Davids 388 Restaurant — Restaurant in South Portland

From Bad To Worse ( or “Down the Pipe”)

It’s so hard to know where to start this review. A few years ago David’s 388 was a great restaurant, as one would expect of any establishment run by the renowned David Turin. Intimate, cozy, welcoming, great smelling, tasty entrees & more. Unfortunately a few years ago it began to go downhill, and after being disappointed with our meals on multiple occasions we stopped going. So imagine how excited we were to hear the restaurant had recently reopened after being closed for renovations, and presumably to fix the problems in the kitchen as well.

Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be:

Our reservation at the chef’s counter had been given to another couple, and the restaurant was quite crowded with people waiting...clearly over booked. Luckily, with the help of the hostess, we found seats at the bar.

After settling in with a bottle of wine we quickly became aware that they were having some kind of “issue” at the restaurant. We overheard the staff talking among themselves about “not having any water”, all the while they continued taking orders for dinner (including ours) and seating new customers as they came in the door. Meanwhile we noticed “out of order” signs on the only 2 restrooms...not a good start to the evening.

After a quick sidebar discussion with one of the waitstaff we learned they had to shut the water off to the entire establishment as there was effluent bubbling up into the basement through one of the waste pipes...meanwhile they were still taking orders, and directing customers across the street to the bathrooms at the local community theater.

They should have closed the restaurant long before it got this far. And prior to that, as they were trying to figure things out, they should have been advising customers of the issues, giving them the option to leave instead of continuing to take orders, keeping them in the dark until they needed to use the facilities. Their decisions on how to handle this disaster seemed to be based more on ringing the cash register than on concern for the customer experience. Very poor decision making on their part, and a horrible customer experience.

As if the plumbing issues weren’t enough, our meals were equally atrocious.

The Tuna Tartare was mostly relish (aka salsa) and tasteless tuna.

The Pan Fried Gnocchi was mush, way over cooked.

The Seared Tuna entree was so salty as to be inedible.

The Duck was okay, but the accompanying risotto was also mush.

Clearly the issues which had been plaguing the kitchen over the past few years had not been addressed during the renovation. And apparently the renovations didn’t include the plumbing either. Any restaurant can have a bad night, but it’s all about how you handle the unexpected that makes a good restaurant stand out above the others. This was a bad night for David’s 388 and an equally bed night for their customers. Needless to say, we won’t be going...

Restaurant Review: Dave’s 388 – South Portland, Maine

Dave’s 388 is the kind of neighborhood spot that reminds you why dining out should feel special. From the moment we walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for a great evening. The space strikes a balance between cozy and lively, making it equally suited for a casual dinner with friends or a celebratory night out.

Our server, Carolyn, was outstanding—knowledgeable, attentive without being overbearing, and genuinely personable. She made excellent recommendations and ensured that every detail of our meal was handled with care.

The meal began with freshly baked bread that was warm, flavorful, and the perfect start to the evening. For appetizers, the potstickers stood out—crispy yet delicate on the outside, packed with flavor inside, and paired with perfectly prepared steak and some greens. We also had the brussels sprout appetizer which other members of the party said were phenomenal.

For the main course, the hamburger was a highlight. Cooked exactly to order, it was juicy, well-seasoned, and came on a fresh bun that held up beautifully. It’s the kind of burger that makes you appreciate when a classic is done exceptionally well.

The wine and beer selection was also impressive, offering both familiar favorites and thoughtful choices that paired well with the menu.

One of the most memorable parts of the evening came at dessert. A member of our party was celebrating a birthday, and the Carolyn, went above and beyond by surprising them with a chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream. It was a thoughtful touch that made the experience feel personal and celebratory.

Overall, Dave’s 388 delivered on every level: food, service, and atmosphere. Caroline’s outstanding hospitality and the kitchen’s attention to detail made for a memorable dining experience. This restaurant is a gem in South Portland and well worth a visit.

Additionally, there only appeared to be limited parking on the street and handicap accessibility would be limited. Also, I would avoid sitting at the table just to the left of the main door as the restaurant is very busy and there is a lot of in and out traffic. This could leave a little something to be desired during the winter months. Reservations are...

I went to dinner with a dear friend last week to celebrate the end of the holidays. I've done this many times but this year noticed a change of tone. Although I had spoken directly to the restaurant requesting seating in the dining room rather than the front bar/kitchen area we were offered a cramped alcove seat I could not negotiate with my disability. We were allowed to sit in the dining room grudgingly. When I had spoken to the restaurant I was not informed that they now impose a surcharge of 4% for utility costs "so that we may continue to appropriately compensate our staff".

I do not begrudge the staff their due, but, again, it was another reminder that times have changed. Where I'd always felt welcome as a guest, this was starting to feel like "you're lucky to be here." I realize that restaurants are for profit businesses but there's got to be a more artful way of saying that. And people should be advised before booking.

The food was delicious and the service friendly. We'd ordered several courses but seemingly ran out of time for my friend to finish her coffee as we were politely asked to vacate the table. The next party had arrived. We quickly gathered our things and left.

My overriding impression is that Portland's restaurant scene has become so self-important that we who are lucky enough to get a reservation need to color within the lines and keep moving. Davids 388 has amazing food and wonderful service. But the experience has changed...