Maine Bistro Named the No. 1 Family-Run Restaurant in America

Maine has plenty of incredible places to grab a delicious meal, but one Portland bistro just earned a pretty impressive distinction: It was ranked the No. 1 family-run restaurant in America!

Lovefood, a food website known for its restaurant rankings, food lists, and recommendations, named Isa Bistro the best family-run restaurant in the entire country. Not too shabby for a neighborhood spot in Maine!

For Maine food lovers, sometimes the best meals are worth the drive, and Isa Bistro is making a pretty strong case for a trip south.

Located in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood, Isa Bistro has a story that’s almost as charming as its food. Husband-and-wife team Isaul Perez and Suzie St. Pierre opened the restaurant on March 19, 2015, after meeting while working in New York City restaurants. Eventually, they made their way to Maine to open the neighborhood bistro they had always dreamed about.

Chef Isaul brings together his French and Italian culinary training with the Mexican cooking traditions he grew up with, creating a menu that puts a creative spin on comfort food. Suzie oversees the front of house and wine program, helping give the restaurant its warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Even the name has a personal touch. Isa Bistro is named after a shortened version of Isaul’s name, making the restaurant a true family labor of love.

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Isa Bistro has earned attention for its incredible lasagna, including its eggplant lasagna, which puts a creative spin on a familiar comfort-food favorite.

With layers of flavor, seasonal ingredients, and plenty of attention to detail, the dish is a great example of how Isa Bistro takes classic favorites and makes them its own.

It's not just lasagna though, the restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring handmade pastas, creative small plates, and dishes that reflect their impressive culinary background.

With a cozy atmosphere and personal touch, it’s the kind of place that makes a meal feel like more than just dinner, but a memorable night out.

Isa Bistro is located at 79 Portland St. in Portland.

Dinner is served Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Tuesdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, brunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by dinner service.

Whether you’re going for the lasagna, the creative menu, or the chance to support a restaurant built around a husband-and-wife team’s dream, Isa Bistro is putting Maine on the national food map in a very tasty way.