Location: Portland
Top Restaurants in Portland
Top Things to do in Portland
Most Popular Restaurants in Portland
Portland is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 8,732 at the 2000 census. The town center is listed as a census-designated place (CDP). It is situated across the Connecticut River from Middletown. Brownstone quarried in Portland was used in the construction of Hartford's Old State House in 1796. The vast majority of the brownstone buildings in Connecticut (see College Row at Wesleyan University and the Long Walk at Trinity College) as well as the famous brownstones in New York City were built with brownstone from Portland's quarries.
Things to do in Portland
1. Sweet Harmony Cafe & Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Joshua G - Jakarta, Indonesia
I visited here before taking my daughter to a College tour at Wesleyan. It feels very personal, and the quality is excellent, with everything there home-made. The "large" coffees are also LARGE, so be ready for that! Service is prompt and the staff are personable--I highly recommend it for a tasty breakfast!
2. Sarah's on Main
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By K L
We went for weekday breakfast after reading reviews. It was FANTASTIC! I had 2-egg Mediterranean Scramble special that was well balanced with kalamatas, spinach, feta, and fresh tomato in every bite. My son enjoyed Southwest scramble, and we both loved the tangy and crispy sourdough toast. The bacon was especially good - crispy and hearty flavor. Coffee strong in robust way. We agree with other reviews that state it is slow. Our service was fine, but kitchen was slow. It is def worth the wait! Go when you can enjoy your time and excellent food at a great price!
3. MONDO
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By amjs13501 - Utica, New York
Had lunch during a recent day trip to Wesleyen University. The atmosphere is urban/industrial and is family and kid friendly. We went in expecting typical pizza shop fare, but found a complete Italian menu with something for every appetite. The food was delicious and the portions are huge.
4. The New England Emporium Eatery & Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4 based on 63 reviews
The Eatery at the New England Emporium serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with seat-yourself dining, take-out and catering. We have a unique and comfortable atmosphere with gourmet casual fare. Come and experience a mouth watering Grown Up Grilled Cheese.
Reviewed By CTHeather - Middletown, Connecticut
New England Emporium is in a convenient location, they have ample seating, and the menu offers something for everyone. It is great for families, small groups, or even just dining alone. Food is fresh and comes out (usually) in a quick span of time. I recommend this place for a casual, easy lunch in Middletown.
5. Vecchittos Italian Ice
Overall Ratings
5 based on 53 reviews
The Vecchitto family has been serving and manufacturing Italian Ices and frozen desserts from this location on 323 deKoven Dr. in Middletown since 1930.
Reviewed By Mithryl27 - Middletown, Connecticut
I have been enjoying Vecchitto's Italian ice since I was a teenager, many years ago. It isn't summer without it. It's the best I've ever had, and I have tried a lot. My favorite is lemon, which is still made from fresh lemons....tart and delicious. The kids like the other fruit flavors, but why mess with perfection?
6. Eggs Up LLC
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By S_Gee_NYC - New York City, New York
Eggs Up is just the classic example of a "smaller town" breakfast spot - the menu is exactly what you would expect, eggs, breakfast meats, and delicious looking pancakes! They have a sizable gluten free menu as well - again...just breakfast! Go here for a no-frills, but delicious, local-experience breakfast --
It's a smallish restaurant; locals were sitting at the counter, and they also had tables for 2-6. I was part of a group of five and we waited less than 5 minutes for a table. The waitresses were hustling so we always had coffee in our mugs. Room for kids as well - they had high-chairs available. I was worried they would only take cash - but happily they take credit cards!
Do not forget to take an instagram-worthy pic with the elephant out in the front. Don't neglect the hot-dog man that is squirting ketchup on himself. It's a must-see.
7. Taino Smokehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By Alison R - Charlotte, North Carolina
The prices seemed a little high for what you got. All meals are over $10pp. Seating is outside, so hopefully the weather is good. I believe most of their business is run through take out. The take out area is indoors, but there are only a couple of tables to sit at. If you are coming with a group, there is a lot of seating outside, but this will only work well in warmer months. Service was slow. Came here for lunch and there were not many other tables, but service was still very slow.
8. O'Rourke's Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By vjc735 - Southington, Connecticut
For years, I have lived just a few miles from this gem but never stopped there. Finally, last week, my wife and I went there on a whim, no .....a raging desire for one of their steamed cheeseburgers. So, we made our way through the crowd waiting for a table and secured places at the counter , right across from the pass through window to the kitchen. Getting down to business, I looked through the menu, searching diligently for my cheeseburger. Nothing. Only Breakfast. When I asked the waitress, she smiled and said, " Only thing we make on the weekend is breakfast. " Really !. So when in doubt make the best of it. And we already had a great breakfast ( I know....I made the omelettes...) . After researching the offerings, we discovered the mini raspberry pancakes with whipped cream and homemade raspberry jam. I spiced it up a bit and also had sliced andouille sausage on the side. WOW ! Now I know why folks love this spot. We are returning soon, though, but during the week so that I can get my cheeseburger. BTW, just a hint, don't be tied to eating in a booth. The Counters offer another perspective. Yes, we made a mistake and loved doing it !!!
9. Farrell's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By ModernWanderers - Connecticut
Came here as a group of 10 for a meeting, and we were indeed well catered for. Our wait staff, Elias, was AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING. He was so on top of everything, from continuously refilling our drinks, to putting in our food orders (in three different batches -- sorry, again!), to just being there with a huge, warm smile on a cold, dreary, rainy day :)
Food was okay -- edible and fresh, if not as tasty as I would normally like. Salads looked AWESOME (and huge!), and the free bread rolls just kept coming out. Everyone seemed happy enough with their meals. Total bill came to only $106 for the 9 of us who ate lunch.
Warm and cozy inside, and we managed to squeeze 10 of us into one large booth out the back. They do have a large reserve-able room also for larger groups (it was already booked the day we went), and a deck with tables and chairs for the sunnier days. Plenty of parking in the parking lot out back.
10. Luce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By BobSMeriden_CT - Meriden, CT
Fine upscale restaurant in Middletown. Lunch menu was extensive. Very nice atmosphere with brick wall on the interior. Wait staff was well informed and helpful .We were able to have a good conversation. Luce is very popular. Plenty of off street parking.
