The 7 Secrets Of Street And Company: Why This Portland, Maine Seafood Legend Endures In 2025

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Step inside Street and Company on Wharf Street in Portland, Maine, and you immediately feel the history and the heat. This is not a trendy pop-up, but a venerable institution that has been defining the Old Port’s culinary scene for over three decades, a feat that is increasingly rare in the fast-paced world of fine dining. As of the Autumn 2025 season, the restaurant continues its legacy, serving a simple, yet intensely flavorful Mediterranean-style menu that focuses almost exclusively on the freshest catch from the nearby working waterfront.

The enduring appeal of Street and Company lies in its unique, rustic charm—from the exposed brick and copper-topped tables to the singular cooking style that has become its signature. It’s an intimate, cozy experience that feels less like a restaurant and more like a hidden European bistro, making it a mandatory stop for any serious food lover visiting Maine’s culinary capital.

The Culinary Architects: A Brief Profile of Dana Street and the Old Port Empire

Street and Company's longevity and reputation are inextricably linked to its owner, Dana Street. He is a pivotal figure in the evolution of Portland, Maine’s dining landscape, known for establishing benchmark restaurants that prioritize local sourcing and simple, quality preparation.

  • Name: Dana Street
  • Primary Role: Owner of Street and Company
  • Other Ventures: Co-owner of the nationally acclaimed Fore Street restaurant. He is also associated with Scales on Maine, further solidifying his influence over the Old Port's waterfront dining scene.
  • Street and Company Opening Year: 1989
  • Cuisine Style: Mediterranean, Bistro-style, all-seafood.
  • Location: 33 Wharf Street, Portland, Maine (Heart of the Old Port District).
  • Culinary Philosophy: To spotlight "very simple, very fresh" seafood, often cooked in a sizzling pan or parchment paper.

Dana Street’s involvement ensures that Street and Company maintains a standard of excellence that transcends passing trends. His focus on simplicity and freshness is the backbone of the restaurant’s menu, a philosophy shared across his other successful establishments.

The Signature Dishes: Unlocking the Secret of the Sizzling Pan

The true magic of Street and Company lies in its preparation technique. Unlike many contemporary restaurants that rely on complex sauces and molecular gastronomy, Street and Company champions a Mediterranean method of cooking that is straightforward and ingredient-focused. The most famous dishes are often served directly in the pan they were cooked in, sizzling and aromatic, a visual and sensory experience that is part of the restaurant’s enduring allure.

The Legendary Lobster Diavolo and Other Must-Try Entrees

If you ask any local or frequent visitor for a recommendation, the answer is almost always the same: the Lobster Diavolo. This signature dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality. It typically features fresh, local lobster cooked in a spicy, rustic tomato sauce, often served in a pan with pasta. The dish is rich, savory, and perfectly embodies the Mediterranean-Maine fusion.

Beyond the Diavolo, the menu is a seafood lover’s paradise, constantly rotating based on the day's catch. Key menu items that have garnered consistent praise and are essential entities of the dining experience include:

  • Whole Roasted Fish: A simple, yet elegant preparation where a whole fish is roasted and served, allowing the natural flavors of the fresh Maine catch to shine through.
  • Local Oysters from the Raw Bar: A perfect starter, featuring the best of Maine’s local oyster farms, served fresh in the cozy lounge area.
  • Fish in Parchment: While not always on the menu, the technique of cooking fish sealed in parchment paper (en papillote) is a hallmark of their simple, clean preparation style, ensuring the fish is steamed to perfection in its own juices and aromatics.
  • Calamari and Stuffed Devil Eggs: Popular appetizer choices that offer a Mediterranean twist on classic bistro fare.

Navigating the Dining Experience: Reservations, Atmosphere, and Logistics for 2025

Dining at Street and Company is an experience that requires a little planning, as its intimate setting and consistent popularity mean tables are highly sought after. Understanding the logistics is crucial to securing a spot at this Old Port gem.

The Intimate Atmosphere: Copper Tables and Old Port Charm

The restaurant is located on the tucked-away Wharf Street, just a block from Portland’s lively working waterfront. The interior is defined by its cozy, bistro-style atmosphere, featuring exposed brick walls and unique copper table tops that add a rustic, warm glow to the dining room. This intimate setting is part of the restaurant’s identity, creating a romantic and memorable fine dining experience.

Essential 2025 Reservation and Dining Tips

Street and Company serves dinner nightly, and securing a reservation is strongly suggested, especially during Portland’s peak tourist seasons. Here are the key logistical entities to know:

  • Reservations: Available online and highly recommended. Given the small size of the dining room, booking well in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
  • Walk-ins and Outdoor Seating: Limited, weather-dependent outdoor seating is available for walk-in parties only. This seating typically begins at 4:30 PM for the 5 PM dinner service, offering a small window for those without a reservation.
  • Full Bar Service: The restaurant features a full bar, perfect for enjoying a classic cocktail or a glass of wine before or during your meal.
  • Dietary Notes: A crucial piece of information for diners with dietary restrictions is that the restaurant regrettably does not offer gluten-free pasta as a substitution for their dishes. This reflects their commitment to the integrity of their traditional recipes.
  • Location Entity: The restaurant's address is 33 Wharf Street, placing it directly in the historic and bustling Old Port district, surrounded by cobblestone streets and other historic landmarks.

In a city celebrated for its innovative culinary scene, Street and Company stands as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the simplest approach is the best. By focusing on fresh, local Maine seafood, a rustic Mediterranean style, and an intimate bistro atmosphere, Dana Street’s long-standing institution continues to captivate diners and solidify its status as a true Portland legend in 2025.

The 7 Secrets of Street and Company: Why This Portland, Maine Seafood Legend Endures in 2025
street and company portland maine
street and company portland maine

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