Restaurant Details 📋
Address: 85 Free St, Portland, ME, USA
Phone: (207) 808-8623
Website: https://leewardmaine.com/
Hours of Operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
What People Are Saying 💬
AI summary of real reviews
Customer Praise
- "The lobster bucatini fra diavolo was one of the best pasta dishes I’ve tasted in downtown Portland."
- "Anytime people ask me for Portland recs, this is absolutely the top of my list."
- The "huckleberry honey sorbet" was a "surprise hit" and a memorable dish for days after the visit.
- "Everything we ate here was fuego."
Atmosphere and Service
- Arrived without a reservation and found the "bar & chef tables were almost full already" by 5:15.
- Staff quickly corrected a mistake by covering the cost of a missed dessert tart.
- The establishment could get "really busy close to 7pm," so reservations are recommended, especially for large parties.
- Seating in the back booth was "quickly greeted with waters and menus" for a larger party.
Food Quality
- "Fresh seasonal ingredients throughout the menu," with pasta dishes expertly prepared, such as "beautifully al dente" pastas.
- The "chicken liver mousse was creamy and not super rich," allowing a big serving to be finished comfortably.
- The "corn crema sauce," described as subtle and distinctive due to the mascarpone, was highlighted as a unique flavor.
- "The grilled little gem lettuce salad" paired well with under-salted focaccia and was noted for being "wonderful and light."
Overall Experience
- Guests found the "creativity of the cocktails," such as the Negroni Verde, to be standout selections.
- Despite the bustling atmosphere, the experience was described as "deliciously wonderful" and "really good all around."
- Italian food lovers considered it "one of the best Italian restaurants in the country."
- Consistently recommended as a must-visit destination in Portland, with reservations strongly advised.