Best Seafood Markets in Portland

You'll find this place at 9 Custom House Wharf, right on the water where you'd expect it to be. The selection is genuinely impressive for a city market, and much of what they stock comes from local waters. Staff handle special orders gracefully even when it's busy. One visitor, a self-described foodie from Illinois, was struck by the sheer volume and variety of fresh seafood available. Prices are fair, and the quality is consistent. If you're exploring the wharves on foot, don't skip the alleys and side streets where this market sits.

Located at 171 Ocean St in South Portland, just off the main drag next to a larger shopping plaza, this spot punches above its weight. The space is clean and casual, and the staff clearly put thought into how they run things, mixing technical skill with genuine friendliness. A visiting cyclist who spent 11 days touring Maine called it a memorable stop. Orders are packed carefully and ship on time. The menu has what you'd expect, but there's also creativity in what they offer. This is a solid choice if you're staying in South Portland or looking to order ahead.

At 450 Commercial St, this market offers good value on lobster by the pound and will steam them for you if you want to eat right away. The staff are genuinely helpful and seem to enjoy talking through your options. Visitors have praised the friendliness and the quality of large lobsters and scallops. One person bought four lobsters over 2.5 pounds each and said they were tender and fresh. The market also sells self-picked steamer clams. Like any busy seafood counter, quality can vary, so inspect your order before you leave.

This family-owned market is at 655 US-1 in Scarborough, just outside the city. It's worth the short drive if you're hungry. Their lobster rolls are legendary around New England: big buttered toasted buns, tender lobster meat, light mayo, just a touch of lettuce. They also make excellent crab rolls and clam chowder. Beyond the rolls, try their cold smoked lox and Arctic char pâté with hot honey if you want something less traditional. Staff offer good advice on cooking lobster and preparing fish, and service is genuinely friendly.

At 262 Commercial St in Portland, Browne Trading is known for high-end gourmet gifts and exceptional quality. Everything they smoke is fabulous, and their rope-grown mussels are standouts. The staff are knowledgeable and love talking you through what they have. They also make sandwiches, including a tuna sandwich that one recent visitor called the best they'd had all summer. The presentation is beautiful, and the team will go out of their way to fix problems. If you're after the best quality available and don't mind the premium pricing, this is your spot.

Based at 48 Union Wharf in Portland, Get Maine Lobster specializes in shipping. If you're ordering to be delivered out of state, they can help. Mark and his team have built a loyal following, especially among customers in Colorado and beyond who order regularly. The company handles a wide range of products, not just lobster. Shipping seafood is tricky, so reviews are mixed: some customers have ordered from them for years without issue, while others have had problems with frozen product arriving unfrozen or lobsters that deteriorated during transit. If you're buying local and picking up yourself, the risks are lower.

Down the harbor in an unassuming warehouse at 390 Commercial St, ISF Trading looks plain from the outside but offers some of the freshest prepared seafood you'll find. Order at the counter downstairs, then take your food upstairs to the break room. Parking is available, and the staff are no-frills and genuinely chill. The uni is rich and creamy, the sashimi pristine with clean cuts, and the ebi shrimp are immaculate. One regular compared it to being on a fishing boat. Prices are excellent for the quality. It's a cash-and-carry operation, and many visitors bring their own beer or wine.

At 1272 Portland Rd in Arundel, this local spot is convenient if you're south of Portland. The seafood is consistently fresh, and they stock a good variety including calamari. The staff are genuinely friendly. Prices are higher than some competitors like Harbor Fish, but that's the trade-off for convenience. One visitor found them helpful the day before Thanksgiving when they needed quality last-minute seafood. However, one concern: they don't always cut fish to order, so if you ask for a pound, you'll get whatever's pre-cut and closest to that weight. Check your purchase carefully before leaving.