Bread & Friends

Imagine a place where the aroma of freshly ground grain and the warmth of a wood-fired oven create an atmosphere of absolute comfort. That place is Bread & Friends — a unique hybrid of a bakery and a full-service restaurant that has become a true gastronomic discovery in the city of South Portland, USA. It is a space where sourdough bread is elevated to an art form.

Founded in 2021 as a small farmers' market project, the establishment quickly outgrew its initial scale. Today, it is a stylish restaurant in the historic Old Port district, occupying an impressive 3,000 square feet. The crown jewel of Bread & Friends is its own mill and a massive oven, where artisan buns, jams, and, of course, the famous signature bread are born.

Behind the concept are two couples with an impressive professional background: all four owners previously honed their skills in prestigious San Francisco restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments. Their mission is to bring people together through simple yet incredibly high-quality food designed for sharing with loved ones in a friendly setting.

For those planning a visit to Bread & Friends, it is helpful to have current contact information on hand to book a table or check the availability of fresh pastries.

At Bread & Friends, everyone will find something to enjoy, whether searching for the perfect breakfast or a sophisticated evening out. The main reason people come here is to taste the baked goods. Be sure to try the artisan buns with unique, sometimes nostalgic flavors, and bread made from house-milled flour. Watching the bakers at work and taking in the aromas wafting from the wood-fired oven turns a simple meal into a true gastronomic show.

For those who prefer a more substantial meal, the restaurant offers a full breakfast and lunch menu, and from Thursday to Sunday, exquisite dinners are served. The culinary program is inspired by the traditions of the Mediterranean, North Africa, Japan, and Korea, creating a surprising mix of flavors using local seasonal products. You can complement your meal with carefully selected wines, craft beers, or signature house-made drinks.

Beyond the food, the establishment is famous for its coffee from partners Enjoy Coffee Roasters. You can order pastries online for later pickup or stay in the spacious dining room to experience the philosophy of shared dining. This space is perfect for both a quick break in the middle of a workday and a festive gathering with friends.

Bread & Friends is conveniently located at 505 Fore Street, in the heart of the historic Old Port district. Thanks to its central location, it is easy to get here on foot from anywhere downtown, enjoying the old city's architecture along the way.

If you plan to use public transport, the city has a well-developed Metro bus network with routes passing in the immediate vicinity of the restaurant. For those who prefer comfort, taxi services or popular ride-sharing apps are always available to take you right to the bakery's door.

Travelers arriving from other regions via Portland International Jetport (PWM) will reach the location in about 15–20 minutes by car (the distance is approximately 10 kilometers). Paid parking is also available in the surrounding blocks if you choose to arrive in a rental car.

The story of Bread & Friends began not in Maine, but on the West Coast in San Francisco. Four friends and future partners — Jess Rattey, Jeremy Bruzek, Maggie, and Tanner Rubin — worked in legendary restaurants awarded Michelin stars and James Beard awards. The experience gained in establishments like The Progress and State Bird Provisions formed the foundation of their own ambitious project.

The project took its first steps in 2020 as a small stall at a farmers' market. Tanner Rubin, a passionate baker, started by selling sourdough bread, which quickly won the hearts of locals. A desire to return to their New England roots brought the team to Maine, where they initially rented space in a local bakery to refine their recipes while gradually building connections with local farmers.

In April 2023, the dream of their own space became a reality. A modern multifunctional space opened on the site of a former Italian restaurant. The owners didn't just open a cafe; they installed their own mill and a massive wood-fired oven to control every stage of the product's creation — from the grain to the crispy crust.

The amount of time you should set aside for a visit to Bread & Friends largely depends on your goals. If you drop in early in the morning just to grab a cup of aromatic coffee and a fresh flaky pastry to go, 15–20 minutes will be enough.

For those who want to fully enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine, we recommend allowing 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to leisurely browse the breakfast or lunch menu, enjoy the presentation of the dishes, and perhaps order a glass of wine or a house-made drink in pleasant company. Evening dinners also lend themselves to a relaxed time in the restaurant's cozy setting.

Bread & Friends follows different schedules depending on the day of the week. From Monday to Wednesday, the bakery operates in morning mode from 08:00 to 13:00. From Thursday to Saturday, the doors are open twice: for morning coffee from 08:00 to 13:00 and for evening dinners from 17:30 to 21:00. On Sunday, the restaurant welcomes guests from 08:00 to 15:00 and reopens in the evening from 17:30 to 21:00.

Please note that the daytime menu is available daily, while the dinner menu is offered only from Thursday to Sunday. Since hours may change on holidays, we recommend checking the official website for the latest information before your visit.

A walk around the neighborhood after a delicious breakfast or dinner will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this coastal region. The historic district offers many interesting locations within walking distance.