Business Details
12 Years
experience
Experience Tapas-Style Dining in Portland
Sur Lie is a tapas-style restaurant rooted in the values of local sourcing, community engagement, and culinary craftsmanship. Since our founding in 2014, we have prioritized partnerships with Maine-based farmers, fishermen, and artisans to create a menu that reflects the region's seasonal bounty. Our approach to hospitality emphasizes equity, transparency, and respect, both for our guests and our team. Recognized as a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Hospitality, we strive to deliver an immersive dining experience that transcends traditional service.Our commitment extends beyond the restaurant through initiatives like farmer baskets, which supported local producers during the pandemic. Led by owner Krista Cole, our team fosters a culture of innovation and community impact, ensuring every visit embodies our core values.
Services
Tapas
Tasting Menu
Happy Hour
Catering
Local Sourcing
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We prioritize locally sourced ingredients from Maine farmers and artisans.
- Our team fosters equity, transparency, and respect in all operations.
- Recognized as a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Hospitality.
- We support community initiatives like pandemic-era farmer basket programs.
- Owner Krista Cole brings over a decade of hospitality leadership experience.
Associations and certifications
- James Beard Foundation
What people say
Amazing experience
Locally sourced ingredients
Creative small plates
Warm ambiance
Outstanding service
Services
Tapas
Sur Lie's tapas menu features globally inspired small plates crafted from Maine's seasonal ingredients. Designed for sharing, these dishes highlight local seafood, produce, and artisanal products. The rotating menu ensures freshness and supports regional farmers and fishermen.
Tasting Menu
The Chef's Choice Tasting offers a curated journey through Sur Lie's signature dishes. Priced at $75 per person, this experience includes wine pairings and showcases the kitchen's creativity. Reservations require advance booking for parties of six or more.
Happy Hour
Happy Hour features discounted small plates and cocktails daily. Wednesday offers all-day specials, while Thursday and Friday include bar-only promotions from 5-6 PM. The menu includes rotating seasonal offerings and classic favorites.
Catering
Sur Lie provides catering for private events, including full restaurant buyouts. Services include custom menus, venue setup, and staff support. The team specializes in creating immersive dining experiences for celebrations and corporate gatherings.
Local Sourcing
The restaurant maintains partnerships with Maine farmers, fishermen, and artisans. This commitment extends to pandemic-era initiatives like farmer baskets, which supported local producers during supply chain disruptions. The menu changes seasonally to reflect available ingredients.
People
Krista Cole
Owner/Director of Operations & Marketing
Krista Cole founded Sur Lie in 2014 and acquired Gather in 2022. A James Beard semi-finalist, she combines nursing and business education to lead with empathy and community focus. Her leadership emphasizes equity and sustainability in hospitality.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Sur Lie serve?
Sur Lie offers American contemporary tapas with global influences, emphasizing locally sourced Maine ingredients in a shared-plate format.
Do you require reservations?
Reservations are recommended for parties of six or fewer. Full restaurant buyouts require advance booking through our private events form.
Are there happy hour specials?
Happy Hour runs daily with all-day Wednesday specials and 5-6 PM Thursday-Friday bar promotions featuring discounted small plates and cocktails.
How does Sur Lie support local businesses?
We partner with Maine farmers, fishermen, and artisans for our menu. During the pandemic, we created farmer basket programs to sustain local producers.
What awards has Sur Lie received?
Sur Lie was a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Hospitality in 2023. Owner Krista Cole was also a semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur.
