Portland, Maine, Crowned America’s Best Small Food City—and It’s No Surprise

Portland has found itself as the top dog on a very prestigious list—and one that is very well deserved.

Food & Wine Magazine, the premier periodical for all things culinary, recently published its annual list of the best food cities in America.

Is Portland, Maine One of the Best Food Cities in America?

One of the categories is small cities, and this is where we find Portland. The Forest City more than held its own this year. In fact, Portland was named the best small foodie city in America. Talk about bragging rights.

Honestly, should we be surprised?

The city has embraced its foodie culture and done a wonderful job of promoting it to Mainers and tourists alike—as it should. It’s legit.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that Portland sits between two major sources of food: the ocean and the swath of incredible farms we have here in Maine. I mean, how could the food scene not be amazing?

The city has also benefited from attracting young and talented chefs statewide and from away to open new and exciting restaurants. And of course, the tremendous diversity of cuisines Portland offers is a huge draw. It’s incredible to see how many parts of the world now influence the food scene.

But don’t just take my word for it—here’s what Food & Wine had to say about Maine’s foodie oasis:

Portland frequently crashes national best-of lists stacked with heavyweights. Chalk it up to a working waterfront hauling ultra-fresh seafood into a lively arts district or a genuine off-season (though it’s shrinking), which ensures a steady stream of newcomers trading big-city grind for a tight-knit community of artisans constantly refining tiny-town charms.

There’s no question the off-season feels like it gets smaller every year, but if that means keeping the city more lively in the winter, then I say bring it on.

What are Some of the Best Foodie Spots in Portland, Maine?

The article also highlights many Portland greats, like James Beard Award–winning baker Atsuko Fujimoto and her shop Norimoto Bakery, the legendary Fore Street, the highly popular Eventide Oyster Co., as well as Food & Wine 2025 Best New Chef Jordan Rubin.

READ MORE: No Portland, No Problem: Maine’s Top Takeout Spots Beyond the City

Congrats to Portland on this very deserving No. 1 ranking. But honestly, it deserves to be on every best-of foodie list in America—not just among small cities. It has rightfully earned this distinction and continues to improve.