Located in Portland's Old Port District, Fore Street opened in June, 1996. The interior surrounds a unique brick and soapstone hearth with a wood-burning oven, grill and turnspit; visible from most tables. We believe that good food travels the shortest possible distance between the farm and the table. Our menu changes every day and is founded upon the very best raw materials from a community of Maine farmers, fisherman, foragers and cheese makers. Most of the Maine foods are organically grown or harvested wild, each brought to us at the peak of its season. In 2002 and again in 2007, Fore Street was named by Gourmet Magazine as one of the Top Fifty Restaurants in the United States. In 2004, Chef-Partner Sam Hayward was named Best Chef: Northeast by the James Beard Foundation.
Dining Style: Casual Dining Price: $50 and over Parking: Street Parking Cross Street: Franklin and Pearl
"In a nutshell: disappointing. For all the rave reviews and "hype" we had read, we thought it was going to be outstanding. However, the experience was mediocre (and since our visit, we've asked others who echo the same type of experience). Restaurant itself is a pleasant environment, and our server was friendly. However, that was about the best of it. While the server was friendly, she wasn't a polished server -- forgot to put in our appetizer order (so the courses we ordered were all jumbled and served simultaneously, long wait times for second beverages, etc.). Salad and appetizer good, but entrees disappointing. Oversalted, to the point of unpleasantness. Someone in Portland told us this: Fore Street has a great PR firm!"
Food
(Fair)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/05/2010
(review submitted 03/12/2010)
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Review 2 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Our dining experience at Fore Street was everything and more! All entrees were cooked to perfection."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/06/2010
(review submitted 03/09/2010)
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Review 3 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Good)
"The quality of food was excellent but the presentation and attention to detail were average."
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
Food
(Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/04/2010
(review submitted 03/06/2010)
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Review 4 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"A wonderful Rest. week menu--especially the Beet Cured arctic Char. I have always been a fan, but I think Fore Street out did themselves this year. Thanks. One thought: there might have been a vegetarian option for the second course."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/03/2010
(review submitted 03/05/2010)
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Review 5 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"great friendly staff, on top of their game..food was very good, all but the cold bread, would be better warm, great variety of unique foods."
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/26/2010)
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Review 6 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"What can I say about a beautiful intimate renowned restaurant for it's outstanding dining experience? Just that!! Once inside you feel like you stepped back into Old world Italy. Exposed beams, wooden tables and the smell of wood burning. I felt I was in Mama's kitchen. But better!! The food was superb. Our waitress was attentive, friendly and well informed. Our evening ended with a molten chocolate with Happy Anniversary spelled out on the plate, as well a special welcoming note on the table. Nice Touch!! We thoroughly enjoyed our evening."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/12/2010
(review submitted 02/25/2010)
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Review 7 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"We love Fore Street. This was our fourth visit there. We drive from Boston and spend the night in Portland. Food is always suberb. Our waitress was professional and very helpfull."
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/25/2010)
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Review 8 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"We have been to Fore Street on more than one occasion and are never disappointed. The food is amazing with lots of local fare. The wait staff is excellent, and the ambiance is special. We especially enjoy being able to watch dinner cooked over the open spit and slid into the brick oven."
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/11/2010
(review submitted 02/24/2010)
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Review 9 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"The mussels were just as good as we heard and possibly better. The hanger steak was the most tender I've ever eaten. My wife described her dessert, the tartin, as "life changing". I highly recommend Fore Street!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/20/2010
(review submitted 02/23/2010)
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Review 10 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Fair)
"The food was too salty and the salad was like smoking a cigarette. It was so dark that we couldn't see the food. The cooks looked like a rag tag bunch."
Food
(Fair)
Ambiance
(Fair)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/21/2010
(review submitted 02/23/2010)
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Review 11 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Fourth time dining here, and, as usual, the food was beyond killer. If you want a meal that will blow all others out of the water, go here."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/17/2010
(review submitted 02/21/2010)
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Review 12 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"I look forward to visiting Portland, ME just so I can go to Fore Street. As always, the food was delicious and I can't wait until my next visit!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/05/2010
(review submitted 02/06/2010)
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Review 13 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Service, both in the bar and in the restaurant, was excellent. The food was marvelous - the steak cooked to perfection and the wood-grilled pate to die for. My only complaint is the noise level which is very high. I certainly plan to return - more than once."
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/24/2010
(review submitted 01/27/2010)
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Review 14 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"The food was fabulous. the staff was excellent. we were recommended to this restaurant by someone who has dined with you in the past. We were not dissapointed. We would definitley reccommend this restaurant to others. We are looking forward to coming back up in the summer. The only downfall was that the place is not well lit outside and the sign on the building is not visible at night so it was a bit hard to find the restaurant the first time."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/17/2010
(review submitted 01/19/2010)
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Review 15 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Food was excellent, service was friendly and environment was quaint and nostalgic"
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/17/2010
(review submitted 01/19/2010)
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Review 16 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Our fourth time at Fore, and it just keeps getting better and better."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/14/2010
(review submitted 01/16/2010)
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Review 17 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Great service, delicious food, must try the warm chocolate torte with caramel ice cream and gold salt."
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/02/2010
(review submitted 01/03/2010)
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Review 18 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"It was my first trip back to Portland in a couple of years and picked this restaurant based on good reviews - and they were accurate. It was a cold windy night and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. The staff was wonderful and a note welcoming us waited on the table. We had the pear and spinach salad and Russian boar appetizers, both of which were delicious. For an entree we had pheasant and pork loin with garlic potatoes and brussel sprouts as sides. All were well prepared. The freshly baked bread, which can be seen in baskets around the dining room, was crusty and equally delicious. Overall it was wonderful experience and we will be dining here in the future."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/29/2009
(review submitted 12/31/2009)
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Review 19 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Fabulous, as usual. This is our fourth time dining here and we continue to enjoy it."
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/22/2009
(review submitted 12/26/2009)
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Review 20 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"2nd visit (first was long ago). Ambiance delightful (yes, it's dark but so what), food outstanding, lovely server. Delicious mussels, best wood-roasted chicken ever. Loved the simple, undecorated swags and trees."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/18/2009
(review submitted 12/20/2009)
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Review 21 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"we love Fore Street! Consistently outstanding food and wine! Service can be great or mediocre. Wonderful venue, but can be very noisy; get the back room if you can."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/04/2009
(review submitted 12/10/2009)
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Review 22 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Good)
"I have rated this restaurant as my favorite in New England. My most recent visit, however, did not wow me. I'm not sure if it was my selections, the end of the fall menu or what. But the meal was not the outstanding meal I have come to anticipate. I certainly will try it again and hope my recent experience was an off night for Fore Street or for me."
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Food
(Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/03/2009
(review submitted 12/06/2009)
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Review 23 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"I love Fore Street. The food was great. Started out with the crab soup/bisque and the quail. Both had really great flavor. Then we had the rabbit and the pork loin. Ended up being too full for dessert. Will definitely come back next time we are in Portland!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/29/2009
(review submitted 12/06/2009)
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Review 24 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Good)
"I was sooo looking forward to dining at Fore Street. I've wanted to go here for years. The room is lovely and very warm and appealing. While the food was good it wasn't "over the top" like all the hype. I had the dorado which was described as being like mahi mahi which it wasn't. I found all the food to be "too highly flavored." Too much flavor hid the delicacy of the actual menu item. My sister had the flounder which was better but she found it to be too salty."
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
Food
(Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/04/2009
(review submitted 12/06/2009)
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Review 25 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Delicious food. Large range of local, yet not often found in restaurants, pairings. Definitely more of a foody choice than say, Street & Co. Good atmosphere, not too snobby. Fun to watch the kitchen in action. Hard to read the menu, but pen-lites provided by the server were good. Service was excellent and server was more than helpful with dinner choices. Smaller portions, but more than adequate given the taste and subtle blending of textures. Best flourless choc torte I've ever had, period."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/20/2009
(review submitted 12/06/2009)
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Review 26 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Menu was a dream; it was an amazing selection of seafood and roasted meats. The mussels appetizer was delicious, and it's definitely enough to share. Roast chicken was a little underdone but had great flavor. The pork leg was tender and juicy, served boneless. Our server was fantastic, helpful and paced the meal superbly. Overall, I really enjoyed eating/being there. Great service and atmosphere; it felt remarkably comfy for a relatively large dining area and in a "high end" restaurant. Can't wait to go back!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/28/2009
(review submitted 12/04/2009)
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Review 27 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"The entire experience was fabulous! This restaurant is a gem and we will definitely keep going back."
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/25/2009
(review submitted 12/04/2009)
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Review 28 for Fore Street
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"We've eaten at Fore Street many times before, but my husband made the comment that he thought this was the best meal he'd ever had there! The swordfish was unbelievable!! Other guests had venison and bluefish, also wonderful! Justin was as attentive as always, and he remembered us...how does he do that?! We continue to return to Fore Street because of its consistently wonderful, unique offerings. This time we brought my mom and guest, both in their 80's for a "before" Thanksgiving meal...they couldn't stop raving about the meal...proving there is something for everyone at Fore Street!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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