isa
79 Portland St, Portland, ME, 04101
isa Menu
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Address :
79 Portland St
Portland, ME, 04101 - Phone (207) 808-8533
- Website https://isaportlandme.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Bill M.
Great new spot! They have been open only a month,but are already running smoothly. As others have mentioned the crew working here are a warm and welcoming bunch, and the space itself is well laid out with a bistro vibe. On this our first visit, we stopped in for their very first day serving brunch. We are really glad we did as the food was very,very good. I started by trying the lamb sliders, which consisted of spicy lamb sausage, pickled red peppers and goat cheese served on focaccia. Mmmm,Mmmm Yum and large living in the land of small plates I will add enough to share with several people (I of course, devoured the whole thing)! I particularly enjoyed the light and fluffy goat cheese, It had the most wonderful consistence like it had been whipped. In any case the cheese and sausage made a super yummy flavor bomb when combined with the lamb sausage. Next up was the croque Madame, layers of crisp Standard Bakery bread, covered with prosciutto and melted Swiss, then topped with a beautiful fried farm egg. So good, so very very good! My wife had the baked eggs and they were very good too. Super rich and creamy balanced nicely by the tangy tomatoes and kale. Overall, a very good showing from this brand new restaurant. As they continue to settle in, I look forward to seeing how their brunch/cocktail menus expand/evolve. Next time we will have to try dinner!
(4)Cindi B.
I loved this little bistro! The place was beautifully done. The food was well presented and flavorful. Staff friendly and price was right. Try it, you will be glad you found it.
(5)Amanda A.
This place is not to be missed if you are in Portland!! My boyfriend Sam and I went to Isa for dinner on the fourth of July and we both really loved it. I am just getting around to writing this review now b/c the food and drinks were so good, the thought of them has haunted me until now- and we are trying to figure out when to head back up to Portland just to go back here! We were greeted by co-owner, Suzie, who was warm and friendly, setting the tone for the rest of the night. We received excellent service all night and were very pleased with our attentive, knowledgable server and felt right at home in the cozy atmosphere. Side note, awesome outdoor space!! We started with the lamb sliders, shaved fennel salad, and grilled peaches - all of which we thought were incredible and creatively delicious. I especially would recommend the shaved fennel salad, which had sweet grapefruit and sharp cheese, creating a seriously bomb combination. The peaches were also perfectly ripe and grilled just the right amount, caramelizing with the balsamic reduction ... yes yes YES!!! For dinner we shared fries, and Sam got the pork chop which he said was super juicy and delicious and I got the tagliatelle bolognese, one of the best I have ever had! I wanted to eat it all but because of the generous portions and that I had three appetizers I had to get a doggie bag. I also had a few of the Tea Coupes.. - and was thinking next time I will ask if they can just make this in a pitcher b/c it is a refreshing and unique drink that i couldn't get enough of ! For dessert we had the strawberry shortcake and another chocolate dessert thing (see pics) and ended up devouring both like hungry wolves even though we were stuffed, they were that good.
(5)Jessica K.
Although this restaurant is in a random location, it is definitely worth trying! Came to this restaurant because a co worker of mine recommended it to me. And I do not regret it! I ordered their Bolognese and totally worth getting. The best Bolognese I have ever had. It's beautiful inside and nothing is too expensive on their menu. the average price for a meal is around 16 dollars
(5)Rex M.
Food and service were great. Atmosphere was killer and the outdoor park was wicked cool!
(4)Tim B.
The owners and staff are both knowledgable and friendly. The atmosphere is both inviting and unpretentious. The food is unique, the wine list impressive and the desserts are some of the best in Portland, a town known for its restaurants. The staff makes you feel comfortable and welcome right away and they are willing to go the extra mile to provide answers and an experience like few others. A sampling of appetizers and main courses finds the ingredients fresh, flavorful and delicious. And the poached pear for dessert is not to be missed. Highly recommended for anyone seeking fine dining in a relaxed, elegant setting.
(5)Mie T.
Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, this cozy spot has an eclectic menu with a decidedly European flair. The pan fried corn tortilla appetizer, a lightly crisped corn tortilla with a cheesy potato mash tucked inside and served in a puddle of roasted red pepper sauce, was deeply satisfying and not at all heavy. The Caesar and shaved fennel salads are also standouts. The eggplant lasagna was delicious but the eggplant was a bit underdone and tough. Not a deal breaker and nothing another 5 minutes of bubbling in the oven wouldn't have rectified. Overall, a really solid addition to the Portland food scene with a large bar and romantic atmosphere.
(4)J.J. S.
Excellent food, excellent staff, and fair prices. Best kept secret in Portland. Great atmosphere. Stumbled upon this restaurant and I am glad I did! Must go!
(5)Sara P.
FYI: The three dollar signs are surely for dinner/drinks. Our brunch entrees were ~$11 each, which is so much less than we expected. This is a brunch review. My friends and I originally went to Bintliff's (duh, we're tourists) but were faced with a 45-60 minute wait, and we had just run a half marathon. We were HUNGRY. No time to wait. Luckily, isa's was right across the street and had zero wait (we called to ask first, and when we got there, realized they must have had a good laugh when we called, because we were the only people there. Maybe word hasn't gotten out yet about their off-the-chain brunch yet, but people, you must go. Leave the Bintliff's waiting room and just GO). I had eggs benedict (so did Friend A) which comes on biscuits and is made with swiss chard and bacon, and Friend B had the baked eggs. PROS: - THAT BREAD. Their bread comes from Standard Baking Co. in Portland, and it is just so good. It didn't come with my meal but I ordered a piece of toast after seeing my friend's. - Staff is friendly & knowledgeable. - Totally affordable-yet-classy brunch. - Local sourcing, w/ signage indicating where their food comes from. CONS: - Um, I was a little warm because my seat was up against a window? The coffee cups were small? Really nothing major.
(5)Grant L.
What a Great find. Asa bistro is a brand-new restaurant with some wonderful farm to table items. I met the owner and she could not of been nicer. The menu was very assessable and fairly priced. I had the braised rabbit with homemade pasta and grilled peaches with a balsamic reduction and goat cheese. For dessert a slice of chocolate truffle pie. This was one of the best meals I've had while in Portland this week. Will definitely be back
(5)Elizabeth S.
Loved everything about this place! The decor is kept simple and suits the space. The servers were very attentive and knowledgeable but certainly gave you the time and space if needed. Food was excellent - great flavor and seasoning - nothing was missing. Also loved that portions were a good size - not huge but certainly filling. Ask for recommendations on food or drink and you'll get guided help! The owners are well positioned for much success as their name gets out. Can't wait to go back!
(5)taylor c.
The entire vibe of the place is so welcoming... But the very best part is the food. Do yourself a favor and order the Grilled Octopus,Fennel Salad and then the Monkfish...a wonderful progression of amazing dishes! End the night with the panna cotta, such a treat. A great addition to Portland!
(5)Judy K.
Came here on 4-4-15 on the recommendation of Jacques, who owns the Old Port Wine and Cigar shop on the waterfront. He always knows the best places! It was our wedding anniversary and we were just thrilled with the entire experience. It is hard to believe they have only been open a couple of weeks, as everything was so well orchestrated from ambiance to menu and service. Not a single hiccup. Rabbit stew and lamb sliders for starters...oh my how yummy. Delighted to find our favorite bottle of nebbiolo wine on the list; even available by the GLASS! I had the monkfish for dinner and the hubs had the special - a duck pozole; both were superb. It seems funny to rave about a salad, but my arugula with beets and pepitas was so perfectly dressed with a simple, lemony vinaigrette that I would drive back to Portland right now just to get it.. Desserts were fabulous... Great price for the value. Oh this place will be impossible to get into by summer - go now, go often, you won't regret it.
(5)Marpheen C.
Wow. Isa will definitely be on the top of my list when suggesting restaurants to visitors and/or friends. Walking up to the restaurant from across the street, I immediately noticed the black paned windows and exterior. It was discreet but at the same time conveyed to the passerby or approaching foodie that this was a refined food establishment. And indeed it was! I started off with a cheese plate and wine while seated at the bar. After pouring over the menu and wanting to order everything, the bartender suggested I try the special not listed on the menu: scallops, pork belly, and brussel sprouts. I love when food is flavor-fully burnt and the chef did a superb job in getting enough of that flavorful burnt with the pork belly without overdoing it. The scallops were also lightly crusted with a flavorful, slightly crispy, burnt. The same with the brussel sprouts. I will definitely come back.
(5)Simone D.
A friend and I have a list of new (and not so new) restaurants to try in Portland, and Isa was next on the list. We were welcomed with a fresh, crisp interior and kind service. We both ordered the lamb sliders--which may be on the appetizer list, but throw in a side, and you have yourself a reasonbly portioned meal. The lamb sliders are composed of little lamb sausages sliced in half, goat cheese, and red bell peppers sandwiched between olive oiled-ciabatta bread. They were quite tasty, but a little difficult to keep together while eating. The combination of the sausage casings, the olive oil, and the goat cheese created a slippery slider situation for me. I would get them again, but possibly not on a date. Wouldn't want to drop goat cheese on my lap! As a side, I got the corn on the cob. It was reminiscent of the elotes you find on the streets on LA, so I was pretty excited. It's definitely lighter than elotes, and there is no mayo and the toppings aren't in excess, but rather they are just right. My friend got the fries, and they were the best fries I've had in a while (when was the last time I had fries? idk, but these are great). They were perfectly crisp and came with a seasoned aoli. Finally I ordered the Tea Coupe (it was in so many yelp reviews, so I had to). I thoroughly enjoyed this drink, but it was pricier than any of the food I ordered. I don't think I would order it again for that price, but it was quite lovely, and I recommend it to anyone to try it at least once. Verdict: try Isa! They use local vendors, have great service, clean interior, and delicious food.
(4)Sarah H.
First time here for brunch, and it was very enjoyable! Beautiful space - comfortable and casual elegance. Great coffee from Tandem Roasters! We shared the fried tortilla, enjoyed the eggs Benedict (on house made biscuits) and baked eggs. They have parking behind the building, and a handicap accessible bathroom - very convenient since my wife is still on crutches.
(4)Anna D.
This review is for the "happy hour time" only... sans a happy hour. Brett and I stopped in for our first time on a Friday at 4 pm. I was pleasantly surprised, but exactly what I had expected -- a space with clean colors (black and white), no "fluff" on the wall, and a very intricate, spunky, black and white tiled floor. The bar itself seats about 12 people, comfortably. Our waitress, Nichole, was great. Brett and I definitely took our time deciding what we'd like to drink, and decided on the Tea Coupe and Grey Lady. The Tea Coup was a hibiscus infused tequila with honey and lime; a little fruity for me (the hibiscus is stronger than you think!), and the Grey Lady was amazing. The combonation of Gin, Earl Grey tea (right?!) and I believe honey.... was beautiful. The gin wasn't overpowering and niether was the tea -- thankfully. I've never been a fan of Earl Grey. We also ordered the lamb sliders to start. This was a perfect appetizer. They were lamb sausages sliced in 1/2, in between herb ciabatta bread with goat cheese, pesto and sun dried tomatoes. This was the most delicious slider I've ever had - hands down, and let it be known, this is something I'd never order. A second friend joined us later on and the three of us have a soft spot for mussles, so a second app was ordered. They were PEEERRFECT. The deliciously cooked, tiny little mussels, accompanied by tomatoes, cilantro and a light wine/mustard sauce and perfectly charred bread, perfect for dipping :) The atmosphere is clean, new and exciting. I'm looking forward to experiencing more of what they offer -- hopefully, sooner than later! Welcome to town, Isa!
(4)Leah W.
Shot story: GO! Try the food, it's really great! For a more in depth review: My friends and I started outlet own brunch club and this was the inaugural spot. The servers were super friendly and sat us right away even though two members of our party had not yet arrived. The server we had was super friendly but also knowledgeable. She specifically asked if anyone had allergies or sensitivities, which I really liked. The atmosphere was great. Isa is definitely smaller, however they clearly do attempt to accommodate everyone as there was a larger party of ten in the restaurant. The space is a bit noisy, due to the acoustics, but it is well decorated and definitely clean. I can see it getting quite crowded but the space seems pretty modular. There is an outdoor patio (it was too cold for it sadly) and they have a small but well kept row of parking spaces (maybe seven or eight cars worth) in the back. My food was delicious. I had the croque madam and the French onion soup. It was well prepared. My only issue with this restaurant, and the reason it gets four stars instead of five is that it took a long time for the food to come out of the kitchen. Think 25 minutes for the soup and over 45 minutes for the entrees. While I definitely get that everything is from scratch, if we were super hungry or in a rush this would be a problem. I would personally rather have the food take longer and be delicious, but this is an important planning factor and it was long enough that I couldn't NOT mention it. Overall, I'm sure I will be back and it is definitely worth a visit.
(4)Alex G.
Although it's in an "up and one day coming" part of west Portland, be careful not to walk down Preble Street: dozens of homeless, some screaming, waiting for services at the shelter/resource center. Once you walk in, you find yourself in a cozy, casual bistro-style restaurant, with friendly servers and a creative menu. We started with an incredible shaved fennel salad with grapefruit and pecorino cheese. It was clean and fresh with a super light flavor profile. The corn tortillas with corn masa and a red pepper sauce bed was a sleeper hit; sublime light red sauce with crispy filled tortillas. Terrific texture and just the right portion size. Next for main (lunch) courses: Eggplant lasagna, which was well made and super tasty, if a touch oily, with a perfect egg-shaped ball of ricotta on top. The baked eggs (they did it with egg whites for us) with grilled kale, tomatoes, and a piece of grilled, thick wheat bread was a huge portion and chock full of grilled, smoky tastiness. Both were delicious! Overall, this is a fun, casual, modern take on an American bistro.
(5)Jay B.
One of the best meals I've had in a while. Lindsey and I sat at the bar in this cozy new Portland bistro. Had the meatballs for a starter which were excellent. Served with addicting fresh bread and olive oil as well. For our entree, I had the duck special which was a breast served with creamy grits and greens. It was hands down the best duck dish I've ever had, and I've had hundreds all around the country. Lindsey's tagliatelle w/ bolognese was equally delicious. Everything we ate was bursting with flavor, the atmosphere and service was very welcoming and we're happy to have a fine addition like Isa to the list of top notch Portland restaurants.
(5)