Best Cozy Restaurants in South Portland

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodMexicanChineseGreek

Regions

Greater Portland

Neighborhoods

PortlandSouth Portland

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine winesGreat for happy hour

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Isa Bistro - Portland restaurant

1. Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

Exceptional(1433)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Portland

Booked 13 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(275)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Portland

Booked 18 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**

3. Lucky Cheetah

4.7

Exceptional(214)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Portland

Booked 27 times today

Dumpling enthusiasts and champagne lovers alike can indulge in in the elevated, yet unpretentious fine-dining experience offered in this sexy, and intimate underground hideaway. The menu honors Cantonese classics with dishes like Xiaolongbao and Char Siu Bao, while creative offerings such as Foie Gras Blackberry Dumplings with Brown Butter Miso Crumb showcase culinary innovation in this celebration of Chinese American fare. A deep champagne and wine list complements the menu, and at the 14-seat Pink Italian Stone bar, classic cocktails are shaken up with unique spice combinations and Asian-produced liquors, like a Manhattan riff “Doyer’s Street” made with Chinese five-spice infused Bourbon and Fernet Michaud from Portland, MENote: Table reservation durations: 1.5 hours for parties of two, 2 hours for parties of 4 or more. Walk-in seats are available at the bar.

A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant

4. David's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(3873)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Portland

Booked 20 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.

5. Solo Italiano

4.8

Exceptional(2729)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Portland

Booked 31 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.

6. Thames Landing

4.3

Awesome(56)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Portland

Booked 1 time 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.

7. Roma Portland

4.7

Exceptional(986)

$$$$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.

8. Bird & Co.

4.8

Exceptional(290)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Portland

Booked 20 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.

9. Little Tap House

4.7

Exceptional(396)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Portland

Booked 12 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 Eighteen95, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa restaurant

10. Eighteen95, at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

4.5

Awesome(338)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Portland

Booked 3 times today

eighteen95 offers warm, intimate décor, punctuated by softly lit chandeliers and a lovely brick fireplace. Located on the Lobby level of the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa. Complimentary Valet Parking is available.Currently serving breakfast or brunch 7 days a week. eighteen95 serves special menus on most holidays, check our website for details.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
beth
Greater Boston •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
This is a great spot for a party, the atmosphere is as cool as an ice cold martini but the food can’t compare to The Empire, Portland’s best Chinese eatery.
More info
Lucky CheetahPrice: Expensive• Chinese• Portland
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Date nite- Awesome food and great service. Handkerchief pesto pasta and the lamb were exceptional.
More info
Solo ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Portland
•
4.8
K
karen
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Consistently fantastic food and service! We love all the options Portland’s restaurants provide and visit many of them. Since we visited David’s twenty years ago, we’ve decided that is where we will go when family/friends visit because all ages and palates find something they want to eat (meatloaf, tuna sashimi, burger, sirloin, steak au poivre, garlic knots, brussle sprouts, and salads), and we can rely on the quality.
More info
David's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Portland
•
4.7
M
MaggieVIP
Greater Boston •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The fennel salad is a favorite. Bartender makes a fantastic Manhattan. Waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable. Food is always great. Our favorite restaurant in Portland.
More info
Isa Bistro - PortlandPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Portland
•
4.9
N
Natalia
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
It was one of the best meals of my life! As a Mexican I felt so happy to see how they treat the Mexican ingredients with respect and the authentic flavors of all their food! Everything was spectacular!
More info
REGARDSPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Portland
•
4.6

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