Isa Bistro - Portland

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Isa was a wonderful surprise. Everyone speaks well of Isa Bistro and they didn’t let us down, but rather exceeded all expectations. The food was spot on and the ambiance was relaxed and inviting. My only disappointment was that it took us so long to try it. We’ll be back soon.

   Report
2. AL

   AnneL

   Washington DC

   12 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   12 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Sat at the bar and even though the bartender was busy, he apologized and had someone helping him so we never felt neglected. All staff wore masks which we totally appreciate. Loved our experience and will return soon!

   Report
3. F

   Foodie

   New England

   3 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Amazing as usual! Isa never disappoints!

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4. BG

   BGReview

   New York Area

   36 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   36 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   Attractive restaurant, well curated menu, good service. The taquitos were bland; everything else was wonderful. Suggestion: spruce up the patio a bit, summer is coming. For those serious about avoiding virus risk: be warned, you can't reserve an outside table. They will seat you outside if they have room there but it is first come first seated.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New England

   5 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on May 9, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   I have various dietary restrictions, and both server and chef worked with me to create a fabulous meal! Thank you, thank you! And my companions raved about their food as well.

   Report
6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New England

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 8, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This place was a hidden gem. The food was amazing, delicious, wonderful and surprisingly affordable! The service was kind, courteous and fast, we loved it! Highly recommended. We went for our six month anniversary and got dressed up and fit right in!

   Report
7. MF

   MonicaF

   New England

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 7, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   All staff wearing masks added to our feeling of comfort and safety, regardless of whether there are mandates. Wearing masks adds value to our experience. It’s a small restaurant, and this affects noise level when it’s full, as it was. Excellent food and service! We love to come here. Great cocktails and especially love the arugula/citrus/burrata salad, the steak, and the pork chop…

   Report
8. HL

   HLPB

   New England

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 6, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Unique takes on fish, steak and pasta. Interesting and delicious starters. Different approaches to salads.

   Report
9. 6

   68traveler

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 5, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   We visited Isa for my birthday. The menu is not long, but I was able to find something that I could eat, even with my allergies. I had the cod loin and the root vegetable salad and it was delicious! The wait staff was attentive but not intrusive. My only suggestion would be to cushion the seating. We had a very pleasant evening.

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10. O

    Odessa

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderl as always! A great place to meet a friend and enjoy.

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent service and food. Tables had a central pedestal so a bit uncomfortable.

    Report
12. BM

    BetsyM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was amazing. Service was spectacular. A wonderful dining experience.

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13. C

    Cals

    New England

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great vibe and excellent food. Couldn't ask for more. A Portland gem.

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14. KD

    KarD

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Neighborhood bistro with beautiful interior. The quality of the food never disappoints. The wait staff are very friendly and efficient. We have dined here several times and look forward to our next meal here.

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15. TH

    TillyH

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Simply amazing!! Every time we go it is absolutely fantastic!!

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16. FL

    FLYGIRL

    New England

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful food and service. We dined at the bar on Sat night our first dining experience at Isa Bistro and it won’t be our last . The cocktail menu and wine list was amazing. We started with the grilled octopus and Brussel sprouts so delicious. We had the Caesar salad fresh and perfectly dressed. We had a tough time choosing from the entrees even though the menu is small the choices all sounded so good. We tried the eggplant lasagna and the pasta bolognese prepared so fresh and tasted as good as it looked. We finished with tandem coffee and split a piece of Marscarpone cheesecake with a mango topping amazing so light and best cheesecake we have ever tried. Brian our bartender and server made the dining experience perfect. He made us feel very welcome answered all our questions and enjoyed watching him mix up some beautiful cocktails and our evening was perfect. Owners Chef Isa and Suzie are doing a wonderful job creating an amazing experience and delicious and fresh food and drinks. Beautiful bistro can’t wait to make our next reservation .

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17. W

    William

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Isa always exceeds our expectations. Every dish was fantastic! Great cocktails as well!

    Report
18. PG

    PaulG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Really nice decor and atmosphere Food and service was great

    Report
19. C

    Cathy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was elegantly displayed Absolufresg and delicious Plentiful servings

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20. C

    Cayman408

    Birmingham

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Food and service were excellent and prices were a bit above moderate but well worth it. The waitress she was great. We would recommend it.

    Report
21. J

    Jorge

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    Always love dining at Ida. Its like neighborhood bistro. Love the friendly service and creative siahea.

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22. N

    Nova

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had such a fabulous meal with gracious professional service . The cod was supreme.

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Happy Birthday to me! Always a treat to dine at Isa. A great bistro vibe; delicious food; friendly staff. Special occasion or everyday dining, it’s a favorite.

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24. RM

    RichardM

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    One of the best places to eat in Portland (and that’s saying something). Every offering on the menu is curated and then executed to perfection, including drinks and desserts. The only glitch of our evening was after we got home to two different places. We each needed to get back to things, so took two different desserts to go. Unfortunately, the box labeled “carrot cake” contained the “tres leches” cake, and vice-versa. Both desserts are great, but each of us was left disappointed by missing out on our first choice. Hey, everything can’t be perfect, right?

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25. RS

    RossS

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    One if the best meals we have had in a long time. They obviously know how to cook. Interesting combination of favors and choices. We will go back!

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26. DL

    DonutLife

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best meal I have ever had,every time I go. Shout out to Chef! He is amazing.

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Perfect portions, great quality ingredients and intimate setting.

    Report
28. NL

    NormanL

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    The best food in Portland. I have never had better lasagna. Cesar salad here is even special. Chocolate Pie and Salted Cod Fritters a treat too. They could use an additional bartender when it’s busy. Food comes out hot and timely. Worth every penny.

    Report
29. CF

    ComfortFood77

    New England

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our favorite place to go in Portland. The food is always good. A wonderful Hibiscus Margarita and try the Tres Leches cake.

    Report
30. PK

    PaulK

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent in every way. Totally fresh food with an Italian accent, but nothing heavy. Warm, traditional atmosphere; friendly, helpful service. Nice bar for such a small space. The Castaway cocktail was so good, my wife had one for desert!

    Report
31. JA

    JorgeA

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great neighborhood standby. Pasta made fresh (and it tastes it). Lovely flavors and staff.

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32. O

    Odessa

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful dinner as always at Isa. A pleasure to dine there. The food, cocktails, and service excellent. Looking forward to our next time!

    Report
33. C

    Cecci

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Isa Bistro never disappoints us. We love the intimate atmosphere and knowing that anything we order will be delicious. I highly recommend the hibiscus margarita!

    Report
34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Isa has never let us down — has never served us a bad meal or a bad experience. And that level of consistency is hard to find. Our most recent visit was no exception: a full and varied menu; deliciously prepared entrees; and, to top it off, a heavenly cheesecake for desert. All served up in a warm and friendly vibe.

    Report
35. DT

    DanielleT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of the best in Portland ! Always consistent , always amazing

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had such a love experience. The food was inspiring and the wait staff were excellent. Can’t say enough goodness about it.

    Report
37. SV

    SarahV

    New England

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Don't let the neighborhood fool you. Wonderful charming bistro. Creative menu that has something for everyone. The duck special was spot on. Small but very good wine selection by the glass -- I had the white burgundy, my friend had the red from Portugal. We were both very happy. Friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable servers. Compared to the competition in Portland, Isa is a very good value. I will definitely go again.

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38. AG

    AlyceG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I am never disappointed at Isa. Each dish is crafted and seasoned with an eye towards the artistic. You must try the octopus appetizer.

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 7, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Service was friendly and skilled, food was good, but the noise level was excessive.

    Report
40. CH

    ChalmersH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 7, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Isa Bistro has the best-tasting food I've had in a decade. The subtle flavors induced by the spice combination got me to notice. Most of my usual restaurant time I am attending to others at the table, while munching on perfecty good pizza, or spagetti marina, or whatever. These dishes - and I include the sauce for the focaccia - were differently delicious. My sole disappointment arose in the "grilled mushrooms". My guest and I expected a small dish of solely different kinds of mushrooms. Instead, we got a salad of nice greens and delicious flavor, plus perhaps three mushrooms, not tasting much different from the rest of the salad. I end by noting that the restaurant has plenty of on-street parking, and is conveniently right off 295. None of the struggle Congress or Commercial Street locations!

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