My favorite restaurant in Portland, hands down. I enjoyed every second of this experience starting from making the initial reservation, to the host putting on my coat when we left. To start, we walked in and were surprised at the small space, but not too small that we were turned away. The distance from the tables to the kitchen was just close enough that we still felt like we were in our own space. The host was extremely welcoming. He even called me twice to confirm our reservation because of the fluctuating weather we had been having. I found that to be very gracious and not annoying. I was pleasantly surprised at the price of their drink menu as well. Their meals are a little bit higher than the norm for Portland (AND WORTH IT, but I'll get to that next), but the drinks were a pleasant 8-15 dollar range. We started with the mussels as an app (SURPRISE!). They were wonderful. They even split the app into two dishes for us. The homemade bread and butter was also just enough. One more slice I probably would have said it was too much, but then again, it was melt in your mouth bread, so too much is still ok. I ordered the scallops with risotto and roasted beets and my bf ordered the stuffed chicken leg. MIne couldn't have been better, so simple, yet incredibly sophisticated to taste. His chicken was stuffed with an herb sausage that he said was also delicous. We opted out of dessert, as we normally do, but we did notice the aray of sweets that were offered; from cakes, to brule, to several hot toddys. The service was top notch. Not once were we greeted without a smile, whether it was to take our order, ask how our meal was or take our plates. I can't wait to return, which I hope, is ASAP, like tonight, or tomorrow, or maybe they'll open to make me breakfast.
(5)
Steven C.
Wow. Just... Wow. My wife and I were in Portland for one night - passing through from New York on the way to Bar Harbor, ME - and we chose to celebrate our anniversary with dinner at the Back Bay Grill. I am SO glad we decided to do so! The staff was incredible and greeted us warmly as soon as we walked through the door. Smiles on! Before I go into this review (which I believe will be lengthy), please be advised that any use of hyperbole (i.e. "the best", "the greatest", the word "incredible", and so on) in the context of this review is completely well-earned and is, by no means, an overstatement. Any use of "literally" means literally, not "like, literally" (with a New York affect). I didn't mention to the staff at the restaurant when I made the reservation that it was our anniversary (just because I didn't want to overdo the whole "anniversary celebration tour thing" that my wife and I are one); however, upon learning that it was our anniversary, our server, Evie, and the maitre d' (whose name I did not get, regrettably, but who was phenomenal nonetheless), really pulled out all the stops and helped make it the most amazing anniversary dinner experience (or, frankly, any dinner experience) that we have ever had. Note: The folks over at the Back Bay Grill are just generally nice, friendly, awesome people and I know (from reading the expressions on other diners' faces throughout the night) that everyone in the dining room was having the same experience as my wife and me... I would describe the entire experience as "cathartic," to say the least, bordering on "life changing" (I might actually have to go back and amend some of my previous reviews, because - until last night - I really didn't know what a 5-star experience was). Now, I will explain exactly why the Back Bay experience was so fantastic. First of all, this was not a "dinner at a nice restaurant"... It was a true experience in every sense of the word, and I don't use the term "experience" lightly here. The restaurant is intimate, sits about 30-40 diners - if I had to estimate - comfortably. After we were seated, Evie greeted us promptly, offered water, and allowed us a few minutes to peruse the drink menu. I don't drink, so I enjoyed a bottle of Pellegrino (which lasted the whole meal for me), and my wife ordered a Sauvignon Blanc (not sure which). Then we were given ample time to thoroughly discuss and vet the menu... Hang on, I'm getting teary as I write this review as I recount everything from last night... OK, back to being composed... Since the menu was printed on thick, quality paper with the date on top, I think it's safe to assume that this is the type of place where the menu changes on a daily basis, based on the freshness of the meat, poultry, produce, etc. available that day. It seriously took us 25 minutes to make a decision, because literally EVERYTHING on the menu sounded delectable. Ultimately, we decided to split the foie gras appetizer (served with bread pudding and various accoutrements that are beyond my comprehension or recollection, as I write this), and this incredible achievement in culinary mastery was presented beautifully and fully enjoyed by my wife and me. Every single bite (we took small bites to make the experience last as long as possible) nearly brought a tear to my eye and actually did give me goosebumps. The foie gras was the single greatest food item I have ever put in my mouth. Honestly, I have never tasted anything better. It was fresh, light, and so unbelievably flavorful. When it was over, my wife had to console me with the fact that we still had to finish our salads (a mixed green salad with gorgonzola and candied walnuts, which the chef split in two plates for us) and that the main course was still on its way. Thank God for that, because without the main course, as I will describe in more detail below, I STILL would have given this restaurant a five-star review and would still sing its praises from the rooftops. I suppose now is as good a time as any to mention that the chef and sous-chef prepare all of the restaurants offerings in plain sight (the kitchen is open and diners can observe these geniuses of food immersed in their craft). That was a treat in and of itself. Now for the main course... Psssshhh!! I almost can't even continue writing because the main course was THAT incredible. To attempt to put into words that which is nearly indescribable (with my limited vocabulary) would not do the food justice. My God, as I sit here writing this review approximately 11 hours after having consumed this food, I am reliving every bite, every scent, every feeling, every sensation. So, to wrap it up, I am not the only one who feels this way about this restaurant. Back Bay has received the AAA Four-Diamond award for restaurants over the past two years. If my wife and I were to have this experience in New York, the price points would have been DOUBLE. It was awesome!
(5)
Rebecca S.
My new favorite restaurant in Portland. Exceptionally beautiful, tasty food and thoughtful service. They were able to modify a scallop appetizer to omit bacon for me; and we left with the overall impression the waiter would give us his first born child if it would make our dining experience more pleasant. Yeah- they're just that good. The small touches (their logo carved into the butter, the small amouse before and after dinner were charming) really sets this place apart from other fine dining restaurants. And the food? Oh, the food. The crab cake was bright and clean- the fennel slaw on top was a great touch; the salmon entree was cooked perfectly and was a nice reminder how the simple things (like salmon and dill) sometimes are just the best. Can't wait to return again next year.
(5)
Samuel P.
To echo the other reviews here, I had the beef tartare and it was incredible. My girlfriend had the crab cake and she was also quite happy. The crab cake is a good size with a lot of crab meat. There is also a light panko crust. However, despite those things, the sauce to go with it was a little bland. For cocktails, I had the burnt orange rye something or other which was amazing. She literally burnt the orange in front of us. My girlfriend had the Spring prosecco (with gin, cucumber and lemon juice) which was also good but if you don't like gin that much the flavor does come through. It was quite refreshing though. We sat at the bar and the bartender was extremely friendly and professional. The only reason we didn't give 5 stars was that the crab cake wasn't out of this world. We would very easily go back though, especially for the service.
(4)
John F.
Flew in from the west coast, hosed off and headed over. I had high expectations...they were far exceeded. Foie, tartar, scallops, duck...all spot on. Hands down the best duck and scallops we have had in the past few years. Definitely the best tartar I've ever had. Huge egg yolk, anchovies, and great pickles with the tartar. Now for the service. Absolutely the best we have had in recent memory... Or ever. Honest opinions on dishes, friendly, not rushed, charming and knowledgeable. It was as good as it gets from the greeter, servers to the excellent bar tender. The bartender even came over and talked us through some wines with a no nonsense tasting. The waitress was not only efficient, attentive and knowledgable, but extremely friendly and engaging. The staff even put together a list of a must eats for the rest of our stay. I don't recommend restaurants often, but when I do...
(5)
Tim G.
The crew and I ended up here as part of our monthly Superdate ritual. That is, six of us came on Saturday evening for dinner (in a limo, after finishing ballroom dancing lessons; don't ask - it's a Superdate thing). The awesome: - FOIE. This get its own line in the list, and must absolutely be tried. - Service, service, service. Polite, prompt and courteous wait staff who ask questions like "do you have a bourbon preference in your old-fashioned?" - All the other food. I had lamb two ways, but the rest of the table had a wide variety of stuff - including the filet, pork, scallops, duck two ways, and other stuff I can't remember. But the three courses were absolutely brilliant, all around. - Drinks. Clever selection of cocktails, and an intimidating wine list. The could be better (and I'm reaching here): - Beers in bottles. - One-at-a-time bathrooms. You're gonna pay for the experience, but I think it should be on your list of must-try spots in Portland.
(4)
Shamus A.
Thank you Restaurant Week! With a $45 prix fixe menu, Back Bay Grill was an opportunity too good to miss. What made it even better was that neither one of us had ever been to the Back Bay Grill - despite having lived in Portland for years. The decor was somewhat dated... With artwork that looked like it may have been hung when Bill Cosby was still the king of Thursday nights. But that's really the only criticism that we could come up with. The staff was friendly and attentive. Our waitress was familiar with both the regular menu and the Restaurant Week menu and was able to make recommendations to us from both. The wine list was quite extensive but again, we were able to rely on our waitress to provide suggestions that really hit the mark. We both opted for selections from the three course Restaurant Week menu. I got the pork belly for my first course, potato leek soup for my second and seafood sausage for my entree. My date got the local skate for her first course, hearts of romaine salad second and the pork shoulder with polenta for her third course. Everything was amazing! We shared each dish but couldn't agree which of the first course we preferred. We liked the skate and pork belly equally. The hearts of romaine was the clear winner of the second round... And based solely on its originality, the seafood sausage nudged out the pork shoulder (barely) for the win in the third round. We both agreed that based on the creativity shown in the prix fixe menu, we'll be back to try the regular menu. Soon.
(4)
Whitney F.
Wonderful and creative food that is also filling. Adrian Stratton, the general manager, goes above and beyond.
(5)
Dan T.
Much acclaimed service was absent when we are here last night. There was a delay in our waiter's taking our order, long wait for refill of iced tea, and we had to ask the manager to find our credit card and bill which our waiter had taken. Food, however, was exceptional. Perhaps someone didn't show up and they were short handed. Not sure if I would return.
(3)
Sophia S.
One of the best restaurants in Portland, by far. Adrian is the best owner I have ever met and he is a wonderful business person, dad, and always makes you feel welcome. He remembers your name and so do all of the waitstaff (they're really great too). My family and I come here for every big celebration because they always make you feel special and welcome. The food is FANTASTIC. My grandmother has a lot of allergies and they are always willing and excited to make something catered to her needs. The crab cake is one of my favorite dishes and the salads are always delicious. The menu is constantly changing, but I always go for the pasta and am never disappointed. You need to come here. 10/10 would recommend. You really can't go wrong coming here if you want an upscale dinner that will not disappoint you. Everything is delicious.
(5)
Thomas M.
Went there for a special dinner last night , and were not disappointed, tho not the best food we had in Portland . The staff were very attentive ! And the food was "good" but not "great ". The wines were reasonably priced and good value which we enjoyed The steak tartare was fantastic, as was the foisgras., the lamb not the best I've had , and the duck also wanting a little.. Overall a unique dining experience in Portland, and one of the best you will have. Highly recommended
(4)
Joe M.
Food was fantastic! Crab cake was lite and flavorful. I had the grilled rack of lamb for dinner and it was excellent. Melted. Service was a little ehh, but I would definitely recommend it. We'll be back.
(4)
Lindsay W.
Took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner. It's such an intimate and romantic atmosphere which was perfect. The decor is not trendy by any means though. It was snowing quite a bit and a Thursday evening so the restaurant was pretty much dead. I really enjoyed our food and probably in top 10 meals of portland so far. Im writing this obviously a month or so later so I apologize for the lack of food descriptions but I do remember being pleased (but nothing so memorable that it's sticking out now.) It's one of the more upscale establishments in portland it seems and intended for a nice night out. The service is nice and errs on the fine dining side as opposed to the more casual service that you see some of the newer and trendier restaurants doing.
(4)
Lisa R.
What a lovely dinner. The service is so nice without being obsequious, the wine our server suggested was so spot-on (and reasonably priced) and every dish the three of us had was great. Things that didn't even sound so great were--like "lavender-marinated duck breast"; I would never have ordered it but my husband did and it was absolutely great--and did not taste a bit of lavender which would have turned me off. The portions were generous but not unwieldy or overpowering, the flavors clean and not fussy, and it was all do well-prepared. The nicest and most unexpected thing was one dish we ordered was not as described on the menu, and when I expressed surprise at the flavor (though it was fantastic) at the end of the meal our server explained they had comped us that dish (which we had eaten every crumb of). What a nice touch. I would return in a heartbeat.....just lovely.
(5)
Annie P.
My friends and I had reservations for Back Bay on Friday night. We picked this place because of Yelper's recommendations. When you enter, there's a feel of old school cigar lounge. I ordered the saffron and white wine mussels which were SO good. That sauce was ridonkulas! We had to request extra bread so we could mop up that sauce! I ordered the salmon. It was okay...it sat on a bed of pasta with roasted red pepper and a white sauce. The salmon itself was a bit dry and bland. We decided to skip dessert but they still gave us complimentary shortbread cookies with a dollop of chocolate ganache which were pretty yummy. I might come back and order a different entree.
(3)
Angela L.
If I could give six stars, I would. The service, the atmosphere, the food - the food!- all superb. From the amuse bouche to the dessert, they did not miss a beat. I had the Spring Prosecco which was light and refreshing. The asparagus soup, heart of romaine salad, salmon, and scallops served to us were nothing short of perfection. I highly recommend this spot if you are celebrating something or just want to pamper yourself. Such a great night.
(5)
David R.
I just celebrated a remarkable birthday at a wonderful restaurant Back Bay was expertly served and magnificently prepared. One of my best experiences with food in Portland, really just about anywhere
(5)
Erin S.
This place was amazing! Having just moved to Maine we decided to settle in with a celebratory dinner, Craig's selection was Back Bay, great choice! We arrived a bit early because we wanted to grab a drink at the bar. Our table was not quite ready, which obviously was fine because we showed up early. We stayed at the bar for a little bit, bartender was awesome, very sweet and made great recommendations. I don't totally remember what I started with (writing this review, way late!) I do know it was a whiskey drink that was really clever and tasty. I think Craig had a beer. When we moved to our table we started with scallops, they were incredible. Craig ordered a chicken dish, which made ordering chicken out worth it. And I had a tuna dish, it was amazing. Sorry I don't have more details, I started this review months ago and just never finished it. Its awesome, you should go. It is a romantic little place, cool ambiance, great service.
(5)
D B.
I'm not sure how I've eaten so many great meals in Portland over the years and somehow not made it to this spot. Perhaps because it's not in one of the more frequently travelled to (for me) neighborhoods. Regardless, I am very happy I finally had a chance to have a meal at this gem. My wife and I made reservations to sit at the bar on relatively short notice, which works fine for us (immediate beverage service :)). It also gave us a great view of the open kitchen and the rest of the staff. All I can say is that the staff at Back Bay Grill including the cooks, bartenders, servers, host and even the guy hand drying glasses are restaurant professionals. Things were running like a finely oiled machine. Might be worth noting that this restaurant has one of the most expansive wine lists I've seen in Portland. I'm certainly not a wine pro, but there should be something to please just about anyone. We tried a few cocktails as well and they were delicious. The bartender was very friendly and happy to talk with us as we ate etc. We started off with an order of mussels which was huge and plenty to split with two people. We were both huge fans of the popcorn with truffle oil and after devouring it all we were like damn now bread too! My wife ordered the filet which is usually my go to, but I made sure to secure myself some of hers and can say it was a delicious steak. I almost never order chicken because well its just chicken. However, the bartender had suggested it to me and I was not disappointed. The dish was packed with flavor and left me more than pleased. Seeing how we were already being gluttonous we also indulged in several desserts and while the specifics escape me none of it came home with us. In case the rest of the review doesn't make it clear, I loved this spot, would suggest reservations, and can't wait to go back!
(5)
Kathryn B.
MY BF and I made reservations early in the week for a Saturday night and could only get an 8:30p seating but took it anyway because we had been dying to go-I asked if anything opened up earlier could he please call. On the day of our reservation Adrian (who is awesome!) called around 12:30 and said there was a 6:00p (too early) or a 7:00 at the bar. We took the bar and I totally recommend doing so, sitting next to the open kitchen is so fun! The truffle popcorn was odd but my sage and gin cocktail was perfect! The bartender who served us was brilliant and beautiful, so sweet! Our starters of crab cakes and duck prosciutto...YUM...We had the lamb pappardelle, salty but unctuous and yummy and the scallops...cooked perfectly. I think we got some brandied apple dessert but I was too full to enjoy it! our total for 3 drinks, 2 apps, 2 meals and dessert was $160 with tip. The area is a bit shady away from the downtown area but being off the beaten path is totally what makes it worth the trip. I would absolutely go again.
(5)
Jacob L.
There are a lot of people who are crazy about this place and I don't get it. It's got decent food, an okay drink selection but it is a far cry from portland's best restaurant as many on Yelp claim. Good place for beer and a reasonable dinner but wouldn't really go out of my way to go there
(4)
Paul C.
3rd time here. Always great food and service is exceptional but our server this time was a bit disappointing. Very robotic and didn't recommend drinks or even spent a minute on the menu with us. At an establishment like this one would expect a "tour guide" as a server but instead we got a cab driver.
(4)
Chris C.
We have been wanting to get here for some time on one of our trips to Portland, glad we finally did! The reviews were pretty good, so it sets the expectations pretty high. Enjoyed our dinner very much, and very good service! Nice wine list as well, and beers from Maine Brewing Co!
(5)
Richard W.
We had our first visit last night for dinner. An eclectic cocktail menu, huge wine list, intimate atmosphere with being stuffy. My wife started with a crab cake, which was tender, crips u and full of crab, and for a main course she had a stuffed chicken breast, which was done perfectly. I started with seared foie gras, main course was lamb the ways, lollipop chops. The service was very attentive. Overall it was very good and I recommend them for special occasions.
(4)
Craig N.
I'll start with saying that the Back Bay Grill was not actually my girlfriend's first choice for our anniversary dinner, but that we came away from the experience more than happy with my decision to surprise her. We had looked at several places in the Portland area and debated about where we should go for several days until I read about the ambiance here - patting myself on the back for this one. To be completely honest, I would have given Back Bay four stars (our food was a bit on the salty side) but the service was so absolutely genuine that it would be dishonest of me to give anything less than a five star review. This place knows service, so keep up the great work. Dinner: Rare filet with baby carrots and some sort of magical potato concoction, Seared scallops and slightly sweet delicious risotto. Dessert: I don't remember exactly, some sort of mouse with carmelized bananas and little Oreo type cookies, they dressed it up with "Happy Anniversary" in chocolate which is always nice. A+ Well done ladies and gentlemen, well done.
(5)
Michael C.
My new favorite place. Last night was our first visit. My wife had poached lobster app and salmon entree. I had crab cake app and Scallop entree. All were perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Evie serving us at the bar was attentive, detailed and made a wonderful martini. Just a great night. Looking forward to our next visit.
(5)
Julia V.
Service was perfect, food was fantastic... Atmosphere was welcoming and warm. Expensive, but so incredibly worth it. Will return.
(5)
Patricia F.
How perfect can you get? Back Back exceeds all expectations. We celebrated our 48th anniversary here and it truly was the best dinner we have had in Portland. No small tasting plates. Well prepared food. Lovely presentation We met the owner. Everything done with care and love. Go. You will mot be disappointed.
(5)
Todd D.
This is what a great restaurant should be. In Maine on vacation and ate at Back Bay on a Thursday night for a birthday. Everything in here is done right, from the general manager at the door through the entire staff. A great size, great vibe, great place. The food was top drawer. We were five and did four openers (Maine crab cake, mushrooms and tallegio, and two orders of the beets). Mains were two fillets, two duck, and the dusted scallops. Two desserts. One cocktail. Two bottles of wine, and three coffees. From the bread to the coffee everything was exceptional. They also threw in a bottle of Prosecco to open, and lovely cheese ball amuse bouche/s. $370 without tip - which is well worth every penny, and I don't say or think that very often.
(5)
Kyle B.
The food is exquisitely prepared and the wait staff is amazing---professional and courteous they operate together, as a team like a well-oiled machine---from the maitre'd to the chef. The result leaves you feeling satisfied in body and soul! Thank you!
(5)
Sam C.
My wife and I were visiting Portland for our anniversary, and the staff at Back Bay Grill made it very special for us. The servers were friendly, knowledgeable, and prompt with every aspect of service, and the manager made sure we were well taken care of. The decor was beautiful and the fine dining atmosphere was perfect for a special occasion without being stuffy. The food was outstanding, fresh, and artfully presented. We had an heirloom tomato salad, delicious charcuterie, amazing homemade pappardelle and veal meatballs, and I had a perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned filet mignon. Our bottle of Simi Cabernet paired perfectly. Wine and cocktails were both a home run! Every aspect of this restaurant experience made us very very happy, not to mention the surprise anniversary dessert prepared for us, on the house! We'll be back next time we're in Portland.
(5)
Mike D.
I get pretty spoiled by great restaurants in New York, so I usually find myself lowering my expectations when dining out of town. I didn't need to have done that with Back Bay. The food - crab cake, salad, salmon, filet mignon - was all exceptional, as was the service by friendly waiters highly knowledgeable about the wine list and menu. One of the more enjoyable dinners I've had in a while.
(5)
nicole w.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, you will feel like the most special guest in the place but this cannot make up for a fairly lackluster meal. Four of us went for the hamburger 'event' so other than a soup and a salad, we all got the hamburger. For $16, I expected more. Other than rare, medium or well done, there were no other choices for that plate and I found the meat dry, and the whole presentation unremarkable. The only other thing on the plate were some potato chips thrown in a wrapped up piece of paper which added nothing to the meal. The salad was underwhelming in every way; actually tasteless and the soup was equally boring. Overall, a disappointing meal.
(2)
Alise K.
As always, another wonderful meal. The service is so special. Every need is anticipated and everyone is so friendly. Adrian is the gem of back bay grill. He knows everyone by name and is so sincere. The waitstaff is equally as knowledgeable and welcoming. Now to the food. The mussels, beet salad, gnocchi and lobster ravioli appetizers were sooooo good. I had salmon with spatzle, fried green tomato and small slices of winter squash. My husband had the scallops and quinoa and barely gave me a taste!! Go to back bay grill for the food, service, and the cosmos!!!
(5)
Dan B.
Best food I have had in Maine, maybe even the U.S.
(5)
Julie T.
Our new favorite Portland restaurant. Visited during a restaurant week without knowing and chose to try the restaurant week menu. Glad we did, we were there a few months ago, so do not remember exactly what we ordered but evey morsel was delicious. The staff was wonderful, every one made you feel welcome, from the host, bar staff, waitress and even the chef took the time to converse with my husband when approached. Will definitely be on our itinerary next visit to Portland. Great staff, great food.
Holy cow- I came in with a group of 9 total people for my friends bachelorette party on Saturday night. We got a reservation at 9:15 which was a bit late, but we really wanted to check this place out. We got a call from the host telling us that we could be seated at 8:45 which was a very crucial 1/2 hour difference. It worked out perfectly. First impressions- the place is adorable, and set up in a really smart way. For a smaller place, it can accomodate big parties REALLY well. There is some residual track lighting in the 2nd room that is horrendous, but otherwise, the place is super-cute! We sat down, checked out the menu, and instantly began to drool. Lots of variety, and lots of really innovative dishes. As a vegetarian, they had options for me, and when i ordered, the waitress could tell I'm a vegetarian by my order, and ammended my amuse bouche such that it too was vegetarian. The food- i started out with a dirty Belvedere martini with blue cheese olives and was in love. I had to savor it, but i wanted to drink it fast since it was SO good. Prob. the best martini i've had that I'm able to remember :-). I ordered the local organic salad with parmesean croutons, and it was pretty amazing. That, coupled wtih my martini, was a vacation for my mouth. For my entree, I had the asparagus pasta dish which was goat cheese and asparagus 'ravioli'. I forget the specific name of the dish, and the martini didn't help my ability to pronounce it, but MAN it was tasty. It was served with spinach in the middle which I loved too. It really was a vacation for my mouth. I pulled the host aside, and mentioned that my friend was getting married, and they managed to bring her a salted carmel ice cream with "Congratulations" written around the rim of the plate in chocolate. The whole restaurant clapped and really embarassed her which is AWESOME. Also tried a few bites of the creme brulee. It was ok... it was a bit too watery for my taste, but solid thru and thru. The staff was really incredible. They indulged our tacky humor, and our touristy fascination with Moose (which was primarily fueled by me). The service for dinner was phenomenal thru and thru. I'd come back here ASAP... but unfortunatly I don't see myself being in Portland again any time soon. That makes me sad.
(5)
Christine Z.
This place is really cool. My boyfriend and I came here for New Years Eve, so they offered a Pre Fixe menu that night opposed to the full menu. They had about 5 selections for each course. The food was so unique and very tasty.. I tried the squid ink fettuccine with sea urchin. It's something I've seen on TV and always wanted to try. Now I know I'm not a fan of sea urchin, but it was still beautifully prepared. I had the lobster for my main course and it was cooked to perfection (I'm really picky when it comes to lobster too). The ambiance was romantic, quiet and just lovely. Great date night location. The staff was attentive, but not overly. The drinks were very good too. All around, really cool and one-of-a-kind experience. If you're looking for something different and delicious, give this place a try!
(4)
Jason R.
Came here for a belated valentines day. Service was very attentive. Reminded us of being in a cruise. The staff was very eager to please. The menu was daily limited but is to be expected at a restaurant that cooks each meal especially to order. The quality of the food was amazing, nothing short of Devine. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a romantic night out. They have a massive wine list as well. This is not a place I would ever bring children, however. This is a place for adults, and plan on dropping $100+ just as a side note. But it's totally worth every penny
(5)
Chuck M.
Too bad there isn't a 6 star rating, because that is what this place deserves. This is the FINEST restaurant in Maine, not just Portland. The creations of the chef are incredible and the Staff , led by Adrian are always there for your every wish. If you haven't eaten here, your cheating yourself out of a real treat.
I can't give this place enough rave reviews. The food, drinks, service, and atmosphere is superb! My mother and I did a girls weekend in portland for shopping and dining. We did not have anything particular in mind for dinner. Our B&b host had a list of nearby restaurants and after looking at each menu decided this was the place. WOW! What an experience. Everything local and so fresh. The chef does an amazing job taking classics and putting twists on them. I will be driving back to portland to dine here!
(5)
Wai S.
The food was amazing at this restaurant! I've visited Portland, ME twice and by far this is one of the best restaurant I ever been to. Never had sweet corn ice cream before and it was very unique. Creme Brulee was delicious. Service was great and they gave sampler's for appetitizer and also for desserts. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Amybeth H.
We had a fantastic time. The food, the ambiance, everything. We can't stop talking about it! Thank you so much. Amybeth Hurst, Portland, ME
(5)
Jeffrey G.
Haven't been in a few years. Even better than remembered. Food was amazing. Service was a notch above great. Can't wait to return to Portland for another dinner at Back Bay!
(5)
Oldport W.
I want to thank everyone at Back Bay Grill for the perfect ending to what was a great 30th Birthday for Erin. Everything was perfect (as it always is), however, they always seem to make every occasion memorable. FANTASTIC -- Thank you (I wish there was a 6th star)
(5)
Allan S.
Want to impress your date? Bring her, or him, here. Outstanding service, outstanding cuisine, and an upscale, but not pretentious ambiance in Portland (of all places .. whodda thunk?) Our server, Erica, has been here three years and it shows. We love Mistral in Boston and the service here was at the same level. As for the cuisine .... the crab cakes are as good as it gets. We ordered two for the four of us - perfectly seasoned, satisfying yet light. The mussels were prepared with chorizo and were excellent. My wife and I ordered additional bread to sop up the last drop of sauce it was that good. My wife and I each ordered mixed greens dinner salads, fresh and delicious, and shared the lamb ragout with pappadelle. Not a noodle was left over. The salmon ordered by our friends was under cooked and raw in the middle. I would have sent it back, but they ate it without complaint. Reviewers have cautioned about the neighborhood. No, it's not Newport, RI or Backbay, Boston, but its safe and well lit. Across the street is a wonderful neighborhood bar, Bubba's Sulky Lounge, that offers dancing after 9PM. The DJ spins tunes from the 80s to now and the dance floor is large. How can you beat that? Looking to celebrate a special evening ... you won't go wrong here.
(5)
Keith W.
Amazing. Simply amazing. Food, service, atmosphere, Back Bay has it all. Split crab cakes and asparagus salad for appetizers. Just simply great. Wife liked the house wine so much we just had a bottle. At $30 an absolute steel for a restaurant wine. Don't remember the exact name for the duck dish I had but it was incredible. Wife had the scallop dish that was equally as good. The place just felt right. Service was friendly and knowledgable without being over bearing or snotty. Every course was timed perfectly(even on a Saturday night when they had a full house.)
(5)
William S.
Always wonderful -- we have eaten here a fair number of times -- but our most recent meal was truly as good as restaurant dining gets. Our party of four actually had 12 different dishes (appetizers/entrees/desserts) and each dish was deemed excellent. Service was gracious with an appropriate balance between friendliness and dignity, and Adrian's help on the wine was truly adroit. It's nice to see higher Yelp ratings for Back Bay Grill than for some nationally-touted restaurants which we have never found to be in its league. The food is reliable, the menu inventive without being challenging, and the experience is always gratifying.
(5)
Nancy P.
Without hesitation: food--5, service--5, ambiance--5. An utterly delightful experience for the palate and the soul! The duck and duck compote were heavenly, the mussels sweet and succulent, pork perfectly seasoned and cooked. Now, that's the way to run a fine food establishment!
(5)
Tony S.
This place makes me want to go back and get rid of all my 5 stars ratings so that they can't be in the same category as Back Bay Grill. From the minute we walked in the door, my girlfriend and I were greeted by the friendly staff, and I'll start with them. Never before have a seen a staff that worked so well as a team. Not only was our main waitress amazing (she picked out the perfect bottle of wine for us), but everyone from the owner to the other wait staff came by our table to answer questions, strike up a conversation, and just make sure we were loving every minute, which we did. Now let's move on to the important part, the food. I went with the duck, which was really my first time getting duck for a meal. The only bad thing about it was that I can never get duck again, because it won't be as good. I couldn't get each salty, savory bite down fast enough. It's a minor miracle I didn't stop breathing really. For dessert my girlfriend and I ordered some type of fruit based cake that was subtle on the sweetness. To be honest I don't remember much about it because the waitress surprised us by bringing us our dessert AND the creme brulee free of charge, which was easily one of the best desserts I've ever had. There are so many good restaurants in Portland, but you are doing yourself a disservice by not going to Back Bay Grill if you've never been, because the whole experience will be legendary.
(5)
Mark F.
A couple of foodie friends and I drove 200 miles just for dinner here and Chef Matthews did not disappoint! We started with a flight of single malt scotchs, and then moved through four courses over the next three hours that blew our minds. Foie gras, a curried apple soup, a poached pear salad were among the appetizers and were absolute perfection. I went on to have Duck two ways and it was divine in every aspect. The service was impeccable, and she was very knowledgeable in every aspect of the ingredients and preparation of our meal. I can't wait to go back, and will do so no matter what it takes. Don't miss this amazing gem of the Northeast!
(5)
isabelle m.
WOW. AMAZING food + service + ambiance. My boyfriend and I visited this place to celebrate a special occasion and they actually came out with a dessert that said, "congratulations". We started off w/ the mussels (good but not mind blowing), I got the duck dish (to die for--best, best, best duck i've ever had), he got the chicken (good but not my favorite), and creme brulee (as good as it gets!). Definitely on the top of my favorite restaurant list!
(5)
Dave N.
four of us - two locals, two visitors from nyc - visited on wednesday evening, the night before thanksgiving. this place was so good, that i'm silently toying with the idea of coming back - 7 hours in thanksgiving traffic; 5+ hours otherwise - just for a meal. i began with the local lettuce heads (simple but delicious parmesan/thyme dressing), and had the burger, which had to be pre-ordered, for my main. could easily be one of the best hamburgers i've ever had. besides a few cocktails, the table shared a sauvignon blanc from nz that had strong hints of grapefruit. service, food, and ambiance were superb. i remember very little about the decor (unusual for me), probably because i was so steeped in the food. awesome treat for night #1 in maine.
(5)
Peter W.
You cannot go wrong with a meal at The Back Bay Grill. From the start, the service is impeccable. Few other restaurants, especially in Portland, have a maitre'd, and this is part of what sets BBG apart. Service is friendly, knowledgable and attentive, without being over-bearing. The food is wonderful too. Having been most recently for Restaurant Week, we can see how why they print the full menu and RW menu on the same card stock, the choices were virtually impossible to make. How often do you find yourself saying, 'everyone does risotto' and then get it and get blown away! This is that kind of place. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Jason B.
Best restaurant in Portland! Service was excellent, food was perfect. We couldn't have found a better place to celebrate our engagement. Thank you Back Bay Grill for making the memories nothing but positive.
(5)
Kristen J.
This place is fantastic!! The service was excellent and the food was impeccable. I took my fiance here for his birthday dinner, after realizing the restaurant we had planned to go to had some unsavory reviews. When we got there, we sat at the bar, had some amazing popcorn and the bartender made my fiance one of the best dirty martinis he ever had. We got to sit in the best seat in the house and had a great dinner. I wouldn't hesitate at all to come back here - highly recommend.
My wife and I have enjoyed some of the highest rated Portland restaurants this summer but nothing came close to our experience last night at The Back Bay Grill. Try one of their signature cocktails to start. We loved the Jameson, chartreuse and pro secco cocktail. The lavender infused duck incredible and the berries and cream lick the plate good. We cannot wait to return, so much so that we made a reservations for a birthday dinner for a friend in a few weeks.
(5)
Katie M.
We had dinner here during a trip to Portland and it was delicious. Great wine list with lots of affordable options, excellent friendly service, excellent food. The decaf coffee was amazing, I know that's random but was very impressed. Would def come back and recommend to others. We were here a couple of years ago and went to five five five for dinner and were disappointed. I thought the BBG was much better.
(5)
J P.
First off, everything people have said about the neighborhood is true. Be prepared. Its definitely in a part of town where you want to roll up the windows and lock the doors. A shame, because this place is incredible. Location is the only negative. Glad I read other Yelp reviews because i may very well have canceled my reservation had I not known about the neighborhood. We did a walk by at 1pm that day to find the place and it confirmed that we'd be cabbing it there. Sandra was our waitress. She was wonderful and gave thoughtful suggestions when asked for opinions. She was always there when needed, but not obtrusive. We did not feel rushed and the courses were leisurely timed (which we like). Starters: I had the pan seared scallops. Quite good, and no complaints, but i envied my dinnermate's mushroom fettucini appetizer. the fragrance of the mushrooms was pure delight. Salad: we opted to each get a starter and then split a salad. Sandra advised us of the best one to split which was the organic greens with blue cheese and candied walnuts. Yum. When split, this salad gave us ample portions. Entree: i had the filet mignon with lobster ravioli. It was absolutely divine. however, my only complaint is that it only came with one, repeat, one lobster ravioli and it was not oversized. in my opininon, for $36 this should have had 2 or 3, particularly given that it did not come with potatoes or much for a veg (just some roasted corn which was also quite good). the chef should really throw a few more ravs on (and the ravs would be a great stand alone starter!). dinnermate had the bottom sirloin which was sliced over mashed potatoes and came with swiss chard. I heard no complaints. Dessert: i had some deliciously fudgy cake with a name i couldnt pronounce. dinnermate had white chocolate ice cream with chocolate spaghetti. Both very good and only $9 each which i felt was quite reasonable given the complexity. One of the best meals ive had in a long time - i would defintiely go back next time i am in Portland. would love to see them in a better location tho.
(5)
Xiaoshan Z.
I've been to this place three times,all with my boss. Loved it. The service was personal and awesome. Pricy, but worth it, especially when I'm not the one paying for it. Best Creme Brulee ever, I mean, ever.
(5)
Anna P.
The best eating experience I've had in this city. If you can get over the fact that your not eating at a restaurant "In The Old Port" for an evening, you'll do yourself the biggest favor and eat here. I almost don't want to tell anyone how good it is because I want it to be my secret. It's amazing. Steak Tartare, Bourbon Sampler, and service are dreamy.
(5)
Victoria S.
My husband and I just dined at the Back Bay Grill this evening for our anniversary. The meal was so fantastic that I finally took the plunge to sign up for Yelp just to write about how much we enjoyed it. We were sat at a cozy corner booth in the back of the restaurant, next to another couple who were also celebrating their anniversary. Each employee who stopped by our table (including the manager, Adrian) wished us a happy anniversary and made us feel incredibly special. The service was relaxed, but well-paced. We never felt rushed, but we also didn't feel like we were being ignored. Our server, Ian, was helpful when we had questions and seemed to thoroughly enjoy his job. Actually, everyone there appeared to enjoy what they were doing! Okay...time to talk food. We started with the pork belly with six minute egg for myself (delicious, crispy, and the noodles were tender...the Asian twist was nice) and the best crab cake I have *ever* tasted for my husband. It was nearly 100% crab meat...coated in panko and beautifully crisped. For our main courses, my husband had the herb chicken, which was light and perfectly cooked, and the Duck Two Ways was incredibly delicious...the breast was done medium rare and the confit was beyond tender. The farro that was served with the duck was also lovely. For dessert, we shared the lemon chiffon cake with rhubarb sorbet. The sorbet was the perfect combination of sweet and tart and the chiffon cake was light but substantial. This is one of the best meals my husband and I have ever shared...I only wish we lived closer to Portland so we could return more frequently!
(5)
Sarah D.
My friend and I are visiting from Omaha and Boston and were looking for a delicious dinner. We took a local's recommendation and tried this place and are so glad we did! It was great to get off the beaten path and the whole experience was lovely. Staff were excellent, attentive and genuine but not pushy at all. Very comfortable decor with a small bar and separate restaurant area. Our meals (duck and scallops) were delicious and the wine and cocktails are reasonably priced. There was no rose by the glass on the menu but the host just opened a bottle anyway and gave me a glass. Thanks Adrian!! All in all a great night I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Benjamin G.
Quite good, had some pork that was cooked just how i like it. We were out with another couple and had a splendid time. There was a good selection of whiskey as well. The bill did come to 350 with tip, and we didn't splurge or order in excess.
(4)
Stephen P.
Very impressed overall. It's much smaller then I had imagined with a very comfortable space. To start we split the Jumbo Scallops. They were nicely presented over an apple/bacon puree with kale and were perfectly cooked. Best scallops I've ever had and definitely the highlight of the night. Next we split the beet salad with pistachios and goat cheese. Excellent flavors. For the main course my girlfriend had the salmon. For me it had too much sesame oil. I had the chicken leg stuffed with sausage that I really enjoyed. It was the best chicken dish I've had in a long time. Dessert was good not great. The service was excellent. Not knowing too much about wine I like to ask for a recommendation when I eat at nice restaurants. Giving them our preferences and price range they came up with a very nice selection. It seemed like they had a nice selection of bottles under $35 For us the prices put the Back Bay Grill in the special occasion category ($160 tip included). We will definitely be back.
(4)
Chuck M.
My wife and I went to Back Bay Grill for a late Valentine's day dinner and this was our first time there. As other reviews have mentioned the restaurant was smaller than we expected but still very comfortable with a small bar area with several diners having dinner. We were greeted promptly and our table was ready when we arrived. From the very first impression this is a well run and professional establishment. The host, waitress and servers were all experienced and the service was attentive without being overboard. Our drinks were delivered and the waitress asked if we wanted to order or take a few minutes to relax before ordering, which I thought was nice. The menu is updated frequently and I would suggest the on-line menu as only a guideline of the items that might be available on a given night. For appetizers we had the Crispy Veal Sweetbreads and the Crab Cakes. The Sweetbreads were well prepared and cooked to perfection. This is a dish I enjoy but find very few restaurants that properly clean and prepare the dish. My wife was very happy with the crab cakes, it was a single large crab cake with marinated cucumber and red onion. The crab cake was cooked nicely with a crispy panko coating. Our entrees were the Duck Two Ways, which consisted of a perfectly cooked duck breast (medium rare as I ordered) and Duck Confit along with a small portion of gnocchi and creamed spinach with a light coating of Jus. The entire dish worked perfectly and I would encourage the restaurant to add a gnocchi dish to the menu as the gnocchi was light and fluffy and certainly some of the best I ever had! My wife had the Pork Chop with came with polenta and a celeriac puree. The pork chop was perfectly prepared with a slight pink center and was tender and juicy. We chose to split a Creme Brulee for dessert and were pleased with the choice! The creme brulee was a perfectly creamy custard and the caramelized sugar topping was crispy to add a perfect contrast to the custard. This is one of my favorite desserts and this was among the best I have ever tasted. This was a fine dining experience and I recommend this for a special occasion dinner or great dining experience any time!
(5)
Syd C.
A hidden gem! Stumbled on this place on a work trip to Portland. Definitely a hit! The bartender was sweet. Love the open kitchen concept! I enjoyed the cab cake. It was delicious and filling. I had the appetizer pasta dish as well. It was good. But the crab cake was better. They serve truffle popcorn at the bar. This was a nice touch to an already awesome experience. Check this place out for sure!
(5)
Stephen J.
This is one of Portland's finest restaurants. We've lived here for nearly 20 years, and the Back Bay Grill was fabulous when Joel owned it and is even better since Larry Mathews has owned it. Nice atmosphere, excellent food, attentive service. Great place to go for that special occasion.
(5)
Christine P.
This is a late review, having visited last February, but we were absolutely thrilled with our Back Bay Grill dining experience. The steak tartare was the best we had ever tasted, our main dishes were perfectly prepared, and dessert was excellent! The mixed drink menu was inventive and yummy and my husband really loved the scotch flights. Service was excellent and this is on our list of places we must visit again! If you are in Portland, give Back Bay Grill a shot - you will not be disapointed.
(5)
Carolyn C.
We had our Valentine's dinner at BBG last night. It was wonderful as always. Attentive, but not too much so, unpretentious, outstanding food and service. Even with the abundance of restaurants in Portland, this is my favorite. They always serve you a taste of a special appetizer (salmon tartare, which was interesting) and this time we were given two profiteroles with raspberry mousse to have with coffee, yummo! For you wine lovers, the wine list is great and has many affordable bottles of wine and it is cheaper than buying by the glass, at least for us who like a couple glasses of wine with dinner. We had a bottle of the Chateau Mont-Redon Cotes du Rhone and it was excellent. We had the mussels with sausage in a puttanesca sauce for an appetizer. Amazing, big plump mussels with a delicious sauce. We devoured every bit of it. The server brought us each a bowl of mussels knowing we were going to share it. Very thoughtful, impressive. I had the cast iron seared scallops and they were fresh, jumbo scallops cooked perfectly with risotto, white beans, spinach, and arugula pesto. Wow. Loved it. My husband had the pappardelle, which is a staple on the menu. Amazing pork and noodle dish. One of our favorites. And if there are two of you, try sitting at the bar for a change. You can reserve seats at the bar and it is a nice change from one of the tables. Highly recommended. Don't delay. They are popular so plan ahead. Go there enough and you will know who Adrian is and the place will feel like family (without the stress). There is parking on the street vertical to it and a city lot that is available in the evenings/weekends. Check their website for information. I know the neighborhood looks sketchy but we have never felt unsafe and never had a problem.
(5)
Alexia J.
This place was very good. My boyfriend and I love to dine out but can only afford finer restaurants for special occasions. I made a reservation here for his birthday. It is in a strange location but it is not that bad of a neighborhood. The staff was very pleasant. We were seated immediately. The gentleman that handles the wine was very knowledgeable and helpful. Our waitress was great. She knew the menu very well. The portions were perfect. We left feeling very satisfied but not over stuffed. I would recommend this restaurant to any and everyone.
(5)
Jay F.
Blown Away! We walked in with no reservation after an 8 hour drive from NY to Maine. From the moment you walk in, the service is second to none. The food is to die for, great selection of drinks, and again, service that you will not believe. Hats off to these folks, well done! Do not pass this one up!
(5)
Todd W.
This restaurant is excellent. Much better than some of its local sisters of its class. The menu is creative and provocative and changes frequently. From our first entry into the cozy restaurant, the staff was not only courteous and friendly, but also professional. My coat was checked and I was given a selection of remaining tables at which to seat myself. Once seated, We were presented with the amuse bouche which was yummy and I gave my order. The romain salad was excellent and the Papparadelle was mouth-watering. Serving sizes, although ample, were not paralyzing as many restaurants are these days and allowed room for dessert, which, for me, is quite rare and enjoyable! All in all, a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend to both locals and those visiting from out of town.
(5)
Susan M.
Going in, I assumed that Back Bay Grill would be a fairly traditional steak house, but it's much more interesting than that. There are a lot of the traditional dishes, like a crab cake and steak tartare, but they all have a twist. When my husband and I went several weeks ago, there were a couple of items that with an Asian influence. Also contrary to a typical steak house, there were only two steaks on the menu. My husband had the filet, which came with Brussels sprouts, which he loved. It was topped with a blue cheese that I thought threatened to overwhelm the steak, which was delicious on its own. And I had the best sirloin I've ever eaten. It was just as tender as the filet, and so flavorful, topped with a mushroom sauce. I can't remember what we ordered as appetizers, but I know we loved everything. I also had a nice big Manhattan. While the food was great, the service was even better. We had two people wait on us, and they were both very attentive without being overbearing. The manager came by to chat briefly, and then he retrieved our coats for us at the end of the night. Back Bay Grill is classy without being stuffy, and you'll get excellent food and excellent service.
I visited the Back Bay Grill about a year ago so some of my memories are a little foggy...BUT I had to write this review to counter the previous one :) I liked back bay grill very much. I had the Duck confit and it was one of the best I have ever had; very crispy and delicious. The salads were interesting and quite good as well. The service was pleasant and prompt and the price was high but not totally ridiculous. I would rather go here than Cinque Terre or Vignola any day, far better value for your money. Yes the nrighbourhood is a little sketchy but don't be a wuss, just consider it entertainment on your way in/out...Just blame Ricky's....
(4)
David W.
Meal was fabulous, service was even better. Had the crab cake followed by the scallops. Best I've had.
(5)
Phil S.
Back Bay Grill dazzles with every bite. I have been dining there consistently for over 10 years. Never had less than an outstanding meal (no not related...just love their food & service!!) Foie Gras dishes are to die for, lobster is preped the way it should be...not with just butter but with whimsical ingredients that all blend into perfect harmony. All in all...food is almost as good as Maine's White Barn Inn, but at half the price.
(5)
Debbie L.
What a great dining experience we had at Back Bay Grill!! This was our first visit and we will be going back. Great personal service and hospitality. As busy as they were I felt like we had very personal attention. Every dish we had was delicious. I can't wait to go back!!!
(5)
A. K.
Lovely service. Good bread. Overcooked some items; others didn't have much of a taste. Great on our last visit there; this time big disappointment.
(3)
Jenn R.
I made reservations here for my sister's graduation/engagement dinner. We Google mapped the restaurant and the directions were wrong. When I called the restaurant, they stayed on the phone with me and gave me step by step directions until I reached the restaurant! The food is phenomenal. A lot of us got the filet mignon. I like it on the well side, but I'm always afraid to ask in case they give me a gross piece of meat so I ask for medium well. The waitress even came back and asked if I wanted the filet butterflied, which I did and forgot to ask. I got a perfectly medium well piece. My boyfiend got his medium and could cut it with a fork. They also offer free tastings before and after your meal. After our dessert (which had congratulations written on the plate in chocolate), we received little homemade orange cardamom meringes. We did have to wait awhile for our food, but it was so good, we didn't care. Waiters and waitresses are very attentive and knowledgeable as well. Prices are a bit steep, but it is highly recommended for a special occasion. It is in a kind of depressed area of Portland, but worth the drive. Hopefully restaurants like these will improve the neighborhood's overall look.
(5)
laila k.
Great restaurant, excellent food, good service and very friendly staff, one of our favourite places to eat.
(5)
John O.
Rated one of Portland's best--we were a little underwhelmed. Several orders had to be returned for re-cooking or were consumed at temps other than requested. Looked like a great but small bar scene. Maybe even a place to meet prospective dates. A little off the beaten track, the neighborhood is very active with what looked like street people, alcoholics, etc. Maybe a methadone clinic down the block? I think Fore Street, Cinque Terre and hopefully a place called 555 are better. I would go back to eat at the bar.
(2)
Helen B.
We came last night for Restaurant Week, having heard many great things from several people, including two of the people dining with us, and we were not disappointed. First, let me say that this restaurant has some of the best service I have experienced in Maine. We were running about ten minutes late for our reservation and were getting nervous because we know how busy this place can get, but the host put us immediately at ease, told us not to rush, and our table would be ready. We were seated immediately, got some assistance with our wine choice and entrees, and the service the rest of the evening was prompt and professional. The food was spectacular and we were all really delighted. I had the gnudi appetizer (very fresh with the lemon finish), mixed green salad (super tasty), scallops for main course (maybe just a small tad over, a little chewy for my taste), and finally the creme brulee (one of the best I've had in a long time). I heard rave reviews from others at the table who chose other options (I tried the pork papardelle and it was out of this world). Plus, someone in our group was celebrating their birthday so they decorated her plate with chocolate spelling out "Happy birthday." I think they genuinely enjoy when people come in for special occasions, although given our positive experience we will definitely be back soon!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Robert J.
After a weeklong trip that included some of the best restaurants in Montreal and Quebec City, I never thought I'd say my single best meal was in Portland. But, as all the other reviewers have noted, Back Bay Grill is absolutely amazing. The menu is compact but diverse, with at least one selection each covering beef, fish, chicken, lamb and duck. After much debate, I settled on an incredible corn chowder with potato, bacon, red pepper and lobster. I'm kind of a corn chowder junkie, but this was definitely in my Top 3. For my entrée I ordered the homemade pappardelle with veal meatballs and pancetta. The waitress brought a spoon as part of my set-up, which seemed strange for a flat, non-twirly pasta like pappardelle. But one taste of this dish, and it all made sense: When the pasta and meatballs were gone, I shamelessly tipped my bowl and spooned up every drop of the dark, rich jus. (Sometimes good flavor trumps good manners.) Three courses + two drinks = $90 per person, all in. Worth every penny. Strictly in terms of food and service, Back Bay Grill would earn 5+ stars from me. But the setting definitely affects the overall experience, and not in a good way. The street is dark and kind of desolate, with dark storefronts everywhere, save for a couple of sketchy bars, where patrons slumped in the doorway kept asking for a buck "to catch the bus." Would I run the gauntlet again to see what Back Bay Grill has on the menu? Um, yeah, in a heartbeat.
(4)Anna D.
My favorite restaurant in Portland, hands down. I enjoyed every second of this experience starting from making the initial reservation, to the host putting on my coat when we left. To start, we walked in and were surprised at the small space, but not too small that we were turned away. The distance from the tables to the kitchen was just close enough that we still felt like we were in our own space. The host was extremely welcoming. He even called me twice to confirm our reservation because of the fluctuating weather we had been having. I found that to be very gracious and not annoying. I was pleasantly surprised at the price of their drink menu as well. Their meals are a little bit higher than the norm for Portland (AND WORTH IT, but I'll get to that next), but the drinks were a pleasant 8-15 dollar range. We started with the mussels as an app (SURPRISE!). They were wonderful. They even split the app into two dishes for us. The homemade bread and butter was also just enough. One more slice I probably would have said it was too much, but then again, it was melt in your mouth bread, so too much is still ok. I ordered the scallops with risotto and roasted beets and my bf ordered the stuffed chicken leg. MIne couldn't have been better, so simple, yet incredibly sophisticated to taste. His chicken was stuffed with an herb sausage that he said was also delicous. We opted out of dessert, as we normally do, but we did notice the aray of sweets that were offered; from cakes, to brule, to several hot toddys. The service was top notch. Not once were we greeted without a smile, whether it was to take our order, ask how our meal was or take our plates. I can't wait to return, which I hope, is ASAP, like tonight, or tomorrow, or maybe they'll open to make me breakfast.
(5)Steven C.
Wow. Just... Wow. My wife and I were in Portland for one night - passing through from New York on the way to Bar Harbor, ME - and we chose to celebrate our anniversary with dinner at the Back Bay Grill. I am SO glad we decided to do so! The staff was incredible and greeted us warmly as soon as we walked through the door. Smiles on! Before I go into this review (which I believe will be lengthy), please be advised that any use of hyperbole (i.e. "the best", "the greatest", the word "incredible", and so on) in the context of this review is completely well-earned and is, by no means, an overstatement. Any use of "literally" means literally, not "like, literally" (with a New York affect). I didn't mention to the staff at the restaurant when I made the reservation that it was our anniversary (just because I didn't want to overdo the whole "anniversary celebration tour thing" that my wife and I are one); however, upon learning that it was our anniversary, our server, Evie, and the maitre d' (whose name I did not get, regrettably, but who was phenomenal nonetheless), really pulled out all the stops and helped make it the most amazing anniversary dinner experience (or, frankly, any dinner experience) that we have ever had. Note: The folks over at the Back Bay Grill are just generally nice, friendly, awesome people and I know (from reading the expressions on other diners' faces throughout the night) that everyone in the dining room was having the same experience as my wife and me... I would describe the entire experience as "cathartic," to say the least, bordering on "life changing" (I might actually have to go back and amend some of my previous reviews, because - until last night - I really didn't know what a 5-star experience was). Now, I will explain exactly why the Back Bay experience was so fantastic. First of all, this was not a "dinner at a nice restaurant"... It was a true experience in every sense of the word, and I don't use the term "experience" lightly here. The restaurant is intimate, sits about 30-40 diners - if I had to estimate - comfortably. After we were seated, Evie greeted us promptly, offered water, and allowed us a few minutes to peruse the drink menu. I don't drink, so I enjoyed a bottle of Pellegrino (which lasted the whole meal for me), and my wife ordered a Sauvignon Blanc (not sure which). Then we were given ample time to thoroughly discuss and vet the menu... Hang on, I'm getting teary as I write this review as I recount everything from last night... OK, back to being composed... Since the menu was printed on thick, quality paper with the date on top, I think it's safe to assume that this is the type of place where the menu changes on a daily basis, based on the freshness of the meat, poultry, produce, etc. available that day. It seriously took us 25 minutes to make a decision, because literally EVERYTHING on the menu sounded delectable. Ultimately, we decided to split the foie gras appetizer (served with bread pudding and various accoutrements that are beyond my comprehension or recollection, as I write this), and this incredible achievement in culinary mastery was presented beautifully and fully enjoyed by my wife and me. Every single bite (we took small bites to make the experience last as long as possible) nearly brought a tear to my eye and actually did give me goosebumps. The foie gras was the single greatest food item I have ever put in my mouth. Honestly, I have never tasted anything better. It was fresh, light, and so unbelievably flavorful. When it was over, my wife had to console me with the fact that we still had to finish our salads (a mixed green salad with gorgonzola and candied walnuts, which the chef split in two plates for us) and that the main course was still on its way. Thank God for that, because without the main course, as I will describe in more detail below, I STILL would have given this restaurant a five-star review and would still sing its praises from the rooftops. I suppose now is as good a time as any to mention that the chef and sous-chef prepare all of the restaurants offerings in plain sight (the kitchen is open and diners can observe these geniuses of food immersed in their craft). That was a treat in and of itself. Now for the main course... Psssshhh!! I almost can't even continue writing because the main course was THAT incredible. To attempt to put into words that which is nearly indescribable (with my limited vocabulary) would not do the food justice. My God, as I sit here writing this review approximately 11 hours after having consumed this food, I am reliving every bite, every scent, every feeling, every sensation. So, to wrap it up, I am not the only one who feels this way about this restaurant. Back Bay has received the AAA Four-Diamond award for restaurants over the past two years. If my wife and I were to have this experience in New York, the price points would have been DOUBLE. It was awesome!
(5)Rebecca S.
My new favorite restaurant in Portland. Exceptionally beautiful, tasty food and thoughtful service. They were able to modify a scallop appetizer to omit bacon for me; and we left with the overall impression the waiter would give us his first born child if it would make our dining experience more pleasant. Yeah- they're just that good. The small touches (their logo carved into the butter, the small amouse before and after dinner were charming) really sets this place apart from other fine dining restaurants. And the food? Oh, the food. The crab cake was bright and clean- the fennel slaw on top was a great touch; the salmon entree was cooked perfectly and was a nice reminder how the simple things (like salmon and dill) sometimes are just the best. Can't wait to return again next year.
(5)Samuel P.
To echo the other reviews here, I had the beef tartare and it was incredible. My girlfriend had the crab cake and she was also quite happy. The crab cake is a good size with a lot of crab meat. There is also a light panko crust. However, despite those things, the sauce to go with it was a little bland. For cocktails, I had the burnt orange rye something or other which was amazing. She literally burnt the orange in front of us. My girlfriend had the Spring prosecco (with gin, cucumber and lemon juice) which was also good but if you don't like gin that much the flavor does come through. It was quite refreshing though. We sat at the bar and the bartender was extremely friendly and professional. The only reason we didn't give 5 stars was that the crab cake wasn't out of this world. We would very easily go back though, especially for the service.
(4)John F.
Flew in from the west coast, hosed off and headed over. I had high expectations...they were far exceeded. Foie, tartar, scallops, duck...all spot on. Hands down the best duck and scallops we have had in the past few years. Definitely the best tartar I've ever had. Huge egg yolk, anchovies, and great pickles with the tartar. Now for the service. Absolutely the best we have had in recent memory... Or ever. Honest opinions on dishes, friendly, not rushed, charming and knowledgeable. It was as good as it gets from the greeter, servers to the excellent bar tender. The bartender even came over and talked us through some wines with a no nonsense tasting. The waitress was not only efficient, attentive and knowledgable, but extremely friendly and engaging. The staff even put together a list of a must eats for the rest of our stay. I don't recommend restaurants often, but when I do...
(5)Tim G.
The crew and I ended up here as part of our monthly Superdate ritual. That is, six of us came on Saturday evening for dinner (in a limo, after finishing ballroom dancing lessons; don't ask - it's a Superdate thing). The awesome: - FOIE. This get its own line in the list, and must absolutely be tried. - Service, service, service. Polite, prompt and courteous wait staff who ask questions like "do you have a bourbon preference in your old-fashioned?" - All the other food. I had lamb two ways, but the rest of the table had a wide variety of stuff - including the filet, pork, scallops, duck two ways, and other stuff I can't remember. But the three courses were absolutely brilliant, all around. - Drinks. Clever selection of cocktails, and an intimidating wine list. The could be better (and I'm reaching here): - Beers in bottles. - One-at-a-time bathrooms. You're gonna pay for the experience, but I think it should be on your list of must-try spots in Portland.
(4)Shamus A.
Thank you Restaurant Week! With a $45 prix fixe menu, Back Bay Grill was an opportunity too good to miss. What made it even better was that neither one of us had ever been to the Back Bay Grill - despite having lived in Portland for years. The decor was somewhat dated... With artwork that looked like it may have been hung when Bill Cosby was still the king of Thursday nights. But that's really the only criticism that we could come up with. The staff was friendly and attentive. Our waitress was familiar with both the regular menu and the Restaurant Week menu and was able to make recommendations to us from both. The wine list was quite extensive but again, we were able to rely on our waitress to provide suggestions that really hit the mark. We both opted for selections from the three course Restaurant Week menu. I got the pork belly for my first course, potato leek soup for my second and seafood sausage for my entree. My date got the local skate for her first course, hearts of romaine salad second and the pork shoulder with polenta for her third course. Everything was amazing! We shared each dish but couldn't agree which of the first course we preferred. We liked the skate and pork belly equally. The hearts of romaine was the clear winner of the second round... And based solely on its originality, the seafood sausage nudged out the pork shoulder (barely) for the win in the third round. We both agreed that based on the creativity shown in the prix fixe menu, we'll be back to try the regular menu. Soon.
(4)Whitney F.
Wonderful and creative food that is also filling. Adrian Stratton, the general manager, goes above and beyond.
(5)Dan T.
Much acclaimed service was absent when we are here last night. There was a delay in our waiter's taking our order, long wait for refill of iced tea, and we had to ask the manager to find our credit card and bill which our waiter had taken. Food, however, was exceptional. Perhaps someone didn't show up and they were short handed. Not sure if I would return.
(3)Sophia S.
One of the best restaurants in Portland, by far. Adrian is the best owner I have ever met and he is a wonderful business person, dad, and always makes you feel welcome. He remembers your name and so do all of the waitstaff (they're really great too). My family and I come here for every big celebration because they always make you feel special and welcome. The food is FANTASTIC. My grandmother has a lot of allergies and they are always willing and excited to make something catered to her needs. The crab cake is one of my favorite dishes and the salads are always delicious. The menu is constantly changing, but I always go for the pasta and am never disappointed. You need to come here. 10/10 would recommend. You really can't go wrong coming here if you want an upscale dinner that will not disappoint you. Everything is delicious.
(5)Thomas M.
Went there for a special dinner last night , and were not disappointed, tho not the best food we had in Portland . The staff were very attentive ! And the food was "good" but not "great ". The wines were reasonably priced and good value which we enjoyed The steak tartare was fantastic, as was the foisgras., the lamb not the best I've had , and the duck also wanting a little.. Overall a unique dining experience in Portland, and one of the best you will have. Highly recommended
(4)Joe M.
Food was fantastic! Crab cake was lite and flavorful. I had the grilled rack of lamb for dinner and it was excellent. Melted. Service was a little ehh, but I would definitely recommend it. We'll be back.
(4)Lindsay W.
Took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner. It's such an intimate and romantic atmosphere which was perfect. The decor is not trendy by any means though. It was snowing quite a bit and a Thursday evening so the restaurant was pretty much dead. I really enjoyed our food and probably in top 10 meals of portland so far. Im writing this obviously a month or so later so I apologize for the lack of food descriptions but I do remember being pleased (but nothing so memorable that it's sticking out now.) It's one of the more upscale establishments in portland it seems and intended for a nice night out. The service is nice and errs on the fine dining side as opposed to the more casual service that you see some of the newer and trendier restaurants doing.
(4)Lisa R.
What a lovely dinner. The service is so nice without being obsequious, the wine our server suggested was so spot-on (and reasonably priced) and every dish the three of us had was great. Things that didn't even sound so great were--like "lavender-marinated duck breast"; I would never have ordered it but my husband did and it was absolutely great--and did not taste a bit of lavender which would have turned me off. The portions were generous but not unwieldy or overpowering, the flavors clean and not fussy, and it was all do well-prepared. The nicest and most unexpected thing was one dish we ordered was not as described on the menu, and when I expressed surprise at the flavor (though it was fantastic) at the end of the meal our server explained they had comped us that dish (which we had eaten every crumb of). What a nice touch. I would return in a heartbeat.....just lovely.
(5)Annie P.
My friends and I had reservations for Back Bay on Friday night. We picked this place because of Yelper's recommendations. When you enter, there's a feel of old school cigar lounge. I ordered the saffron and white wine mussels which were SO good. That sauce was ridonkulas! We had to request extra bread so we could mop up that sauce! I ordered the salmon. It was okay...it sat on a bed of pasta with roasted red pepper and a white sauce. The salmon itself was a bit dry and bland. We decided to skip dessert but they still gave us complimentary shortbread cookies with a dollop of chocolate ganache which were pretty yummy. I might come back and order a different entree.
(3)Angela L.
If I could give six stars, I would. The service, the atmosphere, the food - the food!- all superb. From the amuse bouche to the dessert, they did not miss a beat. I had the Spring Prosecco which was light and refreshing. The asparagus soup, heart of romaine salad, salmon, and scallops served to us were nothing short of perfection. I highly recommend this spot if you are celebrating something or just want to pamper yourself. Such a great night.
(5)David R.
I just celebrated a remarkable birthday at a wonderful restaurant Back Bay was expertly served and magnificently prepared. One of my best experiences with food in Portland, really just about anywhere
(5)Erin S.
This place was amazing! Having just moved to Maine we decided to settle in with a celebratory dinner, Craig's selection was Back Bay, great choice! We arrived a bit early because we wanted to grab a drink at the bar. Our table was not quite ready, which obviously was fine because we showed up early. We stayed at the bar for a little bit, bartender was awesome, very sweet and made great recommendations. I don't totally remember what I started with (writing this review, way late!) I do know it was a whiskey drink that was really clever and tasty. I think Craig had a beer. When we moved to our table we started with scallops, they were incredible. Craig ordered a chicken dish, which made ordering chicken out worth it. And I had a tuna dish, it was amazing. Sorry I don't have more details, I started this review months ago and just never finished it. Its awesome, you should go. It is a romantic little place, cool ambiance, great service.
(5)D B.
I'm not sure how I've eaten so many great meals in Portland over the years and somehow not made it to this spot. Perhaps because it's not in one of the more frequently travelled to (for me) neighborhoods. Regardless, I am very happy I finally had a chance to have a meal at this gem. My wife and I made reservations to sit at the bar on relatively short notice, which works fine for us (immediate beverage service :)). It also gave us a great view of the open kitchen and the rest of the staff. All I can say is that the staff at Back Bay Grill including the cooks, bartenders, servers, host and even the guy hand drying glasses are restaurant professionals. Things were running like a finely oiled machine. Might be worth noting that this restaurant has one of the most expansive wine lists I've seen in Portland. I'm certainly not a wine pro, but there should be something to please just about anyone. We tried a few cocktails as well and they were delicious. The bartender was very friendly and happy to talk with us as we ate etc. We started off with an order of mussels which was huge and plenty to split with two people. We were both huge fans of the popcorn with truffle oil and after devouring it all we were like damn now bread too! My wife ordered the filet which is usually my go to, but I made sure to secure myself some of hers and can say it was a delicious steak. I almost never order chicken because well its just chicken. However, the bartender had suggested it to me and I was not disappointed. The dish was packed with flavor and left me more than pleased. Seeing how we were already being gluttonous we also indulged in several desserts and while the specifics escape me none of it came home with us. In case the rest of the review doesn't make it clear, I loved this spot, would suggest reservations, and can't wait to go back!
(5)Kathryn B.
MY BF and I made reservations early in the week for a Saturday night and could only get an 8:30p seating but took it anyway because we had been dying to go-I asked if anything opened up earlier could he please call. On the day of our reservation Adrian (who is awesome!) called around 12:30 and said there was a 6:00p (too early) or a 7:00 at the bar. We took the bar and I totally recommend doing so, sitting next to the open kitchen is so fun! The truffle popcorn was odd but my sage and gin cocktail was perfect! The bartender who served us was brilliant and beautiful, so sweet! Our starters of crab cakes and duck prosciutto...YUM...We had the lamb pappardelle, salty but unctuous and yummy and the scallops...cooked perfectly. I think we got some brandied apple dessert but I was too full to enjoy it! our total for 3 drinks, 2 apps, 2 meals and dessert was $160 with tip. The area is a bit shady away from the downtown area but being off the beaten path is totally what makes it worth the trip. I would absolutely go again.
(5)Jacob L.
There are a lot of people who are crazy about this place and I don't get it. It's got decent food, an okay drink selection but it is a far cry from portland's best restaurant as many on Yelp claim. Good place for beer and a reasonable dinner but wouldn't really go out of my way to go there
(4)Paul C.
3rd time here. Always great food and service is exceptional but our server this time was a bit disappointing. Very robotic and didn't recommend drinks or even spent a minute on the menu with us. At an establishment like this one would expect a "tour guide" as a server but instead we got a cab driver.
(4)Chris C.
We have been wanting to get here for some time on one of our trips to Portland, glad we finally did! The reviews were pretty good, so it sets the expectations pretty high. Enjoyed our dinner very much, and very good service! Nice wine list as well, and beers from Maine Brewing Co!
(5)Richard W.
We had our first visit last night for dinner. An eclectic cocktail menu, huge wine list, intimate atmosphere with being stuffy. My wife started with a crab cake, which was tender, crips u and full of crab, and for a main course she had a stuffed chicken breast, which was done perfectly. I started with seared foie gras, main course was lamb the ways, lollipop chops. The service was very attentive. Overall it was very good and I recommend them for special occasions.
(4)Craig N.
I'll start with saying that the Back Bay Grill was not actually my girlfriend's first choice for our anniversary dinner, but that we came away from the experience more than happy with my decision to surprise her. We had looked at several places in the Portland area and debated about where we should go for several days until I read about the ambiance here - patting myself on the back for this one. To be completely honest, I would have given Back Bay four stars (our food was a bit on the salty side) but the service was so absolutely genuine that it would be dishonest of me to give anything less than a five star review. This place knows service, so keep up the great work. Dinner: Rare filet with baby carrots and some sort of magical potato concoction, Seared scallops and slightly sweet delicious risotto. Dessert: I don't remember exactly, some sort of mouse with carmelized bananas and little Oreo type cookies, they dressed it up with "Happy Anniversary" in chocolate which is always nice. A+ Well done ladies and gentlemen, well done.
(5)Michael C.
My new favorite place. Last night was our first visit. My wife had poached lobster app and salmon entree. I had crab cake app and Scallop entree. All were perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Evie serving us at the bar was attentive, detailed and made a wonderful martini. Just a great night. Looking forward to our next visit.
(5)Julia V.
Service was perfect, food was fantastic... Atmosphere was welcoming and warm. Expensive, but so incredibly worth it. Will return.
(5)Patricia F.
How perfect can you get? Back Back exceeds all expectations. We celebrated our 48th anniversary here and it truly was the best dinner we have had in Portland. No small tasting plates. Well prepared food. Lovely presentation We met the owner. Everything done with care and love. Go. You will mot be disappointed.
(5)Todd D.
This is what a great restaurant should be. In Maine on vacation and ate at Back Bay on a Thursday night for a birthday. Everything in here is done right, from the general manager at the door through the entire staff. A great size, great vibe, great place. The food was top drawer. We were five and did four openers (Maine crab cake, mushrooms and tallegio, and two orders of the beets). Mains were two fillets, two duck, and the dusted scallops. Two desserts. One cocktail. Two bottles of wine, and three coffees. From the bread to the coffee everything was exceptional. They also threw in a bottle of Prosecco to open, and lovely cheese ball amuse bouche/s. $370 without tip - which is well worth every penny, and I don't say or think that very often.
(5)Kyle B.
The food is exquisitely prepared and the wait staff is amazing---professional and courteous they operate together, as a team like a well-oiled machine---from the maitre'd to the chef. The result leaves you feeling satisfied in body and soul! Thank you!
(5)Sam C.
My wife and I were visiting Portland for our anniversary, and the staff at Back Bay Grill made it very special for us. The servers were friendly, knowledgeable, and prompt with every aspect of service, and the manager made sure we were well taken care of. The decor was beautiful and the fine dining atmosphere was perfect for a special occasion without being stuffy. The food was outstanding, fresh, and artfully presented. We had an heirloom tomato salad, delicious charcuterie, amazing homemade pappardelle and veal meatballs, and I had a perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned filet mignon. Our bottle of Simi Cabernet paired perfectly. Wine and cocktails were both a home run! Every aspect of this restaurant experience made us very very happy, not to mention the surprise anniversary dessert prepared for us, on the house! We'll be back next time we're in Portland.
(5)Mike D.
I get pretty spoiled by great restaurants in New York, so I usually find myself lowering my expectations when dining out of town. I didn't need to have done that with Back Bay. The food - crab cake, salad, salmon, filet mignon - was all exceptional, as was the service by friendly waiters highly knowledgeable about the wine list and menu. One of the more enjoyable dinners I've had in a while.
(5)nicole w.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, you will feel like the most special guest in the place but this cannot make up for a fairly lackluster meal. Four of us went for the hamburger 'event' so other than a soup and a salad, we all got the hamburger. For $16, I expected more. Other than rare, medium or well done, there were no other choices for that plate and I found the meat dry, and the whole presentation unremarkable. The only other thing on the plate were some potato chips thrown in a wrapped up piece of paper which added nothing to the meal. The salad was underwhelming in every way; actually tasteless and the soup was equally boring. Overall, a disappointing meal.
(2)Alise K.
As always, another wonderful meal. The service is so special. Every need is anticipated and everyone is so friendly. Adrian is the gem of back bay grill. He knows everyone by name and is so sincere. The waitstaff is equally as knowledgeable and welcoming. Now to the food. The mussels, beet salad, gnocchi and lobster ravioli appetizers were sooooo good. I had salmon with spatzle, fried green tomato and small slices of winter squash. My husband had the scallops and quinoa and barely gave me a taste!! Go to back bay grill for the food, service, and the cosmos!!!
(5)Dan B.
Best food I have had in Maine, maybe even the U.S.
(5)Julie T.
Our new favorite Portland restaurant. Visited during a restaurant week without knowing and chose to try the restaurant week menu. Glad we did, we were there a few months ago, so do not remember exactly what we ordered but evey morsel was delicious. The staff was wonderful, every one made you feel welcome, from the host, bar staff, waitress and even the chef took the time to converse with my husband when approached. Will definitely be on our itinerary next visit to Portland. Great staff, great food.
(5)Gladys S.
From the moment we walked in I knew this was going to be a great place. We were pleasantly greeted & brought to a table. Multitude waiters waited on us. The crab cake was awesome. Next was a beet salad with goat cheese & macadamia nuts. We split a pork chop and it was moist. To finish it off the creme brûlée was mouth watering. Our glasses were kept full. The table was brushed clean of crumbs. This is absolutely a 5 star restaurant.
(5)Lauren C.
Holy cow- I came in with a group of 9 total people for my friends bachelorette party on Saturday night. We got a reservation at 9:15 which was a bit late, but we really wanted to check this place out. We got a call from the host telling us that we could be seated at 8:45 which was a very crucial 1/2 hour difference. It worked out perfectly. First impressions- the place is adorable, and set up in a really smart way. For a smaller place, it can accomodate big parties REALLY well. There is some residual track lighting in the 2nd room that is horrendous, but otherwise, the place is super-cute! We sat down, checked out the menu, and instantly began to drool. Lots of variety, and lots of really innovative dishes. As a vegetarian, they had options for me, and when i ordered, the waitress could tell I'm a vegetarian by my order, and ammended my amuse bouche such that it too was vegetarian. The food- i started out with a dirty Belvedere martini with blue cheese olives and was in love. I had to savor it, but i wanted to drink it fast since it was SO good. Prob. the best martini i've had that I'm able to remember :-). I ordered the local organic salad with parmesean croutons, and it was pretty amazing. That, coupled wtih my martini, was a vacation for my mouth. For my entree, I had the asparagus pasta dish which was goat cheese and asparagus 'ravioli'. I forget the specific name of the dish, and the martini didn't help my ability to pronounce it, but MAN it was tasty. It was served with spinach in the middle which I loved too. It really was a vacation for my mouth. I pulled the host aside, and mentioned that my friend was getting married, and they managed to bring her a salted carmel ice cream with "Congratulations" written around the rim of the plate in chocolate. The whole restaurant clapped and really embarassed her which is AWESOME. Also tried a few bites of the creme brulee. It was ok... it was a bit too watery for my taste, but solid thru and thru. The staff was really incredible. They indulged our tacky humor, and our touristy fascination with Moose (which was primarily fueled by me). The service for dinner was phenomenal thru and thru. I'd come back here ASAP... but unfortunatly I don't see myself being in Portland again any time soon. That makes me sad.
(5)Christine Z.
This place is really cool. My boyfriend and I came here for New Years Eve, so they offered a Pre Fixe menu that night opposed to the full menu. They had about 5 selections for each course. The food was so unique and very tasty.. I tried the squid ink fettuccine with sea urchin. It's something I've seen on TV and always wanted to try. Now I know I'm not a fan of sea urchin, but it was still beautifully prepared. I had the lobster for my main course and it was cooked to perfection (I'm really picky when it comes to lobster too). The ambiance was romantic, quiet and just lovely. Great date night location. The staff was attentive, but not overly. The drinks were very good too. All around, really cool and one-of-a-kind experience. If you're looking for something different and delicious, give this place a try!
(4)Jason R.
Came here for a belated valentines day. Service was very attentive. Reminded us of being in a cruise. The staff was very eager to please. The menu was daily limited but is to be expected at a restaurant that cooks each meal especially to order. The quality of the food was amazing, nothing short of Devine. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a romantic night out. They have a massive wine list as well. This is not a place I would ever bring children, however. This is a place for adults, and plan on dropping $100+ just as a side note. But it's totally worth every penny
(5)Chuck M.
Too bad there isn't a 6 star rating, because that is what this place deserves. This is the FINEST restaurant in Maine, not just Portland. The creations of the chef are incredible and the Staff , led by Adrian are always there for your every wish. If you haven't eaten here, your cheating yourself out of a real treat.
(5)Danielli C.
I loved it here. the ambiance is cozy and romantic. Décor is simple and elegant. Staff is great! I really liked the food here. The drinks were ok. I definitely would recommend it to a friend.
(4)Nicole J.
I can't give this place enough rave reviews. The food, drinks, service, and atmosphere is superb! My mother and I did a girls weekend in portland for shopping and dining. We did not have anything particular in mind for dinner. Our B&b host had a list of nearby restaurants and after looking at each menu decided this was the place. WOW! What an experience. Everything local and so fresh. The chef does an amazing job taking classics and putting twists on them. I will be driving back to portland to dine here!
(5)Wai S.
The food was amazing at this restaurant! I've visited Portland, ME twice and by far this is one of the best restaurant I ever been to. Never had sweet corn ice cream before and it was very unique. Creme Brulee was delicious. Service was great and they gave sampler's for appetitizer and also for desserts. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Amybeth H.
We had a fantastic time. The food, the ambiance, everything. We can't stop talking about it! Thank you so much. Amybeth Hurst, Portland, ME
(5)Jeffrey G.
Haven't been in a few years. Even better than remembered. Food was amazing. Service was a notch above great. Can't wait to return to Portland for another dinner at Back Bay!
(5)Oldport W.
I want to thank everyone at Back Bay Grill for the perfect ending to what was a great 30th Birthday for Erin. Everything was perfect (as it always is), however, they always seem to make every occasion memorable. FANTASTIC -- Thank you (I wish there was a 6th star)
(5)Allan S.
Want to impress your date? Bring her, or him, here. Outstanding service, outstanding cuisine, and an upscale, but not pretentious ambiance in Portland (of all places .. whodda thunk?) Our server, Erica, has been here three years and it shows. We love Mistral in Boston and the service here was at the same level. As for the cuisine .... the crab cakes are as good as it gets. We ordered two for the four of us - perfectly seasoned, satisfying yet light. The mussels were prepared with chorizo and were excellent. My wife and I ordered additional bread to sop up the last drop of sauce it was that good. My wife and I each ordered mixed greens dinner salads, fresh and delicious, and shared the lamb ragout with pappadelle. Not a noodle was left over. The salmon ordered by our friends was under cooked and raw in the middle. I would have sent it back, but they ate it without complaint. Reviewers have cautioned about the neighborhood. No, it's not Newport, RI or Backbay, Boston, but its safe and well lit. Across the street is a wonderful neighborhood bar, Bubba's Sulky Lounge, that offers dancing after 9PM. The DJ spins tunes from the 80s to now and the dance floor is large. How can you beat that? Looking to celebrate a special evening ... you won't go wrong here.
(5)Keith W.
Amazing. Simply amazing. Food, service, atmosphere, Back Bay has it all. Split crab cakes and asparagus salad for appetizers. Just simply great. Wife liked the house wine so much we just had a bottle. At $30 an absolute steel for a restaurant wine. Don't remember the exact name for the duck dish I had but it was incredible. Wife had the scallop dish that was equally as good. The place just felt right. Service was friendly and knowledgable without being over bearing or snotty. Every course was timed perfectly(even on a Saturday night when they had a full house.)
(5)William S.
Always wonderful -- we have eaten here a fair number of times -- but our most recent meal was truly as good as restaurant dining gets. Our party of four actually had 12 different dishes (appetizers/entrees/desserts) and each dish was deemed excellent. Service was gracious with an appropriate balance between friendliness and dignity, and Adrian's help on the wine was truly adroit. It's nice to see higher Yelp ratings for Back Bay Grill than for some nationally-touted restaurants which we have never found to be in its league. The food is reliable, the menu inventive without being challenging, and the experience is always gratifying.
(5)Nancy P.
Without hesitation: food--5, service--5, ambiance--5. An utterly delightful experience for the palate and the soul! The duck and duck compote were heavenly, the mussels sweet and succulent, pork perfectly seasoned and cooked. Now, that's the way to run a fine food establishment!
(5)Tony S.
This place makes me want to go back and get rid of all my 5 stars ratings so that they can't be in the same category as Back Bay Grill. From the minute we walked in the door, my girlfriend and I were greeted by the friendly staff, and I'll start with them. Never before have a seen a staff that worked so well as a team. Not only was our main waitress amazing (she picked out the perfect bottle of wine for us), but everyone from the owner to the other wait staff came by our table to answer questions, strike up a conversation, and just make sure we were loving every minute, which we did. Now let's move on to the important part, the food. I went with the duck, which was really my first time getting duck for a meal. The only bad thing about it was that I can never get duck again, because it won't be as good. I couldn't get each salty, savory bite down fast enough. It's a minor miracle I didn't stop breathing really. For dessert my girlfriend and I ordered some type of fruit based cake that was subtle on the sweetness. To be honest I don't remember much about it because the waitress surprised us by bringing us our dessert AND the creme brulee free of charge, which was easily one of the best desserts I've ever had. There are so many good restaurants in Portland, but you are doing yourself a disservice by not going to Back Bay Grill if you've never been, because the whole experience will be legendary.
(5)Mark F.
A couple of foodie friends and I drove 200 miles just for dinner here and Chef Matthews did not disappoint! We started with a flight of single malt scotchs, and then moved through four courses over the next three hours that blew our minds. Foie gras, a curried apple soup, a poached pear salad were among the appetizers and were absolute perfection. I went on to have Duck two ways and it was divine in every aspect. The service was impeccable, and she was very knowledgeable in every aspect of the ingredients and preparation of our meal. I can't wait to go back, and will do so no matter what it takes. Don't miss this amazing gem of the Northeast!
(5)isabelle m.
WOW. AMAZING food + service + ambiance. My boyfriend and I visited this place to celebrate a special occasion and they actually came out with a dessert that said, "congratulations". We started off w/ the mussels (good but not mind blowing), I got the duck dish (to die for--best, best, best duck i've ever had), he got the chicken (good but not my favorite), and creme brulee (as good as it gets!). Definitely on the top of my favorite restaurant list!
(5)Dave N.
four of us - two locals, two visitors from nyc - visited on wednesday evening, the night before thanksgiving. this place was so good, that i'm silently toying with the idea of coming back - 7 hours in thanksgiving traffic; 5+ hours otherwise - just for a meal. i began with the local lettuce heads (simple but delicious parmesan/thyme dressing), and had the burger, which had to be pre-ordered, for my main. could easily be one of the best hamburgers i've ever had. besides a few cocktails, the table shared a sauvignon blanc from nz that had strong hints of grapefruit. service, food, and ambiance were superb. i remember very little about the decor (unusual for me), probably because i was so steeped in the food. awesome treat for night #1 in maine.
(5)Peter W.
You cannot go wrong with a meal at The Back Bay Grill. From the start, the service is impeccable. Few other restaurants, especially in Portland, have a maitre'd, and this is part of what sets BBG apart. Service is friendly, knowledgable and attentive, without being over-bearing. The food is wonderful too. Having been most recently for Restaurant Week, we can see how why they print the full menu and RW menu on the same card stock, the choices were virtually impossible to make. How often do you find yourself saying, 'everyone does risotto' and then get it and get blown away! This is that kind of place. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Jason B.
Best restaurant in Portland! Service was excellent, food was perfect. We couldn't have found a better place to celebrate our engagement. Thank you Back Bay Grill for making the memories nothing but positive.
(5)Kristen J.
This place is fantastic!! The service was excellent and the food was impeccable. I took my fiance here for his birthday dinner, after realizing the restaurant we had planned to go to had some unsavory reviews. When we got there, we sat at the bar, had some amazing popcorn and the bartender made my fiance one of the best dirty martinis he ever had. We got to sit in the best seat in the house and had a great dinner. I wouldn't hesitate at all to come back here - highly recommend.
(5)Susan Z.
We just spent the weekend visiting our son in Portland ME and had the great fortune of dining at BackBay grill. Beginning with the phone call to make the reservation to collecting our coats to leave, service was impeccable. Our waiter was Jesse and he and the entire staff made us feel welcome and never rushed us through our dinner. We arrived at 5:30 and ordered cocktails while we looked over the menu. I had a pear martini which was a special and my son had sazerac? Husband had dirty martini son had scotch. All drinks were excellent. Appt were as follows, beef tartare,smoked salmon with preserved lemon, fried capers, creme fresh, picketed onions/,hudson valley foie gras / spring salad. Not one complaint every dish went back cleaned. Dinners were seared scallops with risotto and asparagus, filet mignon (cooked perfect) with spring vegt, rack of lamb again cooked perfect and pappardelle with braised pork,pancetta and vegt. All mains deserved 5 star rating. Dessert was a triple choc dessert which I do not remember specifics and a classic creme brûlée which was excellent. We had wine with dinner and coffee after. We were there 3 hours it was fabulous. We will be going back again, hopefully soon.
(5)John T.
My wife and I have enjoyed some of the highest rated Portland restaurants this summer but nothing came close to our experience last night at The Back Bay Grill. Try one of their signature cocktails to start. We loved the Jameson, chartreuse and pro secco cocktail. The lavender infused duck incredible and the berries and cream lick the plate good. We cannot wait to return, so much so that we made a reservations for a birthday dinner for a friend in a few weeks.
(5)Katie M.
We had dinner here during a trip to Portland and it was delicious. Great wine list with lots of affordable options, excellent friendly service, excellent food. The decaf coffee was amazing, I know that's random but was very impressed. Would def come back and recommend to others. We were here a couple of years ago and went to five five five for dinner and were disappointed. I thought the BBG was much better.
(5)J P.
First off, everything people have said about the neighborhood is true. Be prepared. Its definitely in a part of town where you want to roll up the windows and lock the doors. A shame, because this place is incredible. Location is the only negative. Glad I read other Yelp reviews because i may very well have canceled my reservation had I not known about the neighborhood. We did a walk by at 1pm that day to find the place and it confirmed that we'd be cabbing it there. Sandra was our waitress. She was wonderful and gave thoughtful suggestions when asked for opinions. She was always there when needed, but not obtrusive. We did not feel rushed and the courses were leisurely timed (which we like). Starters: I had the pan seared scallops. Quite good, and no complaints, but i envied my dinnermate's mushroom fettucini appetizer. the fragrance of the mushrooms was pure delight. Salad: we opted to each get a starter and then split a salad. Sandra advised us of the best one to split which was the organic greens with blue cheese and candied walnuts. Yum. When split, this salad gave us ample portions. Entree: i had the filet mignon with lobster ravioli. It was absolutely divine. however, my only complaint is that it only came with one, repeat, one lobster ravioli and it was not oversized. in my opininon, for $36 this should have had 2 or 3, particularly given that it did not come with potatoes or much for a veg (just some roasted corn which was also quite good). the chef should really throw a few more ravs on (and the ravs would be a great stand alone starter!). dinnermate had the bottom sirloin which was sliced over mashed potatoes and came with swiss chard. I heard no complaints. Dessert: i had some deliciously fudgy cake with a name i couldnt pronounce. dinnermate had white chocolate ice cream with chocolate spaghetti. Both very good and only $9 each which i felt was quite reasonable given the complexity. One of the best meals ive had in a long time - i would defintiely go back next time i am in Portland. would love to see them in a better location tho.
(5)Xiaoshan Z.
I've been to this place three times,all with my boss. Loved it. The service was personal and awesome. Pricy, but worth it, especially when I'm not the one paying for it. Best Creme Brulee ever, I mean, ever.
(5)Anna P.
The best eating experience I've had in this city. If you can get over the fact that your not eating at a restaurant "In The Old Port" for an evening, you'll do yourself the biggest favor and eat here. I almost don't want to tell anyone how good it is because I want it to be my secret. It's amazing. Steak Tartare, Bourbon Sampler, and service are dreamy.
(5)Victoria S.
My husband and I just dined at the Back Bay Grill this evening for our anniversary. The meal was so fantastic that I finally took the plunge to sign up for Yelp just to write about how much we enjoyed it. We were sat at a cozy corner booth in the back of the restaurant, next to another couple who were also celebrating their anniversary. Each employee who stopped by our table (including the manager, Adrian) wished us a happy anniversary and made us feel incredibly special. The service was relaxed, but well-paced. We never felt rushed, but we also didn't feel like we were being ignored. Our server, Ian, was helpful when we had questions and seemed to thoroughly enjoy his job. Actually, everyone there appeared to enjoy what they were doing! Okay...time to talk food. We started with the pork belly with six minute egg for myself (delicious, crispy, and the noodles were tender...the Asian twist was nice) and the best crab cake I have *ever* tasted for my husband. It was nearly 100% crab meat...coated in panko and beautifully crisped. For our main courses, my husband had the herb chicken, which was light and perfectly cooked, and the Duck Two Ways was incredibly delicious...the breast was done medium rare and the confit was beyond tender. The farro that was served with the duck was also lovely. For dessert, we shared the lemon chiffon cake with rhubarb sorbet. The sorbet was the perfect combination of sweet and tart and the chiffon cake was light but substantial. This is one of the best meals my husband and I have ever shared...I only wish we lived closer to Portland so we could return more frequently!
(5)Sarah D.
My friend and I are visiting from Omaha and Boston and were looking for a delicious dinner. We took a local's recommendation and tried this place and are so glad we did! It was great to get off the beaten path and the whole experience was lovely. Staff were excellent, attentive and genuine but not pushy at all. Very comfortable decor with a small bar and separate restaurant area. Our meals (duck and scallops) were delicious and the wine and cocktails are reasonably priced. There was no rose by the glass on the menu but the host just opened a bottle anyway and gave me a glass. Thanks Adrian!! All in all a great night I highly recommend this place.
(4)Benjamin G.
Quite good, had some pork that was cooked just how i like it. We were out with another couple and had a splendid time. There was a good selection of whiskey as well. The bill did come to 350 with tip, and we didn't splurge or order in excess.
(4)Stephen P.
Very impressed overall. It's much smaller then I had imagined with a very comfortable space. To start we split the Jumbo Scallops. They were nicely presented over an apple/bacon puree with kale and were perfectly cooked. Best scallops I've ever had and definitely the highlight of the night. Next we split the beet salad with pistachios and goat cheese. Excellent flavors. For the main course my girlfriend had the salmon. For me it had too much sesame oil. I had the chicken leg stuffed with sausage that I really enjoyed. It was the best chicken dish I've had in a long time. Dessert was good not great. The service was excellent. Not knowing too much about wine I like to ask for a recommendation when I eat at nice restaurants. Giving them our preferences and price range they came up with a very nice selection. It seemed like they had a nice selection of bottles under $35 For us the prices put the Back Bay Grill in the special occasion category ($160 tip included). We will definitely be back.
(4)Chuck M.
My wife and I went to Back Bay Grill for a late Valentine's day dinner and this was our first time there. As other reviews have mentioned the restaurant was smaller than we expected but still very comfortable with a small bar area with several diners having dinner. We were greeted promptly and our table was ready when we arrived. From the very first impression this is a well run and professional establishment. The host, waitress and servers were all experienced and the service was attentive without being overboard. Our drinks were delivered and the waitress asked if we wanted to order or take a few minutes to relax before ordering, which I thought was nice. The menu is updated frequently and I would suggest the on-line menu as only a guideline of the items that might be available on a given night. For appetizers we had the Crispy Veal Sweetbreads and the Crab Cakes. The Sweetbreads were well prepared and cooked to perfection. This is a dish I enjoy but find very few restaurants that properly clean and prepare the dish. My wife was very happy with the crab cakes, it was a single large crab cake with marinated cucumber and red onion. The crab cake was cooked nicely with a crispy panko coating. Our entrees were the Duck Two Ways, which consisted of a perfectly cooked duck breast (medium rare as I ordered) and Duck Confit along with a small portion of gnocchi and creamed spinach with a light coating of Jus. The entire dish worked perfectly and I would encourage the restaurant to add a gnocchi dish to the menu as the gnocchi was light and fluffy and certainly some of the best I ever had! My wife had the Pork Chop with came with polenta and a celeriac puree. The pork chop was perfectly prepared with a slight pink center and was tender and juicy. We chose to split a Creme Brulee for dessert and were pleased with the choice! The creme brulee was a perfectly creamy custard and the caramelized sugar topping was crispy to add a perfect contrast to the custard. This is one of my favorite desserts and this was among the best I have ever tasted. This was a fine dining experience and I recommend this for a special occasion dinner or great dining experience any time!
(5)Syd C.
A hidden gem! Stumbled on this place on a work trip to Portland. Definitely a hit! The bartender was sweet. Love the open kitchen concept! I enjoyed the cab cake. It was delicious and filling. I had the appetizer pasta dish as well. It was good. But the crab cake was better. They serve truffle popcorn at the bar. This was a nice touch to an already awesome experience. Check this place out for sure!
(5)Stephen J.
This is one of Portland's finest restaurants. We've lived here for nearly 20 years, and the Back Bay Grill was fabulous when Joel owned it and is even better since Larry Mathews has owned it. Nice atmosphere, excellent food, attentive service. Great place to go for that special occasion.
(5)Christine P.
This is a late review, having visited last February, but we were absolutely thrilled with our Back Bay Grill dining experience. The steak tartare was the best we had ever tasted, our main dishes were perfectly prepared, and dessert was excellent! The mixed drink menu was inventive and yummy and my husband really loved the scotch flights. Service was excellent and this is on our list of places we must visit again! If you are in Portland, give Back Bay Grill a shot - you will not be disapointed.
(5)Carolyn C.
We had our Valentine's dinner at BBG last night. It was wonderful as always. Attentive, but not too much so, unpretentious, outstanding food and service. Even with the abundance of restaurants in Portland, this is my favorite. They always serve you a taste of a special appetizer (salmon tartare, which was interesting) and this time we were given two profiteroles with raspberry mousse to have with coffee, yummo! For you wine lovers, the wine list is great and has many affordable bottles of wine and it is cheaper than buying by the glass, at least for us who like a couple glasses of wine with dinner. We had a bottle of the Chateau Mont-Redon Cotes du Rhone and it was excellent. We had the mussels with sausage in a puttanesca sauce for an appetizer. Amazing, big plump mussels with a delicious sauce. We devoured every bit of it. The server brought us each a bowl of mussels knowing we were going to share it. Very thoughtful, impressive. I had the cast iron seared scallops and they were fresh, jumbo scallops cooked perfectly with risotto, white beans, spinach, and arugula pesto. Wow. Loved it. My husband had the pappardelle, which is a staple on the menu. Amazing pork and noodle dish. One of our favorites. And if there are two of you, try sitting at the bar for a change. You can reserve seats at the bar and it is a nice change from one of the tables. Highly recommended. Don't delay. They are popular so plan ahead. Go there enough and you will know who Adrian is and the place will feel like family (without the stress). There is parking on the street vertical to it and a city lot that is available in the evenings/weekends. Check their website for information. I know the neighborhood looks sketchy but we have never felt unsafe and never had a problem.
(5)Alexia J.
This place was very good. My boyfriend and I love to dine out but can only afford finer restaurants for special occasions. I made a reservation here for his birthday. It is in a strange location but it is not that bad of a neighborhood. The staff was very pleasant. We were seated immediately. The gentleman that handles the wine was very knowledgeable and helpful. Our waitress was great. She knew the menu very well. The portions were perfect. We left feeling very satisfied but not over stuffed. I would recommend this restaurant to any and everyone.
(5)Jay F.
Blown Away! We walked in with no reservation after an 8 hour drive from NY to Maine. From the moment you walk in, the service is second to none. The food is to die for, great selection of drinks, and again, service that you will not believe. Hats off to these folks, well done! Do not pass this one up!
(5)Todd W.
This restaurant is excellent. Much better than some of its local sisters of its class. The menu is creative and provocative and changes frequently. From our first entry into the cozy restaurant, the staff was not only courteous and friendly, but also professional. My coat was checked and I was given a selection of remaining tables at which to seat myself. Once seated, We were presented with the amuse bouche which was yummy and I gave my order. The romain salad was excellent and the Papparadelle was mouth-watering. Serving sizes, although ample, were not paralyzing as many restaurants are these days and allowed room for dessert, which, for me, is quite rare and enjoyable! All in all, a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend to both locals and those visiting from out of town.
(5)Susan M.
Going in, I assumed that Back Bay Grill would be a fairly traditional steak house, but it's much more interesting than that. There are a lot of the traditional dishes, like a crab cake and steak tartare, but they all have a twist. When my husband and I went several weeks ago, there were a couple of items that with an Asian influence. Also contrary to a typical steak house, there were only two steaks on the menu. My husband had the filet, which came with Brussels sprouts, which he loved. It was topped with a blue cheese that I thought threatened to overwhelm the steak, which was delicious on its own. And I had the best sirloin I've ever eaten. It was just as tender as the filet, and so flavorful, topped with a mushroom sauce. I can't remember what we ordered as appetizers, but I know we loved everything. I also had a nice big Manhattan. While the food was great, the service was even better. We had two people wait on us, and they were both very attentive without being overbearing. The manager came by to chat briefly, and then he retrieved our coats for us at the end of the night. Back Bay Grill is classy without being stuffy, and you'll get excellent food and excellent service.
(5)TraceyandDrew M.
Thank God somebody told us about this place! We are very confused as to why it wasn't listed as a "don't miss" dining experience in our Portland Fodor's guide. We absolutely loved Back Bay Grill. The service was amazing. The food was spectacular. As a previous review states, this is elegant fine dining without the pretentiousness. Our waiter, Jesse, was friendly, but professional; he was extremely knowledgeable about the dishes and their preparation. Yes, the neighborhood is not the best...so park as close as possible to the restaurant (there is street parking right in front and along the side street), but once you walk through the door, you completely forget about where you are. For appetizers, I had the perfectly cooked and sauced mussels in a tarragon Pernod broth and my wife enjoyed the asparagus and arugula salad with Serrano ham and aged goat cheese. For dinner, we enjoyed the duck (breast and confit) over wild rice and delicious greens (sautéed spinach maybe) and the swordfish over quinoa with broccoli rabe- both expertly prepared, so flavorful, and gourmet- what is expected but not always delivered from a fine dining establishment. Kudos to manager (and owner?) Adrian for being so inviting and friendly, and making us feel that he left the pretentiousness with another poor restaurant so that BBG can shine. Do not miss your chance to dine here. You will surely have an exquisite meal.
(5)Rox F.
I visited the Back Bay Grill about a year ago so some of my memories are a little foggy...BUT I had to write this review to counter the previous one :) I liked back bay grill very much. I had the Duck confit and it was one of the best I have ever had; very crispy and delicious. The salads were interesting and quite good as well. The service was pleasant and prompt and the price was high but not totally ridiculous. I would rather go here than Cinque Terre or Vignola any day, far better value for your money. Yes the nrighbourhood is a little sketchy but don't be a wuss, just consider it entertainment on your way in/out...Just blame Ricky's....
(4)David W.
Meal was fabulous, service was even better. Had the crab cake followed by the scallops. Best I've had.
(5)Phil S.
Back Bay Grill dazzles with every bite. I have been dining there consistently for over 10 years. Never had less than an outstanding meal (no not related...just love their food & service!!) Foie Gras dishes are to die for, lobster is preped the way it should be...not with just butter but with whimsical ingredients that all blend into perfect harmony. All in all...food is almost as good as Maine's White Barn Inn, but at half the price.
(5)Debbie L.
What a great dining experience we had at Back Bay Grill!! This was our first visit and we will be going back. Great personal service and hospitality. As busy as they were I felt like we had very personal attention. Every dish we had was delicious. I can't wait to go back!!!
(5)A. K.
Lovely service. Good bread. Overcooked some items; others didn't have much of a taste. Great on our last visit there; this time big disappointment.
(3)Jenn R.
I made reservations here for my sister's graduation/engagement dinner. We Google mapped the restaurant and the directions were wrong. When I called the restaurant, they stayed on the phone with me and gave me step by step directions until I reached the restaurant! The food is phenomenal. A lot of us got the filet mignon. I like it on the well side, but I'm always afraid to ask in case they give me a gross piece of meat so I ask for medium well. The waitress even came back and asked if I wanted the filet butterflied, which I did and forgot to ask. I got a perfectly medium well piece. My boyfiend got his medium and could cut it with a fork. They also offer free tastings before and after your meal. After our dessert (which had congratulations written on the plate in chocolate), we received little homemade orange cardamom meringes. We did have to wait awhile for our food, but it was so good, we didn't care. Waiters and waitresses are very attentive and knowledgeable as well. Prices are a bit steep, but it is highly recommended for a special occasion. It is in a kind of depressed area of Portland, but worth the drive. Hopefully restaurants like these will improve the neighborhood's overall look.
(5)laila k.
Great restaurant, excellent food, good service and very friendly staff, one of our favourite places to eat.
(5)John O.
Rated one of Portland's best--we were a little underwhelmed. Several orders had to be returned for re-cooking or were consumed at temps other than requested. Looked like a great but small bar scene. Maybe even a place to meet prospective dates. A little off the beaten track, the neighborhood is very active with what looked like street people, alcoholics, etc. Maybe a methadone clinic down the block? I think Fore Street, Cinque Terre and hopefully a place called 555 are better. I would go back to eat at the bar.
(2)Helen B.
We came last night for Restaurant Week, having heard many great things from several people, including two of the people dining with us, and we were not disappointed. First, let me say that this restaurant has some of the best service I have experienced in Maine. We were running about ten minutes late for our reservation and were getting nervous because we know how busy this place can get, but the host put us immediately at ease, told us not to rush, and our table would be ready. We were seated immediately, got some assistance with our wine choice and entrees, and the service the rest of the evening was prompt and professional. The food was spectacular and we were all really delighted. I had the gnudi appetizer (very fresh with the lemon finish), mixed green salad (super tasty), scallops for main course (maybe just a small tad over, a little chewy for my taste), and finally the creme brulee (one of the best I've had in a long time). I heard rave reviews from others at the table who chose other options (I tried the pork papardelle and it was out of this world). Plus, someone in our group was celebrating their birthday so they decorated her plate with chocolate spelling out "Happy birthday." I think they genuinely enjoy when people come in for special occasions, although given our positive experience we will definitely be back soon!
(5)