Portland, Maine’s Isa Bistro Named One of America’s Best Hidden Gem Restaurants

Hidden in Portland, Maine's Parkside neighborhood, Isa Bistro is a delightful gem brimming with flavor and charm.

Though it may appear unassuming from the outside, stepping through the door reveals a warm, inviting space filled with elegance and mouthwatering aromas. It's one of those places you simply can't miss when exploring the city.

It’s like walking into a small restaurant in Europe—one of those family-run spots where everything on the menu is spot-on.

Isa Bistro is a Family-run Restaurant

And perhaps one of its most endearing characteristics is the fact that Isa Bistro is, indeed, delightfully family-run.

Suzie and Isuel Perez first opened Isa in 2015. The two met while working in the industry in New York City. Eventually, Portland came calling, and the rest is history.

Now, the Perezes run one of the most successful restaurants in the city—one with booked tables, glowing reviews, and most importantly, truly delicious food.

As for the menu, it’s typically always evolving. Ethnic cuisines blend seamlessly with the fresh, local ingredients native to this region. The seasonal offerings always seem to reflect the kind of inspiration and creativity that diners crave.

While Isa’s menu does rotate, it’s not without its beloved mainstays. Believe me when I say the Tagliatelle Bolognese is one of the best bowls of pasta in Portland.

I can't stress how good this little bistro is. You know, it's almost like it's this hidden gem or something.

Isa Bistro is One of the Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in America

Funny I mention that, because TripAdvisor actually included Isa on its annual list of the best hidden gem restaurants in the entire nation. The popular foodie website named the Portland bistro the 13th best, to be exact. That's some pretty great news, to say the least.

Here is what TripAdvisor says about Isa.

A cozy restaurant with exceptional food and attentive staff, Isa Bistro is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine and French bistro fare. Not sure where to start? The duck confit paired with a glass of pinot noir is always a hit. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

A reservation is absolutely a must for Isa, considering its size and popularity—which, I suppose, does take away a bit of the “hidden gem” aspect. However, when you're not a restaurant in downtown Portland, it's easy to earn that label, given the out-of-tourist-area location.

Congratulations to Isa on this wonderful recognition. I get the feeling we won’t be able to call it a hidden gem anymore, especially considering it’s ranked as the number one restaurant in Portland at the time of this article’s publication. Not bad at all.