Reviews of Evo Kitchen + Bar. (Restaurant) in Portland (Oregon).
Evo Kitchen + Bar
443 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Description
Information of Evo Kitchen + Bar, Restaurant in Portland (Oregon)
Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.
This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended
Map
Open hours of Evo Kitchen + Bar
Sunday
5–9 pm
Monday
5–9 pm
Tuesday
5–9 pm
Wednesday
5–9 pm
Thursday
5–9 pm
Friday
5–10 pm
Saturday
5–10 pm
Popular times
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Reviews of Evo Kitchen + Bar
Yu-Hsien Ho
We were visiting Portland for a day made a reservation for the tasting menu. The dishes were surprisingly top notch and the staff was also on point. We did the wine pairing in addition to the tasting menu. The waitress and bartender were very generous with the drinks and had a lot of knowledge of how and why the wines went with each dish. Out of all the dishes we tasted, the highlights for me were the quail, haddock, steak, carrots, and sorbet. The quail was perfectly cooked. Skin was nice and crisp and the meat inside remained moist and packed with flavor. The haddock had a light crumble or breading on top and somehow the interior was light and super flaky. Just a really well cooked piece of fish. The wild berry sorbet tasted quite refreshing at the end of the meal. Overall an excellent experience well worth the price. Would highly recommend a visit.
JAE WON KWAK
Every dish from kitchen was phenomenal. Tasty, balanced, beautiful, textured and temperature of food was perfect.
Especially, the carrot dish was wonderful. I know you are not big fan of vegetarian dish, but you should try the carrot.
It made me thought that vegan life can be a good for a second.
Highly recommended, good vibes, foods and drinks.
James
Second time we have stopped in for the Chefs tasting, and once again EVO did not disappoint. Such a great atmosphere and the ability to watch the chefs / staff work is awesome. Matt and the crew are incredibly friendly and create some unbelievable dishes. Cannot recommend enough! Will be back very soon.
Matthew
If you're someone who loves to try creative food combinations, and get a feel for a whole menu, then Evo is a wonderful spot. The tasting menu had nearly one of everything, perfect for those of us that can never choose what exactly they want to eat. I'd personally suggest Evo if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, or treat a major foodie in your life.
We went for the tasting menu, which consisted of 8 dishes in total. We had one of nearly everything on the menu.
Often with tasting menus, while it's amazing to try a variety of dishes, you can leave still feeling hungry. I can honestly say that was not the case with the Evo tasting menu; I left satiated and satisfied.
The service in Evo could not have been any better. They were knowledgable about each dish.
Each course had ample time to be enjoyed and digested before the next came out; another negative of some tasting menu spots is meals coming out either too fast or too slow. Evo got this tempo just right.
Truly the service and attention to detail made this a memorable experience.
Looking forward to the next trip to Portland, when I can visit Evo again.
Darren Whitney
It all started the day before when we made a reservation with Nick for Evo. I had a really good feeling from him about this place and all came out to be true ! His fun engaging personality ended up being a common theme for the whole staff. We wanted to sit at the chefs counter where could we could observe a highly efficient kitchen full of experts. These guys were something to behold, all highly experienced and very friendly. The cocktails were all excellent and their suggested wine pairing was perfect with our duck and tuna entrees. Both entrees were delicious and unique ! Just the right portions extremely fresh top recipes...To top it off we had an amazing carrot cake that was one of the best we've ever had. The whole staff from the beginning to the end are all working very hard for you to have a fantastic experience. Treat them well when you visit as they deserve it! Do yourself a favor and check them out. We have been multiple times and will keep going back!
Jason Roberts
First timer here and we went at NYE so it was busy. They were late with our reservation (no fault of theirs) but this only gave them the opportunity to showcase their amazing service. They sat us down to wait and immediately brought us drinks. They also brought us out some chickpea fries while we waited 🤤 These little things made us so excited to try the 6 course meal that was coming. I cannot rave enough about the food and our server. There was so much flavor and creativity in the food. Our server was very prompt and attentive during our whole stay. The Gnocchi and short rib were my favorite! It is pricy and of course even pricier on NYE but it is WELL WORTH IT. if you want fine dining in Portland, Evo is the place to go!
Ashley Marie Bennett
This place is absolutely amazing! Evo was recommend to us by friends who dine here on a regular basis, and I’m so glad we were able to check it out and cannot wait to come back!
It was hands down the best dining experience I’ve had so far! We sat at the chef counter and did the tasting menu and it is by far worth every penny!
From the moment we sat down we had nothing but outstanding service. We were greeted by the bartender who provided complimentary champagne for our anniversary, and then dove into the tasting menu. The bartenders were professional, welcoming, never made us feel rushed or ignored, friendly, and knew how to make outstanding cocktails. Watching every ingredient they put into some of these drinks and the creativity was impressive.
I can’t remember all the names of the dishes but every single one of them was mind blowing, flavorful, beautifully presented, crafted with passion, and just straight up awesome! We were amazed at how well some of the flavors paired together and impressed at the portion size! I would definitely say you get more than just a couple of bites!!
We had a an awesome variety from the dip with pita, to sea scallops with bacon and maple flavors, a delicious crusted cod, duck, filet, and finished with a goat cheese and fig flan it was all just perfect. I’ve never liked duck before, but the way it was cooked and prepared I absolutely loved it!! It was so tender you could cut it with the butter knife!
All of the staff was on their A Game too, extremely attentive and knew how to keep the pace of the meal with out rushing anyone. Each person who delivered the dishes was informative and descriptive with their delivery. At the end of the meal the manager made it a point to come over and thank us for dinging with them and even gave us some carrot cake to try when we got home! It was such a nice gesture and we cannot wait to tell everyone how amazing this place was!
This is the perfect spot for a nice little date night, special occasion, or a fancy cocktail- the atmosphere is cozy and elegant but not pretentious, it is just perfect.
Great job Evo!! Can’t wait to see you again!
Diana Iquique
We celebrated our anniversary and did the chef tasting. They went above and beyond. We left very grateful & appreciated all the dishes they offered us. We loved every single plate. Drinks were also great! I can’t wait to come back!
Asya Hirst Caron
It was best dining experience in my life! Every dish was a masterpiece, I really loved two cocktails I tried there and waitress was really helpful with everything. Definitely will go back again and again cause it’s worth every penny!
006
I give EVO my highest rating ever. This was simply the best dining experience I've had in years. The food was all memorable. The cocktails were inventive and delicious. The service was impeccable... I can't rave about this experience enough.
Shaun Ee
I never post reviews but I had to for Evo - one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. Every dish and cocktail was fantastic and our server Alex was superb (and had great recommendations!) Couldn't recommend highly enough.
cat herder
A truly exceptional and exquisite meal. Complex flavors that are unexpected yet blend perfectly to create an amazing culinary experience. If you are looking for a big WOW dinner out in Portland, this is the place. Definitely order the shishito peppers.
Hodaya Walton
Great flavors and really good service. I order dish after dish as I go and the food came really fast. Waitress kept coming very often to check if I need anything and explained wonderful about the ingredients of the dish.
Baba Ganush was very smooth and delicious it came with 2 freshly baked pitas that were warm and soft.
I really want to try the Tuna and the Cod next time so I’m looking forward for coming back here! Thank you for the lovely experience
Thomas Perceval
By far the best meal I've had in Portland! We did the chef's tasting menu- vegan option. Every single dish was a winner. For me the fingerling potato dish was perfection. Also, Kevin the bartender was the icing on the cake- making up dealer's choice bourbon and gin drinks on the spot that were perfection. Everyone behind the counter here is an artist.
Tim
It’s clear to me why this place has become a local staple. These guys get it. Their focus on hospitality and customer service are top-notch and their food…WOW. Every bite had me smiling. Such powerful and yet balanced combinations of flavors and textures in so many beautiful ways.
I can’t wait to eat here again. Bring a friend and experience culinary joy together.
Props to Nick—thanks for everything.
Alec Wright
My girlfriend and I had an incredible meal and experience at Evo! She is Lebanese and raved about the Labneh. They even had a Lebanese wine on the menu, which was delightful. All of the food we had was top notch and the small plates made for such a fun dining experience where sharing food was encouraged and we could talk about the dishes together. Our servers were so friendly and made the whole night even better! We will be back in the future, no doubt!!!
Rachel Knowland
I have always wanted to try Evo! My biggest regret is not going sooner! Everyone that works there is extremely hospitable! Being a vegetarian it’s hard to find an extensive menu with so many options! This place did not disappoint. We went with the vegetarian tasting menu. We got nine dishes plus three desserts. My favorite was the broccolini, chickpea fries, and the soup! I wish I had ten stomaches so I could’ve eaten everything. Thanks so much for the wonderful meal! Looking forward to dining again!
Robyn R
We have had many wonderful experiences at Evo, and this was no exception! From the creamy hummus and warm pitas to the carrot cake that we couldn't stop eating, everything was delicious! Sitting at the chef's counter was a great experience also, seeing all the magic happen! The lobster dish with beurre blanc (pictured) is a must try, as was the salad. Thank you for another wonderful night, Evo team!
Helen Goldman
This was an amazing experience! the food was delicious and disappeared in seconds. staff was accommodating and helpful. one of the best places to go for an exquisite culinary experience in Portland. We had the tomato and squash appetizers, tuna, cod, and steak as main dishes. Even the kids loved it. :)
Tavonna Miller
Me and my best friend had a wonderful time here during our food crawl for the day! Alice & Hannah , our servers, really made us feel special and accommodated. The hostess even checked on us to make sure we enjoyed our time. The food & drinks were superb and everything we had hoped they would be ! Thank u!
(Heirloom Tomato app pictured)
MenuPassport
Evo is undoubtedly among Portland, Maine's best restaurants. The food is on the pricier side but we can assure you that it is worth every penny. Everything is a hit with the Chef's Tasting Menu with each dish not only beautifully presented but also layered with flavors, freshness and quality. Your taste buds will be giddy with joy after every bite!
Jaylah Sawyer
Flavors!!! The chefs here know how to really excite your palette with vibrant and zesty flavors. So many different and wonderful textures in one truly delicious meal! I highly recommend the falafel and the polenta fries to start. The entrees were quite innovative with the combination of ingredients. I took some carrot cake home and was blown away by the frosting, I could’ve just had the frosting on a spoon and been completely content. I highly recommend, especially if you love Mediterranean food. I definitely suggest reserving a seat at the chefs table so you can ask questions about the different ingredients and inspirations. I had a wonderful evening and I guarantee you will too!
Aaron Szafran
Seriously doesn’t get any better than this! Looking for a unique and unforgettable experience?! Do the chefs tasting menu and you’re wildest food dreams will be realized! Course after course of savory succulent dishes kept flying out of the kitchen, often delivered directly from the chef and his crew, thoroughly explained to the t, and presented beautifully. Good luck getting through it all, but you’ll keep eating regardless of being too full, as that is truly how amazing their food is. Chef Matt and team are deserving of far more than a simple 5 star review from me! Most expensive meal I’ve ever had, but I surely would’ve paid more! GO EAT @EVO!!!
Mira Sharifova
Last Saturday ( June 2nd) we celebrated our anniversary there. We had a great experience, very nice and friendly stuff, the food was absolutely amazing and so delicious, enjoyed every single bite . I recommend to everyone! You will never regret!☺️
Maryam Jetha
Exceptional service. Excellent food. Superior ambience. Management was incredibly friendly and involved. We had the tuna tartar that was a homage to the palate, while the chick pea fries were an untraditional treat. Definitely recommend visiting this restaurant if you are in the area.
Mariam Yak
We had a fantastic date night tonight at Evo with the tasting menu, which was a delicious combination of fish, meats and veggies. The extremely fresh tuna was our favorite. Service was impeccable and a big shoutout to Alice - our server Alice was a delight and made our night so memorable! She brought us custom-made shots to start off our tasting experience and kept the courses flowing (even customizing dishes to our liking). What a great vibe, amazing food and friendly people!
Hanna O'Meara
Food is exceptional. Easily our favorite spot in Portland. All dishes flavorful, beautiful presentations and creative and unexpected pairings. Wine options are superb. Do not hesitate- go here. Just don’t go the nights I’m trying to get a reso.
Sarah Croughwell Lincoln
One of the best meals I've had in recent years. I went as part of a bachelorette party. We did the Chef's Tasting Experience and totally worth it. Everything from the veggie dishes to the steak was perfectly prepared and balanced in flavor and of course very Instagrammable. I can't wait to go back.
Danette Morrison
Highly enjoyable meal! Innovative, delicious and bar is set high here. They are serious about food. Eat there every time we’re in Portland.
Nina Pham
This place was a random find but should be talked about more! The food was so incredibly delicious and I will absolutely be coming back for more. The staff was really kind especially Alice who went above and beyond. Come here if you’re in Portland Maine!
Megan Tramaglini
I will start out with saying I have never written a Google review. I felt as though I needed to for this.
We dined at Evo with a party of 5 and we all did the chef’s tasting. 2 of us did the wine pairing with the meal, while the other 3 ordered their handcrafted, unique cocktails. We were halfway through the meal when we all had the realization at the same time that this was the best meal we have ever had in our lives. We are people that seek out high quality food and restaurants where ever we go. The flavors, textures, presentation, everything about Evo was phenomenal. Go and order the chef’s tasting. There is no way you could possibly be disappointed. This place is amazing.
P. Robinson
Hands down, we had THE best experience! The customer service from the hostess, to the servers and the maître d’, hands down I would easily give this establishment more than 5/5++++.
The chickpea fries and the mushroom toast were my favorites! Side note, we had the toast without ricotta cheese and it was amazing so I could only imagine what it taste like with it. The lamb and steak were so delicious. My family and I are from out of town, we left with so many fantastic recommendations. Everyone who provided us with such amazing customer service truly made this a special birthday for my husband and I cannot thank you all enough.
Brooke Goodman
My favorite of mine, I go every time I come to Portland. The bar seating is cool because you can watch the prep lines in action. The drinks are great and the bartenders are knowledgeable about the wine selection. The food is amazing, especially for a vegan who never gets to do tasting menus anywhere. It is pricey but worth it for a nice dinner out. Highly recommend!
Jaimee Kress
My husband and I ate here last night and decided to do the chef’s tasting menu. We were blown away by every single dish that we had and have been raving about it to everyone we know. Not only was the food phenomenal, but the service was top notch. Every staff member that we interacted with was incredibly kind and made the whole experience even better. We had high expectations based on reviews that we had read prior to going, but the experience far exceeded those expectations. We will definitely be coming back in the future!
Jack Claypoole
We’re foodies from SC but visiting Maine for our anniversary and sat at the Chef’s Counter this week. Truly outstanding dining experience. Food was fantastic, staff were friendly and engaging, couldn’t have asked for more. Highly recommend!
Jonathan Nutt
An absolutely wonderful experience! Highly recommend! We were greeted by a very nice host and escorted upstairs to our table in the mezzanine, which was super cozy and intimate. Perfect for a date night or private meal. Our server, Meredith, was so kind and very knowledgeable, letting us know a little bit about each dish we ordered. The bartender, Kevin, was extremely skilled. As for the food itself - where to begin? "Exceptional" is the first word that comes to mind, but you just have to experience it for yourself to understand how incredible everything is. Tom, Jed, and Devin along with their entire team are true experts at their craft. Every dish was a work of art, plated beautifully and cooked to perfection with absolutely incredible and unique flavor. These dishes are definitely meant to be savored. What's more, the menu is always evolving, so if you see something that interests you, you should definitely give it a try as it may not be featured forever! We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to try the duck liver mousse and venison, which were a few of our favorites! Our meal culminated with the most amazing desserts prepared by the very talented pastry chef, Carlos. We left very comfortably full and completely satisfied ☺️ We'll absolutely be back, and already can't wait for our next visit! A huge thank-you to the entire Evo team for a wonderful experience!
Edward Ginley
Amazing dining experience while visiting Portland and Ogunquit for summer vacation. We ordered the chefs tasting menu and were not disappointed. Incredibly delicious food (especially the spreads and seafood) and beautiful presentation. We are from Philadelphia and compare the relaxed wonderful experience to our experiences at Suraya and Zahav in Philadelphia. If in Portland, ME definitely GO!
Alper Karacay
Came for our 3td anniversary dinner. I’ve been giving 5 stars for other restaurants but this one is on another level. I can’t even describe you guys this salmon, falafel and desserts. You MUST try this restaurant. AMAZING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jake Maxmin
I didn’t expect to be writing this review. After making a same day reservation a few weeks ago, I was excited to get in and try out this amazing restaurant. I left feeling underwhelmed and frustrated. One dish came out differently than described on the menu. The menu stated it came with wild rice. The dish arrived with no wild rice. We asked for some, and the server was unaware if they even had any. Upon our completion of the dish, we were brought a small portion of wild rice to “taste”. Apparently they said the chef was making on the fly changes to the dishes, which is totally cool, but it’s just something to inform people about before they order. The food was good, but the portions did not seem to match up with the pricing. Included in the bill was an employee wellness fee, which is also cool, but I felt like I had already overpaid for the food, so it was frustrating. I would have personally preferred to have this fee incorporated into menu pricing, but each to their own. At the end of the day, it’s great to have restaurants like this in Maine. But affordability and quality matter, and for a special occasion like dining here, you want to feel like you got a fair value. I didn’t feel that way.
Valerie Havens
We had a wonderful dinner at Evo with a very delicious tasting menu this week. One feedback is to tweak and space the service, as we felt each of the 8 courses came out on top of each other, without removing plates from the last course, and then the waiter didn’t offer clean plates until we asked. Just some more focus to smooth out the service would make it a great experience especially for a more gourmet dinner!
Jane Mikus
It’s hard to explain how amazing this restaurant is. Every bite of every dish will stop you in your tracks. The service was also delightful. Truly incredible!!!!
Dan Reilly
It’s always exciting when a very nice restaurant has vegan options, but Evo has a vegan tasting menu of 9 courses. My wife and I partook in the tasting menu with the seasonal wine pairings and had a wonderful food experience. Sitting at the crinkle wall is a fun experience while you’re in the action but able to maintain privacy from others. We will definitely be eating there next time we’re in Portland!
Victoria Morgan
We had a fabulous time at Evo tonight. Both the food and the service were absolutely stellar. We were made to feel so at home even though we were a table of 3 that had our 3rd guest arrive an hour after the first two. Our waitress, Brie (hope that I'm spelling this right), was patient with us as we explained our situation about having a 3rd person arrive late. She suggested a great wine and helped is decide how much food to order. Nick was at the front of the house and was a star when it came to making us not feel rushed, even though we had arrived about 20 minutes late to our reservation and they had a reservation that would be seated after us. The food was all delicious - our favorites included the delicata squash appetizer and the chicken main course. Nick also offered a slice of carrot cake for dessert to-go on the house so that we could enjoy a sweet treat without feeling rushed. Overall, we would highly recommend a visit to Evo! You won't be disappointed.
Picture attached - Madeira wine + a seasonal apple dessert that was also delicious!
Elizabeth Davis
This restaurant is amazing! It’s our go-to whenever we’re in Portland and is consistently delicious. We love getting to try all the different dishes and their plates are made to be shared. Our server at our most recent visit, Alice, was very friendly and helpful. The location is fun with huge windows looking onto the street. I’d recommend this restaurant to anyone in Portland looking for a memorable meal!
Todd W. Smith
I don't usually leave reviews, but I also don't usually receive service like I did at Evo, so here we are. There is good customer service, and then there is a Culture of Service. Evo has a true Culture of Service that is unmatched. Every single person that spoke me to, and it was a lot, was incredibly kind, friendly, and engaging. I arrived late, not realizing the kitchen was closing soon, but they allowed me to order and take as much time as I needed, even though I felt terrible for being there near/after close. Nobody seemed put-out, upset or even slightly annoyed that I was the last guest in the restaurant finishing my meal. From the bartender to the cooks to the head Chef to the manager, everyone went out of their way to make me feel welcome and appreciated. And oh yeah, the food was amazing. The rutabaga pear soup with ginger and jalapeno is out of this world. It was an outstanding experience, and I will be back the next time I am town!
Courtney Lawton
Best surprise of our Maine trip. Not a lobster/oyster place but wow it was amazing! Every dish was thoughtfully crafted to bring out each flavor masterfully. The service was stellar; every person who visited the table was eager to help in any way versus some places that only care about “their specific job/table”. Would go back in a heartbeat. Hats off to the whipped feta and blue fin tuna dishes too!
Matthew Strickland
My wife and I have been to Evo a couple of times, and every time has been fantastic! We went last night for my birthday and the staff was very attentive, warm and welcoming. We dod the chef’s tasting menu and we cannot recommend it enough! Every dish was fantastic. We also had a couple cocktails each, and they were delicious and well balanced as well! We make it a point to come to Evo every time we visit Portland!
Nicholas Dolan
The best meal I have ever had! Strongly recommend, especially for fellow vegans. Ive worked in fine dining for years and very much admire the steps of service, communication, and unity the staff seemed to have. Overall a beautiful experience.
Emily Wisecup
Fun, energetic place. We took friends here from out of town. We were sat at the bar which I thought might be a bit awkward at first but it turned out to be a great experience. Our waitress/bar tender was fabulous and explained the menu to us. The chickpea fries… amazing. Definitely worth a visit. We’ll be back.
Helen Vanderlan
Everything was delicious and the cocktails were great too. Very vegetarian friendly. Really attentive service.
Chanel Lewis
Chasing Evo
I will forever chase the dining experience I had at Evo at every other restaurant I visit. Everyone from the maitre d to the waitperson to the kitchen staff was so kind, warm and welcoming. And the food...wow. The steak (pictured) melted in my mouth. The plates arrived full (they are pictured empty because they’re delicious) and the desserts were delicate, innovative and incredibly comforting.
If you’re considering places to dine while in Portland, I couldn’t recommend Evo enough.
Big shout outs to the crew for making me feel so damn special!
KRISTEN LANDER
We had a great dinner last night! Tried the carrots, beet and plums, monk fish and steak. The flavors on all dishes were fantastic! Excellent service and nice wines. Highly recommend when in Portland.
Jonghoon Won
I strongly recommend this restaurant. I like their recipe. when you visit Portland ME you need to visit here. Trust me!
Maria Frangione
We ate as a large party on a busy Saturday night. The manager and chef were amazing in accommodating us. We were able to try a variety of appetizers and small bites. Chick pea fries, lentil hummus, tuna and cod 👏🏽 Absolutely incredible! Thank you to the staff at EVO for a wonderful evening. …
Petrina Scaglione
The food is amazing. I have been here twice and each time I have been blown away by the food and cocktails. The staff is friendly and made us feel very special after specifying we were celebrating an anniversary. We will definitely be dining here again!
Paul White
Outstanding quality food in a great setting. Chick pea fries are one of the top apps in Portland, the wine list is varied and a solid value. We enjoyed the tuna again and the monkfish was terrific! Attentive service too.
Nejhael Carcamo
My husband made reservations here for us to eat. Turns out it was for the following day. However, they were extremely accommodating and let us know we would still be eating there that night! It was PACKED and they made it work! We got the Tasting menu and it didn’t disappoint . I felt like everything that touched my tongue ,in that moment I swear it was the best thing I’ve ever tasted! It was just that good! Top tier experience! We’ll be back!
Suzanne Causey
AMAZING Chef’s menu tasting while hanging out with the chefs!! This is one of the best tasting menus I’ve ever had. The chefs are talented, unbelievably accommodating to food allergies, and creative. You don’t want to miss this experience while in Portland!
Izzy Litwack
Absolutely worth the hype. We had a fantastic meal, start to finish. Everything was perfectly cooked and plated, it was creative and new. We especially loved sitting at the counter and looking into the action in the kitchen!
Madi S
I’ll be real: I’ll miss Evo
Visiting for my birthday, needed a trendy, delicious and quality restaurant. Check, check check. Seated immediately at the bar area. Loved the gnocchi & Chickpea fries.
Ordered Pumpkin cake for my bday dessert, and also received another dessert on the house. So sweet (literally and figuratively)!!! Plates range $14-$26
*Indoor and outdoor seating available
+Customer service
+Clean
+Trendy ambience
Bob Harrison
Most excellent dining experience at the bar. Venison, lamb, were perfect. Great team was fun to observe their professionalism and enthusiasm. A terrific evening. Finish with the Turkish coffee.
Megan Rogers
Evo is one of my top favorite places to eat in Portland. As a plant-based eater, it isn't always easy to find an upscale-ish dining experience and the fact that Evo offers a vegan tasting menu is so appreciated! I've now dined there 5 times, bringing someone different each time and everyone has loved it. Every dish is always SO good - creative flavors, beautifully presented, is delivered timely. There is so much food that although you are just eating a smallish amount of each dish, you leave full and satisfied! The service is attentive, knowledgeable and kind. My only criticism is the music - it was a very strange mix of tunes last night that did not go with the ambience well. I will be back soon!
Laurent Méthot
Amazing evening, we sat at the bar and took the chef's tasting menu. Very friendly staff, gave excellent wine pairing suggestions. The food was just incredible, especially the tuna.
Ben Helstrom
Second time there and did the chefs tasting course and it was amazing. So many small plates that I lost track of how many we had. Fantastic time and will return.
Edit went again and had an amazing time. Great service and food was mind-blowing. Couldn't stop smiling
Allan Purdom
We ate at Evo’s Chef’s Counter. It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. The staff was friendly, attentive and appreciative. The food was absolutely delicious. When we come to Portland again, it will be our first place to go.
Taylor R.W.
We visited after trying Twelve in August of 2022, which was amazing! After learning Evo is a sister restaurant, we knew we needed to give it a try! We were seated on the 2nd floor which gave a nice view of Fore Street and the bar seating area below. We ordered the chef's tasting with modifications made for a gluten free guest in our party. The chef's experience came with 8 courses 1) two spreads 2) carrots for the vegetable 3) cod 4) bluefin tuna 5) monkfish 6) confit chicken 7) bavette steak 8) concord grape sorbet + GF flourless chocolate cake w/ crème anglaise and caramel (off menu). The portions were generous and I would recommend coming hungry! The value was worth it considering I didn't have to think about what to order. Great job chef Matt and to the staff for a lovely experience overall.
Shishir Pandey
We called in before coming to the restaurant and were lucky to get a table immediately. We enjoyed the food and the drinks. I had a Turkish coffee and falafel.
Johnny Glass
As a foodie, and someone who likes to eat at the best restaurants in the world, I can tell you one thing for certain and two things for sure.
It is an absolute shame that this place and Matt Ginn’s team doesn’t have a Michelin star. And I’ve eaten at Michelin star restaurants that weren’t even close to this good.
From front of house, to the chef’s table seating at the bar, to the absolute exquisite tastes and flavors presented in each dish. There wasn’t a missed note anywhere. Every single moment felt curated and executed to perfection.
Oh, and the HALIBUT!!! I lived in Alaska for three years, eating halibut often. In the states, it’s rare for restaurants to cook it right. In the past 5 years at 12 other places, it’s always been overcooked.
But the team at Evo? Flawless cook on a very difficult fish to cook.
Incredible wine list, and after dinner apertifs.
My wife and I will definitely be back again, and often! Kudos to Ryan and his team!!
Charles Uchendu (Adi)
Much to the chagrin of places I've been i feel normalized reviews make the most sense. Most places are average, it's what average means. This is not. Every dish we had was great, the value was there, and I'd happily drive to Portland again just to visit. Thanks to everyone at Evo.
Bryan Martins
One word to describe this experience, Amazing! From the quality of the food, the drinks, the service just everything was absolutely perfect. We tried the vegetarian chef tasting which included a variety of small plates and included a dessert course as well. All the staff was attentive and extremely helpful. The atmosphere is modern and romantic and perfect for a date night. Plenty of vegetarian options for those who do not eat meat (like me!) Highly recommend to try this place out
J A
I did the chef's tasting with the wine pairing. It was the best food experience that I've ever had.
The food was delicious and thoughtful. The wine enhanced the food perfectly.
My server was so kind, thoughtful, and explained everything just right for me. I couldn't believe how timely and thoughtful she was. The timing of everything was flawless.
My view of Portland was beautiful! It was so fun to enjoy myself at the window, watching hundreds of people walk by.
I can't emphasize enough how unique, thoughtful, and delicious my meal was.
Update: went again with friends and tried the vegan tasting menu. Absolutely amazing food and wine, and I had one of the most fun nights of my life.
Samuel Loso
Great meal, friendly service. Nice setting. For small plates (aka Tapas) style eating, be aware that the plates are generous. My boyfriend and I ordered the Chickpea fries, hommus, beef kefta, and the monkfish to share. The pacing of the plates was perfect, but we were unable to finish the beef and the monkfish because of how full we were. That’s a good complaint to have! We resorted to “sampling for flavor” by the last of it. The biggest bummer was that our hotel room fridge wasn’t working, so we weren’t able to indulge on some midnight leftovers much later in the night.
Looking forward to coming back to Portland and this restaurant this summer. I’ll be keeping my eye out to see how their menu changes over the seasons.
Andrew Coco
We ordered the chef’s menu and were blown away by the diversity of flavors in each dish. This is a must try for anyone looking for a unique dining experience.
Debra Cooper
Totally wonderful meal and outstanding service! Thank you Ruan and manager, Ryan. Our special requests were handled perfectly! Our small plates included chick pea fries, sweet potatoes, hummus and endive salad; finished with lemon cheesecake - all were absolutely AMAZING!!
Jeff
Service was fantastic as always, top notch, and the food just doesn't really get much better. The vegan tasting menu is the only reason we come, and it's reason enough to drive 2hrs each way. This is a quarterly trip to quarterly trip to Portland for us. We were with a non vegan, and we were unaware of their policy that if you do the tasting menu, then everyone has to do the tasting menu. I kind of understand as many people will want to sub this for that, but it would be nice if this were noted in the website when making orders. They did accommodate us very professionally but we will at least know this going forward, and I wanted to share that with othera reading this review. Didn't detract from the experience, and we will of course to continue coming back.
Lavishly Dunn
We just ate at Evo. We tried 8 different dishes and they were literally all incredible. I am a chef and owner of a catering company and I just had one of the best dinners of my life. I will go here every time I come to Portland and will make special trips to visit this masterpiece. Thank you thank you thank to the kitchen staff for an exceptional evening.
Lindsay Faust-Gilmore
Go to this restaurant! No question. The food is superb and the drinks are perfectly crafted. Highly recommend the baklava and Turkish coffee for dessert. My husband and I had such a lovely experience. Thank you!
Zeke Wyatt
Commented on EVO a few months ago. That would have been our first time there. Since then, we've returned, I think, 4 or 5 times, last evening included. This is our favorite restaraunt in Portland. They are innovative with food, juxtaposing flavors that when an idea doesn't quite work, is still good. That's an approach and standard that other Portland restaurants mostly fail (think CP) to succeed at doing. I have tried monkfish only once before, at Fore St. Hated it , sent it back. Last night, I loved EVO's version. It may have been a bit overcooked, but the texture and taste were fantastic. The primary garnish was a (corn something or other, think sweet corn meets soft polenta meets aioli), that was just great with the monkfish. This was an excellent lobster alternative. Our favorite though, was their mussel dish. Service? Personable, efficient, relaxed, and a staff that understands we live in Maine, not NY or SF. Sitting at the bar/counter, and with an open kitchen, the kitchen staff also engages with guests in a wonderful way. Plus, you sense the kitchen understands what is happening with guests throughout the guest experience. That's hard to do. We love this place.
Amy Rose
We had such a great experience here during our stay in Portland! We sat outside and the service and food were both impeccable. Food was out quickly and I was extremely pleased with everything we ordered. I would recommend the skordalia to everyone-it is to die for!
Ian Bradley
Stopped in for lunch and glad I did! Great spot for lunchtime tapas. The chickpea fries were amazing - very lightly fried and almost fluffy on the inside - and the tuna wasn't too shabby either.
Additionally, tall glass windows and outward facing seating made for great people watching.
Definitely worth stopping by when you're in Portland, Maine!
Chris Slesarchik
I was impressed with how extremely well run Evo was and even more impressed with their food! A refreshing combination of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean small plates that are all fantastic. Kudos to Evo for providing an incredible experience!
Robert Ross
Swanky setting, upscale and modern. We had the tasting menu which had some very delicious dishes. I do think the servers could have explained the dishes a little more and spaced them better as sometimes we had 2 plates at once and then periods of nothing. All in all it was a great experience with delicious food.
Nathan Cermelj
I ate here for the first time tonight and I was blown away. Emily our server was fantastic and really knew her stuff. We were one of the only ones dining due to COVID but that didn’t deter the amazing kitchen staff room for preparing top notch, Portland class meal. I highly recommend Evo As it will for fill all your foodie desires.
Lori B.
No restaurant lives up to the fresh, delicious, creative brilliance, and service of Evo. They are friendly and interested in you and their craft. It is what I most look forward to when I visit Portland.
Dinner at Evo is an outstanding culinary and social experience. So far, everything else pales in comparison. Sit at the bar, if you can.
*Back again and I continue to be wowed. Photos added.
Lisa G.
Foodie Heaven! Get your gourmet foodie on at this fabulous restaurant in downtown Portland, Maine. The food is absolutely divine and full of flavor that will tease and delight your palate. The sweet potatoes are heavenly, the sunchoke soup is bursting with flavor, and the salmon is extraordinary! Great location, ambience, and vibe. I'll definitely be back to Evo when in Portland.
Sumedh Hoskote
Outstanding food, great ambience, friendly service and a convenient location. I'll definitely come back here if I'm in Portland again. Vegan friendly, or rather they can accommodate pretty much any dietary restriction.
I got the falafel and rhubarb-ginger sorbet. Not your everyday falafel. The sauces on it were unique and complimented the falafel very well. Sorbet was great as well.
Francesco Conti
When you have worked in the industry as we have, you can pick out the places where the sourcing and execution of the ingredients are not only done with care, but with passion and excitement - such is the case with Evo Kitchen + Bar.
Although we only got to try a couple of dishes, we are certain the rest of the menu is stellar, raising the bar of Mediterranean cuisine reimagined, with a gracious nod to local ingredients. This is the place for adventurous and discerning gourmands!
Zohar Shemesh
Creative middle eastern food with a French touch. All dishes were extremely delicious. Highly recommend!!!
Ian Burgess
Evo is a fun upbeat Mediterranean place with very friendly staff and service. Myself and two friends ate there recently and had a great time. The food was good, especially the tuna. My only criticism is the price comparison between the vegetable/side dish options and the meat/seafood. The chicken and tuna dishes we ordered were $30-35 and the vegetables around $20. Given the portion size, I feel like the vegetables and other similar items should be slightly lower in price given the quantity you’re provided and the ratio to meat/seafood seems somewhat inflated. Something like $12-15 seems more appropriate. Other than that, everything else was great! Overall a great place to eat in Portland!
Stephen Almy
Not exaggerating when I say one of the best dinner experiences I have ever had. In Maine for the weekend for my birthday and decided to drive up to Portland the night before a blizzard to try this restaurant. It was amazing. Would highly recommend trying the chef's experience where you get a sampling of their menu. Every dish was amazing. Definitely come with an empty stomach as there is plenty of food. Dessert was amazing as well. Everyone at the restaurant is so kind and helpful. Service was exquisite. Truly a special restaurant.
Mark Jennings
Great cosmopolitan atmosphere. Sit facing the kitchen, people watching at the windows or perched up above the kitchen. We sat facing the kitchen and thoroughly enjoyed chatting to the chefs and barstaff! The food was absolutely delicious and light enough to try a few of the many eye-catching plates. Great evening, credit to the head chef, Matt!
Ephemeral Roshdy
Evo is an incredible restaurant, with spectacular food and an excellent staff! My partner and I went to Evo for our anniversary, and decided to have the chef's tasting menu. Over the course of the evening I was delighted to enjoy delicious dishes I had never tired before, and perfected versions of middle eastern classics I was raised with. Because we got the tasting menu we got to chat with lots of the wait staff, and they were all super kind and gave great recommendations. They even added several courses to our meal so we could try their favorites!
Amy Riena
This place was fantastic! The food and service were both excellent. Nice wine selection. Highly recommend. Suggest reservation
Lady Shark
Hands down Evo blessed us with the best culinary experience. We had the chef’s tasting menu & each dish was phenomenal! We made plans to visit other restaurants but after eating here, we came back the next day! Best food, desserts, & cocktails in Portland. You MUST try the carrot cake!!! Literally every person we interacted with was sharing their love of the dishes. Their attention to detail goes far beyond flavour pairings & plating. We know that they are cooking for other people but they make you feel like they are cooking just for you. You can feel the love! Truly something special! This is a must visit when you come to Portland!!! We will definitely be back!
Jennifer Evans
Our experience at Evo was wonderful from the moment we walked in! We had some dietary restrictions in our party, and they gave us a menu they had marked ahead of time for us to help guide our decision making process. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and checked in on us throughout the meal. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious! I had the tuna, broccoli, and Turkish coffee which were all out of this world! I definitely recommend Evo to anyone visiting Portland! Also, we chose to sit by the large front windows which was a fun pace to sit for seeing the kitchen and people passing by.
Lee Cohen
Evo is a very special place and one that exceeded our exceptions. We were greeted so warmly and after what was really a very brief and completely acceptable wait for our seats, offered a complimentary plate!
Everything was expertly prepared and presented beautifully. The taste and crispy/creamy texture of chick pea fries were something we've never experienced. Every dish was at the same level of creativity and taste. This is contemporary Mediterranean at its very best. The food, drink and staff were all exceptional and watching the theatrics of the bar and kitchen at the corner bar seats (a must!) was an experience we will remember for a very long time. Kudos to the executive chef who visited us and the entire staff who made us feel so welcome.
BB Cassidy
Not only did this place have the best sweet potato I’ve ever had, their chickpea fries are heavenly. We loved our drinks and the atmosphere too. There was an error with our order (we ordered our meals for the table with one plate to go but the kitchen prepared everything to go). Olivia, our server, came right over and apologized for the mix-up. She explained that not only could we take the to-go meals (on the house) but that the kitchen would be remaking our entrees for us so we could still eat there. It was so sweet of them to take care of us like that and we can’t wait to come back (with friends!) to try more plates. Thank you for the amazing meal and for helping us celebrate.
Caitlin Sachs
We had a fabulous dinner at Evo! From the minute we checked in we felt very welcome. They were very accommodating to our infant in a car seat tag-a-long on our dinner date. Hardest part was not ordering 1 of everything on the menu. We shared several vegetable small plates and the mussels. Everything was delicious. The mussels were perhaps the best we’ve ever had. The beets with the miso foam and salty/spicy granola should not be missed! Would absolutely recommend checking out Evo when in Portland and would look forward to returning next time we’re in town!
Jim Robbins
The best restaurants are not only about incredible food, but outstanding staff. EVO in Portland has both in spades. This was one of the best dining experiences my wife and I have ever enjoyed.
Whether you need plant-based options or not, the vegetable options are rich and complex, while remaining utterly accessible for even those who eschew their veggies.
We enjoyed delightful conversation with both Nick (General Manager) and Liv (our server), who went out of their way to bring us a superior experience.
Lauren Kraft
I am loathe to say the word “foodie” but I’ll be honest: this is a real chef centric culinary experience. You can watch the chef as he works. Food is exquisite. Really good vegan options. Management was attention, fun and kind and we were witness to their gentle dodging of angry Karens. Really good people watching in the window. Highly recommend.
Charlie Williams
The food was excellent and the staff were great. We had a reservation and the table before us was taking awhile, so they were not able to seat us for awhile. They gave us a seat at the bar to wait and gave us complimentary drinks. It really was not a big deal at all that we had to wait but Evo went above and beyond to make up for it. Also, the carrots and falafel were amazing.
Shani Stone
Beautiful, delicious and intelligent food! We enjoyed Evo so much! Definitely the best meal we had in Portland!!
Michael S
Has a feel like you are in downtown Boston...Super friendly staff, great bar layout and exceptional food at a reasonable price! Love this place!
Right in the heart of the Old Port. Don’t hesitate to give Evo a try, we weren’t disappointed!
One note of interest, it is mostly bar style seating. They do have a very small amount of traditional tables but the bar style is the majority of the seating. If you going with more than 2 or 3 people and don’t get a table just be prepared for in line seating.
larry POLSTER
Arguably one of the best restaurants in Portland - and it's not a high brow place. Super friendly staff. We sat at the bar overlooking the kitchen interacting with the staff. An entertaining and gastronomic treat.
Marie Dumont
We arrived with a reservation for two that had unexpectedly grown into a group of 5. They kindly accommodated us and set up a beautiful patio outdoors. Friendly service, delicious food! Thanks for the nice evening!
Matt Servaites
My girlfriend and I dined at Evo this evening. My expectations were high and they were exceeded. The dining area is tight but clean and well organized. We were seated upstairs so we couldn’t see the action in the kitchen, but it didn’t matter. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy. The servers are pleasant and helpful. Some reviews have mentioned “pretentious” service. That was absolutely not the case in my experience. Our sever, was really knowledgeable and down to earth. As for the food, it was amazing. We ordered the Lobster, Falafel, Kibbeh, and Fattoush salad. The star was definitely the lobster, but all dishes were excellent. Portland is full of great restaurants, this is the best I have experienced. Thanks Evo for a great experience. Your standards are so high. Keep them there!
Steven Perrier
Fantastic service, we felt like the EVO staff were just for us. The tasting menu was excellent... our waitress was amazing. Best experience in a fun and energized environment
Anh Pham
I had a tasting menu here for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. My partner and I requested no meat no dairy, ok on seafood. Every dish was highly creative and a pleasing combination of sights, tastes, and textures. Staff treated us with great hospitality. Bathroom is fresh. Limited parking on the street so plan accordingly
David Rios
The fries + whiskey old fashion were a great combo :) 🥃. We definitely will be coming back.
Tiffany Au
We went to celebrate a birthday - did the chefs tasting menu. Food was amazing! super unique menu and the staff was very friendly - highly recommend! Menu changes daily but our favorites were the cod and carrot cake
Jodie Zalk
I wish there was a way that you could taste the food and that you could meet the staff instead of reading my review. Hagai (chef de cuisine) and his team (Karina, Simon, Alexandra, and others) really made us feel special by remembering us (& our orders!) from the last time we were in, and they all took amazing care of us from the moment we arrived to when we left. The food is beautifully presented and tastes even better than it looks -- and even though we watched them prepare it in the open kitchen, we still think they infused magic in the food somehow! Hagai's risotto was unbelievable (we wish we had more leftovers!), Karina made us feel so warm and welcome, and Simon touched us with making us special kanaifi. We thank the whole team from the bottom of our hearts -- & stomachs! -- for making our night so special. We will be back again soon! With appreciation from Jodie & Nick.
shermeil k.dass
We have never posted about a restaurant before. We were lucky to stay in Portland for five days and without knowing much we decided to spend my birthday at Evo. Being a self proclaimed foodie and someone who lives outside of San Francisco, Evo was one of the best dining experiences ever. We were staying at the hotel next door and were drawn to trying Evo since we were in awe at the amount of work and attention that was given to the restaurant. It doesn't open until 5pm and yet at 8:30am staff were there getting everything ready,, including making homemade pita dough. Nick, the manager, treated us like royalty and even gave me dessert on the house when he found out it was my birthday. The service was incredible and the staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. I can't say enough about the food. Every dish was exquisitely prepared with great attention to all details. All the food was unbelievably fresh, we actually thought they had a garden out back. We love meat, but if we could get produce that tasty, we might waiver. Worth every penny and wished I could eat there every week. The menu changes daily, based on what the farmers and fish people have, and never gets boring. We ate at all the recommended places and even did several foodie tours and Evo was by far the best. All the food in Portland was great, but Evo was a step above. Without any reservation, we give this 5 stars. Enjoy! Shermeil and Stacey.
Sent from Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Alex Temple
Food was great and the cocktails delicious. Place was packed but they helped us squeeze in at the bar. Staff was friendly and service was quick.
Joanne Gray
Amazingly flavorful dishes, upbeat enthusiastic staff, close interaction with chefs, bar staff and explanations of dishes while seated at bar to watch preparation of entrees, over and above attentive staff. A must visit to Portland.
Faye Maier
First time to Evo was in Nov. We had the tasting menu vegetarian option and it was so good we knew coming back for NYE wouldn’t disappoint. Every single dish is absolutely amazing and the flavors are perfect. The staff are all so friendly and the chefs make each dish seem like an art form. By far my favorite Portland restaurant
JJ Souther
Excellent food and service even without a reservation. I sat at one of the high tops overlooking the street. It was great people people watching for me since I was solo. I ordered the baba ganoush and chickpea fries. Both were excellent and all were made from fresh ingredients. Not too heavy and very tasty. Worth the price.
Jaclyn Ting
Nick and the rest of the team were fantastic. They showed a great understanding of their wine list. The skordalia spread was by far our favourite dish of the night. The leek soup and chickpea fries were awesome too. Highly recommend- would love to return the next time we’re in town.
Demetri Kirchberg
Just had my third celebration dinner at Evo and it has definitely become a favorite Portland restaurant. The attentive and caring staff always makes us feel at home and remembered. The vegan and vegetarian dishes are always creative and beyond tasty. Ask about the amaro collection!
Noah Nathanson
I can't get over how great an experience we had tonight. We sat upstairs and Merideth was our server.
The hummus was very tasty and really enjoyed the sun chokes. The carrots though... Just amazingly out of this world. Feels odd to type that.
The mussels were the best I've ever had and the duck was very tasty as well.
We had the foie tart for dessert. A real savory experience for somebody who would consider having another app instead of a dessert. Never imagined the combination of flavors, it was a real treat.
Elise Lehotsky
Confident, capable, and delicious. Enjoyed every dish, we’re surprised to find something as simple as carrots could be brilliant. Waitperson was helpful and fun. Awesome group of staff who seem to be very supportive of one another.
Lauren Josie
Highly recommend the Chefs Tasting and wine pairing. It is pricey (the whole table must participate) but you get several courses from the menu in a sharable tapas style. It's way more food then you would think and allows you to try most things on the menu (where normally you would only have an app and a main dish, i.e.). Overall I think we ended up with 13 courses. The wine pairing was also incredible- we had 6 (half pour) wines, which I would have never ordered on my own. Each glass went so well with the dishes we were served. Excellent meal, we were still full the next day! Excellent service as well.
Amy Stanley
Evo Kitchen + Bar is one of Portland, Maine's finest. We return again and again and are always wowed by the food's deliciousness, beauty and inventiveness. It is impossible not to order Evo's hummus, falafel and chickpea fries. But honestly it is worth trying newer items on the menu. Last night we tried a chicken dish, with pine nuts and warm new potatoes. The chef totally elevated what could have been relatively basic (we knew it wouldn't be) to make it really soooo delicious. We can't wait to go back again soon and we know it will be another amazing meal.
Catherine Wiersema
We are devoted to Evo's creative menu and will eat there a number of times in a year. Chef Mike's food is delicious, innovative and totally digestible - a big deal for this reviewer. The service is simply outstanding, from the welcome from Nick the Maitre d' to the waitstaff. In my opinion one of Portland's shining stars, worth discovering again and again.
Leslie Magowan Cosgrove Rutter
Wow, our experience dining here was fantastic from the moment we checked in to the moment we walked out the door. We ordered the chef’s tasting menu. Food came perfectly timed and each item was beautifully plated and tasted absolutely delicious. I can’t tell you my favorite as I loved them all. Different servers brought our plates out and each was well versed regarding ingredients and preparation. Each server was gracious and had a wonderful way of making each guest feel welcomed.
We sat upstairs which has a railing of glass so you can see down to the first floor. I was nervous it would be loud upstairs due to all the glass, but there are plenty of materials to dampen the sound. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, simple and inviting.
I wish we lived near by, I want to go back, right now
Bob Pelletier
The crew works well together in tight areas! We sat at the bar, so you can see the pride that is given into all they do. The signature drinks are professionally made and every dish was amazing.
Jorgen Hansen
Evo is listed as a tapas bar, but these are not tapas like the Spanish ones. They are somewhat more substantial. If 2 people share 3 or 4 they will have had a substantial meal.
The tapas are inspired more by the middle east than by Spain and very tasty.
The staff is genuinely friendly and show interest in their customers.
tynerboy
Best place to eat in Portland...period. I've never had an average dish here, everything is excellent, prove me wrong.
Johanna McDaniel
Absolute perfection. We ordered four different vegan dishes and they far exceeded our expectations. The flavors and textures were pure genius.
Heather B.
EVO is our favorite restaurant in Portland hands down. It’s our go to for celebrations, birthdays, etc. but is really perfect for a date night in the town too. We really enjoy the shared plate style of eating. The food is always delicious and we always find ourselves eating something we’ve never tried. The restaurant is also doing an awesome job to combat the pandemic. Even in the windows seats you’re far enough apart to feel like you have some privacy and space. We saw the waitstaff sanitizing (like really sanitizing not just a wet rag) the surfaces in between other diners too. All around we only have good things to say - from the music to the plating it’s a vibe! Thank you for creating such a wonderful restaurant for us to enjoy!!
Curtis Morgan
This was our first trip to Portland and Evo came highly recommended to us by the bartender at Blyth & Borrows (speaking of.. is a great spot for cocktails!). We had reservations and had a little bit of a wait (not long at all.) The staff went above and beyond on multiple occasions throughout the evening working to provide an unforgettable experience. We went with the chef's tasting (highly recommend), and we sat at the chef's counter and watched the whole meal unfold before us. We had never taken part in a culinary experience as amazing as this. The kitchen operated like a fine orchestra, and the service provided by everyone was incredible. We had the opportunity to interact with the chef and team and even picked up a few pointers for back home. Each dish (apps, entrees, deserts) was presented like art and accompanied by a description of what it was and how it was prepared. We highly recommend Evo.. amazing!
Vanessa Montoya
My husband and I recently moved to Portland and Evo is becoming one of our favorite restaurants. In our short time living here, we have dined at Evo twice and both times have been incredible! We highly recommend the chef’s tasting menu. Every course was equally delicious and exciting. If you save room for dessert be sure to order their carrot cake, you will not regret it! The service is wonderful and their staff are excellent. Overall a very good experience.
Briana
Food, atmosphere, and staff were absolutely incredible. I never knew I needed chickpea fries in my life. Some of the best food I have ever eaten. Definitely a special occasion restaurant.
Ginger Gerrish
Had high hopes, but was left disappointed and confused. Despite having a reservation, our table was not ready. It was an unpleasant wait--we were dressed in formal clothing and, due to there being no real waiting area, we were standing where servers were filling glasses, dropping off dirty plates, etc. When we were finally seated, the server seemed unaware that we had selected to do the Chef's tasting menu (despite having paid an online deposit upon making our reservation). Our drink order was taken by two different servers, and our lemon slices (asked/offered with our sparkling water order) were never brought to us. The Chef's tasting menu was hit and miss. There were some good dishes, but there were some very bad dishes too. The most upsetting part was the poor pacing of the meal. Time and time again a server would come and struggle to find a spot on our tiny table to place another dish. At one point we had three different dishes. The servers clearly know this is an issue because one commented, "Sorry about that. The first couple dishes come out really fast, but it will slow down." That simply doesn't feel like a tasting menu--we had to stack up dishes on our table in order to have enough room. The chilled carrots were by far the best dish--delicious sauce and nice presentation. However, things went south with the scallop dish. The sauce (which had drowned the entire plate) was disgusting. We heard the table next to us make similar comments--they said it tasted like shampoo, which was accurate. (The sauce was not ginger-based, so the flavors just didn't make sense). The dish was inedible. Our table and another table collectively expressed our concerns to the waitress, who said she would ask the kitchen, but never followed up with us. The steak dish was similarly upsetting: unseasoned steak on a dish smeared with aioli. In fact, the majority of dishes on the menu had an aioli sauce--it felt like a lazy choice. The broccolini were old--sprouted tops. Disappointing for the hefty price tag. The next dish was a chicken dish which could be best described as something someone would make/order when hungover. It was a sliced, grilled piece of chicken on top of a pita, smothered in so much sauce (three different colored sauces), it was unclear what was underneath it. The pita was soggy. The dish was odd and confusing. But the dessert (a carrot cake) was the worst presentation of the evening. It looked like someone took the topping from a wedge salad (carrot curls, blue cheese crumbles, candied walnuts) and dumped them on top of a slice of carrot cake. I have NEVER seen dry, crumbles of buttercream before. Unappealing, unenjoyable. Walked out having spent $250 on this meal: Chef's tasting for 2 people, one glass of wine, and the tip. Felt like money wasted for an overpriced, underwhelming Portland spot. Wish we would have returned to the spot we ate lunch at earlier that day (Duckfat). I would recommend avoiding this spot and spending your money elsewhere.
Albert Oeswadi
Went to get the chef's tasting menu. This is well worth the price tag. Lots of quality food for a tasting menu scallops, duck, and the carrot cake were my highlights. Don't forget to get the cocktails.
AEBCPAMA
Had our anniversary dinner here, everything was excellent, server gave us good suggestions, small plates let us try several apps and dinners were top shelf. Good wine, desserts were very good too. You won't be disappointed. Pricey but worth it!
Rhonda Warren
Great food but tragically over salted. Chick pea fries were light and delicious but salty, as were the rice crisps on the carrots. Octo - salty. Chicken - peeled the skin, too salty - the polenta and cabbage was perfect. Gah!! Watching cooks use tweezers to garnish then food comes so salty it was hard to eat. So frustrating, as it was great but for the seasoning. Told our server who comped us 2 dishes which was not my objective. Tipped to compensate as service was great. Could do with more female cooks, IMO. Anyway, disappointing when it did not have to be. Cooking 101. Try somewhere else until they get it together.
Mark Nicolett
My wife and I watch a lot of cooking shows but have never treated ourselves to a high end tasting menu. During our wedding anniversary trip to Portland, we did just that, at Evo Kitchen and Bar. The place is very nice but also informal. Staff was friendly. The 10 course meal was amazing – 3 appetizer courses, 3 fish courses (the chef slipped in one extra fish course), 2 meat courses, 2 dessert courses. We had to take one of the dessert courses home due to our inability to eat any more food. Excellent experience.
Beth McClimek
We are very glad we had an opportunity to experience Evo. We did the chef’s tasting menu paired with the reserve wines and everything was delicious and visually pleasing. Our server Marlo was incredibly kind and informative on each dish. For me the tuna was the standout dish, but the octopus was a close second. (I have had octopus before and not cared for it, but this dish was flavorful and great texture). A very special and exciting dining experience!
jeff rosenbaum
Must come here! One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Had the tasting menu. 10 or 11 courses and they were all knock your socks off great! Definitely do the tasting menu. It's $90, which is actually underpriced for all the delicious food you get and the experience. Been to the French Laundry (now $850 tasting menu- I went when it was less) and Evo is better. Some highlights feta dip, tuna, muscles, steak and carrot cake. Can't recommend enough!
judy rosenbaum
This place was crazy good. I highly recommend The chefs tasting.
12 courses for $90 well worth every penny! (And a lot of food but small enough portions so not difficult to complete) If you decide not to do the chefs tasting then please please please get the carrot cake. I don’t even like carrot cake but this was by far and away the best cake I ever had! (And I really like cake)
Victor Joly
I have now gone there 5 times in the past 3 months and it is by far my favorite restaurant in Portland despite trying so many restaurants and I even live in the area! The food is FANTASTIC, not only is it delicious and modern but the menu changes depending on seasonality and which ingredients are available so you're always eating fresh food. The Tuna and chickpea fries are two of the only constant on the menu and they are both MUST HAVES. The environment feels luxurious but without being over the top. The wait staff is very helpful and quick as as well as very nice and attentive. The cocktails are also delicious. Overall this restaurant is a staple of Portland and of Maine. My next reservation is next Thursday and I already cannot wait!
EDIT: I had to give a special mention to the staff and the host. Incredible service. I could not compliment them enough. My group and I could clearly see how deeply they care about their customers. Thank you for such a great experience! I also forgot to mention the desserts! They're seasonal and incredible (I had to add this after my last visit because we loved the desserts! Special mention to the Semifreddo and the peaches and cream as well as blueberry crumble!)
Mindy Williams
EVO never disappoints! One of Portland's best restaurants. Food and service are exceptional. Everything was perfect, from reservation to cash out, for our birthday celebration. Bravo!!
Joellen Leighton
We went here for our anniversary and did the chef's tasting at the chef's table and we were blown away. The bartenders are masters of their craft and the cooks and chefs work in great tandem with each other. We had the best experience and will definitely be back!
Abhineet Gupta
The food is incredible, and our server was the friendliest I have come across. She even gave us recommendations for other places to try in the area. We had the tuna and the chicken shawarma, both of which were delicious with a diverse flavor profile. Their cocktails are amazing! Their servings are small, so they are definitely on the expensive side, but the quality and care make this place a must try and worth it.
Himanshu M
Wonderful atmosphere and food. Highly recommend. It's vegetarian friendly for your veggie folks out there!
Krysti
The best restaurant ever! We travel from Philly area to go to Portland every year for this place. The freshest tuna I have ever had, amazing tastes on everything made here. Worth the price, you will not be sorry and you’ll never forget your experience. The drinks are insanely unique and top notch. And I mean TOP NOTCH.
We did a chefs tasting last visit, worth it. This visit we sat at the top tier with their regular menu.
Don’t forget, everything is locally sourced and fresh, and Evo chefs make most everything from scratch, even some liquor syrups. The time and effort goes with the prices.
Dan Oliphant
This place was awesome! Service was great and the meal was absolutely delicious. Def heading back again.
Brenda Molloy
Perfection is the definition of EVO Kitchen +Bar. The culinary experience and finite details of every dish is beyond compare to anything in Portland. We tried many dishes and they all left us wanting more. We loved our dining experience so much we booked two nights in a row. The staff are attentive and care about your time at their table. We highly recommend EVO Kitchen + Bar to anyone who appreciates excellent food and a great vibe while enjoying a night out in Portland.
Jason Libby
I can't say enough how accommodating and pleasant the staff was, felt like very personalized attention even on a busy night. The food was excellent, a perfect combination of comfortable and explorative. Would absolutely dine there again. Additionally they provide their staff with full benefits, and I feel that is a good reason to patronize this establishment.
Heather Murley
This was the best experience I have ever had at a chef’s tasting! To say it was transformative is an understatement. The cocktails are imaginative and works of art in and of themselves. The “It Takes Two to Tango” cocktail was served in a porthole and was almost too beautiful to drink. Each dish in the tasting was wonderful but the standout to me was the tuna cerviche-esque dish. Really, the amalgamation of all of the dishes created a journey that was exciting, well-balanced and highly memorable. As my partner says, “they did things with a carrot that I’d cut a b*tch for.” If you love Mediterranean flavors combined with whimsy and flair, you must try Evo!!!
Rebecca Perry
Eating at Evo felt like winning the lottery. We reserved a spot at the chef counter for a special anniversary meal after our Uber driver recommended it. He said a group of chefs told him it's where the chefs go to eat in Portland. We got the tasting menu, and it was absolutely the most memorable and delicious meal we've ever had! One of us is a little picky, and the other more adventurous, and the TEN course tasting menu was a delight to us both. The wine list is unique, the chef is talented, and the staff is knowledgable and welcoming. What a generous, fun group of people! If you're visiting Portland or lucky enough to live there, got to Evo. You'll dine like a queen but feel like family.
Kelly Stanton
I cannot recommend this place enough! We had ordered the tasting menu with the seasonal wine pairing and we didn’t have a single dish that wasn’t perfect. I wish I remembered our servers name so I could give her a shout out! I know her name started with a “B”; she was lovely and had such wonderful tasting notes for the wine and provided beautiful descriptions of the dishes.
We made our reservation on a whim and I’m so glad we did because we found our new favorite restaurant!
Gabriella Grilla
Everything at Evo was AMAZING, honestly they deserve all the stars and then some! The staff, the drinks, the food were all exceptional! At first I was generally apprehensive as I’d never done a Chef’s Tasting or anything similar, and was skeptical that it would be worth it - but let me tell you - it was MORE than worth it!! I’d eat there all the time if I lived in Portland. I think the highlights for me were the skordalia and the beef, but everything was insane. The kitchen also made us a lion’s mane mushroom on the fly, and I don’t love mushrooms, but I couldn’t stop eating it! If I got everyone’s names I’d thank them all individually, but alas! A Google review will have to suffice. Stop thinking about it and make the reservation!
Tiernan Martin
Easiest 5-star review I've ever given!
My wife and I don't eat expensive meals very often, but while we were in Portland we decided to treat my parents to a dinner at Evo Kitchen + Bar. The experience exceeded every one of our expectations—I do not know where you will find a more wonderfully executed menu. But the food isn't the main reason I came here to write a review weeks after our visit. That would be our server, M., who helped my parents feel at home and guided us expertly through the dining experience. She connected with my mom and dad in a way that looked easy in the moment but in fact takes loads of skill and finesse to do well. Her excitement about Evo's dishes felt genuine, and it rubbed off on my parents and made their experience memorable. Seriously, they recommended Evo to everyone we met the rest of the trip and knowing them they're probably still talking about it ;)
Anyway, just wanted to thank M. and all of the Evo staff who made our night in Portland a special one.
Cheers,
Tiernan
H M
We went here for my husband's birthday and got the vegetarian tasting menu. Each dish was a banger. The chickpea fries, falafels, dip, mole sauce and the pasta with corn and blueberries were fantastic. Great cocktails and it's so amazing to see chefs come up and describe the dish to you when they serve it.
Kim Henderson
This spot is our go to spot for anniversary/ birthday dinners. The tasting menus are the way to go! Great service, excellent food & locally owned make this spot a must do on any trip or special occasion. We will be back again!
sandra gassmann
Just a great experience! Young & wild Team with excellent teamspirit😎; so cool and inspiring🤩 . Food versus price is outstanding. We enjoyed a lot and will come back any time 😜
Eti Khang
AMAZING, seriously I wish I could give this place 6 🌟 for their chicken. Very nice place with open kitchen. Real gourmet food. A must visit in Portland at very resonable prices for such great food. …
Douglas Austin
Sat at the counter. Very cool experience. Coming from a former bartender, these bartenders are mixologists extraordinaires! Apps, meals, and dessert were top notch...wished I had taken some pics.
Megan Schuette
We did the Chef’s tasting and 10/10 would recommend. The service was outstanding and each dish was cooked perfectly! Would absolutely come back here if we’re ever in Portland again!
Ken McAfee
The food was superlative and the service was excellent. We took the server's advice on wine and it was spot-on! We will definitely be back! The venison plate was over the top and the apple partition paired with the Madiera was excellent!
Jonah F
The best dinner that I have ever had. Every single dish was creative, beautiful, and beyond delicious! The service was incredible as well, which made our dining experience that much better. I will definitely come back to Evo next time I am in Portland!!
John Raudonat
This was our second visit. The first was absolutely flawless about 3 years ago. This time, last week, everything was delicious except the pork belly. The skin was like shoe leather. Unfortunately, we ate it anyway since we were hungry. We mentioned it to our server but nothing came of it. I would also mention that although we fully support it, it was a bit surprising to see 3% added for the kitchen without any mention beforehand.
William Oshei
We went for the chefs tasting menu and my only regret was not doing the wine pairing. The pescatarian courses were phenomenal. My suggestion is go pescatarian+wine pairing. The tuna was balanced and exciting, the octopus was charred to perfection, the lobster was the best we had in Maine and we spent the last week eating lobster up the coast, despite all that the tahini cod was a standout. The meat courses were too heavy for us but very well executed. The bar program is great, the desert was fantastic. Shout out to Marlo and Kevin, they were knowledgeable and engaging.
Would Evo again/10
Andrew Stryker
We had an amazing experience at Evo! We walked in and they were full, but the host found a way to squeeze us in. He was flexible and checked on us a few times. We ordered the labneh (cucumber yogurt dip), the tuna, chickpea fries and strawberry semifreddo dessert. All dishes came out quickly and blew us out of the water. So delicious! Atmosphere felt urban and cool, service was great, and food was better than we've had anywhere else in Maine or Boston so far on our trip. So glad we stopped by!
Darin Tripoli
Amazing dining experience. Get the tasting menu first time you will be blown away.
Charlie B
They made food snobs out if my and my gf in one meal, it is utterly amazing. I'm not usually someone who goes for a taster but we figured what the heck and it was one of the best decisions I ever made because things I never would have ordered ended up being our favorite and every dish sang. The staff was also fun, attentive and professional. This meal moved the bar for what a great meal is further than I ever could have imagined. Do yourself a favor, go hungry and get the taster, you won't regret it
Kayla Chase
if you’re thinking about going out to eat here, just do yourself a favor and GO. first time coming here, my partner & i decided to go with the chef’s tasting menu paired with the wine.. go big or go home right? every dish was phenomenal. both of our waitresses, kenny & teresa, were on point with their service & their knowledge of the menu. awesome experience! 10/10 recommend.
Allison A
Everything was top notch! Tasting menu was delicious! Drinks were perfectly balanced and staff was so attentive.
Dan Genier
Without a doubt the best food we've ever had, service was amazing, total experience completely exceeded our expectations. We literally had to force ourselves to stop eating, everything was out of this world!
Anne Bresnahan
What a wonderful incredible creative experience we had, from start to finish. We had there 9 course tasting menus with wine and mock tail paring. Every thing was exceptional . The Quality, taste, presentation, along with. Efficient and very helpful friendly staff. If your wondering is it worth the coast.. my answer is you YES!!..
A wonderful experience for making memories.
Thank you
Kat O'Heir
Evo. Bravo. Our server blew us away from the moment we sat down. My best friend and cherished dining companion is celiac and I am vegetarian. Without missing a beat, our server elegantly oriented us to at least one third of the menu that did not contain gluten and returned from the kitchen to report that at least another third could be prepared gluten free. Her detailed knowledge of every menu item, including the wine list, was almost jaw dropping. And then, there was the food! Every. Single. Dish. Was. Amazing. Evo, I got the impression that you truly care for your excellent staff, feed them your amazing food & nurture great relationships between the front and back of the house. Again, bravo! We will be back for many encores.
ari meltzer
Good food but incredibly overpriced. The portions are VERY small and we spent $200 as a family of 4- only to barely feel full. Wouldn’t go back.
Heather Ashby
WOW! This was a very spontaneous visit to EVO with a friend for dinner. I made the reservation online with ease (selecting our seats at the kitchen to watch the action and then I decided to pre-order the tasting menu). We had 10 courses! I had no idea it would be so fun and tasty! The team behind the counter (bartenders and all the kitchen staff) interacted with us, answered my friend detailed questions (this is perfect for a foodie or chef) and we started with the most amazing squash soup, we had a hummus and pita plate, seared tuna, chickpea fries, mussels, scallops, duck, lamb, steak and carrot cake. I was so full and happy. It took a few hours and it was perfect for my friend and I to catch up. It was super clean, felt very safe (during COVID) with plexiglass shields between us and the kitchen and the atmosphere was joyful. This a great idea for a surprise, gift, date or proposal, or for someone who just loves food. Everything was delicious. Thank you EVO!
Eric Lewandowski
Went to Evo as part of a food tour in Portland, the potato dish we were served was great! Will definitely go back.
Kimberly Dunn
Amazing dinner!! The chefs were personable and came over to us and explained in detail each dish! The menu was fantastic and you truly can not go wrong! I am gluten free and some restaurants have a hard time with this but they were spot on!! Nice work kitchen!!
We loved it so much we tipped each individual chef!! Our new favorite Portland restaurant!!!!! Can't wait to come back!!
Ciara Price
One of my favorite places in Portland! So many health options, but with flavor. The customer service is outstanding, and it’s set up where you can watch the kitchen prepare your food. The cocktails are amazing and made with fresh ingredients from the kitchen. The chef is unreal and pairs foods together I would never think to do. Just amazing all around, can’t wait to come back!
Dean Frank
Excellent food. Always something new to try on the menu and awesome service. A must try.
Leo Mazerall
This is my favorite restaurant in Portland, and that says a lot because Portland has so many amazing restaurants.
They use one of my favorite spices regularly; The Spice Of Life.
Variety, that is.
Their menu is always Evo-lving, and always delicious. My favorite seats are at the bar, in front of the prep-cook, so I can watch them turn my food into art. 🤌
Daniel Carcamo
I made a mistake on my reservation but Nick took care of us. He let us know that he would make sure we were accommodated and we were! I’m glad he let us eat here because the food and atmosphere was phenomenal!
Chris Marshall
Incredible drinks and unique delicious food! Amazing service! Staff could not have been better.
Update after additional visits: best food in Portland!
Harry Lockwood
We went for dinner. Sat at chef counter which was a great experience. The 9 course tasting menu was amazing. Every course was so good. Service was the best. If you are in Portland you need to go there .
Roame
I was pleasantly surprised. The presentation of the food showed the work put into each dish. Once I began eating I knew that a desire to be amazing was part of the what Evo Kitchen strives to be. It made my first visit to Portland very memorable. I will return, possibly in a few weeks!
A shout out to Katrina and the chefs.
Brett Hyatt
Food was outstanding, but the service was a bit challenged. Everyone was very pleasant and attentive for the most part, but there were a lot of minor issues that added up. We ordered cocktails that took nearly 25 minutes to arrive, after we had already ordered food and even received our first two plates. (I suspect we accidentally got food that had been ordered by a nearby large party, as it came suspiciously quickly.) About 30 minutes into our meal, my husband got a call from the restaurant to ask if we would be joining them for our reservation, although we had clearly given our name and reservation when we arrived. We ordered wine by the glass, had empty glasses placed on our table, then waited another 5+ minutes for the them to be filled. Of the 5 dishes we ordered, all at the same time, one didn't come to our table until at least 15 minutes after the other plates had been cleared. It was not a meat dish, just a simple plate of mushrooms, that would have been much more enjoyable as an accompaniment with the rest of the meal. All in all, food was great and everything was an excellent value, but the experience left a lot to be desired. We'll try again sometime and hope it was just a fluke.
Jon Levesque
WOW! Probably one of the top three restaurants we've ever had the pleasure of visiting. Amazing attention to detail, impeccable service, and just an amazing atmosphere. We're hooked! Thanks Nick and Brandy!
C Smith
The food and variety here is epic. Danielle the server service was awesome. The chickpeas fries down to the ahi, mussels, beef, hanger srlteak, whipped feta and carrots Cake arguably the best meal we've had on travel
Mischa Porter
Stunningly delicious food! We had the vegetarian tasting menu and couldn't have been happier. It was all delicious, creative, and beautifully presented. The cocktails were also amazing. We're visiting from out of town for a long weekend and of the food we've had in Portland, this was the best. We tried to go for a second meal but since they're closed Sunday and Monday, so we couldn't.
Shannon Mynahan
The food was amazing and we were so glad we did the tasting!! Everyone was so kind and made us feel very special. Wonderful experience
Trevor Rempel
Based on the other excellent reviews our expectations were pretty high. We got the chef's tasting and thought it was one of the more mediocre dining experiences we have had. The tuna and pork were quite good, but everything else was pretty forgetable.
Diane Stowell
Food was great. Service was just okay. We were seated for over 5 minutes before anyone came by. Server was robotic with no personality. Very interesting menu with a lot of vegetarian options. Seating upstairs is a little tight and it was dark and noisy. Cabbage salad was very good (little spicy), potatoes had great flavor, loved the cod with lobster and cauliflower. Baklava ice cream and turmeric cake were both delicious!
Philip Kohn
The waitstaff were fantastic, and the food was even better. You could, and if you run out of pita bread, should, eat the skordalia with a spoon (this was a highlight for us). Every element of every dish we tried was executed perfectly; there are certainly some technicians working in their beautiful open kitchen. If you are in Portland for any reason this should be on the top of your list.
Federico Giovine
Evo is an experience. From the wonderful staff, knowledgeable servers, and masterful chef you will leave not only satisfied but also amazed by the culinary experience. Our server suggested us that that the restaurant offers a slightly different dining setup; that is, they encourage the sharing of various dishes among the guests. This was unexpected at first, but a welcome surprise. One that we thoroughly enjoyed. All the dishes are a microcosm of perfect flavors. I highly suggest having wine from their amazing selection, and if you are unsure on what to choose just ask the amazing the staff. Portland is home to some of the most amazing restaurants I have ever tried, and I am confident to consider this a must visit restaurant in Portland.
William Tuttle
Unreal and amazing. Service was spectacular. Sit at the bar and see the kitchen and staff in motion. Go for tasting menu. We did vegan, I'm not vegan and it was some of the best food I've had. Can not say enough good things all around. Only draw back is space. A little tight. But it still works.
Brooke Simon
If you want thoughtful dishes and options for everyone, this is the place. Every dish was meticulously designed and completely unique. There was something for all of us, even with GF and vegan dietary preferences. They've got an open cooking space behind the bar (at their current location, which will change soon, so this may not be applicable in the next year) - we walked in to see an entire fresh fish out for preparation and we were able to see the homemade pasta being prepped. We were in Portland for 3 days and luckily found Evo on the 1st day and were able to enjoy eating there on the 3rd day as well. The staff was incredibly friendly and remembered us on our second visit. We were able to have a lovely conversation with one of the chefs and we had the BEST time here. It's hard to find restaurants like this. We can't wait to go back!
Michelle Stolwyk
We ordered the chef's choice with wine pairings and had a divine time. They took such good care of us and the food was delicious. Definitely recommend for special occasions or date night. Prime people watching too.
Malik Kaman
Inventively yummy take on Mediterranean fare. We had the Chef’s tasting menu, and had a wonderful experience. It was great value for money. The bartender/ mixologist provided super friendly and efficient service which made the meal even more enjoyable. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting Portland.
Alexandra Lipman
INCREDIBLE. Ordered the veg taster for two and our hair was blown back. Every dish was unique and thoughtful. Incredible use of texture, fresh herbs, and plating. Loved having the chefs explain every dish. Big departure from restaurants where the vegetarian entree is an after thought. It was all we could talk about on the walk home. Life changing food!
Adrine
The food is wonderful and the service is great, what else do you want from a restaurant.
We have been in Portland for a few days, and this is the first restaurant we have been to, that the food has been really good. We have been to quite a few places, all kinds and prices.
Joseph Berkowitz
Great style Mediterranean restaurant with cool vibe. All glass structure with nice connection to street. Open kitchen concept and eating bar.Suspended second floor with glass railings. Great food and a few vegan options as well as a vegan desert. Highly recommended.
Zephyros Craven
An incredible experience start to finish! Host greeted us immediately and attentively, found the perfect seats for us. Atmosphere was lovely, elegant without being pretentious. Our server was so helpful and gave us just the right recommendations and explanations, and her timing was impeccabile! THE FOOD WAS TO DIE FOR! I almost cried! Cocktails had great variety for different kinds of drinkers, but not overwhelming. Everyone and everything about this restaurant was perfected, memorable, and relaxing. One of our favorite memories from Portland!
Nicole Washburn
I've had my eye on this place ever since I saw Chef Matt Ginn on Chopped and win it! I finally made the reservation and went my with my sister and boyfriend. We got the BEST spot in the house (imo)- bar corner, literally right next to ALL the cooking and plating action.
We ordered the chefs tasting which turned out to be about 9-11 courses for us (I don't quite remember) but I know I was SO full after the meal. Mediterranean vibes, with one fish dish that was asian influenced. You HAVE to try to the carrot cake. I am not a carrot cake stan at all, but when I tell you this is one of the best desserts I've ever tasted... good lord. They put some crazy powder on it (I'm convinced it could be crack heehee jk).
HUGEEEE shout out to Chef's Cam, Tyler, Tom and bartender Kevin for making it a truly amazing experience. They were so down to earth, explained the courses, answered any questions we asked.
If you happen to make your way to this gem, this is how you'll recognize the chefs:
Chef Tyler: Superb mustache, skrillex hair cut (but shorter)
Chef Tom: C R I S P white birkenstocks with cool socks. Kinda looks like a bobs burger character (but in the BEST way)
Chef Cam: smol, quiet, has the focus of a hawk
Bartender Kevin: suuuuuper chill, cali surfer vibes, makes phenomonal drinks
RMDB web
amazing food and amazing service. our waitress Michelle was sweet and attentive. we chose the location out of a recommendation from a local named Paul. our group of 3 decided to order the chefs recommendation, an amazing
11 course meal...did not disappoint...seafood and meat combo with spectacular deserts. topped off with great wine and delicious desert. chefs came to check on us.... recommend recommend....
Marsha Mcleod
This place is not fair to the average (ours) palette! Had the pescatarian taster and every plate was BETTER than the last! We were pleasantly overwhelmed by the excellent taste and quality of the food. Service was exceptional, each waiter/waitress fully knowledgeable on the dish they presented; had approx 9 different dishes (we lost count) then 2 deserts! The atmosphere is very chic but cozy. Bonus: they validated our parking ticket! Evo is more than a “restaurant” it’s a total experience and a must!! If we visit Maine again we will most definitely return!
James McCabe
My wife and I had the best restaurant experience of our lives at Evo last night. We’ve been together over 10 years and are huge foodies, having been to countless restaurants in NYC, Hudson Valley, Montreal, Toronto, D.C., Maine, Jersey, and C.T. - this was by far the best taste experience we’ve had yet. Seared tuna, chicken sausage farfalle, steak, lobster, everything with its own unique sauses, spices, and chutneys that make your mind melt with satisfaction. Everyone in the kitchen must have huge talent in order to make every dish perfect. Even the desserts were incredible. Our cocktails were also spot on delicious! We’ve been to every top restaurant in Portland, and this one now sits above them all.
Paul Dixon
We had a small group looking for something different (one being vegan) and after you've done the seafood thing, this pops up. Have to say we loved it. All of the food is fresh and the menu constantly 'shifts' depending on what's available - although that does mean if you had your eye on something on the online menu, you could be S.O.L.
The food quality is excellent and the quantity is surprising - may not look like much when it comes but 2 dishes each is actually going to be enough. We ordered 8 for 3 and it was way, way too much.
The staff were all excellent - extremely informative about the menu and the dishes, and very patient and accommodating to or vegan colleague (who LOVED this place).
Glen Fromm
Amazing menu, great service, such original recipes we tried and shared several spreads and dishes. I had the tuna, I've had tuna countless times in many ways, but this is my new favorite! I'm saving room for dessert next time, they looked fantastic as well!
Dave S
Went here with my wife and we did the vegan tasting. It was $45 each, but well worth it. They brought tiny plate after tiny plate of tasty and interesting dishes and a desert at the end. We lost track of how many plates there were, but maybe around 10?
The service was great and they told us in detail about each dish. We left feeling full and happy.
If you want to have a nice leisurely dinner date, this is a great place to go.
Christabelle McCabe
The whole dining experience was amazing, the food (tuna, lobster, steak and farfalle) was excellent! We were given the falafel and chocolate cake on the house, amazing as well. You will not regret coming here, the flavors are all layered perfectly, every sauce with dishes were delicious too. Go with an empty stomach and enjoy!!
Many thanks to Chef Ginn, his amazing team and the whole staff, we had an excellent evening!
Cherie Finkbeiner
Evo was excellent and soooo worth it. Food was awesome, inovative and delicous. In this day and age whereit's hard to get good service anywhere, Evo's staff was top notch. Every single person was personable, super knowledgeable, and excellently trained. Hats off to this resturant for a enlightened meal and fun evenig. We were there Thirsady evening, November 5th 2021
Sea Shadow
Top notch food, we were following our noses and wound up here.
The flavors were complex and nothing sort of astounding.
Leave your expectations at the door and come expecting to pay for quality food and you won't be disappointed.
Jason Modic
This is one of my most favorite experiences with food and service I’ve ever had! Hands down competes with any restaurant I’ve ever been too! Head chef if amazing and detailed with each and every dish! I would recommend to anyone! ❤️❤️❤️
Rori Caldwell
Amazing atmosphere, fantastic dishes. Definitely will be returning to this, must-see establishment! Douglas, our server, was wonderful and made us feel that we were his one and only priority. Each dish was prepared and presented that was only bested by their deliciousness. You must experience it for yourself!
Ben Loveless
We have been to Evo twice. Our last visit was last night and it was awesome! We had the vegetarian tasting menu. Everything was amazing. I like to eat meat, but this is the kind of establishment that makes it very clear that food is food and when it is done right, you don't care whether it has meat in it or not because the flavors and textures are so pleasing. It is really fun to have random dishes show up. We found each plate had us talking about it. A very enjoyable experience all around.
Kathleen Marra
Space is nice, service was great. The flavors were incredible. My fish was overcooked , a common occurrence at even the best restaurants but an automatic fail from me.
I didn't realize it was tapas and my meal came out long before my husband's, I waited for his to arrive which was a very long wait so mine was cold. The staff was apologetic and comped us some very nice apple sorbet.
Joseph Lewis
I am embarrassed that it has taken this long to post a review. Evo is my choice for the very best restaurant in my verrrry strong restaurant town. I have been going here for a few years and I am happy to report that the food is consistently and deliciously wonderful. So are the cocktails. This is where I take people for special occasions or when I just want to remind myself how good life can be!
Be good to yourself: go have a great dinner at this wonderful restaurant.
Sarah Maria
Vegan tasting menu!!!! I cannot say enough food things. Every single dish was out of this world.
Tod B
We loved Evo. Our first time to visit. We went with the Veg + Fish tasting menu for two. It was such a great way to sample the kitchen's skill in combining tastes and textures. The service was great. Very attentive but not hovering. We'll be back for sure.
Erica Hamel
The food was amazing as always. However, they have upped the price of the tasting menu by about $20. The food was worth it, however a very pricey dinner for 5.
Charlie Murphy
Hands down both my wife and my favorite restaurant/bar in Portland. The cocktails are amazing, and the food is the best in Portland. Easily. You could blindly pick menu items and be blown away. They really take pride in their work. I’ve never had a bad meal here and I go weekly.
Vinnie Haney
It was good, don't get me wrong. The quality and taste were what I went into the meal expecting. I was very happy with my dinner. It just wasn't my type of place which is the only reason it got four stars instead of five. If you are looking for a nice meal and a high-end experience then please go. They were wonderful.
leann shamash
We totally enjoyed this restaurant. Each of our meals were prepared impeccably. I loved the blend of the old and new in the recipes and the chef created great blends of flavors, textures and tastes. The service was great and we would go back in a heartbeat!!
JP Ross
Really amazing food and experience. We did the tasting menu and it was incredible. Best Tuna I have ever had. The staff was really nice and welcoming. Can’t say enough good things.
Donald Adams
We had the 5 course Lobster tasting. A little pricey, but considering the impeccable service and outstanding food, it was worth every penny!
The bar stool seats at window were comfortable, private and great fun watching activity. The food is so artistic, it likes a trip to the art museum for free. Sarah a great hands on manager
Sarah Quinn
One of the best experiences out there for a beautiful, inspiring, delicious vegan tasting menu. From beginning to end, it is such a treat every time! Such a special place!
Diana Dolishny
The vegan tasting menu was an experience that was out of this world. The food was all creative and delicious. We had something like 12 separate dishes and we couldn’t finish them all, there was so much food! It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it.
Elise Paisley
Delicious and unique food. Very well crafted. Hummus was delicious, salmon was excellent. The carrot cake was the. Eat I’ve ever had, by far.
Yulia Sip of Europe
One of my most favorite restaurants in Portland! Hummus is out of this world, all main dishes are super flavorful, elegant and photogenic. Everything is reasonably priced, staff is very friendly and helpful, views are nice!
B Soley
The chalets are a clever Covid-safe dining solution and so charming - especially when it snows! Food is delicious and creative as always. Love that they have separate tasting menus for vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians and can accommodate other dietary requests too. Favorite dishes were the chickpea fries, sweet potatoes, and brussels sprouts. Dessert was perfect with an apple ice wine pairing. Amazing service.
Mike Silva
From start to finish the meal and service were amazing!! One of, if not the best meals we've ever had. We sat at the chefs counter which was incredible to watch them work.
Amber Hensley
Incredible food, staff, atmosphere, and views. I ordered the Chef’s Sampler and it was so fun to experience a little bit of everything on the menu! My tastebuds are still dreaming about going back.
Jim Vicenzi
We went to Evo last night for our anniversary and could not have been more happy with the experience. The decor is light, airy and uncluttered with ceiling to floor windows to people-watch and enjoy the long summer day. We sat on the first floor where all the seats are either looking out or in at a bar around the kitchen (upstairs has more traditional seating for larger groups). We chose to watch the kitchen and it was great because we got to interact with the kitchen staff.
I ordered the Duke of Raoul Cold River gin cocktail (apparently the cocktail chef is a Hunter Thompson fan) which was perfectly balanced, served in a martini glass and included Aperol, fresh lemon juice and cranberry bitters. The price for such a high-end drink was nice, too--no more than a craft beer would set you back at a chain restaurant.
We chose the chef's tasting menu and that was, for us, absolutely the way to go. We got a chance to sample a little ot the full range of Chef Matt's abilities with fish (3 types served different ways), meat, and vegetarian dishes--all of which we loved and all of which were creative. Each dish was packed with flavor, often surprising, subtle combinations--but never overwhelming and never clashing. The cuisine is Mediterranean and it runs the full gamut from Spanish, Italian right through Middle Eastern--the latter of which was especially fun because it was so unlike the heavy dishes that we've had in the past (admittedly, we don't have as much experience in this area). We are however, extremely familiar and picky about Italian food and the Agnolotti here was mind-blowing. I resolved to return soon for a whole meal of just that. The meats were all extremely tender and flavorful and the flank steak was bar far the best I've ever had. My "reason for living" companion swooned over the lobster dish and I'm sure she's thinking that the lobster tasting dinner is going to be next on her list. As the caption of this review says, everything was wonderful right down to the the vegetables and the warm, fresh Middle Eastern bread. OK, OK, so what didn't we like? The most I can say in that regard is that the gazpacho, served in the smooth Spanish style, was merely very, very good.
In our experience, restaurants that serve gourmet tasting menus are often stiff and give overly precious and lengthy descriptions of the dishes. Not here, the food is exquisite but the experience is casual. I loved that sometimes we would be served a new dish before the last one was gone. The service was perfect --not fawning but always quickly available and very knowledgeable. Oh, and the presentation of each dish was absolutely lovely--typically a work of art.
Watching the kitchen staff was fun--they are the well oiled machine that another reviewer described. No wasted motion, no idle chit-chat but this was not the kitchen of monomaniacal drill sergeant. The staff, all young, were clearly enjoying themselves and took great pride in their work.
If you love food, you must check this place out--especially if you are a little adventurous. As another reviewer said, come quickly before getting a reservation is impossible.
Erik Peterson
The tasting menu was the best meal I have ever had everything was perfect and delicious. I am beyond impressed and will return!
Samantha Heitov
Another fantastic meal at Evo Kitchen + Bar. As a lifelong vegetarian, it's rare to find a vegetarian restaurant with amazing food. Even rarer though, is an omnivore restaurant that will happily accommodate vegan/vegetarian and gluten free diners and still provide amazing food. We put the chefs to the test by asking for a fully vegan AND gluten free tasting menu and they didn't fail. Offering slight adjustments to menu items and even introducing new dishes like whole fried artichokes (yum!) everything was delicious and had us waddling out of the restaurant. And my 8 year old son wowed the staff by trying and eating everything that came to the table and proclaiming it to be the "best meal he's ever eaten in his entire life"...and I might have to agree!
The only bad part about a meal at Evo is that everything you eat the next day tastes about as good (and seems about as sophisticated) as undercooked ramen eaten out of a shoe.
Jose Diaz
Underrated gem, this place offers unique small plates that are food adventures.
Priya & Abhishek
We went there as a family and had a delightful experience. The food is amazing, the staff just wonderful and some amazing drinks as well.
Grace Pearson
Staff was very friendly & food was really delicious. The offerings were unique and fun. We were there for lunch. We had our 6 month old baby with us and although I thought it might feel weird since it didn't seem like a kid friendly restaurant (just based on the website), we didn't have any issues and they even provided a highchair.
Terri Bottiglio
Great menu, every last detail is perfection. Service is warm & friendly and they're great at explaining what to expect (it's tapas, so they help you understand timing & recommendations on quantity to order). Sat at the bar & enjoyed seeing them prepare meals with precision. Everyone worked well together in tight quarters. Really enjoyed the entire experience
James Beswick
I've been to Evo twice - the meal the first time was so good we went back to check it wasn't a fluke. The food here is elevated in ways where you appreciate the contrasting flavors and presentation, but without any pomp or over-the-top service or presentation. Chickpea fries are ridiculous (we preferred the optional vegan tomato sauce) and I could eat a plate of those with every meal. The black bass and grape leaves were both just sublime, but make sure you leave room for the turmeric cake. The next time we want to try the vegetarian tasting ($55). This is a tiny restaurant and table space is very tight so make sure to get a reservation! Evo is one of the best restaurants I've visited in years - it's truly a delight.
Jacob Lotstein
It seems there's a new restaurant opening every day in Portland so I think it speaks highly that I keep returning to Evo over and over. I don't think I've had anything I didn't care for but some favorites have certainly included their amazing chickpea fries which I stupidly ignored on my first few visits and the meatballs which were stuffed with some sort of herb butter that exploded out when you cut them open like an awesome meat version of Gushers.
Carmen Sutton
An awesome place to enjoy your evening. From the hostess to the waitress, bartenders and cooks, it was 5 star good. The food knocked us out. The kitchen is in the center of the bar and tiny. There were no less than 10 people working in that space making drinks, cooking, & plating. We were lucky enough to sit at the bar close to the cooking area. It was amazing to watch how they worked in unison to prepare the most delicious meals we've had in a very long time.
Shelley Shaw
Amazing shareable plates. Well done and wine selection excellent.
Maxy Max
This place was delicious but they don't do classic dinner. They do small plates for your entire party to share. Just wanted to let people know but their food is outstanding and their atmosphere was awesome.
A R
Super high quality food with amazing flavors and colors. Everything was fresh too. The spreads are so good with home made pita, and everything I tried was eye opening. A big plus is half the menu is vegetarian.
Price for 4 people before tip was $175ish.
P.s. sometimes they have a butter filled meatball on the menu.
Cathy Bailey
Absolutely incredible experience with the chefs tasting and wine pairing! Fabulous dinner!
Frank Nelson
Excellent restaurant with fun unintimidating staff. Last night was my 14-year-old son's first tasting menu and I can not think of a better place for it to have happened.
Daniel Emerson
I've never had anything I disliked there. Chickpea fries are one of my favorites. Only dislike is that seating can only be reserved for upstairs and the chefs bar is a way better place to sit. Bartenders have never let me down here.
Maria Picard
I cannot speak more highly about this restaurant! I am a vegan and my husband is a meat eater - and we found several options for the both of us! The food was out of this world!!!!! The staff is amazing as well! Try the sticky rice and chocolate cake desert - it’s incredible!
Simon Dupuis
We really had a good time there. Seeing the chefs in the open kitchen, they place everything with precision on the plates and the blend of flavors is subtle and delicious. The service was also very fast and attentive. On top of all that the prices are reasonable! 5 star
Heidi Jensen
This place was delicous! I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the other food we ate because we ate it so fast! Definitely go and try it!
Garrett Gordon
Drove down here from Belgrade last night, was worth the trip. Top notch food, service and atmosphere. This is my 3rd time here and there will be many more visits.
Rick Farris
One of the best meals I've eaten in decades. The flavors were so balanced. The ambiance, perfect. Could easily carry on a conversation in a full restaurant!
Becca Kurzweil
Only in town for a few nights, and decided to treat myself to the tasting menu. It definitely lived up to the hype. Every course was unique and decadent, and the service was impeccable. One of the better meals of my entire life. Definitely worth the splurge. Thanks for a great night!
Atid Kimelman
Fantastic food, great atmosphere, and the chef came and explained almost every dish with warmth and humor. We had a great time and hope to come back!
Andrew H
This just might be the best restaurant in Maine. The cuisine is mideastern eclectic--highly flavorful and created from the choicest ingredients. I have more lunches there than dinners but recommend either or both. Plus the chef and kitchen staff are right there. Great experience.
Tom K
Can't recommend this place enough! Very professional and friendly staff. Excellent craft beer and drink selection. The food was amazing and perfectly portioned. I highly recommend the Fattoush salad, Cauliflower 3 ways, Chickpea fries, and the Shrimp and grits. Everything was fantastic. Prices were fair.
Cort Gariepy
You will not be disappointed here. One of the most visually stimulating restaurants in town. From the chic interior, to the giant multifaceted glass panels providing views of the Old Port, to the fantastic presentation of every plate, this place nails it. And of course everything is delicious.
marty schindler
The Lunch of Champions. Chickpea fries, scallops with sweet potatoes and sauce, potato stew with an Afro twist, and stuffed grape leaves. Could it be better? Yes accompanied by a Portuguese red blend.
If you're looking for a lunch experience in Portland's Old Port, you've found it.
N O
The food was outstanding but the portions are a little small. Would definitely recommend 3 small plates per person if you are hungry. Food comes extremely fast which I loved. And even sat up stairs and wasn't too loud at all. Loved it all around.
brenton whitten
The modern thing is five start food, five prices, chain restaurant or less atmosphere and service. If I'm spending 150 bucks for two people, I want a wait staff on c bed grabbed whatever and headed to work, to eventually get you what you request when they are good and damn well ready.unless of course you gave up on them left your table and went and got whatever you needed yourself.
Diana Olson
One of the best meals we’ve ever had! The salmon and halibut were cooked to perfection. Would absolutely recommend!
Quinn Leary
The food was five stars. Some of the best takeout I’ve ever had. The missing star is bc they didn’t give us silverware! I get the plastic issue, but you can find compostable silverware these days, and in the age of covid everyone’s doing takeout and who says we’re going to a place that has silverware to eat it?
Zouhdi Hajjaj
Excellent Middle Eastern cuisine with awesome service. Highly recommend the chefs table
Kimberlie Goodwin
We made reservations for the upstairs area. After waiting 20 minutes after our reservation time they seated us downstairs. The host told us that they would give us a free desert or take something off our bill to make it right, but there was no follow through.
Mike T
Holy Sh#@! I haven't had a bite of food that good in a long time. Falafel was incredible and only topped by the white bean dip. Whole meal was sublime including the cocktail.
Haley Sweeney
Such an amazing and excellent all around dining experience. The sweet potato dish is seriously out of this world. If you love delicious exciting food check out this spot!
Steve DeBonis
Fantastic experience all around. Staff was super friendly yet professional and the food was delicious. Specifically, I'd definitely recommend the chickpea fries and the tuna.
Bill K
A funky sort of mediterranean food place in Portland. A pleasant surprise for sure. Flavors are absolutely intriuging. I highly recommend it to get out of the typical American cuisine rut. Try the tomato & peach salad, and the falafel is one of the best interpretations I have ever had. Must be the fermented mango. Just delicious. Try it - you'll like it.
Dawn Marie
Food was amazing and the service was also phenomenal!
Stacey Hunt
I first are at Evo last summer and was blown away by the entire dining experience. The ambiance, service, creativity, presentation, choices, and TASTE we're superb. I couldn't wait to return this summer on my yearly trip. It will be forever on a must destnation.
Ashley Thompson
Had a good experience at Evo. We got the chefs sampler which is many courses of very small plates. Everything tasted great. Drinks could have been better
Bonnie Dean
My husband and my first dinner at EVO was a wonderful surprise. Service, Food, Atmosphere; all great. We loved it! I'm sure we will return next time we are in Portland.
Patrick Joos
The Chicken Liver, Tuna and Mushrooms are among my favorite dishes. The Mushrooms where the most original. If you have the apatite and time, the tasting menus seem to be an excellent value.
Ross Jordan
Great small plates. Really like the vegetarian and vegan options. Modern dining atmosphere. The Lebanese Red wine recommendation was excellent.
Chris Gerry
Had an absolutely amazing experience at this modern, tapas-style restaurant! The food, decor, and service were all incredible. Pro tip: ask for a side of chocolate sauce with the baklava ice cream.
John Putnam
Staff was incredible. Very warm and welcoming. Gave us some delicious recommendations that did not disappoint. Tuna is where it's at and cap the meal off with some baclava ice cream!
Alison Hebert
Incredible tasting menu! And they were so kind to keep my dietary restrictions in mind, and did so beautifully! Highly recommend this experience
Maggie Poisson
Had the most beautiful date. Sat in the upper level mezzanine and had the vegan tasting. It was phenomenal. Thank you so much for the experience.
Daniel Gindes
Great lunch. Salad and chickpea fries were excellent. Chicken schwarma sandwich was good, but not outstanding. Backlava ice cream was to die for. Expensive, but worth it.
Robin Cerrati
Gorgeous food . Hubby and I had a lunch small plates Sharing is best. Started with hummus which is a must have. Shared oyster dish with Allagash foam YUM and finished with Ricotta Gnudi the flavors in this dish are tremendous
Chi Yu “Kevin” Yang
More French than Middle Eastern. Sophisticated plating with well crafted dishes. The ambiance was very upscale as well. Definitely meets your expectations for its price point however it does not exceed it.
R .P.
Absolutely stunning. Got a few small plates & a couple drinks. Beet root salad is incredible. The staff are wonderful. Great little spot. Highly recommended.
Robert Emery
Only stopped for desert. Loved their vegan chocolate desert which came with sorbet. Sat outside in the front. They also have little "greenhouses" to reserve.
Michele O'Sullivan
Just outstanding!!!! Everything we ordered was delicious & had flavor combinations that were both unexpected & delicious!
Ben Hayes
We were recommended this place by a friend and now I get the pleasure of recommending it to others. Best food we had in Portland! Fun small plates to share with your loved one
EvaMarie L
Crowded place, staff pleasant enough. Food was delicious, but way overpriced with tiny portions. No exaggeration on the portion size.
Bryan Adams
The tasting menu was excellent with a nice progression of dishes. Everything was well balanced. Great meal!
Sydney Hunt
Everything was incredible. Staff was impeccable, food was to die for and the drinks were also unbelievable. Truly blown away by this experience
Sarah Ollis
We did the vegetarian tasting menu and it was remarkable. The service and ambiance was great as well. I would definitely come back!
Seth M
Friendly staff in a cozy environment. Quality food, but service is very slow and plates don't come out together. Getting multiple entrees is awkward as people's plates arrive at much different times.
Jack Bossom
I went for lunch. I had duck. It would have been nice to know that it was served rare, which I don't like. I did ask how it was prepared and the waitress just said "roasted." Everything else was great.
Chris Watters
Service was excellent as was the food. Great atmosphere.
Kelly Turner
Smells great just walking by. You can also see the fresh veggies in the window and see the cooks. It's clean and the people are friendly!
Kathleen Jarvis
Loved the chick pea fries; a must to try. Enjoyed the tapas styled dishes. Would go more often but a bit pricey.
Barbara H
Cozy. Delicious food great for sharing. Can get a little expensive if you have a big appetite. Not for kids.
Felisha Shakeer
The food and service here is amazing! Fantastic in all regards and great for a date night ❤️.
Brittany Grogan
Food and service was absolutely incredible. One of the best meals I've had in a long time! Those chickpea fries though!!!
Amanda Weber
It’s all amazing— but GET THE CARROT CAKE. & the scallops. & the ricotta toast. *chef’s kiss*
Numbers 123456
Khagai (dunno) if I spelt it right, is the chef here and I just would like to say that they’ve served the best Baklava I’ve ever had... and trust me that comes from someone who’s had Baklava at a Gazillion places across the US from NYC to NJ to NC.. and then to top it, they served me a Baklava IceCream and I had never dreamed that someone in the world was even making that.. hands down one of the best places to eat and have an amazingly crafted cocktail in Portland, ME. In Marathi as I would say.. Darjaa!!
bev kadlick
Small plates. Everything delicious
Bathrooms gorgeous. Real towels!
Great server. Explained everything
Little spicy, but that's what I like.
Jenneffer Pulapaka
Excellent vegan dishes on the tasting. This is a casual restaurant, not fancy. Creative & fun night.
Caroline Fernandes
Visited for the first time last night and it was by far one of the best restaurants I’ve been to! The staff was incredible and the food was delicious! I would highly recommend this place!
Gwyneth Maguire
Fantastic food and great location. Seating at bar, window counters and tables upstairs. Chef Matt Ginn is attentive to all dishes and makes your dinning experience awesome.
Joseph Crodelle
Beautifully crafted cocktails and dishes. Love it. The beer salad is locally sourced and delectable.
Ana Bereczki
Pink pepper merengue with grapefruit jelly
Joe Allen
Great friendly staff, some fantastic dishes some not.
Gabe
Great atomsophere, open kitchen, friendly employees. Came in just for drinks, which were great, but the food and menu look amazing. Will be coming back for food next
Jeff Simpson
Really good food and atmosphere!
Johanne Marcotte
Great experience for bar hopping. Staff was friendly. I enjoyed the experience.
Mitchell Modzel
Great food, especially the dessert! I loved the pork belly and the carrot cake
Chris Kelley
Wonderful lunch the tuna was perfection. The chickpea fries are so good I had to order an encore order. Unbelievable.
Nirav Sheth
Excellent service and food. Awesome dining experience with the vegetarian tasting menu.
Best
Nirav
Jeff Slaton
Chef Matt was off tonite and everything was was awesome. That's the true testimony of a great restaurant. Highly recommended.
Eric Anderson
Tasty food on 'medium plates' meant for sharing. Good for a small group - with four people everyone can taste everything.
Janine B (JB09)
Vegan carrots were really good but the vegan grape leaves we're best I have ever had. So good!!!!
Durgin
The chef's plate was the single best 5 course meal I've ever had! It's an incredible experience!
Sarah Davidson
Favorite restaurant in Portland! Love dining here in every season - menu is always changing and always unbelievably delicious. It's a must!!
Will Johnson
The food and service is impeccable! There's not a place in Portland like Evo. Book your reservations now!
resqicunurse21
Been twice...fantastic both times. Chef Matt treats customers like royalty...food and wine was amazing! Excellent experience.
Doug Smith
Amazing food. Creative Mediterranean and Maine fusion.bTry the chefs tasting, you won't be sorry!
Jane Upshur
Everything was delicious and staff were very friendly and welcoming. Would like to try the tasting menu next time!
Matthew O'Hearn
Chef Matt Ginn is a rising culinary star. He's putting out the best food in Portland.
Shannon Knapp
Small plates full of flavor! Great for sharing.
Jessica DeLisle
The portions were good for sharing, fun flavor combinations, I highly recommend the mixed drinks!
Leila Zayed
Love it here. Decent value. Romantic and hip atmosphere. Vegan tasting menu
Mark Klein
Elevated food, every dish was great. They change menus often to source the best foods available.
William Foster
Great food, well prepared, clean, nice wine list. Price/value is off. Otherwise really great
stacy Douglas
Oh my! Yum! Chef makes beets the bbombb!! Unique and fabulous! Oh and so fresh!! Worth a stop.
Ali Nuri Bayar
Incredible food and service. The dishes are innovative and exploding with flavor and texture.
Sir William Nakamoto
The soup is to die for, location is amazing and the custom cocktails should not be missed!
Javier Rios
Definitely an amazing experience when you order the chef's selection, excellent food. Good service
Jhavvy Ramone
Food so good looking almost afraid to eat it. Then taste so good it goes fast.
The Maine Criminal Defense Group
Excellent Mediterranean menu. Dishes are expertly prepared. Creative drink menu.
Annabel Golden
Fabulous flavors. Great seasonal menu. Loved the vibe.
Juracy Voltolini
The most incredible and vestigial experience we had!! The best restaurant ever!
Jordan Dysart
Fantastic first time this place was loads of fun and great food. Thank you everyone for a great time!
Jim Warwick
Fantastic food, ambiance and service!
Best: hummus with pickled veggies, seared tuna, and brussel sprouts
Jenny Chipman
Beets are unbelievably delicious - must try
Mariah Lemelin
Freakin love this place and the service and the food and the cocktails and wine
Melissa Bartz
Food was incredible and the seats looking outside were nice for watching the rain.
Doug Farmer
Not bad .. pretty good drinks and food was adequate for a tapas place
Leo M.
One of my favorite restaurants and bars in Portland. Small, modern and, somehow, always fairly easy to get a couple seats at.
Xin Zhang
Came here for a drink. Fantastic service and amazing cocktail.
Justin
Just go.
Joshua Parra
Great all around!
Nell Sullivan
Delicious tapas. I've been here a half dozen times, for lunch and dinner, and the food is always excellent.
Joe Christopher
Really nice place. Chefs are artisan. Chip pea fries are killer. Great service.
Keith Dunphy
Terrific food experience! Chef's tasting menu is highly recommended.
J C
The food is amazing the service was great no complaints.
Dalton Perry
Fantastic tapas. I loved the wine selection and service. Reasonably priced as well.
Don Bedell
Absolutely incredible!
Mickey
Good ambiance and service. Food was decent, but not worth the prices.
Andrea O'Brion
The food was tasty, but for the price it wasn't outstanding and the portions were small.
Darlene Plumly
The food was unique and delicious. Served by the persons who cooked it. Can’t wait to go back!!!
Lorraine LaJoie
The perfect place especially if you have dietary restrictions! Chef Matt is outstanding!
Lisa Carlson
Incredible food! Loved this place--perfect for a special occasion
Lori Shipulski
Delicious dinner and cocktails. Excellent service.
Jessica Myers
Excellent food, friendly staff, great vibe.. we LOVED this place!
Giorgio Liguori
We have a nice lunch here. Few plates in menu, but good at all.
kelley-jean searcy
Posted 3 stars by mistake. Best tasting food I've ever eaten in any restaurant!
Adam Neveu
Vegan tasting is the best you can find in Portland hands down.
Meg and Rich Pickering
Fantastic food and cocktails. Fun people watching at the window
Julissa Peguero
Amazing!!! Great food and service.
Garreth Debiegun
Amazing food. Vegan gluten free paradise. Even better service.
Burt Lee
The food is amazing. Must try the halibut and the Turkish coffee. Love
Ric Wheeler
One of our favorite places - love the gnocchi and the chick pea fries.
Elizabeth Fraser
Fantastic vegan plates. Wonderful service and delicious food!
Charles Miranda
Food and service good. I didn't like my window seat
Chiara Apici
Every bite was truly wow.
Gloria Barker
Very trendy,uses fresh foods from area farms.Love this place,go back in a heartbeat!
Rebekah Sirois
Fantastic food and great service. Best meal I've had in some time.
Bradford Sprague
Great tapas. Lots of fun to share with a small group. A little pricey.
Jahred
The prix fixe was outstanding. Great balance of dishes, and very knowledgeable staff.
Phil LeRoy
Best small plate dinner experience!
Angela Kelby
Love the vibe. The overall experience was exactly what we were looking for. Would definitely go back.
Jordan Glicksman
Every dish we ate was 10/10 good
Peter Lemack
Aleppo Tuna was amazing!
Evil Empire
Awsome food and a great experience,you can’t visit Portland and not stop here!
Dallas Weaver
Fantastic food and service. Made a trip to Portland even better.
William DeGroff
Fantastic cuisine. Food was delicious
Andrew Graves
If you are in Portland Maine and you don't experience EVO you have missed out. Cheers
Winfred Keith Cameron
Very different with a variety of very tasty food. Would recommend to friends.
Kimberly Cochran
Amazing food and drinks. Great service. Will definitely be back!
Daniel Tadros
Amazing food amazing service amazing restaurant .
Great 5 star place! MICHELE served us incredibly !