Since I was a child, lobster has been one of my favorite foods. Particularly, lobster rolls. I could eat one every day if money was no object. Luckily, I’m located in Portland, Maine – an excellent place, if not the best in the world, for Maine lobster! Every year, millions of people flock to Maine to try the best of the best – Maine lobster. Truthfully, it tastes the best in Maine, right from the source. I’ve had numerous lobster rolls in Massachusetts, and nothing compares to the freshness of tasting it right where it was harvested in Maine. In fact, 80% of America’s lobster is harvested here in Maine (source).
The Best Lobster Rolls in Portland, Maine
Everyone has a different preference on what they think makes a lobster roll the best. For me, it has to have a nice mix of tail, knuckle, and claw meat, a sturdy, buttery bun, a dollop of mayo, and nothing else other than perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice or chives. I am a firm believer that lettuce and celery do not belong in lobster rolls.👏🏻 And if we want to talk about sides, it’s my opinion that a lobster roll should always be paired with potato chips – not fries. Hey, just my preference. Can you tell I’m crazy about lobster rolls?! 😜 I actually make them at home sometimes too (read about it here).
Portland, Maine is home to some of the country’s best restaurants, and definitely the best lobster rolls. Here are the best lobster rolls in Portland, Maine. And if you prefer video, you can check out my video here with the best lobster rolls in Portland, Maine.
Bite Into Maine
This is my favorite lobster roll in Portland right now. Bite Into Maine has multiple locations throughout the Portland area. Their location in Fort Williams Park at Portland Headlight is my favorite. If you’re visiting Portland, Maine and want to kill two birds with one stone, this is definitely your spot. What I mean by that is not only do you get a fabulous view of Portland Headlight, you also get a delicious lobster roll. 🙌🏻 A win-win in my book! It’s the perfect place for a picnic while hanging out in Portland.
If you’re from Maine and/or don’t care about seeing the lighthouse (and the tourists that come with it!) their food truck at Allagash Brewing Co. at 50 Industrial Way in Portland is a great option. You’ll still be amongst tourists, but it’s where more locals will be hanging out. I also like their Scarborough location for takeout before heading to the beach in the summer months.
Bite Into Maine has a variety of lobster rolls to choose from. My favorite is their “Maine style” with fresh chives and mayo. A classic! They also have “Connecticut style” with warm butter (my second favorite), “Picnic style” with coleslaw, celery salt, and butter, as well as “Chipotle” with a smoky chipotle mayo, “Wasabi” with a wasabi mayo, and “Curry” with yellow Indian curry.
Eventide Oyster Co.
You’ve probably heard about the famous Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll, and for good reason. I’ve actually written about it before in this post. This is one of my favorite lobster rolls of all time and a unique one at that. Eventide’s Brown Butter Lobster Roll features a pillowy soft steamed bun, along with fresh lobster in warm, brown butter, and topped with fresh chives. It’s rich, it’s decadent, it’s what dreams are made of. It’s perfection. The roll reminds me of ones that my great grandmother used to make when I was a kid.
Definitely make sure to make a reservation – it’s not uncommon to see a line around the block and a 2-3 hour wait. If you need your Eventide fix and can’t get into the restaurant, they also do takeout and delivery now. If you’re only making it as far as Boston, they also have a Boston location which is more of a fast-casual style restaurant compared to a true, sit down restaurant. It’s more expensive and not as good as Portland in my humble opinion.
The Highroller Lobster Co.
The Highroller Lobster Co. is a hip and fun, new-ish restaurant located in Portland. And boy do they bring the heat with their lobster roll. We love unique, yet fresh and delicious, and Highroller is just that. Their lobster roll is unique in that you can customize with your favorite sauce. I tend to be basic with my lobster roll, but if you like being more adventurous, they have options such as lime, jalapeño, sweet red pepper, charred pineapple, and garlic mayo, as well as drawn butter, lobster ghee, ketchup, mustard, relish, and more!
This might not be the place to take your parents, but if you’ve had numerous lobster rolls and want to try something different, you’ll love it. Insider Tip: Make sure to get their “Lobby Pop” too! It’s a lobster tail on a stick. *Chef’s kiss* 😘
Luke’s Lobster
Luke’s Lobster is another fairly new restaurant in Portland with a beautiful water view. It’s a great spot to eat lunch outside during summer and early fall. If the name “Luke’s Lobster” sounds familiar – perhaps you’ve seen one of their many other locations throughout the United States.
Luke’s Lobster Roll is unique in that it has a “secret” seasoning on top. I’m usually not one for any extra seasoning on a lobster roll, but this is surprisingly delicious! If you’re curious about the “secret” seasoning, it’s thought to be a mix of celery salt, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Might need to try it at home too. Delicious!
Next on my list of lobster rolls to try? I’ve been eyeing Scales, Becky’s Diner, J’s Oyster, Maine Oyster Company, and Portland Lobster Company. And yes, I actually have this as a note in my iPhone!
