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Nestled right on the waterfront at 25 Long Wharf in Portland, ME, DiMillo's On the Water offers an iconic seafood dining experience that perfectly captures the essence of Maine’s coastal charm. This celebrated seafood restaurant invites guests aboard what once was a floating casino—now transformed into a vibrant dining destination where each meal promises to be as fresh and memorable as the ocean breeze sweeping over Casco Bay.
The moment you step into DiMillo’s, you’re greeted by a warm, nautical ambiance, setting the scene for a relaxing and intimate meal with just the right balance of lively energy and soothing maritime atmosphere. The subtly light background music complements conversation effortlessly, making it ideal for everything from romantic dinners to friendly gatherings.
DiMillo’s is renowned for its masterful selection of New England seafood classics and inventive dishes alike. Start your meal with mouthwatering appetizers like the Bacon Wrapped Scallops, where tender native scallops are lusciously enveloped in smoky bacon and kissed with a drizzle of Maine maple syrup, or the Crab Cakes served alongside a zesty Ancho Lime Aioli that bursts with bright, fresh flavors. The Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Bangs Island Mussels sautéed in white wine and garlic are further standouts that showcase the bounty of the sea in each bite.
Among entrées, the crowd-favorite Lazy Lobster and the indulgent Lobster Mac & Cheese, DiMillo’s Style, truly exemplify the restaurant’s ability to blend comfort with sophistication. The mac & cheese, abundant with sweet lobster chunks and oozing creamy decadence, is a dish that customers like Murfam Post LLC fondly recall for its rich, satisfying flavors, despite noting the premium price. The Lobster Stew, brimming with silky lobster meat in a decadent, buttery broth, is another sumptuous choice that resonates with the authentic taste of Maine.
Salad lovers will appreciate options such as the crisp and vibrant Diamond Island Cobb Salad generously layered with grilled chicken, apples, craisins, gorgonzola, and walnuts, or the classic Wedge Salad with its perfect melding of tomato, crispy bacon, and tangy bleu cheese dressing. For soup aficionados, the smooth and hearty New England Clam Chowder is a must-try, embodying the comforting warmth of New England’s coastal tradition.
What truly elevates the DiMillo’s experience is not just their expertly crafted menu but also the exceptional service. Guests like Alisia Harvey and David Heath praise the attentive and knowledgeable staff who enhance each visit, offering thoughtful recommendations and a pace that allows diners to savor every flavor, from the first bite to the last sip of the signature Dimillo’s Bloody Mary. Such personalized care makes each meal feel uniquely tailored and memorable.
Whether you arrive with a reservation or opt for a lively seat at the bar—as recommended by Al’s Wanderlust Adventures—the friendly atmosphere and prompt service ensure you’re well taken care of immediately. The blend of traditional Maine seafood fare with innovative twists, paired with eye-catching waterfront views, makes DiMillo's On the Water a truly unforgettable dining destination. It’s a place where the flavors of the ocean come alive, wrapped in a genuine hospitality that invites you to linger and savor every moment.
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!
Last night in Portland so wanted to end the vacation with a bang — this did not disappoint! Eating on a boat with a fantastic ambiance and very light music in the background (but still able to hold a convo) helped create this experience even better! One of the best Loaded Wedge Salads I’ve had with the perfect amount of toppings (I always request dressing on the side as from previous experiences it can be overpowering); the Mixed Seafood Broil was perfectly cooked with the right amount of seasoned crumb toppings — the steamed asparagus side was very well-proportioned and worth the extra $ Would eat here again when in town and try more options from the menu! This should be a “must try” on your list of restaurants to hit up in Portland!
Brilliant! One of the best meals! Ignore the rebiew about bell Peppers in the crab cakes. They were superb, so meaty, mostly crab and little potato. The tuna tartar was one of the best I have tasted on my travels. I also had the pecan crusted haddock- excellent! A sweetness in the sauce, the fish was well cooked and moist. Will return as soon as I can. Thank you Lilly.
We did not have reservations, so we went to the bar area which had seats available. Within two minutes we were greeted and asked if we wanted any drinks. We got our drinks and she took our order. Within twenty minutes we received our food. Our food was delicious, I highly recommend ordering the cold lobster roll. I suggest calling in to make a reservation. Make sure you validate your parking ticket. Restrooms were clean.
Friendly all around. The bartender was quite helpful reviving my cell phone. The food was delicious all around too! The bowl of lobster mac was amazing albeit a bit pricey $50 for the portion received however the amount of lobster in the mix was really good.
We enjoyed our meal & the atmosphere. We made reservations for the patio & were seated immediately. Haddock was amazing & tasted fresh. Service was great & our waitress checked in on us just enough times! Our only complaint were the side choices— side options were limited & hard to pair with their menu options.
I recently visited this place during my day visit to Portland,ME and I loved coming here for dinner after a long day of city exploration. Their food is quite tasty and both the quality/quantity of food is satifying. One must try their Bacon-Wrapped scallops ,they are sooo good. Their fried fish sampler is also delicious and their lobster rolls too are amazing. Pricing seems fair and could be little expensive, but thats standard for a restaurant well known for seafood. I highly recommend coming here for dinner,worth the 2 hr drive from Boston!
I would say you’re definitely going here for the ambiance and the experience of dining somewhere unique. The decor was very nice and the views are excellent. Our server was very kind, knowledgeable and attentive. The food was just okay. We came in around 4:30 and did appetizers, drinks and dessert. Steamed clams were very gritty. Not your normal, occasional grain of sand, but very much could’ve been cleaned better. Crab cakes were a hit with our party. Great variety of drinks. Desserts were very good- we did the blueberry cobbler and the mud pie.