3 New Restaurants Open Along Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine

For a lot of people that visit Portland, Maine, for the food, they rarely ever leave a couple of different neighborhoods in the city.

Locals know that's a mistake because there are so many hidden gems throughout Portland if you're willing to look for them.

A lot of those hidden gems exist on Forest Avenue, especially if you enjoy flavors from different cultures.

The key artery in Portland, Maine, has become its own variation of an 'international restaurant row'.

And now, three new restaurants have popped up along Forest Avenue, all offering something tasty.

Zaitun Restaurants Opens in Portland, Maine, Offering Somali Cuisine

Housed in the former location of Loco Taco, Zaitun officially opened its doors at the beginning of August.

Google Maps

According to Portland Food Map, Zaitun plans to offer breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week while serving up traditional Somalian recipes.

Zaitun will be closed on Sundays.

243 Restaurant in Portland, Maine, Will Specialize in Afro-American Cuisine

Just a couple of months ago, Kung Fu Tea and TKK Fried Chicken closed their location in the former Vivian's Drive-in space along Forest Avenue. It didn't stay empty for long.

Google Maps

243 Restaurant celebrates Afro-American culture through a mix of traditional African recipes and some contemporary twists. There's also some familiar barbecue menu offerings as well.

243 Restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday each week.

Pho Viet in Portland, Maine, is Serving Up Home Cooked Vietnamese Cuisine

Without much fanfare, Pho Viet announced their grand opening with a small sign along Forest Ave displaying they'd taken over the former space housed by Mekong Asian Bistro.

Google Maps

Pho Viet serves up many traditional Vietnamese dishes including the one in their name, pho.

Pho Viet is open 7 days a week starting at 11am.