Editor Pick
DiMillo's Floating Restaurant
- January 7, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
NYwriter86 from Chestertown, New York
I took my first trip to DiMillo's when I was about 11 years old. My brother was 9 and insisted we go because DiMillo's is a restaurant on a boat docked in Portland. DiMillo's is a converted car ferry with big windows offering great views of the water from every table. My parents were reluctant to go to DiMillo's because it looked like a tourist trap (and up to a point, it is), something we try to avoid. Even so, we all went, my brother and I excited and my parents expecting to pay too much for a lousy meal, but indulging us kids anyway. Eight years later, DiMillo's is a family favorite, and we go there every time we are in Maine.
DiMillo's menu consists mostly of seafood but also offers some Italian specialties for those interested. There is also a children's menu. Over the years, each member of my family has developed their favorite items from the DiMillo's menu. I'll give a quick overview of the following family favorites: Clam Chowder, Baked Lobster Pie, Lazy Lobster, Fisherman's Platter, and Steamed Clams.
I usually order Clam Chowder (some of the best I've had) and Baked Lobster Pie. The Baked Lobster Pie is Lobster in a cream sauce covered with cracker crumbs and baked.
The Lazy Lobster is my brother's favorite, lobster served in butter so that you don't have to open the lobster yourself! This is a favorite of my parents as well because when we first started eating at DiMillo's, my brother was too little to open a lobster himself, so they would have had to do it for him, but with Lazy Lobster, all can enjoy a relaxing meal.
The Fisherman's Platter is an assortment of fried seafood, including clams, scallops, and two to four other fried fruits of the sea. It is a large platter but really, really, good for all lovers of fried seafood.
The Steamed Clams are served in a tall ceramic dish with a lid as well as two smaller dishes, one dish of water to wash the grit from the clams and one dish of butter to dip them in. The Steamed Clams have always been fresh and cooked to perfection when I've been to DiMillo's.
The desserts at DiMillo's are good but nothing special. But don't worry, you'll probably be to full to eat them anyway!
I recommend going early if you plan to eat at DiMillo's, as it gets pretty crowded during the summer months and at peak mealtimes. If you make a somewhat last-minute decision to go, call ahead and DiMillo's will add you to the waiting list and give an estimated time for the wait before you arrive at the restaurant.
To see their menu and learn more, check out their website: http://www.dimillos.com/restaurant/index.html.
From journal Portland, ME: A Journey of Food