We have been occasional diners since Leluco opened, and it’s always been a lovely treat. This year we also decided to trust them with our Thanksgiving meal, and they did not disappoint! Our 1.5 turkeys were amazingly prepared, lovingly packed, and easy to reheat. Our friends and I are not sure if we’ve ever had a more delicious bird. Thank you, thank you for being a part of our Thanksgiving celebration. We are so glad you’re in our community ❤️
Kim Nestle DeMado
✨ Testimonial for Bistro Leluco ✨
After teaching last night, I finally had the joy of dining at Bistro Leluco in South Portland — and what an incredible experience!
The warm, welcoming atmosphere and sweet décor made it feel instantly special, with both cozy indoor seating and a charming outdoor option. Owners Antonio and Michele, who met in New York and brought their passion for food to Maine, have truly created something magical here. The restaurant, named after their three children, is filled with heart — and it was especially meaningful for me since little Luca is one of my former Tikes students. I just had to experience it firsthand!
The food did not disappoint — we shared several flavorful small plates, and the chicken kabob was absolutely delicious. Every dish was fresh, unique, and beautifully prepared.
If you’re looking for a place that blends incredible food with a heartfelt story and atmosphere, Bistro Leluco is a must-visit!
T L
I had the chicken skewer with lemon rice and hand down, I've NEVER tasted anything better in my LIFE! I have traveled the world and tasted fine cuisine. This has no comparison! The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and the people are warm and make you feel nice. You will leave with a smile and a question on your mind, when will you return. EXCELLENT!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle LeAnn
This place is lovely. It's warm and welcoming, and the quality is amazing. The chimichurri felt like home. A very special shout out to the bartender Ben. His drinks are next level. The flavors are different, delicious and balanced. The best part is that we didn't feel rushed, something that happens more often than not in other restaurants. Salúd Leluco!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Chops
Michael Richter
absolutely excellent and fabulous food!!! everything scrumptious!!! very high quality
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SI TANAKA
We went for dinner and foods tasted amazing!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jaclyn Gallant
Second time visiting and it was just as delicious as I remembered! Had the best branzino of my life. The service was friendly and knowledgeable! Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jayson Gallant
Incredible food and exellent service. The Mediterranean theme and food is executed at a high level, while bringing in parts of Maine that make it authentic. Some of the freshest fish and vegetables we have ever had
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ruppert Pumpkin
Best small plate spread in New England!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell, Arugula Salad
Aidan De Sena
Incredible cocktails!! Delicious oysters and mussels. And best of all the service by Nicole! She had the best recommendations and made the dining experience next level. Would come back just to see her again!
Quaint, great service and outstanding food! Been wanting to try it for a long time!!! Will be going back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Natalie Cohen Gould
We absolutely loved it! After two nights in downtown Portland we were looking for something a bit more intimate yet still delicious and native to Maine cuisine. Everything about the experience hit on all cylinders: food, atmosphere and service. We loved all we ordered however it is worth mentioning our faves: pea toast, fried cheese, cannellini beans, and the chicken kebob. The owner was so kind as well as the entire staff. The service was timely yet not rushed. We will certainly be back as it was our favorite meal of our entire trip!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pea Toast, Scallop Ceviche, Shakshuka, Chicken Skewer
Charles Christie
Fantastic food and you feel like you’re in a really nice neighborhood vibe/setting. Amazing staff that made us feel so welcome.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bella Trizzino
Perfectly blends fine dining and a cozy atmosphere. Great food and amazingly creative cocktails. Couldn’t recommend more!!
Ed Rodriguez
The food was pretty good, service was great. However wildly overpriced. 34 dollars for the chicken skewer was actually crazy. For the same price at a legit Greek restaurant IN NYC, you would have gotten 3 skewers plus pita and rice or lemon potatoes, and here you’re getting 1 with just the rice. Good wine list. I won’t be coming back but if you are looking for solid Mediterranean-esc food. This is a good choice.
We have been occasional diners since Leluco opened, and it’s always been a lovely treat. This year we also decided to trust them with our Thanksgiving meal, and they did not disappoint! Our 1.5 turkeys were amazingly prepared, lovingly packed, and easy to reheat. Our friends and I are not sure if we’ve ever had a more delicious bird. Thank you, thank you for being a part of our Thanksgiving celebration. We are so glad you’re in our community ❤️
✨ Testimonial for Bistro Leluco ✨ After teaching last night, I finally had the joy of dining at Bistro Leluco in South Portland — and what an incredible experience! The warm, welcoming atmosphere and sweet décor made it feel instantly special, with both cozy indoor seating and a charming outdoor option. Owners Antonio and Michele, who met in New York and brought their passion for food to Maine, have truly created something magical here. The restaurant, named after their three children, is filled with heart — and it was especially meaningful for me since little Luca is one of my former Tikes students. I just had to experience it firsthand! The food did not disappoint — we shared several flavorful small plates, and the chicken kabob was absolutely delicious. Every dish was fresh, unique, and beautifully prepared. If you’re looking for a place that blends incredible food with a heartfelt story and atmosphere, Bistro Leluco is a must-visit!
I had the chicken skewer with lemon rice and hand down, I've NEVER tasted anything better in my LIFE! I have traveled the world and tasted fine cuisine. This has no comparison! The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and the people are warm and make you feel nice. You will leave with a smile and a question on your mind, when will you return. EXCELLENT!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is lovely. It's warm and welcoming, and the quality is amazing. The chimichurri felt like home. A very special shout out to the bartender Ben. His drinks are next level. The flavors are different, delicious and balanced. The best part is that we didn't feel rushed, something that happens more often than not in other restaurants. Salúd Leluco!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Chops
absolutely excellent and fabulous food!!! everything scrumptious!!! very high quality
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went for dinner and foods tasted amazing!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Second time visiting and it was just as delicious as I remembered! Had the best branzino of my life. The service was friendly and knowledgeable! Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible food and exellent service. The Mediterranean theme and food is executed at a high level, while bringing in parts of Maine that make it authentic. Some of the freshest fish and vegetables we have ever had
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best small plate spread in New England!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell, Arugula Salad
Incredible cocktails!! Delicious oysters and mussels. And best of all the service by Nicole! She had the best recommendations and made the dining experience next level. Would come back just to see her again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Quaint, great service and outstanding food! Been wanting to try it for a long time!!! Will be going back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We absolutely loved it! After two nights in downtown Portland we were looking for something a bit more intimate yet still delicious and native to Maine cuisine. Everything about the experience hit on all cylinders: food, atmosphere and service. We loved all we ordered however it is worth mentioning our faves: pea toast, fried cheese, cannellini beans, and the chicken kebob. The owner was so kind as well as the entire staff. The service was timely yet not rushed. We will certainly be back as it was our favorite meal of our entire trip!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pea Toast, Scallop Ceviche, Shakshuka, Chicken Skewer
Fantastic food and you feel like you’re in a really nice neighborhood vibe/setting. Amazing staff that made us feel so welcome.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perfectly blends fine dining and a cozy atmosphere. Great food and amazingly creative cocktails. Couldn’t recommend more!!
The food was pretty good, service was great. However wildly overpriced. 34 dollars for the chicken skewer was actually crazy. For the same price at a legit Greek restaurant IN NYC, you would have gotten 3 skewers plus pita and rice or lemon potatoes, and here you’re getting 1 with just the rice. Good wine list. I won’t be coming back but if you are looking for solid Mediterranean-esc food. This is a good choice.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
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