David's Restaurant in Portland, Maine

David's is a small, refined restaurant in downtown Portland where the kitchen does creative work with seafood, risotto, and beef. The dining room has big windows on Monument Square, but the real draw is sitting at the counter to watch the chefs work. Reservations are essential, and they ask for 24-hour notice (there's a $25 no-show fee).

• Standout cod, shrimp cocktail, and fish risotto with asparagus.
• Counter seating lets you watch the kitchen in action.
• Thoughtful, creative dishes beyond the usual steakhouse fare.
• Walking distance from State Theater and Monument Square.

Order the cod (multiple guests called it great). The shrimp cocktail is worth trying. Fish and lobster risotto with asparagus keeps coming up in praise, as does the pepper-crusted steak with fall vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. Mushroom ravioli and truffle fries are good appetizers. Don't skip dessert.

Compact and clean, with a calm but buzzy feel. Sitting at the counter gives you front-row access to the open kitchen, which is part of the draw.

Expect to spend real money here. A full dinner for two with drinks and dessert runs into the $200s before tax and tip. The food justifies it if you're after creative execution and quality ingredients. Weekday reservations are easier to snag than weekends.

Lunch: Monday–Thursday 11:30 am–8:30 pm | Friday, Saturday 11:30 am–9:30 pm | Sunday Closed

Dinner: Same as lunch (no separate dinner service; menu transitions mid-afternoon)

Brunch: Not offered

Closed: Sundays

Reservations are essential, especially Thursday through Saturday and for dinner. The restaurant is tagged "Most Booked" on OpenTable, and seats fill 2–3 weeks ahead during winter dining events (Restaurant Week, Winter Wednesday promotions, Valentine's Day). Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6 pm) have more availability. Call (207) 773-4340 or book via OpenTable. Walk-ins are accepted only if tables are open - don't count on it on weekends.

Guests rave about the food's creativity and flavor. One recent visitor called the shrimp cocktail the best they'd had. Counter seating is a major perk, especially for watching the chefs work. Service tends to be attentive and polished, though pace varies. Fair warning: if you have asthma, avoid the kitchen bar seats when the pizza oven is going.

Monument Square sits in downtown Portland, the historic arts and cultural center. The neighborhood is walkable, mixed-use, home to galleries, other restaurants, and Merrill Auditorium (a concert venue a short walk away - many guests dine at David's before a show).

• Walk/drive times: 5 min walk from Congress Street (Old Port spine); 10 min drive from I-295 northbound; 20 min to Yarmouth and Freeport outlets; 45 min to Boothbay Harbor (coastal villages); 90 min to Acadia National Park (summer destination).
• Parking: Monument Square lot, Free Street lot (metered), Elm Street Garage, Public Market garage. Street parking is usually available if you drive around a minute or two.
• Pre-show dining: Perfect for Merrill Auditorium concerts and events; reservations recommended if timing is tight.
• Neighborhood character: Arts district, mixed boutique and dining density, safe and walkable, less touristy than the Old Port but more active than outer neighborhoods.
• Nearby walks: Cross to Congress Street for gallery browsing, used bookstores, coffee shops; Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill (views of Casco Bay) is a 10-minute walk.

Do I need a reservation? Yes. Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends, especially dinner. Weekday lunch has more walk-in tolerance, but calling ahead is always safer given the restaurant is almost always at capacity.

Are there private dining or group accommodations? The restaurant accommodates groups (reviewers mention parties of 6+), but specific group policies or private room details aren't flagged in the menu or reviews. Call ahead to discuss group size and needs.

Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible? One reviewer flagged that restrooms are down a flight of stairs with no visible elevator. Street-level entry to the restaurant itself isn't explicitly called out as a barrier, but wheelchair accessibility is limited. Call to discuss your specific needs.

What vegetarian and vegan options exist? The menu offers vegetarian pastas (Mushroom Ravioli, Fettuccine alla Puttanesca), salads, and vegetable-forward appetizers. Vegan options are less explicitly labeled, but the kitchen's willingness to accommodate dietary needs was praised by one guest. Discuss restrictions when booking.

Does David's offer a tasting menu or prix-fixe option? Not regularly, but special events (Restaurant Week, Winter Wednesday promotions, Valentine's Day) feature fixed-price menus. These are typically $50–$120 per person depending on the event.

What's the dress code in practice? Smart casual: no jeans, business casual or nicer. A blazer, dress pants, or a nice top and slacks fit the room. Date-night attire is welcome and common.

How far is David's from major Maine cities? 45 minutes from Augusta (the capital); 90 minutes from Acadia National Park (summer destination); 30 minutes from Freeport (shopping); 10 minutes from Yarmouth.