
DiMillo's On the Water
Dine on a historic car ferry in Portland Harbor, offering stunning views and classic New England seafood.

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DiMillo's On the Water

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine on a historic car ferry in Portland Harbor, offering stunning views and classic New England seafood.
"A must-stop for amazing seafood with unbeatable harbor views on a unique floating restaurant."
Seating Choice
Request an interior table if sensitive to motion; the boat does sway gently.
Beat the Wait
Make reservations or arrive early, especially for outdoor seating during peak hours.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Dining on a Ferry
Dine on a former car ferry, offering stunning waterfront views of Portland Harbor.

Classic New England Seafood
Savor freshly prepared lobster, clam chowder, and other local seafood specialties.

Lobster Mac & Cheese
A highly recommended dish featuring fresh lobster and a creamy mascarpone cheese sauce.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Seating Choice
Request an interior table if sensitive to motion; the boat does sway gently.
Beat the Wait
Make reservations or arrive early, especially for outdoor seating during peak hours.
Local Specialties
Don't miss the mussels, steamed lobster, and bacon-wrapped scallops.
Italian Cuisine Note
While seafood is a highlight, Italian dishes may not be as consistently strong.
Tips
from all over the internet
Seating Choice
Request an interior table if sensitive to motion; the boat does sway gently.
Beat the Wait
Make reservations or arrive early, especially for outdoor seating during peak hours.
Local Specialties
Don't miss the mussels, steamed lobster, and bacon-wrapped scallops.
Italian Cuisine Note
While seafood is a highlight, Italian dishes may not be as consistently strong.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
DiMillo's On the Water is celebrated for its unique floating restaurant experience and classic New England seafood. Diners rave about dishes like the lobster mac and cheese, bacon-wrapped scallops, and clam chowder. While the ambiance and views are consistently praised, some reviews mention the crab cakes having too much bell pepper flavor.
"This was such a cool place to eat, floating on the water. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and definitely unique. The staff were very friendly and welcoming too. We stopped for lunch on the way to Bar Harbor and loved the food. I ordered the French onion soup and my friends ordered lobster rolls. Although this ship is docked in place, you still feel the slight movement of the water and waves, especially sitting by the windows. If you are sensitive to this movement, or are easily seasick, I would recommend requesting an interior table away from the windows. We sat by a window during a storm and although this larger ship/restaurant was steady, the smaller boats out the windows were rocking, rising and falling quite a bit in the wind. I had to not look out the window because it was making me dizzy and seasick. Overall a great place to visit and I would love to come again."
Dustin Boudrero
"DiMillo's was wonderful! The food was amazing and the atmosphere was great. We tried to make a reservation, but we knew we wanted to be seated outside and they don't accept reservations for outdoor seating. So we got there early knowing we'd need to wait for a table. We waited about an hour. The service was good even though our waiter was very busy due to it being the dinner hour. I had the clam chowder and lobster mac and cheese. The clam chowder was very good and the lobster mac and cheese was absolutely amazing! Even though it was quite chilly outside, the outdoor seating was very comfortable due to heaters on the patio and clear, roll down shades that didn't obstruct the view but offered protection from the cool air and wind for tables that wanted to roll them down. We recommend DiMillo's and would definitely be back!"
Brandi Matthews
"My husband and I had a wonderful dinner tonight! Every dish, from the appetizer to the entrée, was delicious and incredibly fresh. We could really taste the essence of the ocean in every bite. This experience was largely thanks to Ms. Morgan, our evening server. She recommended almost all the dishes we tried and paced the meal perfectly, allowing us to savor every bite. She is truly the best server we've ever had. She's exceptional at what she does, and she's definitely a keeper!"
Alisia Harvey (Peace)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is on a docked ferry and may sway gently. If you are sensitive, request an interior table away from the windows.
Reservations are accepted, but not for outdoor seating. Arriving early or placing your name on the waitlist is recommended.
Popular recommendations include the lobster mac and cheese, lazy lobster, bacon-wrapped scallops, and clam chowder.
Yes, DiMillo's has its own parking lot and offers validated parking.
The restaurant specializes in classic New England seafood, with some Italian and American options.
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The Best Restaurants In Portland, Maine
DiMillo’s On the Water is a floating seafood restaurant with a colorful history. In 1965, local restaurateur Tony DiMillo opened a popular, successful restaurant on Portland’s waterfront and later, in 1978, bought a disused wharf and transformed it into DiMillo’s Marina. In 1980 Tony purchased The New Yorker, a former car ferry and in 1982 the boat became home to the relocated DiMillo’s restaurant, boasting beautiful outside decks with stunning harbour views.
good place in Portland (Maine) for lunch?
there is also Dimillos floating restaurant if that interests you , right on the water - the food isn't necessarily the best in town, but it's good and the location is a great spot - i think it is
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DiMillo's On The Water is a unique floating restaurant that offers an unforgettable dining experience aboard a converted car ferry. With its picturesque waterfront views, diners can enjoy fresh seafood dishes while watching boats drift by in Portland's harbor. Known for its classic New England seafood menu, DiMillo's combines maritime charm with culinary excellence, making it a landmark destination for both seafoodies and sightseers.
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For so many folks, a trip to Portland always includes a stop at the famous floating restaurant on Commercial Street called DiMillo’s. You’ll find lots of seafood options but be sure to key on their lobster mac & cheese. It’s prepared “DiMillo’s style”, which means fresh lobster tossed with campanelle in a creamy lobster mascarpone cheese sauce with cognac and finished with their famous lobster stuffing crumbs along with garlic bread.
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Family-owned DiMillos, which has served as Maine’s only floating restaurant, has been a staple since 1954 and is a true Portland classic. When you eat here, you get to enjoy both dinner and a view. Serving arguably the freshest seafood in town in addition to choice cuts of beef and traditional Italian cuisine, you can experience a delectable meal with amazing views of the harbor from every table.
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Dimillo’s On the Water is the ideal destination for a wedding rehearsal dinner in Portland, Maine. Located right next to the Portland Harbor, this elegant restaurant offers breathtaking harbor views and a sophisticated atmosphere that will make any event even more special. The menu at Dimillo’s is full of delicious lobster, seafood dishes, and other hearty New England favorites.
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The spectacular water views that you can enjoy from DiMillo’s on the Water are one of the top reasons to visit this restaurant. It sits above the waters of the Portland Harbor, so diners can watch all the water views across Casco Bay and the activities in the harbor while they dine. The seafood prepared is locally sourced and freshly prepared with some continental flair.
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For those who equate the best seafood meals with proximity to the water, then DiMillo's on the Water is the restaurant for you. This iconic Portland eatery floats atop the busy waters of Portland Harbor, offering spectacular views of Casco Bay. It's location near the Old Port upscale shopping district makes it an even greater destination for discerning diners.
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Step aboard a floating restaurant at DiMillo’s On the Water, located on a converted ferryboat docked at the harbor. Immerse yourself in maritime history while savoring the freshest seafood offerings. From succulent seafood chowders to perfectly grilled fish, DiMillo’s promises a delightful experience on and off the plate.
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The only thing better than dining on a boat is drinking cocktails on a boat on a rooftop deck!. DiMillo’s is a Portland institution for many reasons, including having one of the best ocean views in the Old Port. You can experience that view on one of their incredible decks when you’re outside on a hot, sunny day.
Outdoor Dining in Portland
Dimillo’s is the only restaurant in Portland that can claim to actually be on the water. The floating restaurant features multiple decks and a lengthy history along the waterfront. Tony DiMillo moved his restaurant to Commercial Street from Fore Street in 1965, before opening on the former car ferry in 1982
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The iconic, 206-foot-long DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant at 25 Long Wharf in Portland opened in 1982. Housed in a former New York car ferry and docked on Portland’s waterfront, the restaurant is a tourist hot spot and certainly popular among locals, especially long-timers. Happy hour runs from 3-6 p.m.
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I recently dined at DiMillo’s On the Water, a well-known seafood restaurant located on a historic floating ferry in Portland’s Old Port. This place offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the Portland harbor. The nautical decor adds to the ambiance, making it a memorable visit.
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For a fun culinary experience, be sure to visit Dimillo’s On the Water or the Top of the East Lounge. Dimillo’s is an actual floating restaurant in Portland Harbor, while Top of the East offers sweeping views atop The Westin Portland Harborview Hotel. Bring your camera for these visits!
The Best Lobster Rolls in Portland, Maine
The name says it all if you want to dine out with a harbor view. Housed in an old decommissioned ferry, DiMillo’s is docked on Long Wharf and is the only floating restaurant in the state. DiMillo’s award-winning chef serves the best of Maine’s seafood; the lobster roll is no exception.
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One ship, now permanently docked, is home to the restaurant DiMillo’s on the Water. DiMillo’s helped spur Old Port’s renaissance when it brought its floating home to previously dilapidated Long Wharf in 1982. And the fresh local seafood and harbor views there are truly scrumptious.
Top 10 Reasons To Dine On A Boat
Imagine: you and your friends are dining at DiMillo’s, outside on our beautiful deck with the waves crashing softly behind you. You’re sipping cocktails and cracking lobster tails while watching the stars and toasting to a beautiful occasion. Sounds pretty amazing, right?
places you have to try in Portland
25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME – This iconic Portland restaurant is situated on a boat and is a Portland mainstay. They serve a wide array of dishes, including a number of classic Maine Lobster dishes. DiMillo’s has been family owned and operated since its inception in 1965.
Finding The Best Maine Lobster Rolls
A post shared by Kari (@karicrum) on Jul 1, 2019 at 3:59pm PDT. 25 Long Wharf, Portland | (207) 772-2216 | dimillos.com. Popular nautical-themed marina hot spot nestled within a car ferry serving up the freshest seafood with brilliant views of the thriving harbor.
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This place is kind of neat because you get to eat on a giant boat that’s attached to the land and therefore doesn’t go anywhere. On a clear weather day the views are great. But who cares about all of that because DiMillo’s has something called lazy lobster.
Bruno's - The Maine Mag
Bob’s father-in-law was Tony DiMillo, the owner of DiMillo’s restaurant on Portland’s waterfront. “He was a smart businessman, who helped steer me in the right direction,” says Bob. “Tony was my mentor and he guided my decisions about the restaurant.
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Are you looking to eat seafood in Portland while sitting on a literal boat?. If so, you need to check out DiMillo‘s on the water. The restaurant is located on a boat right off Commercial Street and has been a staple in the community for decades.
Best lobster restaurant in portland, maine
This iconic Portland restaurant is located on a ship, and is a Portland mainstay. Serving up a wide selection of dishes, together with various basic Maine Lobster dishes, DiMillo’s has been household owned and operated since its inception in 1965.
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The Portland Maine waterfront is beautiful, and one of the most fun restaurants on the water is DiMillo's By the Water. This seafood restaurant is located in a former car ferry. The views are absolutely gorgeous, and the food is great.
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Savor the catch of the day while enjoying scenic views from DiMillo’s floating restaurant, which sits in Portland Harbor. Sure, it's touristy, but kids will thrill to eat on a boat!. RELATED: 40 Things To Do in Portsmouth, NH with Kids
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- Rating: 3.8/5 (1102 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 25 Long Wharf Portland, Maine - Categories: seafood, italian, new american- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:Best places for 5 popular indoor activities in Portland, Maine
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25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101Phone: 207-772-2216 Visit Website. A post shared by DiMillo’s On the Water (@dimillos). Demillo’s On The Water represents the perfect choice if you enjoy fine dining and exceptional seafood.
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Set sail with dinner at DiMillo’s on the Water—a seafood-starring spot in an old ship that’s (you guessed it) right on the water. And celebrate modern New England cuisine at buzzy Twelve, which opened in summer 2022.
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After all that exploring, come back to Wolf Cove Inn and kick back by the lake. We’re just about 45 minutes from Portland, but it feels like a world away.
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Pull up a stool at tried-and-true DiMillo’s on the Water for the old-school wood bar, prime people-watching, and bacon-wrapped scallops.
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