Business Details
13 Years
experience
Welcome to ISA | Portland's Neighborhood Bistro
Founded in 2013, ISA is a neighborhood bistro rooted in the shared culinary vision of owners Isaul and Suzie Perez. Our establishment reflects decades of combined experience in the hospitality industry, drawing from our backgrounds in New York City, Washington D.C., and Maine. Isaul's Mexican heritage and expertise in French and Italian cuisine shape our eclectic, seasonally driven menu, while Suzie's sommelier certification and management experience inform our curated wine list and approachable service style. We specialize in creating a welcoming environment where regular patrons feel at home, with staff who recognize their preferences and a menu that balances global influences with local ingredients.Our commitment to quality extends to every detail, from house-made focaccia to sustainably sourced seafood, ensuring each dish reflects our passion for food and community. Over the past decade, we've maintained a focus on consistency, earning recognition as a 2023 James Beard Semi-Finalist for Best Chef Northeast while staying true to our original concept of a neighborhood gathering place.
Services
Eclectic Seasonal Menu
Private Patio Dining
Curbside Takeout
Wine Pairing Selections
Reservations System
Gift Certificates
Bar Service
Lunch Service
Dinner Service
Special Event Catering
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer a decade of experience in creating neighborhood-centric dining experiences
- Our menu combines Isaul's Mexican heritage with French/Italian culinary training
- Suzie's sommelier expertise informs our globally focused wine selections
- We maintain consistent quality through seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
- Recognized as 2023 James Beard Semi-Finalists for Best Chef Northeast
Associations and certifications
- James Beard Foundation
What people say
Seasonal menu
Knowledgeable service
Neighborhood vibe
Wine selection
Consistent quality
Services
Eclectic Seasonal Menu
Our menu features globally inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Diners enjoy house-made pastas, wood-fired proteins, and creative small plates that change with the seasons. The kitchen emphasizes technique-driven cooking while maintaining approachable flavors.
Private Patio Dining
Seasonal patio service offers al fresco dining from June through October. The uncovered space accommodates parties of 1-6 guests with day-of reservations available online. The intimate setting provides an alternative to indoor dining during warmer months.
Curbside Takeout
Convenient curbside pickup allows customers to order online or by phone for 30-minute fulfillment. Staff deliver orders directly to vehicles when patrons arrive, with options to specify car details for efficient service.
Wine Pairing Selections
The beverage program features terroir-driven Old World wines alongside carefully selected affordable options. Certified Sommelier Suzie Perez curates pairings that complement the menu's global flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Reservations System
Online reservation system allows booking indoor tables or bar seats up to 30 days in advance for parties of 1-8. The system manages capacity while maintaining flexibility for walk-ins at the bar's first-come section.
People
Isaul Perez
Chef & Co-Owner
Mexican-born chef with extensive experience in French and Italian cuisine. Started cooking in NYC in 2002 before co-founding ISA with Suzie. Brings cultural influences and technical expertise to the menu creation.
Suzie Perez
Sommelier & Co-Owner
Certified Sommelier with hospitality management experience across three cities. Oversees wine program and service operations, combining beverage expertise with customer service insights to shape the dining experience.
Questions
What type of cuisine does ISA serve?
ISA serves an eclectic, seasonally driven menu blending global influences with local ingredients. Our dishes reflect Isaul's Mexican heritage and experience in French/Italian cuisine.
Do you offer outdoor dining options?
Yes, our private patio is available seasonally from June through October. Day-of reservations for parties of 1-6 guests are available online.
How can I make a reservation?
Reservations for indoor seating can be made online up to 30 days in advance for parties of 1-8 guests through our website's reservation system.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, we offer gift certificates that can be purchased by visiting the restaurant or calling after 3pm daily.
What are your current operating hours?
We're open Wednesday-Thursday 4-9pm, Friday 11:30am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 4-9pm, and closed on Tuesdays.
Do you offer takeout options?
Yes, we provide both online ordering and curbside pickup service with 30-minute fulfillment times for our full menu offerings.
