Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in South Portland

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant

1. David's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(3788)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Portland

Booked 22 times today

A long established local favorite at the center of the historic arts district featuring eclectic decor,and an energetic atmosphere. David's offers broadly appealing menus that highlight familiar dishes with acreative twist. Open for lunch and dinner, showcasing delectable options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. David’s is known for delicious meals, and warm and friendly service. It’s no wonder that Chef David was voted Portland's best chef in 2021 and chef of the year in 2012.

A photo of Isa Bistro - Portland restaurant

2. Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

Exceptional(1351)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Portland

Booked 6 times today

Isa is a small neighborhood bistro serving eclectic and seasonally driven menu. Reservations are available inside the dining room up to 30 days out, with a maximum of 8 guests. Our private outdoor patio is open seasonally with same day reservations available only, as it is uncovered and weather permitting (not dog friendly). Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or a late cancellation fee may apply. Friday lunch available 11:30-4pm. Dinner daily 4-9pm, except closed on Tuesdays.A husband and wife duo! A 2023 James Beard nominated chef, Isaul Perez brings his experience cooking French and Italian food in NYC to life with a splash of his Mexican heritage. His wife Suzie is a certified sommelier and face of the front. They showcase local farms and purveyors, offer craft beers and house specialty cocktails. The dining room is cozy and quaint with an original black tin ceiling. Be sure to order any of the Mexican dishes, whatever they may be!

3. The Corner Room

4.8

Exceptional(929)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Portland

Booked 37 times today

The Corner Room is a gem in Portland's neighborhood, serving up exceptional Italian cuisine since 2009. Reviews rave about its convivial atmosphere, attentive service, and delectable menu, with standout dishes like Bruschetta and Fettucini Bolognese. The restaurant's commitment to using local and Italian ingredients, coupled with its extensive drink selection, has earned it high ratings. As one reviewer put it, 'The Corner Room never disappoints! Delicious food, great service, amazing wine & drink list.'

4. Solo Italiano

4.7

Exceptional(2642)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Portland

Booked 24 times today

We currently offer in-house dining Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30-10:00pm (last dinner seating is at 9:30). Takeout is no longer available at this time. Patio dining is available Memorial Day weekend through September and always subject to weather. Please call us directly to reserve a patio table, but keep in mind that of the six 4-tops available outside, three are kept for walk-ins only.Our restaurant features Paolo Laboa, international chef from Genova, Italy. His menu consists of simple, flavorful and authentic Northern Italian cuisine. This includes handmade pasta, crudo (raw fish), fresh pizza and an all-Italian wine list. Ingredients are sourced locally, from various Maine farms and from the Gulf of Maine, whenever possible.

5. The Front Room

4.7

Exceptional(484)

Price: Moderate

• American • Portland

Booked 8 times today

Due to volume we are unable to accept reservations for Brunch. Tables are available on a walk-in basis. Reservations are available for Dinner. For parties over 6, please call 773-3366 during business hours to make reservations.Nestled atop Portland’s Munjoy Hill neighborhood, The Front Room, offers dishes & drinks with comfort in mind. A local Brunch destination, enjoy plates such as house-made Corned Beef Hash, Veggie Gnocchi, & Eggs Benedict. Pancakes & French Toast are always a go to. Serving a variety of Mimosas & Bloody Marys, local coffee & teas. Dinner at TFR is relaxed & pleasurable. Plates are made with local components & thoughtful recipes. Enjoy the Casco Bay Scallops, Braised Shortrib, Mushroom Toast, or neighborhood favorite Roasted Pork Loin with JJ's famous bacon jam. Serving a variety of local beer, wine, and cocktails to suit every taste- Come get Happy 4-6 !

6. Bird & Co.

4.8

Exceptional(264)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Portland

Booked 20 times today

We are a neighborhood Taco and Margarita bar. We would love to feed you. Located in the middle of Woodfords Corner, tucked away on the Corner of Deering Ave. and Revere St. Our creative tacos and margaritas use the freshest ingredients and we have something on the menu for everyone. You deserve Tacos.

7. Roma Portland

4.5

Awesome(950)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Portland

Booked 6 times today

The Roma is a throwback, classic American Italian restaurant located in the heart of the West End on Congress St, that pays tribute to the great American Italian restaurants of decades past. The Roma will serve classic Italian-American fare in a relaxed and comfortable dining room. Love for comfort food.

8. Little Tap House

4.5

Awesome(391)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Portland

Booked 2 times today

A neighborhood gastropub featuring 14 local beverages on tap and scratch-kitchen fare. Menu features shares, entrees and house-made desserts. Reservations available in our dining room; our bar and high-top area is almost always dedicated to walk-ins. For reservations for seven or more, email us at littletaphouse@gmail.com.Steps away from popular venues such as the Portland Museum of Art, Cross Insurance Arena, and the State Theater. A welcoming dining experience for locals and visitors-alike!

9. David's 388

4.8

Exceptional(1345)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • South Portland

Booked 11 times today

From the owner of David's (Portland, ME), 388 is a comfortable and casual neighborhood nook where diners can enjoy a range of bold flavors. Both restaurants share the signature of Chef/Owner David Turin, and David's 388 is built "by the Chef, for the Chef." Every week, David's 388 thrills the palette with new dishes that have both creative and traditional influences spanning the width of the globe. The restaurant seats 42 including seating at a Chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen.

10. MK Kitchen

4.9

Exceptional(2269)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Gorham

Booked 7 times today

MK Kitchen is located in the heart of Gorham, Maine. The menu is created by Chef/Owner Mitchell Kaldrovich, who has years of working in top-notch restaurants and hotels all over the world. He brings passion, knowledge and experience. Born in the states, but raised in Argentina, he has a wide blend of flavors and techniques that he has been waiting to showcase at his own place. He and his wife, Lisa opened MK together in April of 2015.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Cassievip
Greater Boston •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We’ve come to Solo many times before and every time feels like our first! Food and service are Outstanding!! This time it was my daughter 16th birthday and they did not disappoint; having dessert with a candle and happy birthday written in Italian. What more could you ask for! Highly highly recommend.
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Solo ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Portland
•
4.7
M
Mike
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The waiter was very nice and efficient and the atmosphere was lovely and clean. Lots of interesting details to appreciate in the decor. The food itself was outstanding. I don’t think you could go wrong with any of the dishes. The clam chowder was a spot on and meatloaf was incredible.
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David's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Portland
•
4.7
T
The
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Cozy spot with great food and outstanding service. We had the grilled octopus, meatballs, pork chop, lamb pasta special and the Mexican chocolate cake and all were delicious! The portion sizes were perfect. It was a birthday celebration and a perfect night.
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Isa Bistro - PortlandPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Portland
•
4.9
W
Wendy
Greater Boston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was amazing and cooked perfectly. Our waiter, Jake, was funny and attentive. Restaurant is small so noise level was a bit high but I could still have conversation with my table easily.
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The Front RoomPrice: Moderate• American• Portland
•
4.7
V
Valerievip
Greater Boston •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 19, 2024
We a had a wonderful dinner before attending a show. Our waiter Sean was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. Everything was delicious from our antipasto platter, cocktails, pasta dishes and crème brûlée with biscotti. I had the pasta with mushrooms and I would definitely order it again. Homemade biscotti was to die for! Looking forward to returning.
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The Corner RoomPrice: Expensive• Italian• Portland
•
4.8

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South Portland

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in South Portland

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. David's Restaurant

2. Isa Bistro - Portland

3. The Corner Room

4. Solo Italiano

5. The Front Room

6. Bird & Co.

7. Roma Portland

8. Little Tap House

9. David's 388

10. MK Kitchen

See what locals rave about

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