast or brunch, you won’t mind the wait.

Address: 61 Pleasant St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

Maine is one of the top places to visit in the United States; check out the list of things to do in Freeport, things to do in Old Orchard Beach and Restaurants in Portland for a fun time.

9. The Front Room

The Front Room is one of the many successful “Rooms” restaurants in Portland owned by chef Harding Lee Smith. It features a big open kitchen and a fully stocked bar, contributing to its relaxed ambiance.

For brunch, the Front Room operates the policy of first-come, first-serve. The restaurant serves comfort food, drawing locals with its inexpensive brunch and dinner menu.

The Front Room comes highly recommended for its tasty food, welcoming staff, and excellent ambiance.

The restaurant, known for its perfectly cooked burgers and seafood, especially scallops, is a local favorite.

The brunch menu is unique, with dishes like huevos rancheros, egg plates, and potato gnocchi receiving good feedback.

Patrons appreciate the personal touch of the staff, who recalls their usual order and even provide extra goodies for dogs during summer outdoor seating.

The Front Room is the perfect spot for those looking for a simple atmosphere and well-prepared meals.

Address: 73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

10. The Friendly Toast’s

This all-day brunch and bar sport is in the Old Port at the old Sebago Brewing Co.

The Friendly Toast’s offers a full bar and diverse deco, which features vintage artwork and classic throwbacks to the mid-century era.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant can house 200 people in the bar and dining areas and 40 on the patio. There is also a private dining room that can accommodate 15 people. 

The Friendly Toast’s menu features over 70 items, including their trademark favorites like Chicken Cordon Bleu Benedict, the Highway Strawberry, and the Avocado Toast.

At the bar, guests can look forward to a hip cocktail creation using many different ingredients and flavors, such as house-made bloody Mary mix, infused vodka, and the Dreamiscle cocktail. There are also the famous cocktail flights to complement the famous Mimosa and Bloody Mary Flights.

Aside from the unique menu and cocktails, The Friendly Toast gives back to Portland and nearby communities by partaking in monthly donations, charity specials, and more.

The restaurant also has several locations across New England, including Chestnut and Burlington Mall in MA, Back Bay in Boston, Portsmouth, NH, and Burlington, VT.

Address: 211 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

11. Marcy’s Diner

Marcy’s Diner is an adorable little spot on the corner of Oak and Free Street. This diner does not have plenty of seating, so be prepared to wait if you don’t want a takeout as the restaurant is quite famous.

Marcy’s Diner features a true-blue American that will satisfy all your cravings. There are plenty of good menu options, from omelets to pancakes, and a fabulous selection of eggs with sides. 

The two items you should not ignore on the menu are the hobo hash and the homemade muffin, best served grilled.

Address: 47 Oak St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

12. The Sinful Kitchen

The Sinful Kitchen is Co-owned by Denae and Dave Mallari. This family business first opened in March 2015 at its first location down the road on Brighton Ave.

Sinful Kitchen’s menu is more impressive since nearly every item on the menu can be made gluten-free. Chef Dave Mallari has celiac disease and is extremely knowledgeable about gluten-free preparations.

The Sinful Kitchen also features an open-concept kitchen/dining room where visitors can witness their food prepared fresh to order. 

Some of their dishes include the Benedicts and brie base topped with crushed bacon and Belgian waffles. 

Address: 952 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME 04102, United States

13. The Frog and Turtle

The Frog and Turtle is located in Westbrook, 19 minutes from Portland, ME. This spot is a casual gastropub and a great reason to go outside Portland.

This neighborhood pub, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, hosts live music in the evenings; however, the brunch keeps the patron returning.

Between the hours of 9 am- 1 pm on Sundays, Frog and Turtle serve homemade donuts, stuffed French toast, and a sumptuous eggs benedict menu & scrambles. 

If you visit in favorable weather, sit on the rooftop deck to enjoy a view of the Presumpcot River.

Address: 3, 3 Vallee Square Formerly, Bridge St, Westbrook, ME 04092, United States

14. Becky’s Diner

Becky’s Diner is a cherished restaurant in Portland offering a warm welcome and eclectic menu. For years, this restaurant has been the go-to spot for locals looking for tasty comfort food and a taste of genuine Maine hospitality. 

When you walk into Becky’s Diner, you will feel like you have returned to a bygone era of classic diners. The diner’s warm and inviting ambiance makes it the perfect spot to gather with your loved ones for a hearty meal.

Becky’s Dinner serves a treasure trove of comfort food that satisfies all tastes. From indulgent omelets and fluffy pancakes for breakfast to delicious burgers, every dish is thoughtfully and carefully made to satisfy visitors’ cravings. 

This diner is also renowned for its dedication to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Becky’s Diner’s commitment to supporting local farmers and fishermen guarantees the highest quality and taste of their meals. It amplifies the bond with the Portland community. 

Becky’s Diner location, which is along Portland’s waterfront, offers a fascinating view of the harbor, where sailboats and fishing boats gently bob. The astonishing vista adds an extra layer of charm to the dining experience, which makes every meal at the diner a feast for the eyes and the palate. 

For those looking for genuine Maine hospitality and nostalgia, Becky’s Dinner should be number one on your list of restaurants offering the best breakfast in Portland, Maine.

Whether you want to grab a quick bite or settle in for a slow meal, Becky’s Diner beckons you to create memorable memories at this cherished spot at the harbor.

Address: 390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

15. OhNo Café

 

According to the locals, OhNo Café is a quaint spot in Portland that offers one of the best gourmet breakfast sandwiches.

Try the juicily grilled hanger steak, Vermont Cheddar, egg on a smoked turkey, avocado, fresh bagel, smoked gouda, and egg on a bialy.

With affordable breakfast, sandwich, and lunch options, OhNo offers an inexpensive brunch any day of the week and a wine and beer selection.

Visit OhNo Café today to explore their many sandwich options.

Address: 87 Brackett St, Portland, ME 04102, United States

Maine has some of the best cities in the United States to explore. Here is a list of fun things to do in Camden, things to do in Augusta, and Gift Shops in Portland for fun exploration.

Plan Your Trip to Portland

Portland, Maine, is a small, lovely city with an old-fashioned feel. The city is home to numerous attractions, including restaurants, diners, and eateries that serve the most important meal of the day: breakfast.

Whether you want to grab a quick bite, something to-go, or settle in, the restaurants listed above will have something for you.