Best Date Night Restaurants in South Portland

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodMexicanChinesePizzeria

Regions

Greater Portland

Neighborhoods

PortlandSouth Portland

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine winesGreat for happy hour

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

14 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Lucky Cheetah

4.7

Exceptional(247)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Portland

Booked 22 times today

Dumpling enthusiasts and champagne lovers alike can indulge in in the elevated, yet unpretentious fine-dining experience offered in this sexy, and intimate underground hideaway. The menu honors Cantonese classics with dishes like Xiaolongbao and Char Siu Bao, while creative offerings such as Foie Gras Blackberry Dumplings with Brown Butter Miso Crumb showcase culinary innovation in this celebration of Chinese American fare. A deep champagne and wine list complements the menu, and at the 11-seat Pink Italian Stone bar, classic cocktails are shaken up with unique spice combinations and Asian-produced liquors, like a Manhattan riff “Doyer’s Street” made with Chinese five-spice infused Bourbon and Fernet Michaud from Portland, MENote: Table reservation durations: 1.5 hours for parties of two, 2 hours for parties of 4 or more. Walk-in seats are available at the bar.

2. Solo Italiano

4.8

Exceptional(2753)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Portland

Booked 27 times today

We currently offer in-house dining Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30-10:00pm (last dinner seating is at 9:30). Takeout is no longer available at this time. Patio dining is available Memorial Day weekend through September and always subject to weather. Please call us directly to reserve a patio table, but keep in mind that of the six 4-tops available outside, three are kept for walk-ins only.Our restaurant features Paolo Laboa, international chef from Genova, Italy. His menu consists of simple, flavorful and authentic Northern Italian cuisine. This includes handmade pasta, crudo (raw fish), fresh pizza and an all-Italian wine list. Ingredients are sourced locally, from various Maine farms and from the Gulf of Maine, whenever possible.

3. David's 388

4.8

Exceptional(1410)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Bistro • South Portland

Booked 17 times today

From the owner of David's (Portland, ME), 388 is a comfortable and casual neighborhood nook where diners can enjoy a range of bold flavors. Both restaurants share the signature of Chef/Owner David Turin, and David's 388 is built "by the Chef, for the Chef." Every week, David's 388 thrills the palette with new dishes that have both creative and traditional influences spanning the width of the globe. The restaurant seats 42 including seating at a Chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen.

4. REGARDS

4.6

Exceptional(283)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Portland

Booked 6 times today

Bringing some LA vibes to the northeast. REGARDS draws inspiration from the diverse food culture of Los Angeles. We highlight flavor profiles from Japan and Mexico with the freshest of Maine produce and products. The menu at REGARDS has bright, zippy ceviches and crudos, rich tamales, plump Argentinian shrimp tacos, along with mezcal cured hamachi collars, crab rice and grilled cabbage with caesar. Clarified lime margaritas with eucalyptus or our gin and sotol martinis with hibiscus pair with our adventurous menu. We pour natural wine and have a large selection of curated mezcals and tequilas.A place for us and for you. Might not make sense, but it sure is delicious. Across the street from Reny's. Nearby Maine College of Art, Portland Stage Company, State Theatre, Empire Comedy Club and Blue Jazz Club. **The 50 Best New Restaurants of 2022, Bon Appetit****Plate Magazine Chef's To Watch, 2023****Star Chef New England, 2023**

A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant

5. David's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(3890)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Portland

Booked 24 times today

A long established local favorite at the center of the historic arts district featuring eclectic decor,and an energetic atmosphere. David's offers broadly appealing menus that highlight familiar dishes with acreative twist. Open for lunch and dinner, showcasing delectable options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. David’s is known for delicious meals, and warm and friendly service. It’s no wonder that Chef David was voted Portland's best chef in 2021 and chef of the year in 2012.

6. Evo Kitchen + Bar

4.6

Exceptional(717)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Portland

Local food. Bold flavors. With a chic, energetic vibe, Evo puts an unconventional twist on tradition. Maine's micro-seasons enable our Chefs to play - they are always coming up with new dishes and dynamic ways of preparing the food you know and love. Immerse yourself in an experience at our open-concept kitchen by sitting right in the action, at the window counter, or up in our mezzanine. We require a credit card to reserve any seat. Reservations cancelled within 24hrs prior to your experience will incur a charge of $25 per person Questions please call (207)358-7830

7. Roma Portland

4.7

Exceptional(995)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Portland

The Roma is a throwback, classic American Italian restaurant located in the heart of the West End on Congress St, that pays tribute to the great American Italian restaurants of decades past. The Roma will serve classic Italian-American fare in a relaxed and comfortable dining room. Love for comfort food.

8. Thames Landing

4.3

Awesome(61)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Portland

Booked 3 times today

Thames Landing brings you modern New England fare—centered around seafood, local meat, and seasonal vegetables—in an airy, bright dining room and on our expansive garden patio.Menu includes appetizers like salt cod croquettes, mussels and deviled eggs, a variety of salads and entrees that range from lobster rolls and smashed burgers to lobster dinners and NY strip steaks. A private dining room remains in place and a cozy expanded outdoor seating area is now available.

9. Magissa

4.7

Exceptional(82)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Greek • Portland

Booked 14 times today

A taverna style Greek restaurant combining traditional preparations with local ingredients to create dishes that are authentically Greek and uniquely Portland, Maine.

10. Bird & Co.

4.8

Exceptional(298)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Portland

Booked 22 times today

We are a neighborhood Taco and Margarita bar. We would love to feed you. Located in the middle of Woodfords Corner, tucked away on the Corner of Deering Ave. and Revere St. Our creative tacos and margaritas use the freshest ingredients and we have something on the menu for everyone. You deserve Tacos.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RosaVIP
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We absolutely loved everything about Lucky Cheetah! Great food and amazing service!!
More info
Lucky CheetahPrice: Expensive• Chinese• Portland
•
4.7
M
Matt
Greater Boston •6 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great service and food. Can be a pricey meal, but the food and drinks are always solid.
More info
David's 388Price: Expensive• Bistro• South Portland
•
4.8
K
Kathryn
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing food and our server was excellent! Highly recommend !
More info
Solo ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Portland
•
4.8
D
Dan
Greater Boston •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful meal before attending Simon & Garfunkel Story at the Merrill Auditorium which was a short walk away. Our server Jenna was excellent, so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and the bar choices. When you're in the area, this is the place to go!
More info
David's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Portland
•
4.7
P
Peggy
Montreal / Quebec •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Creative menu with a clear global influence. Fresh cuisine.
More info
REGARDSPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Portland
•
4.6

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