From Screen to Table: 10 Must-Try Portland Restaurants Featured on Food Shows

I've long since lost track of the countless hours I've spent watching food-centered TV shows. I'm literally watching one of those shows, while I write this.

Reality competitions, cooking game shows, travel series, holiday specials, if it's about food, I'm all in.

It’s also a great way to uncover restaurants in different cities or places I might want to visit.

However, nothing beats when a restaurant or chef from Maine is featured. I don't know if it's the collective chip on our shoulders, but the level of pride can't be measured. Our restaurants and people are truly like our children. And when they make it big, well, we feel like we've all made it.

It is special, though, especially in Portland. I'm sure you have heard by now about the massive reputation the city holds in the global culinary community.

Portland, Maine, is has Become a Popular Foodie Destination

Portland has become very trendy over the last two decades. Countless articles and television features have showcased the city to the masses across America, and there's no sign of it slowing down.

And, of course, there's the vast number of restaurants and chefs who have been featured on national television programs.

Portland Restaurants That Have Been Featured on Television Programs

Below is a closer look at 10 Portland restaurants that have proudly been featured nationally on popular foodie television shows like Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Best Thing I Ever Ate, Food Paradise, Drinking Made Easy, and Man v. Food.

It’s no surprise that things tend to heavily favor seafood, specifically lobster dishes. Lobster is Maine’s currency, so it’s a completely legit strategy by the showrunners.

But there’s much more to Portland’s cuisine than seafood, and that comes through, whether it’s pizza, potato donuts, tacos, craft beer, and more.

READ MORE: Popular Portland Neighborhood Named Best in Maine for Foodies

Is one of your favorite Portland restaurants on the list? Ready to discover new favorites?