Last updated: 2025-03-21
Portland’s group dining scene blends Old Port charm with innovative culinary experiences. From the waterfront views at DiMillo’s to the communal tables at Rising Tide Brewing Company, the city’s restaurants excel at accommodating larger parties while maintaining the laid-back Maine vibe.
Whether gathering in the historic brick buildings of Fore Street and Central Provisions, or enjoying fresh seafood at Boone’s Fish House, groups can find spaces that capture Portland’s distinctive mix of maritime heritage and modern dining culture.
Explore Portland’s best group-friendly spots down below!
Featured Group Dining Spots in Portland
- Fore Street
- Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
- Central Provisions
- DiMillo's On The Water
- Eventide Oyster Co.
- Union at The Press Hotel
- Bar Futo
- Flatbread Company
- Kon Asian Bistro
- Pai Men Miyake
Casual Dining in Portland
Buffalo Wild Wings (South Portland)
What to Expect
Sports Bar with Wing Options
Description
Buffalo Wild Wings in South Portland offers a lively atmosphere ideal for group dining, featuring a wide variety of chicken wings, sports viewing, and a casual setting. It is well-suited for groups seeking an informal dining experience with entertainment options. The restaurant provides a diverse menu and a welcoming environment for sports enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Where: South Portland | More Info: Buffalo Wild Wings
Central Provisions
What to Expect
Internationally-inspired small plates
Description
Central Provisions offers a diverse menu of internationally-inspired small plates, ideal for groups to share a variety of dishes. Located in a historic red brick building, it features a rustic-chic interior with a focus on quality and innovation. The restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere with options for vegan and vegetarian diners, making it suitable for group dining with diverse tastes.
Where: Portland | More Info: Central Provisions
Eventide Oyster Co.
What to Expect
Granite Shellfish Display
Description
Eventide Oyster Co. offers a vibrant setting with a focus on pristine oysters and shellfish, complemented by creative accoutrements like kimchi ice and red wine mignonette. The menu includes the renowned Brown Butter Lobster Roll and a variety of New England-inspired dishes. Its lively atmosphere, featuring picnic table seating and a granite shellfish display, makes it suitable for group dining experiences.
Where: Portland | More Info: Eventide Oyster Co.
Flatbread Company
What to Expect
Waterfront wood-fired pizzas
Description
Flatbread Company offers a waterfront dining experience with a focus on organic ingredients and wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant features a large bar overlooking the bay and accommodates groups with a banquet capacity of 40. It provides a variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, making it suitable for diverse group dining needs.
Where: Portland | More Info: Flatbread Company
Old Port Sea Grill
What to Expect
Saltwater Fish Tank
Description
Located in Portland's historic Old Port district, Old Port Sea Grill offers a modern interior with a custom concrete bar, a large lounge area seating up to 50 people, and a dining room accommodating up to 60 guests. The restaurant features a saltwater fish tank and serves a seafood-driven menu with an emphasis on local and imported fish, shellfish, and east coast cold water oysters. It pairs well with a food-friendly wine list, local craft beers, and an extensive cocktail program. This setting is ideal for group dining due to its spacious areas and diverse menu offerings.
Where: Portland | More Info: Old Port Sea Grill
Pai Men Miyake
What to Expect
Handmade Japanese Ramen
Description
Pai Men Miyake offers authentic Japanese cuisine, specializing in handmade ramen and sushi in a cozy, brick-walled setting. The restaurant features a lively bar and small tables, ideal for informal group gatherings. It serves a variety of small plates and yakitori options, using fresh ingredients from local sources. While not specifically designed for large groups, its casual atmosphere makes it suitable for smaller group dining.
Where: Portland | More Info: Pai Men Miyake
Rising Tide Brewing Company
What to Expect
Craft brewery with event space
Description
Rising Tide Brewing Company offers a unique blend of craft beer and dining in a vibrant setting. The East Room is ideal for group events, featuring large garage doors that open to a spacious patio. In-house catering from The Galley provides a variety of options, making it suitable for casual gatherings and corporate functions. The venue's flexible layout accommodates both indoor and outdoor events, ensuring a memorable experience for groups.
Where: Portland | More Info: Rising Tide Brewing Company
Terlingua
What to Expect
Texas-style BBQ with Southwest flavors
Description
Terlingua combines Texas-style BBQ with Southwest and Mexican flavors, offering house-smoked meats and a variety of dishes. It features indoor and outdoor dining options, making it suitable for group gatherings. The restaurant is known for its creative grilled cuisine and Southwestern dishes, providing a unique dining experience.
Where: Portland | More Info: Terlingua
Three Dollar Dewey’s
What to Expect
Portland's Original Alehouse
Description
Three Dollar Dewey’s is Portland’s Original Alehouse, offering elevated pub fare with extensive gluten-free and vegan options. It features 36 draft lines of beer and a lively atmosphere, making it ideal for group gatherings. The restaurant provides a spacious setting with a dog-friendly outdoor beer garden and hosts live music events. It also offers a Mug Club with exclusive benefits and discounts for service personnel.
Where: Portland | More Info: Three Dollar Dewey’s
Fine Dining in Portland
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
What to Expect
Waterfront Event Space
Description
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room is a two-story waterfront restaurant offering a variety of seafood dishes, including Maine lobster and oysters. It features two kitchens, indoor and outdoor bars, and decks overlooking Portland Harbor. The second-floor event space is ideal for group dining, with options for private or semi-private events. The restaurant is known for its historic significance and signature dishes like baked stuffed lobster.
Where: Portland | More Info: Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room
Fore Street
What to Expect
Wood-burning hearth and oven
Description
Fore Street offers fine dining with a focus on local, farm-to-table ingredients. Its unique interior features a brick and soapstone hearth with a wood-burning oven, grill, and turnspit. The menu highlights wood oven-roasted seafood, meats, and vegetables, making it an ideal setting for group dining due to its upscale ambiance and attentive service.
Where: Portland | More Info: Fore Street
Union at The Press Hotel
What to Expect
Integrated bar and kitchen with shared herb garden
Description
Union at The Press Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and creative dishes. The restaurant features a unique integration of the bar and kitchen, including a shared herb garden. Its spacious seating area makes it suitable for group dining, providing a blend of modern ambiance and local flavors.
Where: Portland | More Info: Union at The Press Hotel
Via Vecchia
What to Expect
Historic Brick Building Setting
Description
Via Vecchia is a small plates Italian-inspired restaurant located in the heart of Portland's Old Port. It offers a blend of old-world Italy and coastal Maine flavors, featuring dishes like homemade bucatini with Maine clams and lemon caper butter, alongside classic pasta dishes. The restaurant boasts a large wrap-around bar and luxurious velvet booths, creating a warm and energetic atmosphere ideal for group gatherings. Its extraordinary cocktail program combines old-world sophistication with new-world techniques.
Where: Portland | More Info: Via Vecchia
Themed Restaurants in Portland
Bar Futo
What to Expect
Binchotan charcoal grills
Description
Bar Futo offers a Japanese-inspired menu with yakitori-style skewers and small plates, all prepared using binchotan charcoal grills. The restaurant features a lively atmosphere with various seating options, including a chef's counter and outdoor seating. Its creative cocktails and extensive sake selection complement the dining experience, making it suitable for groups seeking a unique culinary experience.
Where: Portland | More Info: Bar Futo
DiMillo's On The Water
What to Expect
Floating restaurant on a historic car ferry
Description
DiMillo's On The Water is a floating restaurant located on a former car ferry, offering a unique dining experience with stunning waterfront views. It serves a variety of seafood, American, and Italian dishes in a setting that accommodates over 600 guests. The restaurant is well-suited for group dining due to its spacious layout and diverse menu options. Features include a full bar, happy hour specials, and outside dining areas.
Where: Portland | More Info: DiMillo's On The Water
Kon Asian Bistro
What to Expect
Hibachi tables with chef entertainment
Description
Kon Asian Bistro offers a modern Asian dining experience with Japanese, Sushi, Thai, and Chinese cuisine. It features hibachi tables where chefs entertain while preparing meals, making it ideal for group dining. The restaurant includes private rooms for larger parties and offers a casual yet lively atmosphere.
Where: Portland | More Info: Kon Asian Bistro
Rí Rá Irish Pub
What to Expect
Authentic Irish Pub Interiors
Description
Rí Rá Irish Pub offers a traditional Irish atmosphere with interiors restored and shipped from Ireland. Located in the Old Port, it provides stunning harbor views and a cozy setting ideal for group gatherings. The menu features elevated pub grub with local twists, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. It is well-suited for group dining due to its spacious layout across two floors.
Where: Portland | More Info: Rí Rá Irish Pub
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