East Meets Feast: East End & Munjoy Hill Restaurants (2024)

It’s the 1980s. You’re living in Portland, Maine and you know one thing: don’t go to the East End. Before Munjoy Hill became the premiere neighborhood that it is, boasting million dollar homes and high-end restaurants, it was a part of town to be avoided. Undeniably Portland, but not a place you’d want to bring the family after dark. In the 40 years since then, the East End has seen unprecedented growth and change.

An unchallenged view of Casco Bay on the Eastern Promenade, lines of food trucks on the weekends, and a thriving food culture have made the East End one of the most desirable neighborhoods in town. Let’s take a look at the establishments that ushered in a new age for Portland.

Belleville

Belleville’s origin story is ‘Mainer meets Frenchie, who marry and together dream of opening a bakery’. It is as close to authentic French baking as one can get on the peninsula. When it opened in 2017, Belleville quickly became a local darling with features in national publications such as Bon Appetit. Lines are always down the block, full of people eager to get their hands on some of the best French baked goods Portland has to offer.

Flaky, buttery croissants, homemade pizza, and sea salt-flaked chocolate chip cookies line the counters each morning.

The Front Room

The Front Room is a tried-and-true East End establishment that is known and beloved by many locals and visitors alike. Mainer Harding Lee Smith founded The Front Room in 2005, his other ‘Room’ restaurants (The Grill Room and The Corner Room) not far behind, in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Harding wanted to “make it a neighborhood gathering spot, to have the home feel like when you come into someone’s living room.” Each of the ‘Rooms’ share a particularly warm, cozy atmosphere, but The Front Room nails it perfectly. From fettuccine bolognese to Croque Madame, you could eat your way through The Front Room from breakfast ’til dinner!

The Front Room is open for dinner and brunch!

Hilltop Superette

Hilltop Superette has been serving Munjoy Hill residents since the 1940’s in many different forms under names such as Mangino’s and Colucci’s. After extensive renovations by the new owners, the Superette opened with the goal of serving the local community convenient, affordable to-go lunch, dinner, and groceries.

They offer everything from dairy and baking supplies to canned goods, crackers, cookies, marinades, condiments, organic produce, fresh cut meats, and more. Looking for a grab-and-go meal? They offer fresh options such as subs, burgers, and more. Don’t sleep on this East End institution next time you’re in the market for a quick, quality lunch on the Prom.

Jing Yan Tavern

Opened by husband and wife duo, Britt Langford and Leo Zhang, Jing Yan is inspired by the graceful swallow that calls Beijing home. Just like these peaceful birds that nest outside apartment buildings, Jing Yan has created a haven within city limits where hand-crafted co*cktails and comforting cuisine take center stage.

A cozy-neighborhood tavern (cozy lighting and rustic decor) with a menu inspired by Asian food and culture, Jing Yan serves up a celebration of diverse flavors and textures from hearty burgers and crispy fries to mouthwatering seafood and delectable vegetarian options.

Katie Made Bakery

Established in 2000, Katie Made is a staple of the Munjoy Hill area. The Capron sisters founded this cozy little nook in the East End with the intention of bringing delicious, homemade goods to the people of Portland.

Katie Capron, a self-proclaimed ‘New York and grandmother-trained’ baker, produces decadent desserts and treats for not only their bakery, but many restaurants, caterers, and coffee houses throughout the city. Jennifer Capron crafts the sandwiches with care, using house-roasted meats and homemade sauces.

Double Great Coffee

Coming soon! To the excitement of Portland coffee drinkers, Double Great Coffee announced their pending arrival to the hill briefly after Hilltop Coffee broke news in December 2022 of their closure.

Launched by Carolyn and Michael Force, the co-owners of Portland Dry Goods with Amanda Foreman from Abura Skincare, Double Great Coffee will reopen in the former home of Hilltop Coffee. After renovations (and hopefully by end of Summer 2023) the multi-roaster shop will open offering a rotating selection of coffees from American and European coffee roasteries. Looking to pick up where Hilltop Coffee left off, Double Great Coffee will be aneighborhood spot for the community.