Isa Reviews & Testimonials

4.8 (908)

Reviews: 908


5
81%
4
16%
3
3%
2
1%
1
0%

97% of customers would recommend Isa

Latifa S.

Latifa S. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

Seattle, WA

"Isa Bistro turned out to be more than a little off the beaten path, but we had such an outstanding dining experience that I'm really glad I let Yelp point the way here :-)The service was outstanding, and the ambiance was warm and homey.  We began our meal by sharing a Caesar salad, then we shared the eggplant lasagna and the crab linguine.  The lasag..." Read more

5 months ago

Kim Dixon

Kim Dixon star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"excellent service"

5 months ago

Google review

Instant Observation

Instant Observation star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"Delicious food, sauces cannot be beat. Family owned and operated, and has off street parking."

5 months ago

Google review

Leland Burke

Leland Burke star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"3 stars pretty much say it. Food is good. Though overpriced. Atmosphere is bleh. Nothing special, crowded and noisy. Service, in our case was poor. Perhaps they have some other better servers. We won't return to find out. Overall, a disappointment."

6 months ago

Google review

Heidi T.

Heidi T. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

Phoenix, AZ

"Food was just okay.  A lot of hype but not worth all the hype.  Sat at the bar.  Restaurant came highly recommended, but I'm sure there are others in the area that are much better."

6 months ago

Bailey Marden

Bailey Marden star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"One of my absolute favorite spots in Portland! Chef Isa and the kitchen staff never miss and the atmosphere and wait staff is so welcoming and warm. I consistently have an amazing experience at Isa. A must try for sure!!"

6 months ago

Google review

Teodora Bakardzhieva

Teodora Bakardzhieva star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"Incredible food, friendly service and a fun wine list. A husband & wife owned business with a real identity. Highly recommended!"

6 months ago

Google review

Kyle P.

Kyle P. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

Bloomington, IN

"Absolutely rockstar meal. Cute, homey space. Fast and helpful service. Starters: Grilled octopus (8/10) Succulent octopus, bright and fresh flavors. My only critique is the balance of oil -- I could have done with less. Duck tostada (10/10) Completely addictive. The acid / fat balance was so refreshing, while still punching with the umami fla..." Read more

7 months ago

Kyle O.

Kyle O. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

Portland, ME

"Absolutely rockstar meal. Cute, homey space. Fast and helpful service. Starters: Grilled octopus (8/10) Succulent octopus, bright and fresh flavors. My only critique is the balance of oil -- I could have done with less. Duck tostada (10/10) Completely addictive. The acid / fat balance was so refreshing, while still punching with the umami flavor. Drink..." Read more

7 months ago

Zac G.

Zac G. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

Perry, GA

"Wanted one fine dining experience while in Portland and decided Isa would be the call. Love the intimate environment and the care that the employees put into all aspects of the restaurant. Had a couple of cocktails that were both amazing. Halibut tacos were amazing. The beer batter was light and crispy, I could not recommend enough."

7 months ago

Scott Mathieu

Scott Mathieu star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"Love ISA. My go to dining option in Portland. Every meal is delicious and the service always great. One of my favorite dishes was the grilled pork chop. Cooked to perfection."

7 months ago

Google review

Timothy Waters

Timothy Waters star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"Isa was the culinary high point of our trip. It was fine dining without being stuffy. The owners and staff were very friendly. They explained each item and wine choice."

7 months ago

Google review

A Fitz

A Fitz star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"Great little place with such good food. I rendezvoused with my family at Isa - Our wait person was friendly and suggested some of the dishes we ordered. Great addition to Portland cuisine!! (some samples: Burrata with citrus and pistachios, Octopus with chickpeas & Halibut in a fish broth with corn - so good!)"

7 months ago

Google review

Lizzi Ackerman

Lizzi Ackerman star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"Best meal I’ve had in a while. Every single dish was exceptionally flavorful and absolutely delicious, from the lobster tostada to the citrus salad to the sole. I can’t wait to go back. A real gem."

7 months ago

Google review

Frank

Frank star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"Spent a few days in Maine and were fortunate to discover a great family run neighborhood bistro called Isa. The food and service were truly amazing, so we ate there two nights in a row on our trip. The Lobster Tostada and Crispy Potato Taquitos were fun appetizers, for our meal we enjoyed the Seared Duck, Short-rib Pasta and the amazing Eggplant Lasagna. A..." Read more

7 months ago

Google review

Frank A.

Frank A. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

Naples, FL

"ISA--Great FindSpent a few days in Maine and were fortunate to discover a great family run neighborhood bistro called Isa. The food and service were truly amazing, so we ate there two nights in a row on our trip. The Lobster Tostada and Crispy Potato Taquitos were fun appetizers, for our meal we enjoyed the Seared Duck, Short-rib Pasta and the am..." Read more

7 months ago

Frank A.

Frank A. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

Naples, FL

"ISA--Great Find Spent a few days in Maine and were fortunate to discover a great family run neighborhood bistro called Isa. The food and service were truly amazing, so we ate there two nights in a row on our trip. The Lobster Tostada and Crispy Potato Taquitos were fun appetizers, for our meal we enjoyed the Seared Duck, Short-rib Pasta and the amazing Egg..." Read more

7 months ago

Ian Snowdeal

Ian Snowdeal star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"One of the best meals I’ve ever had. Had two starters, a salad, two entrees and a dessert and they were all to die for. The pork chop was the best thing on the menu."

8 months ago

Google review

John W

John W star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"A bit out of the way but worth the trip. Small so reservations a must. Had the crab pasta which was very tasty. Very pleasant dining experience."

8 months ago

Google review

Kristen Flynn

Kristen Flynn star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"We sat at the bar and Brian was funny, welcoming and relatable. The drinks he made were unique and delicious. The lobster tostada and octopus were incredible. The beet and avocado salad was light and tasty. The steak in pepper sauce was outstanding! Isa has been a staple in our dining out repatoire and continues to be...an excellent night out, well worth the..." Read more

8 months ago

Google review

Jorgen Hansen

Jorgen Hansen star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"Isa is an excellent restaurant with very novel dishes and an exciting wine list."

8 months ago

Google review

MacKenzie J.

MacKenzie J. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

South Portland, ME

"Isa was a dream. This was not the first time I've been, but the first time in a year or so and I was delighted to return. They have a relatively new outdoor seating area which is beautiful, gated in and decorated with warm string lights, it felt like an escape from the city. I started my meal with a delicious Blueberry Lemonade - so good! They have a..." Read more

9 months ago

Melodie L.

Melodie L. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

Longmont, CO

"We visited Isa twice during our visit to Portland. The food was truly amazing and a cut above any other meal we had in Maine. The halibut entree was unforgettable.
We also had excellent service."

9 months ago

Pierre W.

Pierre W. star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

Portland, ME

"With as crazy a food town as Portland has become, I have to applaud the outliers, the neighborhood bistros that offer a civilized, friendly dining experience without all the noise, hype and hassle. Isa is a stalwart. Upscale comfort food, excellent service, comfortable bar, and a corner space with atmosphere, even on-site parking.. What's not to like?"

9 months ago

Terra Phares

Terra Phares star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt star-alt

"Tried octopus for the first time here and it was amazing. The vodka pasta was also delicious. Service was quick and friendly."

9 months ago

Google review