DiMillo's On the Water

DiMillo's On the Water is the most well-known and best high-end seafood restaurant in Portland Maine. We tried visiting this establishment two summers ago for dinner, and the wait was about 2 hours long. Unfortunately we went somewhere else.

This visit we had no problems getting a reservation during the off-season. The food, service, and atmosphere were all outstanding. We've been to many nice seafood restaurants both on the east and west coasts. DiMillo's, in our opinion, is easily one of the best, non-Michelin star seafood restaurants in the country.

I loved every single dish we got there. My favorite is the one with broiled scallops, it was soft, juicy and very delicious. Cutting scallops is like cutting a butter. Soups there are great is well, especially in a cold weather. Clam chowder and onion soups were just perfect! Really want to try the lobster one next time we’re in town. My husband is not huge fan of a seafood, but the pecan crusted haddock he got was just perfect, it has a very interesting combination of flavors and haddock accompanied by all the ingredients does not taste like fish at all (in a good way).

Lobster roll was good, not chewy, but I expected a little bit more flavor.

Overall great place to have a seafood on Portland, I specifically liked gentle rocking of the boat by waves.

It was my first time here. It's an actual restaurant boat on the water! It doesn't sway with the waves, so I'm fairly certain it's stuck there.

I was under dressed as this entire trip was a pleasant surprise with a friend. From the moment I stepped in side the door, I felt myself welcome. The staff and patrons are so incredibly kind humans. The food was delicious. I witnessed the manager walking around and introducing himself to guests and shaking hands. Even leaving, I was sad to go. I hope one day we can go again.

Walked in with no reservation, had called prior, and was told it could be an hour to two wait. We had our heart set on the prime rib, so of course, we would wait. Just before we left to grab drinks elsewhere while we waited, I asked the lovely ladies if there still is prime rib, a gentleman jumped in and asked what size and he would be sure to not on the reservation and let the kitchen know. We walked out blown away by this customer service. Sat at a bar across the street for less than an hour before we were texted that our table was ready. Upon arrival, the lovely hostesses showed us our seat. Our waitress came over sweet and super attentive. She asked us if we were still interested in the prime rib... how did she know! Great customer service. Come to find out, the communication with the hostess and waitress was impeccable. Again, blown away with the customer service. We were super pleased with our calamari and prime rib dish. Everything was so full of flavor. Come to find out, the gentleman who was kind enough to hold a prime rib for us was Steve Dimillo himself. All around, great experience and huge kudos to that team and owner for a all around fabulous experience!!!

Great & fresh seafood restaurant. The lobster stew is kind of similar to baked stuffed lobster, they all served with the same/similar butter oil. So I would suggest just to order either one dish. They all taste great.
The dishes are all great and have unique flavors. I highly recommend this place if you’re visiting Portland for the first time and want to find somewhere special to have some beautiful memories here. (Remember to reserve window seats beforehand because even though I made a reservation, the window seats were reserved specifically and I was not able to seat by the window)

I'm a long-term Portland resident and I definitely used to think that DiMillo's was something of a tourist trap. The food is excellent, the views are beautiful, and the staff is great. I ordered the pecan encrusted haddock with broccollini, and I think it might have been the best fish dish I have ever eaten in my life. Not only was the fish fresh and tender, but the delicate com bination flavors in the sweet potato stuffing was "out of this world." Their baked stuffed lobster is amazing when it's available, and the lazy man lobster is a decent substitute. Today my 90-year-old father ordered lobster mac and cheese. The staff was extra friendly and accommodating to him on the count of his age I assume. You can't go with with DiMillo's.

DiMillo's was the perfect location for our rehearsal dinner. The weather was gorgeous so our guests enjoyed hanging out on the deck. The buffet was delicious and there were several fun cocktail options. Steve Jr. worked with us throughout the planning process and made it easy to coordinate from out of town. Highly recommend!

We flew from Houston, TX. to visit Portland, Maine for the very first time. Took the family to Dinner on 11 December 2023 Monday evening and what an amazing evening we had to end our wonderful experience in Portland! Our server Lisa was amazing, her hospitality was above and beyond! If you’re wanting good quality seafood Dimillo’s is where you want to come! No need to look no further, scenic view is astonishing! We had bacon wrap scallops for the first ever and it was a 10/10 delicious I wish I would ordered more! The lobster stew, clam chowder, and the lobster Mac n cheese 10/10. Everything we order was very tasty and delicious. The interior Christmas decorations Dimillos was very beautiful, Lisa was so nice and generous that she took the time to take our family pictures @ the restaurant. Thank you Dimillo’s staff and our server Lisa for the wonderful dinner experience! Would love to come back to Portland just come back to eat at Dimillo’s!

We had lunch on a busy Saturday afternoon in early August. Definitely call ahead to make a reservation. We did not, arrived at 1pm, and had to wait an hour for an outside table. But it was worth it.

The house salad was nice and fresh, the crab cake appetizer was very tasty, and the lobster roll was one of the best we've had.

There is a full bar with lots of choices for wine, beer, and cocktails.

Although the restaurant was very busy, service was very good and our food came out at the right pace.

Very enjoyable place for lunch on the water. Nice views of Casco Bay from our table.

What an amazing ambiance. We had 12:30p.m. reservations and were seated right away. The wait staff was amazing and catered to all our needs. The food, fresh, caught same day... Amazing!!! 5 🌟 does not do this place justice. Don't be in a hurry. The goodness here takes time but won't disappoint... Something beyond the normal with a kiss 💋 of heart and soul... After dinner, they will validate your parking. Walk out to the pier, close your eyes, and let the water speak to your soul... Thank you for putting a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Soon... Very soon, we shall return ❤

Great place on the water. Great food, amazing views and atmosphere. Totally recommend it. And the lobster... should I say more?

In general Portland, ME is one of my favorite destinations. I feel like I am thousands of miles away in my birthplace around the Black Sea.

Can't wait for my next vacation time to visit again!

Being my first time in Portland, Maine, my colleagues thought it a treat to take me to a popular restaurant, DeMillos on the Water. I was pleasantly surprised with the variety and diversity of seafood options (it is what they are known for) as well as land options for those that prefer. What none of us were prepared for was the incredible wit from our server 'Bobby' who has worked at this establishment for 28 years. Her incredible humor, strong knowledge of the menu and recommendations did not fall on deaf ears. We not only laughed throughout the meal but were also incredibly impressed with the food that we were served. I started with the Lobster Stew, which as 'Bobby' described, was full of buttery goodness and flavor. It did NOT disappoint! In addition, they have both gluten free as well as gluten free options to many of the selections. The pecan crusted haddock that several of us chose was packed with flavor and more than satisfying. I can't think of a better location to have your 'first meal' in Maine and would go back just for the entertainment that our server provided for us!

Great seafood in Portland, MA
The tuna tartare and mussels in wine wine were delicious. Excellent Lobster rolls with amazing fries. The drinks were awesome
The background music was great.

From the moment you walk in, or step in the ship…it was quite an amazing experience. The Lazy Lobster was fantastic. Loves the shrimp as well. Service was slower than usual, maybe a bit understaffed but did not feel rushed. Absolutely enjoyed the entire meal!

Lobster rolls on a boat in Maine, what more can you ask for. I had like 5-6 lobster rolls during my New England trip and this was the best one. Also one of the best clam chowders, but I personally liked one I had in Boston slightly more. Server was very knowledgeable.

This is a must-try restaurant if you are visiting or from the area. There is an opinion from plenty of locals this is more of a tourist trap. I would disagree with that notion. You may find seafood you like more elsewhere but DiMillo’s has fresh and high quality tasting food either way. A spot that can be extremely busy during the summer cause how can you pass up enjoying seafood on a boat floating restaurant especially if you get a window seat. Tasty food (give the bacon wrapped scallops a try for an app and try the lobster mac n cheese or pecan crusted fish for an entree) and good cocktails or beer/wine. The prices will add up quickly especially if you bring a large party and get apps and drinks but seafood and fine dining usually are pricey. Also if you take advantage of their parking lot and bring in your ticket and get it validated then you get free parking! Like I said this place is a must-try so add it to your list!

Wow! What a great place to have dinner. Each of the four of us had something different and each dish was fantastic. Our waiter Blake was super helpful and attentive. I highly recommend the Fried Kalamari and the Honey Chicken Sandwich. The restaurant atmosphere is very sophisticated and we loved when it swayed back and forth with the light waves. I can only imagine what a rough day might be like! Definitely a must try!

Great food, wonderful service and nostalgic atmosphere. Really enjoyed the food here; had their lobster roll which was a nice portion. Would highly recommend enjoying your meal outside if possible.

Wow! What a uniquely wonderful restaurant that was a former car ferry from Newport, RI.

The menu is quite large which can fulfill anyone’s dietary requirements with many delicious options.

I had the wedge salad, garlic cheese bread, the NY strip with mash potatoes… everything was absolutely delicious.

Lisa C was a fantastic server and Steve DeMillo introduced himself and was so friendly. This is definitely a well run, family restaurant.

Loved it!! Delicious food with some nice views over the port. Be prepared for waiting times with service.