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I love it when new restaurants hit the scene, so when I saw Lucky Cheetah opened in Portland, I knew I had to check it out.

This Asian-inspired spot serves up some seriously amazing dumplings and dishes, not to mention creative cocktails.

When I saw they had a special New Year’s Eve dinner, I knew it was the perfect time to visit.

Here’s a look at my unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner at Lucky Cheetah in Portland!

Lucky Cheetah in Portland, Maine

Lucky Cheetah is hidden in Portland’s historic Old Port district. This upscale dumpling lounge artfully blends traditional Cantonese flavors with unique culinary twists.

Co-owners Jared Dinsmore and Wills Dowd renovated the former Old Port Tavern and turned it into something amazing! I was more than excited to walk in for our dinner on New Year’s Eve.

As we made our way down the stairs to the welcome area, I loved the vibrant decor and fun atmosphere of the fully packed restaurant.

We were led to our table, which was half on a comfortable couch and surrounded by fun art and decor.

We were presented with the special New Year’s Eve menu, which, unfortunately, isn’t available year-round. However, many of the dishes featured on it are also part of their regular menu!

A Champagne Toast to Welcome 2025

Our meal began with a complimentary glass of champagne, included in the menu price. It was a glass of Moët, which was perfect to sip while reviewing the evening’s menu.

I actually had the pleasure of visiting Moet in France! Read my Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Tour: Your Ultimate Guide!

A Delicious Amuse-Bouche

To kick off our meal, we were surprised with an amuse-bouche, a delightful little bite that wasn’t on the menu.

It had a crispy, bite-sized outer shell, perfectly fried to give it a satisfying crunch. Inside, we found a rich, smooth cheese filling that was decadently creamy.

To top it off, there was a delicate dollop of caviar, adding a pop of flavor and saltiness that balanced the richness beautifully.

Sichuan Cucumbers

Our first dish was a refreshing and flavorful cucumber dish topped with Sichuan peppercorns, which added a spicy, tingling sensation that paired perfectly with the cool crunch of the cucumber.

It’s a simple dish that was packed with flavor, and the bubbles of the champagne went perfectly with it.

Mojo Baby Corn

Next was the Mojjo Baby Corn, which, honestly, was one of my favorite dishes of the night! The baby corn was perfectly cooked, tender yet crisp, and coated in a savory, tangy sauce with a hint of sweetness.

The combination of flavors was bold and mouthwatering, with a subtle kick of spice that kept me coming back for more.

Wagyu Egg Rolls

Like most of us, I love a good, crispy egg roll! So, I was beyond excited to see Wagyu Egg Rolls on the menu.

The crispy golden exterior gave way to a rich and juicy filling of tender Wagyu beef, perfectly seasoned with savory flavors.

The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and paired with a tangy dipping sauce, it was a decadent bite that had me craving more!

Lucky Martini with Caviar

Before diving into the heavier courses, we decided to order another drink, and I couldn’t resist trying the Lucky Martini.

Trust me, this cocktail is an absolute must-try.

The Lucky Martini is made with sesame fat-washed vodka, which gives it a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the caviar-stuffed olives.

The olives were served on ice, adding a refreshing touch to the drink. It was hands down one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had, so of course I added it to my self-guided Portland food tour list.

Want to read all of my picks? Read my The Ultimate Self-Guided Food Tour of Portland, Maine: By A Local!

Dumpling Flight

Now, onto one of the dishes I was most excited about—the Dumpling Flight!

This flight features four unique dumplings: pork and shrimp shumai, lobster and caviar, mushroom and truffle, and Iberico pork.

Each bite was a little masterpiece.

But my favorite of the night? The mushroom and truffle! It was earthy yet luxurious and went so well with the sesame-washed martini!

Pork Wontons in Chili Oil

Okay, I admit, we were starting to feel a bit full, but there were still a few more courses to go!

I really appreciated how they spaced out the dishes, even with a full night of sold-out reservations. Next up was the Pork Wontons in Chili Oil.

I’m a huge fan of wontons, and I have a bit of an obsession with chili oil, so my appetite perked up at the sight of this dish.

The wontons were perfectly tender, with the pork filling having a savory richness.

The chili oil added a delightful heat and a hint of smokiness that lingered without overpowering the dish.

Spicy Lobster Lo Mein

Now it was time to try one of the most popular dishes here—the spicy Lobster Lo Mein!

I knew I could handle a few more bites of this delicious food, but I wasn’t expecting an entire platter!

The Lobster Lo Mein featured bok choy, corn, and Chinese chives, which added a nice crisp freshness that balanced the richness of the Maine lobster.

The lobster was tender and perfectly cooked, adding a subtle sweetness that complemented the slight heat from the chili oil.

The dish had just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting, and the combination of flavors was both savory and satisfying.

It was so filling that we even brought half back to our hotel for later!

Looking for more lobster? Here is A Local’s Guide to the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine 2025

Dessert Course

We finally made it to our dessert course, and while I truly couldn’t eat another bite, we had to force ourselves to indulge.

The dessert spread included coconut cake, a chocolate and popcorn gâteau, and burnt orange sorbet.

As soon as it arrived, we devoured every single bite.

Espresso Martini

To help with digestion—and hopefully make it to midnight instead of falling asleep immediately after this meal—we decided to try their espresso martinis!

As our table time was coming to an end, they offered to bring them to us in the lounge by the bar, which worked out perfectly.

The lounge had plenty of cozy couches and a relaxed atmosphere.

We sipped on the rich espresso martinis, topped with chocolate shavings, and I loved every single sip.

Book Your Reservation at Lucky Cheetah

Ready to indulge in a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Lucky Cheetah? Booking a reservation is quick and easy!

Simply visit their official reservation page or call them directly to secure your spot.

Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special events.

FAQs about Lucky Cheetah in Portland

What type of cuisine does Lucky Cheetah serve?
Lucky Cheetah offers Asian-inspired cuisine with a focus on dumplings, creative cocktails, and fresh, flavorful dishes.

What are the must-try dishes at Lucky Cheetah?
Some must-try dishes at Lucky Cheetah include the Spicy Lobster Lo Mein, Wagyu Egg Rolls, of course, dumplings!

Is Lucky Cheetah good for a special occasion?
Yes! Lucky Cheetah is perfect for special occasions. The ambiance is upscale, and they offer unique dining experiences like their special New Year’s Eve menu, which I had!

Does Lucky Cheetah offer cocktails?
Absolutely! You saw a few photos of the ones I had, but you should check out their entire cocktail list.

Where is Lucky Cheetah located?
Lucky Cheetah is located in the historic Old Port district of Portland, Maine, offering a vibrant atmosphere with a cozy and modern vibe.

Eat Your Way Through Portland, Maine

I was so satisfied with my visit to Lucky Cheetah.

While some may say it’s pricey, I honestly think the prices are fair, especially considering I’ve been to more expensive places in Portland.

I even put together a self-guided foodie tour for those in Portland, featuring my favorite must-try dishes at certain restaurants.

Read that here: The Ultimate Self-Guided Food Tour of Portland, Maine: By A Local!

You should also check out my Guide to the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine for 2025! I feature sports in Portland and throughout Maine.

If you are heading to Boston, do this: The Ultimate Self-Guided Food Tour of North End Boston!

Read all of my Foodie Guides for places all over New England and the world!