We had a wonderful dinner at Isa Bistro. The food was simply delicious & reasonably priced. Portions were good. Nice selection of Wines, Cocktails and beer. The ambiance is cozy yet refined. Excellent customer service!! This will be one of our new go to restaurants.
Fabulous experience at Isa Bistro. The menu is simple but covers a wide range of dishes to suit most preferences. They were out of the Branzino and substituted it with Sole, which was incredibly tasty; the sauce was delicious, and the fish was delicate. The cocktails are amazing and reasonably priced. The female bartender was very lovely and friendly – great job, guys! Can't wait to return. Thanks for the nice evening, Stephen and Greg.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Newkirk
This Sunday night, we had the best meal in a long time dining out - A+ and five stars across the board for several reasons. First, shout out to Justin, our waiter for giving us a wonderfully warm, conversational and attentive level of service. Tonight, my partner and I split three appetizers, an entree and dessert. We started with the salt cod fritters, which was a plate of four "pillows" of deliciousness. The salt cod and potato mixture was unbelievably light and full of flavor with a moist, creamy texture on the inside and deep fried on the outside. They were plated with homemade tartar sauce which held a flavor that complemented the fritters and did not overpower them because these pillows of goodness would be overpowered with strong flavors - kudos to chef and staff for a great mix of balanced flavors. We then had the caesar salad, which was the best I have had in a long time because the dressing was perfect in its amount. In my experience, restaurants tend to drench salads in caesar dressing so you taste more of the dressing and less of the salad. Not the case at Isa Bistro. There was a nice balance of dressing to romaine lettuce, the croutons too were perfect and not greasy. The white anchovies were a delight because they were not in heavy oil and they tasted fresh as if they were preserved in water instead of oil - for that fresh fish taste with no smell. Next was the Tagliatelle Bolognese and this is not your standard Italian fare - thank you chef! This was such a delight because the sauce tasted so rich in a deep flavor I would associate with the Italian gravy, but it was light in texture - how they mastered this I do not know! My only regret is we didn't ask for two orders. The sauce was made with a stout and fresh shredded fennel on top - it all worked well and blended together where each mouthful was savored. We finished with the scallop appetizer - 4 scallops on pineapple puree, basil oil and guajillo pepper oil - my partner was savoring each bite of the seared scallops with the sauce so the experience would not end. The pineapple sauce was delicate - just enough in strength to allow you taste very evenly the seared scallop, the pineapple, the basil and the pepper as 4 separate flavors at one time - how enjoyable. We ended with the coconut cream pie. We set our expectations low because we often experience dessert as the weakness of a good restaurant. Not the case at Isa. It was delicious. Again the theme is balance of flavors and textures. The toasted coconut crust was covered with a thin chocolate ganache, followed by a custard that literally and completely melted in your mouth and topped with a whipped cream. The thin ganache layer was perfect, because you could taste the chocolate right away on your palate, but it did not take over - you could savor the melting custard and the crunch of the crust and coconut. We asked the waiter if people ask to buy the entire pie to take home it was so good. If you are seeking a casual dining environment with a great staff and high end food where you are not eating but savoring your food, Isa Bistro is a must visit on your list. Thank you chef and kitchen staff! Thank you Justin!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
PhillyD
Dinner at ISA was a great experience in. The service was great and the menu was filled with creative dishes. And everything our party ordered was prepared perfectly and delicious. We really loved the lobster tostado appetizer and the beet and avocado salad and the eggplant, lasagna, and shrimp entrées.(all of which we shared) the real was complemented by great wine pairings. Dessert was coconut custard pie, Also delicious. We can't wait to return and try the rest of the menu.
Semiregular
First time going to Isa for dinner. We had the octopus as an appetizer. I had the branzino (the regular prep, although the Mexican special sounded great too) and it was outstanding. My wife had the grilled pork chop which was outstanding. Great flavor, preparation and presentation. We definitely will add this to our regular rotation... and it's open on Monday when choices are more limited.
Lindsay Johnson
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland. We come every time we visit and the food is incredible every time we are here. Service is great and everyone is super friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
jgkkk
Fantastic menu that delivers! Every course, every bite was a food memory. Our party is still talking about. With such a bewildering array of great place to eat in Portland, make it easy and set the bar with Isa! (And no, I have no relation or connection with Isa, just a new ardent admirer). Jim
John Barbour
Very cozy and full of nice folks.I pronounce the pork chop the World’s Best Pork Chop.Vegetarian options: My wife loves the eggplant lasagna.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salad
Stephen Ebersole
The food was amazing. This was my first experience at Isa. I came based on a recommendation from a coworker who liked Isa better than Scales. The only downside wasn't anything they could control, and that is the neighborhood is a bit sketchy after dark. We really appreciate that they have their own parking!!
This was the first time we have been to Isa Bistro. The entire evening was superb. The food, the service, the vibe, the decor all were creative and superior. We've lived in and around Portland for about 20 years and eaten at many excellent restaurants in Portland. We REALLY enjoyed our time at I/B and will enthusiastically recommend it to our many friends in the area. Thank you!!
DarrylW
The service was excellent and the ambiance inviting. The food was absolutely amazing. We had the beet and avocado salad, the branzino fish and pork chop. Best meal I have had in Portland in quite a while!
SusanS
The food was delicious. I had the lobster tacos that were out of this world! I always get the apple fennel salad which is wonderfully dressed and so full of flavor. My husband had the meatball sandwich which he really liked.
JeffH
We ordered every starter, a main, and two desserts. Every item was beautifully executed and polished; the team was friendly with exactly the right level of attentiveness. Succulent octopus, stand-out lobster ravioli , savory gambas al ajillo on a bed of perfectly prepared linguine, and cod fritters that felt like they were in an impossibly thin, crispy battered shell. We will definitely be back!
Great food in a cozy atmosphere. Cocktails were delicious and our server was attentive without being overbearing. Steak was cooked perfectly and tiramisu for dessert was a delight. Would highly recommended!
We had a wonderful dinner at Isa Bistro. The food was simply delicious & reasonably priced. Portions were good. Nice selection of Wines, Cocktails and beer. The ambiance is cozy yet refined. Excellent customer service!! This will be one of our new go to restaurants.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Cream Pie, Steak, Lobster Tostada, Fries
Great restaurant, just a bad part of town. Walking there not really recommended...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Octopus, Lobster Tostada
Fabulous experience at Isa Bistro. The menu is simple but covers a wide range of dishes to suit most preferences. They were out of the Branzino and substituted it with Sole, which was incredibly tasty; the sauce was delicious, and the fish was delicate. The cocktails are amazing and reasonably priced. The female bartender was very lovely and friendly – great job, guys! Can't wait to return. Thanks for the nice evening, Stephen and Greg.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This Sunday night, we had the best meal in a long time dining out - A+ and five stars across the board for several reasons. First, shout out to Justin, our waiter for giving us a wonderfully warm, conversational and attentive level of service. Tonight, my partner and I split three appetizers, an entree and dessert. We started with the salt cod fritters, which was a plate of four "pillows" of deliciousness. The salt cod and potato mixture was unbelievably light and full of flavor with a moist, creamy texture on the inside and deep fried on the outside. They were plated with homemade tartar sauce which held a flavor that complemented the fritters and did not overpower them because these pillows of goodness would be overpowered with strong flavors - kudos to chef and staff for a great mix of balanced flavors. We then had the caesar salad, which was the best I have had in a long time because the dressing was perfect in its amount. In my experience, restaurants tend to drench salads in caesar dressing so you taste more of the dressing and less of the salad. Not the case at Isa Bistro. There was a nice balance of dressing to romaine lettuce, the croutons too were perfect and not greasy. The white anchovies were a delight because they were not in heavy oil and they tasted fresh as if they were preserved in water instead of oil - for that fresh fish taste with no smell. Next was the Tagliatelle Bolognese and this is not your standard Italian fare - thank you chef! This was such a delight because the sauce tasted so rich in a deep flavor I would associate with the Italian gravy, but it was light in texture - how they mastered this I do not know! My only regret is we didn't ask for two orders. The sauce was made with a stout and fresh shredded fennel on top - it all worked well and blended together where each mouthful was savored. We finished with the scallop appetizer - 4 scallops on pineapple puree, basil oil and guajillo pepper oil - my partner was savoring each bite of the seared scallops with the sauce so the experience would not end. The pineapple sauce was delicate - just enough in strength to allow you taste very evenly the seared scallop, the pineapple, the basil and the pepper as 4 separate flavors at one time - how enjoyable. We ended with the coconut cream pie. We set our expectations low because we often experience dessert as the weakness of a good restaurant. Not the case at Isa. It was delicious. Again the theme is balance of flavors and textures. The toasted coconut crust was covered with a thin chocolate ganache, followed by a custard that literally and completely melted in your mouth and topped with a whipped cream. The thin ganache layer was perfect, because you could taste the chocolate right away on your palate, but it did not take over - you could savor the melting custard and the crunch of the crust and coconut. We asked the waiter if people ask to buy the entire pie to take home it was so good. If you are seeking a casual dining environment with a great staff and high end food where you are not eating but savoring your food, Isa Bistro is a must visit on your list. Thank you chef and kitchen staff! Thank you Justin!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dinner at ISA was a great experience in. The service was great and the menu was filled with creative dishes. And everything our party ordered was prepared perfectly and delicious. We really loved the lobster tostado appetizer and the beet and avocado salad and the eggplant, lasagna, and shrimp entrées.(all of which we shared) the real was complemented by great wine pairings. Dessert was coconut custard pie, Also delicious. We can't wait to return and try the rest of the menu.
First time going to Isa for dinner. We had the octopus as an appetizer. I had the branzino (the regular prep, although the Mexican special sounded great too) and it was outstanding. My wife had the grilled pork chop which was outstanding. Great flavor, preparation and presentation. We definitely will add this to our regular rotation... and it's open on Monday when choices are more limited.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland. We come every time we visit and the food is incredible every time we are here. Service is great and everyone is super friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic menu that delivers! Every course, every bite was a food memory. Our party is still talking about. With such a bewildering array of great place to eat in Portland, make it easy and set the bar with Isa! (And no, I have no relation or connection with Isa, just a new ardent admirer). Jim
Very cozy and full of nice folks.I pronounce the pork chop the World’s Best Pork Chop.Vegetarian options: My wife loves the eggplant lasagna.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salad
The food was amazing. This was my first experience at Isa. I came based on a recommendation from a coworker who liked Isa better than Scales. The only downside wasn't anything they could control, and that is the neighborhood is a bit sketchy after dark. We really appreciate that they have their own parking!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This was the first time we have been to Isa Bistro. The entire evening was superb. The food, the service, the vibe, the decor all were creative and superior. We've lived in and around Portland for about 20 years and eaten at many excellent restaurants in Portland. We REALLY enjoyed our time at I/B and will enthusiastically recommend it to our many friends in the area. Thank you!!
The service was excellent and the ambiance inviting. The food was absolutely amazing. We had the beet and avocado salad, the branzino fish and pork chop. Best meal I have had in Portland in quite a while!
The food was delicious. I had the lobster tacos that were out of this world! I always get the apple fennel salad which is wonderfully dressed and so full of flavor. My husband had the meatball sandwich which he really liked.
We ordered every starter, a main, and two desserts. Every item was beautifully executed and polished; the team was friendly with exactly the right level of attentiveness. Succulent octopus, stand-out lobster ravioli , savory gambas al ajillo on a bed of perfectly prepared linguine, and cod fritters that felt like they were in an impossibly thin, crispy battered shell. We will definitely be back!
Great food in a cozy atmosphere. Cocktails were delicious and our server was attentive without being overbearing. Steak was cooked perfectly and tiramisu for dessert was a delight. Would highly recommended!