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Lark Hotel's Guide to Portland
Lark Hotel's Guide to

Portland

View Guide for Portland

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Includes

Things to do • Eat + Drink • Adventure • Sights + Sounds

Waves crashing against rocks in Portland, ME
Portland Lobster Co sign glowing red against the twilight sky in Portland, ME
Boats docked in a harbor in Portland. ME at sunset
A flight of different beers in Portland, ME
Lobster boats and traps along a dock in Portland, ME
Portland Head Light lighthouse in Portland, ME
Food truck vendor making food for customers in Portland, ME

What to Do

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Chaval

Chaval A short walk away

This neighborhood bistro near the inn turns out French and Spanish comfort cuisine like no other. From the same brilliant couple behind Piccolo, the food is simply outstanding. Make sure you order something off the daily specials menu, and, whatever you do, save room for dessert – they're legendary.

Roma Cafe

Roma Cafe Under a mile

Ridiculously authentic Italian like nonna used to make. Classic Caesar salad (a dollar from every purchase goes to fight childhood hunger) and spot-on bolognese.

Wayside Tavern

Wayside Tavern A short walk away

Wayside Tavern is a warm and convivial space that invites guests to nestle in, relish good food, and renew their spirits. It’s a space that celebrates the natural gifts that Maine has to offer, from local seafood and meat to specialty cheeses, all complemented by an exciting wine list.

Tandem Bakery

Tandem Bakery A short walk away

No wifi, zero laptops, and not a single newspaper to leaf through. There are no distractions from the one true goal: to roast and brew the perfect cup and serve the best baked goods on the planet. The buxom breakfast biscuits will make you skip lunch, and the pastries and pies are all equally wonderful.

Insider Tips

Truly one of the best bakeries in the Northeast. Bar none.

Matchamood

Matchamood A short walk away

Known as the first matcha bar in Portland, this is a staple for matcha lovers! Enjoy different variations of this iconic green tea like strawberry, black sesame, and even a matcha au lait latte. 

Address

654 Congress Street Address for Matchamood

 Cantina Calafia

Cantina Calafia 0.4 miles

Food & drink inspired by Baja California

Cantina: a bar or wine shop, especially in a Spanish-speaking country.

Fonda: Arabic in origin, the word is defined by the dictionary as “a tavern, inn or small restaurant.” But like the European concepts bistro and trattoria, the definition here in Mexico has become blurred, or better said, broadened to refer to any corner spot or casual neighborhood restaurant to grab a bite.

Address

46 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102, United States Address for Cantina Calafia

 Miyake

Miyake 0.7 Miles

Miyake is an acclaimed Japanese restaurant in downtown Portland known for its intimate setting and highly refined, chef-driven cuisine. Tucked along Fore Street, it offers an elevated omakase-style experience that highlights precision, seasonality, and premium ingredients. The atmosphere is minimal and focused, allowing the craftsmanship of each dish to take center stage, making it one of Portland’s most sought-after dining destinations.

Address

468 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101 Address for Miyake

Bramhall

Bramhall

A modern speakeasy in Portland’s West End, Bramhall is tucked beneath Congress Street in a candlelit, brick-and-stone space. Stop in for creative cocktails, an extensive selection of bourbon, scotch, and rum, plus comforting pub fare and late-night bites.

Address

769 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102, United States Address for Bramhall

 A sailboat takes during golden hour in Casco Bay in Portland, ME and surrounded by colorful fall foliage.

Islands of Casco Bay

Explore the scenic islands scattered throughout Casco Bay, just off the coast of Portland. From biking and walking to kayaking, beaches, and relaxed island dining, each island offers its own unique slice of Maine’s coastal charm.

 Sunset Lighthouse

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours

Cruise through Casco Bay at dusk aboard a fully narrated sightseeing tour, taking in Portland’s historic lighthouses, islands, forts, and waterfront views. The 1-hour-45-minute cruise departs from Long Wharf in Portland and offers a scenic way to experience the bay as the sun sets.

 Wooden tasting platter with samples of assorted beer, cider, and mead.

Maine Brews Cruise

Explore Portland’s craft beverage scene on a guided tour featuring local breweries, distilleries, wineries, and other craft producers. Tours include tastings, transportation on bus itineraries, and insights into Maine’s brewing and beverage culture.

Address

Portland Beer Hub 320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101 Address for Maine Brews Cruise

 Terrarium

Terrarium

A unique plant shop and DIY terrarium experience in Portland, where you can browse houseplants, enjoy a drink or snack, and create your own miniature garden. Walk-ins are welcome, with staff available to guide you through the terrarium-building process.

Address

98 Cross St N, Suite A, Portland, ME 04101 Address for Terrarium

 PORTLAND NOISE LOGO

PORTLAND NOISE

A Portland-based live music and events resource highlighting concerts, local artists, and the city’s independent music scene. It’s a useful starting point for discovering what’s happening across Portland’s vibrant music community.

Address

Portland, ME Address for PORTLAND NOISE

 Ladyfine Jewelry

Ladyfine Jewelry

A Portland jewelry studio specializing in handcrafted jewelry and permanent jewelry experiences. Choose from a rotating selection of chains and metals, then personalize your piece with charms or natural stones for a unique keepsake.

Address

50 Cove St, Portland, ME 04101. Address for Ladyfine Jewelry

 woman placing rolled yoga mat on wall of equipment

Portland Yoga Collective

This downtown yoga studio offers creatively sequenced Vinyasa, high-energy Pilates, restful Restorative & Yin experiences, and more ways to embrace mindful movement.

Address

98 Cross St N Ste C, Portland, ME 04101 Address for Portland Yoga Collective

 person pouring a pot of tea into green glass with decor on table

Botanically Curious

Meet our friendly neighborhood herbalist! Botanically Curious is an educational herbal apothecary and drink cafe with thoughtfully formulated tinctures, teas, and botanical remedies.

Address

419 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 Address for Botanically Curious

Located in Portland

From the Guide

Our Favorites

  • 1
    PICNIC AT THE PROM

    Portland's Eastern Promenade offers a gorgeous, grassy 180° vista of Casco Bay. Bring a picnic (or hit up one of the food trucks) and enjoy the view from the hill or the beach.

  • 2
    LIGHTHOUSE VISIT

    Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth is the #1 most photographed lighthouse in the US—and just a spectacular place to visit. Get in on the action!

  • 3
    WANDER THE OLD PORT

    Wander Portland's Arts District and quaint historic Old Port and pop into the incredible galleries, shops, restaurants, breweries, and more.

  • 4
    EAT ALL THE FOOD

    If you're planning a visit to Portland there's a 99% chance it's for the food / brewery / music scene. We love to provide suggestions, but our friends at Portland Food Map have a great interactive map and loads of recommendations and reviews.

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Leisure
Enjoy Retro Fun at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
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Arts + Culture
Experience the Portland Museum of Art