Welcome to Sal de la Tierra
Sal de la Tierra, located at 581 Congress St, Portland, ME, offers an authentic taste of Latin American cuisine that delights both locals and visitors. With a menu highlighting dishes like the beloved mofongo and mouthwatering fish tacos, the restaurant has earned praise for its fresh, flavorful offerings and attentive service. Customers rave about the friendly staff who go above and beyond to enhance their dining experience, making each visit memorable. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal like their infamous quesadilla or a casual bite before a show, Sal de la Tierra serves up delicious food in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere.
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581 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, United States Hotline: +1 207-761-1600
Welcome to Sal de la Tierra, a culinary gem nestled at 581 Congress St, Portland, ME. This beloved eatery serves as a vibrant portal to authentic Latin American cuisine, capturing the essence of diverse flavors that transport diners straight to the heart of the culture. With a welcoming atmosphere and an efficient, friendly staff—lauded by patrons like Madison Schulz and Emily Robertson—Sal de la Tierra offers not just a meal but an experience that resonates with warmth and hospitality.
The menu at Sal de la Tierra is a celebration of traditional dishes, each infused with passion and authenticity. From the renowned mofongo—a delectable combination of fried plantains and succulent pulled pork—to crispy and flavorful fish tacos, every dish is crafted to perfection. Diners rave about the quesadillas, described by Erik Grudzien as the best he has ever tasted, while the empanadas and chips with salsa frequently receive high praise. The horchata adds a sweetly refreshing finish that perfectly complements any meal.
What makes Sal de la Tierra exceptionally great is not just the food, but the genuine care reflected in the service. Patrons often highlight the attention given to every detail, from quick service during busy nights to complimentary offerings that leave guests feeling cherished. Justin Richardson aptly describes it as an easy 5-star experience in a setting that prioritizes comfort over pretension—ideal for those simply seeking heartwarming, home-style food.
In a world filled with dining experiences that prioritize appearance over substance, Sal de la Tierra stands out as a place where the flavor truly takes center stage. Each visit feels like a communal celebration of food—one that is accessible, satisfying, and joyously unpretentious. For lovers of Latin American cuisine or anyone looking to indulge in flavorful, comforting meals, Sal de la Tierra is your destination in Portland. Do not miss the chance to experience the best in authentic Latin dining that this fabulous restaurant has to offer.
Really delicious food and very friendly/efficient service!! We were blown away. One of the best authentic Latin American food I have had ! Left no crumbs.
This was an easy 5 stars for me. This is what 20 got me 200 feet away right before a show at the state theater. I would not have dreamed of better. Was it the best ever? No, but when you don't want fancy and just want really good basics in a salt of the earth setting, this is your place.
Hands down best casadilla I've had! Grabbed a steak, casadilla and some chips and salsa here on a whim when stumbling around trying to find somewhere to eat on Saturday night when everything else was packed. No wait and our food was out quick! Will, be back again for some for more great food next time we're around!
This was my first stop in Portland on a very cold veterans day weekend. For not a lot of money I got a bucket of horchata, a very generously cheesey quasadilla loaded up with sauces and an adorable side salad, and a plate of crispy and salty fried plantains. I was embarrassed for how good the service was. It was fast casual, so I was expecting to grab my food and clean up after myself but the staff there rushed all my food out, grabbed me napkins and silverware, and yanked the empty plates away from me before I could even stack them. Super great place full of super nice people and definitely worth a visit when you land in Portland.
I've eaten here a few times now, both take out and sit in and it's always delicious. The Mofungo is probably my favorite menu item, but don't sleep on the Empanadas either!
We were here on vacation from Missouri and these were amazing fish tacos! Made the whole day! The staff was so nice and recommended cinnamon rice milk and it was delicious! If you get a chance to visit, we highly recommend!!
Hands down, the best Latin food in Portland. Their mofongo takes me back to my days in Miami. Mofongo is basically cooked plantain that is then smashed and molded into a ball. Within the ball are succulent pieces of pulled pork (you can sub any meat you want), and this gravy that is to die for!! Best way I can explain it.... It’s like pork with smashed potatoes that have a hint of banana sweetness.... Omgggg so good! Pro Tip: Ask Carlos for extra gravy!!!
Staff was incredible. He was so kind, explained the origin of the food and even brought us complimentary rice and beans. The food matched the service. Fresh, seasoned, and delicious. 10/10