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Restaurant Reviews List >
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bresca Reviews List
bresca
bresca opened in February of 2007 in the historic district of Portland, Maine. The dining room provides an intimate 18 seat restaurant setting in which to enjoy the relaxed yet refined cuisine of chef proprietor Krista Kern Desjarlais.
The menu is designed to be small to take advantage of what each season has to offer and preparations with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The wine list features many selections from California, Austria, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. We feature many bottles with lesser-known varietals from smaller producers creating an eclectic and accessible list to complement the focus of simplicity and flavor in the food.
The menu changes daily according to the season and the mood of the cook.
See more bresca details
The menu is designed to be small to take advantage of what each season has to offer and preparations with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The wine list features many selections from California, Austria, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. We feature many bottles with lesser-known varietals from smaller producers creating an eclectic and accessible list to complement the focus of simplicity and flavor in the food.
The menu changes daily according to the season and the mood of the cook.
43 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 43 reviews
5 stars
(32)
4 stars
(4)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(37)
- special occasion(31)
- romantic(25)
- neighborhood gem(14)
- notable wine list(9)
- great for lunch(3)
bresca Reviews List
Review 1 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great night!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my girlfriend to Bresca for her birthday and we had a wonderful time. My favorite part of the experience was the pace of the meal. Since there are only two sittings per night and a very small kitchen staff, I never once felt the least bit rushed. There were 10-15 minute periods between each course, and each course was definitely strong enough to leave you fulfilled for what you just ate and a little anxious to see what came out next. The menu is small, but judging by what we ate, I would feel confident ordering anything on it because it is all prepared with quality intentions. I would love to add something negative to make the review a little more realistic or balanced, but I can't. We had a wonderful experience."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Best of Portland
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"To us, there is not a better restaurant in Portland at the moment. With, at most, a dozen options on the menu, the chef allows herself to focus on putting out the most comprehensive, thoughtful and, at times, playful menu. There's no need for gimmicks or trendy food things at Bresca. The chef lets her skill, care and knowledge speak for itself."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding all around.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place has a very limited menu but that's because they make an effort to do everything just about perfectly, and succeed."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 4 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We visited as a group of four
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We visited as a group of four and had a fabulous meal. Everything served showed a great deal of care in the ingredient selection, preparation, and presentation. The black kale appetizer set a high standard with a positively brilliant soft boiled egg, kombu butter, and charred bread combination. We tried the pasta, and the fish special and duck breast and everything was delicious. Seating is a little tight but arranged in a manner so as one does not intrude on one's neighbors. Service was
just right, attentive, friendly, but not intrusive. All in all a great meal and a great evening."
just right, attentive, friendly, but not intrusive. All in all a great meal and a great evening."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I've lived in Portland for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've lived in Portland for eight years and am embarrassed to admit that, despite being somewhat of a 'foodie', I've never dined at Bresca. What an omission on my part! My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful experience there. Service, wine, food and the intimate/edgy setting exceeded our expectations. The shaved Brussels sprouts salad was incredible and the pork chop quite possibly the best I've ever had. Can't wait to try lunch there. Bresca is my new favorite Portland restaurant!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
THe wine list was my only
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"THe wine list was my only dissapointment."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 7 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
If you want a quiet spot for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"If you want a quiet spot for dinner with delicious, surprising, and varied cuisine presented with class, Bresca is for you."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Stellar dining experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Stellar dining experience. Spring salad, duck breast, Pana cotta--ciuldnt ask for better food in Portland. Looking forward to our next visit!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our ratings say it all. Inventive
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our ratings say it all. Inventive and delicious food, quiet, soothing room, friendly attentive service. Even comfortable seating. A gem."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for bresca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Menu was limited but what
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Menu was limited but what was offered was all excellent. Very subtle, light and wonderful flavors."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for bresca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not angry, just disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The space, ambiance and service were excellent. There were thoughtful little touches hidden away nearly everywhere that made us feel welcome and special. The food...was not good. Neither my date or I had any desire to eat more than a third of our main course and only took our leftovers home in order to add ingredients to try and complete the dishes. It's very possible that our type of taste palette is not one that Bresca is aiming to please, but when we came in knowing that we'd be spending a minimum of $120 on a dinner that was celebrating a special occasion, it was extremely disappointing to have to stop for food elsewhere later that evening, especially when it wasn't because the portions were too small."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 12 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our first experience and one
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our first experience and one we will repeat many times. Bresca is one of those few places where the primary purpose is to enjoy a leisurely meal and truly is allowed to savor the creative dishes. It is small and intimate and thus it is actually possible to have a conversation without having to shout. All in all, a most enjoyable experience."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 13 for bresca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food in an Intimate Setting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was fabulous. It was meticulously prepared, delicious and creative. Our server was knowledgable, friendly, professional and helpful. The restaurant itself was small and quiet but decorated so as to provide a comfortable and pleasant experience. The wines were interesting, well paired with the menu and fairly priced. This is probably the best restaurnat we've eaten in in Portland."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for bresca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice ex[erience. Good food,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice ex[erience. Good food, great desserts, very good wine and service too. The lack of a decent vegetarian offering was a disappointment."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 15 for bresca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It was good but not great
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was good but not great and just not worth the cost."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
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Review 16 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A cozy spot for great eats!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had the good fortune to find a table available on a Friday night. Having moved from Philadelphia where we had a number of overpriced meals that just seemed over prepared and under-flavored we were really excited to eat at Bresca. Since there are other local spots that get more attention we felt compelled to put the word out that this place is a real find. Between us we had the duck and cod. An appetizer of toasted bread with braised kale, 6-minute egg, pancetta and butter sauce. All the food was prepared perfectly. The service was great. My only complaint (which is very minor) would be that the adult contemporary music mix was a bit odd for a small, romantic atmosphere. Overall a great experience!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 17 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bresca is my new favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Bresca is my new favorite restaurant. I will make it a point to come here whenever I'm in Portland. The space itself is small, but warm and cozy. The food is unpretentious with simple yet wonderful flavor combinations. The portions are generous and the prices were a steal for the quality of food we were given. I usually love the first couple of courses at a restaurant and find the entree lackluster, but at Bresca I actually found that my favorite plate was my Hake main course. That's not to say that I didn't thoroughly enjoy our first 2 courses, because we absolutely did! Krista is a very talented chef and we can't wait to come back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous food and presentation.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fabulous food and presentation. Our new favorite!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a fabulous evening, great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"What a fabulous evening, great service, innovative menu infused with lots of love, attention to detail. Seamless from start to goodnight. I'd highly recommend Bresca to anyone who loves food and wine. Can't wait to return."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A perfect experience for what
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A perfect experience for what was a special occasion. Decadent food, attentive and knowledgable wait staff, great ambiance (even lucked out and had the window seat!)"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely fabulous food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Absolutely fabulous food. The small, somewhat crowded restaurant is a bit unfortunate. However with food this good, the ambience hardly matters."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for bresca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Dining room is way too small!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Portions were too small for the price. You are practicley sitting on each others laps because tables are two inches apart. Service and food was great but ther dining room is too small!"
Dined on 12/28/2012
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 23 for bresca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We stayed in Portland for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We stayed in Portland for the weekend, we live in Boston, and wanted a great dining experience and we found it at Bresca. Great food, service and ambiance. I love the small menu and the intimate space, because you know they plan a high quality meal. My duck was probably the best I've ever had. They match a lot of sweet with saviory. The dessert was also outstanding, Panna Cotta with passion fruit syrup, the best PC, light and full of flavor. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would say 11."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for bresca
Based on the average of (20) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate