Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

1363 Reviews

$31 to $50

Bistro

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 16, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

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!

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Bistro, Italian, Mexican
Hours of operation
Mon, Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm
Phone number
(207) 808-8533
Website
http://isaportlandme.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Isaul Perez

Location
79 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
Neighborhood
Portland
Cross street
Portland Street and Brattle Street
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
$115.00 per person
Dec 31, 2024 only
Join us New Year's Eve for a $115 prix fix menu to ring in the new year! Choose one dish from each of the three courses that suits your liking. Optional wine pairings with each dish. Cheers to NYE!

What 1,363 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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Maine
Best Overall
Maine
Best Food
Maine
Best Service
Maine
Best Value
Maine
Neighborhood gem
Greater Portland
Best Overall
Greater Portland
Best Food
Greater Portland
Best Service
Greater Portland
Best Ambiance
Greater Portland
Best Value
Greater Portland
Innovative
Greater Portland
Healthy
Greater Portland
Neighborhood gem
Greater Portland
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Isa Bistro in Portland offers an exceptional dining experience with "outstanding food" and "friendly, attentive staff." Guests rave about the creative, locally-inspired menu featuring dishes like the lobster linguine and eggplant lasagna. Despite a bustling atmosphere, the "service is exemplary," making it a must-visit spot for any occasion.

1,363 Reviews

M
Margie
Greater Boston
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding! Food is incredible and the nicest restaurant staff.
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M
Mary
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our only suggestion is that the eggplant lasagna come out hot. It was slightly warm and cool in spots. Delicious but the temp wasn’t right.
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J
John
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always perfect ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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K
Kirby
Maine
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As usual - truly excellent food complemented by personal and superb service and a unique and comfortable ambience. Tonight we were fortunate to get a couple seats at the bar which is always a special experience. This truly fine restaurant/bistro set a high standard when founded several years ago, and has maintained its exceptional quality. Our favorite.
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J
Julie
Maine
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The eggplant lasagna was exquisite as was the fennel salad with orange, grapefruit and arugula!
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V
Vicki
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was perfect, and it was nice to go into a busy restaurant where you could actually hear each other talk. Our server was incredibly attentive and fun, and the food was outstanding. They were very good about taking us significantly before our reservation (concert got out earlier than expected). Isa Bistro never disappoints.
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E
Eileen
Greater Boston
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding dining experience. The service, food and drink were all top notch. We had the best evening and can’t wait to return!
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T
Todd
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
First time visiting. Really good food and great service. Will be back.
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V
Victoria
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious as always - halibut cooked perfectly, delicious cocktails and the tres leche cake was wonderful as always. We sat at the bar - bartender excellent service !
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P
Pamela
Greater Boston
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
We ate here a few years ago and we enjoyed it. Last night the pork chop, onion soup, salads were very good. Unfortunately, the eggplant lasagna and bolognese was overcooked and the sole was too salty. Maybe it’s typical but the wine pours were not good.
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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 1363 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 16, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

79 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Portland Street and Brattle Street
Neighborhood
Portland
Hours of operation
Mon, Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
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

Website
http://isaportlandme.com/
Phone number
(207) 808-8533

Isa Bistro - Portland

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

New Year's Eve Prix Fix

Menu

What 1,363 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Isa Bistro - Portland offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Isa Bistro - Portland restaurant rated?

Is Isa Bistro - Portland currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information