Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

1462 Reviews

$31 to $50

Bistro

79 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 26, 2025

April 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

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!

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

What 1,462 people are saying

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

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
4.8Ambience
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
Greater Portland
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Isa Bistro in Portland is a local favorite known for "exceptional food and service." Guests rave about its "creative and flavorful cuisine," and "impeccable service." Whether indulging in the "outstanding fennel salad" or "delectable entrees," visitors consistently enjoy the "cozy, inviting atmosphere" and "personalized attention" from the staff.

1,462 Reviews

J
Joseph
Maine1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The perfect spot to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The staff were all very friendly and accommodating. All of the food was exceptional. Definitely a five star experience.
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D
Debra VIP
Greater Boston26 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Always amazed by the food. Just as good as the expensive foody places near the harbor
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A
Al VIP
Greater Boston3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Have been to ISA many times. Service and food are superb. One of the best, if not the best restaurant in Portland.
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M
Mark VIP
Greater Boston20 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Fun, creative menu, well executed and great cocktails too!
Is this helpful?
A
Alice
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined on April 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a wonderful little restaurant! The food was amazing, and the service was outstanding. We will definitely be back!
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C
Camila
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a delightful experience was to dine at Isa Bistro! My boyfriend and I picked Isa Bistro for his birthday dinner and it was just a great experience top to bottom. As starters, we ordered the house made focaccia and the citrus and burrata salad, these two were absolutely phenomenal. As drinks, we ordered the hibiscus margarita and the coconut Paloma (added tequila, since it’s originally a non-alcohol drink in their menu) and the flavors were truly amazing. For our mains we ordered the marinated steak and the pork schnitzel and, I’m telling you, I will be dreaming about that schnitzel for days, it was just bomb! And lastly, as dessert we had the tres leches cake that was —also— a delicacy. Our server was Justin and shoutout to him, he provided a terrific service! The ambiance was also great, the music was just the perfect volume, the rest of the staff were super friendly and the bathrooms were extremely clean. We couldn’t have picked a better place for my boyfriend’s birthday, we’re extremely satisfied and we cannot wait to go back to Isa Bistro!
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H
Henry
Greater Boston4 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Isa consistently has something new and delicious on its menu, we love going there although it can be hard to get a table! It’s not inexpensive but it’s a great Portland restaurant.
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R
Richard
Greater Boston9 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always very delicious food, expertly prepared and presented. Very personable and helpful bartender/waiter. All together a very enjoyable and relaxed experience
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K
Karen
Greater Boston14 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our favorite spot for lunch in Portland. The quality and freshness of the food is always excellent. Chef preparation is superb. Customer service by Susie (owner) and waiter (Marcus) was welcoming and efficient. Highly recommend.
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L
Lisa VIP
Greater Boston15 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As usual, exceptional food and service. A “go to” spot for me!
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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 1462 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Booked 15 times today

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

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 1,462 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

Dining areas

Additional information

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat