Sur Lie

“Sur Lie is an essential stop in the Portland food scene for those who enjoy contemporary American cuisine served in a communal, tapas-style format. The restaurant excels at transforming locally sourced Maine ingredients into inventive small plates that blend eclectic global influences. The space is widely regarded as intimate and trendy, striking a balance between refined fine dining and a warm, unpretentious bistro feel. It's an excellent choice for a romantic date night or a lively outing with friends.”

“I’m not sure why we waited so long to check this place out - the food was probably one of the best dinners we’ve had in Portland. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly, and immediately walked us through the menu - we tried 6 plates and every single one surpassed our expectations. The scallops were out of this world, and the cabbage salad was a close second. The chocolate cake easily sealed the deal on a perfect night out. Besides the food, the service was so incredible. The plates came out brilliantly timed- enough time between serving so you could chat and enjoy yourself. The restaurant itself is beautiful and quiet - and really nicely decorated. The chef delivered our dessert and we commented how blown away we were with the whole experience. The chef chatted with us and was so friendly. Don’t skip this place - we can’t wait to go back!”

“Simply some of the best food I’ve ever had. Well balanced flavours in appealing combinations presented with just enough class to set it apart from the mundane. The atmosphere of the small restaurant is warm, feels almost communal, bustling yet the staff’s service felt personal. We did the chef’s tasting menu which took us over their highlights. Everything was both unique and slowly savoured. Add this to your next Portland trip.”

“Sur Lie isn't just a meal; it's an experience that lingers long after the last bite. The intimate bistro captures the essence of fine dining without any pretense. The staff elevates the dining experience. They're knowledgeable about the menu, attentive without being intrusive, and genuinely excited to share their recommendations. The owner in particular is very involved and makes sure both her staff and the guest are having a good time. It's clear the whole team is invested in making sure every guest leaves happy. The ingredients were fresh, everything was cooked to perfection, and the flavors were bold while maintaining balance.The tapas sized portions are perfect for sharing, letting you try more of the menu. We ordered 7 to start and ended up added 2 more because it was so good (sadly I didn't photograph everything!) Highly recommend sitting at the chefs counter! It was such a fun experience. The chef was really engaging. We'll be back again in the future :)”

“We had a awesome experience here for my wife’s birthday! Very nice atmosphere, great for a date night or out with friends. Excellent service- servers/staff were all incredibly friendly and chill. Happy hour even on the weekends! The cocktails were all very good. The food was on point- the popover and beef dishes were two favorites. Only two knocks were maybe that the next dish almost seemed to come out a little too fast (not necessarily a bad thing, but too fast for us), and a couple of the dishes had a little too much bitterness going on for our taste (the gnocchi and the compote with the cheesecake). But Sur Lie should be at the top of your list for places to try in Portland, especially if you like the tapas format!”