Arlin Smith

Arlin Smith is an owner and the General Manager at Hugo’s restaurant in Portland, Maine. Arlin is featured in the March issue of Maine Magazine.

Arlin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After making his mark in the Hudson Valley, he then set his sights on Portland. A tasting menu at Hugo’s under former Chef Rob Evans prompted the fortuitous move. He was hired soon thereafter and later became an owner in 2012. He and his “better half”, Roxanne, who you’ll also find working at Hugo’s, have settled in Maine and are enjoying “the way life should be”.

Hugo’s restaurant has evolved dramatically. Since opening its doors in 1988, the once-humble family eatery has gone on to garner national attention for its refined cuisine. Seated at the top of Portland’s Old Port in the burgeoning India Street neighborhood, Hugo’s marks the division between the old and new, embracing tradition and pursuing innovation. Now in its third generation of ownership, Hugo’s continues to improve. With intellectual curiosity and modern technique driving the process, our ingredients are farmed, fished and foraged almost exclusively here in Maine, reflecting the dramatic seasonal shifts of Northern New England.