New French-Inspired Wine Bar and Restaurant Elizabeth Opens in Portland

Chefs Duncan Biddulph and Ashley Robinson bring their Chicago experience to a redesigned space in the Old Port.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:34pm

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Alex Wight is launching a new French-inspired wine bar and restaurant called Elizabeth on Friday in Portland, Maine. Located at 47 Wharf Street, the restaurant will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 10 pm, with extended hours until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. Chefs Duncan Biddulph and Ashley Robinson, who previously worked in Chicago, have created a menu featuring dishes like Oeuf Mayo with smoked salmon caviar, Jambon de Bayone, and Halibut en Papillote, as well as desserts like Souffle with salted honey ice cream and Canelé with apricot, custard and rum. The space has been completely redesigned with an 18-seat bar, banquette seating, and a polished red ceiling.

Why it matters

The opening of Elizabeth represents the continued growth and evolution of Portland's dining scene, with experienced chefs from major food cities like Chicago bringing their talents to Maine. The restaurant's French-inspired menu and design also cater to the city's increasing sophistication when it comes to food and beverage.

The details

Chefs Duncan Biddulph and Ashley Robinson, who previously worked at acclaimed Chicago restaurants like Lula Cafe, Publican, and Rootstock, have created a menu for Elizabeth that features classic French dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant's beverage program, curated by consultant Kevin Denton Rex, will offer cocktails, French wines, non-alcoholic drinks, beer, and cider.

  • Elizabeth will open its doors on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The restaurant will be open Tuesday through Saturday, from 4 to 10 pm, with extended hours until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.

The players

Alex Wight

The owner of Elizabeth and the previously launched Crown Jewel restaurant on Great Diamond Island. She also ran the influential Flanagan's Table dinner series in Buxton.

Duncan Biddulph

One of the chefs at Elizabeth, he previously worked at acclaimed Chicago restaurants like Lula Cafe, Publican, and was the executive chef at Rootstock and Tortello.

Ashley Robinson

The other chef at Elizabeth, she grew up in Cape Elizabeth and after attending Harvard, worked in New York and Chicago, notably as the head chef at The Bakery at Fat Rice.

Kevin Denton Rex

The beverage consultant who has put together the drinks list for Elizabeth, including cocktails, French wine, non-alcoholic drinks, beer, and cider.

Elizabeth

The new French-inspired wine bar and restaurant located at 47 Wharf Street in Portland, Maine.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to bring our passion for French cuisine and hospitality to Portland with the opening of Elizabeth.”

— Alex Wight, Owner

What’s next

Reservations for Elizabeth can be made on OpenTable starting this Friday when the restaurant opens.

The takeaway

The opening of Elizabeth represents Portland's continued evolution as a dining destination, with experienced chefs from major food cities bringing their talents to the city and catering to the growing sophistication of the local food and beverage scene.