The Best Lobster Roll in Portland, Maine, 2024
A trip to Maine is only complete with a traditional lobster roll. You will want to sample many during your trip for the whole experience. Maine produces more lobster than any other state in the United States. New England is the perfect place to visit and offers some of the best places to try a lobster roll.
As a Southerner, I didn’t grow up eating fresh lobster. In fact, I distinctly remember my Boston cousins introducing me to lobster on a family vacation to Maine when I was in high school. As our family fell in love with vacationing in Maine, one of my favorite traditions is eating lobster everyday. I know it sounds extreme, but there’s nothing close to a fresh lobster roll in Georgia. I have personally tried many lobster rolls in Portland and I’m so excited to share my expertise and experiences.
Need to book a hotel quickly? Here are my favorites-
🌟Hyatt
🌟Portland Harbor Hotel
First, what is a Classic Maine lobster roll?
🦞hotdog style bun (buttered bun is the best)
🦞cold lobster meat
🦞can be served with mayo
How does this compare to a Connecticut style lobster roll? A Connecticut lobster roll is served warm with butter. Both styles are delicious, but I prefer butter over mayo. Many lobster joints in Maine will let you choose either type.
The best rolls are made with fresh lobster meat and warm butter.
So are you ready to find a tasty lobster roll in Portland, Maine? If so, check my list below for delicious rolls while visiting Maine.
How much does a lobster roll cost?
Lobster rolls can vary in price but expect to spend $25-35 per roll. Most restaurants and lobster stands will post market prices. Sides may be an additional cost as well.
The perfect lobster roll in Portland, Maine
Highroller Lobster Company
Highroller Lobster Co. is one of my favorite stops in Portland and sells a classic lobster roll at market price.
First, the roll is delicious. Inside is a cute red-and-white diner atmosphere. It is casual and an excellent environment for kids. Most importantly, they have an adorable back patio with plenty of picnic tables, benches, and room for kids.
This place is for you if you have young ones that can be loud or mobile! My husband and I took a 7-year-old, 4-year-old, and 18-month toddler one summer. We ordered at the counter and enjoyed our food at a large picnic table outside. It is also enclosed, so you do not have to worry about little ones getting out on a busy road.
This restaurant would also be a fun destination for a cold beer and lobster roll with some friends. So on a nice summer day, grab a sandwich, sit out on the patio, and enjoy the sunshine and delicious roll.
Check out the menu here and start planning your trip now to try one of the tastiest lobster rolls in Portland, Maine.
Luke’s Lobster
Not only is Luke’s Lobster known for their outstanding rolls, but the Portland location has a scenic location. The restaurant sits on the waterfront so that you can enjoy beautiful views too. Luke’s lobster roll is seasoned with their special recipe to give it a unique flavor and comes with potato chips.
Here are some tips for visiting Luke’s Lobster-
🦞If interested in trying Luke’s, I recommend making a reservation on their website to avoid a long wait, especially if you have a larger party.
🦞dog friendly
🦞outdoor dining
We recently tried Luke’s on our last trip to Portland and my husband & I enjoyed our meal. Their location is scenic, food is delicious and I loved the Blueberry cocktail I tried.
If you are walking & shopping Commercial Street, make a pit stop for a delicious lobster roll.
Becky’s Diner
This classic Portland restaurant sits on the waterfront for an iconic view with tasty lobster rolls. The restaurant features an old-fashioned diner feel that is welcoming and authentic. The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives” show highlighted Becky’s Diner for its mouthwatering menu.
If you love breakfast food, this is worth a visit for breakfast. Becky’s incorporates local seafood into their breakfast menu by offering Lobster omelets and Lobster Benedict.
Add Becky’s Diner to your lobster roll tour in Portland.
Eventide Oyster Company
Eventide Oyster Co. is a local favorite that offers the brown butter lobster roll. It is one of the high-end restaurants in Portland, so reserve a table in advance to experience a great lobster roll. It is located on Middle Street; you can explore while you wait for your table. Lastly, Eventide is known for offering the freshest seafood if you want to try something else.
Bite into Maine
Bite into Maine has 3 locations, and the Portland locations are a unique twist. While in Portland, you must head to Allagash Brewing Co. and check out the Bite into Maine food truck.
If you plan to visit Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth, you can grab a lobster roll at the Bite into Maine food truck while exploring the beautiful views of the fort and lighthouse.
There is an additional location in Scarborough, Maine too. A lobster food truck is a fun way to try a Maine lobster roll.
If you want to explore the best brunch in Southern Maine, head south to Ogunquit.
🛑🛑If you only have one day to explore Portland, consider an organized tour to maximize your time in a great city. Book HERE quickly as this tour sells out. 🛑🛑
The Best Lobster rolls outside of Portland
If you enjoy a scenic ride, many outstanding options are outside Portland. I have been to many of these and highly recommend them.
Five Islands Lobster Company
If exploring north of Portland, hop in the car for a journey to a lobster roll off the beaten path. Five Islands Lobster Company is one of our favorite locations as it sits directly on the water. Grab a roll and sit at a picnic table on the small pier. After lunch, stop by the ice cream treat.
If you have little ones, you can enjoy our lunch while watching the lobstermen bring in their daily catch. It is one of the most authentic experiences.
Behind the grill, you can pop into the lobster room to purchase fresh lobsters and mussels. During our visit, the staff engaged with our kids and showed them all the different sizes of lobsters they had that day. My kids were totally captivated and I highly recommend this experience if traveling with little ones.
In addition, the scenery around the restaurant is quite charming, especially off to the right side of the grill. You can snap a family photo on the rocks with a scenic bay view behind you.
Pro Tip- They operate seasonally, so check before you make the drive over.
Red’s Eats
Red’s Eats is about an hour north of Portland in Wiscasset, Maine. It is in a little shack directly on the side of the road- you can’t miss it. If you are heading north, it is on the left side. A noticeably long line of people will be waiting in peak tourist times. This is one of my favorite lobster rolls of all time.
Park your car in the downtown area and hop in line! There’s nowhere to sit inside but grab a spot downtown or walk behind the lobster stand and along the water to enjoy your lobster roll.
If you don’t mind a drive, this is one of the best & most delicious lobster rolls in Portland, Maine.
Places to stay to find the best & most delicious lobster rolls in Portland, Maine
If you want a food tour of Portland, consider spending a night or two to check off all the delicious places on our list. See below for my recommendations on Portland area hotels.
In addition, you may prefer more space, especially if traveling with family. If so, check out the options Airbnb and VRBO offer for rentals in the Portland area. When we travel with extended family to Maine, we prefer to rent a place for additional space and a kitchen.
Portland Area Hotels
🛏️Hyatt Place Portland Old Port
If you have a Chase credit card, you can quickly transfer points to Hyatt. The Hyatt hotel chain is generous with its award categories. For example, a night here falls in the 23,000 range but can go as low as 17k points per night in less popular times.
The hotel is within walking distance to the waterfront and multiple restaurants. We stayed here on our last trip and loved the proximity to restaurants and shops. It is in the heart of the city.
🌟🌟Book Hyatt NOW by clicking HERE!🌟🌟
🛏️Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront
If you are a loyal Marriott customer, check out this Courtyard in downtown Portland. The hotel rooms are sleek and modern. The rooms offer two queens or a king with a sofa bed. As an added plus, some rooms offer a harbor view at an affordable price.
If you want a quick stay in Portland and want to avoid the hassle of renting a car, they offer a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.
🌟🌟Book Marriott NOW by clicking HERE!🌟🌟
🛏️Embassy Suites Portland
Embassy Suites is one of our favorite hotel chains, especially when traveling with kids. Having the bedroom separate from the living room is perfect for a family whose kids go to bed early.
One of the reasons I love staying at the Embassy Suites is that they offer a delicious and expensive breakfast. If you have picky kids, there are many options to keep them and you happy. In addition, there’s a free happy hour every afternoon with snacks for the kids. It is perfect for all ages.
Some Embassy Suites are a little dated, but lucky for you; this one is sophisticated and stylish. The hotel is conveniently located near the airport if you are looking for easy access to I-95 and exploring outside Portland city limits. The hotel will be an excellent location to try some of the best lobster rolls outside Portland.
🌟🌟Book the Embassy Suites NOW by clicking HERE!🌟🌟
🛏️Portland Harbor Hotel
If you are not particularly loyal to one hotel brand, I recommend the Portland Harbor hotel. Situated in Old Portland, each room offers a cozy coastal theme to make you feel at home.
The hotel offers traditional rooms and suites. Some of the conventional rooms offer a sleep sofa. If traveling with kids or couples desiring more space, the suite option may be perfect.
The suites are equipped with a refrigerator. The executive suites offer even more sophisticated touches, such as a two-sided fireplace.
As a side note, this hotel is pet friendly. There is a small fee, but a nice touch for travelers with furry friends.
This hotel is an attractive and charming option for those looking to find the best and most delicious lobster roll in Portland, Maine.
🌟🌟Book the Portland Harbor Hotel NOW by clicking HERE!🌟🌟
Quaint areas outside of Portland
If you enjoy the feel of a smaller town, here are a couple of suggestions-
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a quaint town 35-40 minutes south of Portland. You can find chain hotels outside the downtown areas or charming hotels and inns in the city limits.
I prefer staying inside the downtown area as you can walk to shops, dine and go sightseeing.
Here are a few ideas-
🛏️ Nonantum Resort is located directly on the water and is popular with travelers. It is a cute beach resort for couples or families.
🛏️The Boathouse is a small hotel in the heart of Kennebunkport. You can overlook the Kennebunk River from your room or stroll through the town. The hotel also hosts a delicious restaurant.
Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a bit further south and a quick drive from Kennebunkport. This town is a beach community full of picturesque hotels on the water or Bed & Breakfasts.
See below for a suggestion-
🛏️The Admiral’s Inn is a resort in the heart of Ogunquit. It is an ideal stay for couples and families who want to be within walking distance of the beach.
Although Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are further south of downtown Portland, they are still ideal locations for checking a traditional lobster roll.
Camden
Camden is an adorable town about an hour and a half north of Portland. I recommend adding a stop in Camden if exploring Red’s and Five Islands lobster.
In Camden, you are more likely to find B & B’s, Airbnb, and VRBO rentals. When we stayed in Camden in the past, we rented a house a little north of Camden and loved the quiet.
If you want to continue exploring north to Acadia Island on Mount Desert Island, book your luxury hotel beforehand and plan on checking out the best restaurants near Acadia National Park.
In Conclusion: Best & Most Delicious Lobster Roll in Portland, Maine
I hope you enjoyed my tips on finding the best local cuisine in Portland, Maine. Are you interested in traveling to Portland, Maine, with kids? Learn more about traveling with kids to Portland.
Portland Resources
Amazing Tours in Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine with kids
