Cinque Terre

Our first and last dinner at cinque terre started on a bad note when we walked through the door and were initially recived in an unprofessional manner. Rude, and unatentive was the service staff theme. Food was marginal at best and well over priced for its quality. a few low lights was our condescending waiter, about 4 forgotten requests like a fork, and bread. And to top it off, our waiter managed to over charge our bill "" by accident"". $200.00 for 3 would have made an excellent night at fore street. more

After spending a hot August day wandering around Old Port with my mom and her former college roommate, I... more

After spending a hot August day wandering around Old Port with my mom and her former college roommate, I was ready to explore Portland’s culinary l... more

This was our first time to Cinque Terre and needless to say we will not be returning. We participated in Restaurant Week and expected any array of dishes that spoke of the restaurant. For starters, our waiter was rude and condescending. Not appreciated especially when we spent over $100. For appetizers I had the fritta (fried shrimp) and my husband had the Kobi beef. The sauce for the shrimp had no flavor and the shrimp were cold. The Kobi beef had absolutely no flavor, which led us to believe that it was not Kobi beef. For entrees, I had the roasted duck was was good, however the great northern beans and broccoli rabe did nothing. The other entree was the house sausage, which had no flavor and looked like mush. Pros: Roasted duck was prepared correctly Cons: Staff, service, preparation of food, taste of food more

We went and tried the chef's sampler, which allows you to choose sample size portions of the first four courses of your meal, a cheese plate and desert are also included. This was a very novel way to try a new restaurant out. Overall the food was better than average, with a few dishes, namely the ravioli being above. However, the dining experience left a bitter taste in our mouthes. Our waitress was under-trained and seemed as if she should be working the latenight shift at Denny's. She was not able to pair wines with our dishes, nor could she properly clear the table. Pretty much what we are trying to say is that for the price we paid, we should have had much better service and a more knowledgeable server. This seems to be a recurrent theme in other customers reviews and this restaurant needs to handle the matter. Pros: Unique blends of seafood and meat Cons: Undertrained Waitstaff more

Fantastic restaurant in the heart of the Old Port. The food is italian with almost entirely Maine... more

Fantastic restaurant in the heart of the Old Port. The food is italian with almost entirely Maine ingredients. I had the Maple-glazed Beef Ravioli ... more

Fantastic restaurant in the heart of the Old Port. The food is italian with almost entirely Maine ingredients. I had the Maple-glazed Beef Ravioli ... more

Cinque Terre is remarkable, plain and simple. I travel to Portland frequently for work and the food in the city is great but Cinque Terre is always a cut above the rest. I've eaten there three times and every time has been an experience. I've ordered the five course meal twice (Tasting menu) and each time has been remarkable. Of course, the portions aren't enormous in this type of meal but they are good sized and you are certainly full at the end. The wine selection is also great and the various wait staff have been both cordial and knowledgeable. I'm surprised by the woman who complained about the size of her fish but I suppose the US has become acclimated to enormous portions and doggie bags so I'd take that review with a grain of salt. The risotto is excellent and the short ribs are to die for. In fact, I can't remember having a sub-par course on any visit I've made. It is a bit expensive but you certainly get what you pay for. For a tasting menu and wine pairing (five glasses), I paid $150 for my girlfriend and myself. I often am disappointed by expensive restaurants but Cinque Terre is incredible without going over the top. Pros: Service, Wine sleection, FOOD - Risotto more

Decided to spend my 50th birthday in Portland on the way north to an island vacation. Pros: ambience Cons: How many portions of fish equal one satisfying portion? Try 6 to 8 of the sea bass. more

I have dined here on several occasions. The food is typically good (not steller) but the services is just WRONG. On each occasion I have been served by some ""Career"" server who just seems to be more knowledgeable then myself or anyone Im dining with. You pay the bill, but the house calls the shots!! Tons of gret food in this city-without being bossed around by the server or the kitchen! more

Great location in Portland's downtown area. The food was incredible. Everything is a la carte, so it can be a little pricey. The kitchen is open to the whole restaurant. They have a great wine selection! Reservations a must! Pros: great food, great location, great restaurant Cons: , near bars more