Best Cozy Restaurants in South Portland

15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Isa Bistro - Portland restaurant

1. Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

Exceptional(1389)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Portland

Booked 17 times today

Isa is a small neighborhood bistro serving eclectic and seasonally driven menu. Reservations are available inside the dining room up to 30 days out, with a maximum of 8 guests. Our private outdoor patio is open seasonally with same day reservations available only, as it is uncovered and weather permitting (not dog friendly). Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or a late cancellation fee may apply. Friday lunch available 11:30-4pm. Dinner daily 4-9pm, except closed on Tuesdays.A husband and wife duo! A 2023 James Beard nominated chef, Isaul Perez brings his experience cooking French and Italian food in NYC to life with a splash of his Mexican heritage. His wife Suzie is a certified sommelier and face of the front. They showcase local farms and purveyors, offer craft beers and house specialty cocktails. The dining room is cozy and quaint with an original black tin ceiling. Be sure to order any of the Mexican dishes, whatever they may be!

2. REGARDS

4.6

Exceptional(264)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Portland

Booked 8 times today

Bringing some LA vibes to the northeast. REGARDS draws inspiration from the diverse food culture of Los Angeles. We highlight flavor profiles from Japan and Mexico with the freshest of Maine produce and products. The menu at REGARDS has bright, zippy ceviches and crudos, rich tamales, plump Argentinian shrimp tacos, along with mezcal cured hamachi collars, crab rice and grilled cabbage with caesar. Clarified lime margaritas with eucalyptus or our gin and sotol martinis with hibiscus pair with our adventurous menu. We pour natural wine and have a large selection of curated mezcals and tequilas.A place for us and for you. Might not make sense, but it sure is delicious. Across the street from Reny's. Nearby Maine College of Art, Portland Stage Company, State Theatre, Empire Comedy Club and Blue Jazz Club. **The 50 Best New Restaurants of 2022, Bon Appetit****Plate Magazine Chef's To Watch, 2023****Star Chef New England, 2023**

A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant

3. David's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(3825)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Portland

Booked 38 times today

A long established local favorite at the center of the historic arts district featuring eclectic decor,and an energetic atmosphere. David's offers broadly appealing menus that highlight familiar dishes with acreative twist. Open for lunch and dinner, showcasing delectable options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. David’s is known for delicious meals, and warm and friendly service. It’s no wonder that Chef David was voted Portland's best chef in 2021 and chef of the year in 2012.

4. Solo Italiano

4.7

Exceptional(2688)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Portland

Booked 32 times today

We currently offer in-house dining Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30-10:00pm (last dinner seating is at 9:30). Takeout is no longer available at this time. Patio dining is available Memorial Day weekend through September and always subject to weather. Please call us directly to reserve a patio table, but keep in mind that of the six 4-tops available outside, three are kept for walk-ins only.Our restaurant features Paolo Laboa, international chef from Genova, Italy. His menu consists of simple, flavorful and authentic Northern Italian cuisine. This includes handmade pasta, crudo (raw fish), fresh pizza and an all-Italian wine list. Ingredients are sourced locally, from various Maine farms and from the Gulf of Maine, whenever possible.

5. Thames Landing

4.4

Awesome(45)

Price: Expensive

• American • Portland

Booked 11 times today

Thames Landing brings you modern New England fare—centered around seafood, local meat, and seasonal vegetables—in an airy, bright dining room and on our expansive garden patio.Menu includes appetizers like salt cod croquettes, mussels and deviled eggs, a variety of salads and entrees that range from lobster rolls and smashed burgers to lobster dinners and NY strip steaks. A private dining room remains in place and a cozy expanded outdoor seating area is now available.

6. Roma Portland

4.7

Exceptional(965)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Portland

Booked 15 times today

The Roma is a throwback, classic American Italian restaurant located in the heart of the West End on Congress St, that pays tribute to the great American Italian restaurants of decades past. The Roma will serve classic Italian-American fare in a relaxed and comfortable dining room. Love for comfort food.

7. Bird & Co.

4.8

Exceptional(272)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Portland

Booked 16 times today

We are a neighborhood Taco and Margarita bar. We would love to feed you. Located in the middle of Woodfords Corner, tucked away on the Corner of Deering Ave. and Revere St. Our creative tacos and margaritas use the freshest ingredients and we have something on the menu for everyone. You deserve Tacos.

8. Little Tap House

4.5

Awesome(393)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Portland

Booked 2 times today

A neighborhood gastropub featuring 14 local beverages on tap and scratch-kitchen fare. Menu features shares, entrees and house-made desserts. Reservations available in our dining room; our bar and high-top area is almost always dedicated to walk-ins. For reservations for seven or more, email us at littletaphouse@gmail.com.Steps away from popular venues such as the Portland Museum of Art, Cross Insurance Arena, and the State Theater. A welcoming dining experience for locals and visitors-alike!

A photo of The Armory Lounge, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa restaurant

9. The Armory Lounge, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

4.0

Excellent(8)

Price: Moderate

• American • Portland

The Armory Lounge in the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa is a popular bar and restaurant in downtown Portland’s Old Port district. Located in the lower lobby of the hotel, the Armory Lounge provides a cozy atmosphere for hotel guests, and is also considered one of the best bars in downtown Portland by locals. Known for its delicious and inventive cocktails, the Armory also has a wide variety of wine and beer, including several local Maine craft beers. Lunch and dinner options include small plates, soups and salads, sandwiches, fresh local seafood and hearty entrées, such as Fish and Chips and Baked Lazy Man’s Lobster.The Armory Lounge is primarily a walk in seating establishment. If you do not see availability online please come in and grab a seat! Seasonally we will serve in the Garden Cafe and not inside in the Armory Lounge.

10. David's 388

4.8

Exceptional(1365)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • South Portland

Booked 15 times today

From the owner of David's (Portland, ME), 388 is a comfortable and casual neighborhood nook where diners can enjoy a range of bold flavors. Both restaurants share the signature of Chef/Owner David Turin, and David's 388 is built "by the Chef, for the Chef." Every week, David's 388 thrills the palette with new dishes that have both creative and traditional influences spanning the width of the globe. The restaurant seats 42 including seating at a Chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SuzanneVIP
Dallas - Fort Worth •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great dining experience -- creative dishes that mix French, Mexican and Italian; wonderful presentation; and a comfortable, warm and welcoming atmosphere. I especially appreciate a small yet thoughtful menu. Enjoyed sitting at the bar and talking with our fantastic bartender and serving Brian. Looking forward to going back.
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Isa Bistro - PortlandPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Portland
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4.9
M
MelanieVIP
Nebraska •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Service is impeccable. Every dish was presented beautifully and was delicious. My favorite spot.. highly recommend.
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Solo ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Portland
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4.7
J
Jake
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Spectacular food, all of the platings were beautiful and the service was great. Don’t miss this spot!
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REGARDSPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Portland
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4.6
J
Janet
Philadelphia County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 6, 2025
This is the second time I needed a restaurant open on Mondays in Portland, and both times David was my choice. The food and wine I had were delicious and the restaurant itself is attractive and offered great service. My group had a great time and I'm sure we'll be back.
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David's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Portland
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4.7
C
CherieVIP
Maine •55 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jan 4, 2025
First time trying this relatively new restaurant and we enjoyed it. Lots of good options on the menu. The beef stew and pasta special were very good. Service was good. Nice decor with lots of windows. They have a big patio which currently has 4 igloos for winter dining - looks like fun so we'll be back to try that!
More info
Thames LandingPrice: Expensive• American• Portland
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4.4

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South Portland

Best Cozy Restaurants in South Portland

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. Isa Bistro - Portland

2. REGARDS

3. David's Restaurant

4. Solo Italiano

5. Thames Landing

6. Roma Portland

7. Bird & Co.

8. Little Tap House

9. The Armory Lounge, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

10. David's 388

See what locals rave about

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