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TripAdvisor 
Google 
Eli Amouzou
Kathryn Long
"We ended up going here after our dinner reservation fell through for my best friends bachelorette & they were so kind to squeeze us in! The food & drinks were amazing! Staff was incredible & they totally saved dinner!"
2 years ago
Google review
Michael G.
Brunswick, ME
"This is one of the best restaurants in Portland. Excellent food and service. The staff is very attentive and work so well together. Lots of attention to detail like filling your water glass, giving you new cutlery with each course. Very clean. More down to earth and less pretentious than other high end places. Our waitress (likely a co-owner) was super..." Read more
2 years ago
Deb G
"Excellent food. Homemade pasta was special"
2 years ago
Google review
Laura Phillips
"Amazing dinner drinks atmosphere and beautiful dining experience. A fabulous meal and wonderful service. We look forward to our next evening at Isa."
2 years ago
Google review
K Aaskov
"This is now my favorite restaurant in Portland! Parking is no problem and free, small & intimate, excellent service and always greeted immediately upon entering. Price point is incredibly reasonable for what you get and quality of food is excellent. I had the grilled octopus for a starter, Bolognese for my main meal (portion was a lot of food) and enjoyed a..." Read more
2 years ago
Google review
Julia D.
Portland, ME
"Absolutely delicious. The pasta and lamb were amazing. The olive oil is to die for. I bought a can of it for my home after getting the name from the waiter. The atmosphere is a little sparse but the food was spectacular"
2 years ago
Michael D.
Portland, ME
"Isa is one of those places you go to and always say after the meal we need to go here more often. The food is excellent, the service is great and the prices reasonable. We have had meals half as good and twice as much in town. The music is totally in the background unlike many places in town now that are loud and just off for a quality dining experience. W..." Read more
2 years ago
Joshua Bryant
"We went here on a whim for our anniversary dinner. It did not disappoint! We got a five star dining experience at an excellent value. The food was amazing. For an appetizer we had the cod fritters. Our main course was the bolognese and the pasta rosso. We paired it with their Greek white wine. Lastly, we finished with their marscapone cheesecake. Everything..." Read more
2 years ago
Google review
Natalie Stilwell
"The food was amazing. The staff were very knowledgeable and cautious of food allergies."
2 years ago
Google review
craig masterman
"It's all about the food here, no nonsense, chef is very talented and food outstanding. In NYC, it would cost double. Very pleasant experience."
2 years ago
Google review
Aidan Marshall
"Went here for dinner, has a beautiful, cozy interior. Had an amazing cocktail called the Castaway. Menu was fairly priced and everything was delicious. Had the best steak I’ve had in a while. Definitely check this place out for a nice dinner and solid menu all around."
2 years ago
Google review
Rick Palmeri
"Another great meal at ISA. Brian took good care of us and the meal was perfect as always. Grilled octopus, mushroom salad, pork chop for her, cacio e pepe for me. The pacing is languid and allows you to enjoy each course without feeling rushed. Brian recommended a nice white burgundy that really tied it all together. Another memory to tuck away in the scr..." Read more
2 years ago
Google review
Cayman408
"This is an intimate bistro With a high quality level for service and food. Prices were moderate plus. There are only eight tables and the menu is just one page. Food is farm to table and was excellent. This was a great place to celebrate a birthday."
2 years ago
94HankF
"We visited Isa on a Sunday evening for a casual low key dinner. Our hotel suggested we take a car service as it would be bit of uphill walk which we did, and it was well worth the trip. The food and service were awesome, fresh halibut in a lobster saffron broth and shrimp with homemade pasta, everything was great. We would highly recommend this spot, but it..." Read more
2 years ago
ynot100
"A great experience and glad to support a small business. ( read the bio on the website). Lovely space, great service and excellent food prepared with care. We had two appetizers, two mains and one dessert, all were great. The reviews are justified."
2 years ago
IanW911
"Food was excellent and presented really well. Just half a dozen or so main courses and I imagine they were all great. I went for the Halibut which was delicious and the cheesecake was amazing! Staff friendly and efficient , lovely venue . Deserves the good rating it gets !"
2 years ago
TheChipAdvisor
"Ordered our meal for take out on a rainy day.. WOW!! It was one of the best meals we have ever had. It was packaged so well, piping hot and ready to go. The menu changes weekly but we enjoyed short rib, bolognese, meatballs, and a dessert. Portions are perfectly sized. I would highly recommend you eat here if you have to choose one restaurant in Portland."
2 years ago
realmainiac
"COVID-19 has really put a crimp in our dining at restaurants the past two years. We finally had the opportunity to try this highly recommended restaurant. Our reservation at 5 PM was honored immediately upon arrival. It was a very hot night so we were pleased that the air conditioning was working well. We did peruse the cocktail menu and saw a number of..." Read more
2 years ago
jenniferhH1546PW
"Had the most delicious dinner with girlfriends and loved the atmosphere, cozy and eclectic. The owners are obviously hardworking and highly committed to delicious food. The menu is well curated and the desserts are all housemade by the owner herself. I had the pork chop and the pulpo, so tender and cooked to perfection. Try the shaved fennel salad, never tas..." Read more
2 years ago
dottied837
"We had 6 family and friends for a dinner at ISA. Everyone of us agreed that ISA is The #1 restaurant in Portland. We had a large variety of dinner selections and each person thought their meal was "The Best." Of course, we had a tasting menu because everyone wanted to share their "Best" food. The service is impeccable and everyone is frie..." Read more
2 years ago
PaulD158
"Had a lovely dinner for a significant birthday. Service was excellent and food was delicious. Had the lobster tostado and short rib dinner and enjoyed both immensely. Great wine selection. Don't be put off by the area or the simple interior, this place is a real gem. They served both my husband and I a glass of moscato on the house which was very much apprec..." Read more
2 years ago
73brittanya
"Isa was within walking distance of our Air BnB, so we had it for our first dinner while visiting Portland. It was, without question, our best meal of the entire trip. Everything, from the appetizers, to our (shared) entrée and dessert were phenomenal! I would recommend a reservation. We did not have one, and were just very fortunate that a table was ope..." Read more
2 years ago
Steveeatswell
"Shaved fennel salad--excellent. Salt cod fritters--light and tasty! Had 2 specials--duck breast (cooked perfectly) and lamb and polenta. Delicious. Carrot cake with ginger and lime zest for dessert--excellent, also. A home run of a meal."
2 years ago
D3104VUlisaa
"Isa Bistro is quickly becoming one of our favorite places to go. It's a small, comfortable fine dining experience. Limited menu but something for everyone and every single thing we got was excellent. Staff was very friendly and service was quick. Our party had everything from bolognese, steak, and roasted veggie salad. My personal favorite was the steak and..." Read more
2 years ago
"I had a great experience. Good foods, friendly staff."
2 years ago