4. Restaurants

Central Provisions

414 Fore St, Portland, ME, 04101
  • (207) 805-1085
  • Store is closed

Central Provisions Menu

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  • Michael D.

    its not that the food is bad, its ok. In this town where you can get great food and great service, central just does not cut it. They have a lot of attitude. How about trying to be good for a couple of years before the tude. I sat at the bar and was ignored for a while. Then I ordered 3 things - I told them I will have a first, then b and then c. C showed up first - which was weird and then 30 seconds later so did a and b. So I am sitting at this cramped bar with 3 plates of food - one hot and 2 cold. So they cannot manage the kitchen. They had the attitude that this was my fault. That of course you throw 3 plates of food a one person at the same time. This is how it is they told me. I was never asked if I wanted another drink until the glass was empty for 20 minutes, the water glass stood empty the whole meal. I could not wait to eat my 3 mediocre plates and get out of there. I go out 2 to 3 nights in Portland and recommend a lot of places to locals and those from away. I cook. this place is sloppy. I was never asked how plate 2 and 3 were. Despite that, I gave them a 15% tip - I am usually a 20 to 25% tipper. They really deserved zero but I cannot leave a restaurant without leaving a 15% tip especially in small town.

    (1)

  • Lisa D.

    I have never written a yelp review in my life, but I feel compelled to do so because the service at this restaurant was the worst I have ever experienced in my life. It's truly a shame, because the food is fantastic. Chef Gould should really check in with his front of house staff, because the waitress was a disservice to his otherwise lovely restaurant. My two friends and I waited an hour to eat (which was no problem, we had a drink at a nearby bar), only to be pushed out after sitting for barely 50 minutes. The waitress asked us if we were finished about 6 times, when we were simply trying to enjoy our remaining wine and talk. We still had a half bottle of wine left when the manager took the liberty of pouring the remainder out into our glasses, presumably to speed up our departure. We tried to politely speak to the manager about how uncomfortable the waitress made us feel, but he was unhelpful and unapologetic. You'd be much better off going to Fore Street, which is just around the corner and still values the customer experience over turning tables as quickly as possible.

    (1)

  • Jay J.

    i was told that the wait was 45minutes. the hostess entered my name. when I went back after 30 minutes, the hostess said it was 45 more minutes. I said that is what you said 30 minutes ago. she replied, I did not, in a very nasty manner. there are so many excellent restaurants in this area that do not have attitude, why go there? my wife daughter and I went to street and company and had an excellent meal and bottle of wine.

    (1)

  • Nicole P.

    I went here last Thursday night with a friend. We had a very nice time, and the service was friendly and helpful with any questions we had. We started with the beet salad and sun chokes. The beet salad was good, and the sun chokes were delicious. We then had the seared scallops. These were done just as well as other nice restaurants in Portland. These were my favorite of the night. For Desert we had the mouse and the key lime pie. The mouse was more like cookie crumbs with ground up espresso beans and fresh whip cream (not really what I was expecting). The key lime pie was amazing & worth going back for. Atmosphere was nice upstairs, cozy and relaxed. Downstairs was much more casual.

    (4)

  • Tory B.

    Came here in march for a work dinner. There were so many good looking options on the menu we didn't know what to pick. Our great waitress who's name I forget (sorry!) just picked everything for us and it was all good. Just the right amount of food and nothing too over the top. Plus being march and so cold this place was packed for a 9pm dinner, make sure you make reservations!! I'd come back here next time I'm in Portland.

    (5)

  • Jess F.

    Great beer, bourbon and food selection. Had the crab salad, fresh and tasty. Also had the bread and butter and sheep cheese and root veggies. Cheese was rich but bread off-set this. Great atmosphere! Definitely a locals place.

    (5)

  • Oldport W.

    What a great new addition to the Old Port. Central Provisions has a great feel and a wonderful new look. THe food and drinks are terrific, dear God they should serve the Knickerbocker in a bucket with a long straw, WOW. This is one not to be missed in The Old Port!!

    (5)

  • Adam B.

    perhaps the best brunch i have ever had...split 9 small plates with a total of 4 people in our group....my favorites were the skillet corn bread and the english muffin sandwich (w/ duck confit)....too good.....

    (5)

  • Eric T.

    Great spot for foodies and cocktail lovers. We wandered into this spot, which was hopping on a rainy Wednesday night, and took our place at the food counter. Watching the staff take care with the preparation of both eclectic and comfort foods, all small dishes, was a thing of beauty. The flavors are full but never overpowering. The execution was perfect. And the atmosphere was warm and fun.

    (5)

  • susanne n.

    Simply the best! Chris is a tremendously gifted chef. While he keeps favorites (beet salad, raw spicy beef, bread and butter) on the menu, he is constantly experimenting with new dishes (fois gras, flank steak, various crudos). The staff is talented and attentive, the meal very well paced. I keep trying other places, but come back over and over to Central Provisions. It is also my "go to" place for friends from out of town, because they are continually so impressed with their dining experience.

    (5)

  • Amanda L.

    We loved this as a date night out! The halibut was the best we've ever had. The drinks were smooth and fun. I enjoyed the Sidecar best. This is a romantic, fun foodie spot!

    (5)

  • Heather G.

    Fabulous spot and fantastic service. We did not have a reservation and there was about a 45 minute wait, which we completely expected at 8 on a Saturday night. No problem at all, especially when their method for notifying us that a table opened is via text--brilliant! I can't believe more places don't do this. It afforded us the option of grabbing a drink at a less crowded bar while we waited. To our delight, the bar/lounge downstairs had 2 seats open so we decided to eat at the bar. Excellent, knowledgable bartenders, personable without being intrusive with a wealth of knowledge about the menu, the history of the building and the chefs' backgrounds. The kitchen seems to run like a well-oiled machine--food came out comfortably fast and was brought down to us by one of the servers upstairs. We had 5 dishes and each server was able to describe the primary ingredients for each dish--impressive and much appreciated. We ordered the beef tartare, fluke ceviche, oysters and halibut. All were exceptional. The biggest surprise was the bread and butter dish--just get it; it will change the way you think about bread and bitter. This is definitely our favorite new place, on par with any of the best restaurants in town.

    (5)

  • Lisa H.

    Wow what a great experience! Sat at the bar in front of the open kitchen & enjoyed the show; very impressive line for the short time they have been open. The space is amazing, the people are wonderful, and the food is fantastic. Can't wait to go back. We were a kitchens worst nightmare with food allergies & they were so gracious. I wish them the BEST

    (5)

  • Adam N.

    Amazing! Building is completely brought to life. Attention to detail is everywhere. Bar on lower level - unique cocktail menu and experienced bar staff. Warm and welcoming. Upper level restaurant. Don't be surprised by iphones and ipads with staff. They are using those to take your orders! Recommend kitchen bar! Cleanliness and attention to detail along with excellent hosts and server staff will make this a go to for Portland. Small plates were great. Order in stages as the turnaround from the kitchen is quick. Stage 1: Sushi grade tuna. Stage 2: Roasted beets with pistachio vinaigrette and fried egg/avocado blend sides. Stage 3 roasted carrots (incredible) and Maine fried potato (w/Heinz 57!?!!), Stage 4: Dry aged sirloin and pappardelle pasta with mushroom - each with their own unique blend of herbs, spices ans sauces. Converse with Chef while you eat! Menu changes. Try it today!

    (5)

  • Jameson B.

    First off I have to say we came here looking for brunch, but weren't overly impressed with the offerings, but decided to stay for a drink. Very cool little spot and bar downstairs with a dining room upstairs. It's not to say that the food was bad, but nothing jumped out to us and it seemed a little pricey for small plates. That being said, the bloody mary's were awesome with kimchi. Would give it another shot maybe for dinner.

    (4)

  • Paulas B.

    I wish I got to try their dinner but I did try their lunch and I gotta say, the lobster fritters, the fish sandwich and their drinks as well were SPOT ON! Place is amazing; be prepared to wait a long time if you don't line up for dinner however.

    (5)

  • Alexander B.

    Central Provisions has become something of a hangout for young professionals, a foodie alternative to Sonny's. You can understand my amazement that we were able to get seats at the bar at 6pm last night. It's my understanding that this restaurant is home to a few Hugo's alums in the kitchen, and they share the same MO: expensive, small, freakin' amazing plates. Unless you are a high-roller, don't come here starving. The drinks here are good, some are even very good, but it's the bartenders that do the heavy-lifting. They are uber-knowledgeable about their specialty drinks, but even more so, GOOD BEER. Quirky taps abound, and I've been pointed in the direction of several brews that I had no idea I missed out on. The food is delicious, but the stand-out, for us, was the bread and butter, and amazing, savory/sweet small plate that we order every single time. I will definitely be back in the coming snacking hours.

    (4)

  • Chris P.

    Amazing. Delicious. The crudo and the bone marrow make me quiver at night in remembrance.

    (5)

  • Heather C.

    Delicious! The spicy beef salad on the raw menu was the best out of the 3 things we ordered, though the bread & butter and bone marrow were also good. The atmosphere was perfect for late night drinks.

    (5)

  • Chrissy H.

    I'll admit that it took me a while to warm up to Central Provisions. Initially, I wasn't impressed with the food and I thought the drinks were good but the wait time between ordering and having my drink in hand was way too long. The first time we went for dinner, the food itself was fine, but our server either brought us the wrong dishes or didn't bring some dishes at all. Every time he visited our table, something else went wrong. I had almost given up hope until I stopped in for lunch one day. I am ready to admit that the Spicy Chicken Sandwich on the adorable little brioche roll, slathered in ranch and topped with cole slaw is my current favorite food. I don't find the sandwich super picante, but if spice is what you want, pair it (or the duck panini) with the spicy fried potatoes. The bread and butter is also quite delicious. I finally got to try the cinnamon roll, but I must admit I was a bit disappointed with it. Too dry and not nearly enough glaze. I want it drenched! But the drink specials make up for it. Last time it was a $6 Bloody Mary with Kimchee garnish. It really hit the spot. Also the local beer selection is quite good and reasonably priced. If dinner is too big a commitment- or the wait is too long- stop in for lunch.

    (4)

  • Sarah A.

    I'm not sure where to start. We had dinner reservations but we arrived early.. So we went to the downstairs bar to have drinks. I fell in love with the hand crafted drink glass Slipper. AMAZING!! Then we went to our dinner table on time. We ordered a few plates to start with Beef Tartar, spicy fried Maine Potatoes and the grilled Halibut. I wasn't sure which was my favorite cause everything that came out was delicious!

    (5)

  • Connor J.

    Was in town on business staying out in Westport, ventured down town to try out something a little different than the typical gauntlet of seafood restaurants found by port towns. Wow, this place was awesome. I started with their current rotation Maine Beer Company which happened to be their MO (pale ale) and their tuna tartare which happened to be on special that night, both were fantastic. I ordered a second MO with dinner, which I decided to go with their suckling pig. My only regret is I went with the half portion instead of the full. Wow, you start with about a quarter inch thick layer of fat that was cooked to the crispiest crisp I've ever seen, then the meat layer was so tender you did not need a knife to cut it. I forget what the sauce was, apple butter or something, that was wonderful as well. For pseudo-dessert I went with the fried goat cheese with raspberries and balsamic vinegar. Perfect mix of salty, sweet, crunchy, and soft to wrap up the night (and soak up the 2 pints of strong pale ale I had in my belly). I will definitely keep this place in mind if I'm ever back up in this part of the country. -Connor

    (5)

  • Josie S.

    As reviews suggest, the quality here is really at a high level. All are small plates, and can be quite small, but we had three plates each and were just satisfied enough. The carrots and goat cheese was loved by both my partner and I, and the raw spicy beef was my fave. The overall bill is a bit high once all is accounted for, and the place is a bit cramped and needs to expand the space. So four stars for the quality...a hair cheaper I coulda given it five.

    (4)

  • Brea L.

    Perfect portions to try a bit of everything. They don't take reservations so make sure to walk by and book your table early, very early! Worth the wait. Delicious and a bit of everything on the menu.

    (5)

  • Alise K.

    Stopped in for drinks before dinner. We entered from the wharf st. Entrance and sat at the cozy bar there. Had a really good absolute Cosmo.

    (4)

  • Bill M.

    OMG! LUNCH!! What an experience. Beginning with the Boquerones, beautiful white anchovies in garlic, parsley vinegar and olive oil. So refreshing! Equality refreshing was the delicious ginger smash I had with it. It's so nice to have the option of a non-alcoholic cocktail that was designed for adults. Perfect for a workday lunch. I followed this with the super-amazing-Yumalicious (my adjectives) Spicy fried chicken sandwich. So crispy/moist/tender/rich and topped with slaw. Served on a dense,slightly sweet roll that elevated the whole meal to a sweet summer picnic heaven.

    (5)

  • Stephen B.

    Menu changes daily. Very very good. All fresh ingredients. Great service. Top notch. Stumbled in by chance as it was open late after flying in late. Will come back again. Excellent Foie gras. Best Reuben this side of NYC. Great Tuna Crudo. Good beer, wine, and mixed drink selection. Back again. 4th time. Yet to be anything but amazed. Must try if you're in Portland!

    (5)

  • Allie O.

    DUDE. Best meal I had in Portland, by far and away. It's not easy to get a table, so I hear, but we didn't have a problem walking in there at 6pm sharp with a party of three. We also seemed to have taken the last table available. Score. I can appreciate that there will be a wait for this place. It's on the small side. The setup creates this classy/casual vibe. Oh, I had just ended like a 7 hour road trip and was wearing yoga pants from Victoria Secret, a tank top that did not match at ALL, an equally unmatching hoodie, a yellow unmatching scarf, and green Vans that I have torn up over the years with my feet adventures. No one seemed to care. Which I found remarkable and comforting. You can see the chefs prepare some of the food at the bar in the middle of the restaurant, if your table is in that section. It's always nice to watch a show like that and, further, it helps me to know that their kitchen sanitation is spot on. Small plates. Order as you go. Hang onto a menu. Definitely get the steak, it's freaking delicious. The roast chicken was tasty and inspired me to replicate the wonderful squash puree underneath. We got the caramelized cheese plate which was scrumptious and worked for dessert cause I. Was. Full. Everything we had was outrageously wonderful and in the end we spent about $70/person. That's insanely inexpensive when you consider we ordered about 14 dishes, and 6 cocktails. We might have ordered more, I don't remember. Most of their menu appears to change with the seasons so I won't mention what other dishes I had and make you jealous with no path towards satisfaction. Just know that you won't be disappointed and they won't make you hide your weird outfit.

    (5)

  • Ashley W.

    As soon as I walked through the door, i fell in love with the vibe in this place. Obviously a favorite spot for many, as the wait time for 2 was an hour long. We decided to check out the bar downstairs, and were lucky to grab a seat within 20 minutes. Fully stocked bar with very creative drinks. I just ordered a Dissarono sour. They had a lot of beers on draft that you usually wouldn't see elsewhere. I didn't really like that cuz i was looking for a familiar drink. We started off with the bread and butter- sourdough bread with hazelnut butter and farm egg. A MUST HAVE!!!! It was insanely delicious. Also ordered Shrimp A La Plancha, which was delicious and had a nice crunch to it. Bone Marrow was good. Crab and Chips... was not what i expected. Definitely a very creative dish. Not your usual tortilla chip, but like... plantane chips with crab, grapefruit, cilantro, and onions-- a lot of flavor going on. It wasn't bad, just different. Although, i dont think I'll be ordering that again.

    (5)

  • Saluda F.

    Wonderful small plates dinner that included roasted carrots, asparagus, and the Spicy Beef Salad. All were well prepared and very filling. We started with the bread and butter dish as a recommendation.....it exceeded all of our expectations. Stop by and enjoy this foodie paradise.

    (5)

  • Jacob B.

    I could write a book on this place but will try and keep it to a short story. My girlfriend's parents and spent one day in Portland on our way back from Bar Harbor. this day also happened to be my birthday. After wondering around downtown for a few hours we decided to go find this place. We knew they didn't take reservations, so we wanted to put our name down early and go clean up. We walked in to find the manger and hostess standing there, and the restaurant was PACKED. And this was not even 7pm yet. After telling the manager that we had been trying to call and him telling us that they just stop answering the phone(my only bad part of this. Why not put it on your message that you cannot call to put your name down, or tell people that you do not answer between certain hours), I was introduced to an app called No Wait. He took my name and cell number, told us it would be around 8:30, and we wondered back to the hotel to change. Perfect! A table opened up much earlier so we got the text earlier that expected. I informed them that we were still getting ready, and they said they would hold our table. WHAT!? Hold our table on a Saturday night? Wow, and thank you! We walked in to the restaurant being equally as packed as it was a couple of hours before and there it was our table still waiting for us. Our server greeted us and explained the concept of the restaurant. Small plates meant to share that come out as they are ready. Awesome, I'm sold. After a round of cocktails, we decided on wine. The manager redeemed himself with not answering the phone by picking out a perfect whit for us to have with the oysters on the half shell. Now, I could go on and explain every dish, but I do not have multiple hours to write this review. So, here is what we had: Oysters on the Half Shell, Spicy Beef Salad, Maine tuna Crudo, Watermelon. Canteloupe and Figs, Spicy Maine Potatoes, Fresh Corn Fritters, Caramelized Sheep's Cheese, Foie Gras, Suckling Pig, Arancini, Bread and Butter. Clearly we tried most of the menu. What I also found awesome about this place was the teamwork and knowledge of the wait staff. They all helped each other out, and they all knew everything about every dish on the menu. Even though it was an open kitchen, you could not hear a peep from behind the line. What a great spot, great concept, fantastic overall.

    (5)

  • Kate O.

    Terrific!! The "perfect storm" is my new favorite drink. We sat at the bar and it was a lot of fun watching the chefs work. Everything was delicious.

    (5)

  • Hailey H.

    Man oh man I love Central Provisions. First rule of central: be ready to spend a lot of money. UNLESS you're only going for drinks, in which case you'll still spend a lot of money but not a whole truck load. But, trust me, it's well worth it. They don't have a full bar but who needs it when you have such delicious drinks to choose from. My favorites are the concoctions served in big bowls that you scoop out into little cups with a ladle. All small plates, so my compulsive over-ordering is acceptable. Fried sheep's cheese, Brussels sprouts, tuna, mussels. mmmm.

    (4)

  • Nadine M.

    Chef Chris Gould's Central Provisions provided and Wonderful experience from start to finish clearly demonstrating why they were nominated for The James Beard Best New Restaurent of the Year Award!! BRAVO..from the warm greeting as we stepped in off the busy SUMMER IN MAINE sidewalk...to marvelous wine suggested by the staff ...attentive but not hovering service....each small plate a unique taste and aromatic treat from the Bread and Butter, Blue Fin, Suckling Pig....to each of the three desserts we shared... the couple next to us were in town for a one week biz trip and stumbled upon CP and were back that evening for the thir time saying each meal had been a marvelous adventure. I look forward to returning very soon to this Portland GEM!!!

    (5)

  • Emily V.

    Wow. This place was amazing. We went for lunch during a weekday and were able to get in right away. They don't take reservations and it is pretty small - so I imagine the wait could get long in the evenings and on weekends. We had the tuna crudo, fried chicken club, scrapple open faced sandwich and a cinnamon bun for dessert. Might sound like a mound of food but it is small plates and was the perfect amount. The fried chicken club was a real standout for me. SO DELICIOUS. This place has some very interesting flavors and dishes. Well worth a stop if you are visiting Portland.

    (5)

  • Katie G.

    Unreal! Waitstaff is on point. Chef/Owner was very personable. Accommodating for allergies. Bluefish Crudo is so good!!

    (5)

  • Carrie H.

    This place is perfect. A 10/10 hands down. Came to Maine to see the coast and spent most time in Bar Harbor, but this meal stole the show. Better than many Barcelona tapas meals and equal to Cal Pep which is the highest compliment I can give. The head chef was incredibly professional and a joy to watch. Basically a well orchestrated symphony of food magic. This place is insanely good. Excellently sourced ingredients perfectly prepared great with a great front of house. Go strait there and wait however long it takes!!

    (5)

  • Wendy S.

    Drinks were great! The tuna and bread and butter never disappoint. Always a great place to share some small plates! The bar downstairs is a great place before dinner to have a drink and a snack.

    (4)

  • Jessica H.

    I believe this is one of the better places in portland to eat. The food never disappoints. The only thing that I would critique is how loud of a place it is. The music is way too loud and intense for such a small space. You need to talk loud to speak to your dinner partner. The conversations that are trying to be had over it make it hard to relax and enjoy your time there. But the food is so good I will put up with the noise. Buy the way try the smoked carrots!

    (5)

  • Michael W.

    This place was really cool. Great atmosphere. I got the lobster fritters and a manhattan cocktail. My wife ordered the buratta crositini and el papa doble. First of all, the drinks were strong and delicious! My fritters were a little heavy, with too much breading. Still, the flavor was fantastic and the aioli was a nice touch. My wife's crositini was delicious. A perfect blend of flavors and crunch. The wait was less than 10 minutes on a Tuesday night and totally worth it.

    (5)

  • Tina R.

    This place is overrated. It's apparently the best place to eat in Portland and my experience was underwhelming. 1) hostess said the wait would be 1 hour 15 minutes. We ended up waiting 2 hours. She was very courteous and I understand you can't be precise with these estimates but this seemed way off. 2) Once we were finally seated the whole experience seemed incredibly rushed. When you've been waiting 2 hours you wanna be able to relax and enjoy the food. Instead our server was hovering and seemed to be pushing us along. 3) food was just OK. It wasn't bad by any means but considering the wait and price I felt a little jipped. The foie gras was the stand out dish. Everything else seemed like they were trying too hard. Go to Eventide instead. The wait was shorter, the staff was nicer and the food was amazeballs.

    (2)

  • Eric T.

    Quick things to note and get out of the way: the place is small, somewhat cramped, and because they don't take reservations pretty hard to get into (though if you go early and give a name, they have a helpful text message system). We were able to get in on a Sunday night dinner over Labor Day weekend - and with a 2 year old, for which they were very accommodating. While we kept our son busy, we sampled the cocktails and dishes. The drinks were solid. I like to gauge a bartender with an upfront Old Fashioned to start, and was pleasantly surprised when the waitress asked 'fruit or no fruit' (another topic entirely). It was a very good drink, but not necessarily one of the best. Between the two of us, we had had about three other drinks, which were all really good. The food ranged from 'okay' to 'unbelievable'. We had a hummus dish and a goat cheese dish that were more on the mild side. However, the 'bread and butter' dish, which was so simple, was executed so incredibly, it was immediately one of the best dishes either of us had ever had. That was, until a few minutes later when the 'Korean BBQ' dish arrived. That beef dish was the epitome of fine dining. The center of the cuts were perfectly rare; the outsides, perfectly medium. The accoutrements were perfect, making each bite perfect. Perfect, perfect, perfect. On any day of the week, I would wait hours to go back to Central Provisions just to order several of that dish over and over again. Hands down, one of the top five things I've ever eaten in my life. I regret having to give this place 4/5 and not 5/5, but ultimately there were some dud dishes and the drinks could have been better. But there are nuggets of excellence here that could elevate it into some incredible levels of culinary status.

    (4)

  • Natalie P.

    Okay this place is really good. We came in for a pre dinner snack and could only order a few things but what we did order was so good down to the last bite. Central Provisions offers small plates so order about 3-4 per person to get full. We ordered 3 between the two of us and were actually quite sad that we had to leave and couldn't order more. We got the tuna otoro which is the fattiest toro you can get. They also offer chu toro which is probably what most people will want to go for since it's still fatty and melts in your mouth but not quite as fatty as otoro. I LOVE otoro so I really enjoyed this. It was 4 pretty large pieces of otoro with fresh and pickled ginger and tamari sauce. We also ordered the suckling pig which was ridiculously good. And the rare beef flank with chimichurri sauce was AMAZING. I also have to say that we sat at the chefs bar so we had a full view of everyone working and all the dishes coming out of the kitchen. EVERYTHING looked good and it was even harder to practice restraint. Off the top of my head, I know the veal looked great and the lobster fritters were very popular since I saw a lot of these being ordered. They also looked really good. If I has more time in portland I would have had the most gluttonous meal I could afford here because it all looked like heaven and what it did order actually was so tasty. Non related food things: service was great and friendly. We didn't have to wait long to sit down and we didn't have to wait very long between dishes. They come out as they are prepared and since we had a full view of the kitchen we also were able to see quite clearly that the kitchen staff work incredibly well together and very efficiently. Love this place. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Kristi M.

    I had a friend up visiting from out of state and thought what better time to finally check out the much talked - and raved - about Central Provisions. It was a Monday night at 6ish, so our assumption was that it would be no problem getting a table. When we arrived, the small place was already packed and we checked in with the hostess. She said the wait was about 20-30 minutes, which neither of us thought was bad at all. Then - to make the decision easier, she said we could leave a phone number and they would text us when the table was ready and we'd have 10 minutes to get there. So, we could easily have a drink at another area bar while we waited (the bar at Central was also full). And, we did! When we returned, our table was ready and we were seated and immediately greeted by our server. It's worth noting that the servers here work in a tag team fashion, so you may have many faces visit your table during the course of the meal. While this doesn't always work, it seemed to flow quite well here and all of the people who waited on us were great. The great thing about Central Provisions, in my opinion, is that it is all small plates. I really enjoy this type of meal as it allows one to try many little things, especially when sharing, instead of having to settle on one meal. For those of us with an indecisive nature, this is great! My friend and I were able to try several dishes. We tried a beet salad, bread and butter (really!), beef taretare (wow), smoked carrots, asparagus en croute, and caramelized sheep's cheese. I go back and forth on what my favorite was - it's really hard to say. They all held their own and I would return for anyone. I felt as though the portions and prices were more than fair, especially for the quality and creativeness. In short, this placed definitely lived up to the hype and I look forward to returning! Considering all aspects - from getting a table to service to food to cost - it's hard not to give this place 5 stars. One final note, even though this place is very popular (by the time we left, the hostess was telling people it was a 60 minute or more wait), I never once felt rushed. They want you to enjoy your meal at your own pace. That goes a long way for me!

    (5)

  • Frankie D.

    Been for lunch only, and yes, great spot for lunch. My Bloody Mary was cheap, and my sandwich was delicious. Many of they're cocktails are affordable actually, I'm so used to $8-12 cocktails that this was pleasantly surprising. I ordered the Cubano, doesn't look big, but it's delicious and filling! Need to try for dinner still.

    (5)

  • Ahmed A.

    Excellent food. Service was weak. It was like pulling teeth trying to get a recommendation, granted the menu is small and most everything is good on it, but I had no idea where to start and some guidance would have been nice. That's why the server is there right? the beef siracha. Great! 5 stars Blue Fish Tuna tartar- great! 5 stars Peaches and goat cheese- above average 3 stars Garden Salad - pretty good 3.5 stars Spicy potatoes with Heinz 57 - good 4 stars Strawberries and Cream - excellent - 5 stars Service - lacking - 2-3 stars

    (4)

  • Simon L.

    It's good. Not that good though. A quad of well versed food folks sampled a variety of dishes. Benton ham ($11) is a plain Jane dish of ham with nothing except the wood platter. It's good but who hasn't had that before? A single meat charcuterie. Raw beef salad ($10) is tender strips of beef marinated in chili oil with peanuts and crisped onions. Excellent. Rich, flavorful, complex, tender. Hamburger ($10) is two thin patties stacked on top of each other with melted cheese and roasted mushrooms, lettuce and red onion. Temperature is not requested and the meat is served medium but is still juicy on a buttered, breaded brioche bun. A Cubano ($14) is really not worth mentioning except that it had a slice of ham with mustard. The dining room closes at 2pm for lunch and somehow the staff spends an inordinate amount of time going to the door to tell customers that they are currently closed - a simple sign stating as much would solve this problem. The format is a small plate joint and one is informed of this at the beginning as well as that most dishes are for sharing. That being said, two of our dishes arrive promptly. Then we waited as tables that had arrived after us were served before us for the remainder of the me. In fact the wait time became uncomfortable at some point as we watched food leaving the kitchen and not arriving at our table. There seems to be very little connection between chef and server team as the chefs basically call out table numbers as the food is ready like one might shout order up in a diner. As far as being able to manage the process of getting food out to tables, a better and more collaborative effort between chef and service team would probably help. Timing was an issue for many other tables as well. Many restaurants use small plate and sharing formats as a way to manage a poorly managed kitchen that can't send out food in a predictable, orderly fashion. That seems to be the case here. Central Provisions is probably not worth a three hour wait but it might be worth stopping by if there's no wait.

    (3)

  • Megan T.

    Came here for a small bite to eat. I got the beet salad and cherry stone clams. Very fresh and light bit wasn't anything that blew my mind. Had I gone in with a bigger appetite I would have gotten the suckling pig. Although I'm sure the plate would have been small. It is a little pricey for what you get. I know it's a tapas restaurant but honestly the food is not all that impressive for what you're paying. I love the concept of tapas its just hard to pay 17 dollars for something that is 2 oz at most.

    (3)

  • Kim K.

    One of the best meals I've ever had in Portland and just in general! We weren't able to get a dinner reservation for Fore Street so I searched Yelp for the #2 rated restaurant in Portland and landed on Central Provisions. We ended up going for lunch and arrived right when they opened at 11am, which I recommend. The restaurant is small with limited seating so get there early! (first come first served, no reservations) The experience was excellent as we sat at the bar and got a great show with a perfect view right into the kitchen. The food was beyond excellent - insanely good biscuit, delicious chopped salad, and perfectly cooked fish sandwich. I now dream about coming back to Central Provisions!

    (5)

  • Shauna G.

    It's somewhat depressing to know that I had the best meal of the year only five months in to 2015. Pardon me while I drown my sorrows in leftover cold pizza and office dish candy until 2016. But let's focus on the better times. Like the times when I was eating the Spicy Beef Salad at Central Provisions (best bite of my Portland trip). Or the Beet Salad. Or the Asparagus en Croute. Or the Scallion Special... Sigh. Honorable mentions also go out to the Suckling Pig and the Roasted Bone Marrow. Also. Orange Wine. Is this a thing? If so, I'm not mad about it. Not mad still after the third glass. So pro tips... 1. Get there a bit before they open for din if you want to get seated immediately. Around 4:45. 2. Upstairs is better than downstairs. 3. If you're a small 2-3 person group, ask to sit at the chef's counter so you can watch the culinary porn. 4. If you can't get there before 5, be prepared to wait. They don't take resos. When we left at around 6:30 on a Saturday night, there was a 2 hour wait. If you have to wait, wait. If that wait happens to be between the hours of 4 and 7p, shlep yourself over to Bonfire for free happy hour bacon. You're welcome.

    (5)

  • Will V.

    Three visits, first time review. An excellent small plates spot in all aspects: service, design, food, and drink. A friendly host who was accommodating of a large stroller (and the kid in it), immediate seating on a weekday afternoon, and warm and attentive wait service from a tattooed mom server (who bonded with the toddler in our group). Drinks were tasty: we had a michelada, spicy bloody mary, and a berry infused drink that wasn't too fruity. Food was terrific: the special app of local beans and sweet corn drizzled in a yuzu sauce was healthy, fresh, and terrific. Lobster corn fritters were awesome as was the pork/fried egg/kimchee on a croissant sandwich. Yum. Try it. The fish sandwich was also a winner as was everything else. Go for the food, service, and drinks. An excellent place without the unnecessary pretension so typical of "best of" awarded spots.

    (5)

  • Pierre S.

    Totally satisfying! Dropped in and got a table for two for myself immediately. Lucky! Had two cold plates - a cold tuna and veal salad with watercress and shaved hard cheese (great combo) and a crispy pork salad that was salty and sweet and rich. Finished with soft shell crab on top of a red curry, mint, cilantro salad that was spicy and refreshing. Two glasses of wine, a Rioja and and an Albarino from Uruguay. Now what do I do?!

    (5)

  • Michael D.

    As I write this review I am sitting at the downstairs bar after a weekday lunch. It's relatively quiet. I have been done eating for about 15 minutes sitting quietly with cash on the bar ready to leave. Just wondering why the bartender keeps looking at my money in front of me and moving on to the next thing instead of checking me out. Kind of annoying but the food is really good. I had the Baja fish sandwich and it's yummy.

    (4)

  • Tiffany F.

    Over the course of our 1.5 day adventure in Portland we ate and drank at a total of 10 establishments. Of those 10, THIS WAS THE ABSOLUTE WINNER OF PORTLAND. BEST RESTAURANT IN TOWN. If I could take this entire restaurant, it's entire menu, and entire staff with me back to Boston I would in a heartbeat. We came early because we knew it was a popular spot in town because any restaurant that doesn't take reservations knows it just doesn't have to. We were among a handful of other folks who too arrived early to get seated in the first round, eagerly awaiting the opening of the doors to taste-bud paradise. The staff seated guests quickly and were incredibly friendly - explaining the menu, answering my million questions, and walking us through each dish's ingredients as it was set down on our table. But let's get down to the meat of this review - the food. MOUTH-WATERING GOODNESS. WOW. The flavors are incredible. The presentation is on point. And the portion sizes for small plates are perfectly reasonable for the price - which is a hard balance to find. Oysters - I love how the oyster selection was exclusive to Maine. It makes it all the more special and they offered up types that I wouldn't have been able to find in Boston - nailed it. Basket Island from Casco Bay, Browne Point from Damariscotta River, and Otter Cove also from Damariscotta River. Fresh and tasty with a selection that ranged from sweet to briny. The real winner of the oysters though was the accompaniment options - we chose the Thai Basil Ice per recommended by our waiter and it was an awesome choice. The ice added an interesting texture to the oysters and the flavor of it was just awesome. We ended up eating the leftover Thai Basil Ice on its own after we had run out of oyster to eat it with. That's how good it was. Beet salad - what a beautiful colorful bowl of beets and hands down the best beet salad I've ever had. Every bite really has a lot of dimension to it and you can really taste the creamy avocado, green peppercorn, and lemon. Bread and butter - very very very easy to pass off as a whatever dish. The description really doesn't do it justice. Presented to look like an over-easy egg, the hazelnut butter sits perfectly underneath a farm egg yolk and together the creamy goodness of the egg along with the light, fluffy, whipped butter make for the perfect bread spread. Spices are sprinkled on top of the egg-butter spread too that add some nice aesthetic and tasty touches - I believe it was chives, pepper, and perhaps paprika. Don't pass this up as your ordinary everyday bread and butter. It's so much more than that! Roasted cauliflower - fresh and crunchy and roasted to perfection. The apples and feta really took the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas to another level and it was a nice balance between hot and cold. Suckling pig - YOU DA REAL MVP. The meat was so tender it melted in your mouth and the seared skin was the perfect compliment with its crunchy texture. Sitting on top of a spread of apple brown butter and topped off with a few marcona almonds, this dish really epitomizes the restaurants creativity, quality, and depth of flavors in each dish. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant and I'm actually sad that it was our last meal in town. I wish it was our first so I could have made time to dine here again. This is now on my list of favorite restaurants. Not just in Portland. But in life.

    (5)

  • Kelly W.

    I was looking forward to coming here from reading the below reviews and unfortunately the problem with this establishment is not the execution of the food but the management and the service. It was crowded but we found a spot pretty easily at the bar and a server came over promptly to take our drink order but after that the efficiency ended. It took us 20 minutes to get drinks every round and we just felt sort of forgotten about. We initially tried to eat upstairs and they were booked but the hostess couldn't have been sweeter and more lovely. Also the front of the house guy (for lack of more appropriate title) downstairs was also fantastic and helpful. After a manager took our order for a round of drinks that took forty minutes to arrive we got a minor apology and no explanation. I appreciate the food and the type of establishment they are running here- their suckling pig and a few other dishes are incredible but more communication from the staff is needed. Also every cocktail that we received was overly sweet and disappointing.

    (3)

  • Yelena S.

    Heard lots of good things about Central Provisions! We opted to try brunch as our first visit here.We arrived just as they opened at 11 (a lot later than other places), good thing too because in just a few short minutes the place filled up completely. First we tried the bread and butter, after browsing other Yelp menu suggestions it looked like everyone was a fan of this. It was very good! It wasn't mind blowing, but you get three slices of sourdough bread that's been toasted (ours was on the hard side), and spread on the plate is this slightly sweet and fluffy homemade hazelnut butter. On top of the butter is a frothy egg (?), it doesn't have a lot of flavor to it but it's a cool texture and presents well on the plate. I opted for the skillet cornbread and the squeeze opted for the fried chicken sandwich. Our waitress, who was super friendly and informative, explained that they pour the cornbread batter into the skillet and bake it there. They crack an egg onto it mid-way so you get this delicious slightly runny cooked egg in the center covered in crisp bacon and cheese. I loved it! The squeeze's sandwich looked really good, the chicken was perfectly fried and the whole sandwich tasted hearty and generous. Once the bar was full we didn't see our waitress for a while, we were off to the side so I think we temporarily got forgotten about. Otherwise, great food and I'm sure we'll be back. Overall I'd say it was a win!

    (4)

  • Marilyn C.

    Really enjoyed this place. The upstairs restaurant was a 20 min. wait so we headed down to their downstairs bar around the corner and got a seat right away. We shared a few plates - the suckling pig was a stand-out. I had a red and white glass of wine - both were nice. Would definitely stop in here again.

    (4)

  • Noah D.

    This tops the list for worst service experienced in a restaurant. Our server was rude and unwelcoming. Our waitress barely made eye contact, never smiled and seemed so annoyed. We were seated in the dining room and given a last call at 9:40pm while eating our dinner entrees. Wtf? The food is good, not memorable or worth a second visit, but the service is horrendous, like you are bothering them by being there. We didn't try the downstairs bar, maybe it's better and where the good reviews are coming from. We won't be back. I was told this place is up for a james beard award.. How??? Is James Beard running out of restaurants to review?

    (1)

  • Chris U.

    We tried to go to Central Provisions the evening before for dinner and were greeted with a one hour and fourth-five minute wait. Honestly, for a place with that much hype, we would have gotten some cocktails at their bar downstairs or in the surrounding area and waited it out, but it was already 8:30pm and we were starving. So we decided to come back the next morning and have an early brunch and, boy, that wound up being an excellent choice. The main upstairs dining room is small - maybe 10 tables and 10 seats at the bar. We enjoyed sitting at the bar and watching the chefs work. The food they turned out was superb. Their "Bread and Butter" with hazelnut butter and egg sabillion was a great way to start. The Skillet Cornbread, loaded with bacon, cheese and a surprise egg in the middle is a day's worth of calories, but awesome. The Spicy Raw Beef Salad was one of the best things I've had in a long time - amazing mix of flavors. And the lamb burger was juicy and delicious. The dishes are served in small plate format, but they really aren't all that tiny. In addition it should be noted that they have a Grade A cocktail menu and the classic Cuban daiquiri was a great start to the day. We arrived at 11:15, just after they opened and the place was empty and quiet. By 11:45, however, they already had a wait, so be sure to get their early or be prepared to wait. Absolutely worth the wait, however!

    (5)

  • Sarah H.

    We've been in before for drinks (hello Prosecco on tap and some of the most creative cocktails in the Old Port - tonight's special was the first seasonal strawberries infused in tequila with house-made rhubarb soda - excellent!) Tonight we had food - three of the small plates: Szechuan Purple Broccoli with broad rice noodles; Spicy Fried Maine Potatoes; and Asparagus en Croute. The broccoli was salty and savory, the noodles almost crispy - very good. The potatoes were nice, fried rounds with salt, pepper, and spice dust. The Asparagus en Croute may be one of my new favorite things in Portland. House made puff pastry, ham, Dijon, and asparagus, dresses with a sweet, fig aioli. The staff are attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. The space is clean, inviting, and at a pleasant noisy (but not too loud) level.

    (5)

  • Jennifer L.

    My husband and I wandered in here one Sunday for brunch. The place is small but sweet. They have an open kitchen which we like because you can watch the chefs create everything. We had the Breakfast Burger, The Chopped Salad, the hash browns and the French Toast. First came the salad. Pardon my language but Holy Shit that may have been the BEST salad we both have ever had. The combination of flavored and textures was incredible. Then came the Hashbrowns and French Toast. Each was perfectly cooked. The French toast was so velvety and the butter and syrup were delightful! Finally we had the breakfast burger. There is just something about the flavor of fresh ground grass fed beef. So yummy and the bacon and egg added an amazing richness. The service was friendly but a little slow. To get each round of drinks took 15-20 each time. However the food came out evenly based.

    (4)

  • Megh R.

    I'm beyond excited to write my third and final review for Central Provisions. Really, my need for a third is the reason why I shouldn't be writing reviews about restaurants without visiting them a few couple times. I've now eaten dinner at Central four times, in addition to numerous visits for cocktails. I'm so happy to say that, as I predicted in my first review, Central Provisions has incited a rapid change of opinion from me in the year and a half it has been open. There are some items on the menu that I am certain I cannot live without. Suckling Pig, for one. Spicy Beef Salad. Roasted Cauliflower. All are mouthwatering; delicious. And both silly but not silly at all is the Bread and Butter. I could eat all the farm egg sabayon in the world and still not be sated. I love that Central has prosecco on draft. I now find this detail to be necessary for my happiness. I still don't like the beet salad, but that's okay. Who likes everything on a menu? That's why menus exist, after all. Service has improved dramatically, too. I know it may seem like common sense that a restaurant should function this way, but Central really does put the customer first, and I've felt very well taken care of during my past couple visits. If I remember correctly, the Central Provisions t-shirts read 'I live therefore I drink' across the back. Isn't there anything truer?

    (4)

  • Susan R.

    As always- the bar side of this place is killing it. Punch bowls?! Hells to the yes. Bar snacks? Absolutely. You simply should not visit Portland without a trip to the lower level of Central Provisions.

    (5)

  • LYndsey D.

    We only came for drinks per recommendations of family, and we were glad we came! Good beer selection and the bartenders were very friendly. Cozy bar with a somewhat hipster feel. We will be back again!

    (5)

  • Patrick C.

    Over an hour wait upstairs, thank goodness she offered the bar downstairs. An hour later..,new favorite place in Portland!!! Note to Sur Lie...this is how small plates are done!!! The beet salad...great! Followed by the tuna crudo..lightly touched by sesame oil..fantastic !! Then came the spicy beef salad...touch of cilantro and siracha...outstanding! Finished up with pears and grilled goat cheese and 15 year old balsamic...amazing!! Add friendly service, great beer selection and my beautiful girlfriend...no words!!!

    (5)

  • Cassandra P.

    Yes to this. 5 stars because it's worth the experience. The flavors vary tremendously but each small plate was delish. All servers, bartenders and manager were attentive. They have prosecco on tap. We ordered several small plates at lunch. All was good. Beet salad Raw beef Tuna crudo Croquettes A beer A glass of wine $50 Full

    (5)

  • Kylie D.

    To me, Central Provisions is like the handsome, popular, BMOC quarterback in high school. He's gorgeous, everyone loves him and they all think he's the absolute best at everything he does. Girls line up to date him and boys secretly want to be him (or be with him). But then, when you get up close, you see that he has a little acne on his left cheek, he's getting a C in English and he's a terrible driver. You know, just a normal guy - still way above average, but really not that much different than anyone else at school. You still want to hang out with him, but he's not such a mystery anymore. I went into Central Provisions expecting to have my mind blown by its culinary spectacularity but I came out thinking, "wow, this is a great little place". To set the scene, you need to know that I went on a Saturday at 4:50pm. My friends and I were the first in line (yes, you need to que up to get in) and we got the best seat in the house right in the window. Five minutes after we were seated, the place was packed. At 5:05 we placed our drink order. By 5:30, we still had no drinks. I get it, these are hand-crafted cocktails and they take some time, but probably not 25 minutes. Our server was nowhere to be found so I waived down the maître d' (I think at first he thought I was just being friendly) and we had a little chat. From then on, service was impeccable. They were instantly sensitive to our special needs (we had a 1 1/2 year with us who was about to go to her cranky/tired place) everything was PERFECT from that point on. I was feeling really food fatigued (too much good food in too short a period of time) so I kept it paleo ordering a pile of serrano ham and a 1/2 dozen oysters to go with my Perfect Storm cocktail. Our server made the oyster selections for me and everything was on point. YUM. I honestly can't remember what my friends ordered - but I remember sampling the bread and butter (not paleo but delicious) and the carrots. I also sampled a dish sent out compliments of the chef - a house-made English muffin with pureed chicken livers, an fried egg and chives. It was heavenly. We shared some desserts and though I didn't try the foie gras parfait, I did enjoy a bite or two of the grilled banana bread with maple/pecan ice cream. YUM. I can see what all the hubbub is about at Central Provisions. This is incredibly innovative and well-prepared food created by a truly passionate team. Is it worth a three-hour wait? I'm not sure, but everything that anyone reads or hears about this place says it is, so they'll always be a line. I would love to claim CP as a cozy neighborhood/Portland joint but I'm afraid it belongs to the people now.

    (4)

  • Maria P.

    I chose no not wait to eat here last summer because of the huge line/wait. Boy was I glad my boyfriend and I went early this past Saturday night! "This is one of the best meals of my life", said my 52 year old boyfriend! I agree with him. We were lucky enough to be seated at the bar, right in front of head chef/owner Chris. We initially ordered 5 or 6 small plates. That soon changed as I was witness to each dish that left the kitchen. I was like a kid in a candy store of culinary delights! I quickly began ordering more and more dishes, from the fried softshell crab to the crispy skin pork. Absolutely every dish was a work of art with multiple layers of flavors! The roasted cauliflower had some roasted chickpeas, mint, and several other ingredients that made it one of our favorites of the night. This was a special meal and worth every calorie I indulged!

    (5)

  • Maura Q.

    I had heard really good things about Central Provisions and I have to say I was not disappointed. My co-workers and I sat at the bar, which only contained another couple and it seemed that there was no one else around. The male bartender was actually very rude and either needed to take a break, or was trying to leave (maybe it was the end of his shift?). He was very impatient, but the woman he was working with was a breath of fresh air (dark hair, bangs, in a light up-do). She was sarcastic, funny, and helpful. She changed our whole experience just by taking over. We all ordered drinks, I got the Glass Slipper $10 (Maine vodka, elderflower liqueur, orange blossom water, and prosecco). My co-workers tried the Knickerbocker (very sweet), Corpse Reviver #3.5, and the Pisco Sidecar. We decided to get a few small plates. The bread and butter was great (keep in mind, that they are definitely SMALL plates, but if you're in the mood for snacking, it's the perfect portion). The egg was interesting, but good. It didn't have a lot of flavor, but complimented the butter well. I tried a few bites of beef tartar for the first time and have fallen in love. It was perfectly seasoned and the french fries were cute (yes, cute little crispy delicious things) and went perfectly with the beef. I also tried a few bites of the spicy beef salad, which was just the right kind of spicy and crunchy. We all left very satisfied (minus the one bartender). I will be back to Central Provisions to try more (hopefully delicious) small plates and drinks! Their brunch menu looks pretty tasty as well.

    (5)

  • Rich W.

    The food was extremely tasty and the staff, especially the host, were quite pleasant. Main nits were the high prices and small portions. The raw oysters, while quite delicious, were by far the smallest I've ever seen. They were $15 for a half dozen and no bigger (perhaps even smaller) than Littleneck clams. The heirloom tomato salad for $14 was also quite overpriced. Way too much $$ for a few cherry tomatoes and some bread cubes. The burrata crostini with garlic and fennel pollen was very delectable but $12 for a little cheese and bread is hard to swallow.

    (3)

  • Peter W.

    It was cold and rainy outside and we were hungry so we walked a block or so and decided to try this place out. I usually check Yelp first, but like I said, it was cold and rainy. We were surprised to find this amazing place. They were serving brunch we had the Scrapple and eggs, Skillet Cornbread, Jamon, and Bloody Mary. The food was delicious. The bar stools aren't that comfortable - but maybe it helps to keep people moving along. It was great to see the chefs at work, so calm and dedicated to their craft. We will be back.

    (5)

  • Kuan-wei C.

    Wonderful and delightful tasting food! Definitely try the grilled corn bread and Maine melon

    (5)

  • Eva D.

    This place is incredible. Great small plates with a unique combination of ingredients and flavors. We had the Maine melon on the brunch menu, which was great. Combo of fresh melon with crispy quinoa and pine nuts. Yum. They also brought us a free lobster fritter on the house!!

    (5)

  • Selina W.

    Great salads. Great flatbread. Great location. Great waitstaff. Two thumbs up. Had homemade sausage flatbread with blue cheese crumbles salad. Excellent.

    (5)

  • Kelsey S.

    We were in Portland for five days, and in that time period, we visited Central Provisions twice: once for a late lunch and once for brunch. The tapas-sized portions were ideal for sampling and sharing, so we were able to try a number of the dishes on the menu. Standouts included the tuna crudo, smoked carrots and corn fritters. The crudo was tender, and the radish, mustard and sesame paired nicely in terms of both texture and flavor. The carrots were smoked, but served chilled and with goat cheese and pistachio. The smoky, dense carrots, crunchy nuts and soft cheese complimented each other nicely. And the corn fritters were rich (definitely a dish to share) with added heat from the jalapeño aioli. We also ordered heirloom tomatoes, the cheese plate, hash browns, local mixed greens and the sheep's cheese. The only dish I would not order again was the sheep's cheese; the first bite was fine, but the aftertaste was sickly and almost burnt. For dessert, we caved and had the cinnamon roll. Don't say no to the cinnamon roll. We sat at the upstairs bar and really enjoyed chatting with the chef about food (and watching all of the dishes be prepared). If we find ourselves in Portland again, we would certainly return to Central Provisions.

    (4)

  • Créme F.

    Outstanding! Quality, creative and local food at its absolute best. Exquisitly executed to perfection.

    (5)

  • Katie V.

    This place is a "can't miss." The dining experience was wonderful, we sat at the bar and saw the kitchen staff craft some of the most artful dishes and drinks we've seen. We ordered 5-6 small plates for two people and every single one was more delicious than the last. The tuna tartare, salads, and pork dishes were especially amazing. Would return 100%.

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    Great food, great service! We arrived about 10 minutes early for 5pm opening. Asked to sit in the bar area and were escorted to corner chairs with fantastic view of the open kitchen. Our server Stephen was so friendly and informative, he explained how tapas and beverage menu worked from lighter fare to heavier. We had Tuna crudo, melon salad, chop salad, both carrot and cauliflower plates and pork belly. Everything was so delicious and fresh, very inventive and texturally complex. My husband and I plan to go back before the weekend is over and we head back to CT as we both agreed it was one of the best meals we have ever had:) Fantastic experience!

    (5)

  • Ana C.

    Went here on Saturday evening after waiting for two hours for a table. The food is phenomenal - I won't list the tapas that were the best because every single one of the eight that we ordered were fantastic. With that said, the service leaves a lot to be desired. I don't know if it's because my group looked young or because they were so busy, but the waitstaff was dismissive and even rude to us, which was a shame because we dropped at least $200 on a few tapas and a bottle of wine (there were only three of us). I don't know that the service makes the food worth it, especially after waiting for two hours for a table. I definitely got recommendations from locals of other places around that also have great food and better service.

    (4)

  • Robin C.

    Everything, I mean, everything I thought I knew about life forever changed after I became intrigued by this location. I would be remiss if I didn't start by thanking my fellow Yelpers because your reviews gave me strength during my 2 1/2 hour wait. When I began to speculate as to why I was lurking around the door praying people would move a little faster, trying to convince myself to walk away, I couldn't. And I'm so glad I stayed. When it was finally our time to shine, I was immediately struck by the irony that hip hop music was being pumped into the air. It also made me fall in love with this tapas restaurant. We quickly ordered drinks, I had the barrel aged Manhattan. We then attacked the menu. From the lobster toast, corn fritters, halibut ala plancha, heirloom tomatoes, aracini, there was no wrong choice. The moment that my life changed forever was when I bit into the Suckling Pig. Listen when I say you MUST order this. Do not play around with your life and not order this. It is a 40 hour process of love to make this dish. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! My only regret - ever doubting the wait wouldn't be worth it.

    (5)

  • Joanie L.

    Can't disagree with all the 5 star reviews. Sun. of 4th of July weekend was busy but not insane. Guy working the door said 30 min and the gal said almost 75 so when we got zapped at 40 min, we were psyched (after a nice pleasant drink and wontons at Glass Bar across the street). Opted for sitting at the chef's bar so we could watch the action. Split three dishes: the asparagus pastry cheese thing, the burrata crostini w/ grilled spring onions and the pork belly. All were excellent. The server and others working the host stand were very cool. Dessert was a nice rhubarb tart. With a beer, a wine, tax and tip it was about $88. Very happy to finally try this place.

    (5)

  • Lorena H.

    My boyfriend and I went to this incredible restaurant last night. All the dishes were amazing. We tried the bread and butter, beet salad, pig, oysters with Thai ice, and halibut ... The flavor and seasoning was excellent. Perfect portions and fair pricing for the quality. I absolutely loved our waitress. She was kind, informed, and very helpful. It was also lovely to sit at the bar and watch mastery unfold at the kitchen. For drink, we shared a bowl of one of their delicious punches. It was refreshing and perfect for a Friday evening out to dinner.

    (5)

  • Bree A.

    Sat at the bar. Loved watching the kitchen staff do their thing. Delicious small plates; especially loved the caramelized sheep's cheese. WHY DO WE NOT CARAMELIZE CHEESE MORE OFTEN?!

    (5)

  • Lauren A.

    This place, though. Between the $5 mimosa/bloody mary special (daily 11a-4p) and the amazing food, I literally asked the bartenders if I could move in. The staff is great, the food and drink selection and quality is fantastic and the atmosphere is familiar and inviting. The chopped salad was one of the best plates of food I've ever had (um, candied bacon and homemade garlic ranch dressing...yeah). I'm embarrassed we've come to Portland a couple times before this weekend and never tried it. Needless to say, there is no doubt we will return.

    (5)

  • Brett F.

    Central Provisions has been THE hot restaurant in Portland this summer. With a no-reservation policy, people have waited hours to dine on small plates while sipping prohibition-era cocktails in this chic restaurant. For me personally, I'll shrug my shoulders. As a lifelong Portland resident, I'm used to seeing this concept in Boston and New York, not in this more intimate city. The top floor on Fore Street is the restaurant portion, and it is trendy beautiful. A long bar holds most of the seating, with small tables lined against the wall. The downstairs on Wharf Street is a smaller bar and a common area meant for standing and mingling. At 10 pm on a Monday, just after the Summer busy season, we took the last two seats at the upstairs bar. The menus are expansive. The drink menu is comprised of 10 or so interesting cocktails, local craft beers, and thoughtful wines. There are homemade sodas for those not drinking. The food menu is the small plate concept, separated into hot and cold plates. Our knowledgeable and helpful waitress explained each dish and gave recommendations with ease. While sipping on the hangover-inducing Corpse Reviver, we decided on two oysters each, lobster toast, potatoes and ketchup, and the small portion of the suckling pig. Everything was delicious, but smallish. The suckling pig in particular was about 3" X 2," for $14. It was the standout for taste though, along with the mini panini of lobster toast. After another cocktail, we weren't exactly full, but not hungry either, and were quite buzzed. The bill was nearly $100 before tip. For the people who like this sort of place, it's really good food and drinks in a hip atmosphere. For me, I'll wait until the hype cools and will have a cocktail in the downstairs bar.

    (4)

  • Jason A.

    When I walked in on a Monday to a 30 minute wait, I knew I had arrived. Small place, but luckily they had some room at the bar, (where you can order). If you put your name on the list, they will text you when your table is ready if you want to walk around. Thank god some places are embracing technology. I had 3 dishes, and each was more of a revelation then the next. The strawberries with balsamic and guanciale was a perfect start. The super fresh strawberries, mixed heavenly with the acidity of the vinegar and saltiness of the meat. Next, I had the aspargus wrapped in cheese, fig, mustard, ham, and puff pastry. The pastry alone had have been award winning, but once you had everything in one bite, you can tell the chef has an amazing and creative palate. Lastly, I had some foie. Thank the lord someone actually gives you a seared piece of foie in two sizes. They stole my heart. Best place I've been in a long time, most creative as well. This is the real deal. I am saddened I cannot have Chef Gould's food regularly.

    (5)

  • Lisa F.

    Just had another phenomenal experience at CP. Highlight was turning my 20-year old blossoming foodiephile son onto the food. "The color scheme on the roasted cauliflower is so on point" skillet corn bread, tuna crudo, spicy beef salad, chopped salad, spicy Maine potatoes, French toast and breakfast cheeseburger. Fantastic!

    (5)

  • Jessica O.

    We got here at 5pm and put in our names. We were quoted an 1.5 hour wait. It was wirth it. We walked around the town and window shopped until we got hungry. We ordered like royalty. We got the Portuguese crudo, the bread and butter, the clams, the o toro, the halibut ceviche, the burrata, the grilled favs beans, the cauliflower, the flank steak, the grilled halibut, and many cocktails. The bread and butter with garlic butter and egg yolks was amazing. The burrata was sexy. The clams were delicious. My only true complaints were the o toro was a little chewy and probably wasn't a cut that should have been served, it was a little sinewy. The glass slipper was delicious as well and i confess I got a little tipsy. Well worth a visit.

    (5)

  • Jacky Y.

    I read a lot of great reviews about Central Provisions. It set my expectations pretty high. The place was jam packed and I had to wait 30 to 45 minutes. It definitely was a long wait, but the food was pretty good. My gf wanted to try this place because she wanted to try a bunch of few small dishes. Food: The dishes we got was the suckling pig, lobster toast, and roasted brussel sprouts. The suckling pig was amazing. It is so juicy and the flavor just pops in your mouth. This is definitely my favorite dish out of the three. The lobster toast is good too but I feel like my expectation of it should contain a decent chunks of lobster especially since they have access to the best/fresh lobsters. I really like the roasted brussel sprouts. I think adding a tint of cranberry along with the crunch of the walnut is a nice touch. Service: We sat at the bar because we didn't want to wait any longer and the bar opened up. The bartender taking care of us is really friendly and made sure we were taken care of. I understand it was a very busy time, but felt we were forgotten until the bartender. Decor: There is a upper level and a lower level. We sat at the lower level around the bar. I only really got a good look around the lower level. It had a typical feel and look of a bar type decoration with the wood fixtures. The place needs to be better insulated in my opinion. It really felt cold when I was there. I kept my jacket on the entire time. Final thoughts: I would definitely go back and try their other dishes. The suckling pig is a must try if you ever decide to try this establishment.

    (4)

  • Margaret M.

    Winner of the most creative menu thus far in Portland goes to Central Provisions. I love that they infuse so many unique ingredients to create dishes that are equally as beautiful in presentation and flavor. Watching their kitchen staff from the bar is truly a treat! Service was excellent and quite attentive, our water glasses never went empty, when we needed something our server was already standing behind us to check on us and she was friendly to boot. We shared quite a few small plates including the Beer Tartare, Burrata Cheese, Spicy Fried Potatoes & Lobster Toast. My personal favorites were the Tartare & fried potatoes - both perfect appetizers. I also had a darn strong drink, that I can't recall the name of (hence the darn strong description) and the husband had a gypsy beer which we had never seen before which was fun. What I loved most though was the vibe & decor. It's a small space, but they've done a great job with all of the furnishings and the layouts and the music was amazing (it's the little things for me).

    (4)

  • Kristina D.

    Okay. Tried some restaurants that were considered the best in the area and I am happy and unequivocally ready to say that this was a truly amazing dining experience and I'm pretty sure this place will quickly become "the" place to go in Portland. It's hard to even narrow down my favorite small plates as practically everything we had was amazing. And for the records / not a light order, we had a party of eight. If I had to narrow down I would say the spicy beef salad, beet salad, duck tangine, lamb sausage, fois gras, and lobster toast. Basically this place rivaled NYC Restaurants and I highly recommended the experience

    (5)

  • Katharine R.

    Best meal I've ever had! I was visiting Portland with my family for a few days and randomly found out way to the downstairs bar just for a drink until the rain stopped. We all ordered the special Rhubarb drink and loved it. It was so good that we decided to stay for dinner. The carrots were unbelievable! The whole meal was actually unbelievable. My family and I are planning a trip back to Portland just to eat here again. Highly Recommended!

    (5)

  • Sabrina C.

    Exceptional American cuisine, reasonably priced. Amazing croissant sandwich with beef teriyaki and kimchi. No reservations so plan ahead if you want to go here because sometimes there is a long wait. They were robbed of not winning the James Beard Award!

    (5)

  • Lucy W.

    I wasn't able to be in Portland for dinner but I did have time to stop by Central Provisions for lunch...while I wasn't able to partake in any of the ceviches, crudos, or tartare's that I desperately wanted to try, I did try the lobster toast, which was actually more of a grilled panini with lobster filling. It was buttery, crunchy and tasty...not a way I would traditionally have lobster, but yum! I didn't really care for the smattering of grass clippings and flower buds they sprinkled on top, but made up for it with the creamy green curry/cilantro spread that I smothered on the lobster toast. I sat at the bar overlooking the open kitchen (of course I would choose the bar overlooking the food versus the bar overlooking the alcohol) so I had a front row seat to the action of watching the chefs prepare all the lunch dishes. Don't know how they do it with all eyes watching them...they are experts, people. And something not mentioned on many of the other reviews...the house made sodas...i tried the spiced maple soda and it was DIVINE! Get it now...you won't be sorry. Parking...either metered street parking on a first come first serve basis (I scored a rock star spot on Fore St right in front by arriving early before 11am), or you will have to seek out a parking garage or public lot and pay for it. Oh, and Stephen the server...you are adorable and very funny...don't let the Portland hipsters change you :)

    (4)

  • Justine J.

    This place is just... too good. The atmosphere is amazing, we had very quick and attentive service, it wasn't too crowded or loud, and both the food and the cocktails were incredible. They do small plates primarily, which is great for going with friends and getting to try a whole bunch of different options. Highly, highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Sharon F.

    We were here a year ago and it was unequivocally a five, and we were really looking forward to a return visit, but this year nothing about the experience came close. The food was all good, but nothing stood out as exceptional, especially at a time of year when seasonal ingredients are at their finest. It was a Sunday night and we willingly waited an hour; service was acceptable. Given all of the amazing food in this city, I doubt we will return, and we're sorry we didn't try something else.

    (3)

  • Jesse T.

    What an excellent meal!! Chef and staff were on their game. Inventive dishes, really flavorful and well balanced. Bread and butter, beet salad, and fish croquettes were standout. For anyone visiting Portland, be sure to check it out!

    (5)

  • karina g.

    After reading a TON of articles and reviews, I think I may have set my expectations a little high... or it may be that I came for lunch instead of dinner. I've tried to go for dinner several times and have never been able to go. But it's simple, fresh local ingredients, small but nice wine list. Interesting tapas style menu that's good to go with friends.

    (4)

  • Tracy X.

    Portland ME is one of our favorite road trip destinations in the Summer, it's not only scenic but has loads of true New England character. The restaurants in Portland are also pretty phenomenal, and Central Provisions is one of the reasons that keeps luring us back. They do keep a seasonal menu, but there are a few staples. Let me just say, the bluefin tuna crudo..wow. For the 2 of us, we would order 4-5 plates along with a sandwich, and it's perfect.The space is quite small and rather cozy, although grabbing a spot at the bar upstairs is actually better than table since you can see the chefs at work. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Erica K.

    Suckling. Pig. Really that's all I need to write -- the suckling pig is out of this world. We went for dinner and ordered the spicy beef salad. My boyfriend loved it but I don't do raw. He said it was spicy and delicious and cold. We ordered bread and butter, spicy Maine potatoes, and the suckling pig. We could have ordered everything off the menu but the suckling pig is the star of the menu. The apple butter is delicious, the almonds are a perfect accompaniment and the suckling pig is just roasted, crispy perfection. It comes in a square which was interesting to me at first but after I tasted it, I was in heaven. The atmosphere is cozy. We sat at the bar and watched them make the food. Geniuses at work. I can't wait to go back and try more off the menu.

    (5)

  • Yanni K.

    Great food, awesome drinks, intimate atmosphere. Open kitchen with the bar seating was a winner. Tuna crudo and trofie pasta were out of this world. Had a wonderful time here. Perfect for first timers in Portland.

    (5)

  • Linda F.

    Wonderful creative and very high quality small plates. The suckling pig with apple butter and Marcona almonds was delish as expected but who knew carrots were the stuff of dreams? They are here where they are smoked, caramelized and served with goat cheese. The tomato salad, fish sandwich and corn and bean salad were also exemplary dishes which show how flavorful simple ingredients can be in the hands of a skilled chef. I would give it 5 stars but for the server we had Sept. 4 at dinner. She said if our party of two ordered a punch for two no other alcohol could be on the table. I planned to drink the punch throughout dinner and my friend wanted wine. Not possible, the young bespectacled server said. We had not been drinking prior to entering the restaurant but punch AND wine was too much alcohol on the table, she said. Crazy! She also removed wine glasses with wine still in them and when I whispered to her that she should not do that she said okay crossly and walked away. No apology. At lunch the service was fabulous - friendly and informed. But our dinner server needs some remedial training. We sat downstairs both times and the overall vibe was grest.

    (4)

  • Tony W.

    I went out to Central Provisions on a rainy Saturday evening with some friends who were welcoming me back to Maine after my eight years away. They said it was the new trendy place to try, and that there was no better reintroduction to the culinary scene in Maine than here. We were told there would be a two hour wait for a table, so we headed over to Novare Res for a few libations to kill the time. (Caveat: Due to waiting out our reservation at Novare Res - and the three Russian Imperial Stouts that I imbibed - the events that follow are either hazy, missing, partially fabricated or reconstructed by looking at the online menu. Take what I write with a grain of salt.) Once we were seated, the carnage commenced. For those of you not familiar with this restaurant, it's essentially a menu comprised of small plates that add up VERY fast. Especially if you've been drinking beforehand. We were each tasked by selecting one small plate per each section of the menu, and this is what I remember we had: Drinks: While we were waiting for our order, I believe I ordered a Rising Tide seasonal on draft. I followed it with one more midway through the plates. Raw: - Tuna Tartare - Beef Tartara - Spicy Beef Salad Notes: To be honest, I can't remember how the tuna and beef tartare were, so I assume that to mean that they were just OK. I do remember the Spicy beef salad, and it was EXCELLENT. Cold: - Selection of Cheeses - Bread & Butter - Beet Salad Notes: SO TASTY. Who knew you could make bread & butter even better? Fancy bread and homemade fancy butter knew. And you can never go wrong with a cheese plate, especially at a place that takes pride in farm to fork, locally sourced food. I'll bet if you asked, they'd even know the name of the cow the milk for the cheese came from. Hot: - Brussels Sprouts - Fried Spicy Potatoes - arancini Notes: I think it was at this point that I remember not wanting this night to end. This truly is the place for those with a culinary short attention span. As soon as you're done with one flavor, you're on to the next. Brussels sprouts to potatoes, to arancini. Different textures and flavors - so good! - and all well prepared with care. The brussels sprouts are similar (but not as good) to the brussels sprouts appetizer at Miyake. Hearty: - Suckling Pig - Dry Aged Sirloin On to the meats. Both were so well prepared and tasty! I think I was speechless with my eyes closed at this point. Just chewing and smiling. After dinner, we each ordered desserts, along with digestifs to share, and I (foolishly?) had one more drink - their Manhattan Cocktail. Very well-prepared drink, and that's not just the various layers of alcohol speaking. Or maybe it was. I heartily enjoyed it, at the very least in that particular liquor-enhanced moment. I don't remember the desserts - let's be honest, I was completely toasted by this point - but I know I also enjoyed them. I was thoroughly impressed with the service. Our primary server was very friendly and attentive. After we ordered, different servers would bring plates over three at a time, and provide background on each plate and, when possible, where the ingredients were sourced from. At the end of our meal, the owner of the place introduced himself to us and asked us how our meals were. He had actually been one of the servers bringing our plates over! Overall, every single dish was thoughtful, well-plated and extremely enjoyable, and I had a great time sharing plates with friends. Eating here seems to be as much about what you're eating as it is with whom your eating; it's a shared experience and a sharing experience. Depending on how many plates you order, dinner could easily stretch two hours - hence, the two hour waits to get a table. I kept going back and forth on whether I should give this place four or five stars. I feel like the portions on some of the plates do not quite live up to their price. Based on my experience and the overall quality of the food, drinks and service, I decided to give this place the benefit of the doubt. Bring some friends here for the experience, but be prepared to drop some serious coin!

    (5)

  • Katy W.

    This was the best meal we ate on our vacation in Portland. I would even go so far as to say it may be the best meal I have ever had. I am already planning to drive back up here for a couple of hours just to have another meal at Central Provisions in the near future. We had to wait about twenty minutes to be seated, but we enjoyed it at their bar which is downstairs from the restaurant. The hostess sends a text message when your table is ready, which is a great system except Sprint seems to be kind of spotty in Portland and I didn't get it right away. We were seated at a long counter that is right in front of the open kitchen. Watching each dish be plated and then passed over the counter next to us to the wait staff made us want to order everything we saw. It also allowed us to chat a little bit with the chef, even though of course he was super busy. Our waiter was very sweet and attentive. We ordered a couple of plates at a time, which seems like the way to do it since most things came out pretty quickly. Every plate we ordered was amazing. For me the standouts were the crispy octopus (perfectly tender) and the lobster toast (kind of like the best version ever of a grilled cheese). The fried potatoes are served with ketchup in an adorable mini camp style blue mug. We were told that the menu changes daily and I can't wait to see what's on it next time we come here. The cocktail list is just as interesting as the menu.

    (5)

  • Patrick G.

    Superb farm-to-table food in hipster chic rustic setting. I ordered the simplest lunch menu item: "Bread and Butter" to test whether the rave reviews overall are warranted. A big "yes" to that: a perfectly poached egg; divine homemade hazelnut butter; three slices of perfectly toasted sourdough.Also perfect tuna crudo; out-of-this-world cauliflower. Great background mix of classic bluegrass; Ray Lamontagne; and "Old & In the Way" vibe, as well as unpretentious but excellent service. Why not the 5th star? For the sin of not including lobster. Yes, it's a cliche on the Portland waterfront, but better to use truly local ingredients you can pick up a block away and that other restaurants have to import; I came all the way from Brooklyn and really would have loved to see what CP could do with that super fresh marine crustacean culinary prize.

    (4)

  • caren f.

    Our third visit to this restaurant which just gets better and better! Chris Gould, the chef is gifted - his dishes are creative, expansive and delightful. He made a beet salad come alive with flavors. I can also say the roasted cauliflower and the salt roasted celery root plates were phenomenal. My husband was crazy about the lamb shoulder. The atmosphere remains jovial and upbeat - and the chef unlike many is very down to earth and genuine, and also appears to be calm, relaxed and centered in the midst of a resoundingly packed restaurant. He sets a great tone, and the kitchen runs so smoothly and professionally it's really something to see. The floor manager/sommelier, Justin, ran an equally smooth, professional operation, and seem to appear exactly when needed - he performed like a mind reader. This is an experience not to be missed. Sit at the bar. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Dave T.

    Grab a seat at the downstairs bar for brunch and snag some bacon, bread & butter and the carrots!

    (5)

  • Molly H.

    This place is kinda hilarious. The portion sizes are crazy small for the prices they are charging which makes you laugh, they can't be serious. I mean, they will bring out this medium size plate and it will have just a very, very small piece of food on it. The best thing I had was the spicy beef salad, but the other 6 things we ordered were a major disappointment. I have no idea who would go back here. I'm here for business every week on an expense account and I hate the idea of getting ripped off so I won't be back. I don't even want to spend someone else's $ on this place.

    (1)

  • M H.

    The food and service were outstanding. Really really good. Treat yourself and share some plates.

    (5)

  • Kristin R.

    Delicious food, trendy atmosphere, helpful service, great scene. Only 2 and 4-tops... Not great for groups. Has a wait, even at lunchtime. Highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Jose A.

    Great vibe. Good food. A bit pricy. It was quite there when I went for a business lunch, which I liked.

    (4)

  • Danielli C.

    this review is based on drinks only. This place had some tasty and strong concoctions! the food looked great too, but we had already eaten. Definitely will give it a try next time!

    (5)

  • Kris S.

    So. Freaking. GOOD! Lobster toast, beef tartare, arancini, swordfish belly.... Everything was spectacular. The bartenders were busier than a whore on payday, but they were still attentive and pleasant. Strong, delicious drinks, too. Minus one star for no reservations and literally waiting 2 hours for a table (luckily we scored bar seats -- I couldn't believe that the hostess actually texted us that our table was ready after 2 hours!) Anyway, great place -- I sadly may not be back b/c of the crowds and wait, but my 1st and maybe last visit was memorable, for sure.

    (4)

  • Alyson S.

    Attempting to get in on a Friday night proved difficult but with some luck we got in on Saturday sitting at the downstairs bar. Our bartender quickly came over to see what we wanted to drink and when we asked for suggestions he was knowledgeable finding us each the perfect wine. Again we asked for small plate suggestions as we picked from an assorted menu that all sounded amazing. We selected eight of the items to share. Each came out as they were ready allowing you to fully enjoy the plate while it was still at its perfect preparedness. The server delivered the well plated dishes with an explanation of the ingredients. Each plate was as marvelous as the prior one and there wasn't a single negative comment between all of us. The noise was a bit loud but it was a bar. The food was extraordinary as was the service. I would recommend this place in a heartbeat but since they don't take reservations expect to have to hunt for a seat at the bar or wait an hour during peak times to be seated. Well worth the effort though.

    (5)

  • William N.

    Absolutely fantastic. The staff was extremely friendly and very specific about what each menu item entailed. I got a bloody mary and my wife got a mimosa, and we got the baja fish sandwich, the lamb burger, and the fried corn fritters with jalapeno aioli. The corn fritters were so fresh, and the jalapeno aioli was the perfect compliment. The baja fish sandwich was extremely fresh, the lamb burger was outstanding, you can absolutely tell that all meats and fish were locally sourced. Absolutely wonderful, can't wait to come back and eat here again.

    (5)

  • Pam C.

    Delicious!!! Everything tastes great. Smoked heirloom carrots...beet salad....carmelized goat cheese. The staff is professional and courteous. Been back many times.

    (5)

  • Whitney B.

    After all the build up, I expected to be disappointed but I was not - our dinner was amazing! We sat downstairs at the bar and started with cocktails. The drinks were so creative and the bartender (who also invented them) was super friendly, really knowledgeable and had great suggestions. We ordered two rounds of small plates (about 8 total for 4 people) and were only disappointed with one - the suckling pig. For $24 it was a very small piece of pork and really dry - but the sauce it was on was very good. Other things we got were great: crab & waffles, brussel sprouts, fried artichoke salad, sheep's cheese w/ pears, popcorn, beef tartare, spicy beef salad (our favorite). I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Adam H.

    Central Provisions expertly balances impeccable dishes with efficient, quality service. Every dish was delicious, and served as ready. Highly recommend the caramelized sheep's cheese and swordfish; their house staples--bread and butter, and Maine tuna crudo--are a must. A phenomenal experience altogether.

    (5)

  • Lindsay L.

    Pros: adorable space, sexy bar downstairs, big range of good beer, wine, snacks, good servers--seasoned. Cons: over salted, over priced food. Still tasty, but I paid $14 for a 2" square piece of pork.

    (3)

  • William S.

    Lots to like about this restaurant. Our party of four had an enjoyable meal, with some really excellent dishes. However, with four people, you eat about half of what is available, and not all dishes were up to par. The standouts: arancini, fried oysters, smoked carrots, and probably more. The disappointments: a microscopic portion of red mullet sushi without much taste, a tiny portion of very fatty lamb. It was hard to know what would turn up at the table. Some portions easily served four with a few bites each (especially the vegetable dishes), but others like the lamb and the mullet were very skimpy. Also, it was a surprise that squid a la plancha came stuffed with rillettes (who knew? Our server described the dish to us when we asked, but did not mention the stuffing). It was tasty enough, though not at all what we expected. Dessert offerings, by the way, were surprisingly limited -- three options, while the rest of the menu offered a great deal of choice. Food service was perfectly spaced, and we ate at a very comfortable pace. The bar, though, was having difficulties on the Saturday night we were there. It took almost half an hour to get our drinks, and two of our party had the sense that the glasses had been filled and sat on a counter for long enough for the ice to melt. Each ordered a different signature drinks and each drink was bland and watery. One challenge for some may be the noise level, which was at a level higher than I have experienced in Portland. (We were upstairs; there appears to be another dining level, and if so it might have a different sound experience).

    (4)

  • Danielle L.

    What a bunch of hype. All protein that we had were over cooked. Could not transfer my bar tab to our table when it was ready. Really weak wine selections. And of course way to small of portions to be called sharing. Staff was at least trying to be nice.

    (2)

  • Neely B.

    DELICIOUSNESS with every bite. Our party shared the spicy potatoes, chop salad, rare beef salad, baja fish sandwich, and the boquerones. The Hemingway daiquiri was the perfect accompaniment. Wish we lived closer so we could eat here every week. The service was attentive.

    (5)

  • Matt R.

    Big fan of this place! I'm a sucker for tapas style menus and the food here is excellent. We sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the talented chef and his staff prepare dishes for a packed restaurant on a Wednesday night. My favorites were the crab salad, foie gras, and the cheese plate was terrific. Service was excellent, very knowledgable and helpful staff. Drinks are also solid. I'll be back for sure - many more dishes still to try.

    (5)

  • Meg B.

    Amazing...I have been 3 times, the experience is awesome, each plate is perfect. I enjoyed sitting at the bar of the open kitchen watching the staff, who seem very passionate about their craft. Their cocktails are all very unique,and tasty. I will go back every time I go to Portland. Their brunch is also amazing tried almost every dish. Prices are very reasonable for the product . You pay for what you get they pride themselves in working with local farm which is awesome. It has always been busy when I've gone but always worth the wait. Music also very good - 90's hip hop !

    (5)

  • Ken B.

    Been to the downstairs bar for lunch a few times now. Have to say that this place is quickly becoming one of our all-time favorites in Portland (which is saying a LOT!). Our bartender (Crystal) is very cool. Knows her beer (always a good trait) and how to give just right amount of attention. Ambience definitely another great asset! Brick walls, heavy ceiling beams, old-style "Edison" bulbs, beautiful countertops, etc, etc. Music is fun and energizing. The food is excellent! Small portions, but incredibly good. Highly recommend goat cheese/peaches combo and lobster toast. Amazing! If you haven't gone yet, go!

    (5)

  • Corey D.

    My partner and I had a good time. The food is good and I loved the drinks. The fried oysters were the only real problem. While they were delicious, they had been severely over salted, and it seems, according to other reviews, that I am not alone in this analysis. It was pretty good, but not mind blowing.

    (3)

  • Karen R.

    I went to dinner here with a couple friends based on a recommendation and really not knowing much. I did check out the menu online before we went and thought to myself, yikes, I am going to have many questions. It was a Tuesday and around 7:00 when we arrived and were told the wait would be about 45 minutes. We headed to the lower level bar and had a drink. The atmosphere is really cool and the location is great. The time flew by while we were chatting and sipping. We were sat at a very nice table in the corner near the window and a waitress was quick to take our drink orders and discuss some items that were not on the menu. I did not even have to ask about all the options, she readily described them, making it easy! The recommendation is around 3-4 items (small plates) per person, also knowing sharing is totally the idea and everyone gets to try many dishes. To start we ordered 8 items. Each were brought out one at a time with a description of each. It is truly hard to list all that we tried, we had lobster toast, steak tartar, tuna, vegetable stir fry, corn fritters (twice) and a few more items...each were absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to return with my husband to try more and introduce him to this fantastic place. It is my new favorite Portland Restaurant. I read after my visit that this place ranks within the top 50 new restaurants in the Country...what a deserved accomplishment. It is unique, high quality, priced right, and simply delicious.

    (5)

  • Good U.

    Good cocktails! Over-priced for a spot in ME, but tasty quality food in my opinion. Go for the drinks. Silver Fizz and Polenta were pretty yum. Great location by all the shops, restaurants and bars. Vibe is just ok. Not sure what they were going for.

    (3)

  • Kathy M.

    Have to try the Papa Doble cocktail. Fantastic! The food was all excellent: fresh tuna, beet salad, suckling pig...in a word- "Amazing".

    (5)

  • Jessica O.

    My fiancée and I decided to eat here after the girl at Honeymaker suggested it over places like Infiniti and Duck Fat. We were not disappointed. We were seated at the bar right away. We asked the chef to simply make us 5 of his favorite small plates. After consuming plates of quail eggs with caviar and sea urchin, fried smelt, crab and waffles, and suckling pig we were offered a froie gras pudding for dessert. Basically we needed to be rolled out to my car after. The food was amazing. Kitchen staff was awesome. Wait staff was friendly enough to get by. I can see that it might get annoying if you needed to wait for a table because there's really not much space but the wait it certainly worth it!

    (5)

  • Samson L.

    This is a decent restaurant in the heart of old port, serving small plates/tapas style dishes. Came with 8 people and ordered a plethora of parts to share and try. Everyone loved the food. I was still recovering from eating at Duckfat, another Maine restaurant, and was too full to fully enjoy the meal. I did like the food though. The dishes were unique and the also have a good selection of mixed drinks and beer from the bar downstairs. If coming with a large party I would recommend coming when it opens. They don't take reservations and fill up early.

    (4)

  • Carmela S.

    We went to Maine for a couple days for our anniversary. We stumbled across this cute joint while looking for another brunch spot. I was initially drawn in by the design of the menu but I seriously want to move to Maine for the sour dough pancakes. (I am not kidding, I dream about them!) The ambience was really nice; my husband builds beautiful, custom pieces for a living. normally he will critique the woodwork whenever we are out at a bar but he thought all the furniture was beautiful and well made. I loved loved LOVED that our coffee was served in a french press with a timer. The wait staff was so nice and chill. There is a super cute bar downstairs. If I lived in Portland, I think I would frequent this place a few times a week. I wish there was a place like this in LIC! (There are some places that try to achieve what CP has got going on, but they fall short of the mark.)

    (5)

  • Kristen S.

    I have eaten food at the best restaurants all around the world. This food is as good as it gets. Excellent fresh ingredients mixed with amazing choice of spices and flavors.

    (5)

  • Reid W.

    I sat at the bar and drinks were great. The selection was very innovative and everything looked and tasted fine. The food, however well plated and picturesque, always left something to be desired. The dry aged sirloin was a tad mushy and didn't leave the bold and plentiful flavors one would expect. The foie gras, though tasty, wasn't as large as I expected -- not even two ounces if I remember correctly. The restaurant attempts to leverage the current trend towards simple yet creative, flavorful, small portioned foods... but there was no emotional breakthrough, only dullness. The emotional release of having something so flavorful that you have to sit back and realize the complexities and interactions going on... that is the experience. Central Provisions attempts to reach that mark, but misses slightly.

    (3)

  • Jessica L.

    This place may beat Fore Street for the best dinner in Portland (and that's saying something!!) Food is amazing, staff is super friendly and be atmosphere is a super cool crunchy vibe...but not too crunchy I cannot wait until my next trip to Portland to visit again!

    (5)

  • April A.

    A good friend and I had the pleasure of eating here before it was placed on Bon Appetit's list of top ten best new restaurants of 2014. The bed and breakfast we stayed at recommended it. You must go! Everything is so fresh and tasty. The drinks are amazing-- get a punch bowl to if you want to have some boozy punch :) between the two of us we were quite happy. We got one cold (Burrata cheese with green strawberries and black garlic was pleasantly good) one hot (spicy potatoes!) and one hearty plate (chicken Bo saam). If I'm ever in the area again, I'm going back!

    (5)

  • ben h.

    awesome.

    (5)

  • Vanessa H.

    My wallet is still recovering. We sat at the bar near the chef action and got to see all the small plates go out. It was fun to watch them in their element. There was no wait on a weeknight. The wine list was superb! Our server was great. While I do not expect steakhouse portions, understand you will have to drop a ton of cash to curb your hunger here. Which is fine, it is that kind of place. Dishes we had: The spicy potatoes to start, more interesting than bread and serves the same purpose. A roasted celeriac dish over a creamy sweet sauce that was amazing. A beef salad that was spicy and fantastic. There were other dishes that were good, these were simply my favorites. The menu on their website is sort of a suggestion as the dishes can change daily because of the fresh ingredients and the creative whims of the chef. Whatever is on special is what I would order. It was not the best meal in Portland, by far, but I am happy to see such a creative place thrive and it is worth trying out! The menu is diverse and tasty.

    (4)

  • Jay O.

    My brother in-law and his wife took us to Central Provisions this past week. They recently moved to Portland and have been trying out every restaurant, I mean every restaurant. I am so glad they took us to Central Provisions--dinner could not have been better. The food was prepared perfectly. We love small plate menus and tried just about every dish, I cannot speak directly to the meat dishes, but my dinner mates gobble it up quite quickly and with broad smiles. The decor and atmosphere is prefect for reconnecting with old friends or meeting new friends, although I recommend keeping the party to between 2-6, more than six doesn't seem right for the space. My favorite part of the meal was the service. Very knowledgable and honest. Our server didn't shy away from her personal thoughts and articulated the dishes with precision and skill.

    (5)

  • Nikhil B.

    Watch out for the review - one of the best restaurants in a while

    (5)

  • Kristin M.

    An eclectic menu, and the bar menu will definitely test your palette. The service is always amazing, and the food never lets you down. The tapas style allows you to try many things, so this is great for happy hour or coming with friends.

    (5)

  • Chris F.

    Great food, we were visiting Portland and lining for a nice dinner for two. We chose central provisions figuring that, because it was small plates, if we didn't like it we could move on to another restaurant, after the first course, we keep adding until we had ordered ateast 8 plates, each one was better than the last. The Key lime tart was amazing as was the big eye tuna. YUM!!!

    (5)

  • Becky S.

    This was our first time to Portland ME and we read some good reviews about this place so we decided to stop. We entered the restaurant from the main door but they were all booked for the night as seating is extremely limited. They suggested we dine downstairs in the bar which sounded great. What baffles my mind is that they are up for a James Beard award....their food was fine, but nothing very special. The 'bread and butter' was the more unique tasty item but the lobster fritters, cauliflower, and potatoes were nothing special. The wines by the glass selection had much to be desired and were served too warm. The cocktails were solid, however the bartenders had an attitude that completely downgraded the experience. I guess we weren't 'hipster' enough to be in their presence. We were treated as if we were bothering them, and that made our night less enjoyable than many other dining out experiences. The decor of this place was warm and inviting and it has potential, but with a change of attitude from those bartenders!!

    (2)

  • David T.

    Excellent service, beautifully done food in manageable portions (though of course we still ate too much). The beef salad is really stand out, as are all of the sandwiches, but really, everything was good. Decor is nice--we sat at the bar and enjoyed watching all of the food prepared in front of us. Portland is one of the great US cities for restaurants, and this place rises to the top.

    (5)

  • Jess S.

    This meal was my favorite meal -- in all of Portland AND in all of everywhere else. Like many others, I've eaten here there and everywhere, and this meal absolutely blew my mind. We ordered 8 dishes (for 2 people), and left just the right amount of full. We got the uni (outstanding), the beef tartare (holy moly), and the raw scallops (which were literally -- literally -- still moving when you touched them). We also got the duck liver pate (wow!), the carmelized sheep's cheese (divine), the eggs & caviar (great!), and the hot cauliflower (amazing!). We loved absolutely everything that we were served. Each dish was different from each other dish, and was perfectly portioned (for a small plates place). I have a mild nut allergy, and the chef was able to accommodate that, which was wonderful. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. I've never been somewhere where EVERY DISH is so divine. We didn't strike out on anything -- and we couldn't pick a favorite. Look, if you (a) prefer the familiar OR (b) looking for huge portions, this isn't necessarily the place for you (though, as you can see above, the classics were well represented on the menu the night we went). But I was truly astounded.

    (5)

  • TJ S.

    Best, and most interesting food I've had in Portland in a long time. Service is a bit laissez-faire (potentially due to the food being so good they can get away with it), and dining room upstairs is quite loud, otherwise would have been 5 stars. Don't let the wait or the typical decor dissuade you.

    (4)

  • Paul U.

    Wow !! What an unbelievable treat. Our first visit and certainly not our last. We sat at the bar (which undoubtedly added to the experience), front row seats watching the owner and staff work their magic. This crew takes their food and presentation seriously. Very impressed. Couldnt have been more pleased.

    (5)

  • Zach D.

    let's set the record straight. Central Provisions does take reservations: in person only. To those yelpers who believe they are victims of elitism/racism by CP staff because they can't take open and "reserved" seats, you may have been misinformed. This is actually a really nice service that CP offers to patrons. You can come early to reserve a table, and walk around the old port until your table is ready. we reserved a table at 5:30 on a saturday night and it was ready around 7. Seating is limited here, and table turnover is slow, so it's nice that they let you reserve, leave, and come back. and they don't rush you back when your table is ready. we were having drinks at another bar when our table became open, so we finished the round and walked over. Hence the open, reserved tables. there is even at app you can download to let you know when your table is ready. It is CP's responsibility, however, to explain this funky reservation system to all its potential guests to keep them happy and prevent unfounded 1 star reviews on yelp. a bit more about seating. dinners here are meant to be long. 1, 2, 3 hours in good company. so comfortable seating is paramount. When i go out to eat with my family, i know i'm the obvious fifth wheel. I struggle to fit in to conversation, style, etiquette, all that jazz (actually, the Talking Heads were on the stereo this night, thankfully), so feeling comfortable - spatially- is where it all begins for me. I met the other 4 from my family at a bar for drinks before CP; they were sitting at a 4top and i had to sit adjacent on a high stool. So i was looking forward to fitting into the table comfortably at CP. not so. When we arrived, i was dismayed to see that our reserved table for 5 was just a 4top with a chair placed at one end. guess who got the end chair, long legs and all. I expect this at most restaurants, but it's a lot to ask for me to sit still like that for 2 hours at a long tapas dinner. And all the dishes are placed in the center of the table and shared radially. sitting at the end of the table makes each bite a logistical challenge, esp with all the water/drink glasses and plates in between me and the food. not too comfortable. i got restless halfway through dinner, and a nice member of my family offered to trade seats with me. the food. tapas aren't my thing. i prefer feedings over tastings. i was really worried about not having enough to eat and needing a cheeseburger after dinner. this wasn't the case, though. about 3/4 of the way through dinner, i felt full and kept eating because each bite, throughout the whole dinner, is new and exciting and yummy. the small portions , split fives ways, went really fast, but we ordered a lot of dishes. and i got the itis after dinner, and fell asleep early (a pleasant surprise, in my opinion) I'm sorry that i can't love this restaurant enough to give it 4 or 5 stars. it's just not my bag. but i went into it not expecting to like it, and my expectations were surpassed, so 3 stars will do. I don't expect to return, though i'm glad to have had the experience just this once.

    (3)

  • Jen S.

    This place was fantastic! My husband and I shared 6 plates - our two favorites were the Bread & Butter and the Lobster Toast (although everything was truly wonderful). Highly recommend sitting upstairs at the counter. These chefs are top notch! Will definitely return here! The drink service was on the slow side but the waitstaff was knowledgable and very helpful.

    (5)

  • Mariah L.

    This place is doing it right. If you don't like it here something's wrong with you! Get everything. Lower level is a lot of fun. Wish I lived closer!

    (5)

  • Kelly O.

    So. The asparagus (with uni butter/ramps/pecorino) is one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. Seriously, come here just for that and you will leave satisfied. At $11 for a handful of stalks, it's on the pricey side, but I'm telling you it's worth every penny. Other items we tried, in descending order: -Suckling pig (apple/brown butter/marcona almonds), $14 for the smaller portion: also amazing. Don't miss this dish, it's pretty much perfection where suckling pig is concerned- juicy inside and crispy outside, surrounded by a delicious puree, perfection. If you've got the cash, get the larger portion, it'll disappear quickly. -Carmelized sheep's cheese (root veggies/15 yr aged balsamic), $10: basically a big plate of bubbling half-feta/half-moz-tasting cheese filled with veggies and topped with a caramely crust. We devoured this plate, it was really tasty and unique. -Arancini (jamon/fontina/spicy tomato), $8: technically an excellent rendition of arancini (nicely fried, flavorful tomato dipping sauce), although I couldn't find the jamon. Also, after recently having the pork belly arancini with pickled grapes and fiddlehead remoulade at Boston's Wink and Nod, all other arancini basically pale in comparison, so I was (maybe unfairly) not too impressed. -Lobster toast (coconut green curry/cilantro/ginger), $9: I was expecting toasted bread topped with lobster sauteed in green curry, but it ended up being basically 3 triangles of what looked like grilled cheese but with lobster instead of cheese, with a side curry dipping sauce. It wasn't really my cup of tea; not a ton of lobster, the bread was reaaaaally greasy/buttery, and I'd rather the curry on top of everything instead as a dipper. Not my favorite, and we didn't finish the plate. -Spicy fried Maine potatoes (heinz 57 ketchup), $5: this was a last-minute order by the boy, and I didn't really care for it, which is difficult for me to say because I'm a potato fiend and have barely ever met a potato I didn't love (he ended up eating it all himself). The "spice" was basically just a ton of black pepper, which I'm not a fan of (was hoping for like, hot paprika or curry), and there was nothing special about it, just fried slabs of potato with ketchup for dipping. Skip this and save your $/belly space for better items. -Between us, we also tried 3 different cocktails, and I found them to be just OK, not bad certainly, but I've also had a lot better and wasn't terribly impressed (although a lot of other people on here have been, so maybe it's just my personal taste or the cocktails I tried). Those 6 items made for a satisfying dinner for 2 (although depending on your appetite, you may need to order more food), and was definitely on the pricey side for a night out, but IMO is worth it quality-wise and unique-wise- I'd choose Central Provisions over Fore Street any day. Note that this place is crazy small, with only a few actual tables coupled with lots of bar seats overseeing the open kitchen, and the bottom level solely dedicated to a bar for people waiting on seats. You will be waiting a while to get in here, but I thought it was neat that they'd text you when your seats were ready, and also have partnered with the NoWait app/website that gave you updated info about how many parties were ahead of you and what your current estimated wait time was (why don't more places offer this?). My new favorite restaurant in Portland. Don't miss it.

    (5)

  • Kara D.

    I'd really like to give this spot a 2 1/2 rating, but yelp doesn't allow it. So, I'll instead split my review up into "the good" and "the bad." The Good -Very, very cool bartender that was fun, seemed genuinely happy to be there, and made a decent old fashioned. -Food wildly creative and delicious for the most part. -Friendly waitstaff. The Bad -They serve completely unsustainable seafood. This is a MAJOR issue for me. In fact, if I had seen the menu ahead of time, I never would have eaten there. I don't understand how a restaurant that is acclaimed by the likes of Bon Apetit would serve bluefin tuna and Maine caught sea urchin (which, although "local," is the worst type of sea urchin to eat) on their menu. For a place catering to "foodies" this shows a complete and utter disrespect for the ingredients they use. Period. They should be touting ingredients that are both local and sustainable only and the customers should trust that they are doing so. -We has to wait awhile for a table which was no biggie. However, we ordered the marinated cheese curds while we waited at the bar for close to 40 minutes and they never made an appearance. When we told our waiter after we were seated, he told us that they were a "bar food item only" so we could no longer have them. Seriously? -When we were called to be seated, I had to go to our table alone while my husband settled the bar tab. He was ignored for close to 15 minutes. So, I chatted with the girl sitting next to me for a bit whose husband was also downstairs settling the bar tab. After awhile, we joked that we should just have dinner together since our husbands were MIA. With all of the choices in Portland, try somewhere else. The cons outweighed the pros to me and the unsustainable seafood on the menu is 100% a deal breaker for me.

    (2)

  • Keith B.

    My wife was in town alone and wanted a nice meal, so I called to ask for a seat at the bar in front of the open kitchen. I was told they don't take reservations, only walk ins. So, she walked in and was told there was a long wait for a table. She asked if she could sit at one of the many open seats at the kitchen bar and was told "no, those are all reserved", and there is a long wait. Which is it? Do they take reservations or not? Went elsewhere. Too bad, she said it looked nice.

    (1)

  • Lauren L.

    I came to this restaurant as a first time Portland visitor from Boston with high expectations, only to have one of the worst dining service experiences of my life. While I cannot say one negative comment about the food, I would however like to inform others of the terrible waitstaff that I dealt with. I would not recommend dining at this establishment if you plan on enjoying the ambiance or if you are into getting crude looks and attitude from waitstaff if you plan to stay more than 45 minutes.

    (1)

  • Kalyn L.

    I hate to have to write this review right now. The food was good, but the service was literally the worst I have ever had in my life. The waitress was so rude, and after 45 minutes, she tried to shove us out. Then, the manager even came by and poured all of the remaining bottle of wine (that we were not in a rush to finish) out so the glasses were filled to the brim. We asked the waitress if we should cash out if she wanted to go home and she just shrugged and said they had a wait, and they always had one! Then, we watched her complain to the whole waitstaff!! I will never go back!

    (1)

  • Jacob P.

    Great another small plates and craft beers place in Portland. Good location and the food was tasty. Spendy for sure. $5 for a fried Maine potato, help those farmers out give me two. Punch bowl was a good deal to share. Staff was nice and professional. Space was painstakingly planned to conjure the image that I was in a foodie spot, polished brass this and drinking jar that. I have the feeling i'll end up here again sometime.

    (4)

  • Greg P.

    I had read a lot of hype about this restaurant over the past few months so last night- Sunday evening- we arrived at 5:30 and there was already an hour and a half wait for seating. We managed to get seats at the bar and looked over menu. We had read that the suckling pig was the thing to get and we ordered a "large" version of that and a roasted cauliflower salad. The salad came first and it was good but at $12 I would have expected more. We were really disappointed when the "large" pork came. It sat alone on a plate some almonds in a sauce and was at most maybe 3 ounces. It was very good but at $24 it really felt like a ripoff. I consider myself a foodee and do not mind paying for good food but the prices and quantities here do just not add up. There are far too many other restaurants in Portland that have equivalent quality of food and more reasonable prices (Fore Street Tavern, Walters, 555, Stree and Company come to mind). This place may be hot for awhile but these prices rival NYC and I don't think in the long term can sustain a place like this.

    (2)

  • Jon L.

    I was in on Monday for lunch. I had the best lamb burger ever. I can't wait to come back for dinner. This is a must if you visit Portland.

    (5)

  • Zee R.

    If i ever visit Portland, ME this is one place I will not go to. I read that someone went there with two of his friends who happens to be of color. The bouncer, said the bar was half full, or "actually the bar is at full capacity" didn't let them in, as they lingered near by they saw him let let two other people in. Chris Gould who is the Executive Chef of the place reaction, which you can find on twitter " Again race is no issue. Anyone who brings race into a conversation is probably the one with the problem" Either case, LAME and classless and I don't care how good your food is, it's not good enough for me to eat there. OR get rid of your bouncer.

    (1)

  • Jay W.

    This place was great. We went on a night where all proceeds were being donated to charity. It was a 'bartender's selection' night. You give them guidelines, they make your perfect drink. Everything we drank and ate was fantastic! Highly recommended

    (5)

  • Rob O.

    I have been hearing a lot of praise for this place along the lines of "best new place in Portland" so obvi I wanted try it asap. When we got there in the afternoon one of the employees blew us off saying they were expecting a 5-6 hr wait and they don't make reservations. A wait that long was something I hadn't heard before so we stopped back later and after a 30 minute wait we were seated. Our server was pretentious and disappointed in our lack of knowledge about foreign ingredients such as membrillo and urfa. At that point it was clear whoever designed the menu was big on sniffing their own farts. However I was at least excited about some culinary masterpieces that were way over my head. What followed however was underwhelming. Everything looked great and tasted "meh." Duck liver pâté, arancini, and a lobster dish (all of which I would usually love) came out bland. A bean dish that was really bad and so on. The whole experience was very self-congratulatory without the justification. I've been to mediocre tapas joints that were far tastier.

    (1)

  • Flevoland D.

    Very, very good. Try every vegetable-based dish. Cocktails are lovely.

    (5)

  • Ryan H.

    Similar to others' posts, we essentially just happened upon this place, after having been lured by the quaint cobblestone, Wharf St. We were pleasantly surprised by the good beer selection, small plate options, and cocktail selection, at the bar. The drinks were not the best I've ever had, but unique ambiance of the place kept us there for several hours.

    (4)

  • Aaron R.

    It's a good sign when you feel like your $7 "Bread & Butter" was a steal. One of the best meals I've had. Very affordable for the quality and well worth the wait for dinner.

    (5)

  • Cuyler M.

    Fun atmosphere. Tried quite a few dishes from Lobster French Toast to the Beef, all very tasty but salty, salty, salty!

    (3)

  • George M.

    This place deserves to be an instant hit. That's really all I could say... but here's more. Only open a few days and pretty smooth service. A one hour wait upon entering at half six as promised. Only issue was that the waitress didn't tell us about the poulet and fungus special which we ordered after inquiring ( leg confit and roasted breast and huge Asian mushroom). Best dish ever but the smoked carrots, sea bream ceviche and razor clams were equally phenomenal. What a great addition to Portland scene!

    (5)

  • Amanda A.

    The bar manager at the hotel my boyfriend and I were staying at recommended this restaurant for dinner. It was the best recommendation! They don't take reservations but they put your name on a list and will call you when your table is ready. We were lucky and were able to sit up where you can watch the kitchen prepare the meals. The amount of pride they they put into their work was very obvious and it came through in the food. They were individually scoring mushrooms and the food was incredibly consistent. We got the beef tartar, bread and butter, the small suckling pig, and the bread and butter pickles. Everything was amazing. The beef tartar my boyfriend had never ate before and he loved it and I thought it was the best I've had. Then we got the bread and butter... I normally don't even put butter on the bread at dinner but the butter tastes freshly whipped and it comes with an egg that's prepared over a double boiler and you dip the bread in the egg froth and butter. I could have just gotten multiple orders of this it was that good. We then ate the suckling pig that was just great. Neither of us had had it before and since we were at the kitchen bar we were able to watch them pay such particular attention to every detail that went into the dish. The pickle and butter chips was a nice light way to end the meal. We'd never been to Portland before but, I know when we come back where we are going for dinner. It was a joy eating there for us and the experience was made even better by being able to watch all the food be prepared, cooked, and plated!

    (5)

  • Jess S.

    GO! Even if they are on wait, give them your cell phone number so they can text you when a table is ready. These small plates are SO GOOD!!! A little pricey, but you pay for what you get! No plates disappoint, even the carrots. :) We send friends here all the time, and everyone loves it. Not great for kiddos, but a date night spot, for sure!

    (5)

  • Liri R.

    Ummm WOW!! Just fell into this place when our party of 5 found itself SOL without dinner res at the next door spot. Serendipity because was the best meal if 2014. Everything was mind blowing. I live in SF so I'm exposed to some culinary goings on, my sister is a serious homecook but had never had crudo before and my mom is not impressed by things she's never heard of. Everything was for everybody at this spot. Portland is on the map y'all. Eat here.

    (5)

  • Kathy U.

    Excellent!! Everything from the beet salad to the fish sandwich was very good. Beer selection was great with all local breweries. Service also very good. We ordered many small plates to share.

    (5)

  • Andrea I.

    Very hip and fun atmosphere! Excellent food - the bread & butter, fried oysters, seared scallops, asparagus and Brussels sprouts were all amazing! Only complaint is that one of our cocktails came late, well after the first round of plates. Otherwise good service. Overall on the pricey side but a solid choice for drinks and small plates.

    (4)

  • Megan B.

    I heart Central Provisions. Chris and Paige Gould have done a phenomenal job. I went for dinner opening week and was thoroughly impressed. I adore small plates since one gets to try a bunch of different things instead committing to a large portion of one item. -Space: The renovation of is impeccable with an open kitchen and dining room upstairs and a bar downstairs. We chose to dine upstairs. The ambiance is warm and open with exposed brick, local artisan wood tables and bars, and the music was excellent. It is airy, and welcoming at the same time. I love being able to watch the kitchen staff work their skills and appreciate how clean and orderly the kitchen is kept. -Drinks: Naturally we started off with some cocktails. I was tempted by many of libations, but ultimately settled on The Glass Slipper without regrets... how can you go wrong with vodka and prosecco? With elderflower and orange blossom too served in a 20s champagne glass, delicious! One of my friends ordered a Dark and Stormy and it was served in a really cool copper mug, I'll be ordering one of those next time for sure. The approachable sommelier helped us with our wine selection. We let him know what we were looking for and he expertly chose the Petite Syrah, which was perfection. They also offer sake, which I'll order next time too. -Dinner: We ordered a number of small plates to share. I really appreciate their attention to sourcing many of the items locally. Bread and Butter (sourdough, runny egg with the best butter, I could eat this everyday), Artichokes (delicious, really nice textures with the creamy ricotta and crunch flecks of crispy chicken skin), Beet Salad (one word, amazing), Yellow fin Tuna (SO good, melted in my mouth), Croquettes (crisp on the outside, tasty in the inside), Spicy Fried Maine Potatoes (perfectly crispy discs with Heinz 57), Cheese Plate (from the local shop The Cheese Iron, one of the best cheese plates I've had in a long time). Everything was so delicious. There were many other things we wanted to order, but will have to wait until next time. I'm going to have a hard time between wanting to reorder so many things and trying new dishes. -Dessert- My favorite dessert, Key Lime Pie, is on the menu. It was heavenly. Everything I look for; creamy, tart lime with crunchy graham crust, yummy. My friend had the Salted Carmel Mousse and raved about it. -Staff- The plaid shirts are apropos. Very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. I also love that they use ipod touches to take orders, so the orders are wired right to the kitchen, very efficient. One of the lovely owners, Paige, came over to make sure we had everything we needed. We were very well taken care of. I highly recommend Central Provisions, and wish I lived closer so I could become a regular! Looking forward to my next trip to Portland and Central Provisions!

    (5)

  • David L.

    I have to admit, I merely stumbled onto this place on a rainy day in Maine as part of a spontaneous trip. My friend and I saw was walking up a slope when we saw through the windows downstair, a dim lit, small room with a small bar that fits more or less about ten guests. We thought maybe we'd just go there for drinks. We kept walking up the slope and found the entrance to which we found a very modern, hip place with an open kitchen that also had seatings like a bar. We made reservations and came back an hour later. When we came back later, it definitely wasn't a crowded place, but then again, it was a Wednesday night. We soon found out that this place had just opened about a month ago and that their menu changes everyday! Talk about the foodie compass in us. We opted for the kitchen counter and took a look at the menu. It wasn't an extensive menu, but it was a good one, so good that we overlooked the drink menu (which is not common of my friend and I). Designed like an American tapas style menu, we each ordered 2 of each oysters (they had 3 types from maine) for a total of 6 oysters. The oysters were good with the lemon and the apple ginger addition (I believe), but nothing I've never tasted before. But on we go and moved onto our hot dishes. For our next course, we had the brussels sprouts, chicharones, bone marrow, foie gras, and the suckling pig. Man do I have to say I was impressed. (And I think my friend felt the same way as well). The brussels sprouts just had this night crunchy texture with the nuts that went well with the pecorino cheese. The bone marrow was very scarce, but along with the peach mango puree was just amazing. The foie gras, with the small grain granola was just perfect, with the right texture and juicy flavors. I don't remember what the sweet little sauce on the side was but I didn't feel the flavor went well with that. However, my friend loved it. The suckling pig was just simply cook right, with a nice crispy top layer and a tender center on top of a nice bed of gravy-like sauce, topped with an apple vinaigrette, I think. But I think all in all, the one dish that took it away was the chicharones. It was so good that we ordered a second one and almost ordered a third one as well. It was absolutely phenomenal. Cut down into small pieces, mixed in with some cilantros and green onions, topped with a soy glaze, this mix of south american/asian fusion hands down stole our night. And since they change their menu every night, we wanted to make sure this dish stayed. The experience as a whole was definitely the feel you get from entering a modern-day, high-end hipster/foodie crowd. A restaurant catered to a young crowd that yearns for new and innovative dishes, Central Provision definitely has the concept down, striving for new dishes each time. Do I recommend this place? I'll let my review speak for itself.

    (4)

  • Heather M.

    Delicious food, but not worth the price. Great place to grab a drink and "toast."

    (4)

  • Eric L.

    A beautiful, well thought out space. It's certainly hit the scene with a bang. The cocktail list is spectacular with great local brews such as Banded Horn, Maine Beer Co. on draught. Central Provisions is a place where I'd grab a pre dinner or after work drink. Absolutely. The food was OK. If small plates is your thing, check it out. I don't think I'll come back for a dinner though, perhaps app/snack. I have some issues with price. Is it just me or does paying $9 for a small plate of Brussels Sprouts seem a bit extreme? I had the bread and butter side which was quite creative but, again, a tad overpriced at $7. Net/Net: For me, a great place for drinks with great ambiance.

    (3)

  • Keri L.

    We met friends here for drinks and loved watching the mixologist whip up an amazing array of drinks for us using a full chemistry set of utensils, tinctures and beakers. They tasted as great as they looked! We tried the Absinthe Frappe, Perfect Storm, Glass Slipper, Silver Fizz and Corpse Reviver. All delicious. We came by the next night for appetizers. Best one: seared sheep's cheese, which was caramelized perfection. The spicy fried Maine potatoes were good with chunks of crab on top it made a nice snack. The suckling pig was great. Hanging out at the bar was the best - to see the drinks being mixed and get refills of water. We wished we had more time in town to check out more of their menu. Great place to hang out, graze, talk to friends, and just enjoy really amazing drinks and shareable plates of delicious food.

    (5)

  • Bryan D.

    I didn't even get to eat here. I am giving this place 2 stars on the signage and crappy hours. They had a huge sign that said to come get drinks and food from 12-4. We walked by at 1:45 to put some bags in our car and come back for lunch. We walked in at 2:03 and were told they stop serving food at 2!?!? So they serve food for 2 hours and the sign is 2 hours off??

    (2)

  • David S.

    Great bar and nice scene While food is creative and high quality , big complaint is virtually no gluten free options. I've been there 3 times and politely mentioned it to waiter and chef de cuisine, who told me he'd tell owner Gould. In one occasion the waiter went back to ask chef who circled "gluten free" items on menu, which included a panini and a sandwich. What are you kidding??

    (2)

  • Margeaux L.

    Food is amazing! I would recommend the duck confit panini for lunch. The cauliflower is good too! Drinks were good, but kind of weak if you ask me. The only bad thing about this place is the service is abysmal! And I mean abysmal! It took us 25 minutes to get our drinks.

    (4)

  • Karen M.

    I checked the reviews on Yelp for this place and was excited to try it. We checked the website and realized they did not take reservations. My husband and I arrived at 8:50 pm, excited to see three open seats at the chef's bar and one small table open. The pompous and pretentious host quickly informed us that he had no seats available and that we could eat downstairs. I then questioned him on the three open seats at the bar and the open table and (like in an earlier review) he explained they were reserved. Again.. Do you take reservations or not? We walked through the downstairs but it was loud and there was definitely no seating there. My husband and I took our business elsewhere.

    (1)

  • Eric R.

    What an amazing dinner. To the naysayers that mention the plate and serving size review what tapas is before going. We sat at the bar in front of the kitchen and shared a bunch of small plates. Everything was amazing. The only dish I wasn't crazy about was the duck but that's just personal preference. We landed here because at 450 PM we were sitting across the street looking for an early dinner and yelp said it was the best in the area. Lucky us! I would go back in a heartbeat if in the area in fact I hope to in December. It is that good.

    (5)

  • Lydia W.

    A surprisingly amazing new addition to the Old Port, I've been to Central Provisions twice now and haven't been disappointed by anything. The food is amazing, the cocktails are great, the service is attentive, the space is nice and cozy and they even have a mystery wine night with great wine at a super low price. Definitely check it out, I don't think you can go wrong.

    (4)

  • Cathy W.

    Tried six or seven options, every dish except the mixed salad had so much salt that flavors were overwhelmed. It's an interesting setting, be prepared for loud and hectic.

    (3)

  • Allison C.

    Cocktails were fantastic. Atmosphere was great. There was a short wait, but they texted us when our table was ready and we had a beautiful seat near the window. Every single course was delicious and beautiful--they definitely work hard to send out perfectly composed plates. I deducted one star just because I felt it was a little on the expensive side for the amount of food you end up getting. Three of us shared 6 dishes and still ended up leaving and having a dozen oysters at Eventide with no problem. Also, our waitress wasn't exactly the most friendly/engaging, although the young man who kept bringing our dishes out was great. I would definitely come again but as a warm-up of apps/cocktails before dinner elsewhere. Try the peekytoe crab salad, the octopus, and the bread with nasturtium butter.

    (4)

  • Caty-O S.

    Not particularly impressed. Went for a special bday. Had a nice server but was not knowledgeable about wine. Left hungry. My husband had to come home and eat 2 bowls of cereal. I liked the tastes but I eat like a little bird and I was still hungry afterward. Nothing wowed us. Seemed like they were having a bad night so I'll try it again with a girlfriend sometime. Cute decor but overall, meh!

    (3)

  • Dave S.

    A great relaxing place serving an excellent fare and has a great staff (Colby I'm talking about you)! The Casco Bay oysters were clean and fresh, the crab and waffles were fantastic as were the signature cocktails. They have a great relaxing concept of ordering a few items, enjoying them, and then moving on for more. Highly recommend.

    (4)

  • Morgan M.

    Loved, loved, loved. Had a bunch of small plates and they were all excellent. Also ordered two cocktails which were the best I had all weekend. Will absolutely be going back the next time I visit Portland.

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    Wow! Central Provisions is as good as it gets. My husband and I have been there several times now, both for dinner and brunch, and we have yet to be disappointed. Cool, hip vibe, great drinks, and delicious food, all in the heart of Portland--what more could a food and booze lover ask for?! The only problem is that now I don't want to go to any other restaurant in town. It's that good. One tip: order just a few plates at a time. Otherwise, you'll be overwhelmed by the rapid fire rate at which the food comes.

    (5)

  • Jane F.

    I am a fan! Wandered in the bar, after reading reviews and back in Portland after a hell-of-a-Wintah.... Stu and Amy were at the downstairs bar... great space! Brussels sprouts, fried oysters, scallops and lamb breast - OH MY! All A++++ ! Friendly bar, great food, no hurry - what more do you want??? YOU GOTTA GO!!!

    (4)

  • Jessica B.

    We liked it so much, we ate lunch and dinner here in one day, though there are quite a few places to choose from in Portland. Tried several things. Raw tuna was great. Spicy beef salad- something to remember, so good. Octopus dish- very very good. Snapper dish was also worth mentioning. Such a wonderful experience, we will be talking about for a long time.

    (5)

  • Jessica J.

    Oh.my .god. AMAZING! The drinks were fabulous, the food was delicious, and service was great. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

    (5)

  • Gordon J.

    Notwithstanding the strong reviews which this restaurant has received from such national publications as Bon Appetite, we could only rate 4 1/2 out of 5. The downgrade is exclusively related to the chef's "heavy hand" on the salt shaker with the crab & steak,. Definitely an overall very good dining experience

    (4)

  • Max R.

    Absolutely spectacular. The swordfish was the best fish I have ever tried. The goat cheese is to die for.

    (5)

  • Michelle B.

    Love this place! Came in for $5 bloody Mary's - and if you love horseradish they are fabulous! They have small plates and we had the lobster toast. It was yummy but def not a health conscious choice but so worth it!

    (4)

  • Rick L.

    What brought us to Central Provisions was an earlier review which said "This place is f*king ridiculous. We weren't sure if that meant you'd walk in and they'd punch you in the face and then spit on your genitals, or if the food was really good. Turns out it was the latter. We had the Roasted Radish Nori Emulsion which melded together so well...the seaweed in it made it feel like we were having a local seafood dish which was a nice experience to have as a vegetarian in a coastal Maine town. The Spicy Maine Potatoes were crispy and delicious with a nice lingering spice. Served with Heinz ketchup which on the surface seemed low-rent for an upscale small plates place but it actually paired perfectly. The Caramelized Sheep Cheese with onion and Beet and, well caramelized cheese which basically can be defined as "how can you go wrong." The food and drinks were artisanal. We had plenty to eat as vegetarians and we enjoyed talking with the owner Paige who obviously took a lot of well deserved pride in what she was serving. (See the key lime tart which is her mother's recipe.) This was one of the very best meals we've had, certainly on our 10 day trip around New England. Well worth a stop to anyone who is in Portland.

    (5)

  • Pat R.

    I love this place. Is it a little pricey? Maybe. But who cares? It's that special. And if you're on a budget, you can order carefully. My favorite spot is at the upstairs bar, watching the amazing chefs put the plates together swiftly and beautifully. My goal is to eventually order every item on the menu. Everything is great, but so far, my favorites are the peekytoe crab, the trofie pasta and - oh hell yes - the suckling pig. You will lick the plate ... or at least want to.

    (5)

  • Graeme B.

    If you are anywhere in or around Portland, ME this place is a must. We had the arugula salad, Jamon, and a grilled Sheeps cheese to finish off what was a delightful meal. I do believe you can do no wrong here.

    (5)

  • Sally B.

    Just about the fifth or sixth time my husband and I have eaten here and just wow! I had to post an update so as not to do a disservice to all of you folks planning to go....get the grilled sheep cheese with peaches and aged balsamic. The most stunning dish I've had - maybe ever! Wow. Chris Gould and team....my husband and I "heart" you. Even though we sometimes look like riff raff (we're not)and generally we have one too many (but only because, well, how could you not!) you folks always treat us well. We will be back. Keep doing what you're doing.

    (5)

  • Edward M.

    One of the best brunches I've ever had, without the long lines like more popular Portland spots.

    (5)

  • TJ T.

    Enjoyed the food and ambience here. The lamb belly was delicious and our favorite out of all the dishes we tried.

    (5)

  • Alexander M.

    Fun small plates and atmosphere, though we only stayed in the bar. Friendly and prompt service and great wine/sake selections. Enjoyed small plates twice here--especially liked the cheese curds, arancini, and cauliflower. Tried the carrots and bread and butter which were good, too. The plating is just lovely here, and it's a perfect spot to start your night with a good drink.

    (4)

  • Colin L.

    This place is absolute rockstar. The menu takes ingredients and preparations from all walks of life and inspirations from all over the world, and executes it beautifully. My favorite dining experience is fusion in good hands, and these guys excel at that. The kitchen is incredibly skilled, and also sparkling clean- it's an open kitchen and everything looks brand new. Attention to detail like that translates to everything that they do. The plating and flavors are excellent, I was really surprised by the fantastic scratch components of the dishes. The bar keeps up with the creativity of the kitchen. They have an awesome inventory, and great cocktails. The wine and beer are equally thoughtful. Service was great, and I even got a parting gift of a foie gras parfait to take home that was absolutely decadent. There are a lot of cool reasons to visit Portland, and Central Provisions is at the top of my list.

    (5)

  • Ivo P.

    Cool place. A bit overpriced but very different so I guess it's worth it the extra $$$!!!

    (4)

  • Lindsay W.

    Dined here alone and can say it definitely exceed expectations. I can't speak to the whole menu, but I can say, I want to try every item on there and the two dishes I did get were outstanding. Fresh and beautiful integration of flavors. I had the heirloom tomatoes with burrata and tahini. And the caramelized sheep cheese. Both were incredible. I was pleased to be seated right away at 930 on a Friday night. My server was great with recommendations but stayed at a good distance. It definitely is trendy with an open kitchen concept. I sat upstairs in the dining area and downstairs is a bar that also looked fun and busy and I hope to visit in another capacity soon. Oh, and love the throw back 90s and early 2000s hip hop!

    (5)

  • Thomas M.

    The place to go for a light but marvelous dining experience . Eclectic food in small plates, enough to share to make a real dining experience. Great flavors in all the plates. You will not be disappointed in any way. Get there early. The staff is knowledgable and attentive. It is interesting to see what your neighbors Are having, because maybe you will want to have some of that also... Nice wine drink and libation list. We were here for a weekend and went three times and always enjoyed the experience Can't recommend it more highly a real find and gem in a ." Foody city " ""The place to go" from our viewpoint " a

    (5)

  • Manuel K.

    Run by the owner-chefs. Every dish is carefully designed and masterfully put together. The small plates are ideal for sharing and have deep complex flavors. My favorite was the Cuban sandwich and the Thai inspired raw meat salad. They should have one of these in every city! One of the best meals I've ever had. This place reminds me of the tapas bars in Barcelona.

    (5)

  • Nicole B.

    Truly exceptional. Every plate was better than the last. We had meat, vegetable, cheese and dessert fishes and all were fantastic.

    (5)

  • David K.

    Wow. Wonderful place to eat. The whole family loved it. Even my picky daughter, who they brought out a custom dish of pasta and Parmesan for. Here's a wrap up of our experience and meal. Experience Loud and crowded. I could do without the music. We got here just a touch after 5 PM and it was already packed. Waitress and all wait staff were really great. Dishes Keep in mind, these are small portions to share. Everything was good. But here are a few nitpicks: Bentons Ham - Great. Thin like prosciutto. Spicy Fried Maine Potatoes - Good. Would've liked to see a house made sauce instead of Heinz 57. Caramelized Sheeps Cheese - Too salty and a little burnt. Needed more sweetness. Sounded amazing and didn't deliver. Blistered Shishitos - Wonderful. Sauce was amazing. Potatoes en Pappillote - Amazing presentation and aioli sauce. Smoked Carrots - Meh. Not as good as the others. Roasted Bone Marrow - Really tasty. I just wanted more. Needs one more slice of toast. Also, I think the horseradish was out of place with the cherries. Ramen Carbonara - Probably the most flavorful dish. Needs a little more noodles to sauce ratio. Suckling Pig - Epic. The skin! Oh man. Fried Mackerel - Seasonal. Didn't order this, but the table next to us did. For $16 looked like too much of a struggle through skin and bones. We were glad we didn't. Tart - Fantastic. Raspberry Crumble Bar - Much too salty and dry. Needs more sourness and raspberry. Cheesecake spread and orange zest were really good though. Sangria/lemonade - Didn't order. Table next to us did. They bring out a bowl with perfectly clear, square ice cubes and you ladle it into tiny glass teacups. Looked awesome.

    (5)

  • Andrea S.

    I barely have words adequate enough to describe the amazing brunch my husband and I experienced here today!! We selected the cornbread, hash browns, and chicken and biscuits. Each bite was better than the last!!! I will say, we are both foodies, and CP really caters to the foodie set. The dishes are well thought out, interesting, and served consistently and beautifully. We actually watched the chef grate the potatoes he used to make our hash. You can't get much fresher or made from scratch than that! Be prepared to wait. Brunch was 30 minute wait when we arrived on Sunday, and we had tried for Saturday dinner but the wait was up to 90 minutes and we couldn't wait. We learned that at 3 minutes after opening most Saturday's there is a 90 minute wait and it grows from there. Plan accordingly and enjoy the art prepared for you!

    (5)

  • Robert M.

    Really nice place for a very unique lunch. We will be back for dinner soon. The lunch sandwiches are awesome and the flavored in the salads incredible.

    (5)

  • Delia D.

    Underwhelmed. The service was excellent, the drinks were fantastic- I'll give it that. We ordered 6 plates for the 2 of us- and there were only 2 that sparked the statement "Oh wow. This is good." It was certainly a good restaurant- but with all the hype surrounding this place I felt like every plate should have caused us to ooh and ahh. Now we can say we've tried it but not sure it will be on our top choices to return to.

    (3)

  • Tim H.

    After a weekend visit to Portland in October, this was my favorite restaurant and favorite meal I had in the city. My next time in Portland, this is the first restaurant on my list to revisit. I went for brunch and even though it was busy me and my eating partner were able to snag a 2 seats at the bar, which was great because the kitchen is right there in front of you. Watching the line cooks do their magic, I noticed their secret weapon -- drawn butter. Just containers of drawn butter liberally applied to the hot griddles that magically transformed the food into yuminess. I had the sourdough pancakes which were just heavenly. My partner had the english muffin egg sandwich with fried green tomatoes and duck confit. It was incredible. Can't say enough great things about this restaurant. One day I will be back in town and will have dinner at Central Provisions. That in itself is enough to plan a vacation around.

    (5)

  • Brittany G.

    Hostesses were extremely rude put a damper on dinner. Food was okay but won't go back.

    (1)

  • Rob D.

    We did a quick, impromptu trip to Portland back in the spring and ate at Central Provisions on a recommendation from a friend. They did not disappoint! This has to be one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in the country right now. I travel a lot for business and have had the opportunity to eat at some of the more highly publicized establishments nationally and I'd say if this was in NYC/Boston/Chicago they could charge 3x and Anthony Bourdain would have featured it on his show. The night we ate there was a busy Saturday night and we didn't have reservations so we did have to wait about an hour to be seated. This is fine because there are plenty of bars in the neighborhood to grab a quick drink at. As we arrived, they seated us at the bar area downstairs looking in to the kitchen. We sat right in front of the owner/executive chef Chris Gould and though they were very busy he took time to check in to see what we were ordering and make suggestions. Just a really cool guy. Our orders came out promptly, I swear we must have ordered 75% of the menu and each item was really solid. The stars of the night though were three dishes; suckling pig, roasted bone marrow, and "bacon and eggs". The suckling pig was cooked and seasoned perfectly, a nice crispy skin and moist meat, I was in heaven. The roasted bone marrow was phenomenal as well. For those of you afraid of it, don't be, it tastes like "meat butter" and is normally served with toast points to spread it on (which they do too). I'd trade in land-o-lakes any day for a fridge full of marrow. The biggest surprise was the "bacon and eggs". Towards the end of our meal I asked Chris what his favorite dish was on his menu and without thinking said Bacon and Eggs. Stuffed but needing to persevere we ordered it. It was mind-boggling the flavor in this dish. Now its not what you're thinking, just a dish with bacon and an egg. It has a base of (what I remember as) polenta, infused with bacon flavor and a raw egg cracked on top. You mix it all together and have the most amazing bacon and yolk flavor you could imagine. All in all, it was a phenomenal evening. I would suggest trying to sit at the bar where Chris is located. If you do people, don't bug him too much they are super busy on the weekends but the staff themselves are incredibly knowledgeable in case you can't sit there.

    (5)

  • Marnie T.

    I don't think I can adequately express how much I loved our experience here! And it was our 5th stop on our food crawl, having started with Duckfat, Eventide Oyster Co, Blue Spoon, and Five Fifty-five, all of which were excellent, but Central Provisions was a clear stand out in creativity of concept and flavors. It's a tapas bar and best if you order each dish one at a time as everything comes out quickly. I highly recommend sitting at the chef's bar, where you have a great view of all the magic in the open kitchen. We started with the strawberry salad, which was layer with delicate and unexpected flavors, but not in a snobby way. We followed this with the Maine Bluefin Tuna Toro, which was light and exquisite with the various condiments. The star of the meal was the grilled sheep's milk cheese with peaches and balsamic vinegar. I was absolutely giddy eating it, and now have a total celebrity crush on the executive chef, Chris Gould!

    (5)

  • Dave N.

    An excellent surprise for us to find on our first night in Portland. We sat at the chef's bar and ordered approximately six dishes and all were amazing!! Also, everything else that came out of the kitchen that was going to other patron's tables had us wishing we would have ordered one dish after another...and we probably would have had we the room to put it! A must try for anyone in Old Port!

    (5)

  • Koalalala K.

    This review is more centered on their service. As for the food, 5 stars. The Fish burger, beet root salad, and tuna were amazing. As for the service, this place makes you feel like you're getting Michelin star service at Applebees and Denny's. Lunch time was busy, we walked in and the servers see you, they make eye contact with you, but they promptly ignore your existence like the plague. The staff downstairs and upstairs did this. We had to approach a server and ask to be seated. When we ordered, our server wasn't paying attention. We asked for coffee, she confirmed we asked for tea, we said coffee again and she asked if we wanted milk and sugar. We said sugar, she gave us milk and sugar. Not a big deal, but obviously she wasn't listening. What really proved distasteful was their aloofness. They close at 2 PM, we were seated by the door and still eating when we noticed a few people tried to open the locked door. An elderly man and his wife waited outside, then he struggled a few times to open the door, a server was standing right in front of the door and instead of opening the door to tell them they were closed or pointing to their sign that they were closed, she just looked directly at him and walked away. Really? No sympathy toward the elderly? Maybe they couldn't read the sign or they had a question, but to directly look at an elderly person and ignore them on purpose is shockingly disgusting behavior for your staff. Management needs to train these servers better. I receive better service at McDonald's drive through. Although the food was great, the service left a bad taste.

    (2)

  • Lisa N.

    Best best best foodie spot. Can't compare. This one is really hard to beat and I traveled a whole ton. Every dish is mind blowing. Love this place and I wish I can talk it everywhere.

    (5)

  • Jen J.

    The only thing that would have made this meal better would have been if Daniel Craig were feeding it to me. Foie gras was delectable and gorgeous.

    (5)

  • Rebecca P.

    I write this review with the disclaimer that I am not a foodie. I love food and don't skimp on flavor just for calories' sake. And, I think it's great that others know the ins and outs of charcuterie plates and such things, but I operate mostly on flavor. And, value. And, service. I felt my dinner here was not necessarily lacking in the three (and my perfect storm [$9] was almost perfect), but there is almost always room for improvement towards the 5-star standards I have in mind. --Value: I know Portland is a foodie town, so for all those foodies who know their shit, double-digit price tags for tapas might seem alright; and as you'll see, not all the plates are overpriced--some are rather cheap! But, to me, some of the tags are a bit high (especially given they recommend you order 3-4 tapas each), though if the local farmers from whom the food is sourced are actually being paid fair prices (rather than the owner pocketing all the profits), I'm okay with it. And, it's not an outlier compared to Portland's other restaurants, so is a wise business choice. (But, to my dear friend who picked up the check: I'm sorry! And, thank you. You are much too generous in spirit and in wallet.) --Flavor: We tried several of the (cheaper/less meaty) plates: MITICA SERRANO JAMON (like six pieces of cold cuts for $10), BREAD AND BUTTER (a few pieces of bread with egg/butter for $7), BEET SALAD ($9), ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS ($8), CARAMELIZED SHEEP'S CHEESE ($12), SPICY FRIED MAINE POTATOES ($5). And, something else, but I can't recall what... The ham was much too salty and took away from the flavor of the meat, so 2-stars on that. The bread and butter was good--3-stars. The beet salad was probably the best or second best beet salad I have ever had. So, if you like beets and salad, or even if you don't, get it--5-stars. The brussel sprouts themselves were good, but a little more attention needs to be paid to how much salt is in the stuff around the brussel sprouts; the balance was pretty far off, with the parsley, cranberry walnut accompaniment tasting more like some version of feta cheese with salt on top (which is not expected from parsley, cranberry and walnut). There is potential for this dish to be 4 stars with more balance. The caramelized cheese was interesting but came across more like a weird cheesy ham than anything with pears--again, way too much salt and not enough pear to balance out the cheese or meet the description's expectations--2 stars. The potatoes were great but by no means spicy--3 stars (more stars with more spice and maybe a sriracha ketchup). --Service: Plates came out as they were ready, with them prepared right in front of you behind the bar/counter. Our server was just fine, doing the minimum to take our order and bring our plates, but offered nothing in the zone of conversation or wit. Bottom line: I really want to like this place a little more than I do after reflection given it's one of the top 6 places in the country to eat, but it's more of a paradise for the savory-seekers. For people like me who are a little more sensitive to salt and like things more balanced, either we ordered too many salty options or the chef(s) need to sit down with some women who aren't all meat-and-potatoes hungry for more beet salad conversation. T

    (3)

  • Sarah H.

    What a gem, i love gatropubs with elevated dishes. The oysters were among the best ive ever had. Seared rare beef with chimichurri from heaven. Also, the cauliflower with ras el hanout was divine.

    (5)

  • H. A.

    This place was overall excellent-- dishes were inventive, and of high quality. Some we thought were superb, others we would skip next time. Here's the breakdown: Favorites: -Beef tartare -Tuna crudo -Aged sirloin -Halibut All of the above were beyond fresh and were executed perfectly. OK: -Burrata crostini- the burrata itself was excellent, but the medley of flavors created was overall too bitter for my palate -Beet salad & spicy potatoes - both were nice and great if you are vegetarian, but if you're not I'd stick with the aforementioned favorites -Cauliflower- nice curried flavor, lots of feta cheese Skip: -Sweet and sour parsnips (weird flavor, taught me that I don't actually like that much parsnip, shrimp was only in the sauce-- no actual shrimp) -Spring orecchiette (orecchiette themselves were nice, but the sauce was overpowering and it only tasted like strong cheese. parsnips again.) -Smoked carrots- this was hit or miss at my table. I found it to be far too sweet. More of a fall dish than a summer one.

    (4)

  • Christina A.

    We eat out a lot and all over and the food at Central Provisions was off the chain amazing. Sirloin steak was the best I've eaten and beet salad was fantastic. Great cocktails also. Phenomenal!

    (5)

  • Brittany O.

    We went here for lunch last Saturday; it was not crowded at all and they were able to seat us right away. We started with the cauliflower salad (so interesting and tastey with a crunch) and raw beef salad (spicy but very good). Then our sandwiches came out which we shared: the lamb burger and pastrami Ruben. Unbelievably good. The service was great and the food was as good as everyone says. We will definitely be back for dinner soon. Their space is small, but there's a hidden downstairs too!

    (5)

  • Brendan C.

    A small, two-story provisions restaurant equipped with a bar downstairs an a nice open kitchen for guests to view, Central Provisions was a great place to stop in at. It offers tapas-style dining so order a few plates and start sharing! We ordered the lobster toast which came with a divine mint sauce, the arancini which came with a hearty tomato sauce, the delicious baja fish sandwich, and the sheep's milk cheese with peaches. The baja fish sandwich is a great deal - well-priced and very flavorful. The fish is well-seasoned and the sauce brings the sandwich together quite well. The arancini left a bit to be desired, but they were fried perfectly, but underseasoned. The lobster toast is a must-get as many yelpers have recommended. I could eat the sauce it comes with on its own. Service was nice. The waitress was friendly and the food came after a short wait. Overall, a good dining experience and a great place to hit got lunch or dinner. Happy eating!

    (4)

  • Jim S.

    My wife and I had a really great dinner at Central perversions last night. When we came in we were seated at the bar. We would really have preferred to sit at a table but it didn't appear as though there were any for for two top. I wasn't sure of the night was going to work out. When the food came we were completely thrilled with everything that we ordered. Great tastes great presentation really loved eating here. Do wish that there was a little bit more seating but the food made up for that.

    (4)

  • Corona W.

    There are so many great spots in Portland, ME! We came in for some $5.00 Blood Marys on a Sunday afternoon. Although we had already eaten breakfast, we were tempted to order a few snacks. We sat at the bar upstairs and watched the chefs cook. Everything looked and tasted delicious. I was nursing a hangover from the night before and ordered their minestrone soup. They make their own stock. The soup was very soothing and hearty - which is just what I needed. My bf said the tuna crostini was also great! We're looking forward to having dinner here next time. :)

    (4)

  • P P.

    If you want amazing food, fantastic drinks and a comfortable place to enjoy both well look no further. I had the best food I've had in years here. The small plates to share are fun. The carrotts, asparagus, suckling pig and everything else as well are ridiculously good. Off the charts good! Desserts too!!!!! Didn't want to leave.

    (5)

  • Chris G.

    Believe the hype. It's gonna be crowded for a while until the novelty runs out. But go. Go with a group and sit at the bar order everything. Make sure to take a second mortgage out on your vespa beforehand. So worth it. Delicate flavors, super-elite-hip Portland clientele, and good beverages. This was one of my last suppers before I left Portland, and I definitely plan to return when I next visit.

    (5)

  • Eddy C.

    Water served in mason jars. Not cold. No ice! Lemon drop martini was delightful and not overly sweet. Mixed green salad was lovely. Spicy fried potatoes were great. Not sure why they felt the need to name drop Heinz on the menu though! Tuna crudo was very very nice (a soupçon of spice without being hot). But way overpriced! BLT was excellent.

    (4)

  • Elise P.

    We came here with high hopes and on many good recommendations. Decided to finally make a night out for my birthday dinner and left frustrated and confused. The food was delicious but inconsistent. But what was really unfortunate was the service. We purposely went on a Sunday night to avoid crowds and get a seat. We got a great seat at the bar, but from the get go, our server was brash and disinterested. Aside from receiving an explanation of the portions, it was clear that our server was not interested in making sure we had an enjoyable time. We had six small plates, and enjoyed four out of the five plates. Unimpressed by the cocktails. Went for beers the second round. The plates that were okay were under seasoned. It also seemed like a lot of the plate descriptions didn't fit the flavors. By the end of our meal we were excited to order dessert, but our server was nowhere to be found. Assuming her shift had ended, no one else acknowledged us until we called someone over so that we could order. Desserts were delicious, but we were already disappointed. I get better service at Five Guys across the street and expect fantastic service if our bill is $150.00. The food was overall tasty, but there's no excuse for sub par service, especially when it wasn't busy. it's fine to create a laid back atmosphere, but we shouldn't feel like we are inconveniencing the servers on a date night.

    (2)

  • Emilee W.

    On vacation from NYC and stumbled in here randomly. It was raining, we were starving, it smelled good, we chanced it. We are so glad that we did! This is the best small plates/tapas place I've been to in a long time. We had great cocktails, lobster toast, sea bass, roasted chicken, brussels sprouts, and a salad. The salad had some ricotta cheese situation on it that blew my mind. I have to figure out that preparation so I can have it all the time. The sea bass had super crispy skin and the fish itself was buttery and delicious. I love that the lobster toast wasn't like an open faced lobster roll on a crostini. It was crispy, crunchy, and fresh with the cilantro. We made a great choice. The staff was friendly and helpful and the food was fantastic. I'd totally visit again if I come back to Portland!

    (5)

  • Dorothy B.

    Don't send parties to the bar promising availability. We lost our space in the dining room queue after being instructed to head to the "empty" bar. Disappointing.

    (1)

  • Michelle E.

    We've been here a couple of times, most recently over Memorial Day Weekend. Both times there was a wait. This weekend the wait was 3+ hours. I like this place, but I don't think I like anything enough to wait 3+ hours. We decided to head downstairs to the bar where they serve the full menu plus bar snacks. Luckily there were two seats opening up right as we ordered our drinks...so we were able to sit down with a 5 minute wait. Here's what I like about this place, there are lots of options for those who eat fish or meat, and the menu changes frequently. It's a small plates kind of place which I like because you get to try a little of a lot of things. Also, the drinks are good. The cocktails are inventive, fresh, and tasty. They have a decent wine list, although they lack a sweet white wine on the dessert wine list...not a huge deal, I'll still come back. On this visit, my favorite dish was the peekytoe crab salad. I could have, and would have, eaten a vat of this had it been offered to me. It reminded me of this crab tower that I used to order at the restaurant Pesce in San Francisco. SO DELICIOUS! I also really enjoyed the scarlet turnip and the lobster toast (think grilled cheese but with lobster instead of cheese). My husband, the meat eater, really enjoyed the suckling pig. We ordered a few other dishes that were fine but nothing amazing (tuna confit, hamachi crudo, shrimp a la plancha). And we finished the meal with some dessert-a key lime tart and panna cotta with rosemary, mint, and crushed lace cookies. Both were tasty but the key lime tart stole the show. Seriously, this was amazing! I had to convince my husband to get this and he wanted more. The woman who served it to us told us that it was her mother's recipe. She is one lucky woman because it was the most amazing key lime tart I've ever tried. The crust was a traditional, buttery, graham cracker crust, and the filling was light, refreshing, and extremely flavorful. I want this right now! The service here is good. We've sat at both a table and the bar downstairs. This is a busy place and the service we've received has always been good. I will never wait 3 hours to eat here. But with full service downstairs, the bar is always a good option on a busy night. I really want to try some of the bar snacks because who doesn't like corn nuts? So I guess we will have to go back....and hopefully they will still have the key lime tart on the menu!

    (4)

  • Steven F.

    We had our best meal in years there over the weekend. From start to finish pure, fresh deliciousness from the best bread and butter ever to strong beans to Tuna crudo. Just order the menu. Our phish-loving server was attentive and friendly without hovering. Just great on all accounts

    (5)

  • Ri T.

    Great time! Relaxed & chill! Both upstairs & downstairs at the bar! Excellent Beer variety! A menu that anyone can order from, place rocks Worth it Have fun Peace

    (5)

  • Jack S.

    Highly recommended by different friends who raved about the entire dining experience. Wanted to love this restaurant but it didn't happen. Might have been the luck of the draw on what we ordered and where we sat. Of the six small plates we ordered, nothing really stood out except for the scallops which were excellent. Service was timely and attentive but the sequenced order of the plates seemed off. The tables were jammed together and I felt adjacent diners were in my space. Certainly not a place for intimate conversations. Cozy bar downstairs. Strong drink selection.

    (4)

  • Jim P.

    I'm a big fan after visit number one. In love with the Emperor Fish Crudo - melt in your mouth delicious! So worth getting if you are a sashimi fan. Big Eye Crudo was also amazing. Only disappointment was that they ran out of tuna tartare since we arrived later in the evening :(. Service was stellar with a team cooperating to deliver tapas quickly. Carrots with goat cheese and asparagus puff pastry were also great. We sat at the bar right where all the dishes were bring prepared which we enjoyed. Very creative touches to all small plates. Foie Gras seemed to be a popular menu item but I am just not a fan of the dish. Fun cocktail menu - I enjoyed their version of a dark and stormy in a copper mug. Desserts looked tasty but my belly was full of delicious small plates so I couldn't partake this time. Will return for sure. Cheers to CP for a great show!

    (5)

  • Anna Z.

    This restaurant was such a great experience! Sitting at the bar watching food prep was amazing! My friend and I shared a bunch of small plates including beet salad, Bread&Butter, cauliflower dish, seared sheep's cheese, and a couple desserts (key lime tart and apple fritters). All plates were bursting with flavors you would never think to pair! Absolutely coming back as soon as possible!

    (5)

  • R D.

    Food, drinks, and service excellent. A little pricey for what it is. My friend and I went there on a Friday night and they were very busy, we ended up having to stand at a counter. The "bread and butter" is very tasty, we also tried the bone marrow. I had a negroni as suggested by the waitress -- though I'm not the biggest fan of negronis, I've tried enough of them to know this one was well-made. Would say it's definitely worth a visit if you're in Portland!

    (4)

  • Dani M.

    Drinks were very good. We ordered the bread and butter as a snack, and I have to say it was the best I have ever had. It wasn't too crowded when we got there (4:00 on a Saturday) but I can see this place filling up fast later into the night.

    (4)

  • Charlotte S.

    Back again having the beet salad and the shrimp po boy. Salad dressing with fresh beets was lemon lime cream with chives..very subtle. Dusted cayenne like Po boy was crispy and not oily with a perfect spicy remoulade sauce. Next was a meatball breakfast sandwich with lamb and egg. Husband moaning between bites..." ultimate foodie experience. Service a little stiff today, but professional. Hmm dessert? Savory Frois Gras with a strawberry parfait custard. Maybe next time...

    (4)

  • AJ P.

    Awesome place for drinks. Good beer selection and cocktails. If you're with a group, try their punch bowls! They're pretty good and always a fun thing to share. As far as the food goes, it's pretty good. Not exactly a "bang for your buck" type of place. Small plates, but a little on the pricey side. Pretty much everything we had there was good with great visual appeal, but not exactly memorable. BTW: if it looks like they're packed, they also have a downstairs bar

    (3)

  • Terri R.

    Amazing cocktails, amazing small plates! Sit at the counter if you can! Servers know their stuff, make great recommendations, and are super friendly! Overall I loved this restaurant and would def come back!

    (5)

  • Susan G.

    I really really wanted to like this restaurant, but it was just full of snafus. We ordered some boquerones which is a super easy dish (ie anchovies) and they took twenty minutes to arrive. The cocktails were delicious but the food kept on coming later and later. Ended up getting our main entree BEFORE the appetizers we ordered (carrots and bone marrow). Weird, I know....Carrots were spectacular but the bone marrow was way too horseradishy. The biggest disappointment was the smallest size filet of wild bass I have ever seen in my dining history. It was borderline offensive. At that point we were just frustrated by the constant delays and the mini entree and had to high tail it out of there. Stick to the small bites here and try not to sit at the bar downstairs you get forgotten and things come out in an untimely manner. I'm still hungry. Wish I had eaten at the Italian restaurant across the street...

    (3)

  • Robert B.

    I had a Manhattan, local Oysters and the Halibut w/lemon pesto. Was it good? Well, if it was not gauche I would have kicked the plate. Sincerely fabulous.

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    From the booze point of view - fantastic beer selection (had bissell brothers on tap as one of the first!) and a large, tasty cocktail selection. I also suggest the punch bowls if you have a group! They are a great, tasty way to share some drinks! The food... yes it s great! The brussel sprouts left me wishing it was a bottomless pit. Thats the problem.... all the dishes were so good but they ended so quickly... its almost like it was just a hair smaller than I wished. The other downside is the price, they are pricey small dishes! Don't get me wrong, they don't lack in flavor!

    (4)

  • John C.

    I am not a big reviewer of restaurants but I read them a lot and am definitely a foodie. So let me start by saying this. I am one of those people who will drive from DC to New York on the weekend to satisfy a food craving. But......, there is not even one restaurant that comes anywhere close to Central provisions in Portland Maine. They are awesome. Every bite is like a different level of foodgasm. I literally plan my work trips here around my dinner at this restaurant. No one holds a candle. It is not a place that you walk away from and say "wow, that was good". It is a place that you walk away from and say that " wow, this was the most amazing food experience that I have ever had". And hands down it is

    (5)

  • Joe T.

    Great meal at the end of the chef's bar, where you can see all the action. Excellent martinis and the small plates were excellent. Had the beet salad which was very good, followed by the Maine fried potatoes, the brussels sprouts and the venison sausage! Perfect amount of food, all paired together well, and all prepared just right. I'll be back next time in the "real" Portland.

    (4)

  • Greg M.

    What a great experience. My wife and I sat at the bar overlooking the kitchen. Really cool setup. I started with a cheese plate and it was great. The blue was extra feetie. The cheese iron in Scarborough provides the cheese and is a must try in the area. My wife had the winter salad she really enjoyed. We then got the Brussel sprouts. Really tasty. I had the bone marrow. Wow. My wife was a little embarrassed when I licked the bone clean. JK. I did not do this but wanted to. We then went with the bass which was really fresh. And lastly the suckling pig. Make sure to get the pig. OMGosh get the pig. Overall incredible night. Tab with 3 drinks each and 6 total plates was $120. Not bad for portland. Service was well trained.

    (5)

  • Rich J.

    I went to this gem of a restaurant on a whim, as my first foray into Portland was going to be of lobster and fried clams and laid back touristy places. I wasn't planning on doing any 'nice' restaurant. But as I passed by the downstairs bar area on Wharf Street our first night and peered longingly in the window, I started having second thoughts. And as I perused the menu on the window, I knew I had to come here for dinner the next night. It ended up being one of our better restaurant experiences. The service was friendly and great..the hostess seated us at the counter right away and we grabbed two prime spots even though it was almost packed on a Monday night! Our waitress was great, even the cooks behind the counter were engaging when asked a question. The place reminded me of favorite Casa Mono in NYC with its counter seating and tapas-sized plates. I had an incomparable fiddlehead and radish crudité with hard boiled egg and aioli, lobster toast, the best fried soft shell crab ever with bacon and jalepenos, foie gras, amazing crispy skinned suckling pig, and an incredible beef tartare. All with a very reasonable and delicious $33 bottle of '05 tempranillo. This place is the real deal, and itself worth the 5 hour drive from NY. I can not wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Michaela M.

    When can we get an awesome, medium-classy, tasty food, good prices, with excellent service place in Portland? This place has awesome service. I've been multiple times for drinks and I've been very happy each time. I had dinner for the first time recently. The service stayed up to par, we were waited on in a kind of team approach, which I love. Everyone who worked there seemed to really like their jobs, which is huge to me. The food was just OK. We got 5 or so small plates and the only thing I loved was the brussel sprouts. Those I would order again. The rest, not so much. Compared to other small plate places, I think this is slightly overpriced.

    (3)

  • Steff D.

    Central Provisions may be very appealing to those people who prefer small plates meant for sharing because they would rather try a bite of everything, as opposed to ordering a large portion of one thing. It may be appealing to people who love "complex" dishes that marry flavors and ingredients one may have never thought to put together before. It may be appealing to folks who don't necessarily have a restrictive (vegetarian or vegan, specifically) diet. And it may be appealing to those people who have a slightly bigger budget to spend (on a meal that's substantially smaller in quantity) than the average person does. All of that being said, it's not a place for me. Food: + Marinated Cheese Curds ($5 - orange, chili, olive oil): Possibly one of the BEST bar snacks/apps I've ever eaten in Portland. Obviously, you have to be a big fan of cheese curds, which I am. They came in a small white bowl and were positively drowned in olive oil. I barely got any orange or chili flavor, though; and, there seemed to be big chunks of roasted garlic sitting at the bottom of the bowl. I would definitely return to Central Provisions JUST for this! - Smoked Carrots ($8 - cinnamon, house goat cheese, pistachio): On the other hand, this is one of the WORST things I've EVER eaten in Portland. The carrots tasted burned, and seemed tremendously undercooked (as in, they were hard to bite through). The goat cheese was a puddle around the carrots, and the pistachios were almost non-existent. After a few bites I passed them off to my friend. After a few bites she passed them off to the bin. - Bread and butter ($7 - farm egg, farm butter, sourdough): Three pieces of sourdough bread, what looked like half a plate of butter, and one large, runny duck egg yolk. It was fine, but it was tremendously under-seasoned in my opinion. +/- Brussels sprouts ($9 - horseradish, pine nuts, pecorino): The bartender said we would be absolutely remiss if we left Central Provisions without trying the Brussels sprouts. I don't know that that's entirely true, but they were good and one of the lone things I tried where every component listed was prominently featured. The horseradish gave everything a perfect kick, the pine nuts were plentiful, and the pecorino was creamy and fine. Drinks: - Cobbler ($9 - whiskey, amontillado sherry, maraschino liqueur, crushed ice, seasonal fruit): It was basically just a glass of whiskey. My friend tried it and her response was, "You're gonna need to eat a lot to stay sober with that cocktail." + Cherry Vanilla house made soda ($4) - JUST AWESOME. I wish there had been a bigger glass of it, but the flavor was perfectly cherry and vanilla without one taste overpowering the other. I would get another one of these and maybe add a splash of vanilla vodka! Service: - Sorry, but to me the service is consistently terrible here. Example 1) The first time I ever came, we waited almost a half hour for the drinks we ordered to arrive. They never did, and the bartender avoided us entirely after serving us our food so we never even had the chance to get more water or ask where our drinks were before he gave us our bill. Example 2) the last time I was here, the bartender was SUPER rude to the group I was with; she slammed our drinks down on the counter and didn't tell us which was which. And the drinks were so poorly made that we couldn't figure out which was which even after tasting them (and we had ordered many different liquors for our many discerning palates, so this shouldn't have been a difficult task). When we finally caught her attention, she rolled her eyes, sighed and told us she "couldn't remember which drink was which" and that we'd "have to deal with it ourselves." Yes, seriously. Atmosphere: +/- The atmosphere is probably what I liked the most about Central Provisions. All that wood and exposed brick felt warm and very Maine, as did the staff all wearing flannel shirts. On the other hand, I could have done without the BLARING very bad 70's music playing all night, though.

    (3)

  • Kate H.

    I'm new to Portland and this place is truly a gem in the heart of the town. The food is excellent! I've been three times in one week and everything I've ordered has exceeded my expectations. The wait staff is friendly and attentive and the ambiance is perfect. This is a must if you're visiting Portland. Be sure to stop in for Sunday brunch as well. I assure you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Nand H.

    Outstanding flavors! "Sharing is Caring" ... Especially if one is not missing out on other group member's entree choices! So good - too bad I'm only visiting. I went with the "Lobster Toast", and sampled the following off of my buddies: Spicy Beet Salad with Peanuts- Stupid!, Lamb Burger - wow!, Local Tomatoes (tahini, burrata n fried eggplant) - fantastic!, Bigeye Tuna Crudo - Awww Sh--! Just sayin' this place is crazy good!

    (5)

  • K h.

    Well, we finally got to central provisions after hearing so much about it. It certainly lived up to expectations. We listened to yelpers and ordered the suckling pig, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, Dry aged sirloin, halibut, spicy potatoes, bread and butter, fried artichoke salad, spicy potatoes, cinnamon roll, and peaks Island punch., Two of those. The winner, all three of us agreed, was the brussels sprouts followed closely by the suckling pig. The halibut was totally amazing, but sadly, the portion size was barely enough to share. That was our only disappointment, we wanted more! One of our party stays away from "chichi" restaurants with small portions but, even he loved the meal. The tapas style with plates coming out when prepared kept it interesting. Attentive staff and a nice experience lasting one and a half hours. Bottom line, save your money and go.

    (5)

  • J p.

    1 star for service and 3 for food so an average of 2 would be my rating. The service was surprisingly rude which is hugely disappointing given that you hear mostly great things about the locale. I expect like regular folk the service staff probably wished they had the day off. That said as most of my reviews factor in service , make me feel like you actually want my business as there are tons of other places gladly waiting. So give it a shot if you feeling brave and good luck getting good service and feeling welcome...

    (2)

  • Rachel D.

    My friend and I decided to meet up at Central Provisions the other night. Neither of us had been there yet and after reading mixed reviews we decided to try the menu first hand. They have an upstairs, open kitchen setting but we opted to sit downstairs at the bar - nicely lit and I was welcomed by the bar staff. All of the drinks sound amazing but I think the hard part is picking the right drink. I chose the Glass Slipper (vodka, elderflower liqueur, orange blossom water, & prosecco) - it was good but nothing I'll crave - the vodka and orange taste were a little overpowering in my cocktail. My friend's Cobbler was quite alcoholic so make sure to stock up on those small plates if that's your drink of choice. There are a couple other drinks on the menu that I want to try but I'd like to see what other people think is the front runner here before I go back and give Central Provisions' cocktails another try. They have been open less than six months so given that I'll have to revisit them later down the line. Onto the food.. I ordered the $5 mushrooms off the bar menu and really regretted it. Maybe they pickle their own mushrooms but they tasted like they were from a can and I was definitely not expecting that. My friend had the cheese curds which I highly recommend if you're into that sort of thing - yummy (it's cheese curds though so I would think they are quite delicious). Onto the next plate - I ordered the brussels sprouts, at the recommendation of the bartender, and they were quite delicious. They have a good amount of horseradish but it really adds to the flavor, in my opinion and they aren't too over-cooked. They are also paired with pecorino and pine nuts. Here is where I think I ordered wrong - I decided (on a whim) to get the foie gras because I wanted to taste how they incorporated the rose hips. I ordered the $15 size, given that I had two other small plates under my belt (or tummy as one would say). When the plate came out with a piece of meat the size of an Altoid tin my friend and I sort of looked at each other and then back at the plate and then at each other. Needless to say I think she knew I was a little underwhelmed by the dish. I also think the whey and millet granola really weren't my personal favorite pairing along with the foie gras. I ended up eating the components separately, as a personal choice. Also, and sadly maybe my pallet isn't refined enough, I could not taste a hint of rose hips in the dish. Given another go around I think I would stick with the brussel sprouts, the cheese curds were a yes, my friend had the bread and butter which seems like a good choice if you're quite hungry, and I almost chose the yellowfin tuna at the bartender's sugestion, over the foie gras (still kicking myself about that). Oh and also I ordered a beer that never came (a little annoying but C'est la vie). I'll definitely be back for round two and maybe choose the upstairs next time.

    (3)

  • Amanda A.

    Amazing Bloody Mary!! Only $5!! So spicy and topped with Spicy Kimchi! Great craft beer selection too. Such a great, warm vibe that create a very intimate setting. Will definitely come back!

    (5)

  • Lee L.

    We went for brunch and shared nearly the entire menu. The sourdough pancakes are the best ever! They are sweet and salty and sourdough-y. Everything else was pretty standard and good but the pancakes and inexpensive morning cocktails will keep me coming back when I'm in town!

    (4)

  • Darcy Z.

    5 stars for several reasons: First and foremost...caramelized sheep's cheese with nectarines. So, SO good. Second, my husband and I showed up on a Monday night in August hoping to get a table. The wait was only about 30 minutes and they actually text/call you when your table is ready, allowing you to wander around Portland. We wandered over to a little distillery/brewery for a drink. Third, the menu was approachable, affordable, and really diverse. There is something for everyone at Central Provisions (food and beverage-wise). All in all, my husband and I shared: Watermelon with bacon Corn fritters Charred octopus Seared sheep's cheese Arancini I loved everything except the Octopus, but I'm not a big fish-eater, so that wasn't really a surprise. Overall, the ambiance/vibe of this place is great, the space is great (cool downstairs bar) and really, really good small plates for reasonable prices. If you're in Portland, you must go here.

    (5)

  • Shauna M.

    Outstanding addition to Portland dining scene. The caliber of food was a nice surprise. Enjoyed lots of good wine and trying lots of cold and hot plates. The wait ended up being shorter than expected and the service was good.

    (4)

  • Larry C.

    By far the best meal we had in Portland (and maybe of the summer). Came here around 630 pm with the wife for a cocktail before our 8 pm dinner reservation. Place was packed but we found two seats at the bar downstairs. Ordered a round of cocktails and the lobster toast. OMG, the lobster toast was ridiculously good, the perfect combination of fat, carbs and lobster. Went well with the cocktails too, which were made by a group of true artists. Thinking that we must try more food since it was out last night in Portland, we asked our server/bartender for recommendations. She recommended the the toro and the suckling pig. Double OMG! Toro was so fresh, with just the right balance of fattiness... it was the best toro I've ever had and have had the pleasure of dinning at most of the top notch Japanese places in New York. Suckling pig, cooked perfectly, that fall off the fork tenderness that you seek for this dish. 8 pm hits, we have eaten and drank way too much before dinner, but it was well worth it to ruin our appetites at this joint. If I lived closer I would be here once a week! Oh, came back for brunch the next day. While good, dinner options are better, but still, good brunch!

    (5)

  • Liam S.

    Really good! Well worth the visit. Went here for lunch today to celebrate a good year with 8 of my colleagues at MECA. They were able to accommodate us with out much of a wait. We selected several items to share and they were all good, actually very good. The wait staff was very friendly, the food came out perfectly prepared. Great experience, I highly recommend eating here. (Maybe not a great place for younger kids and the size of our group was maybe as large as you can get)

    (5)

  • Alex s.

    I'm not sure how this place has only four stars but that's ridiculous. It is definitely a five or six star restaraunt. One of our best meals we've had in Maine. The dishes were intricate, decedent and delicious. We had the rabbit orecchiette which was rich with flavor and tender. Another must try dish was the cauliflower with chickpea topped with feta, mint and lemon zest. Also we sat at the bar in front of the kitchen and it was a great view as they prepared all of the dishes. Other ones that looked great but we weren't able to try were bread and butter (served with a soft egg), roast suckling pig and a caramelized sheeps milk cheese. Bottom line, if you're in Portland you have to try this place.

    (5)

  • Carol J.

    Fantastic. It at the counter if you are interested in how to prepare these wonderful dishes

    (5)

  • Dawn W.

    DELICIOUS!!! Loved the small plates, everything we had was fresh, tasty, and creative. Next time we'll arrive earlier so we can sit at the bar! The highlights were the smoked carrots and the apple fritters. Quail was also dreamy! :-D I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Sarah T.

    The food here is great--delicious, simple ingredients put together in very creative and sophisticated dishes. However, we were disappointed in the cocktails (which was surprising considering the attention to detail that goes into their food). We didn't drink them because they were truly just lackluster, and our server took them away, apologizing, and immediately brought us wine that we ordered to replace the cocktails. We would have expected the restaurant to take the cocktails off the bill but they did not; thus, the four stars.

    (4)

  • Chuck A.

    Wow...what a wonderful treat for lunch! We had the bread and butter (featured with sabione), tuna sashimi and Reuben were all excellent. Great vibe, Fun place. We'll be back!! Thanks!!

    (5)

  • Ted S.

    Came here on the recommendation of some friends in town, and it was one of the best meals I've had in some time. Ate downstairs at the bar - great service, better music (the Toad the Wet Sprocket station on Pandora was amazing). Everything was delicious, though the beet salad and meatballs stand out. The thoughtfully prepared cocktails complement the excellent food. We're tourists, but will definitely come back next time we're in Portland!

    (5)

  • Jerome T.

    An absolute gem. I came in for a snack before dinner and a drink after reading another yelp review. If there was a table available i would have stayed. The cocktails are great and the food was amazing. #1 pick was the tuna crudo. Wiw. Also the smoked carrots and suckling pig were delicious. What a find. Just a bit crowded.

    (4)

  • Lauren H.

    We are from Portland Maine, but live in Boston. We have heard raves about central provisions from our Maine and Boston friends. We went to dinner on Saturday night with a party of 9. The hostess was extremely rude, she asked us before we were done walking through the door, to close it. There was a large bench with multiple tables up stairs and instead of seating us there, she told us there were tables down stairs, meanwhile there are no tables at all down stairs. We went back upstairs to sit in the original area big enough for our group. She was totally inappropriate rolling her eyes, and whispering to the servers (meanwhile we could hear her). We should of just left the second we walked through the door! The food was great, but limited selection. Our waiter was also great. Overall not impressed, there are lots of great places to eat in Portland, no need to deal with rude employees.

    (1)

  • Eric G.

    Amazing! Visiting Portland and stopped by for dinner on a Saturday night. The place was definitely busy so me and my girlfriend elected to sit at the bar by the Fore St. entrance. The wait staff and I'm guessing owner/manager were extremely attentive, which is noticed as soon as you come in. The food was excellent. I had the Lobster Toast (WOW!), Shrimp a la Plancha, and the Fried Squid. Everything was good but the lobster in the lobster toasted melted in your mouth and the toast bought everything together. The dipping sauce works well with the dish. I would definitely recommend dinner here. You won't regret it.

    (5)

  • Leah H.

    Quite possibly some of the very best food in Portland, ME right now. I've eaten here maybe 4 or 5 times now and it's consistently amazing. Get the bread and butter and dip the perfectly toasted bread into the herb butter and "egg yolk" Foie gras has a crunchy little millet granola happening on the side and it's a perfect pairing. Suckling pig is the kind of thing you eat and then can't stop thinking about. If you get a half size you'll end up getting another piece. The crispy crackling on the top was divine. Duck was good but SUPER rare - just a heads up. Tuna tartare was super fresh and my fork went through it like butter. We were there late night (downstairs only) and ordered the chicken wings from the bar menu - so good! Highly recommend taking the recommendations for wine/drinks - we had an amazing bottle to accompany our chicken wings :) Friendly staff. Be prepared to wait for a table/seat at the bar but it's SO WORTH THE WAIT!!! Order a bunch of stuff and share but don't forget the suckling pig!

    (5)

  • Inga H.

    If you want a truly unique dining experience, then Central Provisions will not disappoint. The seasonal menu is intricately prepared small plates with wonderful flavor pairings, textures, and presentation that makes each dish it's own "work of art". I was at the bar and able to watch the detail and preparation that went into each creation that left the kitchen. For me, this was foodie heaven, and very entertaining. This is not an eatery, but a delicious dining experience !

    (5)

  • Randy S.

    How fast do the dishes disappear? They barely hit the table and they are licked clean. Beets, tuna tartare, cauliflower, fluke all are distinct and delicious. What a find in Portland!

    (5)

  • Zach D.

    let's set the record straight. Central Provisions does take reservations: in person only. To those yelpers who believe they are victims of elitism/racism by CP staff because they can't take open and "reserved" seats, you may have been misinformed. This is actually a really nice service that CP offers to patrons. You can come early to reserve a table, and walk around the old port until your table is ready. we reserved a table at 5:30 on a saturday night and it was ready around 7. Seating is limited here, and table turnover is slow, so it's nice that they let you reserve, leave, and come back. and they don't rush you back when your table is ready. we were having drinks at another bar when our table became open, so we finished the round and walked over. Hence the open, reserved tables. there is even at app you can download to let you know when your table is ready. It is CP's responsibility, however, to explain this funky reservation system to all its potential guests to keep them happy and prevent unfounded 1 star reviews on yelp. a bit more about seating. dinners here are meant to be long. 1, 2, 3 hours in good company. so comfortable seating is paramount. When i go out to eat with my family, i know i'm the obvious fifth wheel. I struggle to fit in to conversation, style, etiquette, all that jazz (actually, the Talking Heads were on the stereo this night, thankfully), so feeling comfortable - spatially- is where it all begins for me. I met the other 4 from my family at a bar for drinks before CP; they were sitting at a 4top and i had to sit adjacent on a high stool. So i was looking forward to fitting into the table comfortably at CP. not so. When we arrived, i was dismayed to see that our reserved table for 5 was just a 4top with a chair placed at one end. guess who got the end chair, long legs and all. I expect this at most restaurants, but it's a lot to ask for me to sit still like that for 2 hours at a long tapas dinner. And all the dishes are placed in the center of the table and shared radially. sitting at the end of the table makes each bite a logistical challenge, esp with all the water/drink glasses and plates in between me and the food. not too comfortable. i got restless halfway through dinner, and a nice member of my family offered to trade seats with me. the food. tapas aren't my thing. i prefer feedings over tastings. i was really worried about not having enough to eat and needing a cheeseburger after dinner. this wasn't the case, though. about 3/4 of the way through dinner, i felt full and kept eating because each bite, throughout the whole dinner, is new and exciting and yummy. the small portions , split fives ways, went really fast, but we ordered a lot of dishes. and i got the itis after dinner, and fell asleep early (a pleasant surprise, in my opinion) I'm sorry that i can't love this restaurant enough to give it 4 or 5 stars. it's just not my bag. but i went into it not expecting to like it, and my expectations were surpassed, so 3 stars will do. I don't expect to return, though i'm glad to have had the experience just this once.

    (3)

  • Jen S.

    This place was fantastic! My husband and I shared 6 plates - our two favorites were the Bread & Butter and the Lobster Toast (although everything was truly wonderful). Highly recommend sitting upstairs at the counter. These chefs are top notch! Will definitely return here! The drink service was on the slow side but the waitstaff was knowledgable and very helpful.

    (5)

  • Mariah L.

    This place is doing it right. If you don't like it here something's wrong with you! Get everything. Lower level is a lot of fun. Wish I lived closer!

    (5)

  • Kelly O.

    So. The asparagus (with uni butter/ramps/pecorino) is one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. Seriously, come here just for that and you will leave satisfied. At $11 for a handful of stalks, it's on the pricey side, but I'm telling you it's worth every penny. Other items we tried, in descending order: -Suckling pig (apple/brown butter/marcona almonds), $14 for the smaller portion: also amazing. Don't miss this dish, it's pretty much perfection where suckling pig is concerned- juicy inside and crispy outside, surrounded by a delicious puree, perfection. If you've got the cash, get the larger portion, it'll disappear quickly. -Carmelized sheep's cheese (root veggies/15 yr aged balsamic), $10: basically a big plate of bubbling half-feta/half-moz-tasting cheese filled with veggies and topped with a caramely crust. We devoured this plate, it was really tasty and unique. -Arancini (jamon/fontina/spicy tomato), $8: technically an excellent rendition of arancini (nicely fried, flavorful tomato dipping sauce), although I couldn't find the jamon. Also, after recently having the pork belly arancini with pickled grapes and fiddlehead remoulade at Boston's Wink and Nod, all other arancini basically pale in comparison, so I was (maybe unfairly) not too impressed. -Lobster toast (coconut green curry/cilantro/ginger), $9: I was expecting toasted bread topped with lobster sauteed in green curry, but it ended up being basically 3 triangles of what looked like grilled cheese but with lobster instead of cheese, with a side curry dipping sauce. It wasn't really my cup of tea; not a ton of lobster, the bread was reaaaaally greasy/buttery, and I'd rather the curry on top of everything instead as a dipper. Not my favorite, and we didn't finish the plate. -Spicy fried Maine potatoes (heinz 57 ketchup), $5: this was a last-minute order by the boy, and I didn't really care for it, which is difficult for me to say because I'm a potato fiend and have barely ever met a potato I didn't love (he ended up eating it all himself). The "spice" was basically just a ton of black pepper, which I'm not a fan of (was hoping for like, hot paprika or curry), and there was nothing special about it, just fried slabs of potato with ketchup for dipping. Skip this and save your $/belly space for better items. -Between us, we also tried 3 different cocktails, and I found them to be just OK, not bad certainly, but I've also had a lot better and wasn't terribly impressed (although a lot of other people on here have been, so maybe it's just my personal taste or the cocktails I tried). Those 6 items made for a satisfying dinner for 2 (although depending on your appetite, you may need to order more food), and was definitely on the pricey side for a night out, but IMO is worth it quality-wise and unique-wise- I'd choose Central Provisions over Fore Street any day. Note that this place is crazy small, with only a few actual tables coupled with lots of bar seats overseeing the open kitchen, and the bottom level solely dedicated to a bar for people waiting on seats. You will be waiting a while to get in here, but I thought it was neat that they'd text you when your seats were ready, and also have partnered with the NoWait app/website that gave you updated info about how many parties were ahead of you and what your current estimated wait time was (why don't more places offer this?). My new favorite restaurant in Portland. Don't miss it.

    (5)

  • Kara D.

    I'd really like to give this spot a 2 1/2 rating, but yelp doesn't allow it. So, I'll instead split my review up into "the good" and "the bad." The Good -Very, very cool bartender that was fun, seemed genuinely happy to be there, and made a decent old fashioned. -Food wildly creative and delicious for the most part. -Friendly waitstaff. The Bad -They serve completely unsustainable seafood. This is a MAJOR issue for me. In fact, if I had seen the menu ahead of time, I never would have eaten there. I don't understand how a restaurant that is acclaimed by the likes of Bon Apetit would serve bluefin tuna and Maine caught sea urchin (which, although "local," is the worst type of sea urchin to eat) on their menu. For a place catering to "foodies" this shows a complete and utter disrespect for the ingredients they use. Period. They should be touting ingredients that are both local and sustainable only and the customers should trust that they are doing so. -We has to wait awhile for a table which was no biggie. However, we ordered the marinated cheese curds while we waited at the bar for close to 40 minutes and they never made an appearance. When we told our waiter after we were seated, he told us that they were a "bar food item only" so we could no longer have them. Seriously? -When we were called to be seated, I had to go to our table alone while my husband settled the bar tab. He was ignored for close to 15 minutes. So, I chatted with the girl sitting next to me for a bit whose husband was also downstairs settling the bar tab. After awhile, we joked that we should just have dinner together since our husbands were MIA. With all of the choices in Portland, try somewhere else. The cons outweighed the pros to me and the unsustainable seafood on the menu is 100% a deal breaker for me.

    (2)

  • Keith B.

    My wife was in town alone and wanted a nice meal, so I called to ask for a seat at the bar in front of the open kitchen. I was told they don't take reservations, only walk ins. So, she walked in and was told there was a long wait for a table. She asked if she could sit at one of the many open seats at the kitchen bar and was told "no, those are all reserved", and there is a long wait. Which is it? Do they take reservations or not? Went elsewhere. Too bad, she said it looked nice.

    (1)

  • Lauren L.

    I came to this restaurant as a first time Portland visitor from Boston with high expectations, only to have one of the worst dining service experiences of my life. While I cannot say one negative comment about the food, I would however like to inform others of the terrible waitstaff that I dealt with. I would not recommend dining at this establishment if you plan on enjoying the ambiance or if you are into getting crude looks and attitude from waitstaff if you plan to stay more than 45 minutes.

    (1)

  • Kalyn L.

    I hate to have to write this review right now. The food was good, but the service was literally the worst I have ever had in my life. The waitress was so rude, and after 45 minutes, she tried to shove us out. Then, the manager even came by and poured all of the remaining bottle of wine (that we were not in a rush to finish) out so the glasses were filled to the brim. We asked the waitress if we should cash out if she wanted to go home and she just shrugged and said they had a wait, and they always had one! Then, we watched her complain to the whole waitstaff!! I will never go back!

    (1)

  • David L.

    I have to admit, I merely stumbled onto this place on a rainy day in Maine as part of a spontaneous trip. My friend and I saw was walking up a slope when we saw through the windows downstair, a dim lit, small room with a small bar that fits more or less about ten guests. We thought maybe we'd just go there for drinks. We kept walking up the slope and found the entrance to which we found a very modern, hip place with an open kitchen that also had seatings like a bar. We made reservations and came back an hour later. When we came back later, it definitely wasn't a crowded place, but then again, it was a Wednesday night. We soon found out that this place had just opened about a month ago and that their menu changes everyday! Talk about the foodie compass in us. We opted for the kitchen counter and took a look at the menu. It wasn't an extensive menu, but it was a good one, so good that we overlooked the drink menu (which is not common of my friend and I). Designed like an American tapas style menu, we each ordered 2 of each oysters (they had 3 types from maine) for a total of 6 oysters. The oysters were good with the lemon and the apple ginger addition (I believe), but nothing I've never tasted before. But on we go and moved onto our hot dishes. For our next course, we had the brussels sprouts, chicharones, bone marrow, foie gras, and the suckling pig. Man do I have to say I was impressed. (And I think my friend felt the same way as well). The brussels sprouts just had this night crunchy texture with the nuts that went well with the pecorino cheese. The bone marrow was very scarce, but along with the peach mango puree was just amazing. The foie gras, with the small grain granola was just perfect, with the right texture and juicy flavors. I don't remember what the sweet little sauce on the side was but I didn't feel the flavor went well with that. However, my friend loved it. The suckling pig was just simply cook right, with a nice crispy top layer and a tender center on top of a nice bed of gravy-like sauce, topped with an apple vinaigrette, I think. But I think all in all, the one dish that took it away was the chicharones. It was so good that we ordered a second one and almost ordered a third one as well. It was absolutely phenomenal. Cut down into small pieces, mixed in with some cilantros and green onions, topped with a soy glaze, this mix of south american/asian fusion hands down stole our night. And since they change their menu every night, we wanted to make sure this dish stayed. The experience as a whole was definitely the feel you get from entering a modern-day, high-end hipster/foodie crowd. A restaurant catered to a young crowd that yearns for new and innovative dishes, Central Provision definitely has the concept down, striving for new dishes each time. Do I recommend this place? I'll let my review speak for itself.

    (4)

  • Heather M.

    Delicious food, but not worth the price. Great place to grab a drink and "toast."

    (4)

  • Michael W.

    This place was really cool. Great atmosphere. I got the lobster fritters and a manhattan cocktail. My wife ordered the buratta crositini and el papa doble. First of all, the drinks were strong and delicious! My fritters were a little heavy, with too much breading. Still, the flavor was fantastic and the aioli was a nice touch. My wife's crositini was delicious. A perfect blend of flavors and crunch. The wait was less than 10 minutes on a Tuesday night and totally worth it.

    (5)

  • Tina R.

    This place is overrated. It's apparently the best place to eat in Portland and my experience was underwhelming. 1) hostess said the wait would be 1 hour 15 minutes. We ended up waiting 2 hours. She was very courteous and I understand you can't be precise with these estimates but this seemed way off. 2) Once we were finally seated the whole experience seemed incredibly rushed. When you've been waiting 2 hours you wanna be able to relax and enjoy the food. Instead our server was hovering and seemed to be pushing us along. 3) food was just OK. It wasn't bad by any means but considering the wait and price I felt a little jipped. The foie gras was the stand out dish. Everything else seemed like they were trying too hard. Go to Eventide instead. The wait was shorter, the staff was nicer and the food was amazeballs.

    (2)

  • Eric T.

    Quick things to note and get out of the way: the place is small, somewhat cramped, and because they don't take reservations pretty hard to get into (though if you go early and give a name, they have a helpful text message system). We were able to get in on a Sunday night dinner over Labor Day weekend - and with a 2 year old, for which they were very accommodating. While we kept our son busy, we sampled the cocktails and dishes. The drinks were solid. I like to gauge a bartender with an upfront Old Fashioned to start, and was pleasantly surprised when the waitress asked 'fruit or no fruit' (another topic entirely). It was a very good drink, but not necessarily one of the best. Between the two of us, we had had about three other drinks, which were all really good. The food ranged from 'okay' to 'unbelievable'. We had a hummus dish and a goat cheese dish that were more on the mild side. However, the 'bread and butter' dish, which was so simple, was executed so incredibly, it was immediately one of the best dishes either of us had ever had. That was, until a few minutes later when the 'Korean BBQ' dish arrived. That beef dish was the epitome of fine dining. The center of the cuts were perfectly rare; the outsides, perfectly medium. The accoutrements were perfect, making each bite perfect. Perfect, perfect, perfect. On any day of the week, I would wait hours to go back to Central Provisions just to order several of that dish over and over again. Hands down, one of the top five things I've ever eaten in my life. I regret having to give this place 4/5 and not 5/5, but ultimately there were some dud dishes and the drinks could have been better. But there are nuggets of excellence here that could elevate it into some incredible levels of culinary status.

    (4)

  • Natalie P.

    Okay this place is really good. We came in for a pre dinner snack and could only order a few things but what we did order was so good down to the last bite. Central Provisions offers small plates so order about 3-4 per person to get full. We ordered 3 between the two of us and were actually quite sad that we had to leave and couldn't order more. We got the tuna otoro which is the fattiest toro you can get. They also offer chu toro which is probably what most people will want to go for since it's still fatty and melts in your mouth but not quite as fatty as otoro. I LOVE otoro so I really enjoyed this. It was 4 pretty large pieces of otoro with fresh and pickled ginger and tamari sauce. We also ordered the suckling pig which was ridiculously good. And the rare beef flank with chimichurri sauce was AMAZING. I also have to say that we sat at the chefs bar so we had a full view of everyone working and all the dishes coming out of the kitchen. EVERYTHING looked good and it was even harder to practice restraint. Off the top of my head, I know the veal looked great and the lobster fritters were very popular since I saw a lot of these being ordered. They also looked really good. If I has more time in portland I would have had the most gluttonous meal I could afford here because it all looked like heaven and what it did order actually was so tasty. Non related food things: service was great and friendly. We didn't have to wait long to sit down and we didn't have to wait very long between dishes. They come out as they are prepared and since we had a full view of the kitchen we also were able to see quite clearly that the kitchen staff work incredibly well together and very efficiently. Love this place. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Kristi M.

    I had a friend up visiting from out of state and thought what better time to finally check out the much talked - and raved - about Central Provisions. It was a Monday night at 6ish, so our assumption was that it would be no problem getting a table. When we arrived, the small place was already packed and we checked in with the hostess. She said the wait was about 20-30 minutes, which neither of us thought was bad at all. Then - to make the decision easier, she said we could leave a phone number and they would text us when the table was ready and we'd have 10 minutes to get there. So, we could easily have a drink at another area bar while we waited (the bar at Central was also full). And, we did! When we returned, our table was ready and we were seated and immediately greeted by our server. It's worth noting that the servers here work in a tag team fashion, so you may have many faces visit your table during the course of the meal. While this doesn't always work, it seemed to flow quite well here and all of the people who waited on us were great. The great thing about Central Provisions, in my opinion, is that it is all small plates. I really enjoy this type of meal as it allows one to try many little things, especially when sharing, instead of having to settle on one meal. For those of us with an indecisive nature, this is great! My friend and I were able to try several dishes. We tried a beet salad, bread and butter (really!), beef taretare (wow), smoked carrots, asparagus en croute, and caramelized sheep's cheese. I go back and forth on what my favorite was - it's really hard to say. They all held their own and I would return for anyone. I felt as though the portions and prices were more than fair, especially for the quality and creativeness. In short, this placed definitely lived up to the hype and I look forward to returning! Considering all aspects - from getting a table to service to food to cost - it's hard not to give this place 5 stars. One final note, even though this place is very popular (by the time we left, the hostess was telling people it was a 60 minute or more wait), I never once felt rushed. They want you to enjoy your meal at your own pace. That goes a long way for me!

    (5)

  • Ahmed A.

    Excellent food. Service was weak. It was like pulling teeth trying to get a recommendation, granted the menu is small and most everything is good on it, but I had no idea where to start and some guidance would have been nice. That's why the server is there right? the beef siracha. Great! 5 stars Blue Fish Tuna tartar- great! 5 stars Peaches and goat cheese- above average 3 stars Garden Salad - pretty good 3.5 stars Spicy potatoes with Heinz 57 - good 4 stars Strawberries and Cream - excellent - 5 stars Service - lacking - 2-3 stars

    (4)

  • Pierre S.

    Totally satisfying! Dropped in and got a table for two for myself immediately. Lucky! Had two cold plates - a cold tuna and veal salad with watercress and shaved hard cheese (great combo) and a crispy pork salad that was salty and sweet and rich. Finished with soft shell crab on top of a red curry, mint, cilantro salad that was spicy and refreshing. Two glasses of wine, a Rioja and and an Albarino from Uruguay. Now what do I do?!

    (5)

  • Simon L.

    It's good. Not that good though. A quad of well versed food folks sampled a variety of dishes. Benton ham ($11) is a plain Jane dish of ham with nothing except the wood platter. It's good but who hasn't had that before? A single meat charcuterie. Raw beef salad ($10) is tender strips of beef marinated in chili oil with peanuts and crisped onions. Excellent. Rich, flavorful, complex, tender. Hamburger ($10) is two thin patties stacked on top of each other with melted cheese and roasted mushrooms, lettuce and red onion. Temperature is not requested and the meat is served medium but is still juicy on a buttered, breaded brioche bun. A Cubano ($14) is really not worth mentioning except that it had a slice of ham with mustard. The dining room closes at 2pm for lunch and somehow the staff spends an inordinate amount of time going to the door to tell customers that they are currently closed - a simple sign stating as much would solve this problem. The format is a small plate joint and one is informed of this at the beginning as well as that most dishes are for sharing. That being said, two of our dishes arrive promptly. Then we waited as tables that had arrived after us were served before us for the remainder of the me. In fact the wait time became uncomfortable at some point as we watched food leaving the kitchen and not arriving at our table. There seems to be very little connection between chef and server team as the chefs basically call out table numbers as the food is ready like one might shout order up in a diner. As far as being able to manage the process of getting food out to tables, a better and more collaborative effort between chef and service team would probably help. Timing was an issue for many other tables as well. Many restaurants use small plate and sharing formats as a way to manage a poorly managed kitchen that can't send out food in a predictable, orderly fashion. That seems to be the case here. Central Provisions is probably not worth a three hour wait but it might be worth stopping by if there's no wait.

    (3)

  • Megan T.

    Came here for a small bite to eat. I got the beet salad and cherry stone clams. Very fresh and light bit wasn't anything that blew my mind. Had I gone in with a bigger appetite I would have gotten the suckling pig. Although I'm sure the plate would have been small. It is a little pricey for what you get. I know it's a tapas restaurant but honestly the food is not all that impressive for what you're paying. I love the concept of tapas its just hard to pay 17 dollars for something that is 2 oz at most.

    (3)

  • Kim K.

    One of the best meals I've ever had in Portland and just in general! We weren't able to get a dinner reservation for Fore Street so I searched Yelp for the #2 rated restaurant in Portland and landed on Central Provisions. We ended up going for lunch and arrived right when they opened at 11am, which I recommend. The restaurant is small with limited seating so get there early! (first come first served, no reservations) The experience was excellent as we sat at the bar and got a great show with a perfect view right into the kitchen. The food was beyond excellent - insanely good biscuit, delicious chopped salad, and perfectly cooked fish sandwich. I now dream about coming back to Central Provisions!

    (5)

  • Shauna G.

    It's somewhat depressing to know that I had the best meal of the year only five months in to 2015. Pardon me while I drown my sorrows in leftover cold pizza and office dish candy until 2016. But let's focus on the better times. Like the times when I was eating the Spicy Beef Salad at Central Provisions (best bite of my Portland trip). Or the Beet Salad. Or the Asparagus en Croute. Or the Scallion Special... Sigh. Honorable mentions also go out to the Suckling Pig and the Roasted Bone Marrow. Also. Orange Wine. Is this a thing? If so, I'm not mad about it. Not mad still after the third glass. So pro tips... 1. Get there a bit before they open for din if you want to get seated immediately. Around 4:45. 2. Upstairs is better than downstairs. 3. If you're a small 2-3 person group, ask to sit at the chef's counter so you can watch the culinary porn. 4. If you can't get there before 5, be prepared to wait. They don't take resos. When we left at around 6:30 on a Saturday night, there was a 2 hour wait. If you have to wait, wait. If that wait happens to be between the hours of 4 and 7p, shlep yourself over to Bonfire for free happy hour bacon. You're welcome.

    (5)

  • Will V.

    Three visits, first time review. An excellent small plates spot in all aspects: service, design, food, and drink. A friendly host who was accommodating of a large stroller (and the kid in it), immediate seating on a weekday afternoon, and warm and attentive wait service from a tattooed mom server (who bonded with the toddler in our group). Drinks were tasty: we had a michelada, spicy bloody mary, and a berry infused drink that wasn't too fruity. Food was terrific: the special app of local beans and sweet corn drizzled in a yuzu sauce was healthy, fresh, and terrific. Lobster corn fritters were awesome as was the pork/fried egg/kimchee on a croissant sandwich. Yum. Try it. The fish sandwich was also a winner as was everything else. Go for the food, service, and drinks. An excellent place without the unnecessary pretension so typical of "best of" awarded spots.

    (5)

  • Noah D.

    This tops the list for worst service experienced in a restaurant. Our server was rude and unwelcoming. Our waitress barely made eye contact, never smiled and seemed so annoyed. We were seated in the dining room and given a last call at 9:40pm while eating our dinner entrees. Wtf? The food is good, not memorable or worth a second visit, but the service is horrendous, like you are bothering them by being there. We didn't try the downstairs bar, maybe it's better and where the good reviews are coming from. We won't be back. I was told this place is up for a james beard award.. How??? Is James Beard running out of restaurants to review?

    (1)

  • Frankie D.

    Been for lunch only, and yes, great spot for lunch. My Bloody Mary was cheap, and my sandwich was delicious. Many of they're cocktails are affordable actually, I'm so used to $8-12 cocktails that this was pleasantly surprising. I ordered the Cubano, doesn't look big, but it's delicious and filling! Need to try for dinner still.

    (5)

  • Tiffany F.

    Over the course of our 1.5 day adventure in Portland we ate and drank at a total of 10 establishments. Of those 10, THIS WAS THE ABSOLUTE WINNER OF PORTLAND. BEST RESTAURANT IN TOWN. If I could take this entire restaurant, it's entire menu, and entire staff with me back to Boston I would in a heartbeat. We came early because we knew it was a popular spot in town because any restaurant that doesn't take reservations knows it just doesn't have to. We were among a handful of other folks who too arrived early to get seated in the first round, eagerly awaiting the opening of the doors to taste-bud paradise. The staff seated guests quickly and were incredibly friendly - explaining the menu, answering my million questions, and walking us through each dish's ingredients as it was set down on our table. But let's get down to the meat of this review - the food. MOUTH-WATERING GOODNESS. WOW. The flavors are incredible. The presentation is on point. And the portion sizes for small plates are perfectly reasonable for the price - which is a hard balance to find. Oysters - I love how the oyster selection was exclusive to Maine. It makes it all the more special and they offered up types that I wouldn't have been able to find in Boston - nailed it. Basket Island from Casco Bay, Browne Point from Damariscotta River, and Otter Cove also from Damariscotta River. Fresh and tasty with a selection that ranged from sweet to briny. The real winner of the oysters though was the accompaniment options - we chose the Thai Basil Ice per recommended by our waiter and it was an awesome choice. The ice added an interesting texture to the oysters and the flavor of it was just awesome. We ended up eating the leftover Thai Basil Ice on its own after we had run out of oyster to eat it with. That's how good it was. Beet salad - what a beautiful colorful bowl of beets and hands down the best beet salad I've ever had. Every bite really has a lot of dimension to it and you can really taste the creamy avocado, green peppercorn, and lemon. Bread and butter - very very very easy to pass off as a whatever dish. The description really doesn't do it justice. Presented to look like an over-easy egg, the hazelnut butter sits perfectly underneath a farm egg yolk and together the creamy goodness of the egg along with the light, fluffy, whipped butter make for the perfect bread spread. Spices are sprinkled on top of the egg-butter spread too that add some nice aesthetic and tasty touches - I believe it was chives, pepper, and perhaps paprika. Don't pass this up as your ordinary everyday bread and butter. It's so much more than that! Roasted cauliflower - fresh and crunchy and roasted to perfection. The apples and feta really took the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas to another level and it was a nice balance between hot and cold. Suckling pig - YOU DA REAL MVP. The meat was so tender it melted in your mouth and the seared skin was the perfect compliment with its crunchy texture. Sitting on top of a spread of apple brown butter and topped off with a few marcona almonds, this dish really epitomizes the restaurants creativity, quality, and depth of flavors in each dish. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant and I'm actually sad that it was our last meal in town. I wish it was our first so I could have made time to dine here again. This is now on my list of favorite restaurants. Not just in Portland. But in life.

    (5)

  • Kelly W.

    I was looking forward to coming here from reading the below reviews and unfortunately the problem with this establishment is not the execution of the food but the management and the service. It was crowded but we found a spot pretty easily at the bar and a server came over promptly to take our drink order but after that the efficiency ended. It took us 20 minutes to get drinks every round and we just felt sort of forgotten about. We initially tried to eat upstairs and they were booked but the hostess couldn't have been sweeter and more lovely. Also the front of the house guy (for lack of more appropriate title) downstairs was also fantastic and helpful. After a manager took our order for a round of drinks that took forty minutes to arrive we got a minor apology and no explanation. I appreciate the food and the type of establishment they are running here- their suckling pig and a few other dishes are incredible but more communication from the staff is needed. Also every cocktail that we received was overly sweet and disappointing.

    (3)

  • Yelena S.

    Heard lots of good things about Central Provisions! We opted to try brunch as our first visit here.We arrived just as they opened at 11 (a lot later than other places), good thing too because in just a few short minutes the place filled up completely. First we tried the bread and butter, after browsing other Yelp menu suggestions it looked like everyone was a fan of this. It was very good! It wasn't mind blowing, but you get three slices of sourdough bread that's been toasted (ours was on the hard side), and spread on the plate is this slightly sweet and fluffy homemade hazelnut butter. On top of the butter is a frothy egg (?), it doesn't have a lot of flavor to it but it's a cool texture and presents well on the plate. I opted for the skillet cornbread and the squeeze opted for the fried chicken sandwich. Our waitress, who was super friendly and informative, explained that they pour the cornbread batter into the skillet and bake it there. They crack an egg onto it mid-way so you get this delicious slightly runny cooked egg in the center covered in crisp bacon and cheese. I loved it! The squeeze's sandwich looked really good, the chicken was perfectly fried and the whole sandwich tasted hearty and generous. Once the bar was full we didn't see our waitress for a while, we were off to the side so I think we temporarily got forgotten about. Otherwise, great food and I'm sure we'll be back. Overall I'd say it was a win!

    (4)

  • Marilyn C.

    Really enjoyed this place. The upstairs restaurant was a 20 min. wait so we headed down to their downstairs bar around the corner and got a seat right away. We shared a few plates - the suckling pig was a stand-out. I had a red and white glass of wine - both were nice. Would definitely stop in here again.

    (4)

  • Michael D.

    As I write this review I am sitting at the downstairs bar after a weekday lunch. It's relatively quiet. I have been done eating for about 15 minutes sitting quietly with cash on the bar ready to leave. Just wondering why the bartender keeps looking at my money in front of me and moving on to the next thing instead of checking me out. Kind of annoying but the food is really good. I had the Baja fish sandwich and it's yummy.

    (4)

  • Chris U.

    We tried to go to Central Provisions the evening before for dinner and were greeted with a one hour and fourth-five minute wait. Honestly, for a place with that much hype, we would have gotten some cocktails at their bar downstairs or in the surrounding area and waited it out, but it was already 8:30pm and we were starving. So we decided to come back the next morning and have an early brunch and, boy, that wound up being an excellent choice. The main upstairs dining room is small - maybe 10 tables and 10 seats at the bar. We enjoyed sitting at the bar and watching the chefs work. The food they turned out was superb. Their "Bread and Butter" with hazelnut butter and egg sabillion was a great way to start. The Skillet Cornbread, loaded with bacon, cheese and a surprise egg in the middle is a day's worth of calories, but awesome. The Spicy Raw Beef Salad was one of the best things I've had in a long time - amazing mix of flavors. And the lamb burger was juicy and delicious. The dishes are served in small plate format, but they really aren't all that tiny. In addition it should be noted that they have a Grade A cocktail menu and the classic Cuban daiquiri was a great start to the day. We arrived at 11:15, just after they opened and the place was empty and quiet. By 11:45, however, they already had a wait, so be sure to get their early or be prepared to wait. Absolutely worth the wait, however!

    (5)

  • Sarah H.

    We've been in before for drinks (hello Prosecco on tap and some of the most creative cocktails in the Old Port - tonight's special was the first seasonal strawberries infused in tequila with house-made rhubarb soda - excellent!) Tonight we had food - three of the small plates: Szechuan Purple Broccoli with broad rice noodles; Spicy Fried Maine Potatoes; and Asparagus en Croute. The broccoli was salty and savory, the noodles almost crispy - very good. The potatoes were nice, fried rounds with salt, pepper, and spice dust. The Asparagus en Croute may be one of my new favorite things in Portland. House made puff pastry, ham, Dijon, and asparagus, dresses with a sweet, fig aioli. The staff are attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. The space is clean, inviting, and at a pleasant noisy (but not too loud) level.

    (5)

  • Jennifer L.

    My husband and I wandered in here one Sunday for brunch. The place is small but sweet. They have an open kitchen which we like because you can watch the chefs create everything. We had the Breakfast Burger, The Chopped Salad, the hash browns and the French Toast. First came the salad. Pardon my language but Holy Shit that may have been the BEST salad we both have ever had. The combination of flavored and textures was incredible. Then came the Hashbrowns and French Toast. Each was perfectly cooked. The French toast was so velvety and the butter and syrup were delightful! Finally we had the breakfast burger. There is just something about the flavor of fresh ground grass fed beef. So yummy and the bacon and egg added an amazing richness. The service was friendly but a little slow. To get each round of drinks took 15-20 each time. However the food came out evenly based.

    (4)

  • Megh R.

    I'm beyond excited to write my third and final review for Central Provisions. Really, my need for a third is the reason why I shouldn't be writing reviews about restaurants without visiting them a few couple times. I've now eaten dinner at Central four times, in addition to numerous visits for cocktails. I'm so happy to say that, as I predicted in my first review, Central Provisions has incited a rapid change of opinion from me in the year and a half it has been open. There are some items on the menu that I am certain I cannot live without. Suckling Pig, for one. Spicy Beef Salad. Roasted Cauliflower. All are mouthwatering; delicious. And both silly but not silly at all is the Bread and Butter. I could eat all the farm egg sabayon in the world and still not be sated. I love that Central has prosecco on draft. I now find this detail to be necessary for my happiness. I still don't like the beet salad, but that's okay. Who likes everything on a menu? That's why menus exist, after all. Service has improved dramatically, too. I know it may seem like common sense that a restaurant should function this way, but Central really does put the customer first, and I've felt very well taken care of during my past couple visits. If I remember correctly, the Central Provisions t-shirts read 'I live therefore I drink' across the back. Isn't there anything truer?

    (4)

  • Susan R.

    As always- the bar side of this place is killing it. Punch bowls?! Hells to the yes. Bar snacks? Absolutely. You simply should not visit Portland without a trip to the lower level of Central Provisions.

    (5)

  • LYndsey D.

    We only came for drinks per recommendations of family, and we were glad we came! Good beer selection and the bartenders were very friendly. Cozy bar with a somewhat hipster feel. We will be back again!

    (5)

  • Patrick C.

    Over an hour wait upstairs, thank goodness she offered the bar downstairs. An hour later..,new favorite place in Portland!!! Note to Sur Lie...this is how small plates are done!!! The beet salad...great! Followed by the tuna crudo..lightly touched by sesame oil..fantastic !! Then came the spicy beef salad...touch of cilantro and siracha...outstanding! Finished up with pears and grilled goat cheese and 15 year old balsamic...amazing!! Add friendly service, great beer selection and my beautiful girlfriend...no words!!!

    (5)

  • Cassandra P.

    Yes to this. 5 stars because it's worth the experience. The flavors vary tremendously but each small plate was delish. All servers, bartenders and manager were attentive. They have prosecco on tap. We ordered several small plates at lunch. All was good. Beet salad Raw beef Tuna crudo Croquettes A beer A glass of wine $50 Full

    (5)

  • Kylie D.

    To me, Central Provisions is like the handsome, popular, BMOC quarterback in high school. He's gorgeous, everyone loves him and they all think he's the absolute best at everything he does. Girls line up to date him and boys secretly want to be him (or be with him). But then, when you get up close, you see that he has a little acne on his left cheek, he's getting a C in English and he's a terrible driver. You know, just a normal guy - still way above average, but really not that much different than anyone else at school. You still want to hang out with him, but he's not such a mystery anymore. I went into Central Provisions expecting to have my mind blown by its culinary spectacularity but I came out thinking, "wow, this is a great little place". To set the scene, you need to know that I went on a Saturday at 4:50pm. My friends and I were the first in line (yes, you need to que up to get in) and we got the best seat in the house right in the window. Five minutes after we were seated, the place was packed. At 5:05 we placed our drink order. By 5:30, we still had no drinks. I get it, these are hand-crafted cocktails and they take some time, but probably not 25 minutes. Our server was nowhere to be found so I waived down the maître d' (I think at first he thought I was just being friendly) and we had a little chat. From then on, service was impeccable. They were instantly sensitive to our special needs (we had a 1 1/2 year with us who was about to go to her cranky/tired place) everything was PERFECT from that point on. I was feeling really food fatigued (too much good food in too short a period of time) so I kept it paleo ordering a pile of serrano ham and a 1/2 dozen oysters to go with my Perfect Storm cocktail. Our server made the oyster selections for me and everything was on point. YUM. I honestly can't remember what my friends ordered - but I remember sampling the bread and butter (not paleo but delicious) and the carrots. I also sampled a dish sent out compliments of the chef - a house-made English muffin with pureed chicken livers, an fried egg and chives. It was heavenly. We shared some desserts and though I didn't try the foie gras parfait, I did enjoy a bite or two of the grilled banana bread with maple/pecan ice cream. YUM. I can see what all the hubbub is about at Central Provisions. This is incredibly innovative and well-prepared food created by a truly passionate team. Is it worth a three-hour wait? I'm not sure, but everything that anyone reads or hears about this place says it is, so they'll always be a line. I would love to claim CP as a cozy neighborhood/Portland joint but I'm afraid it belongs to the people now.

    (4)

  • Maria P.

    I chose no not wait to eat here last summer because of the huge line/wait. Boy was I glad my boyfriend and I went early this past Saturday night! "This is one of the best meals of my life", said my 52 year old boyfriend! I agree with him. We were lucky enough to be seated at the bar, right in front of head chef/owner Chris. We initially ordered 5 or 6 small plates. That soon changed as I was witness to each dish that left the kitchen. I was like a kid in a candy store of culinary delights! I quickly began ordering more and more dishes, from the fried softshell crab to the crispy skin pork. Absolutely every dish was a work of art with multiple layers of flavors! The roasted cauliflower had some roasted chickpeas, mint, and several other ingredients that made it one of our favorites of the night. This was a special meal and worth every calorie I indulged!

    (5)

  • Maura Q.

    I had heard really good things about Central Provisions and I have to say I was not disappointed. My co-workers and I sat at the bar, which only contained another couple and it seemed that there was no one else around. The male bartender was actually very rude and either needed to take a break, or was trying to leave (maybe it was the end of his shift?). He was very impatient, but the woman he was working with was a breath of fresh air (dark hair, bangs, in a light up-do). She was sarcastic, funny, and helpful. She changed our whole experience just by taking over. We all ordered drinks, I got the Glass Slipper $10 (Maine vodka, elderflower liqueur, orange blossom water, and prosecco). My co-workers tried the Knickerbocker (very sweet), Corpse Reviver #3.5, and the Pisco Sidecar. We decided to get a few small plates. The bread and butter was great (keep in mind, that they are definitely SMALL plates, but if you're in the mood for snacking, it's the perfect portion). The egg was interesting, but good. It didn't have a lot of flavor, but complimented the butter well. I tried a few bites of beef tartar for the first time and have fallen in love. It was perfectly seasoned and the french fries were cute (yes, cute little crispy delicious things) and went perfectly with the beef. I also tried a few bites of the spicy beef salad, which was just the right kind of spicy and crunchy. We all left very satisfied (minus the one bartender). I will be back to Central Provisions to try more (hopefully delicious) small plates and drinks! Their brunch menu looks pretty tasty as well.

    (5)

  • Rich W.

    The food was extremely tasty and the staff, especially the host, were quite pleasant. Main nits were the high prices and small portions. The raw oysters, while quite delicious, were by far the smallest I've ever seen. They were $15 for a half dozen and no bigger (perhaps even smaller) than Littleneck clams. The heirloom tomato salad for $14 was also quite overpriced. Way too much $$ for a few cherry tomatoes and some bread cubes. The burrata crostini with garlic and fennel pollen was very delectable but $12 for a little cheese and bread is hard to swallow.

    (3)

  • Peter W.

    It was cold and rainy outside and we were hungry so we walked a block or so and decided to try this place out. I usually check Yelp first, but like I said, it was cold and rainy. We were surprised to find this amazing place. They were serving brunch we had the Scrapple and eggs, Skillet Cornbread, Jamon, and Bloody Mary. The food was delicious. The bar stools aren't that comfortable - but maybe it helps to keep people moving along. It was great to see the chefs at work, so calm and dedicated to their craft. We will be back.

    (5)

  • Kuan-wei C.

    Wonderful and delightful tasting food! Definitely try the grilled corn bread and Maine melon

    (5)

  • Eva D.

    This place is incredible. Great small plates with a unique combination of ingredients and flavors. We had the Maine melon on the brunch menu, which was great. Combo of fresh melon with crispy quinoa and pine nuts. Yum. They also brought us a free lobster fritter on the house!!

    (5)

  • Selina W.

    Great salads. Great flatbread. Great location. Great waitstaff. Two thumbs up. Had homemade sausage flatbread with blue cheese crumbles salad. Excellent.

    (5)

  • Kelsey S.

    We were in Portland for five days, and in that time period, we visited Central Provisions twice: once for a late lunch and once for brunch. The tapas-sized portions were ideal for sampling and sharing, so we were able to try a number of the dishes on the menu. Standouts included the tuna crudo, smoked carrots and corn fritters. The crudo was tender, and the radish, mustard and sesame paired nicely in terms of both texture and flavor. The carrots were smoked, but served chilled and with goat cheese and pistachio. The smoky, dense carrots, crunchy nuts and soft cheese complimented each other nicely. And the corn fritters were rich (definitely a dish to share) with added heat from the jalapeño aioli. We also ordered heirloom tomatoes, the cheese plate, hash browns, local mixed greens and the sheep's cheese. The only dish I would not order again was the sheep's cheese; the first bite was fine, but the aftertaste was sickly and almost burnt. For dessert, we caved and had the cinnamon roll. Don't say no to the cinnamon roll. We sat at the upstairs bar and really enjoyed chatting with the chef about food (and watching all of the dishes be prepared). If we find ourselves in Portland again, we would certainly return to Central Provisions.

    (4)

  • Créme F.

    Outstanding! Quality, creative and local food at its absolute best. Exquisitly executed to perfection.

    (5)

  • Katie V.

    This place is a "can't miss." The dining experience was wonderful, we sat at the bar and saw the kitchen staff craft some of the most artful dishes and drinks we've seen. We ordered 5-6 small plates for two people and every single one was more delicious than the last. The tuna tartare, salads, and pork dishes were especially amazing. Would return 100%.

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    Great food, great service! We arrived about 10 minutes early for 5pm opening. Asked to sit in the bar area and were escorted to corner chairs with fantastic view of the open kitchen. Our server Stephen was so friendly and informative, he explained how tapas and beverage menu worked from lighter fare to heavier. We had Tuna crudo, melon salad, chop salad, both carrot and cauliflower plates and pork belly. Everything was so delicious and fresh, very inventive and texturally complex. My husband and I plan to go back before the weekend is over and we head back to CT as we both agreed it was one of the best meals we have ever had:) Fantastic experience!

    (5)

  • Ana C.

    Went here on Saturday evening after waiting for two hours for a table. The food is phenomenal - I won't list the tapas that were the best because every single one of the eight that we ordered were fantastic. With that said, the service leaves a lot to be desired. I don't know if it's because my group looked young or because they were so busy, but the waitstaff was dismissive and even rude to us, which was a shame because we dropped at least $200 on a few tapas and a bottle of wine (there were only three of us). I don't know that the service makes the food worth it, especially after waiting for two hours for a table. I definitely got recommendations from locals of other places around that also have great food and better service.

    (4)

  • Robin C.

    Everything, I mean, everything I thought I knew about life forever changed after I became intrigued by this location. I would be remiss if I didn't start by thanking my fellow Yelpers because your reviews gave me strength during my 2 1/2 hour wait. When I began to speculate as to why I was lurking around the door praying people would move a little faster, trying to convince myself to walk away, I couldn't. And I'm so glad I stayed. When it was finally our time to shine, I was immediately struck by the irony that hip hop music was being pumped into the air. It also made me fall in love with this tapas restaurant. We quickly ordered drinks, I had the barrel aged Manhattan. We then attacked the menu. From the lobster toast, corn fritters, halibut ala plancha, heirloom tomatoes, aracini, there was no wrong choice. The moment that my life changed forever was when I bit into the Suckling Pig. Listen when I say you MUST order this. Do not play around with your life and not order this. It is a 40 hour process of love to make this dish. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! My only regret - ever doubting the wait wouldn't be worth it.

    (5)

  • Joanie L.

    Can't disagree with all the 5 star reviews. Sun. of 4th of July weekend was busy but not insane. Guy working the door said 30 min and the gal said almost 75 so when we got zapped at 40 min, we were psyched (after a nice pleasant drink and wontons at Glass Bar across the street). Opted for sitting at the chef's bar so we could watch the action. Split three dishes: the asparagus pastry cheese thing, the burrata crostini w/ grilled spring onions and the pork belly. All were excellent. The server and others working the host stand were very cool. Dessert was a nice rhubarb tart. With a beer, a wine, tax and tip it was about $88. Very happy to finally try this place.

    (5)

  • Lorena H.

    My boyfriend and I went to this incredible restaurant last night. All the dishes were amazing. We tried the bread and butter, beet salad, pig, oysters with Thai ice, and halibut ... The flavor and seasoning was excellent. Perfect portions and fair pricing for the quality. I absolutely loved our waitress. She was kind, informed, and very helpful. It was also lovely to sit at the bar and watch mastery unfold at the kitchen. For drink, we shared a bowl of one of their delicious punches. It was refreshing and perfect for a Friday evening out to dinner.

    (5)

  • Bree A.

    Sat at the bar. Loved watching the kitchen staff do their thing. Delicious small plates; especially loved the caramelized sheep's cheese. WHY DO WE NOT CARAMELIZE CHEESE MORE OFTEN?!

    (5)

  • Lauren A.

    This place, though. Between the $5 mimosa/bloody mary special (daily 11a-4p) and the amazing food, I literally asked the bartenders if I could move in. The staff is great, the food and drink selection and quality is fantastic and the atmosphere is familiar and inviting. The chopped salad was one of the best plates of food I've ever had (um, candied bacon and homemade garlic ranch dressing...yeah). I'm embarrassed we've come to Portland a couple times before this weekend and never tried it. Needless to say, there is no doubt we will return.

    (5)

  • Brett F.

    Central Provisions has been THE hot restaurant in Portland this summer. With a no-reservation policy, people have waited hours to dine on small plates while sipping prohibition-era cocktails in this chic restaurant. For me personally, I'll shrug my shoulders. As a lifelong Portland resident, I'm used to seeing this concept in Boston and New York, not in this more intimate city. The top floor on Fore Street is the restaurant portion, and it is trendy beautiful. A long bar holds most of the seating, with small tables lined against the wall. The downstairs on Wharf Street is a smaller bar and a common area meant for standing and mingling. At 10 pm on a Monday, just after the Summer busy season, we took the last two seats at the upstairs bar. The menus are expansive. The drink menu is comprised of 10 or so interesting cocktails, local craft beers, and thoughtful wines. There are homemade sodas for those not drinking. The food menu is the small plate concept, separated into hot and cold plates. Our knowledgeable and helpful waitress explained each dish and gave recommendations with ease. While sipping on the hangover-inducing Corpse Reviver, we decided on two oysters each, lobster toast, potatoes and ketchup, and the small portion of the suckling pig. Everything was delicious, but smallish. The suckling pig in particular was about 3" X 2," for $14. It was the standout for taste though, along with the mini panini of lobster toast. After another cocktail, we weren't exactly full, but not hungry either, and were quite buzzed. The bill was nearly $100 before tip. For the people who like this sort of place, it's really good food and drinks in a hip atmosphere. For me, I'll wait until the hype cools and will have a cocktail in the downstairs bar.

    (4)

  • Jason A.

    When I walked in on a Monday to a 30 minute wait, I knew I had arrived. Small place, but luckily they had some room at the bar, (where you can order). If you put your name on the list, they will text you when your table is ready if you want to walk around. Thank god some places are embracing technology. I had 3 dishes, and each was more of a revelation then the next. The strawberries with balsamic and guanciale was a perfect start. The super fresh strawberries, mixed heavenly with the acidity of the vinegar and saltiness of the meat. Next, I had the aspargus wrapped in cheese, fig, mustard, ham, and puff pastry. The pastry alone had have been award winning, but once you had everything in one bite, you can tell the chef has an amazing and creative palate. Lastly, I had some foie. Thank the lord someone actually gives you a seared piece of foie in two sizes. They stole my heart. Best place I've been in a long time, most creative as well. This is the real deal. I am saddened I cannot have Chef Gould's food regularly.

    (5)

  • Lisa F.

    Just had another phenomenal experience at CP. Highlight was turning my 20-year old blossoming foodiephile son onto the food. "The color scheme on the roasted cauliflower is so on point" skillet corn bread, tuna crudo, spicy beef salad, chopped salad, spicy Maine potatoes, French toast and breakfast cheeseburger. Fantastic!

    (5)

  • Jessica O.

    We got here at 5pm and put in our names. We were quoted an 1.5 hour wait. It was wirth it. We walked around the town and window shopped until we got hungry. We ordered like royalty. We got the Portuguese crudo, the bread and butter, the clams, the o toro, the halibut ceviche, the burrata, the grilled favs beans, the cauliflower, the flank steak, the grilled halibut, and many cocktails. The bread and butter with garlic butter and egg yolks was amazing. The burrata was sexy. The clams were delicious. My only true complaints were the o toro was a little chewy and probably wasn't a cut that should have been served, it was a little sinewy. The glass slipper was delicious as well and i confess I got a little tipsy. Well worth a visit.

    (5)

  • Jacky Y.

    I read a lot of great reviews about Central Provisions. It set my expectations pretty high. The place was jam packed and I had to wait 30 to 45 minutes. It definitely was a long wait, but the food was pretty good. My gf wanted to try this place because she wanted to try a bunch of few small dishes. Food: The dishes we got was the suckling pig, lobster toast, and roasted brussel sprouts. The suckling pig was amazing. It is so juicy and the flavor just pops in your mouth. This is definitely my favorite dish out of the three. The lobster toast is good too but I feel like my expectation of it should contain a decent chunks of lobster especially since they have access to the best/fresh lobsters. I really like the roasted brussel sprouts. I think adding a tint of cranberry along with the crunch of the walnut is a nice touch. Service: We sat at the bar because we didn't want to wait any longer and the bar opened up. The bartender taking care of us is really friendly and made sure we were taken care of. I understand it was a very busy time, but felt we were forgotten until the bartender. Decor: There is a upper level and a lower level. We sat at the lower level around the bar. I only really got a good look around the lower level. It had a typical feel and look of a bar type decoration with the wood fixtures. The place needs to be better insulated in my opinion. It really felt cold when I was there. I kept my jacket on the entire time. Final thoughts: I would definitely go back and try their other dishes. The suckling pig is a must try if you ever decide to try this establishment.

    (4)

  • Margaret M.

    Winner of the most creative menu thus far in Portland goes to Central Provisions. I love that they infuse so many unique ingredients to create dishes that are equally as beautiful in presentation and flavor. Watching their kitchen staff from the bar is truly a treat! Service was excellent and quite attentive, our water glasses never went empty, when we needed something our server was already standing behind us to check on us and she was friendly to boot. We shared quite a few small plates including the Beer Tartare, Burrata Cheese, Spicy Fried Potatoes & Lobster Toast. My personal favorites were the Tartare & fried potatoes - both perfect appetizers. I also had a darn strong drink, that I can't recall the name of (hence the darn strong description) and the husband had a gypsy beer which we had never seen before which was fun. What I loved most though was the vibe & decor. It's a small space, but they've done a great job with all of the furnishings and the layouts and the music was amazing (it's the little things for me).

    (4)

  • Kristina D.

    Okay. Tried some restaurants that were considered the best in the area and I am happy and unequivocally ready to say that this was a truly amazing dining experience and I'm pretty sure this place will quickly become "the" place to go in Portland. It's hard to even narrow down my favorite small plates as practically everything we had was amazing. And for the records / not a light order, we had a party of eight. If I had to narrow down I would say the spicy beef salad, beet salad, duck tangine, lamb sausage, fois gras, and lobster toast. Basically this place rivaled NYC Restaurants and I highly recommended the experience

    (5)

  • Katharine R.

    Best meal I've ever had! I was visiting Portland with my family for a few days and randomly found out way to the downstairs bar just for a drink until the rain stopped. We all ordered the special Rhubarb drink and loved it. It was so good that we decided to stay for dinner. The carrots were unbelievable! The whole meal was actually unbelievable. My family and I are planning a trip back to Portland just to eat here again. Highly Recommended!

    (5)

  • Sabrina C.

    Exceptional American cuisine, reasonably priced. Amazing croissant sandwich with beef teriyaki and kimchi. No reservations so plan ahead if you want to go here because sometimes there is a long wait. They were robbed of not winning the James Beard Award!

    (5)

  • Lucy W.

    I wasn't able to be in Portland for dinner but I did have time to stop by Central Provisions for lunch...while I wasn't able to partake in any of the ceviches, crudos, or tartare's that I desperately wanted to try, I did try the lobster toast, which was actually more of a grilled panini with lobster filling. It was buttery, crunchy and tasty...not a way I would traditionally have lobster, but yum! I didn't really care for the smattering of grass clippings and flower buds they sprinkled on top, but made up for it with the creamy green curry/cilantro spread that I smothered on the lobster toast. I sat at the bar overlooking the open kitchen (of course I would choose the bar overlooking the food versus the bar overlooking the alcohol) so I had a front row seat to the action of watching the chefs prepare all the lunch dishes. Don't know how they do it with all eyes watching them...they are experts, people. And something not mentioned on many of the other reviews...the house made sodas...i tried the spiced maple soda and it was DIVINE! Get it now...you won't be sorry. Parking...either metered street parking on a first come first serve basis (I scored a rock star spot on Fore St right in front by arriving early before 11am), or you will have to seek out a parking garage or public lot and pay for it. Oh, and Stephen the server...you are adorable and very funny...don't let the Portland hipsters change you :)

    (4)

  • Justine J.

    This place is just... too good. The atmosphere is amazing, we had very quick and attentive service, it wasn't too crowded or loud, and both the food and the cocktails were incredible. They do small plates primarily, which is great for going with friends and getting to try a whole bunch of different options. Highly, highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Sharon F.

    We were here a year ago and it was unequivocally a five, and we were really looking forward to a return visit, but this year nothing about the experience came close. The food was all good, but nothing stood out as exceptional, especially at a time of year when seasonal ingredients are at their finest. It was a Sunday night and we willingly waited an hour; service was acceptable. Given all of the amazing food in this city, I doubt we will return, and we're sorry we didn't try something else.

    (3)

  • Jesse T.

    What an excellent meal!! Chef and staff were on their game. Inventive dishes, really flavorful and well balanced. Bread and butter, beet salad, and fish croquettes were standout. For anyone visiting Portland, be sure to check it out!

    (5)

  • karina g.

    After reading a TON of articles and reviews, I think I may have set my expectations a little high... or it may be that I came for lunch instead of dinner. I've tried to go for dinner several times and have never been able to go. But it's simple, fresh local ingredients, small but nice wine list. Interesting tapas style menu that's good to go with friends.

    (4)

  • Tracy X.

    Portland ME is one of our favorite road trip destinations in the Summer, it's not only scenic but has loads of true New England character. The restaurants in Portland are also pretty phenomenal, and Central Provisions is one of the reasons that keeps luring us back. They do keep a seasonal menu, but there are a few staples. Let me just say, the bluefin tuna crudo..wow. For the 2 of us, we would order 4-5 plates along with a sandwich, and it's perfect.The space is quite small and rather cozy, although grabbing a spot at the bar upstairs is actually better than table since you can see the chefs at work. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Erica K.

    Suckling. Pig. Really that's all I need to write -- the suckling pig is out of this world. We went for dinner and ordered the spicy beef salad. My boyfriend loved it but I don't do raw. He said it was spicy and delicious and cold. We ordered bread and butter, spicy Maine potatoes, and the suckling pig. We could have ordered everything off the menu but the suckling pig is the star of the menu. The apple butter is delicious, the almonds are a perfect accompaniment and the suckling pig is just roasted, crispy perfection. It comes in a square which was interesting to me at first but after I tasted it, I was in heaven. The atmosphere is cozy. We sat at the bar and watched them make the food. Geniuses at work. I can't wait to go back and try more off the menu.

    (5)

  • Heather C.

    Delicious! The spicy beef salad on the raw menu was the best out of the 3 things we ordered, though the bread & butter and bone marrow were also good. The atmosphere was perfect for late night drinks.

    (5)

  • Linda F.

    Wonderful creative and very high quality small plates. The suckling pig with apple butter and Marcona almonds was delish as expected but who knew carrots were the stuff of dreams? They are here where they are smoked, caramelized and served with goat cheese. The tomato salad, fish sandwich and corn and bean salad were also exemplary dishes which show how flavorful simple ingredients can be in the hands of a skilled chef. I would give it 5 stars but for the server we had Sept. 4 at dinner. She said if our party of two ordered a punch for two no other alcohol could be on the table. I planned to drink the punch throughout dinner and my friend wanted wine. Not possible, the young bespectacled server said. We had not been drinking prior to entering the restaurant but punch AND wine was too much alcohol on the table, she said. Crazy! She also removed wine glasses with wine still in them and when I whispered to her that she should not do that she said okay crossly and walked away. No apology. At lunch the service was fabulous - friendly and informed. But our dinner server needs some remedial training. We sat downstairs both times and the overall vibe was grest.

    (4)

  • Tony W.

    I went out to Central Provisions on a rainy Saturday evening with some friends who were welcoming me back to Maine after my eight years away. They said it was the new trendy place to try, and that there was no better reintroduction to the culinary scene in Maine than here. We were told there would be a two hour wait for a table, so we headed over to Novare Res for a few libations to kill the time. (Caveat: Due to waiting out our reservation at Novare Res - and the three Russian Imperial Stouts that I imbibed - the events that follow are either hazy, missing, partially fabricated or reconstructed by looking at the online menu. Take what I write with a grain of salt.) Once we were seated, the carnage commenced. For those of you not familiar with this restaurant, it's essentially a menu comprised of small plates that add up VERY fast. Especially if you've been drinking beforehand. We were each tasked by selecting one small plate per each section of the menu, and this is what I remember we had: Drinks: While we were waiting for our order, I believe I ordered a Rising Tide seasonal on draft. I followed it with one more midway through the plates. Raw: - Tuna Tartare - Beef Tartara - Spicy Beef Salad Notes: To be honest, I can't remember how the tuna and beef tartare were, so I assume that to mean that they were just OK. I do remember the Spicy beef salad, and it was EXCELLENT. Cold: - Selection of Cheeses - Bread & Butter - Beet Salad Notes: SO TASTY. Who knew you could make bread & butter even better? Fancy bread and homemade fancy butter knew. And you can never go wrong with a cheese plate, especially at a place that takes pride in farm to fork, locally sourced food. I'll bet if you asked, they'd even know the name of the cow the milk for the cheese came from. Hot: - Brussels Sprouts - Fried Spicy Potatoes - arancini Notes: I think it was at this point that I remember not wanting this night to end. This truly is the place for those with a culinary short attention span. As soon as you're done with one flavor, you're on to the next. Brussels sprouts to potatoes, to arancini. Different textures and flavors - so good! - and all well prepared with care. The brussels sprouts are similar (but not as good) to the brussels sprouts appetizer at Miyake. Hearty: - Suckling Pig - Dry Aged Sirloin On to the meats. Both were so well prepared and tasty! I think I was speechless with my eyes closed at this point. Just chewing and smiling. After dinner, we each ordered desserts, along with digestifs to share, and I (foolishly?) had one more drink - their Manhattan Cocktail. Very well-prepared drink, and that's not just the various layers of alcohol speaking. Or maybe it was. I heartily enjoyed it, at the very least in that particular liquor-enhanced moment. I don't remember the desserts - let's be honest, I was completely toasted by this point - but I know I also enjoyed them. I was thoroughly impressed with the service. Our primary server was very friendly and attentive. After we ordered, different servers would bring plates over three at a time, and provide background on each plate and, when possible, where the ingredients were sourced from. At the end of our meal, the owner of the place introduced himself to us and asked us how our meals were. He had actually been one of the servers bringing our plates over! Overall, every single dish was thoughtful, well-plated and extremely enjoyable, and I had a great time sharing plates with friends. Eating here seems to be as much about what you're eating as it is with whom your eating; it's a shared experience and a sharing experience. Depending on how many plates you order, dinner could easily stretch two hours - hence, the two hour waits to get a table. I kept going back and forth on whether I should give this place four or five stars. I feel like the portions on some of the plates do not quite live up to their price. Based on my experience and the overall quality of the food, drinks and service, I decided to give this place the benefit of the doubt. Bring some friends here for the experience, but be prepared to drop some serious coin!

    (5)

  • Jameson B.

    First off I have to say we came here looking for brunch, but weren't overly impressed with the offerings, but decided to stay for a drink. Very cool little spot and bar downstairs with a dining room upstairs. It's not to say that the food was bad, but nothing jumped out to us and it seemed a little pricey for small plates. That being said, the bloody mary's were awesome with kimchi. Would give it another shot maybe for dinner.

    (4)

  • Paulas B.

    I wish I got to try their dinner but I did try their lunch and I gotta say, the lobster fritters, the fish sandwich and their drinks as well were SPOT ON! Place is amazing; be prepared to wait a long time if you don't line up for dinner however.

    (5)

  • Alexander B.

    Central Provisions has become something of a hangout for young professionals, a foodie alternative to Sonny's. You can understand my amazement that we were able to get seats at the bar at 6pm last night. It's my understanding that this restaurant is home to a few Hugo's alums in the kitchen, and they share the same MO: expensive, small, freakin' amazing plates. Unless you are a high-roller, don't come here starving. The drinks here are good, some are even very good, but it's the bartenders that do the heavy-lifting. They are uber-knowledgeable about their specialty drinks, but even more so, GOOD BEER. Quirky taps abound, and I've been pointed in the direction of several brews that I had no idea I missed out on. The food is delicious, but the stand-out, for us, was the bread and butter, and amazing, savory/sweet small plate that we order every single time. I will definitely be back in the coming snacking hours.

    (4)

  • Chris P.

    Amazing. Delicious. The crudo and the bone marrow make me quiver at night in remembrance.

    (5)

  • Chrissy H.

    I'll admit that it took me a while to warm up to Central Provisions. Initially, I wasn't impressed with the food and I thought the drinks were good but the wait time between ordering and having my drink in hand was way too long. The first time we went for dinner, the food itself was fine, but our server either brought us the wrong dishes or didn't bring some dishes at all. Every time he visited our table, something else went wrong. I had almost given up hope until I stopped in for lunch one day. I am ready to admit that the Spicy Chicken Sandwich on the adorable little brioche roll, slathered in ranch and topped with cole slaw is my current favorite food. I don't find the sandwich super picante, but if spice is what you want, pair it (or the duck panini) with the spicy fried potatoes. The bread and butter is also quite delicious. I finally got to try the cinnamon roll, but I must admit I was a bit disappointed with it. Too dry and not nearly enough glaze. I want it drenched! But the drink specials make up for it. Last time it was a $6 Bloody Mary with Kimchee garnish. It really hit the spot. Also the local beer selection is quite good and reasonably priced. If dinner is too big a commitment- or the wait is too long- stop in for lunch.

    (4)

  • Connor J.

    Was in town on business staying out in Westport, ventured down town to try out something a little different than the typical gauntlet of seafood restaurants found by port towns. Wow, this place was awesome. I started with their current rotation Maine Beer Company which happened to be their MO (pale ale) and their tuna tartare which happened to be on special that night, both were fantastic. I ordered a second MO with dinner, which I decided to go with their suckling pig. My only regret is I went with the half portion instead of the full. Wow, you start with about a quarter inch thick layer of fat that was cooked to the crispiest crisp I've ever seen, then the meat layer was so tender you did not need a knife to cut it. I forget what the sauce was, apple butter or something, that was wonderful as well. For pseudo-dessert I went with the fried goat cheese with raspberries and balsamic vinegar. Perfect mix of salty, sweet, crunchy, and soft to wrap up the night (and soak up the 2 pints of strong pale ale I had in my belly). I will definitely keep this place in mind if I'm ever back up in this part of the country. -Connor

    (5)

  • Josie S.

    As reviews suggest, the quality here is really at a high level. All are small plates, and can be quite small, but we had three plates each and were just satisfied enough. The carrots and goat cheese was loved by both my partner and I, and the raw spicy beef was my fave. The overall bill is a bit high once all is accounted for, and the place is a bit cramped and needs to expand the space. So four stars for the quality...a hair cheaper I coulda given it five.

    (4)

  • Brea L.

    Perfect portions to try a bit of everything. They don't take reservations so make sure to walk by and book your table early, very early! Worth the wait. Delicious and a bit of everything on the menu.

    (5)

  • Alise K.

    Stopped in for drinks before dinner. We entered from the wharf st. Entrance and sat at the cozy bar there. Had a really good absolute Cosmo.

    (4)

  • Bill M.

    OMG! LUNCH!! What an experience. Beginning with the Boquerones, beautiful white anchovies in garlic, parsley vinegar and olive oil. So refreshing! Equality refreshing was the delicious ginger smash I had with it. It's so nice to have the option of a non-alcoholic cocktail that was designed for adults. Perfect for a workday lunch. I followed this with the super-amazing-Yumalicious (my adjectives) Spicy fried chicken sandwich. So crispy/moist/tender/rich and topped with slaw. Served on a dense,slightly sweet roll that elevated the whole meal to a sweet summer picnic heaven.

    (5)

  • Allie O.

    DUDE. Best meal I had in Portland, by far and away. It's not easy to get a table, so I hear, but we didn't have a problem walking in there at 6pm sharp with a party of three. We also seemed to have taken the last table available. Score. I can appreciate that there will be a wait for this place. It's on the small side. The setup creates this classy/casual vibe. Oh, I had just ended like a 7 hour road trip and was wearing yoga pants from Victoria Secret, a tank top that did not match at ALL, an equally unmatching hoodie, a yellow unmatching scarf, and green Vans that I have torn up over the years with my feet adventures. No one seemed to care. Which I found remarkable and comforting. You can see the chefs prepare some of the food at the bar in the middle of the restaurant, if your table is in that section. It's always nice to watch a show like that and, further, it helps me to know that their kitchen sanitation is spot on. Small plates. Order as you go. Hang onto a menu. Definitely get the steak, it's freaking delicious. The roast chicken was tasty and inspired me to replicate the wonderful squash puree underneath. We got the caramelized cheese plate which was scrumptious and worked for dessert cause I. Was. Full. Everything we had was outrageously wonderful and in the end we spent about $70/person. That's insanely inexpensive when you consider we ordered about 14 dishes, and 6 cocktails. We might have ordered more, I don't remember. Most of their menu appears to change with the seasons so I won't mention what other dishes I had and make you jealous with no path towards satisfaction. Just know that you won't be disappointed and they won't make you hide your weird outfit.

    (5)

  • Ashley W.

    As soon as I walked through the door, i fell in love with the vibe in this place. Obviously a favorite spot for many, as the wait time for 2 was an hour long. We decided to check out the bar downstairs, and were lucky to grab a seat within 20 minutes. Fully stocked bar with very creative drinks. I just ordered a Dissarono sour. They had a lot of beers on draft that you usually wouldn't see elsewhere. I didn't really like that cuz i was looking for a familiar drink. We started off with the bread and butter- sourdough bread with hazelnut butter and farm egg. A MUST HAVE!!!! It was insanely delicious. Also ordered Shrimp A La Plancha, which was delicious and had a nice crunch to it. Bone Marrow was good. Crab and Chips... was not what i expected. Definitely a very creative dish. Not your usual tortilla chip, but like... plantane chips with crab, grapefruit, cilantro, and onions-- a lot of flavor going on. It wasn't bad, just different. Although, i dont think I'll be ordering that again.

    (5)

  • Jacob B.

    I could write a book on this place but will try and keep it to a short story. My girlfriend's parents and spent one day in Portland on our way back from Bar Harbor. this day also happened to be my birthday. After wondering around downtown for a few hours we decided to go find this place. We knew they didn't take reservations, so we wanted to put our name down early and go clean up. We walked in to find the manger and hostess standing there, and the restaurant was PACKED. And this was not even 7pm yet. After telling the manager that we had been trying to call and him telling us that they just stop answering the phone(my only bad part of this. Why not put it on your message that you cannot call to put your name down, or tell people that you do not answer between certain hours), I was introduced to an app called No Wait. He took my name and cell number, told us it would be around 8:30, and we wondered back to the hotel to change. Perfect! A table opened up much earlier so we got the text earlier that expected. I informed them that we were still getting ready, and they said they would hold our table. WHAT!? Hold our table on a Saturday night? Wow, and thank you! We walked in to the restaurant being equally as packed as it was a couple of hours before and there it was our table still waiting for us. Our server greeted us and explained the concept of the restaurant. Small plates meant to share that come out as they are ready. Awesome, I'm sold. After a round of cocktails, we decided on wine. The manager redeemed himself with not answering the phone by picking out a perfect whit for us to have with the oysters on the half shell. Now, I could go on and explain every dish, but I do not have multiple hours to write this review. So, here is what we had: Oysters on the Half Shell, Spicy Beef Salad, Maine tuna Crudo, Watermelon. Canteloupe and Figs, Spicy Maine Potatoes, Fresh Corn Fritters, Caramelized Sheep's Cheese, Foie Gras, Suckling Pig, Arancini, Bread and Butter. Clearly we tried most of the menu. What I also found awesome about this place was the teamwork and knowledge of the wait staff. They all helped each other out, and they all knew everything about every dish on the menu. Even though it was an open kitchen, you could not hear a peep from behind the line. What a great spot, great concept, fantastic overall.

    (5)

  • Kate O.

    Terrific!! The "perfect storm" is my new favorite drink. We sat at the bar and it was a lot of fun watching the chefs work. Everything was delicious.

    (5)

  • Hailey H.

    Man oh man I love Central Provisions. First rule of central: be ready to spend a lot of money. UNLESS you're only going for drinks, in which case you'll still spend a lot of money but not a whole truck load. But, trust me, it's well worth it. They don't have a full bar but who needs it when you have such delicious drinks to choose from. My favorites are the concoctions served in big bowls that you scoop out into little cups with a ladle. All small plates, so my compulsive over-ordering is acceptable. Fried sheep's cheese, Brussels sprouts, tuna, mussels. mmmm.

    (4)

  • Nadine M.

    Chef Chris Gould's Central Provisions provided and Wonderful experience from start to finish clearly demonstrating why they were nominated for The James Beard Best New Restaurent of the Year Award!! BRAVO..from the warm greeting as we stepped in off the busy SUMMER IN MAINE sidewalk...to marvelous wine suggested by the staff ...attentive but not hovering service....each small plate a unique taste and aromatic treat from the Bread and Butter, Blue Fin, Suckling Pig....to each of the three desserts we shared... the couple next to us were in town for a one week biz trip and stumbled upon CP and were back that evening for the thir time saying each meal had been a marvelous adventure. I look forward to returning very soon to this Portland GEM!!!

    (5)

  • Emily V.

    Wow. This place was amazing. We went for lunch during a weekday and were able to get in right away. They don't take reservations and it is pretty small - so I imagine the wait could get long in the evenings and on weekends. We had the tuna crudo, fried chicken club, scrapple open faced sandwich and a cinnamon bun for dessert. Might sound like a mound of food but it is small plates and was the perfect amount. The fried chicken club was a real standout for me. SO DELICIOUS. This place has some very interesting flavors and dishes. Well worth a stop if you are visiting Portland.

    (5)

  • Katie G.

    Unreal! Waitstaff is on point. Chef/Owner was very personable. Accommodating for allergies. Bluefish Crudo is so good!!

    (5)

  • Carrie H.

    This place is perfect. A 10/10 hands down. Came to Maine to see the coast and spent most time in Bar Harbor, but this meal stole the show. Better than many Barcelona tapas meals and equal to Cal Pep which is the highest compliment I can give. The head chef was incredibly professional and a joy to watch. Basically a well orchestrated symphony of food magic. This place is insanely good. Excellently sourced ingredients perfectly prepared great with a great front of house. Go strait there and wait however long it takes!!

    (5)

  • Wendy S.

    Drinks were great! The tuna and bread and butter never disappoint. Always a great place to share some small plates! The bar downstairs is a great place before dinner to have a drink and a snack.

    (4)

  • Jessica H.

    I believe this is one of the better places in portland to eat. The food never disappoints. The only thing that I would critique is how loud of a place it is. The music is way too loud and intense for such a small space. You need to talk loud to speak to your dinner partner. The conversations that are trying to be had over it make it hard to relax and enjoy your time there. But the food is so good I will put up with the noise. Buy the way try the smoked carrots!

    (5)

  • Colin L.

    This place is absolute rockstar. The menu takes ingredients and preparations from all walks of life and inspirations from all over the world, and executes it beautifully. My favorite dining experience is fusion in good hands, and these guys excel at that. The kitchen is incredibly skilled, and also sparkling clean- it's an open kitchen and everything looks brand new. Attention to detail like that translates to everything that they do. The plating and flavors are excellent, I was really surprised by the fantastic scratch components of the dishes. The bar keeps up with the creativity of the kitchen. They have an awesome inventory, and great cocktails. The wine and beer are equally thoughtful. Service was great, and I even got a parting gift of a foie gras parfait to take home that was absolutely decadent. There are a lot of cool reasons to visit Portland, and Central Provisions is at the top of my list.

    (5)

  • Ivo P.

    Cool place. A bit overpriced but very different so I guess it's worth it the extra $$$!!!

    (4)

  • Lindsay W.

    Dined here alone and can say it definitely exceed expectations. I can't speak to the whole menu, but I can say, I want to try every item on there and the two dishes I did get were outstanding. Fresh and beautiful integration of flavors. I had the heirloom tomatoes with burrata and tahini. And the caramelized sheep cheese. Both were incredible. I was pleased to be seated right away at 930 on a Friday night. My server was great with recommendations but stayed at a good distance. It definitely is trendy with an open kitchen concept. I sat upstairs in the dining area and downstairs is a bar that also looked fun and busy and I hope to visit in another capacity soon. Oh, and love the throw back 90s and early 2000s hip hop!

    (5)

  • Thomas M.

    The place to go for a light but marvelous dining experience . Eclectic food in small plates, enough to share to make a real dining experience. Great flavors in all the plates. You will not be disappointed in any way. Get there early. The staff is knowledgable and attentive. It is interesting to see what your neighbors Are having, because maybe you will want to have some of that also... Nice wine drink and libation list. We were here for a weekend and went three times and always enjoyed the experience Can't recommend it more highly a real find and gem in a ." Foody city " ""The place to go" from our viewpoint " a

    (5)

  • Sarah A.

    I'm not sure where to start. We had dinner reservations but we arrived early.. So we went to the downstairs bar to have drinks. I fell in love with the hand crafted drink glass Slipper. AMAZING!! Then we went to our dinner table on time. We ordered a few plates to start with Beef Tartar, spicy fried Maine Potatoes and the grilled Halibut. I wasn't sure which was my favorite cause everything that came out was delicious!

    (5)

  • David K.

    Wow. Wonderful place to eat. The whole family loved it. Even my picky daughter, who they brought out a custom dish of pasta and Parmesan for. Here's a wrap up of our experience and meal. Experience Loud and crowded. I could do without the music. We got here just a touch after 5 PM and it was already packed. Waitress and all wait staff were really great. Dishes Keep in mind, these are small portions to share. Everything was good. But here are a few nitpicks: Bentons Ham - Great. Thin like prosciutto. Spicy Fried Maine Potatoes - Good. Would've liked to see a house made sauce instead of Heinz 57. Caramelized Sheeps Cheese - Too salty and a little burnt. Needed more sweetness. Sounded amazing and didn't deliver. Blistered Shishitos - Wonderful. Sauce was amazing. Potatoes en Pappillote - Amazing presentation and aioli sauce. Smoked Carrots - Meh. Not as good as the others. Roasted Bone Marrow - Really tasty. I just wanted more. Needs one more slice of toast. Also, I think the horseradish was out of place with the cherries. Ramen Carbonara - Probably the most flavorful dish. Needs a little more noodles to sauce ratio. Suckling Pig - Epic. The skin! Oh man. Fried Mackerel - Seasonal. Didn't order this, but the table next to us did. For $16 looked like too much of a struggle through skin and bones. We were glad we didn't. Tart - Fantastic. Raspberry Crumble Bar - Much too salty and dry. Needs more sourness and raspberry. Cheesecake spread and orange zest were really good though. Sangria/lemonade - Didn't order. Table next to us did. They bring out a bowl with perfectly clear, square ice cubes and you ladle it into tiny glass teacups. Looked awesome.

    (5)

  • Andrea S.

    I barely have words adequate enough to describe the amazing brunch my husband and I experienced here today!! We selected the cornbread, hash browns, and chicken and biscuits. Each bite was better than the last!!! I will say, we are both foodies, and CP really caters to the foodie set. The dishes are well thought out, interesting, and served consistently and beautifully. We actually watched the chef grate the potatoes he used to make our hash. You can't get much fresher or made from scratch than that! Be prepared to wait. Brunch was 30 minute wait when we arrived on Sunday, and we had tried for Saturday dinner but the wait was up to 90 minutes and we couldn't wait. We learned that at 3 minutes after opening most Saturday's there is a 90 minute wait and it grows from there. Plan accordingly and enjoy the art prepared for you!

    (5)

  • Robert M.

    Really nice place for a very unique lunch. We will be back for dinner soon. The lunch sandwiches are awesome and the flavored in the salads incredible.

    (5)

  • Delia D.

    Underwhelmed. The service was excellent, the drinks were fantastic- I'll give it that. We ordered 6 plates for the 2 of us- and there were only 2 that sparked the statement "Oh wow. This is good." It was certainly a good restaurant- but with all the hype surrounding this place I felt like every plate should have caused us to ooh and ahh. Now we can say we've tried it but not sure it will be on our top choices to return to.

    (3)

  • Tim H.

    After a weekend visit to Portland in October, this was my favorite restaurant and favorite meal I had in the city. My next time in Portland, this is the first restaurant on my list to revisit. I went for brunch and even though it was busy me and my eating partner were able to snag a 2 seats at the bar, which was great because the kitchen is right there in front of you. Watching the line cooks do their magic, I noticed their secret weapon -- drawn butter. Just containers of drawn butter liberally applied to the hot griddles that magically transformed the food into yuminess. I had the sourdough pancakes which were just heavenly. My partner had the english muffin egg sandwich with fried green tomatoes and duck confit. It was incredible. Can't say enough great things about this restaurant. One day I will be back in town and will have dinner at Central Provisions. That in itself is enough to plan a vacation around.

    (5)

  • Brittany G.

    Hostesses were extremely rude put a damper on dinner. Food was okay but won't go back.

    (1)

  • Rob D.

    We did a quick, impromptu trip to Portland back in the spring and ate at Central Provisions on a recommendation from a friend. They did not disappoint! This has to be one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in the country right now. I travel a lot for business and have had the opportunity to eat at some of the more highly publicized establishments nationally and I'd say if this was in NYC/Boston/Chicago they could charge 3x and Anthony Bourdain would have featured it on his show. The night we ate there was a busy Saturday night and we didn't have reservations so we did have to wait about an hour to be seated. This is fine because there are plenty of bars in the neighborhood to grab a quick drink at. As we arrived, they seated us at the bar area downstairs looking in to the kitchen. We sat right in front of the owner/executive chef Chris Gould and though they were very busy he took time to check in to see what we were ordering and make suggestions. Just a really cool guy. Our orders came out promptly, I swear we must have ordered 75% of the menu and each item was really solid. The stars of the night though were three dishes; suckling pig, roasted bone marrow, and "bacon and eggs". The suckling pig was cooked and seasoned perfectly, a nice crispy skin and moist meat, I was in heaven. The roasted bone marrow was phenomenal as well. For those of you afraid of it, don't be, it tastes like "meat butter" and is normally served with toast points to spread it on (which they do too). I'd trade in land-o-lakes any day for a fridge full of marrow. The biggest surprise was the "bacon and eggs". Towards the end of our meal I asked Chris what his favorite dish was on his menu and without thinking said Bacon and Eggs. Stuffed but needing to persevere we ordered it. It was mind-boggling the flavor in this dish. Now its not what you're thinking, just a dish with bacon and an egg. It has a base of (what I remember as) polenta, infused with bacon flavor and a raw egg cracked on top. You mix it all together and have the most amazing bacon and yolk flavor you could imagine. All in all, it was a phenomenal evening. I would suggest trying to sit at the bar where Chris is located. If you do people, don't bug him too much they are super busy on the weekends but the staff themselves are incredibly knowledgeable in case you can't sit there.

    (5)

  • susanne n.

    Simply the best! Chris is a tremendously gifted chef. While he keeps favorites (beet salad, raw spicy beef, bread and butter) on the menu, he is constantly experimenting with new dishes (fois gras, flank steak, various crudos). The staff is talented and attentive, the meal very well paced. I keep trying other places, but come back over and over to Central Provisions. It is also my "go to" place for friends from out of town, because they are continually so impressed with their dining experience.

    (5)

  • Amanda L.

    We loved this as a date night out! The halibut was the best we've ever had. The drinks were smooth and fun. I enjoyed the Sidecar best. This is a romantic, fun foodie spot!

    (5)

  • Marnie T.

    I don't think I can adequately express how much I loved our experience here! And it was our 5th stop on our food crawl, having started with Duckfat, Eventide Oyster Co, Blue Spoon, and Five Fifty-five, all of which were excellent, but Central Provisions was a clear stand out in creativity of concept and flavors. It's a tapas bar and best if you order each dish one at a time as everything comes out quickly. I highly recommend sitting at the chef's bar, where you have a great view of all the magic in the open kitchen. We started with the strawberry salad, which was layer with delicate and unexpected flavors, but not in a snobby way. We followed this with the Maine Bluefin Tuna Toro, which was light and exquisite with the various condiments. The star of the meal was the grilled sheep's milk cheese with peaches and balsamic vinegar. I was absolutely giddy eating it, and now have a total celebrity crush on the executive chef, Chris Gould!

    (5)

  • Dave N.

    An excellent surprise for us to find on our first night in Portland. We sat at the chef's bar and ordered approximately six dishes and all were amazing!! Also, everything else that came out of the kitchen that was going to other patron's tables had us wishing we would have ordered one dish after another...and we probably would have had we the room to put it! A must try for anyone in Old Port!

    (5)

  • Saluda F.

    Wonderful small plates dinner that included roasted carrots, asparagus, and the Spicy Beef Salad. All were well prepared and very filling. We started with the bread and butter dish as a recommendation.....it exceeded all of our expectations. Stop by and enjoy this foodie paradise.

    (5)

  • Manuel K.

    Run by the owner-chefs. Every dish is carefully designed and masterfully put together. The small plates are ideal for sharing and have deep complex flavors. My favorite was the Cuban sandwich and the Thai inspired raw meat salad. They should have one of these in every city! One of the best meals I've ever had. This place reminds me of the tapas bars in Barcelona.

    (5)

  • Nicole B.

    Truly exceptional. Every plate was better than the last. We had meat, vegetable, cheese and dessert fishes and all were fantastic.

    (5)

  • Koalalala K.

    This review is more centered on their service. As for the food, 5 stars. The Fish burger, beet root salad, and tuna were amazing. As for the service, this place makes you feel like you're getting Michelin star service at Applebees and Denny's. Lunch time was busy, we walked in and the servers see you, they make eye contact with you, but they promptly ignore your existence like the plague. The staff downstairs and upstairs did this. We had to approach a server and ask to be seated. When we ordered, our server wasn't paying attention. We asked for coffee, she confirmed we asked for tea, we said coffee again and she asked if we wanted milk and sugar. We said sugar, she gave us milk and sugar. Not a big deal, but obviously she wasn't listening. What really proved distasteful was their aloofness. They close at 2 PM, we were seated by the door and still eating when we noticed a few people tried to open the locked door. An elderly man and his wife waited outside, then he struggled a few times to open the door, a server was standing right in front of the door and instead of opening the door to tell them they were closed or pointing to their sign that they were closed, she just looked directly at him and walked away. Really? No sympathy toward the elderly? Maybe they couldn't read the sign or they had a question, but to directly look at an elderly person and ignore them on purpose is shockingly disgusting behavior for your staff. Management needs to train these servers better. I receive better service at McDonald's drive through. Although the food was great, the service left a bad taste.

    (2)

  • Lisa N.

    Best best best foodie spot. Can't compare. This one is really hard to beat and I traveled a whole ton. Every dish is mind blowing. Love this place and I wish I can talk it everywhere.

    (5)

  • Jen J.

    The only thing that would have made this meal better would have been if Daniel Craig were feeding it to me. Foie gras was delectable and gorgeous.

    (5)

  • Stephen B.

    Menu changes daily. Very very good. All fresh ingredients. Great service. Top notch. Stumbled in by chance as it was open late after flying in late. Will come back again. Excellent Foie gras. Best Reuben this side of NYC. Great Tuna Crudo. Good beer, wine, and mixed drink selection. Back again. 4th time. Yet to be anything but amazed. Must try if you're in Portland!

    (5)

  • Corona W.

    There are so many great spots in Portland, ME! We came in for some $5.00 Blood Marys on a Sunday afternoon. Although we had already eaten breakfast, we were tempted to order a few snacks. We sat at the bar upstairs and watched the chefs cook. Everything looked and tasted delicious. I was nursing a hangover from the night before and ordered their minestrone soup. They make their own stock. The soup was very soothing and hearty - which is just what I needed. My bf said the tuna crostini was also great! We're looking forward to having dinner here next time. :)

    (4)

  • P P.

    If you want amazing food, fantastic drinks and a comfortable place to enjoy both well look no further. I had the best food I've had in years here. The small plates to share are fun. The carrotts, asparagus, suckling pig and everything else as well are ridiculously good. Off the charts good! Desserts too!!!!! Didn't want to leave.

    (5)

  • Rebecca P.

    I write this review with the disclaimer that I am not a foodie. I love food and don't skimp on flavor just for calories' sake. And, I think it's great that others know the ins and outs of charcuterie plates and such things, but I operate mostly on flavor. And, value. And, service. I felt my dinner here was not necessarily lacking in the three (and my perfect storm [$9] was almost perfect), but there is almost always room for improvement towards the 5-star standards I have in mind. --Value: I know Portland is a foodie town, so for all those foodies who know their shit, double-digit price tags for tapas might seem alright; and as you'll see, not all the plates are overpriced--some are rather cheap! But, to me, some of the tags are a bit high (especially given they recommend you order 3-4 tapas each), though if the local farmers from whom the food is sourced are actually being paid fair prices (rather than the owner pocketing all the profits), I'm okay with it. And, it's not an outlier compared to Portland's other restaurants, so is a wise business choice. (But, to my dear friend who picked up the check: I'm sorry! And, thank you. You are much too generous in spirit and in wallet.) --Flavor: We tried several of the (cheaper/less meaty) plates: MITICA SERRANO JAMON (like six pieces of cold cuts for $10), BREAD AND BUTTER (a few pieces of bread with egg/butter for $7), BEET SALAD ($9), ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS ($8), CARAMELIZED SHEEP'S CHEESE ($12), SPICY FRIED MAINE POTATOES ($5). And, something else, but I can't recall what... The ham was much too salty and took away from the flavor of the meat, so 2-stars on that. The bread and butter was good--3-stars. The beet salad was probably the best or second best beet salad I have ever had. So, if you like beets and salad, or even if you don't, get it--5-stars. The brussel sprouts themselves were good, but a little more attention needs to be paid to how much salt is in the stuff around the brussel sprouts; the balance was pretty far off, with the parsley, cranberry walnut accompaniment tasting more like some version of feta cheese with salt on top (which is not expected from parsley, cranberry and walnut). There is potential for this dish to be 4 stars with more balance. The caramelized cheese was interesting but came across more like a weird cheesy ham than anything with pears--again, way too much salt and not enough pear to balance out the cheese or meet the description's expectations--2 stars. The potatoes were great but by no means spicy--3 stars (more stars with more spice and maybe a sriracha ketchup). --Service: Plates came out as they were ready, with them prepared right in front of you behind the bar/counter. Our server was just fine, doing the minimum to take our order and bring our plates, but offered nothing in the zone of conversation or wit. Bottom line: I really want to like this place a little more than I do after reflection given it's one of the top 6 places in the country to eat, but it's more of a paradise for the savory-seekers. For people like me who are a little more sensitive to salt and like things more balanced, either we ordered too many salty options or the chef(s) need to sit down with some women who aren't all meat-and-potatoes hungry for more beet salad conversation. T

    (3)

  • Sarah H.

    What a gem, i love gatropubs with elevated dishes. The oysters were among the best ive ever had. Seared rare beef with chimichurri from heaven. Also, the cauliflower with ras el hanout was divine.

    (5)

  • H. A.

    This place was overall excellent-- dishes were inventive, and of high quality. Some we thought were superb, others we would skip next time. Here's the breakdown: Favorites: -Beef tartare -Tuna crudo -Aged sirloin -Halibut All of the above were beyond fresh and were executed perfectly. OK: -Burrata crostini- the burrata itself was excellent, but the medley of flavors created was overall too bitter for my palate -Beet salad & spicy potatoes - both were nice and great if you are vegetarian, but if you're not I'd stick with the aforementioned favorites -Cauliflower- nice curried flavor, lots of feta cheese Skip: -Sweet and sour parsnips (weird flavor, taught me that I don't actually like that much parsnip, shrimp was only in the sauce-- no actual shrimp) -Spring orecchiette (orecchiette themselves were nice, but the sauce was overpowering and it only tasted like strong cheese. parsnips again.) -Smoked carrots- this was hit or miss at my table. I found it to be far too sweet. More of a fall dish than a summer one.

    (4)

  • Christina A.

    We eat out a lot and all over and the food at Central Provisions was off the chain amazing. Sirloin steak was the best I've eaten and beet salad was fantastic. Great cocktails also. Phenomenal!

    (5)

  • Brittany O.

    We went here for lunch last Saturday; it was not crowded at all and they were able to seat us right away. We started with the cauliflower salad (so interesting and tastey with a crunch) and raw beef salad (spicy but very good). Then our sandwiches came out which we shared: the lamb burger and pastrami Ruben. Unbelievably good. The service was great and the food was as good as everyone says. We will definitely be back for dinner soon. Their space is small, but there's a hidden downstairs too!

    (5)

  • Brendan C.

    A small, two-story provisions restaurant equipped with a bar downstairs an a nice open kitchen for guests to view, Central Provisions was a great place to stop in at. It offers tapas-style dining so order a few plates and start sharing! We ordered the lobster toast which came with a divine mint sauce, the arancini which came with a hearty tomato sauce, the delicious baja fish sandwich, and the sheep's milk cheese with peaches. The baja fish sandwich is a great deal - well-priced and very flavorful. The fish is well-seasoned and the sauce brings the sandwich together quite well. The arancini left a bit to be desired, but they were fried perfectly, but underseasoned. The lobster toast is a must-get as many yelpers have recommended. I could eat the sauce it comes with on its own. Service was nice. The waitress was friendly and the food came after a short wait. Overall, a good dining experience and a great place to hit got lunch or dinner. Happy eating!

    (4)

  • Jim S.

    My wife and I had a really great dinner at Central perversions last night. When we came in we were seated at the bar. We would really have preferred to sit at a table but it didn't appear as though there were any for for two top. I wasn't sure of the night was going to work out. When the food came we were completely thrilled with everything that we ordered. Great tastes great presentation really loved eating here. Do wish that there was a little bit more seating but the food made up for that.

    (4)

  • Chris G.

    Believe the hype. It's gonna be crowded for a while until the novelty runs out. But go. Go with a group and sit at the bar order everything. Make sure to take a second mortgage out on your vespa beforehand. So worth it. Delicate flavors, super-elite-hip Portland clientele, and good beverages. This was one of my last suppers before I left Portland, and I definitely plan to return when I next visit.

    (5)

  • Eddy C.

    Water served in mason jars. Not cold. No ice! Lemon drop martini was delightful and not overly sweet. Mixed green salad was lovely. Spicy fried potatoes were great. Not sure why they felt the need to name drop Heinz on the menu though! Tuna crudo was very very nice (a soupçon of spice without being hot). But way overpriced! BLT was excellent.

    (4)

  • Elise P.

    We came here with high hopes and on many good recommendations. Decided to finally make a night out for my birthday dinner and left frustrated and confused. The food was delicious but inconsistent. But what was really unfortunate was the service. We purposely went on a Sunday night to avoid crowds and get a seat. We got a great seat at the bar, but from the get go, our server was brash and disinterested. Aside from receiving an explanation of the portions, it was clear that our server was not interested in making sure we had an enjoyable time. We had six small plates, and enjoyed four out of the five plates. Unimpressed by the cocktails. Went for beers the second round. The plates that were okay were under seasoned. It also seemed like a lot of the plate descriptions didn't fit the flavors. By the end of our meal we were excited to order dessert, but our server was nowhere to be found. Assuming her shift had ended, no one else acknowledged us until we called someone over so that we could order. Desserts were delicious, but we were already disappointed. I get better service at Five Guys across the street and expect fantastic service if our bill is $150.00. The food was overall tasty, but there's no excuse for sub par service, especially when it wasn't busy. it's fine to create a laid back atmosphere, but we shouldn't feel like we are inconveniencing the servers on a date night.

    (2)

  • Emilee W.

    On vacation from NYC and stumbled in here randomly. It was raining, we were starving, it smelled good, we chanced it. We are so glad that we did! This is the best small plates/tapas place I've been to in a long time. We had great cocktails, lobster toast, sea bass, roasted chicken, brussels sprouts, and a salad. The salad had some ricotta cheese situation on it that blew my mind. I have to figure out that preparation so I can have it all the time. The sea bass had super crispy skin and the fish itself was buttery and delicious. I love that the lobster toast wasn't like an open faced lobster roll on a crostini. It was crispy, crunchy, and fresh with the cilantro. We made a great choice. The staff was friendly and helpful and the food was fantastic. I'd totally visit again if I come back to Portland!

    (5)

  • Dorothy B.

    Don't send parties to the bar promising availability. We lost our space in the dining room queue after being instructed to head to the "empty" bar. Disappointing.

    (1)

  • Michelle E.

    We've been here a couple of times, most recently over Memorial Day Weekend. Both times there was a wait. This weekend the wait was 3+ hours. I like this place, but I don't think I like anything enough to wait 3+ hours. We decided to head downstairs to the bar where they serve the full menu plus bar snacks. Luckily there were two seats opening up right as we ordered our drinks...so we were able to sit down with a 5 minute wait. Here's what I like about this place, there are lots of options for those who eat fish or meat, and the menu changes frequently. It's a small plates kind of place which I like because you get to try a little of a lot of things. Also, the drinks are good. The cocktails are inventive, fresh, and tasty. They have a decent wine list, although they lack a sweet white wine on the dessert wine list...not a huge deal, I'll still come back. On this visit, my favorite dish was the peekytoe crab salad. I could have, and would have, eaten a vat of this had it been offered to me. It reminded me of this crab tower that I used to order at the restaurant Pesce in San Francisco. SO DELICIOUS! I also really enjoyed the scarlet turnip and the lobster toast (think grilled cheese but with lobster instead of cheese). My husband, the meat eater, really enjoyed the suckling pig. We ordered a few other dishes that were fine but nothing amazing (tuna confit, hamachi crudo, shrimp a la plancha). And we finished the meal with some dessert-a key lime tart and panna cotta with rosemary, mint, and crushed lace cookies. Both were tasty but the key lime tart stole the show. Seriously, this was amazing! I had to convince my husband to get this and he wanted more. The woman who served it to us told us that it was her mother's recipe. She is one lucky woman because it was the most amazing key lime tart I've ever tried. The crust was a traditional, buttery, graham cracker crust, and the filling was light, refreshing, and extremely flavorful. I want this right now! The service here is good. We've sat at both a table and the bar downstairs. This is a busy place and the service we've received has always been good. I will never wait 3 hours to eat here. But with full service downstairs, the bar is always a good option on a busy night. I really want to try some of the bar snacks because who doesn't like corn nuts? So I guess we will have to go back....and hopefully they will still have the key lime tart on the menu!

    (4)

  • Steven F.

    We had our best meal in years there over the weekend. From start to finish pure, fresh deliciousness from the best bread and butter ever to strong beans to Tuna crudo. Just order the menu. Our phish-loving server was attentive and friendly without hovering. Just great on all accounts

    (5)

  • Ri T.

    Great time! Relaxed & chill! Both upstairs & downstairs at the bar! Excellent Beer variety! A menu that anyone can order from, place rocks Worth it Have fun Peace

    (5)

  • Jack S.

    Highly recommended by different friends who raved about the entire dining experience. Wanted to love this restaurant but it didn't happen. Might have been the luck of the draw on what we ordered and where we sat. Of the six small plates we ordered, nothing really stood out except for the scallops which were excellent. Service was timely and attentive but the sequenced order of the plates seemed off. The tables were jammed together and I felt adjacent diners were in my space. Certainly not a place for intimate conversations. Cozy bar downstairs. Strong drink selection.

    (4)

  • Jim P.

    I'm a big fan after visit number one. In love with the Emperor Fish Crudo - melt in your mouth delicious! So worth getting if you are a sashimi fan. Big Eye Crudo was also amazing. Only disappointment was that they ran out of tuna tartare since we arrived later in the evening :(. Service was stellar with a team cooperating to deliver tapas quickly. Carrots with goat cheese and asparagus puff pastry were also great. We sat at the bar right where all the dishes were bring prepared which we enjoyed. Very creative touches to all small plates. Foie Gras seemed to be a popular menu item but I am just not a fan of the dish. Fun cocktail menu - I enjoyed their version of a dark and stormy in a copper mug. Desserts looked tasty but my belly was full of delicious small plates so I couldn't partake this time. Will return for sure. Cheers to CP for a great show!

    (5)

  • Anna Z.

    This restaurant was such a great experience! Sitting at the bar watching food prep was amazing! My friend and I shared a bunch of small plates including beet salad, Bread&Butter, cauliflower dish, seared sheep's cheese, and a couple desserts (key lime tart and apple fritters). All plates were bursting with flavors you would never think to pair! Absolutely coming back as soon as possible!

    (5)

  • R D.

    Food, drinks, and service excellent. A little pricey for what it is. My friend and I went there on a Friday night and they were very busy, we ended up having to stand at a counter. The "bread and butter" is very tasty, we also tried the bone marrow. I had a negroni as suggested by the waitress -- though I'm not the biggest fan of negronis, I've tried enough of them to know this one was well-made. Would say it's definitely worth a visit if you're in Portland!

    (4)

  • Dani M.

    Drinks were very good. We ordered the bread and butter as a snack, and I have to say it was the best I have ever had. It wasn't too crowded when we got there (4:00 on a Saturday) but I can see this place filling up fast later into the night.

    (4)

  • Charlotte S.

    Back again having the beet salad and the shrimp po boy. Salad dressing with fresh beets was lemon lime cream with chives..very subtle. Dusted cayenne like Po boy was crispy and not oily with a perfect spicy remoulade sauce. Next was a meatball breakfast sandwich with lamb and egg. Husband moaning between bites..." ultimate foodie experience. Service a little stiff today, but professional. Hmm dessert? Savory Frois Gras with a strawberry parfait custard. Maybe next time...

    (4)

  • AJ P.

    Awesome place for drinks. Good beer selection and cocktails. If you're with a group, try their punch bowls! They're pretty good and always a fun thing to share. As far as the food goes, it's pretty good. Not exactly a "bang for your buck" type of place. Small plates, but a little on the pricey side. Pretty much everything we had there was good with great visual appeal, but not exactly memorable. BTW: if it looks like they're packed, they also have a downstairs bar

    (3)

  • Terri R.

    Amazing cocktails, amazing small plates! Sit at the counter if you can! Servers know their stuff, make great recommendations, and are super friendly! Overall I loved this restaurant and would def come back!

    (5)

  • Susan G.

    I really really wanted to like this restaurant, but it was just full of snafus. We ordered some boquerones which is a super easy dish (ie anchovies) and they took twenty minutes to arrive. The cocktails were delicious but the food kept on coming later and later. Ended up getting our main entree BEFORE the appetizers we ordered (carrots and bone marrow). Weird, I know....Carrots were spectacular but the bone marrow was way too horseradishy. The biggest disappointment was the smallest size filet of wild bass I have ever seen in my dining history. It was borderline offensive. At that point we were just frustrated by the constant delays and the mini entree and had to high tail it out of there. Stick to the small bites here and try not to sit at the bar downstairs you get forgotten and things come out in an untimely manner. I'm still hungry. Wish I had eaten at the Italian restaurant across the street...

    (3)

  • Robert B.

    I had a Manhattan, local Oysters and the Halibut w/lemon pesto. Was it good? Well, if it was not gauche I would have kicked the plate. Sincerely fabulous.

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    From the booze point of view - fantastic beer selection (had bissell brothers on tap as one of the first!) and a large, tasty cocktail selection. I also suggest the punch bowls if you have a group! They are a great, tasty way to share some drinks! The food... yes it s great! The brussel sprouts left me wishing it was a bottomless pit. Thats the problem.... all the dishes were so good but they ended so quickly... its almost like it was just a hair smaller than I wished. The other downside is the price, they are pricey small dishes! Don't get me wrong, they don't lack in flavor!

    (4)

  • John C.

    I am not a big reviewer of restaurants but I read them a lot and am definitely a foodie. So let me start by saying this. I am one of those people who will drive from DC to New York on the weekend to satisfy a food craving. But......, there is not even one restaurant that comes anywhere close to Central provisions in Portland Maine. They are awesome. Every bite is like a different level of foodgasm. I literally plan my work trips here around my dinner at this restaurant. No one holds a candle. It is not a place that you walk away from and say "wow, that was good". It is a place that you walk away from and say that " wow, this was the most amazing food experience that I have ever had". And hands down it is

    (5)

  • Joe T.

    Great meal at the end of the chef's bar, where you can see all the action. Excellent martinis and the small plates were excellent. Had the beet salad which was very good, followed by the Maine fried potatoes, the brussels sprouts and the venison sausage! Perfect amount of food, all paired together well, and all prepared just right. I'll be back next time in the "real" Portland.

    (4)

  • Greg M.

    What a great experience. My wife and I sat at the bar overlooking the kitchen. Really cool setup. I started with a cheese plate and it was great. The blue was extra feetie. The cheese iron in Scarborough provides the cheese and is a must try in the area. My wife had the winter salad she really enjoyed. We then got the Brussel sprouts. Really tasty. I had the bone marrow. Wow. My wife was a little embarrassed when I licked the bone clean. JK. I did not do this but wanted to. We then went with the bass which was really fresh. And lastly the suckling pig. Make sure to get the pig. OMGosh get the pig. Overall incredible night. Tab with 3 drinks each and 6 total plates was $120. Not bad for portland. Service was well trained.

    (5)

  • Rich J.

    I went to this gem of a restaurant on a whim, as my first foray into Portland was going to be of lobster and fried clams and laid back touristy places. I wasn't planning on doing any 'nice' restaurant. But as I passed by the downstairs bar area on Wharf Street our first night and peered longingly in the window, I started having second thoughts. And as I perused the menu on the window, I knew I had to come here for dinner the next night. It ended up being one of our better restaurant experiences. The service was friendly and great..the hostess seated us at the counter right away and we grabbed two prime spots even though it was almost packed on a Monday night! Our waitress was great, even the cooks behind the counter were engaging when asked a question. The place reminded me of favorite Casa Mono in NYC with its counter seating and tapas-sized plates. I had an incomparable fiddlehead and radish crudité with hard boiled egg and aioli, lobster toast, the best fried soft shell crab ever with bacon and jalepenos, foie gras, amazing crispy skinned suckling pig, and an incredible beef tartare. All with a very reasonable and delicious $33 bottle of '05 tempranillo. This place is the real deal, and itself worth the 5 hour drive from NY. I can not wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Michaela M.

    When can we get an awesome, medium-classy, tasty food, good prices, with excellent service place in Portland? This place has awesome service. I've been multiple times for drinks and I've been very happy each time. I had dinner for the first time recently. The service stayed up to par, we were waited on in a kind of team approach, which I love. Everyone who worked there seemed to really like their jobs, which is huge to me. The food was just OK. We got 5 or so small plates and the only thing I loved was the brussel sprouts. Those I would order again. The rest, not so much. Compared to other small plate places, I think this is slightly overpriced.

    (3)

  • Steff D.

    Central Provisions may be very appealing to those people who prefer small plates meant for sharing because they would rather try a bite of everything, as opposed to ordering a large portion of one thing. It may be appealing to people who love "complex" dishes that marry flavors and ingredients one may have never thought to put together before. It may be appealing to folks who don't necessarily have a restrictive (vegetarian or vegan, specifically) diet. And it may be appealing to those people who have a slightly bigger budget to spend (on a meal that's substantially smaller in quantity) than the average person does. All of that being said, it's not a place for me. Food: + Marinated Cheese Curds ($5 - orange, chili, olive oil): Possibly one of the BEST bar snacks/apps I've ever eaten in Portland. Obviously, you have to be a big fan of cheese curds, which I am. They came in a small white bowl and were positively drowned in olive oil. I barely got any orange or chili flavor, though; and, there seemed to be big chunks of roasted garlic sitting at the bottom of the bowl. I would definitely return to Central Provisions JUST for this! - Smoked Carrots ($8 - cinnamon, house goat cheese, pistachio): On the other hand, this is one of the WORST things I've EVER eaten in Portland. The carrots tasted burned, and seemed tremendously undercooked (as in, they were hard to bite through). The goat cheese was a puddle around the carrots, and the pistachios were almost non-existent. After a few bites I passed them off to my friend. After a few bites she passed them off to the bin. - Bread and butter ($7 - farm egg, farm butter, sourdough): Three pieces of sourdough bread, what looked like half a plate of butter, and one large, runny duck egg yolk. It was fine, but it was tremendously under-seasoned in my opinion. +/- Brussels sprouts ($9 - horseradish, pine nuts, pecorino): The bartender said we would be absolutely remiss if we left Central Provisions without trying the Brussels sprouts. I don't know that that's entirely true, but they were good and one of the lone things I tried where every component listed was prominently featured. The horseradish gave everything a perfect kick, the pine nuts were plentiful, and the pecorino was creamy and fine. Drinks: - Cobbler ($9 - whiskey, amontillado sherry, maraschino liqueur, crushed ice, seasonal fruit): It was basically just a glass of whiskey. My friend tried it and her response was, "You're gonna need to eat a lot to stay sober with that cocktail." + Cherry Vanilla house made soda ($4) - JUST AWESOME. I wish there had been a bigger glass of it, but the flavor was perfectly cherry and vanilla without one taste overpowering the other. I would get another one of these and maybe add a splash of vanilla vodka! Service: - Sorry, but to me the service is consistently terrible here. Example 1) The first time I ever came, we waited almost a half hour for the drinks we ordered to arrive. They never did, and the bartender avoided us entirely after serving us our food so we never even had the chance to get more water or ask where our drinks were before he gave us our bill. Example 2) the last time I was here, the bartender was SUPER rude to the group I was with; she slammed our drinks down on the counter and didn't tell us which was which. And the drinks were so poorly made that we couldn't figure out which was which even after tasting them (and we had ordered many different liquors for our many discerning palates, so this shouldn't have been a difficult task). When we finally caught her attention, she rolled her eyes, sighed and told us she "couldn't remember which drink was which" and that we'd "have to deal with it ourselves." Yes, seriously. Atmosphere: +/- The atmosphere is probably what I liked the most about Central Provisions. All that wood and exposed brick felt warm and very Maine, as did the staff all wearing flannel shirts. On the other hand, I could have done without the BLARING very bad 70's music playing all night, though.

    (3)

  • Kate H.

    I'm new to Portland and this place is truly a gem in the heart of the town. The food is excellent! I've been three times in one week and everything I've ordered has exceeded my expectations. The wait staff is friendly and attentive and the ambiance is perfect. This is a must if you're visiting Portland. Be sure to stop in for Sunday brunch as well. I assure you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Rachel D.

    My friend and I decided to meet up at Central Provisions the other night. Neither of us had been there yet and after reading mixed reviews we decided to try the menu first hand. They have an upstairs, open kitchen setting but we opted to sit downstairs at the bar - nicely lit and I was welcomed by the bar staff. All of the drinks sound amazing but I think the hard part is picking the right drink. I chose the Glass Slipper (vodka, elderflower liqueur, orange blossom water, & prosecco) - it was good but nothing I'll crave - the vodka and orange taste were a little overpowering in my cocktail. My friend's Cobbler was quite alcoholic so make sure to stock up on those small plates if that's your drink of choice. There are a couple other drinks on the menu that I want to try but I'd like to see what other people think is the front runner here before I go back and give Central Provisions' cocktails another try. They have been open less than six months so given that I'll have to revisit them later down the line. Onto the food.. I ordered the $5 mushrooms off the bar menu and really regretted it. Maybe they pickle their own mushrooms but they tasted like they were from a can and I was definitely not expecting that. My friend had the cheese curds which I highly recommend if you're into that sort of thing - yummy (it's cheese curds though so I would think they are quite delicious). Onto the next plate - I ordered the brussels sprouts, at the recommendation of the bartender, and they were quite delicious. They have a good amount of horseradish but it really adds to the flavor, in my opinion and they aren't too over-cooked. They are also paired with pecorino and pine nuts. Here is where I think I ordered wrong - I decided (on a whim) to get the foie gras because I wanted to taste how they incorporated the rose hips. I ordered the $15 size, given that I had two other small plates under my belt (or tummy as one would say). When the plate came out with a piece of meat the size of an Altoid tin my friend and I sort of looked at each other and then back at the plate and then at each other. Needless to say I think she knew I was a little underwhelmed by the dish. I also think the whey and millet granola really weren't my personal favorite pairing along with the foie gras. I ended up eating the components separately, as a personal choice. Also, and sadly maybe my pallet isn't refined enough, I could not taste a hint of rose hips in the dish. Given another go around I think I would stick with the brussel sprouts, the cheese curds were a yes, my friend had the bread and butter which seems like a good choice if you're quite hungry, and I almost chose the yellowfin tuna at the bartender's sugestion, over the foie gras (still kicking myself about that). Oh and also I ordered a beer that never came (a little annoying but C'est la vie). I'll definitely be back for round two and maybe choose the upstairs next time.

    (3)

  • Amanda A.

    Amazing Bloody Mary!! Only $5!! So spicy and topped with Spicy Kimchi! Great craft beer selection too. Such a great, warm vibe that create a very intimate setting. Will definitely come back!

    (5)

  • Lee L.

    We went for brunch and shared nearly the entire menu. The sourdough pancakes are the best ever! They are sweet and salty and sourdough-y. Everything else was pretty standard and good but the pancakes and inexpensive morning cocktails will keep me coming back when I'm in town!

    (4)

  • Nand H.

    Outstanding flavors! "Sharing is Caring" ... Especially if one is not missing out on other group member's entree choices! So good - too bad I'm only visiting. I went with the "Lobster Toast", and sampled the following off of my buddies: Spicy Beet Salad with Peanuts- Stupid!, Lamb Burger - wow!, Local Tomatoes (tahini, burrata n fried eggplant) - fantastic!, Bigeye Tuna Crudo - Awww Sh--! Just sayin' this place is crazy good!

    (5)

  • K h.

    Well, we finally got to central provisions after hearing so much about it. It certainly lived up to expectations. We listened to yelpers and ordered the suckling pig, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, Dry aged sirloin, halibut, spicy potatoes, bread and butter, fried artichoke salad, spicy potatoes, cinnamon roll, and peaks Island punch., Two of those. The winner, all three of us agreed, was the brussels sprouts followed closely by the suckling pig. The halibut was totally amazing, but sadly, the portion size was barely enough to share. That was our only disappointment, we wanted more! One of our party stays away from "chichi" restaurants with small portions but, even he loved the meal. The tapas style with plates coming out when prepared kept it interesting. Attentive staff and a nice experience lasting one and a half hours. Bottom line, save your money and go.

    (5)

  • Darcy Z.

    5 stars for several reasons: First and foremost...caramelized sheep's cheese with nectarines. So, SO good. Second, my husband and I showed up on a Monday night in August hoping to get a table. The wait was only about 30 minutes and they actually text/call you when your table is ready, allowing you to wander around Portland. We wandered over to a little distillery/brewery for a drink. Third, the menu was approachable, affordable, and really diverse. There is something for everyone at Central Provisions (food and beverage-wise). All in all, my husband and I shared: Watermelon with bacon Corn fritters Charred octopus Seared sheep's cheese Arancini I loved everything except the Octopus, but I'm not a big fish-eater, so that wasn't really a surprise. Overall, the ambiance/vibe of this place is great, the space is great (cool downstairs bar) and really, really good small plates for reasonable prices. If you're in Portland, you must go here.

    (5)

  • Shauna M.

    Outstanding addition to Portland dining scene. The caliber of food was a nice surprise. Enjoyed lots of good wine and trying lots of cold and hot plates. The wait ended up being shorter than expected and the service was good.

    (4)

  • Sarah T.

    The food here is great--delicious, simple ingredients put together in very creative and sophisticated dishes. However, we were disappointed in the cocktails (which was surprising considering the attention to detail that goes into their food). We didn't drink them because they were truly just lackluster, and our server took them away, apologizing, and immediately brought us wine that we ordered to replace the cocktails. We would have expected the restaurant to take the cocktails off the bill but they did not; thus, the four stars.

    (4)

  • Chuck A.

    Wow...what a wonderful treat for lunch! We had the bread and butter (featured with sabione), tuna sashimi and Reuben were all excellent. Great vibe, Fun place. We'll be back!! Thanks!!

    (5)

  • Larry C.

    By far the best meal we had in Portland (and maybe of the summer). Came here around 630 pm with the wife for a cocktail before our 8 pm dinner reservation. Place was packed but we found two seats at the bar downstairs. Ordered a round of cocktails and the lobster toast. OMG, the lobster toast was ridiculously good, the perfect combination of fat, carbs and lobster. Went well with the cocktails too, which were made by a group of true artists. Thinking that we must try more food since it was out last night in Portland, we asked our server/bartender for recommendations. She recommended the the toro and the suckling pig. Double OMG! Toro was so fresh, with just the right balance of fattiness... it was the best toro I've ever had and have had the pleasure of dinning at most of the top notch Japanese places in New York. Suckling pig, cooked perfectly, that fall off the fork tenderness that you seek for this dish. 8 pm hits, we have eaten and drank way too much before dinner, but it was well worth it to ruin our appetites at this joint. If I lived closer I would be here once a week! Oh, came back for brunch the next day. While good, dinner options are better, but still, good brunch!

    (5)

  • Liam S.

    Really good! Well worth the visit. Went here for lunch today to celebrate a good year with 8 of my colleagues at MECA. They were able to accommodate us with out much of a wait. We selected several items to share and they were all good, actually very good. The wait staff was very friendly, the food came out perfectly prepared. Great experience, I highly recommend eating here. (Maybe not a great place for younger kids and the size of our group was maybe as large as you can get)

    (5)

  • Alex s.

    I'm not sure how this place has only four stars but that's ridiculous. It is definitely a five or six star restaraunt. One of our best meals we've had in Maine. The dishes were intricate, decedent and delicious. We had the rabbit orecchiette which was rich with flavor and tender. Another must try dish was the cauliflower with chickpea topped with feta, mint and lemon zest. Also we sat at the bar in front of the kitchen and it was a great view as they prepared all of the dishes. Other ones that looked great but we weren't able to try were bread and butter (served with a soft egg), roast suckling pig and a caramelized sheeps milk cheese. Bottom line, if you're in Portland you have to try this place.

    (5)

  • Carol J.

    Fantastic. It at the counter if you are interested in how to prepare these wonderful dishes

    (5)

  • Dawn W.

    DELICIOUS!!! Loved the small plates, everything we had was fresh, tasty, and creative. Next time we'll arrive earlier so we can sit at the bar! The highlights were the smoked carrots and the apple fritters. Quail was also dreamy! :-D I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • ben h.

    awesome.

    (5)

  • Ted S.

    Came here on the recommendation of some friends in town, and it was one of the best meals I've had in some time. Ate downstairs at the bar - great service, better music (the Toad the Wet Sprocket station on Pandora was amazing). Everything was delicious, though the beet salad and meatballs stand out. The thoughtfully prepared cocktails complement the excellent food. We're tourists, but will definitely come back next time we're in Portland!

    (5)

  • Jerome T.

    An absolute gem. I came in for a snack before dinner and a drink after reading another yelp review. If there was a table available i would have stayed. The cocktails are great and the food was amazing. #1 pick was the tuna crudo. Wiw. Also the smoked carrots and suckling pig were delicious. What a find. Just a bit crowded.

    (4)

  • Lauren H.

    We are from Portland Maine, but live in Boston. We have heard raves about central provisions from our Maine and Boston friends. We went to dinner on Saturday night with a party of 9. The hostess was extremely rude, she asked us before we were done walking through the door, to close it. There was a large bench with multiple tables up stairs and instead of seating us there, she told us there were tables down stairs, meanwhile there are no tables at all down stairs. We went back upstairs to sit in the original area big enough for our group. She was totally inappropriate rolling her eyes, and whispering to the servers (meanwhile we could hear her). We should of just left the second we walked through the door! The food was great, but limited selection. Our waiter was also great. Overall not impressed, there are lots of great places to eat in Portland, no need to deal with rude employees.

    (1)

  • Eric G.

    Amazing! Visiting Portland and stopped by for dinner on a Saturday night. The place was definitely busy so me and my girlfriend elected to sit at the bar by the Fore St. entrance. The wait staff and I'm guessing owner/manager were extremely attentive, which is noticed as soon as you come in. The food was excellent. I had the Lobster Toast (WOW!), Shrimp a la Plancha, and the Fried Squid. Everything was good but the lobster in the lobster toasted melted in your mouth and the toast bought everything together. The dipping sauce works well with the dish. I would definitely recommend dinner here. You won't regret it.

    (5)

  • Leah H.

    Quite possibly some of the very best food in Portland, ME right now. I've eaten here maybe 4 or 5 times now and it's consistently amazing. Get the bread and butter and dip the perfectly toasted bread into the herb butter and "egg yolk" Foie gras has a crunchy little millet granola happening on the side and it's a perfect pairing. Suckling pig is the kind of thing you eat and then can't stop thinking about. If you get a half size you'll end up getting another piece. The crispy crackling on the top was divine. Duck was good but SUPER rare - just a heads up. Tuna tartare was super fresh and my fork went through it like butter. We were there late night (downstairs only) and ordered the chicken wings from the bar menu - so good! Highly recommend taking the recommendations for wine/drinks - we had an amazing bottle to accompany our chicken wings :) Friendly staff. Be prepared to wait for a table/seat at the bar but it's SO WORTH THE WAIT!!! Order a bunch of stuff and share but don't forget the suckling pig!

    (5)

  • Karen R.

    I went to dinner here with a couple friends based on a recommendation and really not knowing much. I did check out the menu online before we went and thought to myself, yikes, I am going to have many questions. It was a Tuesday and around 7:00 when we arrived and were told the wait would be about 45 minutes. We headed to the lower level bar and had a drink. The atmosphere is really cool and the location is great. The time flew by while we were chatting and sipping. We were sat at a very nice table in the corner near the window and a waitress was quick to take our drink orders and discuss some items that were not on the menu. I did not even have to ask about all the options, she readily described them, making it easy! The recommendation is around 3-4 items (small plates) per person, also knowing sharing is totally the idea and everyone gets to try many dishes. To start we ordered 8 items. Each were brought out one at a time with a description of each. It is truly hard to list all that we tried, we had lobster toast, steak tartar, tuna, vegetable stir fry, corn fritters (twice) and a few more items...each were absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to return with my husband to try more and introduce him to this fantastic place. It is my new favorite Portland Restaurant. I read after my visit that this place ranks within the top 50 new restaurants in the Country...what a deserved accomplishment. It is unique, high quality, priced right, and simply delicious.

    (5)

  • Good U.

    Good cocktails! Over-priced for a spot in ME, but tasty quality food in my opinion. Go for the drinks. Silver Fizz and Polenta were pretty yum. Great location by all the shops, restaurants and bars. Vibe is just ok. Not sure what they were going for.

    (3)

  • Kathy M.

    Have to try the Papa Doble cocktail. Fantastic! The food was all excellent: fresh tuna, beet salad, suckling pig...in a word- "Amazing".

    (5)

  • Jessica O.

    My fiancée and I decided to eat here after the girl at Honeymaker suggested it over places like Infiniti and Duck Fat. We were not disappointed. We were seated at the bar right away. We asked the chef to simply make us 5 of his favorite small plates. After consuming plates of quail eggs with caviar and sea urchin, fried smelt, crab and waffles, and suckling pig we were offered a froie gras pudding for dessert. Basically we needed to be rolled out to my car after. The food was amazing. Kitchen staff was awesome. Wait staff was friendly enough to get by. I can see that it might get annoying if you needed to wait for a table because there's really not much space but the wait it certainly worth it!

    (5)

  • Samson L.

    This is a decent restaurant in the heart of old port, serving small plates/tapas style dishes. Came with 8 people and ordered a plethora of parts to share and try. Everyone loved the food. I was still recovering from eating at Duckfat, another Maine restaurant, and was too full to fully enjoy the meal. I did like the food though. The dishes were unique and the also have a good selection of mixed drinks and beer from the bar downstairs. If coming with a large party I would recommend coming when it opens. They don't take reservations and fill up early.

    (4)

  • J p.

    1 star for service and 3 for food so an average of 2 would be my rating. The service was surprisingly rude which is hugely disappointing given that you hear mostly great things about the locale. I expect like regular folk the service staff probably wished they had the day off. That said as most of my reviews factor in service , make me feel like you actually want my business as there are tons of other places gladly waiting. So give it a shot if you feeling brave and good luck getting good service and feeling welcome...

    (2)

  • Carmela S.

    We went to Maine for a couple days for our anniversary. We stumbled across this cute joint while looking for another brunch spot. I was initially drawn in by the design of the menu but I seriously want to move to Maine for the sour dough pancakes. (I am not kidding, I dream about them!) The ambience was really nice; my husband builds beautiful, custom pieces for a living. normally he will critique the woodwork whenever we are out at a bar but he thought all the furniture was beautiful and well made. I loved loved LOVED that our coffee was served in a french press with a timer. The wait staff was so nice and chill. There is a super cute bar downstairs. If I lived in Portland, I think I would frequent this place a few times a week. I wish there was a place like this in LIC! (There are some places that try to achieve what CP has got going on, but they fall short of the mark.)

    (5)

  • Kristen S.

    I have eaten food at the best restaurants all around the world. This food is as good as it gets. Excellent fresh ingredients mixed with amazing choice of spices and flavors.

    (5)

  • Reid W.

    I sat at the bar and drinks were great. The selection was very innovative and everything looked and tasted fine. The food, however well plated and picturesque, always left something to be desired. The dry aged sirloin was a tad mushy and didn't leave the bold and plentiful flavors one would expect. The foie gras, though tasty, wasn't as large as I expected -- not even two ounces if I remember correctly. The restaurant attempts to leverage the current trend towards simple yet creative, flavorful, small portioned foods... but there was no emotional breakthrough, only dullness. The emotional release of having something so flavorful that you have to sit back and realize the complexities and interactions going on... that is the experience. Central Provisions attempts to reach that mark, but misses slightly.

    (3)

  • Jessica L.

    This place may beat Fore Street for the best dinner in Portland (and that's saying something!!) Food is amazing, staff is super friendly and be atmosphere is a super cool crunchy vibe...but not too crunchy I cannot wait until my next trip to Portland to visit again!

    (5)

  • April A.

    A good friend and I had the pleasure of eating here before it was placed on Bon Appetit's list of top ten best new restaurants of 2014. The bed and breakfast we stayed at recommended it. You must go! Everything is so fresh and tasty. The drinks are amazing-- get a punch bowl to if you want to have some boozy punch :) between the two of us we were quite happy. We got one cold (Burrata cheese with green strawberries and black garlic was pleasantly good) one hot (spicy potatoes!) and one hearty plate (chicken Bo saam). If I'm ever in the area again, I'm going back!

    (5)

  • Vanessa H.

    My wallet is still recovering. We sat at the bar near the chef action and got to see all the small plates go out. It was fun to watch them in their element. There was no wait on a weeknight. The wine list was superb! Our server was great. While I do not expect steakhouse portions, understand you will have to drop a ton of cash to curb your hunger here. Which is fine, it is that kind of place. Dishes we had: The spicy potatoes to start, more interesting than bread and serves the same purpose. A roasted celeriac dish over a creamy sweet sauce that was amazing. A beef salad that was spicy and fantastic. There were other dishes that were good, these were simply my favorites. The menu on their website is sort of a suggestion as the dishes can change daily because of the fresh ingredients and the creative whims of the chef. Whatever is on special is what I would order. It was not the best meal in Portland, by far, but I am happy to see such a creative place thrive and it is worth trying out! The menu is diverse and tasty.

    (4)

  • Jay O.

    My brother in-law and his wife took us to Central Provisions this past week. They recently moved to Portland and have been trying out every restaurant, I mean every restaurant. I am so glad they took us to Central Provisions--dinner could not have been better. The food was prepared perfectly. We love small plate menus and tried just about every dish, I cannot speak directly to the meat dishes, but my dinner mates gobble it up quite quickly and with broad smiles. The decor and atmosphere is prefect for reconnecting with old friends or meeting new friends, although I recommend keeping the party to between 2-6, more than six doesn't seem right for the space. My favorite part of the meal was the service. Very knowledgable and honest. Our server didn't shy away from her personal thoughts and articulated the dishes with precision and skill.

    (5)

  • Nikhil B.

    Watch out for the review - one of the best restaurants in a while

    (5)

  • Kristin M.

    An eclectic menu, and the bar menu will definitely test your palette. The service is always amazing, and the food never lets you down. The tapas style allows you to try many things, so this is great for happy hour or coming with friends.

    (5)

  • Chris F.

    Great food, we were visiting Portland and lining for a nice dinner for two. We chose central provisions figuring that, because it was small plates, if we didn't like it we could move on to another restaurant, after the first course, we keep adding until we had ordered ateast 8 plates, each one was better than the last. The Key lime tart was amazing as was the big eye tuna. YUM!!!

    (5)

  • Becky S.

    This was our first time to Portland ME and we read some good reviews about this place so we decided to stop. We entered the restaurant from the main door but they were all booked for the night as seating is extremely limited. They suggested we dine downstairs in the bar which sounded great. What baffles my mind is that they are up for a James Beard award....their food was fine, but nothing very special. The 'bread and butter' was the more unique tasty item but the lobster fritters, cauliflower, and potatoes were nothing special. The wines by the glass selection had much to be desired and were served too warm. The cocktails were solid, however the bartenders had an attitude that completely downgraded the experience. I guess we weren't 'hipster' enough to be in their presence. We were treated as if we were bothering them, and that made our night less enjoyable than many other dining out experiences. The decor of this place was warm and inviting and it has potential, but with a change of attitude from those bartenders!!

    (2)

  • David T.

    Excellent service, beautifully done food in manageable portions (though of course we still ate too much). The beef salad is really stand out, as are all of the sandwiches, but really, everything was good. Decor is nice--we sat at the bar and enjoyed watching all of the food prepared in front of us. Portland is one of the great US cities for restaurants, and this place rises to the top.

    (5)

  • Jess S.

    This meal was my favorite meal -- in all of Portland AND in all of everywhere else. Like many others, I've eaten here there and everywhere, and this meal absolutely blew my mind. We ordered 8 dishes (for 2 people), and left just the right amount of full. We got the uni (outstanding), the beef tartare (holy moly), and the raw scallops (which were literally -- literally -- still moving when you touched them). We also got the duck liver pate (wow!), the carmelized sheep's cheese (divine), the eggs & caviar (great!), and the hot cauliflower (amazing!). We loved absolutely everything that we were served. Each dish was different from each other dish, and was perfectly portioned (for a small plates place). I have a mild nut allergy, and the chef was able to accommodate that, which was wonderful. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. I've never been somewhere where EVERY DISH is so divine. We didn't strike out on anything -- and we couldn't pick a favorite. Look, if you (a) prefer the familiar OR (b) looking for huge portions, this isn't necessarily the place for you (though, as you can see above, the classics were well represented on the menu the night we went). But I was truly astounded.

    (5)

  • TJ S.

    Best, and most interesting food I've had in Portland in a long time. Service is a bit laissez-faire (potentially due to the food being so good they can get away with it), and dining room upstairs is quite loud, otherwise would have been 5 stars. Don't let the wait or the typical decor dissuade you.

    (4)

  • Paul U.

    Wow !! What an unbelievable treat. Our first visit and certainly not our last. We sat at the bar (which undoubtedly added to the experience), front row seats watching the owner and staff work their magic. This crew takes their food and presentation seriously. Very impressed. Couldnt have been more pleased.

    (5)

  • Eric L.

    A beautiful, well thought out space. It's certainly hit the scene with a bang. The cocktail list is spectacular with great local brews such as Banded Horn, Maine Beer Co. on draught. Central Provisions is a place where I'd grab a pre dinner or after work drink. Absolutely. The food was OK. If small plates is your thing, check it out. I don't think I'll come back for a dinner though, perhaps app/snack. I have some issues with price. Is it just me or does paying $9 for a small plate of Brussels Sprouts seem a bit extreme? I had the bread and butter side which was quite creative but, again, a tad overpriced at $7. Net/Net: For me, a great place for drinks with great ambiance.

    (3)

  • Keri L.

    We met friends here for drinks and loved watching the mixologist whip up an amazing array of drinks for us using a full chemistry set of utensils, tinctures and beakers. They tasted as great as they looked! We tried the Absinthe Frappe, Perfect Storm, Glass Slipper, Silver Fizz and Corpse Reviver. All delicious. We came by the next night for appetizers. Best one: seared sheep's cheese, which was caramelized perfection. The spicy fried Maine potatoes were good with chunks of crab on top it made a nice snack. The suckling pig was great. Hanging out at the bar was the best - to see the drinks being mixed and get refills of water. We wished we had more time in town to check out more of their menu. Great place to hang out, graze, talk to friends, and just enjoy really amazing drinks and shareable plates of delicious food.

    (5)

  • Bryan D.

    I didn't even get to eat here. I am giving this place 2 stars on the signage and crappy hours. They had a huge sign that said to come get drinks and food from 12-4. We walked by at 1:45 to put some bags in our car and come back for lunch. We walked in at 2:03 and were told they stop serving food at 2!?!? So they serve food for 2 hours and the sign is 2 hours off??

    (2)

  • David S.

    Great bar and nice scene While food is creative and high quality , big complaint is virtually no gluten free options. I've been there 3 times and politely mentioned it to waiter and chef de cuisine, who told me he'd tell owner Gould. In one occasion the waiter went back to ask chef who circled "gluten free" items on menu, which included a panini and a sandwich. What are you kidding??

    (2)

  • Margeaux L.

    Food is amazing! I would recommend the duck confit panini for lunch. The cauliflower is good too! Drinks were good, but kind of weak if you ask me. The only bad thing about this place is the service is abysmal! And I mean abysmal! It took us 25 minutes to get our drinks.

    (4)

  • Karen M.

    I checked the reviews on Yelp for this place and was excited to try it. We checked the website and realized they did not take reservations. My husband and I arrived at 8:50 pm, excited to see three open seats at the chef's bar and one small table open. The pompous and pretentious host quickly informed us that he had no seats available and that we could eat downstairs. I then questioned him on the three open seats at the bar and the open table and (like in an earlier review) he explained they were reserved. Again.. Do you take reservations or not? We walked through the downstairs but it was loud and there was definitely no seating there. My husband and I took our business elsewhere.

    (1)

  • Eric R.

    What an amazing dinner. To the naysayers that mention the plate and serving size review what tapas is before going. We sat at the bar in front of the kitchen and shared a bunch of small plates. Everything was amazing. The only dish I wasn't crazy about was the duck but that's just personal preference. We landed here because at 450 PM we were sitting across the street looking for an early dinner and yelp said it was the best in the area. Lucky us! I would go back in a heartbeat if in the area in fact I hope to in December. It is that good.

    (5)

  • Inga H.

    If you want a truly unique dining experience, then Central Provisions will not disappoint. The seasonal menu is intricately prepared small plates with wonderful flavor pairings, textures, and presentation that makes each dish it's own "work of art". I was at the bar and able to watch the detail and preparation that went into each creation that left the kitchen. For me, this was foodie heaven, and very entertaining. This is not an eatery, but a delicious dining experience !

    (5)

  • Randy S.

    How fast do the dishes disappear? They barely hit the table and they are licked clean. Beets, tuna tartare, cauliflower, fluke all are distinct and delicious. What a find in Portland!

    (5)

  • Lydia W.

    A surprisingly amazing new addition to the Old Port, I've been to Central Provisions twice now and haven't been disappointed by anything. The food is amazing, the cocktails are great, the service is attentive, the space is nice and cozy and they even have a mystery wine night with great wine at a super low price. Definitely check it out, I don't think you can go wrong.

    (4)

  • Cathy W.

    Tried six or seven options, every dish except the mixed salad had so much salt that flavors were overwhelmed. It's an interesting setting, be prepared for loud and hectic.

    (3)

  • Allison C.

    Cocktails were fantastic. Atmosphere was great. There was a short wait, but they texted us when our table was ready and we had a beautiful seat near the window. Every single course was delicious and beautiful--they definitely work hard to send out perfectly composed plates. I deducted one star just because I felt it was a little on the expensive side for the amount of food you end up getting. Three of us shared 6 dishes and still ended up leaving and having a dozen oysters at Eventide with no problem. Also, our waitress wasn't exactly the most friendly/engaging, although the young man who kept bringing our dishes out was great. I would definitely come again but as a warm-up of apps/cocktails before dinner elsewhere. Try the peekytoe crab salad, the octopus, and the bread with nasturtium butter.

    (4)

  • Caty-O S.

    Not particularly impressed. Went for a special bday. Had a nice server but was not knowledgeable about wine. Left hungry. My husband had to come home and eat 2 bowls of cereal. I liked the tastes but I eat like a little bird and I was still hungry afterward. Nothing wowed us. Seemed like they were having a bad night so I'll try it again with a girlfriend sometime. Cute decor but overall, meh!

    (3)

  • Dave S.

    A great relaxing place serving an excellent fare and has a great staff (Colby I'm talking about you)! The Casco Bay oysters were clean and fresh, the crab and waffles were fantastic as were the signature cocktails. They have a great relaxing concept of ordering a few items, enjoying them, and then moving on for more. Highly recommend.

    (4)

  • Morgan M.

    Loved, loved, loved. Had a bunch of small plates and they were all excellent. Also ordered two cocktails which were the best I had all weekend. Will absolutely be going back the next time I visit Portland.

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    Wow! Central Provisions is as good as it gets. My husband and I have been there several times now, both for dinner and brunch, and we have yet to be disappointed. Cool, hip vibe, great drinks, and delicious food, all in the heart of Portland--what more could a food and booze lover ask for?! The only problem is that now I don't want to go to any other restaurant in town. It's that good. One tip: order just a few plates at a time. Otherwise, you'll be overwhelmed by the rapid fire rate at which the food comes.

    (5)

  • Jane F.

    I am a fan! Wandered in the bar, after reading reviews and back in Portland after a hell-of-a-Wintah.... Stu and Amy were at the downstairs bar... great space! Brussels sprouts, fried oysters, scallops and lamb breast - OH MY! All A++++ ! Friendly bar, great food, no hurry - what more do you want??? YOU GOTTA GO!!!

    (4)

  • Jessica B.

    We liked it so much, we ate lunch and dinner here in one day, though there are quite a few places to choose from in Portland. Tried several things. Raw tuna was great. Spicy beef salad- something to remember, so good. Octopus dish- very very good. Snapper dish was also worth mentioning. Such a wonderful experience, we will be talking about for a long time.

    (5)

  • Jessica J.

    Oh.my .god. AMAZING! The drinks were fabulous, the food was delicious, and service was great. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

    (5)

  • Katy W.

    This was the best meal we ate on our vacation in Portland. I would even go so far as to say it may be the best meal I have ever had. I am already planning to drive back up here for a couple of hours just to have another meal at Central Provisions in the near future. We had to wait about twenty minutes to be seated, but we enjoyed it at their bar which is downstairs from the restaurant. The hostess sends a text message when your table is ready, which is a great system except Sprint seems to be kind of spotty in Portland and I didn't get it right away. We were seated at a long counter that is right in front of the open kitchen. Watching each dish be plated and then passed over the counter next to us to the wait staff made us want to order everything we saw. It also allowed us to chat a little bit with the chef, even though of course he was super busy. Our waiter was very sweet and attentive. We ordered a couple of plates at a time, which seems like the way to do it since most things came out pretty quickly. Every plate we ordered was amazing. For me the standouts were the crispy octopus (perfectly tender) and the lobster toast (kind of like the best version ever of a grilled cheese). The fried potatoes are served with ketchup in an adorable mini camp style blue mug. We were told that the menu changes daily and I can't wait to see what's on it next time we come here. The cocktail list is just as interesting as the menu.

    (5)

  • Patrick G.

    Superb farm-to-table food in hipster chic rustic setting. I ordered the simplest lunch menu item: "Bread and Butter" to test whether the rave reviews overall are warranted. A big "yes" to that: a perfectly poached egg; divine homemade hazelnut butter; three slices of perfectly toasted sourdough.Also perfect tuna crudo; out-of-this-world cauliflower. Great background mix of classic bluegrass; Ray Lamontagne; and "Old & In the Way" vibe, as well as unpretentious but excellent service. Why not the 5th star? For the sin of not including lobster. Yes, it's a cliche on the Portland waterfront, but better to use truly local ingredients you can pick up a block away and that other restaurants have to import; I came all the way from Brooklyn and really would have loved to see what CP could do with that super fresh marine crustacean culinary prize.

    (4)

  • Yanni K.

    Great food, awesome drinks, intimate atmosphere. Open kitchen with the bar seating was a winner. Tuna crudo and trofie pasta were out of this world. Had a wonderful time here. Perfect for first timers in Portland.

    (5)

  • caren f.

    Our third visit to this restaurant which just gets better and better! Chris Gould, the chef is gifted - his dishes are creative, expansive and delightful. He made a beet salad come alive with flavors. I can also say the roasted cauliflower and the salt roasted celery root plates were phenomenal. My husband was crazy about the lamb shoulder. The atmosphere remains jovial and upbeat - and the chef unlike many is very down to earth and genuine, and also appears to be calm, relaxed and centered in the midst of a resoundingly packed restaurant. He sets a great tone, and the kitchen runs so smoothly and professionally it's really something to see. The floor manager/sommelier, Justin, ran an equally smooth, professional operation, and seem to appear exactly when needed - he performed like a mind reader. This is an experience not to be missed. Sit at the bar. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Dave T.

    Grab a seat at the downstairs bar for brunch and snag some bacon, bread & butter and the carrots!

    (5)

  • Molly H.

    This place is kinda hilarious. The portion sizes are crazy small for the prices they are charging which makes you laugh, they can't be serious. I mean, they will bring out this medium size plate and it will have just a very, very small piece of food on it. The best thing I had was the spicy beef salad, but the other 6 things we ordered were a major disappointment. I have no idea who would go back here. I'm here for business every week on an expense account and I hate the idea of getting ripped off so I won't be back. I don't even want to spend someone else's $ on this place.

    (1)

  • M H.

    The food and service were outstanding. Really really good. Treat yourself and share some plates.

    (5)

  • Kristin R.

    Delicious food, trendy atmosphere, helpful service, great scene. Only 2 and 4-tops... Not great for groups. Has a wait, even at lunchtime. Highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Jose A.

    Great vibe. Good food. A bit pricy. It was quite there when I went for a business lunch, which I liked.

    (4)

  • Danielli C.

    this review is based on drinks only. This place had some tasty and strong concoctions! the food looked great too, but we had already eaten. Definitely will give it a try next time!

    (5)

  • Alyson S.

    Attempting to get in on a Friday night proved difficult but with some luck we got in on Saturday sitting at the downstairs bar. Our bartender quickly came over to see what we wanted to drink and when we asked for suggestions he was knowledgeable finding us each the perfect wine. Again we asked for small plate suggestions as we picked from an assorted menu that all sounded amazing. We selected eight of the items to share. Each came out as they were ready allowing you to fully enjoy the plate while it was still at its perfect preparedness. The server delivered the well plated dishes with an explanation of the ingredients. Each plate was as marvelous as the prior one and there wasn't a single negative comment between all of us. The noise was a bit loud but it was a bar. The food was extraordinary as was the service. I would recommend this place in a heartbeat but since they don't take reservations expect to have to hunt for a seat at the bar or wait an hour during peak times to be seated. Well worth the effort though.

    (5)

  • William N.

    Absolutely fantastic. The staff was extremely friendly and very specific about what each menu item entailed. I got a bloody mary and my wife got a mimosa, and we got the baja fish sandwich, the lamb burger, and the fried corn fritters with jalapeno aioli. The corn fritters were so fresh, and the jalapeno aioli was the perfect compliment. The baja fish sandwich was extremely fresh, the lamb burger was outstanding, you can absolutely tell that all meats and fish were locally sourced. Absolutely wonderful, can't wait to come back and eat here again.

    (5)

  • Pam C.

    Delicious!!! Everything tastes great. Smoked heirloom carrots...beet salad....carmelized goat cheese. The staff is professional and courteous. Been back many times.

    (5)

  • Whitney B.

    After all the build up, I expected to be disappointed but I was not - our dinner was amazing! We sat downstairs at the bar and started with cocktails. The drinks were so creative and the bartender (who also invented them) was super friendly, really knowledgeable and had great suggestions. We ordered two rounds of small plates (about 8 total for 4 people) and were only disappointed with one - the suckling pig. For $24 it was a very small piece of pork and really dry - but the sauce it was on was very good. Other things we got were great: crab & waffles, brussel sprouts, fried artichoke salad, sheep's cheese w/ pears, popcorn, beef tartare, spicy beef salad (our favorite). I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Adam H.

    Central Provisions expertly balances impeccable dishes with efficient, quality service. Every dish was delicious, and served as ready. Highly recommend the caramelized sheep's cheese and swordfish; their house staples--bread and butter, and Maine tuna crudo--are a must. A phenomenal experience altogether.

    (5)

  • Lindsay L.

    Pros: adorable space, sexy bar downstairs, big range of good beer, wine, snacks, good servers--seasoned. Cons: over salted, over priced food. Still tasty, but I paid $14 for a 2" square piece of pork.

    (3)

  • Kris S.

    So. Freaking. GOOD! Lobster toast, beef tartare, arancini, swordfish belly.... Everything was spectacular. The bartenders were busier than a whore on payday, but they were still attentive and pleasant. Strong, delicious drinks, too. Minus one star for no reservations and literally waiting 2 hours for a table (luckily we scored bar seats -- I couldn't believe that the hostess actually texted us that our table was ready after 2 hours!) Anyway, great place -- I sadly may not be back b/c of the crowds and wait, but my 1st and maybe last visit was memorable, for sure.

    (4)

  • William S.

    Lots to like about this restaurant. Our party of four had an enjoyable meal, with some really excellent dishes. However, with four people, you eat about half of what is available, and not all dishes were up to par. The standouts: arancini, fried oysters, smoked carrots, and probably more. The disappointments: a microscopic portion of red mullet sushi without much taste, a tiny portion of very fatty lamb. It was hard to know what would turn up at the table. Some portions easily served four with a few bites each (especially the vegetable dishes), but others like the lamb and the mullet were very skimpy. Also, it was a surprise that squid a la plancha came stuffed with rillettes (who knew? Our server described the dish to us when we asked, but did not mention the stuffing). It was tasty enough, though not at all what we expected. Dessert offerings, by the way, were surprisingly limited -- three options, while the rest of the menu offered a great deal of choice. Food service was perfectly spaced, and we ate at a very comfortable pace. The bar, though, was having difficulties on the Saturday night we were there. It took almost half an hour to get our drinks, and two of our party had the sense that the glasses had been filled and sat on a counter for long enough for the ice to melt. Each ordered a different signature drinks and each drink was bland and watery. One challenge for some may be the noise level, which was at a level higher than I have experienced in Portland. (We were upstairs; there appears to be another dining level, and if so it might have a different sound experience).

    (4)

  • Danielle L.

    What a bunch of hype. All protein that we had were over cooked. Could not transfer my bar tab to our table when it was ready. Really weak wine selections. And of course way to small of portions to be called sharing. Staff was at least trying to be nice.

    (2)

  • Neely B.

    DELICIOUSNESS with every bite. Our party shared the spicy potatoes, chop salad, rare beef salad, baja fish sandwich, and the boquerones. The Hemingway daiquiri was the perfect accompaniment. Wish we lived closer so we could eat here every week. The service was attentive.

    (5)

  • Matt R.

    Big fan of this place! I'm a sucker for tapas style menus and the food here is excellent. We sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the talented chef and his staff prepare dishes for a packed restaurant on a Wednesday night. My favorites were the crab salad, foie gras, and the cheese plate was terrific. Service was excellent, very knowledgable and helpful staff. Drinks are also solid. I'll be back for sure - many more dishes still to try.

    (5)

  • Meg B.

    Amazing...I have been 3 times, the experience is awesome, each plate is perfect. I enjoyed sitting at the bar of the open kitchen watching the staff, who seem very passionate about their craft. Their cocktails are all very unique,and tasty. I will go back every time I go to Portland. Their brunch is also amazing tried almost every dish. Prices are very reasonable for the product . You pay for what you get they pride themselves in working with local farm which is awesome. It has always been busy when I've gone but always worth the wait. Music also very good - 90's hip hop !

    (5)

  • Ken B.

    Been to the downstairs bar for lunch a few times now. Have to say that this place is quickly becoming one of our all-time favorites in Portland (which is saying a LOT!). Our bartender (Crystal) is very cool. Knows her beer (always a good trait) and how to give just right amount of attention. Ambience definitely another great asset! Brick walls, heavy ceiling beams, old-style "Edison" bulbs, beautiful countertops, etc, etc. Music is fun and energizing. The food is excellent! Small portions, but incredibly good. Highly recommend goat cheese/peaches combo and lobster toast. Amazing! If you haven't gone yet, go!

    (5)

  • Corey D.

    My partner and I had a good time. The food is good and I loved the drinks. The fried oysters were the only real problem. While they were delicious, they had been severely over salted, and it seems, according to other reviews, that I am not alone in this analysis. It was pretty good, but not mind blowing.

    (3)

  • Jacob P.

    Great another small plates and craft beers place in Portland. Good location and the food was tasty. Spendy for sure. $5 for a fried Maine potato, help those farmers out give me two. Punch bowl was a good deal to share. Staff was nice and professional. Space was painstakingly planned to conjure the image that I was in a foodie spot, polished brass this and drinking jar that. I have the feeling i'll end up here again sometime.

    (4)

  • Flevoland D.

    Very, very good. Try every vegetable-based dish. Cocktails are lovely.

    (5)

  • Ryan H.

    Similar to others' posts, we essentially just happened upon this place, after having been lured by the quaint cobblestone, Wharf St. We were pleasantly surprised by the good beer selection, small plate options, and cocktail selection, at the bar. The drinks were not the best I've ever had, but unique ambiance of the place kept us there for several hours.

    (4)

  • Greg P.

    I had read a lot of hype about this restaurant over the past few months so last night- Sunday evening- we arrived at 5:30 and there was already an hour and a half wait for seating. We managed to get seats at the bar and looked over menu. We had read that the suckling pig was the thing to get and we ordered a "large" version of that and a roasted cauliflower salad. The salad came first and it was good but at $12 I would have expected more. We were really disappointed when the "large" pork came. It sat alone on a plate some almonds in a sauce and was at most maybe 3 ounces. It was very good but at $24 it really felt like a ripoff. I consider myself a foodee and do not mind paying for good food but the prices and quantities here do just not add up. There are far too many other restaurants in Portland that have equivalent quality of food and more reasonable prices (Fore Street Tavern, Walters, 555, Stree and Company come to mind). This place may be hot for awhile but these prices rival NYC and I don't think in the long term can sustain a place like this.

    (2)

  • Jon L.

    I was in on Monday for lunch. I had the best lamb burger ever. I can't wait to come back for dinner. This is a must if you visit Portland.

    (5)

  • Zee R.

    If i ever visit Portland, ME this is one place I will not go to. I read that someone went there with two of his friends who happens to be of color. The bouncer, said the bar was half full, or "actually the bar is at full capacity" didn't let them in, as they lingered near by they saw him let let two other people in. Chris Gould who is the Executive Chef of the place reaction, which you can find on twitter " Again race is no issue. Anyone who brings race into a conversation is probably the one with the problem" Either case, LAME and classless and I don't care how good your food is, it's not good enough for me to eat there. OR get rid of your bouncer.

    (1)

  • Jay W.

    This place was great. We went on a night where all proceeds were being donated to charity. It was a 'bartender's selection' night. You give them guidelines, they make your perfect drink. Everything we drank and ate was fantastic! Highly recommended

    (5)

  • Rob O.

    I have been hearing a lot of praise for this place along the lines of "best new place in Portland" so obvi I wanted try it asap. When we got there in the afternoon one of the employees blew us off saying they were expecting a 5-6 hr wait and they don't make reservations. A wait that long was something I hadn't heard before so we stopped back later and after a 30 minute wait we were seated. Our server was pretentious and disappointed in our lack of knowledge about foreign ingredients such as membrillo and urfa. At that point it was clear whoever designed the menu was big on sniffing their own farts. However I was at least excited about some culinary masterpieces that were way over my head. What followed however was underwhelming. Everything looked great and tasted "meh." Duck liver pâté, arancini, and a lobster dish (all of which I would usually love) came out bland. A bean dish that was really bad and so on. The whole experience was very self-congratulatory without the justification. I've been to mediocre tapas joints that were far tastier.

    (1)

  • Aaron R.

    It's a good sign when you feel like your $7 "Bread & Butter" was a steal. One of the best meals I've had. Very affordable for the quality and well worth the wait for dinner.

    (5)

  • Cuyler M.

    Fun atmosphere. Tried quite a few dishes from Lobster French Toast to the Beef, all very tasty but salty, salty, salty!

    (3)

  • George M.

    This place deserves to be an instant hit. That's really all I could say... but here's more. Only open a few days and pretty smooth service. A one hour wait upon entering at half six as promised. Only issue was that the waitress didn't tell us about the poulet and fungus special which we ordered after inquiring ( leg confit and roasted breast and huge Asian mushroom). Best dish ever but the smoked carrots, sea bream ceviche and razor clams were equally phenomenal. What a great addition to Portland scene!

    (5)

  • Amanda A.

    The bar manager at the hotel my boyfriend and I were staying at recommended this restaurant for dinner. It was the best recommendation! They don't take reservations but they put your name on a list and will call you when your table is ready. We were lucky and were able to sit up where you can watch the kitchen prepare the meals. The amount of pride they they put into their work was very obvious and it came through in the food. They were individually scoring mushrooms and the food was incredibly consistent. We got the beef tartar, bread and butter, the small suckling pig, and the bread and butter pickles. Everything was amazing. The beef tartar my boyfriend had never ate before and he loved it and I thought it was the best I've had. Then we got the bread and butter... I normally don't even put butter on the bread at dinner but the butter tastes freshly whipped and it comes with an egg that's prepared over a double boiler and you dip the bread in the egg froth and butter. I could have just gotten multiple orders of this it was that good. We then ate the suckling pig that was just great. Neither of us had had it before and since we were at the kitchen bar we were able to watch them pay such particular attention to every detail that went into the dish. The pickle and butter chips was a nice light way to end the meal. We'd never been to Portland before but, I know when we come back where we are going for dinner. It was a joy eating there for us and the experience was made even better by being able to watch all the food be prepared, cooked, and plated!

    (5)

  • Jess S.

    GO! Even if they are on wait, give them your cell phone number so they can text you when a table is ready. These small plates are SO GOOD!!! A little pricey, but you pay for what you get! No plates disappoint, even the carrots. :) We send friends here all the time, and everyone loves it. Not great for kiddos, but a date night spot, for sure!

    (5)

  • Megan B.

    I heart Central Provisions. Chris and Paige Gould have done a phenomenal job. I went for dinner opening week and was thoroughly impressed. I adore small plates since one gets to try a bunch of different things instead committing to a large portion of one item. -Space: The renovation of is impeccable with an open kitchen and dining room upstairs and a bar downstairs. We chose to dine upstairs. The ambiance is warm and open with exposed brick, local artisan wood tables and bars, and the music was excellent. It is airy, and welcoming at the same time. I love being able to watch the kitchen staff work their skills and appreciate how clean and orderly the kitchen is kept. -Drinks: Naturally we started off with some cocktails. I was tempted by many of libations, but ultimately settled on The Glass Slipper without regrets... how can you go wrong with vodka and prosecco? With elderflower and orange blossom too served in a 20s champagne glass, delicious! One of my friends ordered a Dark and Stormy and it was served in a really cool copper mug, I'll be ordering one of those next time for sure. The approachable sommelier helped us with our wine selection. We let him know what we were looking for and he expertly chose the Petite Syrah, which was perfection. They also offer sake, which I'll order next time too. -Dinner: We ordered a number of small plates to share. I really appreciate their attention to sourcing many of the items locally. Bread and Butter (sourdough, runny egg with the best butter, I could eat this everyday), Artichokes (delicious, really nice textures with the creamy ricotta and crunch flecks of crispy chicken skin), Beet Salad (one word, amazing), Yellow fin Tuna (SO good, melted in my mouth), Croquettes (crisp on the outside, tasty in the inside), Spicy Fried Maine Potatoes (perfectly crispy discs with Heinz 57), Cheese Plate (from the local shop The Cheese Iron, one of the best cheese plates I've had in a long time). Everything was so delicious. There were many other things we wanted to order, but will have to wait until next time. I'm going to have a hard time between wanting to reorder so many things and trying new dishes. -Dessert- My favorite dessert, Key Lime Pie, is on the menu. It was heavenly. Everything I look for; creamy, tart lime with crunchy graham crust, yummy. My friend had the Salted Carmel Mousse and raved about it. -Staff- The plaid shirts are apropos. Very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. I also love that they use ipod touches to take orders, so the orders are wired right to the kitchen, very efficient. One of the lovely owners, Paige, came over to make sure we had everything we needed. We were very well taken care of. I highly recommend Central Provisions, and wish I lived closer so I could become a regular! Looking forward to my next trip to Portland and Central Provisions!

    (5)

  • Gordon J.

    Notwithstanding the strong reviews which this restaurant has received from such national publications as Bon Appetite, we could only rate 4 1/2 out of 5. The downgrade is exclusively related to the chef's "heavy hand" on the salt shaker with the crab & steak,. Definitely an overall very good dining experience

    (4)

  • Max R.

    Absolutely spectacular. The swordfish was the best fish I have ever tried. The goat cheese is to die for.

    (5)

  • Michelle B.

    Love this place! Came in for $5 bloody Mary's - and if you love horseradish they are fabulous! They have small plates and we had the lobster toast. It was yummy but def not a health conscious choice but so worth it!

    (4)

  • Rick L.

    What brought us to Central Provisions was an earlier review which said "This place is f*king ridiculous. We weren't sure if that meant you'd walk in and they'd punch you in the face and then spit on your genitals, or if the food was really good. Turns out it was the latter. We had the Roasted Radish Nori Emulsion which melded together so well...the seaweed in it made it feel like we were having a local seafood dish which was a nice experience to have as a vegetarian in a coastal Maine town. The Spicy Maine Potatoes were crispy and delicious with a nice lingering spice. Served with Heinz ketchup which on the surface seemed low-rent for an upscale small plates place but it actually paired perfectly. The Caramelized Sheep Cheese with onion and Beet and, well caramelized cheese which basically can be defined as "how can you go wrong." The food and drinks were artisanal. We had plenty to eat as vegetarians and we enjoyed talking with the owner Paige who obviously took a lot of well deserved pride in what she was serving. (See the key lime tart which is her mother's recipe.) This was one of the very best meals we've had, certainly on our 10 day trip around New England. Well worth a stop to anyone who is in Portland.

    (5)

  • Pat R.

    I love this place. Is it a little pricey? Maybe. But who cares? It's that special. And if you're on a budget, you can order carefully. My favorite spot is at the upstairs bar, watching the amazing chefs put the plates together swiftly and beautifully. My goal is to eventually order every item on the menu. Everything is great, but so far, my favorites are the peekytoe crab, the trofie pasta and - oh hell yes - the suckling pig. You will lick the plate ... or at least want to.

    (5)

  • Graeme B.

    If you are anywhere in or around Portland, ME this place is a must. We had the arugula salad, Jamon, and a grilled Sheeps cheese to finish off what was a delightful meal. I do believe you can do no wrong here.

    (5)

  • Sally B.

    Just about the fifth or sixth time my husband and I have eaten here and just wow! I had to post an update so as not to do a disservice to all of you folks planning to go....get the grilled sheep cheese with peaches and aged balsamic. The most stunning dish I've had - maybe ever! Wow. Chris Gould and team....my husband and I "heart" you. Even though we sometimes look like riff raff (we're not)and generally we have one too many (but only because, well, how could you not!) you folks always treat us well. We will be back. Keep doing what you're doing.

    (5)

  • Edward M.

    One of the best brunches I've ever had, without the long lines like more popular Portland spots.

    (5)

  • TJ T.

    Enjoyed the food and ambience here. The lamb belly was delicious and our favorite out of all the dishes we tried.

    (5)

  • Liri R.

    Ummm WOW!! Just fell into this place when our party of 5 found itself SOL without dinner res at the next door spot. Serendipity because was the best meal if 2014. Everything was mind blowing. I live in SF so I'm exposed to some culinary goings on, my sister is a serious homecook but had never had crudo before and my mom is not impressed by things she's never heard of. Everything was for everybody at this spot. Portland is on the map y'all. Eat here.

    (5)

  • Kathy U.

    Excellent!! Everything from the beet salad to the fish sandwich was very good. Beer selection was great with all local breweries. Service also very good. We ordered many small plates to share.

    (5)

  • Andrea I.

    Very hip and fun atmosphere! Excellent food - the bread & butter, fried oysters, seared scallops, asparagus and Brussels sprouts were all amazing! Only complaint is that one of our cocktails came late, well after the first round of plates. Otherwise good service. Overall on the pricey side but a solid choice for drinks and small plates.

    (4)

  • Alexander M.

    Fun small plates and atmosphere, though we only stayed in the bar. Friendly and prompt service and great wine/sake selections. Enjoyed small plates twice here--especially liked the cheese curds, arancini, and cauliflower. Tried the carrots and bread and butter which were good, too. The plating is just lovely here, and it's a perfect spot to start your night with a good drink.

    (4)

  • Michael D.

    its not that the food is bad, its ok. In this town where you can get great food and great service, central just does not cut it. They have a lot of attitude. How about trying to be good for a couple of years before the tude. I sat at the bar and was ignored for a while. Then I ordered 3 things - I told them I will have a first, then b and then c. C showed up first - which was weird and then 30 seconds later so did a and b. So I am sitting at this cramped bar with 3 plates of food - one hot and 2 cold. So they cannot manage the kitchen. They had the attitude that this was my fault. That of course you throw 3 plates of food a one person at the same time. This is how it is they told me. I was never asked if I wanted another drink until the glass was empty for 20 minutes, the water glass stood empty the whole meal. I could not wait to eat my 3 mediocre plates and get out of there. I go out 2 to 3 nights in Portland and recommend a lot of places to locals and those from away. I cook. this place is sloppy. I was never asked how plate 2 and 3 were. Despite that, I gave them a 15% tip - I am usually a 20 to 25% tipper. They really deserved zero but I cannot leave a restaurant without leaving a 15% tip especially in small town.

    (1)

  • Lisa D.

    I have never written a yelp review in my life, but I feel compelled to do so because the service at this restaurant was the worst I have ever experienced in my life. It's truly a shame, because the food is fantastic. Chef Gould should really check in with his front of house staff, because the waitress was a disservice to his otherwise lovely restaurant. My two friends and I waited an hour to eat (which was no problem, we had a drink at a nearby bar), only to be pushed out after sitting for barely 50 minutes. The waitress asked us if we were finished about 6 times, when we were simply trying to enjoy our remaining wine and talk. We still had a half bottle of wine left when the manager took the liberty of pouring the remainder out into our glasses, presumably to speed up our departure. We tried to politely speak to the manager about how uncomfortable the waitress made us feel, but he was unhelpful and unapologetic. You'd be much better off going to Fore Street, which is just around the corner and still values the customer experience over turning tables as quickly as possible.

    (1)

  • Jay J.

    i was told that the wait was 45minutes. the hostess entered my name. when I went back after 30 minutes, the hostess said it was 45 more minutes. I said that is what you said 30 minutes ago. she replied, I did not, in a very nasty manner. there are so many excellent restaurants in this area that do not have attitude, why go there? my wife daughter and I went to street and company and had an excellent meal and bottle of wine.

    (1)

  • Nicole P.

    I went here last Thursday night with a friend. We had a very nice time, and the service was friendly and helpful with any questions we had. We started with the beet salad and sun chokes. The beet salad was good, and the sun chokes were delicious. We then had the seared scallops. These were done just as well as other nice restaurants in Portland. These were my favorite of the night. For Desert we had the mouse and the key lime pie. The mouse was more like cookie crumbs with ground up espresso beans and fresh whip cream (not really what I was expecting). The key lime pie was amazing & worth going back for. Atmosphere was nice upstairs, cozy and relaxed. Downstairs was much more casual.

    (4)

  • Tory B.

    Came here in march for a work dinner. There were so many good looking options on the menu we didn't know what to pick. Our great waitress who's name I forget (sorry!) just picked everything for us and it was all good. Just the right amount of food and nothing too over the top. Plus being march and so cold this place was packed for a 9pm dinner, make sure you make reservations!! I'd come back here next time I'm in Portland.

    (5)

  • Jess F.

    Great beer, bourbon and food selection. Had the crab salad, fresh and tasty. Also had the bread and butter and sheep cheese and root veggies. Cheese was rich but bread off-set this. Great atmosphere! Definitely a locals place.

    (5)

  • Oldport W.

    What a great new addition to the Old Port. Central Provisions has a great feel and a wonderful new look. THe food and drinks are terrific, dear God they should serve the Knickerbocker in a bucket with a long straw, WOW. This is one not to be missed in The Old Port!!

    (5)

  • Adam B.

    perhaps the best brunch i have ever had...split 9 small plates with a total of 4 people in our group....my favorites were the skillet corn bread and the english muffin sandwich (w/ duck confit)....too good.....

    (5)

  • Eric T.

    Great spot for foodies and cocktail lovers. We wandered into this spot, which was hopping on a rainy Wednesday night, and took our place at the food counter. Watching the staff take care with the preparation of both eclectic and comfort foods, all small dishes, was a thing of beauty. The flavors are full but never overpowering. The execution was perfect. And the atmosphere was warm and fun.

    (5)

  • Heather G.

    Fabulous spot and fantastic service. We did not have a reservation and there was about a 45 minute wait, which we completely expected at 8 on a Saturday night. No problem at all, especially when their method for notifying us that a table opened is via text--brilliant! I can't believe more places don't do this. It afforded us the option of grabbing a drink at a less crowded bar while we waited. To our delight, the bar/lounge downstairs had 2 seats open so we decided to eat at the bar. Excellent, knowledgable bartenders, personable without being intrusive with a wealth of knowledge about the menu, the history of the building and the chefs' backgrounds. The kitchen seems to run like a well-oiled machine--food came out comfortably fast and was brought down to us by one of the servers upstairs. We had 5 dishes and each server was able to describe the primary ingredients for each dish--impressive and much appreciated. We ordered the beef tartare, fluke ceviche, oysters and halibut. All were exceptional. The biggest surprise was the bread and butter dish--just get it; it will change the way you think about bread and bitter. This is definitely our favorite new place, on par with any of the best restaurants in town.

    (5)

  • Lisa H.

    Wow what a great experience! Sat at the bar in front of the open kitchen & enjoyed the show; very impressive line for the short time they have been open. The space is amazing, the people are wonderful, and the food is fantastic. Can't wait to go back. We were a kitchens worst nightmare with food allergies & they were so gracious. I wish them the BEST

    (5)

  • Adam N.

    Amazing! Building is completely brought to life. Attention to detail is everywhere. Bar on lower level - unique cocktail menu and experienced bar staff. Warm and welcoming. Upper level restaurant. Don't be surprised by iphones and ipads with staff. They are using those to take your orders! Recommend kitchen bar! Cleanliness and attention to detail along with excellent hosts and server staff will make this a go to for Portland. Small plates were great. Order in stages as the turnaround from the kitchen is quick. Stage 1: Sushi grade tuna. Stage 2: Roasted beets with pistachio vinaigrette and fried egg/avocado blend sides. Stage 3 roasted carrots (incredible) and Maine fried potato (w/Heinz 57!?!!), Stage 4: Dry aged sirloin and pappardelle pasta with mushroom - each with their own unique blend of herbs, spices ans sauces. Converse with Chef while you eat! Menu changes. Try it today!

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Brunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : No
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Trendy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Central Provisions

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