Bread & Friends in Portland Maine: The Brunch Everyone Loves

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There’s nothing better than starting a Maine morning with great coffee, warm pastries, and the kind of cozy atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile. During my recent visit to Portland, one brunch spot completely stole the show: Bread & Friends!

Bread & Friends in Portland, Maine

Bread & Friends is a modern bakery and café that quickly became one of Portland’s most beloved spots.

Thanks to its focus on handcrafted pastries, naturally leavened breads, and seasonal dishes inspired by Maine’s local ingredients.

The founders built the bakery around the idea of bringing people together over simple, high-quality food, and you can feel that intention the moment you walk in.

It’s the kind of place where locals line up early, travelers discover by word of mouth, and every bite tastes like it was made with real care.

What I Ordered at Bread & Friends

Here is a look at everything I ate and drank at Bread & Friends in Portland!

The Chaider

I started my brunch with their Chaider, and it ended up being one of the most memorable drinks of the morning.

It blends their house-made chai with apple cider, and the mix of warm spices and sweetness felt like the perfect fall moment in a cup.

Warm Chaider topped with cinnamon–brown sugar whipped cream at a Portland, Maine brunch spot.
Bread & Friends makes an incredible Chaider, a chai-cider blend that tastes like fall in a mug

The cinnamon–brown sugar whipped cream on top brought it all together.

Sitting outside near the fire lamp made this one feel like a true fall day in Maine!

Garlic Fougasse

Next up was the Garlic Fougasse, which is only served on Saturdays and Sundays, so I was lucky to be there on the right day.

Warm, soft in the center, and perfectly golden on the outside, it had the kind of garlicky aroma that hits you before the first bite.

Close-up of the weekend-only garlic fougasse at Bread & Friends in Portland, Maine.
Their garlic fougasse is only available on weekends, and it’s packed with that rich, garlicky flavor.

The flavor was rich without feeling heavy, and it was the perfect thing to snack on while waiting for the rest of brunch.

Deviled Egg at Bread & Friends

I also ordered the deviled egg, and it was nothing like the classic version you’re used to in the best possible way.

The black vinegar added this tangy depth, and the chili crisp gave it a little heat.

Deviled egg topped with parmesan, chili crisp, and scallions served during brunch in Portland, Maine.
Their deviled egg was anything but traditional — topped with shaved parmesan, chili crisp, and black vinegar.

The parmesan brought everything together with a salty finish.

If you like elevated snacks, this one is worth adding to your order.

Smoked Maple Rosemary Latte

I had to try one of their lattes, and the smoked maple rosemary latte immediately caught my eye.

The rosemary adds this unexpected depth that makes the whole drink feel a little elevated.

Smoked maple rosemary latte served at Bread & Friends
This smoked maple rosemary latte had the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and cozy

The maple gave it just enough warmth without overpowering the coffee, and the touch of sea salt pulled all the flavors together.

Griddled Corn Muffin

The griddled corn muffin was pure comfort.

Made with stone-milled cornmeal, it had this perfect mix of crisp edges and a soft, warm center that felt straight from a farmhouse kitchen.

Griddled corn muffin with cultured butter and blueberry tarragon jam at Bread & Friends in Portland, Maine.
Close-up of a griddled corn muffin served with salted butter and blueberry jam.

The salted cultured butter melted right into it, and the blueberry tarragon jam added this bright, slightly herbal sweetness that made every bite stand out.

It was simple, but so well done that I’d go back to Bread & Friends just for this.

Smoked B&F Bacon

I couldn’t resist adding a side of their smoked B&F bacon, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

Thick-cut and perfectly crisp on the edges, it had this deep, smoky flavor that made it feel more like a specialty dish than a simple side.

Thick-cut smoked bacon with maple-sherry glaze served at Bread & Friends in Portland.
The smoked B&F bacon was unbelievably rich and flavorful, with a maple-sherry glaze

The maple–sherry glaze added just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the bacon itself.

Making every bite rich, savory, and a little indulgent.

It was the perfect addition to balance out all the pastries and sweet flavors from the rest of my brunch.

Famous French Toast

And finally, for the grand finale, I had to try the famous French toast at Bread & Friends.

It comes thick-cut and perfectly golden, with a soft, custardy center that makes every bite feel extra indulgent.

French toast topped with crème fraîche and Maine maple syrup at a popular brunch spot in Portland, Maine.
Bread & Friends serves one of the best French toast plates in Portland

The crème fraîche adds this light, tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness, and the Maine maple syrup brings everything together.

It’s simple, classic, and one of those dishes that proves why Bread & Friends has become such a beloved brunch spot.

Where Is Bread & Friends?

You can find Bread & Friends right in downtown Portland at 505 Fore Street.

Explore More of Maine

I love eating and exploring my way through Maine!

For some of my other favorite foodie spots, check out Where to Eat in Portland, Maine!

Also, here are the Top 20+ Lobster Rolls in Maine from a Local.

For cocktails, here are my picks for The Best Cocktail Bars In Maine!

And if you are visiting Portland, check out The Best Things To Do In Portland, Maine!

Read all of my Maine Travel Guides!

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