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    Za

    4.4 (22 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Beet salad
    Brett F.

    Za takes over the former Slab location and already makes better pizza, so that's a huge plus. I prefer it to Noble, because while thin, it's far less floppy, and any leftovers reheat better. It's some of the very best pizza in Portland and I appreciate how it's available in both 14" and 18" sizes, at prices on par with the area. The beet salad ($14) was also the perfect complement to the heat of the Bee Sting pizza. The space is not much different than Slab. There's a big, dog friendly outdoor dining area with live music in the summer. But, I simply can't get past the beer prices, which are so inflated that there is a reddit thread on the topic. Beer is essential to dine-in pizza, and having nearly every local option priced at $10-$12.50 is untenable. This is city-high pricing, and it's important to me when considering a restaurant. If this doesn't bother you, it's hard to find better pizza than Za anywhere in Portland.

    Potato Pizza
    Cody O.

    Za in Portland, Maine, marks an exciting new chapter for the duo behind the beloved Truckin Pizza. After years of serving up pies from their popular food truck, they've brought their craft to a permanent home - and it shows. Even as a carryout order, the quality and care behind these pizzas came through in every bite. The Margherita showcased Za's commitment to perfect dough - a crisp, thin base with excellent structure and a bready, airy crust that revealed beautiful gluten networks. The sauce was outstanding: bright, balanced, and full of fresh tomato flavor. The Potato Pizza was pure comfort - salty, oily, and irresistibly rich. Thinly sliced potatoes paired beautifully with caramelized onions and gooey cheese, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The Plain Cheese was another standout, with a perfectly foldable slice, pleasantly salty cheese, and a sweet, flavorful sauce that tied everything together. If this is what Za's pizzas taste like outside the oven, I can only imagine how good they are fresh from the hearth. A visit to the new brick-and-mortar location is already on my list - and it's clear this team's passion for their craft translates beautifully from truck to table.

    Noah F.

    Went here the other night for the first time. This place just opened in place of slab which closed not too long ago. I will say we did like it better than slab. The inside feels the same and nothing really felt different other than the menu and the pizza. The space is massive and the service was great. They have good menu options and good prices. We got some drinks and then shared an 18 inch pepperoni with some sides of ranch. The pizza was cooked perfectly and the sauce tasted very nice. We were really pleased with how everything tasted and how friendly the staff was. We would highly recommend giving this new place a try! In our opinion it's one of the best spots for pizza for us now. You won't be disappointed.

    Decorative detail
    Cindy Y.

    I could eat pizza every day. Seriously. But I was very disappointed by Slab and am so glad Za is here in its place. The menu isn't big but there are some creative pizzas. I went with the mushroom pizza, which took a while to come out, but was worth the wait. Truffle cream sauce and maitake mushrooms made for a flavorful pizza that hit the spot!

    Sam V.

    New place that's been open for about 6 months. They have a patio area that's dog friendly. Came in for lunch and it was pretty slow. I guess word is out yet. Pizza was surprisingly very good. Nice light crust and it was cooked perfectly. Good tasting sauce and fresh ingredients. My only knock is a $3 charge for Parmesan cheese. That's a first I've seen at any pizza or Italian place.

    Citrus whisper
    Emily K.

    Stopped in for some dinner early on a Friday! It wasn't super packed at 5pm but there was live music and yard activities in the outdoor seating area. My server was very friendly and prompt! I started with a citrus whisper, which was nice and refreshing. I ordered the pretzels and a slice of the mushroom. I wish there were a few more options for slices for the solo diners out there! You get two pretzels for like $12 which honestly is a great deal. They were soft and warm and had a good amount of salt! There are mustard and cheese (cream cheese-esque) dips included. The mushroom slice was really good! I enjoyed the truffle cheese sauce and the fresh basil. It's definitely thin and very crispy so eat while it's hot before it gets hard. Overall cute spot! I will likely return to try more pizza!

    Brooke L.

    We hit up Za at five on what has been the most beautiful Friday of this entire season. As huge fans of Slab, we were curious to see what this new pie was all about. These are not your Sicilian slices, these pies are absolutely beautiful. Made with pillowy, soft dough that is perfectly seasoned, and fresh ingredients that delight the taste buds. We got the margherita. I feel like that's the perfect sample when you're trying a new pizza spot. Everything was delicious down to the EVOO drizzle. They didn't complicate it, it came out quickly, it made us very, very happy. Ahead of the margarita. We also got the caprese. That was insane. Right tomatoes, fresh pesto, Eyeball, balsamic. My husband is not typically into these types of dishes, and yet he devoured it. This was the perfect serving to split with either two or three people. We got the 14 inch pie which ran us $23, which I think is on par for the city. I am regretting not grabbing the 18 inch pie because it would've been worth $28 every single day. We will definitely be back. This was too delicious to never taste again.

    onion soup pizza, pesto pizza, meatballs, mocktail

    delicious pies and sauce, high price point for pizzas. tasty mocktails, the white pizza was incredible, onion soup pizza tastes as advertised, delicious meatballs. would order all again but likely the mocktails and meatballs first. docked a star for value and slow service. good service, just small town speed.

    Beth T.

    The pizza is delicious and the service is excellent! Great cocktails! Definitely will be back for pizza or take out!

    Lou C.

    A nice addition to the Portland pizza scene, which is very hit or miss. Very nice space, lots of tables, with a pickup counter to the left of the door as you walk in. The bar is a nice length. Available in small and large sizes, and the staff is very friendly. Pizzas have fresh ingredients, and the crust is close to NY/NJ pizza, which we prefer!

    Pepperoni slice.
    Charles W.

    Za does pizza great, but other stuff meh. Former Slab pizza location Za continues the pizza tradition but goes back to a New York slice vs the Sicilian slab style. The crust on dough was phenomenal. It tasted complex and chewy and crispy. I really enjoyed it. The dill pickle pizza was a semi gimmicky but overall was great slice with tons of dill and a creamy base of not too much ranch but the whole pickles were tough to eat. I think if those had been cut up it would have made it an easier slice. The onion and potato chips on top were a great addition! The pepperoni and cheese slices were huge and very good. The biggest qualm was the pretzel. It tasted like every Aramark frozen pretzel I've had in my youth and at a Seadogs game. 12 bucks for 2 of those? Ouch. The brown mustard and additional cheese/jalapeños dipping sauce was also on the weak side. The service was alright. Felt like sometimes there was no one in the place and it took longer to get attention. There was a very nice waitress that brought out some toys for the kids to play with. The bathrooms looked dark and depressing. More light and some lighter walls would help. Also the urinal placement is odd. The price point is on the higher for side for pizza which is going to make it a difficult sale to the locals. I would more than likely give this a 3.5

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    4 months ago

    Hands down best pizza in the Portland area, and there are some decent ones around, but this is the best.

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    Room for Improvement

    Room for Improvement

    4.6(57 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Port

    I've only heard good things about room for improvement and I was so glad to finally make it there!…read moreThis low ceiling, cozy bar has moody, lighting, booths, bar seating, and an outdoor standing bar. It's such a vibe for a late night drinking or grabbing a quick bite as they have such good food! They've made using the restroom fun as it's decorated with Polaroids from guests, and another funny item (you'll have to see for yourself) You need to get their espresso martini. The cold foam topping it off is the most delicious thing I've ever had.

    I enjoyed the bar that use to be located here that was called Jager. It was all German themed and I…read moremostly went for the beers. Room for Improvement has been around for quite awhile at this point and I have heard nothing but positive about it. My wife and I finally made the time to come here and glad we did. With it being Halloween they have a special theme this week called Doom for Improvement so we thought it was the perfect time to visit! We showed up at opening for a spot to beat Halloween crowd on wharf street. I was reminded of Jager right away in the sense it felt familiar while also feeling new. They decked it out with Halloween decorations and bartenders were dressed up. We had Bojack Horseman serving us who was a top notch bartender, friendly, answered any questions and had good vibes! My wife tried their Pineapple Daiquiri and their Espresso Martini. I went with the Halloween themed drinks and got the Rest In Peeses that was a peanut butter (Reese's) themed Old Fashioned. Secondly I grabbed their Plenty Evil that was inspired by the Good & Plenty candy Absinthe Frappe. My wife's drinks were phenomenal and would both be go to orders for her and we both found a new favorite Espresso Martini. My first drink nailed the perfect mix of peanut butter flavor with a classic Old Fashioned. Secondly despite not being a huge licorice/good & plenty candy this drink was delicious! I look forward to returning for a non Halloween themed visit but we were both extremely impressed. If you are looking for a bar to grab drinks and want a nice and chill vibe this is your spot. Expect friendly bartenders who make high quality drinks!

    Photos
    Room for Improvement - Inside at the bar

    Inside at the bar

    Room for Improvement - Sauerkraut dog

    Sauerkraut dog

    Room for Improvement - Their espressotini, made with banana and coconut! Vegan

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    Their espressotini, made with banana and coconut! Vegan

    The Independent Ice - BBQ Pulled Port Sliders
Two Per Serving , BBQ Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Fresh Baked Sliders Buns

    The Independent Ice

    4.6(248 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Port
    $$

    Great intimate bar that has an extensive bourbon collection that's on great display. There's long…read morebar area and some booths. We stopped in for drinks only. The food around us looked terrific. We ordered an espresso martini that was great - they ask if want dark or creamy. Also ordered a drink l that was pink - can't remember name and did t take pic of menu! It was good. Ended with an Irish coffee. Server super nice and attentive. Very nice place to stop for a drink or their food!

    Headed out to celebrate our wedding anniversary and had heard good things about Independent Ice so…read moreasked to go there. Parking for Wharf St is either on street, none available, or parking garage conveniently located across Union Street. Entrance is a little difficult to locate due to lack of lighting. It's close to Union St but on Wharf. Hostess with a smile greeted us and sat us in a corner booth as per our request as there were a few options of tour party of 3. We were seated in the corner booth, given menus and water poured into the glasses. With in 5 minutes our server came to take care of us. I had lots of questions since I like spirits, whiskey and am curious about what is out there. They have a HUGE selection of whiskeys and bourbons so easy to get lost. Sadly, the menu for these things is huge and does not give any description as to flavor or smoothness, just where they are made and how much a half and full pour is. The whiskey flight caught my eye as I am looking for a new whiskey in addition the my favorite Jamesons. When I asked the server he said the Maine flight sucks! OK, then asked about the two other flight menus and was given the names I can clearly see in the wall menu, no further information was given. We ordered our drinks, Espresso martini listed in their Happy Hour menu, a Prosecco, two Jamesons Black barrel, a light beer and a ginger ale chaser. Food menu was good with a few options for appetizers, salads/soup, entrees, and desserts. Having read reviews and previewing the menu ordered the Whipped Ricotta with honey and Wasabi peas. Smash burger, Tortellini with chicken, and when it was my turn to order I responded with the Southern Chicken. As I read the description saw a few red flags for spicy. When I said hold on, to see if I wanted the other chicken sandwich, this clearly was an inconvenience for him evidenced by the audible sigh and eye roll! OK I'll take the sandwich don't want to rock his boat. While waiting for our food, two of the three of us finished their drinks. Waiter was no where to be seen for 4 minutes, when he did surface at the back of the building, we had to wait while he had a texting conversation at the end of the bar. This took an additional 4 minutes then he attended his other tables, cleared our appetizer plates and walked off. Came back for our second round and again I am looking to try something new. I asked what has a smooth buttery finish, he rambled of a bunch of names and said "you are looking for something that was toasted in the barrel". Great! Oh wait not so much, the menu doesn't give you that information so again another opportunity for an up sell missed. I asked about the West Cork whiskey, he took out his phone and started scrolling and scrolling with no further information for me to try it. "It's not as good as Jameson". OK I'll stick with what I always get and have given up. A wall full of whiskeys and bourbons and the reason for our visit has been defeated. Food came out hot and was very good. French fries were exceptional. When we were done, our server took up a conversation with someone at the bar and stood with his back to us as our plates are being piled up. Hostess ended up clearing our plates and getting our to go container. After finishing his conversation at the bar, he was very happy to give our check for us to leave. Not sure why we were given this kind of service, but he missed an opportunity for up sells three times. Show interest in your customers. Sadly disappointed and will not be back. Service was terrible and made us feel like an inconvenience. Tipped well even though the service was lacking because the Food was very good. ***Please note that they state in their whiskey menu that their pours are NOT normal pours; one ounce pour here is only .75 and full pour is not a full 2 ounces but 1.5.

    Photos
    The Independent Ice - Maine Whiskey Flight

    Maine Whiskey Flight

    The Independent Ice - Shaved sirloin hoagie (cheesesteak)

    Shaved sirloin hoagie (cheesesteak)

    The Independent Ice - Outside

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    Outside

    Lucky Cheetah - Sichuan Cucumbers

    Lucky Cheetah

    4.3(74 reviews)
    0.4 miOld Port

    I'd like to start this by saying that I never write reviews...and I have zero connection to this…read morerestaurant I had no idea what I was in for when I walked in. All of my memories there are from the Old Port Tavern. they truly transformed the place into an amazing space. I honestly took a moment to look around and take it all in before I sat down. it's gorgeous and fun and really has a personality of its own. good music. top notch staff. and phenomenal food. the chef happened to hear us talking about the Old Port TaVern and made a point to come by and say hello. chef Charlie Eems totally took us by surprise. He was so friendly and courteous, but his food was better. The flavors textures and experience was honestly the most fun I've had at a restaurant in a long time. highlights (all of it) soup dumplings, brocolli rabe, and chocolate torte with black vinegar stawberry compote... go check it out!

    The Lucky Cheetah is an absolutely amazing place! Think delicious dim sum with a twist combined…read morewith a fun tiki bar vibe combined with a sophisticated retro speakeasy décor and ambiance. What could be better than a dumpling lounge? We just went for the first time and were blown away. The ambiance of the place is unique. It feels like a chic timeless but retro speakeasy with the fun atmosphere of a tiki bar. Dark red and black colors, floral art, Art Deco chandeliers, lacquered tables, kitsch and fun cheetah lamps and statues. It immediately put a smile on our faces. The food is also unique. Dim sum for dinner but with more sophisticated twists and better quality than you'll find in most Chinatowns. You start by getting a dish with three different dipping sauces for the dumplings. The hot and sour soup was rich in peanut flavor, filled with tofu, mushrooms, and seaweed, with a cumulative little kick of spiciness. It was a great start and a major cut above anything we've ever had in a Chinese restaurant. The sichuan cucumber salad are Chinese cucumbers innovatively cut into a spiral like a slinky or coil spring. You pick them up with chopsticks and they spring up and down! Served in a horseradish and pepper coulis, they had a spicy kick. Don't miss the mojo baby corn. It's grilled, crispy, and addictive. You'll want a bucket of it when watching a movie. Steamed soup dumplings are filled with ham or prosciutto, a nicely salty and meaty twist on the standard ones. Steamed mushroom and truffle dumplings are probably the closest to traditional dim sum, rich, flavorful, and packed with shrooms. Crab and lobster lucky bags were deep fried wontons filled with a mix of ground lobster and crab, on a bed of crème fraiche with scallions. A great contrast with the crispy salty shell and soft filling! Our favorite was the sesame beef bao. They look like the traditional sesame balls in Chinese restaurants, crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside but filled with brisket! They were mouth wateringly delicious! There was a selection of larger entrée plates that looked good (fried rice, lo mein, crispy chicken) that we didn't try but will next time. The drink menu was three pages long. Every kind of creative cocktail you can imagine, a long list of wines and sparking drinks, at prices from reasonable to 'special occasion.' For the atmosphere and ambiance, it seemed like cocktails or sparkling wine went best. All the staff and the manager couldn't have been nicer and more welcoming. They made us feel like old friends. Their warmth was genuine, we were sincerely touched by their friendliness. We were smiling and laughing the whole time, and amazed at how delicious the food was. It's unique. It's so much more than just a delicious meal. Going here is truly an experience, one that we'll remember for a long time and want to repeat often. It's an incredibly special place, and you feel special being here. You won't find a place like this outside of New York City, but here it is in Portland. We're going to go back often and regularly.

    Photos
    Lucky Cheetah - Decor in the back room

    Decor in the back room

    Lucky Cheetah - Sweet & sour cod

    Sweet & sour cod

    Lucky Cheetah - Sweet & sour cod

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    Sweet & sour cod

    Cuties - Bar

    Cuties

    4.5(36 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Port

    Awesome place to grab a drink anytime do the day and a snack. Super cool vibes and great staff…read more Very welcoming and friendly. All employees were attentive and helpful. Menu has tons to offer. There's coffee drinks, alcoholic beverages, various snacks and food, etc. Lots of talent and thought has gone into what they offer. We order a Bitchin Michelada and a spicy bloody! Both amazing!! Well done. For sure stop in this gem of a place regardless of the time of day as they have lots to offer.

    I gave Cuties a chance during its opening weekend and thought it wasn't for me. It was too crowded,…read moreobnoxiously loud, and I just felt like I didn't fit in. Fast-forward to now: I was walking around with a friend and we felt like having a drink, and Cuties was right nearby. I decided to give it another shot, and I'm glad I did because my experience was incredibly better. First of all, the place felt a lot more welcoming and less overwhelming. I finally had a chance to look at all the decor and details, and my eyes were FEASTING on the colorful touches and funky vibes. Our server was very nice, and even though we only ordered one drink and definitely stayed there for a good amount of time, he wasn't pushy in any way. My cocktail, the Wink n Nod, was soooo good. It had vodka, gin, manzanilla, olives, and pickled Fresno brine. The result was a yummy concoction with a punch, one that I could savor and not slurp in ten seconds. That said, I gotta say I was surprised by how busy the place was given how early we went. It wasn't even 4pm. I don't think I would come back in the summer or during peak hours because I could definitely see them getting busy, just like during their opening weekend, and having an entirely different experience. Note: Although I didn't try any, I was happily impressed by the food options and non-alcoholic options. A true all-day bar!

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    Cuties
    Cuties
    Cuties - Menu

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    Menu

    Za - pizza - Updated May 2026

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