Located in the heart of South Portland, Amato's is the quintessential destination for Italian-American comfort food that Maine locals and visitors alike rave about. This beloved restaurant specializes in hearty, flavorful sandwiches and generous pasta dishes that capture the essence of classic Italian fare with a fresh, local twist. Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch or a quick takeout dinner, Amato's offers a memorable taste experience in a casual, no-fuss atmosphere.
At Amato's, the menu is a celebration of rich, authentic flavors anchored by perfectly prepared sandwiches and pasta buckets. Dive into their famed sandwich selections, like the iconic Sausage Parmesan or the classic Ham Italian—each packed with fresh, crispy vegetables and served on soft, freshly baked bread that practically melts in your mouth. Sandwich lovers praise the unique blend of sandwich oil that coats the crusty bread in just the right way, delivering a burst of savory goodness with every bite.
For pasta aficionados, Amato's pasta buckets are a must-try. Options range from the "Pasta Bucket With 4 Sausages With Meat Sauce," rich in smoky, spiced sausage pieces swimming in a robust, slow-simmered meat sauce, to indulgent bowls of Fettuccine Alfredo, either classic or enhanced with tender grilled chicken. The Baked Pasta Dinners, with their golden, bubbly cheese crusts atop perfectly cooked pasta, offer a warm, comforting meal that sticks to your ribs and satisfies the soul.
The casual dining format at Amato's reflects its to-go and grab-and-go style, making it a perfect pitstop for busy locals and travelers on the move. The friendly, welcoming service is highlighted by staff who are genuinely enthusiastic about sharing the menu’s best offerings, as one delighted guest noted when being greeted with a smile even before opening hours. This personal touch makes each visit feel like coming home to a beloved neighborhood joint.
Beyond the food, Amato's embodies a local institution vibe—celebrated not just for its delicious creations but also for the authenticity and heart that goes into every order. It’s the kind of place where longtime Maine residents swear by their favorite sandwiches and newcomers quickly find themselves hooked after their first visit. One customer’s glowing endorsement from out of state perfectly captures this sentiment: fresh food, great people, and a stellar menu that invites endless cravings.
If you find yourself in South Portland craving a true taste of Maine’s Italian-American culinary scene, Amato's is where you'll discover fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a slice of local tradition all wrapped up in every sandwich and pasta bucket. This is more than a meal—it’s an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Contact & Location: 1108 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106 | Phone: +1 207-767-5916
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Matt D
04/11/2025
I love Amato’s Steak and Cheese sandwiches. I was grabbing a coffee at McDonalds next door and saw the sign, pulled in around 930am, but the door was locked and as I start to leave in disappointment...I was called back by Nyamuoch, and she had stated that they open at 10am (like the posting on their entrance). She took my order and gave me a big smile...knowing already that she was going to make my day much better! Thanks Amato’s!!!
Debbie Lambdin
29/10/2025
Great Maine Italian sandwiches. The sausage parmeson sandwiches are good too.
Ryan Gay
20/10/2025
If you know, you know. Amato's is one of the quintessential sandwich shops in Maine, and as a born-and-raised local, there really is nothing like it, as they proport in their slogan. When living out of state, every time I came home to visit, my first stop was for a Real Italian, a Moxie, and Humpty Dumpty All Dressed chips. I've had a generic review here for years, but I needed to update it after this weekend. It was a busy Friday, I was on my way home from work and picking up an order my wife had placed for the whole family. I didn't have the order details, and so some of this was certainly my oversight, but when I arrived home, a sandwich was missing, and another was generously lacking in vegetables, though I would only learn this last bit on the drive back to the store. Upon explaining the situation, no less than three staff members jumped to fix the situation, finding the lost sandwich, remaking the other, and additionally providing me with a quart-sized soup/salad container of freshly sliced veggies, just to make sure that we had all we needed. The customer service was - in a word - exceptional. I had even proclaimed that this was not enough to sour me as a customer, and they still insisted on going above and beyond. Thank you again to the Amato's South Portland staff. You made our evening.
Amy Hofmann
19/10/2025
So my cousin Danny said I just had to try Amato's! I am from Illinois and thought there was no way it could beat our Hungry Hobo..... well guess what! Danny was right and I fell in love! AMATO'S is so fresh, good people, and the selection was awesome! Cannot wait to go back!
Ben Davis
14/09/2025
2nd Day of my return trip to Maine and my first visit to the South Portland Amato's this trip. Once again the ham Italian was out of this world , the bread was very soft and fresh and the vegetables were fresh and crispy and so delicious, Their blend of sandwich oil is the best I have ever had. I have eaten almost every sandwich on the menu and have never been disappointed
David Harris
10/09/2025
I would guess that most people already know this is not a sit down restaurant. A great menu but it is all to go. Service was good, selection was great and the calzone (grilled chicken and spinach) was very good.