DiMillo's On the Water

Seafood restaurant · Portland

DiMillo's On the Water

Seafood restaurant · Portland

1

25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101

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DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null
DiMillo's On the Water by null

Highlights

Seafood, nautical decor & harbor views on a former car ferry  

Featured on Bon Appetit
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25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 Get directions

dimillos.com
@dimillos

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 Get directions

+1 207 772 2216
dimillos.com
@dimillos
𝕏
@JohnnyDiMillo

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 29, 2025

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Portland, Maine, Is the 2018 Restaurant City of the Year | Bon Appétit

"An old-school waterfront restaurant featuring a wood bar ideal for people-watching and classic coastal bites such as bacon-wrapped scallops, embodying a traditional, maritime dining vibe." - ByAndrew Knowlton

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/portland-maine-city-of-the-year-2018
View Postcard for DiMillo's On the Water

Alisia Harvey (Peace)

Google
My husband and I had a wonderful dinner tonight! Every dish, from the appetizer to the entrée, was delicious and incredibly fresh. We could really taste the essence of the ocean in every bite. This experience was largely thanks to Ms. Morgan, our evening server. She recommended almost all the dishes we tried and paced the meal perfectly, allowing us to savor every bite. She is truly the best server we've ever had. She's exceptional at what she does, and she's definitely a keeper!

Ethan Miller

Google
Went on a Saturday evening for dinner. Trying to get at any restaurant in the downtown without a reservation is a challenge, even more so at popular places like DiMillo’s. The suggested wait time was an hour for a party of 2 so I placed myself on the list. There was a couple of seats open at the bar so we snatched those. For my drink I had the pear martini which was fairly good. For Entrees we tried the Lobster Mac, Lobster stew and bacon wrapped scallops. I would highly recommend every one of these dishes. DiMillo’s is very generous with their lobster (both claw and tail meat). The Mac was among the best I have had and the shells they used for pasta were very good. As for the lobster stew, It was very buttery and creamy making a great dish all around. Lastly the Bacon wrapped scallops was a large portion and had a nice maple flavor. Overall, DiMillo’s was a great option for dinner at very reasonable pricing they have their own parking lot and validate.

Stacy Barnaby

Google
I had high expectations for DiMillo’s on the Water given its unique location and reputation, but overall, the experience was just okay. The setting is beautiful—dining on a floating restaurant with views of the harbor is definitely a highlight. The atmosphere is charming, and the service was friendly, though a bit slow at times. Unfortunately, the food didn’t quite live up to the hype. We ordered the chicken parm and the giant meatball, both of which were just average. The chicken parm was a generous portion, but the breading was soggy, and the sauce lacked depth—it tasted more like something from a jar than a house-made marinara. The giant meatball had ok flavor but was a bit dry. I am not a big seafood eater and perhaps that's where the magic of this restaurant is hidden, but given the restaurant's reputation and prime location, I expected a more memorable meal. It’s not a bad spot by any means, and it’s worth visiting for the views and ambiance, especially if you’re a tourist looking for a unique dining experience. However, if you're after truly outstanding Italian food, there are better options in Portland. I might give it another try, but for now, it was a middle-of-the-road experience.

Dustin Boudrero

Google
This was such a cool place to eat, floating on the water. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and definitely unique. The staff were very friendly and welcoming too. We stopped for lunch on the way to Bar Harbor and loved the food. I ordered the French onion soup and my friends ordered lobster rolls. Although this ship is docked in place, you still feel the slight movement of the water and waves, especially sitting by the windows. If you are sensitive to this movement, or are easily seasick, I would recommend requesting an interior table away from the windows. We sat by a window during a storm and although this larger ship/restaurant was steady, the smaller boats out the windows were rocking, rising and falling quite a bit in the wind. I had to not look out the window because it was making me dizzy and seasick. Overall a great place to visit and I would love to come again.

Paul Veilleux

Google
Excellent food! Their seafood options are absolutely delicious! I ordered the sautéed mussels (appetizer) with the seafood broil (which includes shrimp, haddock, and scallops). Cooked to perfection and absolutely mouthwatering delicious! Staff are very friendly and responsive. Just an overall great atmosphere and experience. Highly recommend!! Lots of seating options ranging from indoor tables, the bar, and outside seating overlooking the water while breathing in a dose of salty ocean air.

Brandi Matthews

Google
DiMillo's was wonderful! The food was amazing and the atmosphere was great. We tried to make a reservation, but we knew we wanted to be seated outside and they don't accept reservations for outdoor seating. So we got there early knowing we'd need to wait for a table. We waited about an hour. The service was good even though our waiter was very busy due to it being the dinner hour. I had the clam chowder and lobster mac and cheese. The clam chowder was very good and the lobster mac and cheese was absolutely amazing! Even though it was quite chilly outside, the outdoor seating was very comfortable due to heaters on the patio and clear, roll down shades that didn't obstruct the view but offered protection from the cool air and wind for tables that wanted to roll them down. We recommend DiMillo's and would definitely be back!

Dain Vossar (Galaxy Wanderer)

Google
💬 Come hungry, leave swaying with satisfaction—and with your credits slightly diminished. Worth it, the feast is. 💸🛥️ Aboard a floating restaurant? You bet your last galactic credit. DiMillo’s sits on the water, not beside it—an experience as unique as a podrace on Tatooine. We sat out on the deck by the marina, feeling the gentle sway of the vessel beneath us while watching ships pass and gulls circle above. The view? Stunning. The food? Even better. 🔥 Top Picks from Our Visit: • Lazy Lobster – Pure lobster meat, swimming in butter. Worth every credit. • Crab Cakes – Golden, thick, and full of flavor. • "What the Fish?" Sandwich – Crispy, fresh, and delicious with pickled veggies and fries. • Sicilian Meatball – Big enough to be its own moon (or small planet). Topped with cloud-like ricotta, a top of garlic bread and pasta sauce. • Kid’s Pasta – Simple, buttery, Padawan-approved. Drinks were cold, service was faster than a speeder bike, and yes—it does rock gently with the tide, so if you’re sensitive to motion, consider an inside table. 🌊 Pro Tips: ✅ Sit on the deck if the weather allows. ✅ The sway is real—skip hyperspace if you’re sensitive. ✅ Plenty of seafood and pasta options, with friendly staff happy to help.

Arvydas Saffari

Google
Dining at DiMillo’s isn’t just about the food—it’s an experience. Set aboard a converted ferry in Portland Harbor, the views are unbeatable. Watching the boats drift by while you sip a glass of wine and crack into a lobster? Pure New England magic. The food absolutely lives up to the setting. I went with the broiled seafood platter and it was perfection—tender scallops, sweet shrimp, flaky haddock, and lobster tail all cooked just right. The lobster stew is rich and comforting, and the clam chowder hits that perfect creamy-but-not-heavy balance. Service was friendly and unpretentious, the kind where you feel taken care of without being hovered over. Even when it’s busy (which it often is), everything feels well-run and relaxed. Whether you’re a tourist trying to get the full Maine experience or a local looking for a reliable favorite, DiMillo’s delivers. Great food, iconic location, and that salty harbor breeze? Five stars, easily.
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John Z.

Yelp
Amazing place. We had a cocktail and talked before ordering. Blake was our server who was phenomenal. He didn't rush us at all. We started with the tuna tartare. Fantastic. I had the Caesar salad which was large, fresh and flavorful. It had white anchovies which are far superior to regular salty ones. Also had lazy lobster. Quite good. Our conversation was never interrupted and enjoyed our time there. Will definitely return.
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Gabriel B.

Yelp
Came to DiMillo's for a business dinner and it definitely delivers on atmosphere, housed in a converted ferry floating on the water, it gives off a cool, old-school nautical vibe that feels both historic and retro. You're not just eating dinner by the water, you're literally on it! We started with the Shell Yeah clams, and yep...shell yeah, they were great! A generous portion, mixed with chorizo and served in a rich, flavorful broth that had us reaching for bread to soak it all up. Highly recommend as a starter. From there we moved onto salads and then mains. I went with the 1 1/2 lb steamed lobster, because, well... it's Maine. Nice size, fair price, and served simply with lemon butter, the classic way. Overall, DiMillo's is a solid spot if you're in the mood for that traditional Maine seafood experience with a side of maritime nostalgia. There are a few other places in the area that I personally like a bit more, but this was a fun, unique spot to try and definitely worth checking out at least once if you're in Portland.
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Christopher C.

Yelp
Dimillos is hands down the best dining experience my party and i have had in Portland. To start with the ambiance, you are situated on a boat converted to a restaurant. You get boat vibes without the dreaded seasickness. The appetizers were all very tasty. The scallops were complimented nicely with the bacon and the syrup, the crabcakes were more delicious and more crab than breadcrumbs (which is greatly appreciated), and the eggplant was alright just a little oily for my taste. Onto the entree, i had the lobster Mac and cheese. This was the highlight of my meal... Rich, creamy, and packed with fresh Maine lobster and complimented with great garlic bread. Andy, our server, was attentive and great overall. In conclusion, the combination of the marine atmosphere and indulgent and tasty food make this spot a must hit. Highly recommend.
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John S.

Yelp
Monday. May 19, 2025. Dinner. A fifteen minute walk from my hotel. I visited for happy hour, arriving about 4 PM. This restaurant is on the waterfront with a gorgeous view of the ocean. I sat at the bar, facing the window that opens to the ocean and boats. My waitress was training another waitress and they were both young and perky. I ended up ordering two draft beers with my happy hour food. I don't remember the names of my beers or the cost but they were good. I ordered the Sriracha dusted fried haddock bites with apple pico de gallo, cilantro, and ancho lime aioli ($10) and fried calamari with marinara sauce ($10). These dishes came out hot and I enjoyed the kick of the haddock bites. They had the right amount of chile. I talked to some local bar patrons sitting next to me. They were good conversationalists. They worked as pollution monitors. One of them owned a boat and told me how fun it was on the water. I enjoyed a good time at the Happy Hour at DiMillo's.
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Monika W.

Yelp
DiMillo's was absolutely wonderful. I got a reservation the day before, and snagged the time that we wanted. Parking was easy, and FREE which was clutch and so convenient. The waitress we had was so warm, bubbly and gave her opinion on all of the dishes we asked about - it seemed genuine, and not forced/not for the money. The food was all very flavorful, warm, and good. The lazy lobster might've been slightly overcooked, but we still ate it all and had no leftovers to take home! Such a cute place in Portland, and I would definitely go back.
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Stephanie V.

Yelp
Great location. You take a ticket to pay for parking upon entering their parking lot, but as long as you dine here, your parking is free. Bring your ticket with you and have it validated upon leaving the restaurant at the check-in desk. Nice restaurant. Spacious. The lobster stew is great! Plenty of lobster and perfectly cooked. The Mixed Seafood Broil is good. The Fried Fisherman's Platter was good. While the seafood was nicely cooked inside, the outside is a little overcooked than other restaurants that specialize in fried clams. Needless to say, it's still worth it. There were other dishes that our dining party enjoyed as well. The staff are nice and attentive.

Tori M.

Yelp
I cannot say enough wonderful things about DiMillo's on the Water! I called a week in advance for a reservation for 13 and spoke to Johnny. While he couldn't give us a reservation at a time that worked for our group, he offered the alternative of their two lovely bars as walk-ins, and took my name with the commitment to do all he could to get us seated When we arrived he was right there, ushering us to the lovely 'Tip of the Ship' bar overlooking the water, and worked to seat our large group on the outdoor patio. To say this was a memorable experience does not do it justice!! Our server - Lisa - provided THE BEST experience and the food and drinks were all top notch! It's easy to see why DiMillo's is a Portland staple for more than 70 years! The level of service and hospitality provided to our team was impeccable, and we will be sure to return in the future!
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Charles G.

Yelp
The service was adequate. Not slow, but not especially attentive, particularly toward the end of the meal. I ordered the signature dish, DiMillo's Lobster Mac and Cheese, and it's hard to believe this is what the restaurant is known for. It wasn't hot, it was bland, and the breadcrumbs on top gave the impression it had been pulled from a cooler. The pasta looked and tasted like it had dried out in a fridge, then was reheated in an oven just long enough to warm it through, but not enough to restore any quality. The steak was also disappointing. It came with a generous portion of mashed potatoes and gravy, and that was it. My friend asked for medium, but it arrived medium well. Given the restaurant's reputation, I expected a much better dining experience. The pricing made it worse. The two entrées totaled $95. The steak was $45, the lobster mac was $50. The portions were large, but that felt like an attempt to cover for poor quality. Loading up a dish with pasta or potatoes while skimping on premium ingredients is a clear sign of cutting corners. Presentation was uninspired. I've seen better plating at a roadside diner. Even if the prices were lower, the food still wouldn't measure up. For $50, I expected something flavorful and memorable. Instead, I got three large scoops of pasta in a watery, bland sauce with limp, overcooked lobster and a layer of breadcrumbs. It came with "toasted baguettes" that were really just sub rolls sliced to look the part. Again, more diner than fine dining. The waterfront location was nice, and the atmosphere was quiet. No music or background noise, which I appreciated, but it gave the space a subdued, almost lifeless feel. This felt like a place coasting on its reputation, relying on tourists who don't know better. Update: I now can confirm my suspicions that the lobster mac wasn't fresh. My stomach has been in knots all morning.
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Ron G.

Yelp
The waitstaff were terrific, fast & efficient and knowledgeable. The dining area is massive and the menu offerings were varied. We had the grilled haddock and Fried clams both, were very good! All around solid seafood destination. The dining areas were well appointed and noise level was pretty low. Great selection of seafood and Italian dishes. Solid choice!
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Nick C.

Yelp
I went to DiMillo's on the Water for dinner on a Saturday with a group of six. It is a restaurant within a docked boat. We had a reservation for 4pm, but unfortunately we ran 10 minutes late and ended up losing our table. The host said we might not be able to get a table because they were very busy. We ended up being seated before 4:30pm lol Our waitress gave us menus and took our drink orders. Service was friendly but slow. I ordered the clam chowder to start and the Fried Fisherman's Platter for my entree. The clam chowder tasted good, but it was more potato than clam. Then it took nearly 45 minutes for my entree to come out. It was good and filling from all the grease on the fried foods. The slow service could be a trend outside of my usual NYC area, as other restaurants i went to were also pretty slow.

Sarah B.

Yelp
The food was incredible! Lobster stew, lazy lobster, clams appetizer, and mixed seafood dish were so delicious and our server Frankie was so friendly, patient, and gave excellent recommendations! He was terrific! We'll be back!

Maureen R.

Yelp
The food was very good! Didnt like having to pay for bread and butter! However the kids meal ...both wanted pasta which only came with marinara sauce. So we had to pay $18 for a meatball from the appetizer section to get meat with their meal. Thats a bit crazy!!! The lobster roll was very good, as was the Pecan haddock!!!I I always enjoyed getting a potato and vegetable with my meal. Now you only get one! Kids enjoyed the desserts...but no kid sizes there!!! The wait between courses was L O N G! Before we even ordered a waitress spilled a glass of water and ice cubes. No one cleaned it up for over 15 minutes and one elder member of our party came late and almost slipped on an ice cube!!! On our way out we asked how long we could park before paying if we wanted to walk around The Old Port. No freebie on the parking You pay for whatever goes beyond the stamp! $200+ meal and you dont even get a half hour on the parking!!! They are catering now to anyone who wishes to park and pay even if they dont use the restaurant! The parking lot was very crowded!!!

Art T.

Yelp
Many years ago this was the best place for lobster. Not so now. The last two time eating there we had the lazy man lobster and it was overcooked each time. A total waste of our money. If I ever end up there again I will be limiting myself to a sandwich. Also the Bloody Mary seemed to be ultra low of alcohol content. Nice decor though.
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Jay B.

Yelp
The thing is...we've been meaning to check out a number of seafood restaurants around the Portland area for years now. Typically, this is done by first previewing the menu to see what strikes our fancy. Well, I'm here to tell you - DiMillo's struck SEVERAL of our fancies! And just like the title says, it's literally on the water. In terms of ambiance, the restaurant is an actual ship, which you can see if you notice the horizon of the view slowly bobbing up and down. However, you never feel any significant rocking (similar to a cruise ship). So, no worries about getting sea sick during dinner. It's not that kind of boat. Also, the ocean views are spectacular! If you've never eaten seafood by the coast before, you seriously need to check this out. As for the food, well...let's just say it was a total lobster fest for wifey and I. Though, it was not without a minor hiccup or two (more on those in a bit). But first, we have.. Deep-fried lobster tails: Near as I can figure, they serve you anywhere between 8 to 10 ounces of pure Maine lobstah tails. Picture two 5 ouncers split down the middle, de-shelled, and deep fried to perfection. Lobsters were tender and flavorful like the sea. I'd expect nothing less from the great state of Maine. But honestly, the real MVP of the evening was wifey's lazy lobster entrée. Almost everything about this dish was perfect; tender, buttery, savory goodness that melts in your mouth the way a good crustacean should. Only thing that was missing.....was seasoning. May I ask....WHY?? Look, I get it. The ocean supposedly seasons the lobster meat for you. Except....you still gotta give it a lil somethin' somethin' prior to placing them in the broiler, steamer, or deep fryer. So, after adding copious amounts of salt to her dish, I made it a point to sample a couple pieces and....hot damn!! This one's a 9 out of 10 for me, whilst the deep fried tails were an 8 out of 10. Turns out, I prefer baked to fried. Who knew? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ You might be wondering what the other minor hiccup is with DiMillo's. Well....to probably almost no one's surprise, it was the crab cakes. This sort of thing used to bug me a lot more than it does now. But these days, whenever I get a subpar crab cake, I just take it with a grain of salt (sometimes literally) and remember that I'm in New England--not Maryland. If you don't know what that means, allow me to break it down. Ideally, the best crab cakes I've had (and I've tried several renditions) were primarily structured with like...98% lump crab meat whilst keeping the breadcrumbs to the minimum. The crab to breadcrumb ratio at DiMillo's, however, was more like 40/60 to the breadcrumbs' favor. I thought we ordered a crab cake, not a crumb cake. Needless to say, the crab cakes themselves were quite bland with a serious void of crab meat which could have resembled cat food, had it not been for the little bit of seasoning and spices applied in there. If you pair it with their remoulade sauce (which was blended brilliantly, btw), it starts to taste somewhat edible. Oh well. At least they tried, I guess? Ultimately, it's a 5 out of 10 for me. As for our waitress, she was a delight. I just wish she had came back to check on us a bit more frequently. Though it was somewhat busy in the restaurant, this was still a Monday evening. Not hardly as crowded as it must get during peak hours on weekends. It's worth mentioning we basically had to book a table in advance, as time slots were quickly filling up according to their website. There is a dedicated parking lot for this and other surrounding restaurants in the area, but it's paid parking. Good news is....DiMillo's will validate your ticket at the front desk. Just be sure to carry it with you and DON'T leave it in the car. One other caveat regarding the restaurant's physical location: right before parking, you'll possibly notice a giant sign up front with the restaurant's namesake on it. Only....you probably won't know where the building itself is at first. So, here's a hint: it's tucked in the way back by the water. Just keep walking toward the docks and you'll see it. Overall, not a bad experience for a first night out on 'staycation'. We will most certainly return here one day. At which point, I shall become #TeamLazyLobster once more! As of now, I'm giving DiMillo's On The Water 4 tender, buttery plates of lobstah meat WITH seasoning out of 5.

Julia G.

Yelp
My friends and I absolutely loved it here! All 5 of us ordered different dishes and all loved our food. The service was phenomenal and we really enjoyed ourselves. The french onion soup was amazing and so was the lazy lobster, 10/10!
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Alison M.

Yelp
Date night had us landing at a place that wasn't going to work well for us. We knew what we wanted and knew where we could go for dependable quality food and ambiance, DiMillo's. A staple here in Portland for over 40 years floating in their marina. Complimentary parking for all their guests with MANY reminders along your walk from the car to the restaurant doors "Don't forget your ticket" parking validated at the host stand. The wait for a table was about an hour. We were welcome to try and get a seat at the bar. We did just that. Seated within 20 minutes, not a bad wait for a Friday night. Husband ordered their King cut Prime rib and I had the Lazy Lobster. Meat was cooked to order and accompanied by the most beautiful pop over I have seen in a long time. Lazy lobster was plentiful and the polenta filling. We finished our meal and got to see Mr. DiMillo socializing with the patrons with a smile on his face. Family owned and operated with someone representing makes all their difference. Consistently quality food and a staple here in Portland.
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Delaney M.

Yelp
Food was great, ambience even better. Only reason it's not 5 stars is that it's expensive and you can get this quality seafood anywhere. What you're paying for is the wonderful views, waterside eating, great service.
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Sara G.

Yelp
Such a great start to our work trip in ME! We were a party of 4 who love to eat! The service was outstanding our server, Chris, gave great suggestions both in what he likes and what he gets from feedback from other guests. We tried a variety of menu items and were not disappointed in our selections. Biggest tip is, it's a lot of food so I recommend ordering different items and sharing them so you can try all the deliciousness!
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Karen L.

Yelp
Great atmosphere and wonderful service by Ashton Ryan and the managers. Food is great especially lobster stew and lobster club as well as the steamers are the best. I love the specials and today the scallops with parsnip purée was to die for. Love food , drink and service and Dimillos always delivers
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C Y.

Yelp
Bummer for diners with peanut and tree nut food allergies. Their kitchen is not set up to prevent potential cross-contamination.

Ed A.

Yelp
Great service! I've been a customer for many years and the service has always been the best! I'm a lunch/happy hour guy and I usually get the scallop roll. It is to die for!
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Misti M.

Yelp
I enjoyed DiMillo's On the Water - it was a fun way to have lunch on the water and for my friends to experience a lobster roll. It's important for folks to know what they are getting in to though - I can imagine some folks looking for a meal, but not wanting the fancier, higher priced atmosphere that DiMillo's offers... but if you are ready for the experience, it's a good place to try out. This place seemed to be very family friendly and there were several groups of seniors around us who seemed to be having a great time too. I had the cobb salad, and it was $22 - but a tasty $22. It came with all the fixin's.. avocado, egg, bacon, craisins, walnuts, chicken and I think more... tasty, and I liked the poppyseed dressing. I also ordered a side of fries ($6) which were great. The waiter was friendly - and definitely recommended the side of house made ranch, it was good but you have to like dill flavor!
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Loren G.

Yelp
Everything we ordered was Fabulous! I enjoyed the scenery and vibe with my husband. Our waitress was lovely to have. She made the experience even fabulous. I would come back for the food and scenery. Food: I had the Lobster Roll and it was phenomenal! I would 100% recommend. My husband had a pasta dish. His dish was so much more delicious . Everything combined beautifully. The drinks were delicious. Complimented the food well. Overall, we enjoyed ourselves and would come back.
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Nicole K.

Yelp
It is my first time here and I will definitely be back! They are handicap accessible. Our waitress Maggie was fantastic and really friendly! The food was excellent I ordered the lobster club and my friend got the lobster stew with crab cakes both were great!! It was such a beautiful ship and view.
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Justin R.

Yelp
Pretty cool restaurant down on the water in downtown Portland. This old ship has been turned into a dining space. I recommend sitting out on the deck area (it's heated when it's cold) but the galley area looks nice as well. Everything was super fresh and cooked really well from the steamed clams to the mixed seafood broil. I was pleasantly surprised by the crab roll as I opted for something different than lobster (I already had 3 on this trip). The only thing that kept me from giving DiMillos 5 stars was that the service was slow. I don't think it was our servers fault but it took forever to get our food. Other than that we really enjoyed the experience. Don't forget to bring your parking ticket to get it validated before you leave!
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Jessie H.

Yelp
Really enjoyed Dimilli's on the water! The restaurant is actually a boat on the water so beware if you do go it does rock with the tide. We had a great lunch of clam chowder, Jonas Cajun crab claws, the fried oyster lettuce wraps and a lobster roll! Everything was fresh and delicious and would definitely recommend this and the experience to anybody in the area!
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Chris P.

Yelp
Sweet host messed up and allowed us to sit "outside" on the deck to enjoy a glass of wine. Only two other diners out there on a gorgeous late Monday afternoon. But once that older blonde waitress saw us she put a STOP on this craziness. Only people who order food may sit here. Uhmmm. Okay. What an unhappy person Rather than goodwill for DiMillos? She made us feel bad

Tracy R.

Yelp
The food and service was immaculate! The owner walked around to the tables and check in with his customers!! He even took A picture with us !!

Deborah P. B.

Yelp
DiMillo's -- A Masterclass in Hostility and Disrespect If I could give zero stars, I would. Instead, I feel a duty to forewarn other customers. My friend and I, both local residents and longtime supporters of Portland's restaurant scene, had what can only be described as the most degrading and unprofessional dining experience we've ever encountered -- at DiMillo's, of all places. We called ahead and were told that, while all reservations were booked, we could grab a seat at the bar and order from there. Fair enough. When we arrived, however, there was only one bar stool available. Next to the bar was a table that had just been vacated -- so we sat down there, figuring we were still within bounds. No signs, no ropes, no indication that the table was off-limits. About 15 minutes later, a waitress approached with a scowl that could sour wine. Without a greeting or even basic courtesy, she told us we were not allowed to sit there and needed to leave. When we explained the situation -- that we were told we could sit at the bar but there wasn't space -- she curtly said she was getting the manager. And then came Lisa. The manager emerged five minutes later and launched into a tirade about how we "could never, never, never sit in that room." Apparently, it was some kind of sacred seating area requiring a name on a waitlist -- a fact not mentioned on the phone, posted anywhere, or indicated in any way. Instead of explaining with professionalism, Lisa immediately went on the offensive. She was confrontational, condescending, and aggressive, insisting we leave and announcing that she would escort us out. But the insult didn't stop there. Lisa went on to claim that she "remembered us from a few months ago" -- a complete fabrication, as neither of us had ever set foot in DiMillo's before. This blatant lie was not just bizarre, but an obvious tactic to shift blame and justify her behavior. Finally, in an utterly performative gesture, she threw open the door and waved us out like misbehaving children, announcing, "This is what happens when you break the rules." What rules, exactly? No one ever clarified that. We left shocked, humiliated, and deeply disappointed. To be clear: we are two 76-year-old women. We weren't rowdy, rude, or demanding -- just hoping for a nice meal in our own city. The way we were treated was not just unprofessional, but deeply disrespectful. Would Lisa speak to her own grandmother that way? Would she treat any human being with such disdain? And here's the irony: tourists may come and go, but locals are the ones who keep restaurants afloat in the off-season. DiMillo's should take a hard look at how it treats its community -- because word travels fast, and experiences like this aren't easily forgotten. Lisa does NOT belong in customer service in any capacity.

Beth F.

Yelp
First. The food. Amazing. 5/5. I had a steak- cooked perfectly. I could've skipped the bread. Nothing spectacular there. Mudd pie was great. Service. Our server, Nancy, was in a rush to be anywhere but at our table. She'd come and ask us questions and before we could finish our answer she'd walk away from the table. Not just once but many times. It was bizarre.
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Cole M.

Yelp
There was a group of 12 drunk people standing up, chanting, clapping, and screaming. Many tables asked to try and calm them down and the waitresses just kept saying "they are about to leave," but they kept ordering more drinks and being obnoxious. Nobody should be paying this much money for a restaurant that does not want to uphold a nice setting for a dinner.
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Adam B.

Yelp
Not to surprised this place is spectacular. Best ceaser salad I've had to date, and yes get the anchovies! Service is accommodating and measured. My Aunt said to go to a five star place for a lobster and this was the place was just that. I didn't need the butter with this lobster, I thought it was better without it! Classy place, fairly dressy, but not required, quite comfortable and hard to beat the location.
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Cristal C.

Yelp
Convenient location with a lot of on site parking. DiMillos was a delight! I loved the ship feel & dining on the deck. The service & food was something to right home about! We were well taken care of & enjoyed a variety of appetizers, entrees & desserts. Will definitely be back again!
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Belinda W.

Yelp
The atmosphere was great, the service Devine and the food outstanding. Everything was spot on. Never had to send anything back. Prices weren't to bad for the service and food, especially the attention your wait staff took care of our table.
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Meagan C.

Yelp
such a beautiful experience! LOVED the lobster mac and cheese, so yummy with huge chunks of lobster :) my fiancée and I came here after our proposal, such a special place right overlooking the boats on the water. the owner came over to our table to see how everything was which had a special touch to it. perhaps the server could have been more prompt to checking in on us throughout the night and offering us a celebratory drink or dessert for the occasion; however, that was not the case (sadly)!

Wesley M.

Yelp
I love DiMillo's it is one of the best sea food restaurants I've ever been to and the service was so nice I even met Steve Dimillo just an amazing experience for me and my family
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Carrie C.

Yelp
We'd been dying to try this place for some time, and we finally made reservations on an early fall evening, so we sat inside. The view of the surrounding Portland harbor is second to none other than your own boat. They do have their own parking lot, even in the busy old port, but you must get validated. Then you walk down the gangway to the front doors! The hostess calls to be sure your table is ready and then your walked along the starboard side to your table. We started with a salad and bacon wrapped scallops- both delicious!!! For entrees we had the fisherman's platter and the biscuit fried chicken sandwich. Fried seafood was delicious but wasn't like Michelin star rated for anything! The service was good, a little bit slower for a slower evening but still decent. We did enjoy our date night, but I don't think I'd just come back for the fun of it. It was good but not matching up to all of the ravings I had heard about !!! Still good to try and see for yourself !!
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Liz M.

Yelp
What a special meal ! Our good friend treated us to dinner for our honeymoon. This is a place for celebrations ! The food was excellent. Service attentive. If you love seafood this is your spot. My husband had a steamed lobster he throughly enjoyed dipped in butter. I had a filet wrapped in bacon with a yummy Bernaise sauce. There is an extensive drink list. Whether you like a cold Beer , mixed drink, or a glass of wine , you have many options. Now that food is out of the way , the restaurant is actually on a boat. An old ferry brought over from Jamestown Rhode Island. It's a beautiful old ship, and has a very lavish interior. We ate there at night but I am betting daytime has awesome views. There is a parking lot and they will stamp your ticket so you don't have to pay to park. Being from out of town we decided to Uber in case the lot was busy. This is a great spot and I recommend it for sure !
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
Many trips to Portland never brought me here. Maybe I thought it was too touristy? Glad we went as the food was absolutely delicious. Server was super friendly and the views were great! The wedge salad was huge and covered in bacon. Tasty chowder too, perfect. My burger was so yummy and perfectly cooked. Scallops were plump and seared to perfection. The lemony shaved Brussels sprouts were so good, I finished that before I even tried anything else. Everything was just soooooo good, I'd love to go back. The owner stopped by our table too which was a nice touch.
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John C.

Yelp
There's certainly a novelty to being on a giant restaurant boat swaying in the water. DiMillos is set up to cater to the tourist over 50 crowd with kitsch and Knick knacks coving the walls. Our 3 year old loved it lol. Service was very friendly and good came quickly. Overall the food was pretty good, I had a new risotto dish that definitely needed some extra love. Probably a true 3.5 stars. Worth going at least once.
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Pao A.

Yelp
Along with our overcooked dinner that we had to send back -- the server adjusted the tip amount and gave themselves a bigger tip. Dishonest establishment!
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Jae P.

Yelp
A fun restaurant in Portland literally on the water! It is definitely pricy / touristy, but the vibes inside of "being on a boat" is a fun experience. The service was also fast and friendly, and our waitress was super accommodating throughout our entire dining experience. The food was pretty good -- the clam chowder was delicious, lobster mac & cheese was yummy, the calamari, lobster roll, and steamed lobster were just all right. Definitely felt that it was a bit pricey for what it's worth, but not a bad spot for a one-time experience with its great service and ambiance.
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Barbara A.

Yelp
My friends and I did a day trip up to Portland. One friend had never been and the other friend grew up in Portland but had not been back in years. We were deciding where to eat and were walking to a different restaurant. My Portland friend wanted to first go to the port to go see the picture of her dad who served in WW2. Since that location was by DiMillo's, she suggested we pivot to here. It was a good call. This is not a flashy, trendy place like some places in Portland but it was a solid seafood experience. The location and views really can't be beat. I had not had scallops this sweet and savory in a while. This is definitely old school dining but that not necessarily a bad thing especially if you can deliver a good meal.
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Carina D.

Yelp
Wonderful experience at DiMillo's. Food and service was amazing. Best lobster I have ever had. The side of Polenta pared very will with the lobster. Would highly recommend to anyone traveling to Portland. Hope to be back again!!
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Kimi L.

Yelp
I feel like I would have expected more from DiMillo's. This place is chalked up to be "the place" you have to try in Portland... on the water, on a boat, blah blah blah. The food is expensive, not that great (not bad either), the service is "whatever" (not great, not bad), and the drinks were just okay. My husband and I took our family here, they are visiting. In the entire open boat, not busy at the time, waitress sat us very close to a table of four. Okay whatever. Until this lady ( who had to be in her 50's) started cursing each time she opened her mouth to speak; "f this" "f that" and she started talking about men's private parts using the word "penis". There was a table sitting behind her with children as well. Everyone is looking at this woman like what the heck is your problem? So much for a nice and relaxing meal for everyone. What's more disturbing is the staff (who heard everything) did nothing. Did not ask her to stop. Did not offer to move anyone. No apologies. Cool boat though. Awesome pictures of Portland from back in the day. Save your money. Not worth it. Clearly there is no respect for families and people just trying to eat a nice meal in an expensive establishment.
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Patrick T.

Yelp
Food is always amazing, all the staff are super friendly. The atmosphere is great for all occasions and you won't be disappointed by the views.

Helen G.

Yelp
I was blown away by how amazing this was. The bacon wrapped scallops are a MUST TRY! They do not skimp on the portion amount, and the scallops were big and juicy. The sauce that came with was also DELICIOUS!!!! Definitely my favorite part of my meal. The lazy lobster was nothing special, fresh lobster yes but I think you can get this anywhere else. The bread pudding was delicious as well, highly recommend, bread is soft and everything paired really well with each other. Our waitress was so kind and the vibes of this place is amazing: you get a view of the water and it is also nicely decorated. Definitely a great place for a special occasion!

Amy C.

Yelp
We visited Portland from Seattle. Back home, we catch fresh crab from our boat and we love seafood but the lobster here (Lazy Lobster) is possibly the best meal I've had. Ever! We're going back tomorrow to order the Lazy Lobster again. When in Portland, eat lobster!! The restaurant is clean and modern but also warm and comfortable. The waitress was very friendly. Can't wait to go back. Can I get the recipe??? (Thinking it's just lobster and butter artfully prepared).
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Lizzy M.

Yelp
I mean you're really here to ride the boat. I think that the setting was very nice and the concept is definitely there. This is a very classic summer thing to do and it's a fun experience especially if you bring along the kids or grandparents. The service has typically been very good when I've went, definitely screams family business. The food is fine honestly, it's the experience you're really paying for not the food. The menu is that of every other restaurant in Maine in the summertime.