Isa Bistro - Portland

Isa Bistro - Portland reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. L

   Lynn

   Greater Boston3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   The portions are always generous here. We had an absolutely delicious spring salad that was more than enough for two to share with multiple helpings. As was the piece of delicious pie we had for dessert. Service is attentive and lovely.
   

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2. P

   Paul

   Greater Boston2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   ISA is a perfect example of "One should not judge by its cover". The outside building is an old brick building, but inside you will experience amazing food, thoughtfully prepared and presented. The service staff were very attentive and friendly. By far the best restaurant in Portland and we will surely recommend and return.
   

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3. D

   David VIP

   Greater Boston216 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Isa Bistro never disappoints. The menu is limited but all the dishes are great--especially the eggplant lasagna and the Pork Schnitzel. Wine are carefully chosen to match menu items. Dessert is always special.
   

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4. D

   David VIP

   Washington DC41 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our party of two dined at Isa on a Monday evening. The restaurant was busy but not noisy. One of our party has a few dietary avoidances, which were well handled. We both enjoyed what we ordered -- lobster tostada (a real standout!), citrus & beet salad, pork schnitzel, eggplant lasagna. A little pricier than average but money well spent considering the great food, service, and ambiance.
   

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5. C

   Celia

   Maine3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was exceptional and well presented! Ambience lovely
   

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6. C

   Chris

   Greater Boston5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is the best food and service in Portland among the top tier restaurants. It is family owned and they are working to n the kitchen, the bar, or serving most evenings, and their dedication clearly shows. The wine list is arguably the best in Portland, with excellent and reasonably priced bottles primarily from Europe. The menu is small but includes beef, fish, pasta, and vegetarian entrees. I have had every entree and each is perfectly prepared. The desserts are homemade.
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 23, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food and service. We had drinks, appetizer and main course dishes. .
   

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8. S

   Stanley

   Maine1 review

   4.0

   Dined on May 23, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Being placed in a relatively dark, corner, two top table at the back of the restaurant, it would have been nice to have a candle or small LED table lamp. Art work on the walls would also help the ambiance, however - the starters were light and wonderful tasting, the food was prepared well and the waiter was magnificent! Thank you for the experience.
   

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9. C

   Concetta VIP

   Nashville95 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was by far the best dining experience we had in Portland and that's saying a lot. The food, service and ambiance are all first rate. We absolutely loved the cozy Parisian style -- the perfect dining spot for a quiet romantic meal. We had the grilled octopus appetizer, marinated olives and cod fritters. All dishes were beautifully presented and delicious. For entrees, we had the sole and the halibut and both were phenomenal! This restaurant is a really nice alternative to the huge and noisy seafood places. If you're looking for a truly exceptional dining experience, this place is it. If we lived in Portland, this would be our go to spot. Just fantastic!
   

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10. K

    Katherine

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Every course, and every dish was delicious. We rarely feel that way when eating out. Great seasonal flavors. The chef clearly cares about his food!
    

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