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Isa Bistro - Portland, Portland, ME

Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9
4.9
600 Reviews
$31 to $50
Bistro
Isa is a small neighborhood bistro serving eclectic and seasonally driven menu. Reservations are available inside the dining room. Our private outdoor patio is available from May until mid October and available day of by calling after 3pm, weather permitting. We ask that you be mindful of your 2 hour time slot so we may accommodate all guests. Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or a late cancellation fee may apply.
A husband and wife duo, Isaul brings his experience cooking French and Italian food to life with a splash of his Mexican heritage and his wife Suzie is the sommelier and face of the front. They showcase local farms and purveyors and 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!

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Bistro, Italian, Mexican

  • Hours of operation

    Mon, Thu–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (207) 808-8533

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Isaul Perez

  • Neighborhood

    Portland

  • Cross street

    Portland and Brattle Sts.

  • Parking details

    Private lot behind the building on Brattle Street and street parking.

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • New Year's Eve Prix Fix

    $95.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2022 only
    Join us for a four course prix fix menu on New Year's Eve! Suggested wine pairings are optional and the menu is visible on our Instagram/FB page. All reservations are 2 hours. We hope you can join us to ring in the new year!

What 600 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Boston / New England

    Best Food

  • Maine

    Best Overall

  • Maine

    Best Food

  • Maine

    Best Service

  • Maine

    Best Value

  • Maine

    Neighborhood gem

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Filters

  1. H

    Helenh

    New England

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing food and service. It was a little loud.
  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our experience was fantastic We had reservations to sit at the bar and this was our first time there. Our servers name or bartender was Bryan and he was amazing very knowledgeable and very proud of being an employee of Isa. The drinks were amazing I had the perfectly plum and my husband ordered the aces beverage. They were so good that we ordered one more each which we generally do not. We were surrounded by very friendly people and had friendly conversations with what they were enjoying to from the pork chop to the steak that evening. They all looked delicious and everyone was enjoying their meal. We ordered the lobster tostada as a starter and it was truly amazing. And then we both ordered the baked halibut which was also fantastic. Things were going so well and we were enjoying ourselves that we actually ordered dessert which again we generally do not Darrell ordered the Oreo chocolate pie and I ordered the coconut cream pie which was probably the best that I have ever had. We will certainly return. Thank you for a wonderful meal
  3. J

    Julia

    Phoenix

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The only thing I would change is putting white cloths on the tables. The composite table surfaces, or whatever they are, are not appealing… cutlery on an unattractive bare table top that others have leaned on? It seemed kind of lazy and ruined the room’s esthetics. Everything else was perfect.
  4. SP

    SoPoTess

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our anniversary and the meal was perfect from start to finish. Thank you for a lovely evening.
  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Pate with focaccia was delicious
  6. B

    Bruce

    Philadelphia

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely meal, nice space. Would return soon.
  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    West Palm Beach

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food!
  8. SW

    StacieW

    New England

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service here never disappoint. And it’s not noisy, a rarity nowadays. Love the “mocktails”, and the food is delicious.
  9. F

    Foodiechick

    Baltimore

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful space, food, service. Better yet a short walk from our Airbnb. Roasted vegetables were surprisingly memorable. Both entrees - halibut, short ribs - perfect. Would definitely recommend and return if back in Portland. Bravo!
  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious, cozy + friendly!
  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice dinner out
  12. BK

    BethK

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite spots for a special night out. Everything was perfect! Highly recommend!!
  13. SH

    SusanH

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best meal we had in portland! The menu was interesting and the food preparation was excellent!
  14. r

    runtoeat

    New England

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and amazing food. A real gem
  15. WM

    WhippetMom

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I visit Portland, ME at least once a year. We have our staple local eating places but try one or two new places each visit. The food at Isa was great. I had the bolognese and my husband had the short ribs…both were super delicious. The staff was very attentive. Isa will be going onto our staple list of local places to revisit!
  16. w

    winehound1

    New England

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I am a longtime and devoted regular. The service, food, ambience, wine selection are all consistently amazing. Seven years since it`s founding, Isa is still hands down the best gem in Portland. Thanks to Suzie, Isa, and all their amazing staff.
  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great and priced quite reasonably. We had dinner at 4:30 and the restaurant was quiet enough to enjoy a conversation comfortably. Would certainly return!
  18. MR

    MichelleR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It was our first time visiting Isa Bistro and we all enjoyed the entire evening. The waiter was attentive and friendly. We found the menu choices varied and interesting and each dish we ordered, from appetizers through dessert, was beautifully plated and had excellent taste. Added bonus to dining in Portland for this small venue was that they had parking available right behind the restaurant. Wonder experience.
  19. M

    Miles

    New England

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Excellent service. Food very satisfying. Lovely space.
  20. D

    Dave

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From start to finish a first class operation . Parking lot light and easy to find. Reception once we entered was totally professional. The server was very knowledgeable . The food was well prepared and timely . All exceptional . Highly recommend this establishment well earned 5 stars
  21. MM

    MaineMary

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    All was great but chairs were uncomfortable
  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great food and great service.
  23. J

    Joyce

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have lived in the area for many years but had not tried Isa Bistro. The ambiance was sophisticated, the food (the pork chop and fish dishes) were delicious, and the wait staff was knowledgeable. We will return.
  24. MB

    MadeleineB

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely amazing restaurant. Food was amazing. Bartender was super fun and engaging. Loved the tostada, short ribs, and chocolate dessert. Will come back as soon as we can!
  25. KB

    KristenB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing dinner here. I would highly recommend checking it out.
  26. SW

    StacieW

    New England

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was absolutely delicious, and service was attentive and timely. My friend and I don’t drink alcohol, so we really appreciated the mocktails…three to choose from. This is our top Portland restaurant, it never disappoints.
  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service at this gem in Portland. It was our first time there (in town for a wedding), and we were able to reserve seats at the bar which we like. Really, really high quality food with excellent service with a nice, but casual vibe.
  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious! So happy they are open for lunch!
  29. KD

    KarD

    New England

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Isa is a consistently great eating place. The food is high quality and well prepared. The waitstaff are always knowledgeable and attentive and the bistro ambiance can’t be beat.
  30. MG

    MikeG

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best short rib I’ve ever had!
  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Superb service by Isabella Lackluster Caesar salad Well-made cocktails Conversation was challenging
  32. D

    Deborah

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and ambiance were very special, as always. The balance of flavors in each and every dish was well-considered and the plating was beautiful. One of my favorite spots in Portland.
  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Isa! When we visit Portland we love dinner at Isa Bistro. I had the Eggplant Lasagna for the second time and was just as amazing as the first time I ordered it. Food is always amazing, service is top notch and staff is always friendly. Looking forward to our next visit.
  34. JP

    JessiePowers

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    "I love the relaxed feel of ISA! I will definitely return to try more dishes. The pork chop and grilled octopus was amazing and the Gin Sipper was light and refreshing. The GF chocolate pie was heavenly and light! Service was well-timed and friendly!
  35. j

    joannev

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every dish we tried was fantastic. Soup roasted vegetables lasagna tres leches cake, all outstanding. Thank you
  36. R

    Rick

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous of the grid restaurant everyone should try. Bolognese and Lasagna were amazing. Good wine selection. Service at the bar was superb.
  37. RP

    RickP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always. The satisfaction rises with each new course. Never miss an opportunity to eat here.
  38. SS

    SamS

    New England

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very nice attractive Bistro. Delicious food, great service.
  39. l

    lizh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been wanting to try Isa since friends recommended it. So glad we did. Booked it for my husband’s birthday and we were not disappointed!
  40. BM

    BowdoinMom

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Lovely chef/wife couple running a cozy, stylish restaurant with outstanding service. Loved everything we ordered—especially the lobster tostada and fennel salad. Creative, inspired cuisine!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Isa Bistro - Portland offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (207) 808-8533.

Isa Bistro - Portland is rated 4.9 stars by 600 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Isa Bistro - Portland

79 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Portland and Brattle Sts.

  • Neighborhood

    Portland

  • Hours of operation

    Mon, Thu–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Bistro, Italian, Mexican

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Private lot behind the building on Brattle Street and street parking.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Isaul Perez

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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