Featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’
- Episode Title: Season 10, Episode 8 — “Fresh, Filled, and Fried”
- Air Date: November 1, 2010
- What Was Featured: Lobster Sandwich with Lemon Garlic Aioli, Fried Ginger Calamari
Is It Safe for Gluten-Free?
The Porthole is a solid option for gluten-free diners — especially if you’re craving fresh seafood. They offer gluten-free buns and gluten-free toast for breakfast. Important heads-up though: their fryer is shared, so anything fried (like the fries) isn’t safe for strict gluten-free. Still, there are plenty of naturally gluten-free dishes or easily modifiable ones available. We felt safe ordering and really appreciated the clarity on the menu.
Tucked along Portland’s busy working waterfront, The Porthole feels like a real hidden gem. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard — fresh seafood, chill vibes, and a big ol’ deck with a view of the harbor. It’s especially famous for its Twin Lobster Dinner, but the whole menu leans into that authentic Maine seafood experience without being stuffy. Plus, the deck is dog-friendly, and during the warmer months, you can catch local musicians playing out there. Between the sounds of the water, the boats pulling up, and the live music, it feels like classic Maine at its best.
- Website: portholemaine.com
Gluten-Free Information Available?
Gluten-free items are clearly labeled on the menu, and our server was fantastic about walking us through what was safe and what to watch out for. It’s always such a relief when a restaurant doesn’t make you feel like an inconvenience for asking questions!
- Date of Visit: April 27, 2025
- Location: 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, Maine
- Parking/Accessibility: Parking on Custom House Wharf is paid and a little tight, especially if you’re driving a larger vehicle, but it’s manageable. There’s also a nearby parking garage or metered parking on Commercial Street if you don’t mind a short walk. Definitely leave a little extra time to find a spot if you’re visiting during peak hours.
Lobster Sandwich with Lemon Aioli on a Gluten-Free Bun + Side Salad (Gluten-Free)
- Description: Featured on the show — a heaping 5 oz. of fresh, chilled lobster, dressed lightly with your choice of lemon aioli or butter, and served on a Schär gluten-free bun. Comes with a side salad made up of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Our Review: This sandwich was loaded — there was no skimping on the lobster here. The lemon aioli was light, bright, and the perfect pairing without drowning out that natural sweet lobster flavor. The Schär bun held up better than we expected (especially compared to other gluten-free breads we’ve tried) — soft but sturdy enough for all that lobster. The salad was fresh and colorful, with crisp cucumbers and a nice pop from the red peppers. No soggy side salads here! It felt like a full, balanced meal. I was so full I ended up skipping dinner later that night — worth it!
Honey Habanero Chicken Fingers (Not Gluten-Free)
- Description: Crispy chicken tenders tossed in honey habanero sauce, served with bleu cheese or ranch dressing on the side.
- Our Review: Layla said these were exactly the kind of spicy-sweet combo she loves. The honey gave them a sticky glaze while the habanero brought real heat without burning your mouth off. She was also blown away by how good the bleu cheese dip was — and even more shocked when our server said it was just Ken’s brand! (We’re convinced restaurant Ken’s is different from grocery store Ken’s. It’s just science.) Layla’s pro tip: ask for the sauce on the side so your tenders stay extra crispy and you can control the spice level.
French Fries (Cross-Contaminated — Not Gluten-Free)
- Description: Golden, deep-fried French fries with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt.
- Our Review: Classic, crispy, and well-seasoned. Layla said they were everything you want from a simple side of fries. If you’re not worried about gluten, definitely worth grabbing a basket.
The Porthole has such a cool, relaxed vibe. You can tell it’s a local favorite — even on a rainy spring day before tourist season, it had a steady stream of people. Inside, it feels cozy and worn-in in the best way: a little vintage, a little nautical, and very Maine. The deck is huge and would be the spot to sit on a sunny day. It was too cold to enjoy it this trip, but it’s easy to picture yourself out there with a drink, some live music, and a plate of lobster.
The service was also a highlight — fast, welcoming, and totally on top of food safety questions without making it weird. We felt like we were in good hands from start to finish.
- Gluten-Free Friendliness: ★★★★☆
Great selection of gluten-free options, clearly labeled. Just be mindful of the shared fryer situation. ($4 upcharge for gluten-free bread.) - Taste and Quality of Food: ★★★★★
Super fresh seafood, flavorful sauces, and well-prepared sides. Everything we tasted was full of flavor and felt thoughtfully made. - Service: ★★★★★
Above and beyond. Knowledgeable, friendly, and quick without feeling rushed. - Overall Experience: ★★★★☆
A cozy, casual spot that hits all the right notes. If you’re looking for a no-frills, real-deal Maine seafood experience with options for everyone, The Porthole delivers.
We loved The Porthole! If we had more time in Portland, we’d be back for brunch or an evening on the deck catching live music. The food was fresh, the vibe was relaxed, and we were happy to find some solid gluten-free options without sacrificing flavor. Plus, seeing vegetarian options like Beyond Burgers on the menu means it’s a great pick if you’re traveling with a mixed-diet crew. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Porthole is worth the stop.
Our next DDD destination is Pittsburgh, PA! If you know of a gluten-free friendly DDD spot we should check out there, drop us a recommendation — we’d love to hear from you!
Travel Turtles 