Emilitsa
547 Congress St, Portland, ME, 04101
Emilitsa Menu
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Address :
547 Congress St
Portland, ME, 04101 - Phone (207) 221-0245
- Website https://www.emilitsa.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Greek Cuisine
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
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Lindsay L.
Pros: lovely food Cons: very aggressive prices
(3)John P.
Ok portland visitors or locals, this restaurant is a 5 star experience from the food to the service. The atmosphere is very relaxing....and every item on the menu is done with perfection. It's all in the food quality and the attention to detail. We are food critics at each place we go...and when compared to the big 5 such as fore street, 555, street and co, Hugo's, etc, this place just edges everyone else out due to quality and consistency. Yes it is Greek style, but has offerings for seafood lovers and great appetizers. On a recent trip, we tried the shrimp appetizer which was fantastic, and of course the house made feta and tomato salad melts in your mouth. The owner is in the house, making sure everything runs smoothly. If you find a better spot.....be sure to yelp us! Great job :).
(5)Ginny M.
Hands-down phenomenal. The flavors are unusual, surprising and delicious. Without a doubt, one of the best meals I've ever had. The fig appetizer was sensational; the rabbit and lamb entrees were both delicious. Really, truly a treat.
(5)Melissa M.
Emilitsa is by far my favorite restaurant to go to in Portland. The atmosphere is very urban with exposed brick and great design, but still remains cozy, inviting and intimate. The food is authentic, perfectly seasoned and ALWAYS consistent. I am 100% Greek and next to my family get togethers, this is the next best thing. Whenever my parents are in town, we make it a point to have dinner here. Can't say enough great things about Emilitsa.
(5)Heather G.
Emilitsa in brief: The owner is really nice The service is friendly, but slow The dining room is small but GORGEOUS The menu changes daily, but is Greek-inspired The food varies from decent to fantastic The service is slow. Did I mention that? The service is slow. Plan for this dinner to consume your whole evening. Emilitsa, the unabridged version: We showed up on time for our 8:15 reservation, yet were asked to wait until about 8:30 to be seated. The dining room is very small, sparsely decorated, but extremely elegant in its minimalism. It's romantic and cozy without looking offputtingly upscale. The bar area takes up the remainder of this tiny restaurant's floor-space. There are, oh, about 12 tables in the whole space, and another 6 or so seats at the bar. Once seated, there was a long wait for the waitress to take our drink order. In that time, however, she did stop by to tell us that three of the entrees were sold out that evening - the vegetarian, the moussaka, and the whole-fish entree (the one we actually came specifically to try). That left 4 entree choices (between three diners who dislike duplicate-orders, which basically meant we'd be sampling the majority of the remaining menu). The drink orders were finally placed. We had two beers - Mythos Lager ($6) which was light and sweet, and a Fraoch Heather Ale (come on, i had to) for $7 that was a bit better but still very light. The server brought out a chef's taste of lentil puree with shaved onion and crouton chips - the lentil puree was some of the best puree I've had anywhere, and the fact that I was getting in a daily dose of lentils made this even better. However, it was a small "taste" to tide us over, as there was again a very long wait between ordering drinks/apps, and getting our appetizers. By the time they arrived at the table, it was 9:20. For appetizers, we had: Kefalograviera me syka saganaki - pan fried sheep's milk kefalograviera with balsamic peppered figs ($12) - This dish had a burnt-tasting finish of tobacco/pine that we eventually attributed to the whole cloves hiding at the bottom of the dish. The cheese was more hard-melted pizza cheese disc, and the figs were sweet and crunchy (seeds). Overall, the dish was way too sweet for my taste and could have used some citrus to cut the cloying sweetness. Souzoukakia - beef, pork, veal suasages in cinnamon wine tomato sauce, with grilled crusty bread ($7) - the sauce was sweet and tangy, and the meat was tender and loosely-formed to fall apart at the touch. It was a nice, delicate dish that I would order again. Thessaloniki htipiti - roasted yellow and red pepper dip with chillies, whipped dodoni feta, and grilled pita ($9) - the pita was the best part of the dish, as it was grilled, warm, squishy. Emilitsa gets their pita from a bakery in Manhattan, though the name would not be given, as the chef informed the server to tell us it was a well-kept secret. The spread had a salty finish but only subtle red-pepper flavor. At 9:45, our apps were finished, and after another oddly-long wait, our entrees came out. paithakia galaktos tis skaras - lamb chops, sauteed baby spinach, risott-style tomato rice pilaf with pine nuts and golden sultanas topped with greek yogurt ($28) - The lamb had a good char and came out rare on the inside. The pilaf was sweet and the large side of feta and greek yogurt both added a complexity. The baby spinach was very flavorful and was easily my favorite part of this dish. popia me glykia patata - pan seared spiced duck breast, sweet potato mash, caramelized shallot red onion marmalade, shallot beurre blanc ($29) - the duck was well-cooked, and tasted cumin-dusted. This was also a very sweet dish. The marmalade was sweet and burnt and went well with the dish, but the potato mash made everything just a bit too sweet for my taste, and had an off-putting aftertaste. Hirino souvlaki - skewered and grilled pork, sweet peppers, shallots all marinated in lemon juice, evoo, oregano, garlic, and served with spanakorizo ($25) - This dish came with a side of lemony rice pilaf and mint/dill yogurt for dipping, as well as a slab of feta. The pork was smoky and well-spiced. It came out very rare in the middle, which i'd never seen before, but the chef assured us it was OK. Internet research revealed (thanks, Dan C.! you're a bigger nerd than I am) that if the pork is locally-sourced, you can cook it to as low as 140 degrees (as the bacteria dies at 137). It was, as a result, juicy and flavorful, but the oregano in the marinade was a bit overpowering. Also, it comes on a skewer with peppers, but for $25, I'd prefer my pork not be presented like the kebab I get from Falafel King down the street from my apartment. Overall, the food was elegantly-presented, each dish had some very high-points (as well as some places where the mark was missed), and the value was fair-ish to perhaps a bit expensive for what was offered.
(3)A. K.
Though you pay for bread, it is worth it. The beet appetizer, the scallop appetizer, and the whole fish were just wonderful. The price for dinner is high--$160 to $180 or more a couple. My only complaint is that the appetizer portions were small. The main dishes were fine.
(5)Claudio C.
This is one of the best restaurants in Portland hands down. My girlfriend and I split four small plates and had two drinks each at the bar...it was outstanding. Each dish was expertly prepared, with subtle Mediterranean flavors...which highlight the chefs creative talents. The octopus app is world class stuff....the best I've ever had. Pricy...but try it...its grilled to perfection and delicious. The scallops with feta and sauce was great....perfectly portioned and cooked for a small plate. You're in Europe with this one. The beet salad was colorful and delicious. The lamb kabob burst with lemon, oregano, garlic, and was perfect medium rare. Just good stuff....the wine list is varied with good value....ambiance and service were excellent....and the owner created a bit of interactive dining for me....explaining the cooking process of several items. Expensive....$125 plus tip for four apps and two drinks each.....but well well worth it....five stars
(5)Mary A.
ALWAYS, hands down the best Greek food in Portland. I've eaten here dozens of times and not once did they falter in quality, presentation or service. If you want a five star Greek dining experience for three star prices, you've found your place.
(5)Meaghan G.
Simply amazing! Not a bad dish on the menu. Delightful staff. Totally a place to come back to.
(5)Susan L.
We had a wonderful dinner. Started with a mojito that was light and refreshing with plenty of fresh mint - a taste of summer! Chef sent out a complimentary dip made with chick peas, sea salt, olive oil and herbs with crisp pita that was delicious. The duck was just perfectly prepared, seared outside and moist and tender inside, not greasy or heavy at all, served with tzataki. The swordfish kabab was likewise perfectly cooked, very fresh, tender, with a distinct grilled flavor. Moussaka was the ultimate comfort food. There were 4 of us, and I don't think anyone left so much as a morsel of food on their plate. Although it's not inexpensive, the quality of the food and service more than justifies the expense. Highly recommend.
(5)Paul U.
By far my favorite restaurant in Portland. Everything is 5 star; food, service, ambiance. A must try !
(5)Kerry M.
One of the better meals I have had in a while. We sat at the bar, which we lovely and the service was friendly and warm. My favorite thing we tried were the lamb sliders which were one of the best things I have ever eaten. Good choice for a classy night out.
(5)Brit L.
This place was amazing. I have never been a fan of Greek food but this totally blew me away. I had their Heirloom tomato salad, which was so fresh and tasty. I don't like feta, but the feta they use is buttery and not at all salty. The duck entrée is out of this world good. It is rubbed with a spice blend and cooked medium rare... it was fantastic. For dessert I had to try the traditional Greek dessert, Baklava. It was sweet, crisp, and the nut filling was just delicious. The wait staff was demure, polite, and on point. The atmosphere and decore is intimate, soft, modern, sophisticated, and classy. I highly recommend this restaurant. Please be advised that for a table reservations are required, they do have a bar that is first come, first serve but it is very small with maybe 8 chairs.
(5)Jeff H.
Best Greek restaurant I have been to, including those in Greece. Absolutely an amazing palate journey, with each dish bringing new flavors. A wonderful and perfect anniversary spot!
(5)William S.
This is a phenomenal restaurant which is up there with the best in this foodie town. Our party of four enjoyed a broad sampling of the menu and everything was perfectly prepared, and deftly seasoned. My duck dish was the best duck I have had in a very long time, for instance. I am always impressed that the portion size is large enough to be satisfying but not so large as to be daunting. Service was outstanding. Our server was just the right amount of attentive, and exceptionally skilled on pairing wine with our meal. I was also impressed that she did not steer us towards the most expensive options, but rather seemed to be seeking a truly good match and she succeeded. Emilitsa has an urban feeling which I find engaging. It is friendly and intimate, but not eccentric. We love coming here and would do so more often if the menu changed a bit more frequently.
(5)Peter P.
Literally the best lamb I have had in the twenty years since my yaiyai passed. The food is five stars, and so is the service. There was a complimentary appetizer, and baklava as good as it gets.
(5)Oldport W.
One of the BEST dining experiences in Portland. From your arrival to departure a perfect 10+. You are always greeted at the door by John, who is easily one of the most genuine and gracious hosts in the restaurant industry. Our sommelier (and by this I mean someone who truly knew how to present wine) presented our wine with Michelin star service, something I've never seen but in a very few restaurants in the U.S. (This just set the tone for a dining experience second to none). Our server was outstanding, added to the occasion and was a delight. Now the important part: There is no better Greek food on the planet, I have never had anything that wasn't spectacular, but I love the lamb chops with a passion that probably borders on being a sin. Denos is not only brilliant but quiet and modest which only adds to the charm of the restaurant. I know you want a lobster roll when you come to Portland, but by God this isn't to be missed if you feel like DINING in Portland.
(5)Kathy U.
Lunch was a great treat. I had the chicken gyro which was delightful. Came with a side of potatoes that were perfect. Atmosphere, service, food all first rate. Since they just started serving lunch it hasn't caught on yet so easy to get a seat.
(5)Sarah L.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking: what is this vegetarian girl doing in the meat-loving establishment Emilitsa? Never fear, a bit of mix and match from the menu and I made myself a complete meal. Love love love the hummus platter - all the different types were amazing to contrast and compare. The waitstaff was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about their food. I really liked the décor inside too. Overall, the food is on the pricey side, but I felt it was worth it. Definitely save room for dessert - the baklava was amazing!!
(4)Erin P.
The food is excellent and the service is spectacular! I thought it was a bit costly but, totally plan to return regardless!
(4)Monique G.
Amazing, incredible, creative and delicious. I go to Emilitsas as often as possible. Impeccable service, and the waitstaff is especially helpful with the wine selection, since it's mostly Greek.
(5)Samantha S.
I've been here for several lovely dinners, most notably a small-ish dinner party my sisters and I hosted. The owner was super helpful and didn't seem to mind too much when we brought balloons and decorations to this pretty classy place. The food is really delicious, and there are good vegetarian options. The wine list is great, as is the unique selection of beers.
(4)Reginald W.
Informal yet elegant, attentive to every detail without being stuffy. This place has achieved a well textured harmony of excellent food, professional and personal service, delicate inviting lighting and just the right music that is rarely found no matter where I have traveled nor regardless of price. Highly recommended!
(5)Will S.
Emilitsa! Not the traditional greek place... is that bad? Emilitsa says, "Not at all." First off, I must mention: I am a devout carnivore. I love meat. And in my honest opinion, it's what Emilitsa does best. I've gone there three times, 1. Lamb 2. Pork Loin 3. Rabbit Every dish was significantly better than the last: The lamb was seared and cooked just as I had ordered... the tenderness was perfect. The pork was a passionate experience... every bite was in some way significant. The rabbit? Well... the rabbit was the finest of example of rabbit I've ever had. Other reviews I've read of Emilitsa have said that their sides aren't the greatest in the world.... sadly, I must agree. It's not that they aren't good, they are in fact, delicious. I just think that Emilitsa can take it a bit further and push the envelope. Live a little. I will say that the staff is top notch! Always a huge factor for me, as I enjoy the interactions with friendly, outgoing, knowledgeable wait staff. Glad to see employees that seem invested in what they do. I must also mention the free appetizer - I can't express how much I enjoy this free offering. I have a special place in my heart for restaurants that entice you with free food. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice - I enjoy the low lit brick and their utilization of the space that they have. I don't especially love the wall side seating, it's a bit tricky to get in and out of, but it's comfortable enough. Am I rambling now? Probably... so let me summarize: 1. Go to Emilitsa 2. Order meat of some kind. I would start with the lamb, go back for the pork, and then for your third visit, victory lap with the rabbit (if it's on menu at the time). 3. Get the Fraoch Heather Ale - a treat in and of itself. 4. Get the baklava. Enjoy!
(5)Hilary L.
1st time at this restaurant on my niece's recommendation. Service was wonderful and the food was exceptional. Excellent ouzo and metaxa cocktails, excellent lamb dishes and great scallop appetizer. All in all, a great experience!
(5)Sabrina H.
Had a flawless meal here! Had a veal and homemade pasta dish that I dreamt about for weeks afterward. Wine was tasty. Food and service both impeccable. One of my favorite restaurants in Portland!
(5)Y. H.
Unfortunately, there were pieces of rotten tomato with mold in my salad. Except that incident, it was an impressive restaurant. The atmosphere was calm and beautiful. The food was tasty and very interesting. I also liked the way of cooking for the vegetables. The glasses and dishes were very clean. The server tried to be attentive and kind even though we were in t-shirts with a nine-year old child that evening. Good. We had a salad, an appetizer, the duck, the lamb, the halibut and three glasses of wine. It was pricy but reasonable for a decent restaurant.
(4)Rox F.
A year later and we were back at Emilitsa. Again, it was great! This time I had the lamb shank and it was lovely and juicy. It was first Friday in Portland so the place was busy, I recommend making reservations. The server was very knowledgeable and helpful in explaining and describing their wines and we had a delicious and distinctive Greek Merlot. Why do I not give this place 5 stars? I suppose my only reason is that the tables are so very close together. In a lunch setting or something like that I wouldnt mind as much, I know it is the European way and all, but I like to be tucked away in a corner a little more. That being said it is still a wonderful experience!
(4)Michaela M.
I am someone who has reasonable expectations and my experience at Emilitsa can be described in one word...AWFUL! The service was terrible. The waitress was somewhat attentive at first, asking us for our wine selection and menu choice. However after we ordered we didn't see her until we appeared to be finished with our meal. The food was also TERRIBLE. We ordered the grilled pita appetizer which was ok, certainly nothing special. As a main dish I ordered the chicken souvlaki. The presentation was beautiful. A pleasant bus girl brought the meal out from the kitchen on a large skewer and removed the individual pieces for me placing them onto a bed of rice and greens. The chicken tasted as though it had been soaked in straight lemons for days (it made me pucker). The rice and greens were even worse tasting as though they too were soaked in lemons and then seasoned with cheap lemon pepper seasoning. My boyfriend's meal, the pork chop, was a seemingly large piece of pork however turned out to be half fat. When the waitress finally came back she asked me if I wanted my meal boxed and I said no. She then asked me if everything was ok so I explained the above to her. I found her response was less than pleasant; she said that she wished she had stopped by our table earlier (so did I). We paid our bill and left seriously dissatisfied. In short the food and service were over-priced, not to mention that it was seriously over-priced. I could have prepared a better meal and called it "Greek".
(1)Joe R.
Yum! It has been a long time since I have had the whole table talk about how delicious the meal was the entire meal. We even shared stories with the table next to us. The lamb and the pork were the star meals at the table. The apps were perfection. Along with perfect decor makes it a 5 star. The only thing holding me back from going a lot is the $30 meal ticket. So i give this Portland's #1 special occasion restaurant (tied with Street and co).
(5)TJ S.
Not bad, though this is one of those places that once again always seems to fall under "ok, so what". Greek food that has most of the traditional staples. The lamb, the feta, baklava, the blah blah blah. I'd like to see this place (for the price) take it to the next level and try some truly progressive translations on traditional Greek. Much of the food was way over salted the two times I've been here. Cheese, olives, olive oil, salt on everything! Umm, yikes? Very nice and affordable (if you order the right thing) drink selection. Excellent waitstaff but with a bit of the ol' hovering yet discombobulated manager/owner. They closed down for a bit to "update" things, but I can't really tell what they did. I'd say go to this place if you want these types of dishes in a well presented, and traditional manner, and don't mind a weighty check. This weighty check does bring in a fairly obnoxious crowd so be prepared to be scrunched up right next to someone you'll have to make an effort to tune out. Really the only place doing Greek in town.
(3)Crissa L.
Delicious food and great wait staff. Best pita bread I've ever tasted, and a really thick tzatsiki, not like any I've had before. I had the souvlaki, and my husband the moussaka, both among the best we've ever had (and we both love greek food). A bit overpriced, but worth the atmosphere and the service. Would have loved to try the saganaki (flaming greek cheese), especially with that bread, but had just had it a few days earlier in our travels and the thin girl living somewhere within the depths of the rest of me didn't allow it. Handicap accessible too, which seems to be a bit of a rarity in these parts.
(5)Christy H.
Recent trip to Portland and at the suggestion of the Innkeeper we tried this place. Very simple decorations the dining room is not large. Had read some of the Yelp reviews about service. On the night I went there with my sister it was relaxed. The meals took a little long to come out but the server apologized for the delay, and it was not long. I would not go there if I had somewhere else to go afterward, but also hate when everything comes out at once, so this did not bother me. We ordered the tomato salad, spanikopita, sword fish special, and moussaka. My sister said she had order envy after trying my moussaka, it was so amazing. She thought some of the items were a little high in price, but the moussaka was worth every bite.
(4)Bob R.
Had stopped in once for apps at the bar and very much enjoyed. Went the other night for my wife's birthday. This place is on par with the best in Portland. Greek, a bit different than what you might be used to. A nice taste to begin with - pureed lentils with toasted pita. Delicious! And not your typical amuse - it was larger than many appetizers I've had. A sausage and a chicken liver app. Sausage was very tasty and the flavors in the liver were very different but very good. Entrees were the pork kabob which my wife enjoyed. I had the whole fish which comes with a show as it's filleted table-side (yes, there are still quited a few bones left) but is was wonderful. Finished with the cheese cake which looked as good as it tasted with a Greek coffee which was also terrific. I'm usually fairly lost when it comes to wine - the selection of Greek wines left me totally befuddled however, our server was very helpful and guided us to one of the most enjoyable wines I've"ve ever had. Of course, I can't remember the name and couldn't pronounce it anyway. Our service was very good. Some have said it's slow - we thought it was perfect - I'd call it unrushed. Only place where the ball was dropped was that when I made the reservation, I told them it was my wife's birthday and maybe they could throw out a "happy birthday". I was told they'd be bringing a torte with a candle - they missed the birthday (my wife was actually happy the did). This tiny miss in no way took anything away from an outstanding meal.
(5)T.H. J.
This restaurant is an unqualified success for Greek food. Fresh ingredients, inspired presentation, and top-notch service.
(5)V R.
Good meal and service. Dined with a group who mostly loved it but 2 thought dinner meal (one had veggie and one lamb) was bland. Wine great, starters excellent. Service wonderful. No room for dessert!
(3)John R.
Had dinner last night and were absolutely impressed with quality and taste of food. The service was great and we liked the quaint atmosphere. Prices are a bit high but it was well worth it. The appetizer plates were particularly tasty.
(5)Bushra S.
A group of us made reservations and went there for Friday night dinner. Small place that was channelling Brooklyn. good atmosphere, great service and food. The menu was good balance of entrees and apps except that they were out of 2 of the 5 entrees! on a Friday night. Prices definitely were trying to match New York. but we will definitely go back.
(4)Brenda G.
Oh my. This is a wonderful temple to all things Mediterranean. Wine, fish, lamb and yogurt, Emilitsa is a treat and treasure with exquisitely fresh food and knowledgeable, friendly service. If you love the old standbys of spanikopita and feta, good. If you're game for branzino, dorado or agean fish stew, all the better. Traditional or adventuresome, it's all good!
(4)Paul F.
Superb! I had an incredible dinner at Emilitsa, the best meal I've had in my 3000 mile journey from Seattle so far. This is high end fish and lamb Greek food, not the burning cheese Greek you get at the lower end places. I had a hummus-like dish for an appetizer except that I think it was blended with Feta cheese and had a spicy kick to it. It was very original to me and a great start to my dinner. I was also served another hummus-like dish on the house - also excellent. I let owner John order me the fish specialty at the restaurant after being highly tempted by the lamb. The fish came whole - head, fins, skin, and all. It was the most incredible fish I've ever eaten and I live by the Pike Place Market in Seattle because I like to buy good fish. Something about the fat in the skin cooked into the fish meat to make a really excellent dish. I saw some lamb chops go by to other tables and they too looked totally amazing. There were several sauces and garnishes on my plate that were also wonderful but I can't name. Another great part of Emilitsa is the wines. I couldn't pick so I asked the bartender to let me sip everything open. In all I probably had two full glasses of wine but got to try a very large array of Greek wines. John has trained his staff to be very knowledgeable about the wines and so each wine came with an explanation. The wine tasting was not on the menu but ask and I don't think you'll be turned down. I think I paid for the equivalent of about three glasses of wine and it was very worth the experience. Finally the staff and owner were all super friendly and attractive. The decor fits very well and I just had a great dinner. This place is too good to be true so go while it lasts or is still unknown enough that you can get in.
(5)Nicholas L.
Originating from New York I have eaten at a little less than a thousand Greek restaurants. With that said I am always skeptical of a Greek restaurants, and usually rate them harder than any other reviews on Yelp just because of the amount of different Greek restaurants I have visited over the years. Emilitsa was a delightful surprise. A must if you come to Portland. Everything I had was excellent. Food made perfectly. I was offered a complimentary appetizer of fava which was made just as when I visited Greece. I ordered a Greek salad which can be tricky for any restaurant as it really is in the tomatoes they use, and this is not an easy time to get good tomatoes. The salad was mouth watering. I enjoyed every bite! The tomatoes were juicy, and flavorful. I finished my meal off with lamb chops which were nice and thick (a lot of Greek restaurants serve the thinner ones), and made medium rare the way I want them . The Greek restaurant competes with some of the best restaurants in the North East. I rank them in my top five Greek restaurants.
(5)Gabe H.
It always makes me feel better when patronizing a restaurant or hotel or any kind of business, for that matter, if the proprietor is a nice and friendly person. And John, the proprietor of Emilitsa, is as nice of a guy as they come. He chatted with my dad and me (but not to the point of imposing on our dinner) multiple times through our dinner, but you could really see his attention to detail in the way he polishes wine glasses and his concern for and ability to be a good listener to his clientele -- he wished me good luck in my new job as we were leaving! I guess it's kind of hard to explain, but it just made the evening that much better, that we were dealing with nice people. And the delectable octopus appetizer, the refreshing glass of Mythos, the perfectly prepared lamb chops, and the scrumptious baklava for dessert certainly didn't hurt, either. I look forward to going back (and having the same exact food again).
(5)Sue W.
Absolutely one of the best meals I've ever had! The octopus appetizer was a definite highlight - so tender and flavorful. The entire experience was wonderful with great service, perfect suggestions from the staff and fabulous food. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Ms. Review S.
If they have the lamb ribs on the menu, GET THEM. You will be glad you did. My boyfriend had the duck, it was awesome too! The entrees were creative and flavorful. We tried the rabbit in filo dough appetizer, I'm not sure what it was really called, and it was OK. The server suggested it, but neither one of us were crazy about it. The tables are close together and this place is pretty small. I would make a reservation if you're coming for dinner, it was really busy. Eat here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Lindsay L.
Pros: lovely food Cons: very aggressive prices
(3)Melissa M.
Emilitsa is by far my favorite restaurant to go to in Portland. The atmosphere is very urban with exposed brick and great design, but still remains cozy, inviting and intimate. The food is authentic, perfectly seasoned and ALWAYS consistent. I am 100% Greek and next to my family get togethers, this is the next best thing. Whenever my parents are in town, we make it a point to have dinner here. Can't say enough great things about Emilitsa.
(5)Heather G.
Emilitsa in brief: The owner is really nice The service is friendly, but slow The dining room is small but GORGEOUS The menu changes daily, but is Greek-inspired The food varies from decent to fantastic The service is slow. Did I mention that? The service is slow. Plan for this dinner to consume your whole evening. Emilitsa, the unabridged version: We showed up on time for our 8:15 reservation, yet were asked to wait until about 8:30 to be seated. The dining room is very small, sparsely decorated, but extremely elegant in its minimalism. It's romantic and cozy without looking offputtingly upscale. The bar area takes up the remainder of this tiny restaurant's floor-space. There are, oh, about 12 tables in the whole space, and another 6 or so seats at the bar. Once seated, there was a long wait for the waitress to take our drink order. In that time, however, she did stop by to tell us that three of the entrees were sold out that evening - the vegetarian, the moussaka, and the whole-fish entree (the one we actually came specifically to try). That left 4 entree choices (between three diners who dislike duplicate-orders, which basically meant we'd be sampling the majority of the remaining menu). The drink orders were finally placed. We had two beers - Mythos Lager ($6) which was light and sweet, and a Fraoch Heather Ale (come on, i had to) for $7 that was a bit better but still very light. The server brought out a chef's taste of lentil puree with shaved onion and crouton chips - the lentil puree was some of the best puree I've had anywhere, and the fact that I was getting in a daily dose of lentils made this even better. However, it was a small "taste" to tide us over, as there was again a very long wait between ordering drinks/apps, and getting our appetizers. By the time they arrived at the table, it was 9:20. For appetizers, we had: Kefalograviera me syka saganaki - pan fried sheep's milk kefalograviera with balsamic peppered figs ($12) - This dish had a burnt-tasting finish of tobacco/pine that we eventually attributed to the whole cloves hiding at the bottom of the dish. The cheese was more hard-melted pizza cheese disc, and the figs were sweet and crunchy (seeds). Overall, the dish was way too sweet for my taste and could have used some citrus to cut the cloying sweetness. Souzoukakia - beef, pork, veal suasages in cinnamon wine tomato sauce, with grilled crusty bread ($7) - the sauce was sweet and tangy, and the meat was tender and loosely-formed to fall apart at the touch. It was a nice, delicate dish that I would order again. Thessaloniki htipiti - roasted yellow and red pepper dip with chillies, whipped dodoni feta, and grilled pita ($9) - the pita was the best part of the dish, as it was grilled, warm, squishy. Emilitsa gets their pita from a bakery in Manhattan, though the name would not be given, as the chef informed the server to tell us it was a well-kept secret. The spread had a salty finish but only subtle red-pepper flavor. At 9:45, our apps were finished, and after another oddly-long wait, our entrees came out. paithakia galaktos tis skaras - lamb chops, sauteed baby spinach, risott-style tomato rice pilaf with pine nuts and golden sultanas topped with greek yogurt ($28) - The lamb had a good char and came out rare on the inside. The pilaf was sweet and the large side of feta and greek yogurt both added a complexity. The baby spinach was very flavorful and was easily my favorite part of this dish. popia me glykia patata - pan seared spiced duck breast, sweet potato mash, caramelized shallot red onion marmalade, shallot beurre blanc ($29) - the duck was well-cooked, and tasted cumin-dusted. This was also a very sweet dish. The marmalade was sweet and burnt and went well with the dish, but the potato mash made everything just a bit too sweet for my taste, and had an off-putting aftertaste. Hirino souvlaki - skewered and grilled pork, sweet peppers, shallots all marinated in lemon juice, evoo, oregano, garlic, and served with spanakorizo ($25) - This dish came with a side of lemony rice pilaf and mint/dill yogurt for dipping, as well as a slab of feta. The pork was smoky and well-spiced. It came out very rare in the middle, which i'd never seen before, but the chef assured us it was OK. Internet research revealed (thanks, Dan C.! you're a bigger nerd than I am) that if the pork is locally-sourced, you can cook it to as low as 140 degrees (as the bacteria dies at 137). It was, as a result, juicy and flavorful, but the oregano in the marinade was a bit overpowering. Also, it comes on a skewer with peppers, but for $25, I'd prefer my pork not be presented like the kebab I get from Falafel King down the street from my apartment. Overall, the food was elegantly-presented, each dish had some very high-points (as well as some places where the mark was missed), and the value was fair-ish to perhaps a bit expensive for what was offered.
(3)A. K.
Though you pay for bread, it is worth it. The beet appetizer, the scallop appetizer, and the whole fish were just wonderful. The price for dinner is high--$160 to $180 or more a couple. My only complaint is that the appetizer portions were small. The main dishes were fine.
(5)Bushra S.
A group of us made reservations and went there for Friday night dinner. Small place that was channelling Brooklyn. good atmosphere, great service and food. The menu was good balance of entrees and apps except that they were out of 2 of the 5 entrees! on a Friday night. Prices definitely were trying to match New York. but we will definitely go back.
(4)Brenda G.
Oh my. This is a wonderful temple to all things Mediterranean. Wine, fish, lamb and yogurt, Emilitsa is a treat and treasure with exquisitely fresh food and knowledgeable, friendly service. If you love the old standbys of spanikopita and feta, good. If you're game for branzino, dorado or agean fish stew, all the better. Traditional or adventuresome, it's all good!
(4)Will S.
Emilitsa! Not the traditional greek place... is that bad? Emilitsa says, "Not at all." First off, I must mention: I am a devout carnivore. I love meat. And in my honest opinion, it's what Emilitsa does best. I've gone there three times, 1. Lamb 2. Pork Loin 3. Rabbit Every dish was significantly better than the last: The lamb was seared and cooked just as I had ordered... the tenderness was perfect. The pork was a passionate experience... every bite was in some way significant. The rabbit? Well... the rabbit was the finest of example of rabbit I've ever had. Other reviews I've read of Emilitsa have said that their sides aren't the greatest in the world.... sadly, I must agree. It's not that they aren't good, they are in fact, delicious. I just think that Emilitsa can take it a bit further and push the envelope. Live a little. I will say that the staff is top notch! Always a huge factor for me, as I enjoy the interactions with friendly, outgoing, knowledgeable wait staff. Glad to see employees that seem invested in what they do. I must also mention the free appetizer - I can't express how much I enjoy this free offering. I have a special place in my heart for restaurants that entice you with free food. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice - I enjoy the low lit brick and their utilization of the space that they have. I don't especially love the wall side seating, it's a bit tricky to get in and out of, but it's comfortable enough. Am I rambling now? Probably... so let me summarize: 1. Go to Emilitsa 2. Order meat of some kind. I would start with the lamb, go back for the pork, and then for your third visit, victory lap with the rabbit (if it's on menu at the time). 3. Get the Fraoch Heather Ale - a treat in and of itself. 4. Get the baklava. Enjoy!
(5)Hilary L.
1st time at this restaurant on my niece's recommendation. Service was wonderful and the food was exceptional. Excellent ouzo and metaxa cocktails, excellent lamb dishes and great scallop appetizer. All in all, a great experience!
(5)Sabrina H.
Had a flawless meal here! Had a veal and homemade pasta dish that I dreamt about for weeks afterward. Wine was tasty. Food and service both impeccable. One of my favorite restaurants in Portland!
(5)Y. H.
Unfortunately, there were pieces of rotten tomato with mold in my salad. Except that incident, it was an impressive restaurant. The atmosphere was calm and beautiful. The food was tasty and very interesting. I also liked the way of cooking for the vegetables. The glasses and dishes were very clean. The server tried to be attentive and kind even though we were in t-shirts with a nine-year old child that evening. Good. We had a salad, an appetizer, the duck, the lamb, the halibut and three glasses of wine. It was pricy but reasonable for a decent restaurant.
(4)Rox F.
A year later and we were back at Emilitsa. Again, it was great! This time I had the lamb shank and it was lovely and juicy. It was first Friday in Portland so the place was busy, I recommend making reservations. The server was very knowledgeable and helpful in explaining and describing their wines and we had a delicious and distinctive Greek Merlot. Why do I not give this place 5 stars? I suppose my only reason is that the tables are so very close together. In a lunch setting or something like that I wouldnt mind as much, I know it is the European way and all, but I like to be tucked away in a corner a little more. That being said it is still a wonderful experience!
(4)TJ S.
Not bad, though this is one of those places that once again always seems to fall under "ok, so what". Greek food that has most of the traditional staples. The lamb, the feta, baklava, the blah blah blah. I'd like to see this place (for the price) take it to the next level and try some truly progressive translations on traditional Greek. Much of the food was way over salted the two times I've been here. Cheese, olives, olive oil, salt on everything! Umm, yikes? Very nice and affordable (if you order the right thing) drink selection. Excellent waitstaff but with a bit of the ol' hovering yet discombobulated manager/owner. They closed down for a bit to "update" things, but I can't really tell what they did. I'd say go to this place if you want these types of dishes in a well presented, and traditional manner, and don't mind a weighty check. This weighty check does bring in a fairly obnoxious crowd so be prepared to be scrunched up right next to someone you'll have to make an effort to tune out. Really the only place doing Greek in town.
(3)Joe R.
Yum! It has been a long time since I have had the whole table talk about how delicious the meal was the entire meal. We even shared stories with the table next to us. The lamb and the pork were the star meals at the table. The apps were perfection. Along with perfect decor makes it a 5 star. The only thing holding me back from going a lot is the $30 meal ticket. So i give this Portland's #1 special occasion restaurant (tied with Street and co).
(5)Crissa L.
Delicious food and great wait staff. Best pita bread I've ever tasted, and a really thick tzatsiki, not like any I've had before. I had the souvlaki, and my husband the moussaka, both among the best we've ever had (and we both love greek food). A bit overpriced, but worth the atmosphere and the service. Would have loved to try the saganaki (flaming greek cheese), especially with that bread, but had just had it a few days earlier in our travels and the thin girl living somewhere within the depths of the rest of me didn't allow it. Handicap accessible too, which seems to be a bit of a rarity in these parts.
(5)Christy H.
Recent trip to Portland and at the suggestion of the Innkeeper we tried this place. Very simple decorations the dining room is not large. Had read some of the Yelp reviews about service. On the night I went there with my sister it was relaxed. The meals took a little long to come out but the server apologized for the delay, and it was not long. I would not go there if I had somewhere else to go afterward, but also hate when everything comes out at once, so this did not bother me. We ordered the tomato salad, spanikopita, sword fish special, and moussaka. My sister said she had order envy after trying my moussaka, it was so amazing. She thought some of the items were a little high in price, but the moussaka was worth every bite.
(4)Oldport W.
One of the BEST dining experiences in Portland. From your arrival to departure a perfect 10+. You are always greeted at the door by John, who is easily one of the most genuine and gracious hosts in the restaurant industry. Our sommelier (and by this I mean someone who truly knew how to present wine) presented our wine with Michelin star service, something I've never seen but in a very few restaurants in the U.S. (This just set the tone for a dining experience second to none). Our server was outstanding, added to the occasion and was a delight. Now the important part: There is no better Greek food on the planet, I have never had anything that wasn't spectacular, but I love the lamb chops with a passion that probably borders on being a sin. Denos is not only brilliant but quiet and modest which only adds to the charm of the restaurant. I know you want a lobster roll when you come to Portland, but by God this isn't to be missed if you feel like DINING in Portland.
(5)Kathy U.
Lunch was a great treat. I had the chicken gyro which was delightful. Came with a side of potatoes that were perfect. Atmosphere, service, food all first rate. Since they just started serving lunch it hasn't caught on yet so easy to get a seat.
(5)Sarah L.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking: what is this vegetarian girl doing in the meat-loving establishment Emilitsa? Never fear, a bit of mix and match from the menu and I made myself a complete meal. Love love love the hummus platter - all the different types were amazing to contrast and compare. The waitstaff was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about their food. I really liked the décor inside too. Overall, the food is on the pricey side, but I felt it was worth it. Definitely save room for dessert - the baklava was amazing!!
(4)Erin P.
The food is excellent and the service is spectacular! I thought it was a bit costly but, totally plan to return regardless!
(4)Monique G.
Amazing, incredible, creative and delicious. I go to Emilitsas as often as possible. Impeccable service, and the waitstaff is especially helpful with the wine selection, since it's mostly Greek.
(5)Reginald W.
Informal yet elegant, attentive to every detail without being stuffy. This place has achieved a well textured harmony of excellent food, professional and personal service, delicate inviting lighting and just the right music that is rarely found no matter where I have traveled nor regardless of price. Highly recommended!
(5)T.H. J.
This restaurant is an unqualified success for Greek food. Fresh ingredients, inspired presentation, and top-notch service.
(5)V R.
Good meal and service. Dined with a group who mostly loved it but 2 thought dinner meal (one had veggie and one lamb) was bland. Wine great, starters excellent. Service wonderful. No room for dessert!
(3)John R.
Had dinner last night and were absolutely impressed with quality and taste of food. The service was great and we liked the quaint atmosphere. Prices are a bit high but it was well worth it. The appetizer plates were particularly tasty.
(5)Michaela M.
I am someone who has reasonable expectations and my experience at Emilitsa can be described in one word...AWFUL! The service was terrible. The waitress was somewhat attentive at first, asking us for our wine selection and menu choice. However after we ordered we didn't see her until we appeared to be finished with our meal. The food was also TERRIBLE. We ordered the grilled pita appetizer which was ok, certainly nothing special. As a main dish I ordered the chicken souvlaki. The presentation was beautiful. A pleasant bus girl brought the meal out from the kitchen on a large skewer and removed the individual pieces for me placing them onto a bed of rice and greens. The chicken tasted as though it had been soaked in straight lemons for days (it made me pucker). The rice and greens were even worse tasting as though they too were soaked in lemons and then seasoned with cheap lemon pepper seasoning. My boyfriend's meal, the pork chop, was a seemingly large piece of pork however turned out to be half fat. When the waitress finally came back she asked me if I wanted my meal boxed and I said no. She then asked me if everything was ok so I explained the above to her. I found her response was less than pleasant; she said that she wished she had stopped by our table earlier (so did I). We paid our bill and left seriously dissatisfied. In short the food and service were over-priced, not to mention that it was seriously over-priced. I could have prepared a better meal and called it "Greek".
(1)Samantha S.
I've been here for several lovely dinners, most notably a small-ish dinner party my sisters and I hosted. The owner was super helpful and didn't seem to mind too much when we brought balloons and decorations to this pretty classy place. The food is really delicious, and there are good vegetarian options. The wine list is great, as is the unique selection of beers.
(4)Bob R.
Had stopped in once for apps at the bar and very much enjoyed. Went the other night for my wife's birthday. This place is on par with the best in Portland. Greek, a bit different than what you might be used to. A nice taste to begin with - pureed lentils with toasted pita. Delicious! And not your typical amuse - it was larger than many appetizers I've had. A sausage and a chicken liver app. Sausage was very tasty and the flavors in the liver were very different but very good. Entrees were the pork kabob which my wife enjoyed. I had the whole fish which comes with a show as it's filleted table-side (yes, there are still quited a few bones left) but is was wonderful. Finished with the cheese cake which looked as good as it tasted with a Greek coffee which was also terrific. I'm usually fairly lost when it comes to wine - the selection of Greek wines left me totally befuddled however, our server was very helpful and guided us to one of the most enjoyable wines I've"ve ever had. Of course, I can't remember the name and couldn't pronounce it anyway. Our service was very good. Some have said it's slow - we thought it was perfect - I'd call it unrushed. Only place where the ball was dropped was that when I made the reservation, I told them it was my wife's birthday and maybe they could throw out a "happy birthday". I was told they'd be bringing a torte with a candle - they missed the birthday (my wife was actually happy the did). This tiny miss in no way took anything away from an outstanding meal.
(5)Paul F.
Superb! I had an incredible dinner at Emilitsa, the best meal I've had in my 3000 mile journey from Seattle so far. This is high end fish and lamb Greek food, not the burning cheese Greek you get at the lower end places. I had a hummus-like dish for an appetizer except that I think it was blended with Feta cheese and had a spicy kick to it. It was very original to me and a great start to my dinner. I was also served another hummus-like dish on the house - also excellent. I let owner John order me the fish specialty at the restaurant after being highly tempted by the lamb. The fish came whole - head, fins, skin, and all. It was the most incredible fish I've ever eaten and I live by the Pike Place Market in Seattle because I like to buy good fish. Something about the fat in the skin cooked into the fish meat to make a really excellent dish. I saw some lamb chops go by to other tables and they too looked totally amazing. There were several sauces and garnishes on my plate that were also wonderful but I can't name. Another great part of Emilitsa is the wines. I couldn't pick so I asked the bartender to let me sip everything open. In all I probably had two full glasses of wine but got to try a very large array of Greek wines. John has trained his staff to be very knowledgeable about the wines and so each wine came with an explanation. The wine tasting was not on the menu but ask and I don't think you'll be turned down. I think I paid for the equivalent of about three glasses of wine and it was very worth the experience. Finally the staff and owner were all super friendly and attractive. The decor fits very well and I just had a great dinner. This place is too good to be true so go while it lasts or is still unknown enough that you can get in.
(5)Nicholas L.
Originating from New York I have eaten at a little less than a thousand Greek restaurants. With that said I am always skeptical of a Greek restaurants, and usually rate them harder than any other reviews on Yelp just because of the amount of different Greek restaurants I have visited over the years. Emilitsa was a delightful surprise. A must if you come to Portland. Everything I had was excellent. Food made perfectly. I was offered a complimentary appetizer of fava which was made just as when I visited Greece. I ordered a Greek salad which can be tricky for any restaurant as it really is in the tomatoes they use, and this is not an easy time to get good tomatoes. The salad was mouth watering. I enjoyed every bite! The tomatoes were juicy, and flavorful. I finished my meal off with lamb chops which were nice and thick (a lot of Greek restaurants serve the thinner ones), and made medium rare the way I want them . The Greek restaurant competes with some of the best restaurants in the North East. I rank them in my top five Greek restaurants.
(5)Gabe H.
It always makes me feel better when patronizing a restaurant or hotel or any kind of business, for that matter, if the proprietor is a nice and friendly person. And John, the proprietor of Emilitsa, is as nice of a guy as they come. He chatted with my dad and me (but not to the point of imposing on our dinner) multiple times through our dinner, but you could really see his attention to detail in the way he polishes wine glasses and his concern for and ability to be a good listener to his clientele -- he wished me good luck in my new job as we were leaving! I guess it's kind of hard to explain, but it just made the evening that much better, that we were dealing with nice people. And the delectable octopus appetizer, the refreshing glass of Mythos, the perfectly prepared lamb chops, and the scrumptious baklava for dessert certainly didn't hurt, either. I look forward to going back (and having the same exact food again).
(5)Joe R.
Yum! It has been a long time since I have had the whole table talk about how delicious the meal was the entire meal. We even shared stories with the table next to us. The lamb and the pork were the star meals at the table. The apps were perfection. Along with perfect decor makes it a 5 star. The only thing holding me back from going a lot is the $30 meal ticket. So i give this Portland's #1 special occasion restaurant (tied with Street and co).
(5)Christopher H.
I had a hard time believing that I would find amazing Greek food in Portland, but I was blown away. I spent a weekend in town and ate at 5 different restaurants, and this was by far the best meal. Being with my family, I got to try a lot of different dishes, because we all like to share. I can tell you everything was amazing, but in particular the lamb loin, octopus appetizer, roasted eggplant dip, and of course the moussaka was amazing. I also enjoyed my drink, which was rye whisky, ouzo, sugar, and bitters. Amazing and unique combination! The desserts were a great ending, though probably the weakest part of the meal for me (but no regrets on ordering them! They were still delicious). Everything was expertly done, original but still close to home, and every detail tended to. Fresh herbs accenting every plate, amazing sauces and spreads, and extremely friendly staff. We had a wonderful conversation with the owner, and before we knew it we had spent 3 hours eating and laughing and having a wonderful meal. There is no doubt I will be back here next time I find myself in Portland.
(5)Beatrice T.
My best friend asked me to answer with my first reaction to her text that said "Greek or Italian?" I said Greek, so I anticipated that Emilitsa was a distinct possibility. I was correct! Emilitsa was a quaint, thoughtful restaurant. I noticed many Greek patrons, and personal attention was provided to them (by who appeared to be the owner). I generally find it to be a good sign when customers hail from the same region as the food being served. It's usually fair to assume that the food is of quality, and perhaps traditional in flavor. I haven't visited Greece as my friend has, but she seemed satisfied with what we ate. I noticed a variety of people seated around us. Some couples were on dates, some people were there with their family. Seems like a good place for either. There is a small bar at the front which could be an intimate, quiet meal for the solo diner as well. We ordered three different spreads to go with the pita. One was traditional tzatziki, one was jalapeño, and one was a garlic/potato puree. I liked them in that exact order, in fact. The garlic was very potent, and while tasty, a bit overwhelming. I would suggest ordering it as a way of saying "Not tonight, honey" if you aren't feeling frisky. We also ordered the lamb rib appetizers, pretty good. In other circumstances I would have opted for octopus or scallops, but my friend has a limited palette. For entree, my friend had the moussaka, and I ordered the whole grilled fish. Hers was tasty, but very heavy and rich. Mine had a much lighter flavor, and was just to my liking. Overall, good service, good food. I'm a little picky about atmosphere, though. I would come back IF given the corner seat.
(4)Rubi G.
Solid authentic Greek food. High quality ingredients and amazing spreads. Go for the hptipiti if you like spicy!
(5)WP A.
One of my favorite places in Portland. The Octopus is the best I have ever had. Friendly staff, great service, amazing experience.
(5)Nina G.
Atmosphere: Classy and inviting. Upscale dining that is comfortable. Service: I ate there a while back, so I don't remember the details, but we felt well taken care of and despite the fact that we were the last people there, they did not rush us out. Food: Excellent food. Every course was solid. Our appetizers were great. We had the fried cheese. The lamb entree is incredible and the duck entree was equally delicious. One of the things I cant get out of my head is the dessert -- chocolate cake --- light, great flavor. The entire meal was memorable. Drink: We ordered a bottle of the Sauvignon blanc and it was excellent. I would highly recommend this place.
(5)Christopher H.
I had a hard time believing that I would find amazing Greek food in Portland, but I was blown away. I spent a weekend in town and ate at 5 different restaurants, and this was by far the best meal. Being with my family, I got to try a lot of different dishes, because we all like to share. I can tell you everything was amazing, but in particular the lamb loin, octopus appetizer, roasted eggplant dip, and of course the moussaka was amazing. I also enjoyed my drink, which was rye whisky, ouzo, sugar, and bitters. Amazing and unique combination! The desserts were a great ending, though probably the weakest part of the meal for me (but no regrets on ordering them! They were still delicious). Everything was expertly done, original but still close to home, and every detail tended to. Fresh herbs accenting every plate, amazing sauces and spreads, and extremely friendly staff. We had a wonderful conversation with the owner, and before we knew it we had spent 3 hours eating and laughing and having a wonderful meal. There is no doubt I will be back here next time I find myself in Portland.
(5)Beatrice T.
My best friend asked me to answer with my first reaction to her text that said "Greek or Italian?" I said Greek, so I anticipated that Emilitsa was a distinct possibility. I was correct! Emilitsa was a quaint, thoughtful restaurant. I noticed many Greek patrons, and personal attention was provided to them (by who appeared to be the owner). I generally find it to be a good sign when customers hail from the same region as the food being served. It's usually fair to assume that the food is of quality, and perhaps traditional in flavor. I haven't visited Greece as my friend has, but she seemed satisfied with what we ate. I noticed a variety of people seated around us. Some couples were on dates, some people were there with their family. Seems like a good place for either. There is a small bar at the front which could be an intimate, quiet meal for the solo diner as well. We ordered three different spreads to go with the pita. One was traditional tzatziki, one was jalapeño, and one was a garlic/potato puree. I liked them in that exact order, in fact. The garlic was very potent, and while tasty, a bit overwhelming. I would suggest ordering it as a way of saying "Not tonight, honey" if you aren't feeling frisky. We also ordered the lamb rib appetizers, pretty good. In other circumstances I would have opted for octopus or scallops, but my friend has a limited palette. For entree, my friend had the moussaka, and I ordered the whole grilled fish. Hers was tasty, but very heavy and rich. Mine had a much lighter flavor, and was just to my liking. Overall, good service, good food. I'm a little picky about atmosphere, though. I would come back IF given the corner seat.
(4)Melissa A.
Friends and I had another wonderful meal at Emilitsa last night. We started out with a trio of spreads with grilled pita bread, all outstanding, the pita was warm and melted in our mouths. Our entrees were even better, my friends each had the halibut, healthy portion size and cooked to perfection. I had the vegetarian potatoes and tomato dish, the flavor was of kalamatas, garlic, sweet tomatoes and feta. Truly amazing. The waitstaff was attentive, ensuring our glasses were full and that we had everything we needed. Additionally, the owner graciously brought out dessert wine for our table at the end of our meal. I will definitely return again and again.
(5)Christina C.
After significant advanced research (which may or may not have involved a spreadsheet...), I chose Emilitsa for my birthday dinner. It did not disappoint! My husband and I made reservations for earlyish on a Friday night, and the place was already filling up by then. I'm guessing reservations are a must when the weather warms up. Food: We got the rabbit in phyllo dough as our appetizer. It was very elegant and well prepared, although it did have kind of a bitter taste, perhaps from the beer reduction? If we go back, I might choose a different dish for an app. The entrees were OUT of this WORLD. I got duck served on a pita with a yogurt sauce and pomegranate glaze. (Disclaimer: duck is my favorite meat.) I really enjoyed the combination of the fruity glaze with the hearty duck and the creamy yogurt. It felt indulgent without being too rich. My husband got the grilled baby lamb loin chops. Now, we're not big red meat eaters, but we LOVED those loin chops. They were pretty small and delicate (not like those huge bricks of meat you'd get at a steakhouse) and the seasoning blend on the outside was incredibly tasty. Wish I knew what it was! Dessert solidified the whole experience. Now, you may be tempted to go for something besides baklava, since we've all had baklava, right? DON'T. Get the baklava. It's delicious without being sickeningly sweet, and it comes with an amazing cream on the side that is something between whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect ending to my meal. Service: The waitress we had was good; not overly friendly, but she always made sure we had water, and she brought us our food at a good pace. The owner also came to check on us twice during our meal, which I thought was nice. You could tell he really cared about the diners. Atmosphere: Refined and cozy at the same time. It's definitely on the fancy side, but not too stuffy. Price: Yes, it's expensive. But in this case I felt like the price was well worth it. I only wish we could go here more often!
(5)Alise K.
Love to sit at the bar here. The bar top is a beautiful honed marble. Love it. Nice glass of wine, Greek salad and trio of spreads served with grilled pita. Very relaxed dinner with great service
(4)Westie W.
We visited this upscale Greek restaurant on the last night of our recently concluded vacation. After being provided menus and ice water, we were presented with a delicious amuse bouche of seasoned toast points with a lentil puree. My wife's choice of an entree was free range chicken breast marinaded in olive, presumably Greek, oil and lemon, oregano and garlic that was skewered with onion and red pepper and served with spanakorizo (Greek rice) and tzatziki. I chose swordfish skewered with red onions, sweep peppers, and zucchini that was served with spanakorizo and skrothalia (a puree of potato and garlic). Though souvlaki is generally considered a Greek fast food, these were upscale and a total taste delight. Service was also a cut above to the extent that the wait staff unskewered our food. This was a fitting conclusion to our foodcentric vacation.
(4)Claudio C.
This is one of the best restaurants in Portland hands down. My girlfriend and I split four small plates and had two drinks each at the bar...it was outstanding. Each dish was expertly prepared, with subtle Mediterranean flavors...which highlight the chefs creative talents. The octopus app is world class stuff....the best I've ever had. Pricy...but try it...its grilled to perfection and delicious. The scallops with feta and sauce was great....perfectly portioned and cooked for a small plate. You're in Europe with this one. The beet salad was colorful and delicious. The lamb kabob burst with lemon, oregano, garlic, and was perfect medium rare. Just good stuff....the wine list is varied with good value....ambiance and service were excellent....and the owner created a bit of interactive dining for me....explaining the cooking process of several items. Expensive....$125 plus tip for four apps and two drinks each.....but well well worth it....five stars
(5)Daniel S.
This is hands-down the best Greek food I have eaten outside of Greece. This place is out of this world, and the owner/staff could not have been friendlier. I will be sure to return the next time I am in Portland.
(5)Mary A.
ALWAYS, hands down the best Greek food in Portland. I've eaten here dozens of times and not once did they falter in quality, presentation or service. If you want a five star Greek dining experience for three star prices, you've found your place.
(5)Susan L.
We had a wonderful dinner. Started with a mojito that was light and refreshing with plenty of fresh mint - a taste of summer! Chef sent out a complimentary dip made with chick peas, sea salt, olive oil and herbs with crisp pita that was delicious. The duck was just perfectly prepared, seared outside and moist and tender inside, not greasy or heavy at all, served with tzataki. The swordfish kabab was likewise perfectly cooked, very fresh, tender, with a distinct grilled flavor. Moussaka was the ultimate comfort food. There were 4 of us, and I don't think anyone left so much as a morsel of food on their plate. Although it's not inexpensive, the quality of the food and service more than justifies the expense. Highly recommend.
(5)Meaghan G.
Simply amazing! Not a bad dish on the menu. Delightful staff. Totally a place to come back to.
(5)Paul U.
By far my favorite restaurant in Portland. Everything is 5 star; food, service, ambiance. A must try !
(5)Michael M.
I've eaten at a lot of the restaurants in Portland Maine and there are some great ones. Over the past year I have tried, unsuccessfully, to make reservations at Emilitsa's. They were always full. Recently I was able to get in on a Wednesday night. The meals were fantastic. My wife ordered the Duck Breast and I ordered the Halibut and I have to say that this is the best food we've had inPortland.
(5)Caty-O S.
Very authentic! Every item made delicately and to perfection. I think they have interesting offerings as specials. Desserts are a must have. Expensive but worth each bite. A special place for a special occasion.
(5)Kerry M.
One of the better meals I have had in a while. We sat at the bar, which we lovely and the service was friendly and warm. My favorite thing we tried were the lamb sliders which were one of the best things I have ever eaten. Good choice for a classy night out.
(5)Brit L.
This place was amazing. I have never been a fan of Greek food but this totally blew me away. I had their Heirloom tomato salad, which was so fresh and tasty. I don't like feta, but the feta they use is buttery and not at all salty. The duck entrée is out of this world good. It is rubbed with a spice blend and cooked medium rare... it was fantastic. For dessert I had to try the traditional Greek dessert, Baklava. It was sweet, crisp, and the nut filling was just delicious. The wait staff was demure, polite, and on point. The atmosphere and decore is intimate, soft, modern, sophisticated, and classy. I highly recommend this restaurant. Please be advised that for a table reservations are required, they do have a bar that is first come, first serve but it is very small with maybe 8 chairs.
(5)John T.
You will not find a more interesting and tasty dinner than at E! From start to finish, from the service to the ambiance to the food and wine. Expect to have your taste buds challenged and your date to be impressed!!
(5)Daniel H.
Went for a romantic meal. Aside from a slight reservation mix up, it was a very good dining experience. A Greek/Mediterranean Fusion place. We both love this type of cuisine. Recently traveled to Greece, so we were looking forward to comparing the food. We found that they did it well and was just as good as authentic. An expensive option, but the atmosphere, food and service are on par with dining price. In summary the waitress was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable with the menu.. Decor was relaxing and comfortable and was a good, vibrant atmosphere. Decent wine selection and even though its not a huge menu, it does cater for all needs and tastes. Great time, happily recommend and would re-visit again.
(5)Linda M.
When the chef or chefs cook at their very best, the dishes at Emilitsa are absolutely extraordinary! Many of our choices there have been among our best meals ever! Our last 2 visits, however, contained some mishaps. 2 visits ago, the Moussaka was not as divine as it had been in the past. Although it was good, it was flatter than usual & did not have quite the extraordinary flavor of the past. We suspected it had been overcooked. At our last visit my husband's entrée was fine but my lamb chops were overloaded with salt - to the point at which the salt flavor overpowered the taste of the lamb itself & the other wonderful flavors which had been so enjoyed in the past. It is my own fault that I did not send this salty dish back to the kitchen. I should have, so I have myself to blame. The host did serve me a complimentary dessert wine. My husband & I do not mind paying high prices for excellent food & we realize chefs are human & can err, but I will no longer accept dishes such as the extremely salty chops. Our complimentary appetizer & salads were just fine. I do hope to be able to give Emilitsa 5 stars in the future.
(4)David C.
You won't find me complaining about the food at Emilitsa--it's all exquisitely prepared, with the moussaka and the duck being standouts--but my dining experience over the 4th of July weekend gives me an opportunity to vent on one of my biggest pet peeves at restaurants: reverse ageism. It's not uncommon that my friends and I feel ignored or not as well taken care of as other patrons in restaurants simply because we're young. It's as if our server assumes that because we are young, we are cheap. Quite the contrary, when my friends and I go out, you can be assured that we will be ordering appetizers, entrees, AND dessert, and we'll probably have a few drinks as well. At Emilitsa, our waitress gave off the impression that every moment she spent at our table was one wasted at another. The joke was on her, however, when the table of four adults next to us ordered one appetizer and two entrees among them. She seemed more interested in us about midway through our meal, but by then it was too late. We left Emilitsa with a sour taste in our mouths, and it wasn't because of the food.
(4)Jean S.
Having an amazing New Years dinner. Couldn't get reservations but got great seats at the bar!! Excellent octopus appetizers and a dipping spread speciality!! Bartender is super friendly and the atmosphere rocks!! This is a best of Greek restaurant
(5)Jeff H.
Best Greek restaurant I have been to, including those in Greece. Absolutely an amazing palate journey, with each dish bringing new flavors. A wonderful and perfect anniversary spot!
(5)T.H. J.
This restaurant is an unqualified success for Greek food. Fresh ingredients, inspired presentation, and top-notch service.
(5)Gina S.
Fabulous. I just dined here with my husband for our 5th wedding anniversary and it was the right choice. The atmosphere is comfortable and modern with a nod to Greece. The brick walls give it a very current vibe and the comforting menu makes you feel like you are invited to a big Greek family dinner. To start we were presented with a "taste from the house" which was a small scoop of very tasty lentil puree served with toast points. Delicious. For an appetizer we shared the sheep's milk cheese/fig dish. The pairing of the warm crispy mild cheese with the sweetness of the fig and the bright acidity of the balsamic sauce was spot on. I would have licked the plate if it was acceptable. For entrees I had the chicken souvlaki and he had the lamb. Both seasoned beautifully. To conclude we had the baklava and the Greek coffee. The baklava was the real deal..a thick slab with golden honey oozing all over..and the Greek coffee was my first experience with such java. At first I thought it was too string, as it was served in a very small cup..but the more sips I had i realized it wasn't too strong but had a flavor all its own..which cut the sweetness of the baklava in a wonderful way. Also worthy of a note, the selection of Greek wines wad lovely and our server Beth went out of her way to explain them to us as well. Do yourself a favor and dine here.
(5)Peter M.
Honestly....I grew up in this city. I have lived in Washington DC area for the past 30 years. Every summer when we come back my wife and I look for a great spot for kind outstanding service and fabulous food. This is it! Really....John and his brother have made this restaurant a special experience. The food is top quality in a small city with some wonderful eats. Really it smokes Fore Street and many of the other top choices. It is a classy Updated Greek restaurant. Their food combinations are outstanding. All of their food is fresh and there is never a problem getting your dinner the way you like it. If you come to my hometown of Portland Maine and do not go here You have missed out. Love it!
(5)Jeff B.
I just had a great meal at Emilitsa. Each dish was simple, yet bursting with subtle, delicious flavors. My favorite was the octopus appetizer. It was the most tender I ever had, and the smoky grill and herb flavors were delicious. The atmosphere is calm and sophisticated without being too stuffy. I enjoyed the space and quiet to concentrate on my meal. I ate at the bar and the bartender did a wonderful job of guiding me through the menu. It was expensive, about $70 for one person (3 appetizers and 2 drinks), but in my opinion it was worth it.
(5)Fira B.
Came with the wife for our 2nd anniversary. Incredible food and atmosphere. Happy to see Santorini wines on the list (which was our honeymoon). They elevated traditional Greek food to a high level with a fresh local component to everything. I'd recommend the flaming cheese appetizer (couldn't tell you the real name)... The fruit plate dessert exceeded my expectations as well. The only frightening thing was the "push the button" espresso machine in the corner, but you're not here for the coffee anyways... To people that complain about paying for bread- you are pathetic. If your willing to spend $35 on an entrée why not $1.50 on bread? You realize the bread is never really "free" right? The cost is just built into the other menu items. This way the people that don't want the bread don't have to pay for it. Plus- its amazing, fresh seasoned Pita to soak up all those sauces! There's a reason this place is the best...
(5)Victor L.
This is one of the best meals I have ever had in a restaurant. The food was perfect as was the service and the atmosphere warm and soothing. If you are within fifty miles of Portland it is worth a detour to eat here. The three of us split three appetizers. The scallops were fresh and prepared in a delicate sauce. The beet salad was just grand, red and gold beets in a light garlic sauce - I could smell the sharp, fresh garlic when the plate was set down, not overpowering mind you but just right, pungent and clean. The figs and cheese were delicious. As with the entrees, the presentations were lovely. Two of us had the halibut on the waitress's recommendation and her notation that it is their signature dish and we are both glad we did. It was fresh, lightly grilled and just grand. The other person in our party had the duck which was cooked perfectly. I asked for bread with the entree and was given two small pitas, warm, slightly oiled with a hint of garlic and just grand. After the meal we just had American coffee and Greek coffee without dessert. The Greek coffee was very well prepared and very good but not the absolute best we have ever had. Our waitress was professional, cheerful and unobtrusive. She helped us select a glass of red and a glass of white and her explanations showed she clearly understood the subtitles of wine in general and the wines of their cellar in particular. Her service was prompt but, more importantly, she had that ability to remain in the background so that one is not distracted yet instantly respond to a request. This is the type of professional service I am used to at the very best of restaurants. The decor is modern. It is not a large restaurant, I believe it has about a dozen tables or so. The atmosphere is warm and quiet. Emilista has the feel, the ambiance of a top-flight restaurant in Manhattan. I appreciate that is a subjective personal judgment but I wish to convey to you what an all-around pleasant and memorable experience this was. I greatly enjoyed meals at David's and Walter's but Emilista is now my favorite restaurant in Portland. The tab for the three of us with two glasses of wine was about 174 dollars. Yes, this is fairly high but it is well within what one would pay for a similar meal in Manhattan and it was worth every penny. Please note that I have tried to give a accurate review of Emilista. I appreciate that one may read this and be somewhat doubtful that a Portland restaurant would be able to offer such a wonderful dining experience. Yet I am impelled to let others know what a grand meal this was. Certainly, others may not feel the way I or the rest of my party did and may not agree with this review. But I do most heartily recommend that you have at least one meal here. I think you will be, at a minimum, pleasantly surprised.
(5)Nick A.
This is a classy modern Greek restaurant that takes the authentic Greek flavors to new heights. Having travelled across the US this month we have discovered three great Greek restaurants - Kokkari in San Francisco, The Greek in Tribeca in NY and Emilitsa in Portland Maine. We have no hesitation recommending Emilitsa. Great food, great service and wine. You can't go wrong.
(5)John R.
Definitely kicked up Greek. The lamb was off the chart good. Ditto for the scallops with tomato and feta. We'll be back.
(5)Emily H.
This would have been a four star experience but for one fairly significant issue. The food was delicious-- really fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. However, we got there at 8:30 on a Friday evening and didn't get any food until almost 10 pm. We were seated right away and placed our order, which consisted of apps, salads and drinks. The drinks came right away, and then we waited more than an hour for food. At one point we asked our server if she could bring a little bit of bread, to which she said she'd check with the kitchen to see if they had enough. Apparently they didn't, because she never brought any, nor did she mention it again in the hour plus that we waited. I would have felt much better about the wait if she'd acknowledged it, but she didn't, so we left feeling like they'd dropped the ball. Incidentally, one of the apps was a side of feta drizzled with olive oil. I fail to understand why the prep for this took more than an hour.
(3)Lauren L.
Baklava was very impressive looking- but tasted more like pie- maybe too much cinnamon? Very intimate, sexy atmosphere. Try to get the corner window spot- fluffy pillows and cuddling opps.
(4)Xiaoshan Z.
Great selection of wines&great food. I never thought I would love Olives so much. But I ate about 20 of them without even realizing it. The duck was a little bit oily for me, but it was really tasty. The grilled bass fish was pretty good too. Desert was the best part: I ordered the Baklava and shared it with my mom. It was one tiny little piece about half size of my palm (I have small hands) with over 600cal calories. But totally worth it. Maybe I am a real foodie. But if I say it had made my day, I wouldn't be lying.
(4)John P.
Ok portland visitors or locals, this restaurant is a 5 star experience from the food to the service. The atmosphere is very relaxing....and every item on the menu is done with perfection. It's all in the food quality and the attention to detail. We are food critics at each place we go...and when compared to the big 5 such as fore street, 555, street and co, Hugo's, etc, this place just edges everyone else out due to quality and consistency. Yes it is Greek style, but has offerings for seafood lovers and great appetizers. On a recent trip, we tried the shrimp appetizer which was fantastic, and of course the house made feta and tomato salad melts in your mouth. The owner is in the house, making sure everything runs smoothly. If you find a better spot.....be sure to yelp us! Great job :).
(5)Ginny M.
Hands-down phenomenal. The flavors are unusual, surprising and delicious. Without a doubt, one of the best meals I've ever had. The fig appetizer was sensational; the rabbit and lamb entrees were both delicious. Really, truly a treat.
(5)Peter P.
Literally the best lamb I have had in the twenty years since my yaiyai passed. The food is five stars, and so is the service. There was a complimentary appetizer, and baklava as good as it gets.
(5)Sue W.
Absolutely one of the best meals I've ever had! The octopus appetizer was a definite highlight - so tender and flavorful. The entire experience was wonderful with great service, perfect suggestions from the staff and fabulous food. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Dan H.
Wow - this was one of the Top 3 meals I have had in a long time. I was floored because usually Greek restaurants don't stray far from the standard fare, which I've never found to be oustanding. Another reviewer got it right - I would classify them as Greek-inspired as many of the entrees had Greek fundamentals with varied presentations and ingredients. I got the duck breast - it was PERFECTLY cooked (slightly rare) and delicious. The menu on their website is under construction so I can't currently reference it for a further description so I will have to update later since we were on a roadtrip with a week of restaurant meals blurring the other ingredients. My wife got the Mediterenean Sea Bass which is cooked whole then filleted (expertly) at the table. The fish was a simple preparation so she thought it was "okay" - I like simple fish preps so I thought it was a little better. Service was excellent, our server (Emiliano) was attentive and friendly. I wish I lived in Portland so I could sample more of the menu. Do yourself a favor and frequent Emilitsa.
(5)William S.
This is a phenomenal restaurant which is up there with the best in this foodie town. Our party of four enjoyed a broad sampling of the menu and everything was perfectly prepared, and deftly seasoned. My duck dish was the best duck I have had in a very long time, for instance. I am always impressed that the portion size is large enough to be satisfying but not so large as to be daunting. Service was outstanding. Our server was just the right amount of attentive, and exceptionally skilled on pairing wine with our meal. I was also impressed that she did not steer us towards the most expensive options, but rather seemed to be seeking a truly good match and she succeeded. Emilitsa has an urban feeling which I find engaging. It is friendly and intimate, but not eccentric. We love coming here and would do so more often if the menu changed a bit more frequently.
(5)Ms. Review S.
If they have the lamb ribs on the menu, GET THEM. You will be glad you did. My boyfriend had the duck, it was awesome too! The entrees were creative and flavorful. We tried the rabbit in filo dough appetizer, I'm not sure what it was really called, and it was OK. The server suggested it, but neither one of us were crazy about it. The tables are close together and this place is pretty small. I would make a reservation if you're coming for dinner, it was really busy. Eat here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Fred F.
Well, one of the last "foodie" places I tried was Emilista this evening. I understand why it took so long to experience Portland's "Greek Gem". The food for the serving portion is very expensive and unless you want to be overpowered by significant amounts of garlic fused in your appetizer, your salad and your entree, I would suggest you take a pass and eat elsewhere. Now for some specifics: Wine pours are on the ultra skimpy side for a $10 -$12 glass of wine. Since the wine is exclusively Greek, you'll be taking a chance with your waiter knowing how to compare a Greek varietal or blend with something you might be familiar with. My wine was good - but very small portion. Appetizer - I had rabbit in a phyllo wrap - interesting, but tasted sour. Salad - very small portion of tomatoes, a wee bit of feta and some red onion - way "overdressed" and way too much garlic. Entree - the lamb - two small chops, cooked perfectly, but six bites $32 and the accompanying spinach saute had maybe a teaspoon of garlic laced among the layers. I love garlic but the extraordinary amount of garlic in all three courses was so over the top I almost become ill at the table. PS - not probably typical for this type of restaurant but there were two tables of some of the loudest obnoxious talkers that just caused great distraction and contributed to a very disappointing dining experience. Nothing inspires me to consider a second visit.
(2)Susan L.
We had a wonderful dinner. Started with a mojito that was light and refreshing with plenty of fresh mint - a taste of summer! Chef sent out a complimentary dip made with chick peas, sea salt, olive oil and herbs with crisp pita that was delicious. The duck was just perfectly prepared, seared outside and moist and tender inside, not greasy or heavy at all, served with tzataki. The swordfish kabab was likewise perfectly cooked, very fresh, tender, with a distinct grilled flavor. Moussaka was the ultimate comfort food. There were 4 of us, and I don't think anyone left so much as a morsel of food on their plate. Although it's not inexpensive, the quality of the food and service more than justifies the expense. Highly recommend.
(5)Jeff B.
I just had a great meal at Emilitsa. Each dish was simple, yet bursting with subtle, delicious flavors. My favorite was the octopus appetizer. It was the most tender I ever had, and the smoky grill and herb flavors were delicious. The atmosphere is calm and sophisticated without being too stuffy. I enjoyed the space and quiet to concentrate on my meal. I ate at the bar and the bartender did a wonderful job of guiding me through the menu. It was expensive, about $70 for one person (3 appetizers and 2 drinks), but in my opinion it was worth it.
(5)Claudio C.
This is one of the best restaurants in Portland hands down. My girlfriend and I split four small plates and had two drinks each at the bar...it was outstanding. Each dish was expertly prepared, with subtle Mediterranean flavors...which highlight the chefs creative talents. The octopus app is world class stuff....the best I've ever had. Pricy...but try it...its grilled to perfection and delicious. The scallops with feta and sauce was great....perfectly portioned and cooked for a small plate. You're in Europe with this one. The beet salad was colorful and delicious. The lamb kabob burst with lemon, oregano, garlic, and was perfect medium rare. Just good stuff....the wine list is varied with good value....ambiance and service were excellent....and the owner created a bit of interactive dining for me....explaining the cooking process of several items. Expensive....$125 plus tip for four apps and two drinks each.....but well well worth it....five stars
(5)Mary A.
ALWAYS, hands down the best Greek food in Portland. I've eaten here dozens of times and not once did they falter in quality, presentation or service. If you want a five star Greek dining experience for three star prices, you've found your place.
(5)Meaghan G.
Simply amazing! Not a bad dish on the menu. Delightful staff. Totally a place to come back to.
(5)Nina G.
Atmosphere: Classy and inviting. Upscale dining that is comfortable. Service: I ate there a while back, so I don't remember the details, but we felt well taken care of and despite the fact that we were the last people there, they did not rush us out. Food: Excellent food. Every course was solid. Our appetizers were great. We had the fried cheese. The lamb entree is incredible and the duck entree was equally delicious. One of the things I cant get out of my head is the dessert -- chocolate cake --- light, great flavor. The entire meal was memorable. Drink: We ordered a bottle of the Sauvignon blanc and it was excellent. I would highly recommend this place.
(5)Westie W.
We visited this upscale Greek restaurant on the last night of our recently concluded vacation. After being provided menus and ice water, we were presented with a delicious amuse bouche of seasoned toast points with a lentil puree. My wife's choice of an entree was free range chicken breast marinaded in olive, presumably Greek, oil and lemon, oregano and garlic that was skewered with onion and red pepper and served with spanakorizo (Greek rice) and tzatziki. I chose swordfish skewered with red onions, sweep peppers, and zucchini that was served with spanakorizo and skrothalia (a puree of potato and garlic). Though souvlaki is generally considered a Greek fast food, these were upscale and a total taste delight. Service was also a cut above to the extent that the wait staff unskewered our food. This was a fitting conclusion to our foodcentric vacation.
(4)Christina C.
After significant advanced research (which may or may not have involved a spreadsheet...), I chose Emilitsa for my birthday dinner. It did not disappoint! My husband and I made reservations for earlyish on a Friday night, and the place was already filling up by then. I'm guessing reservations are a must when the weather warms up. Food: We got the rabbit in phyllo dough as our appetizer. It was very elegant and well prepared, although it did have kind of a bitter taste, perhaps from the beer reduction? If we go back, I might choose a different dish for an app. The entrees were OUT of this WORLD. I got duck served on a pita with a yogurt sauce and pomegranate glaze. (Disclaimer: duck is my favorite meat.) I really enjoyed the combination of the fruity glaze with the hearty duck and the creamy yogurt. It felt indulgent without being too rich. My husband got the grilled baby lamb loin chops. Now, we're not big red meat eaters, but we LOVED those loin chops. They were pretty small and delicate (not like those huge bricks of meat you'd get at a steakhouse) and the seasoning blend on the outside was incredibly tasty. Wish I knew what it was! Dessert solidified the whole experience. Now, you may be tempted to go for something besides baklava, since we've all had baklava, right? DON'T. Get the baklava. It's delicious without being sickeningly sweet, and it comes with an amazing cream on the side that is something between whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect ending to my meal. Service: The waitress we had was good; not overly friendly, but she always made sure we had water, and she brought us our food at a good pace. The owner also came to check on us twice during our meal, which I thought was nice. You could tell he really cared about the diners. Atmosphere: Refined and cozy at the same time. It's definitely on the fancy side, but not too stuffy. Price: Yes, it's expensive. But in this case I felt like the price was well worth it. I only wish we could go here more often!
(5)Melissa A.
Friends and I had another wonderful meal at Emilitsa last night. We started out with a trio of spreads with grilled pita bread, all outstanding, the pita was warm and melted in our mouths. Our entrees were even better, my friends each had the halibut, healthy portion size and cooked to perfection. I had the vegetarian potatoes and tomato dish, the flavor was of kalamatas, garlic, sweet tomatoes and feta. Truly amazing. The waitstaff was attentive, ensuring our glasses were full and that we had everything we needed. Additionally, the owner graciously brought out dessert wine for our table at the end of our meal. I will definitely return again and again.
(5)Alise K.
Love to sit at the bar here. The bar top is a beautiful honed marble. Love it. Nice glass of wine, Greek salad and trio of spreads served with grilled pita. Very relaxed dinner with great service
(4)Michael M.
I've eaten at a lot of the restaurants in Portland Maine and there are some great ones. Over the past year I have tried, unsuccessfully, to make reservations at Emilitsa's. They were always full. Recently I was able to get in on a Wednesday night. The meals were fantastic. My wife ordered the Duck Breast and I ordered the Halibut and I have to say that this is the best food we've had inPortland.
(5)Lindsay L.
Pros: lovely food Cons: very aggressive prices
(3)Paul U.
By far my favorite restaurant in Portland. Everything is 5 star; food, service, ambiance. A must try !
(5)Brit L.
This place was amazing. I have never been a fan of Greek food but this totally blew me away. I had their Heirloom tomato salad, which was so fresh and tasty. I don't like feta, but the feta they use is buttery and not at all salty. The duck entrée is out of this world good. It is rubbed with a spice blend and cooked medium rare... it was fantastic. For dessert I had to try the traditional Greek dessert, Baklava. It was sweet, crisp, and the nut filling was just delicious. The wait staff was demure, polite, and on point. The atmosphere and decore is intimate, soft, modern, sophisticated, and classy. I highly recommend this restaurant. Please be advised that for a table reservations are required, they do have a bar that is first come, first serve but it is very small with maybe 8 chairs.
(5)Daniel H.
Went for a romantic meal. Aside from a slight reservation mix up, it was a very good dining experience. A Greek/Mediterranean Fusion place. We both love this type of cuisine. Recently traveled to Greece, so we were looking forward to comparing the food. We found that they did it well and was just as good as authentic. An expensive option, but the atmosphere, food and service are on par with dining price. In summary the waitress was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable with the menu.. Decor was relaxing and comfortable and was a good, vibrant atmosphere. Decent wine selection and even though its not a huge menu, it does cater for all needs and tastes. Great time, happily recommend and would re-visit again.
(5)David C.
You won't find me complaining about the food at Emilitsa--it's all exquisitely prepared, with the moussaka and the duck being standouts--but my dining experience over the 4th of July weekend gives me an opportunity to vent on one of my biggest pet peeves at restaurants: reverse ageism. It's not uncommon that my friends and I feel ignored or not as well taken care of as other patrons in restaurants simply because we're young. It's as if our server assumes that because we are young, we are cheap. Quite the contrary, when my friends and I go out, you can be assured that we will be ordering appetizers, entrees, AND dessert, and we'll probably have a few drinks as well. At Emilitsa, our waitress gave off the impression that every moment she spent at our table was one wasted at another. The joke was on her, however, when the table of four adults next to us ordered one appetizer and two entrees among them. She seemed more interested in us about midway through our meal, but by then it was too late. We left Emilitsa with a sour taste in our mouths, and it wasn't because of the food.
(4)Jean S.
Having an amazing New Years dinner. Couldn't get reservations but got great seats at the bar!! Excellent octopus appetizers and a dipping spread speciality!! Bartender is super friendly and the atmosphere rocks!! This is a best of Greek restaurant
(5)Gina S.
Fabulous. I just dined here with my husband for our 5th wedding anniversary and it was the right choice. The atmosphere is comfortable and modern with a nod to Greece. The brick walls give it a very current vibe and the comforting menu makes you feel like you are invited to a big Greek family dinner. To start we were presented with a "taste from the house" which was a small scoop of very tasty lentil puree served with toast points. Delicious. For an appetizer we shared the sheep's milk cheese/fig dish. The pairing of the warm crispy mild cheese with the sweetness of the fig and the bright acidity of the balsamic sauce was spot on. I would have licked the plate if it was acceptable. For entrees I had the chicken souvlaki and he had the lamb. Both seasoned beautifully. To conclude we had the baklava and the Greek coffee. The baklava was the real deal..a thick slab with golden honey oozing all over..and the Greek coffee was my first experience with such java. At first I thought it was too string, as it was served in a very small cup..but the more sips I had i realized it wasn't too strong but had a flavor all its own..which cut the sweetness of the baklava in a wonderful way. Also worthy of a note, the selection of Greek wines wad lovely and our server Beth went out of her way to explain them to us as well. Do yourself a favor and dine here.
(5)Peter M.
Honestly....I grew up in this city. I have lived in Washington DC area for the past 30 years. Every summer when we come back my wife and I look for a great spot for kind outstanding service and fabulous food. This is it! Really....John and his brother have made this restaurant a special experience. The food is top quality in a small city with some wonderful eats. Really it smokes Fore Street and many of the other top choices. It is a classy Updated Greek restaurant. Their food combinations are outstanding. All of their food is fresh and there is never a problem getting your dinner the way you like it. If you come to my hometown of Portland Maine and do not go here You have missed out. Love it!
(5)Victor L.
This is one of the best meals I have ever had in a restaurant. The food was perfect as was the service and the atmosphere warm and soothing. If you are within fifty miles of Portland it is worth a detour to eat here. The three of us split three appetizers. The scallops were fresh and prepared in a delicate sauce. The beet salad was just grand, red and gold beets in a light garlic sauce - I could smell the sharp, fresh garlic when the plate was set down, not overpowering mind you but just right, pungent and clean. The figs and cheese were delicious. As with the entrees, the presentations were lovely. Two of us had the halibut on the waitress's recommendation and her notation that it is their signature dish and we are both glad we did. It was fresh, lightly grilled and just grand. The other person in our party had the duck which was cooked perfectly. I asked for bread with the entree and was given two small pitas, warm, slightly oiled with a hint of garlic and just grand. After the meal we just had American coffee and Greek coffee without dessert. The Greek coffee was very well prepared and very good but not the absolute best we have ever had. Our waitress was professional, cheerful and unobtrusive. She helped us select a glass of red and a glass of white and her explanations showed she clearly understood the subtitles of wine in general and the wines of their cellar in particular. Her service was prompt but, more importantly, she had that ability to remain in the background so that one is not distracted yet instantly respond to a request. This is the type of professional service I am used to at the very best of restaurants. The decor is modern. It is not a large restaurant, I believe it has about a dozen tables or so. The atmosphere is warm and quiet. Emilista has the feel, the ambiance of a top-flight restaurant in Manhattan. I appreciate that is a subjective personal judgment but I wish to convey to you what an all-around pleasant and memorable experience this was. I greatly enjoyed meals at David's and Walter's but Emilista is now my favorite restaurant in Portland. The tab for the three of us with two glasses of wine was about 174 dollars. Yes, this is fairly high but it is well within what one would pay for a similar meal in Manhattan and it was worth every penny. Please note that I have tried to give a accurate review of Emilista. I appreciate that one may read this and be somewhat doubtful that a Portland restaurant would be able to offer such a wonderful dining experience. Yet I am impelled to let others know what a grand meal this was. Certainly, others may not feel the way I or the rest of my party did and may not agree with this review. But I do most heartily recommend that you have at least one meal here. I think you will be, at a minimum, pleasantly surprised.
(5)John T.
You will not find a more interesting and tasty dinner than at E! From start to finish, from the service to the ambiance to the food and wine. Expect to have your taste buds challenged and your date to be impressed!!
(5)Linda M.
When the chef or chefs cook at their very best, the dishes at Emilitsa are absolutely extraordinary! Many of our choices there have been among our best meals ever! Our last 2 visits, however, contained some mishaps. 2 visits ago, the Moussaka was not as divine as it had been in the past. Although it was good, it was flatter than usual & did not have quite the extraordinary flavor of the past. We suspected it had been overcooked. At our last visit my husband's entrée was fine but my lamb chops were overloaded with salt - to the point at which the salt flavor overpowered the taste of the lamb itself & the other wonderful flavors which had been so enjoyed in the past. It is my own fault that I did not send this salty dish back to the kitchen. I should have, so I have myself to blame. The host did serve me a complimentary dessert wine. My husband & I do not mind paying high prices for excellent food & we realize chefs are human & can err, but I will no longer accept dishes such as the extremely salty chops. Our complimentary appetizer & salads were just fine. I do hope to be able to give Emilitsa 5 stars in the future.
(4)Nick A.
This is a classy modern Greek restaurant that takes the authentic Greek flavors to new heights. Having travelled across the US this month we have discovered three great Greek restaurants - Kokkari in San Francisco, The Greek in Tribeca in NY and Emilitsa in Portland Maine. We have no hesitation recommending Emilitsa. Great food, great service and wine. You can't go wrong.
(5)John R.
Definitely kicked up Greek. The lamb was off the chart good. Ditto for the scallops with tomato and feta. We'll be back.
(5)Kathy U.
Lunch was a great treat. I had the chicken gyro which was delightful. Came with a side of potatoes that were perfect. Atmosphere, service, food all first rate. Since they just started serving lunch it hasn't caught on yet so easy to get a seat.
(5)Sarah L.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking: what is this vegetarian girl doing in the meat-loving establishment Emilitsa? Never fear, a bit of mix and match from the menu and I made myself a complete meal. Love love love the hummus platter - all the different types were amazing to contrast and compare. The waitstaff was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about their food. I really liked the décor inside too. Overall, the food is on the pricey side, but I felt it was worth it. Definitely save room for dessert - the baklava was amazing!!
(4)Erin P.
The food is excellent and the service is spectacular! I thought it was a bit costly but, totally plan to return regardless!
(4)Monique G.
Amazing, incredible, creative and delicious. I go to Emilitsas as often as possible. Impeccable service, and the waitstaff is especially helpful with the wine selection, since it's mostly Greek.
(5)Michaela M.
I am someone who has reasonable expectations and my experience at Emilitsa can be described in one word...AWFUL! The service was terrible. The waitress was somewhat attentive at first, asking us for our wine selection and menu choice. However after we ordered we didn't see her until we appeared to be finished with our meal. The food was also TERRIBLE. We ordered the grilled pita appetizer which was ok, certainly nothing special. As a main dish I ordered the chicken souvlaki. The presentation was beautiful. A pleasant bus girl brought the meal out from the kitchen on a large skewer and removed the individual pieces for me placing them onto a bed of rice and greens. The chicken tasted as though it had been soaked in straight lemons for days (it made me pucker). The rice and greens were even worse tasting as though they too were soaked in lemons and then seasoned with cheap lemon pepper seasoning. My boyfriend's meal, the pork chop, was a seemingly large piece of pork however turned out to be half fat. When the waitress finally came back she asked me if I wanted my meal boxed and I said no. She then asked me if everything was ok so I explained the above to her. I found her response was less than pleasant; she said that she wished she had stopped by our table earlier (so did I). We paid our bill and left seriously dissatisfied. In short the food and service were over-priced, not to mention that it was seriously over-priced. I could have prepared a better meal and called it "Greek".
(1)Samantha S.
I've been here for several lovely dinners, most notably a small-ish dinner party my sisters and I hosted. The owner was super helpful and didn't seem to mind too much when we brought balloons and decorations to this pretty classy place. The food is really delicious, and there are good vegetarian options. The wine list is great, as is the unique selection of beers.
(4)Reginald W.
Informal yet elegant, attentive to every detail without being stuffy. This place has achieved a well textured harmony of excellent food, professional and personal service, delicate inviting lighting and just the right music that is rarely found no matter where I have traveled nor regardless of price. Highly recommended!
(5)Emily H.
This would have been a four star experience but for one fairly significant issue. The food was delicious-- really fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. However, we got there at 8:30 on a Friday evening and didn't get any food until almost 10 pm. We were seated right away and placed our order, which consisted of apps, salads and drinks. The drinks came right away, and then we waited more than an hour for food. At one point we asked our server if she could bring a little bit of bread, to which she said she'd check with the kitchen to see if they had enough. Apparently they didn't, because she never brought any, nor did she mention it again in the hour plus that we waited. I would have felt much better about the wait if she'd acknowledged it, but she didn't, so we left feeling like they'd dropped the ball. Incidentally, one of the apps was a side of feta drizzled with olive oil. I fail to understand why the prep for this took more than an hour.
(3)Lauren L.
Baklava was very impressive looking- but tasted more like pie- maybe too much cinnamon? Very intimate, sexy atmosphere. Try to get the corner window spot- fluffy pillows and cuddling opps.
(4)Xiaoshan Z.
Great selection of wines&great food. I never thought I would love Olives so much. But I ate about 20 of them without even realizing it. The duck was a little bit oily for me, but it was really tasty. The grilled bass fish was pretty good too. Desert was the best part: I ordered the Baklava and shared it with my mom. It was one tiny little piece about half size of my palm (I have small hands) with over 600cal calories. But totally worth it. Maybe I am a real foodie. But if I say it had made my day, I wouldn't be lying.
(4)John P.
Ok portland visitors or locals, this restaurant is a 5 star experience from the food to the service. The atmosphere is very relaxing....and every item on the menu is done with perfection. It's all in the food quality and the attention to detail. We are food critics at each place we go...and when compared to the big 5 such as fore street, 555, street and co, Hugo's, etc, this place just edges everyone else out due to quality and consistency. Yes it is Greek style, but has offerings for seafood lovers and great appetizers. On a recent trip, we tried the shrimp appetizer which was fantastic, and of course the house made feta and tomato salad melts in your mouth. The owner is in the house, making sure everything runs smoothly. If you find a better spot.....be sure to yelp us! Great job :).
(5)Ginny M.
Hands-down phenomenal. The flavors are unusual, surprising and delicious. Without a doubt, one of the best meals I've ever had. The fig appetizer was sensational; the rabbit and lamb entrees were both delicious. Really, truly a treat.
(5)Melissa M.
Emilitsa is by far my favorite restaurant to go to in Portland. The atmosphere is very urban with exposed brick and great design, but still remains cozy, inviting and intimate. The food is authentic, perfectly seasoned and ALWAYS consistent. I am 100% Greek and next to my family get togethers, this is the next best thing. Whenever my parents are in town, we make it a point to have dinner here. Can't say enough great things about Emilitsa.
(5)Heather G.
Emilitsa in brief: The owner is really nice The service is friendly, but slow The dining room is small but GORGEOUS The menu changes daily, but is Greek-inspired The food varies from decent to fantastic The service is slow. Did I mention that? The service is slow. Plan for this dinner to consume your whole evening. Emilitsa, the unabridged version: We showed up on time for our 8:15 reservation, yet were asked to wait until about 8:30 to be seated. The dining room is very small, sparsely decorated, but extremely elegant in its minimalism. It's romantic and cozy without looking offputtingly upscale. The bar area takes up the remainder of this tiny restaurant's floor-space. There are, oh, about 12 tables in the whole space, and another 6 or so seats at the bar. Once seated, there was a long wait for the waitress to take our drink order. In that time, however, she did stop by to tell us that three of the entrees were sold out that evening - the vegetarian, the moussaka, and the whole-fish entree (the one we actually came specifically to try). That left 4 entree choices (between three diners who dislike duplicate-orders, which basically meant we'd be sampling the majority of the remaining menu). The drink orders were finally placed. We had two beers - Mythos Lager ($6) which was light and sweet, and a Fraoch Heather Ale (come on, i had to) for $7 that was a bit better but still very light. The server brought out a chef's taste of lentil puree with shaved onion and crouton chips - the lentil puree was some of the best puree I've had anywhere, and the fact that I was getting in a daily dose of lentils made this even better. However, it was a small "taste" to tide us over, as there was again a very long wait between ordering drinks/apps, and getting our appetizers. By the time they arrived at the table, it was 9:20. For appetizers, we had: Kefalograviera me syka saganaki - pan fried sheep's milk kefalograviera with balsamic peppered figs ($12) - This dish had a burnt-tasting finish of tobacco/pine that we eventually attributed to the whole cloves hiding at the bottom of the dish. The cheese was more hard-melted pizza cheese disc, and the figs were sweet and crunchy (seeds). Overall, the dish was way too sweet for my taste and could have used some citrus to cut the cloying sweetness. Souzoukakia - beef, pork, veal suasages in cinnamon wine tomato sauce, with grilled crusty bread ($7) - the sauce was sweet and tangy, and the meat was tender and loosely-formed to fall apart at the touch. It was a nice, delicate dish that I would order again. Thessaloniki htipiti - roasted yellow and red pepper dip with chillies, whipped dodoni feta, and grilled pita ($9) - the pita was the best part of the dish, as it was grilled, warm, squishy. Emilitsa gets their pita from a bakery in Manhattan, though the name would not be given, as the chef informed the server to tell us it was a well-kept secret. The spread had a salty finish but only subtle red-pepper flavor. At 9:45, our apps were finished, and after another oddly-long wait, our entrees came out. paithakia galaktos tis skaras - lamb chops, sauteed baby spinach, risott-style tomato rice pilaf with pine nuts and golden sultanas topped with greek yogurt ($28) - The lamb had a good char and came out rare on the inside. The pilaf was sweet and the large side of feta and greek yogurt both added a complexity. The baby spinach was very flavorful and was easily my favorite part of this dish. popia me glykia patata - pan seared spiced duck breast, sweet potato mash, caramelized shallot red onion marmalade, shallot beurre blanc ($29) - the duck was well-cooked, and tasted cumin-dusted. This was also a very sweet dish. The marmalade was sweet and burnt and went well with the dish, but the potato mash made everything just a bit too sweet for my taste, and had an off-putting aftertaste. Hirino souvlaki - skewered and grilled pork, sweet peppers, shallots all marinated in lemon juice, evoo, oregano, garlic, and served with spanakorizo ($25) - This dish came with a side of lemony rice pilaf and mint/dill yogurt for dipping, as well as a slab of feta. The pork was smoky and well-spiced. It came out very rare in the middle, which i'd never seen before, but the chef assured us it was OK. Internet research revealed (thanks, Dan C.! you're a bigger nerd than I am) that if the pork is locally-sourced, you can cook it to as low as 140 degrees (as the bacteria dies at 137). It was, as a result, juicy and flavorful, but the oregano in the marinade was a bit overpowering. Also, it comes on a skewer with peppers, but for $25, I'd prefer my pork not be presented like the kebab I get from Falafel King down the street from my apartment. Overall, the food was elegantly-presented, each dish had some very high-points (as well as some places where the mark was missed), and the value was fair-ish to perhaps a bit expensive for what was offered.
(3)Will S.
Emilitsa! Not the traditional greek place... is that bad? Emilitsa says, "Not at all." First off, I must mention: I am a devout carnivore. I love meat. And in my honest opinion, it's what Emilitsa does best. I've gone there three times, 1. Lamb 2. Pork Loin 3. Rabbit Every dish was significantly better than the last: The lamb was seared and cooked just as I had ordered... the tenderness was perfect. The pork was a passionate experience... every bite was in some way significant. The rabbit? Well... the rabbit was the finest of example of rabbit I've ever had. Other reviews I've read of Emilitsa have said that their sides aren't the greatest in the world.... sadly, I must agree. It's not that they aren't good, they are in fact, delicious. I just think that Emilitsa can take it a bit further and push the envelope. Live a little. I will say that the staff is top notch! Always a huge factor for me, as I enjoy the interactions with friendly, outgoing, knowledgeable wait staff. Glad to see employees that seem invested in what they do. I must also mention the free appetizer - I can't express how much I enjoy this free offering. I have a special place in my heart for restaurants that entice you with free food. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice - I enjoy the low lit brick and their utilization of the space that they have. I don't especially love the wall side seating, it's a bit tricky to get in and out of, but it's comfortable enough. Am I rambling now? Probably... so let me summarize: 1. Go to Emilitsa 2. Order meat of some kind. I would start with the lamb, go back for the pork, and then for your third visit, victory lap with the rabbit (if it's on menu at the time). 3. Get the Fraoch Heather Ale - a treat in and of itself. 4. Get the baklava. Enjoy!
(5)Hilary L.
1st time at this restaurant on my niece's recommendation. Service was wonderful and the food was exceptional. Excellent ouzo and metaxa cocktails, excellent lamb dishes and great scallop appetizer. All in all, a great experience!
(5)Sabrina H.
Had a flawless meal here! Had a veal and homemade pasta dish that I dreamt about for weeks afterward. Wine was tasty. Food and service both impeccable. One of my favorite restaurants in Portland!
(5)Y. H.
Unfortunately, there were pieces of rotten tomato with mold in my salad. Except that incident, it was an impressive restaurant. The atmosphere was calm and beautiful. The food was tasty and very interesting. I also liked the way of cooking for the vegetables. The glasses and dishes were very clean. The server tried to be attentive and kind even though we were in t-shirts with a nine-year old child that evening. Good. We had a salad, an appetizer, the duck, the lamb, the halibut and three glasses of wine. It was pricy but reasonable for a decent restaurant.
(4)Rox F.
A year later and we were back at Emilitsa. Again, it was great! This time I had the lamb shank and it was lovely and juicy. It was first Friday in Portland so the place was busy, I recommend making reservations. The server was very knowledgeable and helpful in explaining and describing their wines and we had a delicious and distinctive Greek Merlot. Why do I not give this place 5 stars? I suppose my only reason is that the tables are so very close together. In a lunch setting or something like that I wouldnt mind as much, I know it is the European way and all, but I like to be tucked away in a corner a little more. That being said it is still a wonderful experience!
(4)TJ S.
Not bad, though this is one of those places that once again always seems to fall under "ok, so what". Greek food that has most of the traditional staples. The lamb, the feta, baklava, the blah blah blah. I'd like to see this place (for the price) take it to the next level and try some truly progressive translations on traditional Greek. Much of the food was way over salted the two times I've been here. Cheese, olives, olive oil, salt on everything! Umm, yikes? Very nice and affordable (if you order the right thing) drink selection. Excellent waitstaff but with a bit of the ol' hovering yet discombobulated manager/owner. They closed down for a bit to "update" things, but I can't really tell what they did. I'd say go to this place if you want these types of dishes in a well presented, and traditional manner, and don't mind a weighty check. This weighty check does bring in a fairly obnoxious crowd so be prepared to be scrunched up right next to someone you'll have to make an effort to tune out. Really the only place doing Greek in town.
(3)Crissa L.
Delicious food and great wait staff. Best pita bread I've ever tasted, and a really thick tzatsiki, not like any I've had before. I had the souvlaki, and my husband the moussaka, both among the best we've ever had (and we both love greek food). A bit overpriced, but worth the atmosphere and the service. Would have loved to try the saganaki (flaming greek cheese), especially with that bread, but had just had it a few days earlier in our travels and the thin girl living somewhere within the depths of the rest of me didn't allow it. Handicap accessible too, which seems to be a bit of a rarity in these parts.
(5)Christy H.
Recent trip to Portland and at the suggestion of the Innkeeper we tried this place. Very simple decorations the dining room is not large. Had read some of the Yelp reviews about service. On the night I went there with my sister it was relaxed. The meals took a little long to come out but the server apologized for the delay, and it was not long. I would not go there if I had somewhere else to go afterward, but also hate when everything comes out at once, so this did not bother me. We ordered the tomato salad, spanikopita, sword fish special, and moussaka. My sister said she had order envy after trying my moussaka, it was so amazing. She thought some of the items were a little high in price, but the moussaka was worth every bite.
(4)Oldport W.
One of the BEST dining experiences in Portland. From your arrival to departure a perfect 10+. You are always greeted at the door by John, who is easily one of the most genuine and gracious hosts in the restaurant industry. Our sommelier (and by this I mean someone who truly knew how to present wine) presented our wine with Michelin star service, something I've never seen but in a very few restaurants in the U.S. (This just set the tone for a dining experience second to none). Our server was outstanding, added to the occasion and was a delight. Now the important part: There is no better Greek food on the planet, I have never had anything that wasn't spectacular, but I love the lamb chops with a passion that probably borders on being a sin. Denos is not only brilliant but quiet and modest which only adds to the charm of the restaurant. I know you want a lobster roll when you come to Portland, but by God this isn't to be missed if you feel like DINING in Portland.
(5)Bob R.
Had stopped in once for apps at the bar and very much enjoyed. Went the other night for my wife's birthday. This place is on par with the best in Portland. Greek, a bit different than what you might be used to. A nice taste to begin with - pureed lentils with toasted pita. Delicious! And not your typical amuse - it was larger than many appetizers I've had. A sausage and a chicken liver app. Sausage was very tasty and the flavors in the liver were very different but very good. Entrees were the pork kabob which my wife enjoyed. I had the whole fish which comes with a show as it's filleted table-side (yes, there are still quited a few bones left) but is was wonderful. Finished with the cheese cake which looked as good as it tasted with a Greek coffee which was also terrific. I'm usually fairly lost when it comes to wine - the selection of Greek wines left me totally befuddled however, our server was very helpful and guided us to one of the most enjoyable wines I've"ve ever had. Of course, I can't remember the name and couldn't pronounce it anyway. Our service was very good. Some have said it's slow - we thought it was perfect - I'd call it unrushed. Only place where the ball was dropped was that when I made the reservation, I told them it was my wife's birthday and maybe they could throw out a "happy birthday". I was told they'd be bringing a torte with a candle - they missed the birthday (my wife was actually happy the did). This tiny miss in no way took anything away from an outstanding meal.
(5)Caty-O S.
Very authentic! Every item made delicately and to perfection. I think they have interesting offerings as specials. Desserts are a must have. Expensive but worth each bite. A special place for a special occasion.
(5)Kerry M.
One of the better meals I have had in a while. We sat at the bar, which we lovely and the service was friendly and warm. My favorite thing we tried were the lamb sliders which were one of the best things I have ever eaten. Good choice for a classy night out.
(5)V R.
Good meal and service. Dined with a group who mostly loved it but 2 thought dinner meal (one had veggie and one lamb) was bland. Wine great, starters excellent. Service wonderful. No room for dessert!
(3)John R.
Had dinner last night and were absolutely impressed with quality and taste of food. The service was great and we liked the quaint atmosphere. Prices are a bit high but it was well worth it. The appetizer plates were particularly tasty.
(5)Bushra S.
A group of us made reservations and went there for Friday night dinner. Small place that was channelling Brooklyn. good atmosphere, great service and food. The menu was good balance of entrees and apps except that they were out of 2 of the 5 entrees! on a Friday night. Prices definitely were trying to match New York. but we will definitely go back.
(4)Brenda G.
Oh my. This is a wonderful temple to all things Mediterranean. Wine, fish, lamb and yogurt, Emilitsa is a treat and treasure with exquisitely fresh food and knowledgeable, friendly service. If you love the old standbys of spanikopita and feta, good. If you're game for branzino, dorado or agean fish stew, all the better. Traditional or adventuresome, it's all good!
(4)Paul F.
Superb! I had an incredible dinner at Emilitsa, the best meal I've had in my 3000 mile journey from Seattle so far. This is high end fish and lamb Greek food, not the burning cheese Greek you get at the lower end places. I had a hummus-like dish for an appetizer except that I think it was blended with Feta cheese and had a spicy kick to it. It was very original to me and a great start to my dinner. I was also served another hummus-like dish on the house - also excellent. I let owner John order me the fish specialty at the restaurant after being highly tempted by the lamb. The fish came whole - head, fins, skin, and all. It was the most incredible fish I've ever eaten and I live by the Pike Place Market in Seattle because I like to buy good fish. Something about the fat in the skin cooked into the fish meat to make a really excellent dish. I saw some lamb chops go by to other tables and they too looked totally amazing. There were several sauces and garnishes on my plate that were also wonderful but I can't name. Another great part of Emilitsa is the wines. I couldn't pick so I asked the bartender to let me sip everything open. In all I probably had two full glasses of wine but got to try a very large array of Greek wines. John has trained his staff to be very knowledgeable about the wines and so each wine came with an explanation. The wine tasting was not on the menu but ask and I don't think you'll be turned down. I think I paid for the equivalent of about three glasses of wine and it was very worth the experience. Finally the staff and owner were all super friendly and attractive. The decor fits very well and I just had a great dinner. This place is too good to be true so go while it lasts or is still unknown enough that you can get in.
(5)Nicholas L.
Originating from New York I have eaten at a little less than a thousand Greek restaurants. With that said I am always skeptical of a Greek restaurants, and usually rate them harder than any other reviews on Yelp just because of the amount of different Greek restaurants I have visited over the years. Emilitsa was a delightful surprise. A must if you come to Portland. Everything I had was excellent. Food made perfectly. I was offered a complimentary appetizer of fava which was made just as when I visited Greece. I ordered a Greek salad which can be tricky for any restaurant as it really is in the tomatoes they use, and this is not an easy time to get good tomatoes. The salad was mouth watering. I enjoyed every bite! The tomatoes were juicy, and flavorful. I finished my meal off with lamb chops which were nice and thick (a lot of Greek restaurants serve the thinner ones), and made medium rare the way I want them . The Greek restaurant competes with some of the best restaurants in the North East. I rank them in my top five Greek restaurants.
(5)Gabe H.
It always makes me feel better when patronizing a restaurant or hotel or any kind of business, for that matter, if the proprietor is a nice and friendly person. And John, the proprietor of Emilitsa, is as nice of a guy as they come. He chatted with my dad and me (but not to the point of imposing on our dinner) multiple times through our dinner, but you could really see his attention to detail in the way he polishes wine glasses and his concern for and ability to be a good listener to his clientele -- he wished me good luck in my new job as we were leaving! I guess it's kind of hard to explain, but it just made the evening that much better, that we were dealing with nice people. And the delectable octopus appetizer, the refreshing glass of Mythos, the perfectly prepared lamb chops, and the scrumptious baklava for dessert certainly didn't hurt, either. I look forward to going back (and having the same exact food again).
(5)Fira B.
Came with the wife for our 2nd anniversary. Incredible food and atmosphere. Happy to see Santorini wines on the list (which was our honeymoon). They elevated traditional Greek food to a high level with a fresh local component to everything. I'd recommend the flaming cheese appetizer (couldn't tell you the real name)... The fruit plate dessert exceeded my expectations as well. The only frightening thing was the "push the button" espresso machine in the corner, but you're not here for the coffee anyways... To people that complain about paying for bread- you are pathetic. If your willing to spend $35 on an entrée why not $1.50 on bread? You realize the bread is never really "free" right? The cost is just built into the other menu items. This way the people that don't want the bread don't have to pay for it. Plus- its amazing, fresh seasoned Pita to soak up all those sauces! There's a reason this place is the best...
(5)Jeff H.
Best Greek restaurant I have been to, including those in Greece. Absolutely an amazing palate journey, with each dish bringing new flavors. A wonderful and perfect anniversary spot!
(5)William S.
This is a phenomenal restaurant which is up there with the best in this foodie town. Our party of four enjoyed a broad sampling of the menu and everything was perfectly prepared, and deftly seasoned. My duck dish was the best duck I have had in a very long time, for instance. I am always impressed that the portion size is large enough to be satisfying but not so large as to be daunting. Service was outstanding. Our server was just the right amount of attentive, and exceptionally skilled on pairing wine with our meal. I was also impressed that she did not steer us towards the most expensive options, but rather seemed to be seeking a truly good match and she succeeded. Emilitsa has an urban feeling which I find engaging. It is friendly and intimate, but not eccentric. We love coming here and would do so more often if the menu changed a bit more frequently.
(5)Peter P.
Literally the best lamb I have had in the twenty years since my yaiyai passed. The food is five stars, and so is the service. There was a complimentary appetizer, and baklava as good as it gets.
(5)Sue W.
Absolutely one of the best meals I've ever had! The octopus appetizer was a definite highlight - so tender and flavorful. The entire experience was wonderful with great service, perfect suggestions from the staff and fabulous food. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Ms. Review S.
If they have the lamb ribs on the menu, GET THEM. You will be glad you did. My boyfriend had the duck, it was awesome too! The entrees were creative and flavorful. We tried the rabbit in filo dough appetizer, I'm not sure what it was really called, and it was OK. The server suggested it, but neither one of us were crazy about it. The tables are close together and this place is pretty small. I would make a reservation if you're coming for dinner, it was really busy. Eat here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Fred F.
Well, one of the last "foodie" places I tried was Emilista this evening. I understand why it took so long to experience Portland's "Greek Gem". The food for the serving portion is very expensive and unless you want to be overpowered by significant amounts of garlic fused in your appetizer, your salad and your entree, I would suggest you take a pass and eat elsewhere. Now for some specifics: Wine pours are on the ultra skimpy side for a $10 -$12 glass of wine. Since the wine is exclusively Greek, you'll be taking a chance with your waiter knowing how to compare a Greek varietal or blend with something you might be familiar with. My wine was good - but very small portion. Appetizer - I had rabbit in a phyllo wrap - interesting, but tasted sour. Salad - very small portion of tomatoes, a wee bit of feta and some red onion - way "overdressed" and way too much garlic. Entree - the lamb - two small chops, cooked perfectly, but six bites $32 and the accompanying spinach saute had maybe a teaspoon of garlic laced among the layers. I love garlic but the extraordinary amount of garlic in all three courses was so over the top I almost become ill at the table. PS - not probably typical for this type of restaurant but there were two tables of some of the loudest obnoxious talkers that just caused great distraction and contributed to a very disappointing dining experience. Nothing inspires me to consider a second visit.
(2)Dan H.
Wow - this was one of the Top 3 meals I have had in a long time. I was floored because usually Greek restaurants don't stray far from the standard fare, which I've never found to be oustanding. Another reviewer got it right - I would classify them as Greek-inspired as many of the entrees had Greek fundamentals with varied presentations and ingredients. I got the duck breast - it was PERFECTLY cooked (slightly rare) and delicious. The menu on their website is under construction so I can't currently reference it for a further description so I will have to update later since we were on a roadtrip with a week of restaurant meals blurring the other ingredients. My wife got the Mediterenean Sea Bass which is cooked whole then filleted (expertly) at the table. The fish was a simple preparation so she thought it was "okay" - I like simple fish preps so I thought it was a little better. Service was excellent, our server (Emiliano) was attentive and friendly. I wish I lived in Portland so I could sample more of the menu. Do yourself a favor and frequent Emilitsa.
(5)WP A.
One of my favorite places in Portland. The Octopus is the best I have ever had. Friendly staff, great service, amazing experience.
(5)Rubi G.
Solid authentic Greek food. High quality ingredients and amazing spreads. Go for the hptipiti if you like spicy!
(5)A. K.
Though you pay for bread, it is worth it. The beet appetizer, the scallop appetizer, and the whole fish were just wonderful. The price for dinner is high--$160 to $180 or more a couple. My only complaint is that the appetizer portions were small. The main dishes were fine.
(5)Melissa A.
Friends and I had another wonderful meal at Emilitsa last night. We started out with a trio of spreads with grilled pita bread, all outstanding, the pita was warm and melted in our mouths. Our entrees were even better, my friends each had the halibut, healthy portion size and cooked to perfection. I had the vegetarian potatoes and tomato dish, the flavor was of kalamatas, garlic, sweet tomatoes and feta. Truly amazing. The waitstaff was attentive, ensuring our glasses were full and that we had everything we needed. Additionally, the owner graciously brought out dessert wine for our table at the end of our meal. I will definitely return again and again.
(5)Alise K.
Love to sit at the bar here. The bar top is a beautiful honed marble. Love it. Nice glass of wine, Greek salad and trio of spreads served with grilled pita. Very relaxed dinner with great service
(4)Christopher H.
I had a hard time believing that I would find amazing Greek food in Portland, but I was blown away. I spent a weekend in town and ate at 5 different restaurants, and this was by far the best meal. Being with my family, I got to try a lot of different dishes, because we all like to share. I can tell you everything was amazing, but in particular the lamb loin, octopus appetizer, roasted eggplant dip, and of course the moussaka was amazing. I also enjoyed my drink, which was rye whisky, ouzo, sugar, and bitters. Amazing and unique combination! The desserts were a great ending, though probably the weakest part of the meal for me (but no regrets on ordering them! They were still delicious). Everything was expertly done, original but still close to home, and every detail tended to. Fresh herbs accenting every plate, amazing sauces and spreads, and extremely friendly staff. We had a wonderful conversation with the owner, and before we knew it we had spent 3 hours eating and laughing and having a wonderful meal. There is no doubt I will be back here next time I find myself in Portland.
(5)Michael M.
I've eaten at a lot of the restaurants in Portland Maine and there are some great ones. Over the past year I have tried, unsuccessfully, to make reservations at Emilitsa's. They were always full. Recently I was able to get in on a Wednesday night. The meals were fantastic. My wife ordered the Duck Breast and I ordered the Halibut and I have to say that this is the best food we've had inPortland.
(5)Nina G.
Atmosphere: Classy and inviting. Upscale dining that is comfortable. Service: I ate there a while back, so I don't remember the details, but we felt well taken care of and despite the fact that we were the last people there, they did not rush us out. Food: Excellent food. Every course was solid. Our appetizers were great. We had the fried cheese. The lamb entree is incredible and the duck entree was equally delicious. One of the things I cant get out of my head is the dessert -- chocolate cake --- light, great flavor. The entire meal was memorable. Drink: We ordered a bottle of the Sauvignon blanc and it was excellent. I would highly recommend this place.
(5)Caty-O S.
Very authentic! Every item made delicately and to perfection. I think they have interesting offerings as specials. Desserts are a must have. Expensive but worth each bite. A special place for a special occasion.
(5)Beatrice T.
My best friend asked me to answer with my first reaction to her text that said "Greek or Italian?" I said Greek, so I anticipated that Emilitsa was a distinct possibility. I was correct! Emilitsa was a quaint, thoughtful restaurant. I noticed many Greek patrons, and personal attention was provided to them (by who appeared to be the owner). I generally find it to be a good sign when customers hail from the same region as the food being served. It's usually fair to assume that the food is of quality, and perhaps traditional in flavor. I haven't visited Greece as my friend has, but she seemed satisfied with what we ate. I noticed a variety of people seated around us. Some couples were on dates, some people were there with their family. Seems like a good place for either. There is a small bar at the front which could be an intimate, quiet meal for the solo diner as well. We ordered three different spreads to go with the pita. One was traditional tzatziki, one was jalapeño, and one was a garlic/potato puree. I liked them in that exact order, in fact. The garlic was very potent, and while tasty, a bit overwhelming. I would suggest ordering it as a way of saying "Not tonight, honey" if you aren't feeling frisky. We also ordered the lamb rib appetizers, pretty good. In other circumstances I would have opted for octopus or scallops, but my friend has a limited palette. For entree, my friend had the moussaka, and I ordered the whole grilled fish. Hers was tasty, but very heavy and rich. Mine had a much lighter flavor, and was just to my liking. Overall, good service, good food. I'm a little picky about atmosphere, though. I would come back IF given the corner seat.
(4)John T.
You will not find a more interesting and tasty dinner than at E! From start to finish, from the service to the ambiance to the food and wine. Expect to have your taste buds challenged and your date to be impressed!!
(5)Christina C.
After significant advanced research (which may or may not have involved a spreadsheet...), I chose Emilitsa for my birthday dinner. It did not disappoint! My husband and I made reservations for earlyish on a Friday night, and the place was already filling up by then. I'm guessing reservations are a must when the weather warms up. Food: We got the rabbit in phyllo dough as our appetizer. It was very elegant and well prepared, although it did have kind of a bitter taste, perhaps from the beer reduction? If we go back, I might choose a different dish for an app. The entrees were OUT of this WORLD. I got duck served on a pita with a yogurt sauce and pomegranate glaze. (Disclaimer: duck is my favorite meat.) I really enjoyed the combination of the fruity glaze with the hearty duck and the creamy yogurt. It felt indulgent without being too rich. My husband got the grilled baby lamb loin chops. Now, we're not big red meat eaters, but we LOVED those loin chops. They were pretty small and delicate (not like those huge bricks of meat you'd get at a steakhouse) and the seasoning blend on the outside was incredibly tasty. Wish I knew what it was! Dessert solidified the whole experience. Now, you may be tempted to go for something besides baklava, since we've all had baklava, right? DON'T. Get the baklava. It's delicious without being sickeningly sweet, and it comes with an amazing cream on the side that is something between whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect ending to my meal. Service: The waitress we had was good; not overly friendly, but she always made sure we had water, and she brought us our food at a good pace. The owner also came to check on us twice during our meal, which I thought was nice. You could tell he really cared about the diners. Atmosphere: Refined and cozy at the same time. It's definitely on the fancy side, but not too stuffy. Price: Yes, it's expensive. But in this case I felt like the price was well worth it. I only wish we could go here more often!
(5)Westie W.
We visited this upscale Greek restaurant on the last night of our recently concluded vacation. After being provided menus and ice water, we were presented with a delicious amuse bouche of seasoned toast points with a lentil puree. My wife's choice of an entree was free range chicken breast marinaded in olive, presumably Greek, oil and lemon, oregano and garlic that was skewered with onion and red pepper and served with spanakorizo (Greek rice) and tzatziki. I chose swordfish skewered with red onions, sweep peppers, and zucchini that was served with spanakorizo and skrothalia (a puree of potato and garlic). Though souvlaki is generally considered a Greek fast food, these were upscale and a total taste delight. Service was also a cut above to the extent that the wait staff unskewered our food. This was a fitting conclusion to our foodcentric vacation.
(4)Linda M.
When the chef or chefs cook at their very best, the dishes at Emilitsa are absolutely extraordinary! Many of our choices there have been among our best meals ever! Our last 2 visits, however, contained some mishaps. 2 visits ago, the Moussaka was not as divine as it had been in the past. Although it was good, it was flatter than usual & did not have quite the extraordinary flavor of the past. We suspected it had been overcooked. At our last visit my husband's entrée was fine but my lamb chops were overloaded with salt - to the point at which the salt flavor overpowered the taste of the lamb itself & the other wonderful flavors which had been so enjoyed in the past. It is my own fault that I did not send this salty dish back to the kitchen. I should have, so I have myself to blame. The host did serve me a complimentary dessert wine. My husband & I do not mind paying high prices for excellent food & we realize chefs are human & can err, but I will no longer accept dishes such as the extremely salty chops. Our complimentary appetizer & salads were just fine. I do hope to be able to give Emilitsa 5 stars in the future.
(4)Daniel H.
Went for a romantic meal. Aside from a slight reservation mix up, it was a very good dining experience. A Greek/Mediterranean Fusion place. We both love this type of cuisine. Recently traveled to Greece, so we were looking forward to comparing the food. We found that they did it well and was just as good as authentic. An expensive option, but the atmosphere, food and service are on par with dining price. In summary the waitress was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable with the menu.. Decor was relaxing and comfortable and was a good, vibrant atmosphere. Decent wine selection and even though its not a huge menu, it does cater for all needs and tastes. Great time, happily recommend and would re-visit again.
(5)David C.
You won't find me complaining about the food at Emilitsa--it's all exquisitely prepared, with the moussaka and the duck being standouts--but my dining experience over the 4th of July weekend gives me an opportunity to vent on one of my biggest pet peeves at restaurants: reverse ageism. It's not uncommon that my friends and I feel ignored or not as well taken care of as other patrons in restaurants simply because we're young. It's as if our server assumes that because we are young, we are cheap. Quite the contrary, when my friends and I go out, you can be assured that we will be ordering appetizers, entrees, AND dessert, and we'll probably have a few drinks as well. At Emilitsa, our waitress gave off the impression that every moment she spent at our table was one wasted at another. The joke was on her, however, when the table of four adults next to us ordered one appetizer and two entrees among them. She seemed more interested in us about midway through our meal, but by then it was too late. We left Emilitsa with a sour taste in our mouths, and it wasn't because of the food.
(4)Jean S.
Having an amazing New Years dinner. Couldn't get reservations but got great seats at the bar!! Excellent octopus appetizers and a dipping spread speciality!! Bartender is super friendly and the atmosphere rocks!! This is a best of Greek restaurant
(5)Gina S.
Fabulous. I just dined here with my husband for our 5th wedding anniversary and it was the right choice. The atmosphere is comfortable and modern with a nod to Greece. The brick walls give it a very current vibe and the comforting menu makes you feel like you are invited to a big Greek family dinner. To start we were presented with a "taste from the house" which was a small scoop of very tasty lentil puree served with toast points. Delicious. For an appetizer we shared the sheep's milk cheese/fig dish. The pairing of the warm crispy mild cheese with the sweetness of the fig and the bright acidity of the balsamic sauce was spot on. I would have licked the plate if it was acceptable. For entrees I had the chicken souvlaki and he had the lamb. Both seasoned beautifully. To conclude we had the baklava and the Greek coffee. The baklava was the real deal..a thick slab with golden honey oozing all over..and the Greek coffee was my first experience with such java. At first I thought it was too string, as it was served in a very small cup..but the more sips I had i realized it wasn't too strong but had a flavor all its own..which cut the sweetness of the baklava in a wonderful way. Also worthy of a note, the selection of Greek wines wad lovely and our server Beth went out of her way to explain them to us as well. Do yourself a favor and dine here.
(5)Peter M.
Honestly....I grew up in this city. I have lived in Washington DC area for the past 30 years. Every summer when we come back my wife and I look for a great spot for kind outstanding service and fabulous food. This is it! Really....John and his brother have made this restaurant a special experience. The food is top quality in a small city with some wonderful eats. Really it smokes Fore Street and many of the other top choices. It is a classy Updated Greek restaurant. Their food combinations are outstanding. All of their food is fresh and there is never a problem getting your dinner the way you like it. If you come to my hometown of Portland Maine and do not go here You have missed out. Love it!
(5)Jeff B.
I just had a great meal at Emilitsa. Each dish was simple, yet bursting with subtle, delicious flavors. My favorite was the octopus appetizer. It was the most tender I ever had, and the smoky grill and herb flavors were delicious. The atmosphere is calm and sophisticated without being too stuffy. I enjoyed the space and quiet to concentrate on my meal. I ate at the bar and the bartender did a wonderful job of guiding me through the menu. It was expensive, about $70 for one person (3 appetizers and 2 drinks), but in my opinion it was worth it.
(5)Fira B.
Came with the wife for our 2nd anniversary. Incredible food and atmosphere. Happy to see Santorini wines on the list (which was our honeymoon). They elevated traditional Greek food to a high level with a fresh local component to everything. I'd recommend the flaming cheese appetizer (couldn't tell you the real name)... The fruit plate dessert exceeded my expectations as well. The only frightening thing was the "push the button" espresso machine in the corner, but you're not here for the coffee anyways... To people that complain about paying for bread- you are pathetic. If your willing to spend $35 on an entrée why not $1.50 on bread? You realize the bread is never really "free" right? The cost is just built into the other menu items. This way the people that don't want the bread don't have to pay for it. Plus- its amazing, fresh seasoned Pita to soak up all those sauces! There's a reason this place is the best...
(5)Victor L.
This is one of the best meals I have ever had in a restaurant. The food was perfect as was the service and the atmosphere warm and soothing. If you are within fifty miles of Portland it is worth a detour to eat here. The three of us split three appetizers. The scallops were fresh and prepared in a delicate sauce. The beet salad was just grand, red and gold beets in a light garlic sauce - I could smell the sharp, fresh garlic when the plate was set down, not overpowering mind you but just right, pungent and clean. The figs and cheese were delicious. As with the entrees, the presentations were lovely. Two of us had the halibut on the waitress's recommendation and her notation that it is their signature dish and we are both glad we did. It was fresh, lightly grilled and just grand. The other person in our party had the duck which was cooked perfectly. I asked for bread with the entree and was given two small pitas, warm, slightly oiled with a hint of garlic and just grand. After the meal we just had American coffee and Greek coffee without dessert. The Greek coffee was very well prepared and very good but not the absolute best we have ever had. Our waitress was professional, cheerful and unobtrusive. She helped us select a glass of red and a glass of white and her explanations showed she clearly understood the subtitles of wine in general and the wines of their cellar in particular. Her service was prompt but, more importantly, she had that ability to remain in the background so that one is not distracted yet instantly respond to a request. This is the type of professional service I am used to at the very best of restaurants. The decor is modern. It is not a large restaurant, I believe it has about a dozen tables or so. The atmosphere is warm and quiet. Emilista has the feel, the ambiance of a top-flight restaurant in Manhattan. I appreciate that is a subjective personal judgment but I wish to convey to you what an all-around pleasant and memorable experience this was. I greatly enjoyed meals at David's and Walter's but Emilista is now my favorite restaurant in Portland. The tab for the three of us with two glasses of wine was about 174 dollars. Yes, this is fairly high but it is well within what one would pay for a similar meal in Manhattan and it was worth every penny. Please note that I have tried to give a accurate review of Emilista. I appreciate that one may read this and be somewhat doubtful that a Portland restaurant would be able to offer such a wonderful dining experience. Yet I am impelled to let others know what a grand meal this was. Certainly, others may not feel the way I or the rest of my party did and may not agree with this review. But I do most heartily recommend that you have at least one meal here. I think you will be, at a minimum, pleasantly surprised.
(5)Nick A.
This is a classy modern Greek restaurant that takes the authentic Greek flavors to new heights. Having travelled across the US this month we have discovered three great Greek restaurants - Kokkari in San Francisco, The Greek in Tribeca in NY and Emilitsa in Portland Maine. We have no hesitation recommending Emilitsa. Great food, great service and wine. You can't go wrong.
(5)John R.
Definitely kicked up Greek. The lamb was off the chart good. Ditto for the scallops with tomato and feta. We'll be back.
(5)Fred F.
Well, one of the last "foodie" places I tried was Emilista this evening. I understand why it took so long to experience Portland's "Greek Gem". The food for the serving portion is very expensive and unless you want to be overpowered by significant amounts of garlic fused in your appetizer, your salad and your entree, I would suggest you take a pass and eat elsewhere. Now for some specifics: Wine pours are on the ultra skimpy side for a $10 -$12 glass of wine. Since the wine is exclusively Greek, you'll be taking a chance with your waiter knowing how to compare a Greek varietal or blend with something you might be familiar with. My wine was good - but very small portion. Appetizer - I had rabbit in a phyllo wrap - interesting, but tasted sour. Salad - very small portion of tomatoes, a wee bit of feta and some red onion - way "overdressed" and way too much garlic. Entree - the lamb - two small chops, cooked perfectly, but six bites $32 and the accompanying spinach saute had maybe a teaspoon of garlic laced among the layers. I love garlic but the extraordinary amount of garlic in all three courses was so over the top I almost become ill at the table. PS - not probably typical for this type of restaurant but there were two tables of some of the loudest obnoxious talkers that just caused great distraction and contributed to a very disappointing dining experience. Nothing inspires me to consider a second visit.
(2)Dan H.
Wow - this was one of the Top 3 meals I have had in a long time. I was floored because usually Greek restaurants don't stray far from the standard fare, which I've never found to be oustanding. Another reviewer got it right - I would classify them as Greek-inspired as many of the entrees had Greek fundamentals with varied presentations and ingredients. I got the duck breast - it was PERFECTLY cooked (slightly rare) and delicious. The menu on their website is under construction so I can't currently reference it for a further description so I will have to update later since we were on a roadtrip with a week of restaurant meals blurring the other ingredients. My wife got the Mediterenean Sea Bass which is cooked whole then filleted (expertly) at the table. The fish was a simple preparation so she thought it was "okay" - I like simple fish preps so I thought it was a little better. Service was excellent, our server (Emiliano) was attentive and friendly. I wish I lived in Portland so I could sample more of the menu. Do yourself a favor and frequent Emilitsa.
(5)WP A.
One of my favorite places in Portland. The Octopus is the best I have ever had. Friendly staff, great service, amazing experience.
(5)Rubi G.
Solid authentic Greek food. High quality ingredients and amazing spreads. Go for the hptipiti if you like spicy!
(5)Emily H.
This would have been a four star experience but for one fairly significant issue. The food was delicious-- really fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. However, we got there at 8:30 on a Friday evening and didn't get any food until almost 10 pm. We were seated right away and placed our order, which consisted of apps, salads and drinks. The drinks came right away, and then we waited more than an hour for food. At one point we asked our server if she could bring a little bit of bread, to which she said she'd check with the kitchen to see if they had enough. Apparently they didn't, because she never brought any, nor did she mention it again in the hour plus that we waited. I would have felt much better about the wait if she'd acknowledged it, but she didn't, so we left feeling like they'd dropped the ball. Incidentally, one of the apps was a side of feta drizzled with olive oil. I fail to understand why the prep for this took more than an hour.
(3)Lauren L.
Baklava was very impressive looking- but tasted more like pie- maybe too much cinnamon? Very intimate, sexy atmosphere. Try to get the corner window spot- fluffy pillows and cuddling opps.
(4)Xiaoshan Z.
Great selection of wines&great food. I never thought I would love Olives so much. But I ate about 20 of them without even realizing it. The duck was a little bit oily for me, but it was really tasty. The grilled bass fish was pretty good too. Desert was the best part: I ordered the Baklava and shared it with my mom. It was one tiny little piece about half size of my palm (I have small hands) with over 600cal calories. But totally worth it. Maybe I am a real foodie. But if I say it had made my day, I wouldn't be lying.
(4)