Acadia - A New Orleans Bistro

We have for a while considered Acadia a regular ""go-to"" place for dinner; a stand-by if you will for a good tasty dinner, but it has passed a point for us, and not a good one. The menu has shrunk, the food has become starchy and blah - the excitement that drew us here a few years ago has faded. It's a sad thing too, they used to be a great little gem, but I think we've had our last dinner at Acadia. The staff is friendly, but the food and fare aren't worth the trouble. Until they turn things around, I suggest you save your time and money and go elsewhere for dinner. Sorry Acadia, I wish it were different, but you've lost your luster in a BIG way. more

Overall a fun place. The southern theme was nice for a change. Acadia seems to have a knack for cocktails - evident by the fact that they ran out of two concoctions before we arrived (annoying since the restaurants requested that I accept a late seating because we were a large group.) Excellent service. Average quality food for this genre. My crawfish appetizer while packed with crawfish had no particular flavor and would have improved greatly with some cocktail sauce or an interesting dressing. The softshell crab was unique with a remoulade that had just the right level of spice. A unique item for Portland menus. My entree, the Blackened puppydrum hit my mouth with a lot of salt and while it did have cajun seasoning, the saltiness detracted greatly. The bread pudding fell far short of what it could have been and needs to lose the whip cream and the overly sweet caramel sauce. (A more moist buttery bourbon sauce would have put it over the top.) While I am not sure which item was the cause, I was uncomfortable all night after this dinner with something causing an unpleasant taste to come back in my mouth (like garlic or tomato based sauce or old cooking oil). The extremely high sugar content of the dessert also made me feel unwell shortly after eating it and I am not diabetic. I eat out a lot and this is not normal for me. I really like this place, and with some adjustments I think it could be 5 stars. Pros: Great drinks, fun, differant, good service Cons: Food falls short of what it could be more

Consistently wonderful food, friendly service, knowledgeable staff and just an all around great experience! Pros: Food, Service, Environment Cons: hmmm...not a lot of variey in menu from season to season more

Oh! My! Gosh! Wonderful. The food is to die for here. The fried soft shell crab in jalapeno remoulade was sweet, spicy, crunchy, and seasalty fresh. Also do dessert. Gooey butter cake! Rad. Pros: Flavorful, tasty, delicious Cons: none! more

Perfect experience. The servers were extremely professional and generous. The food was flavorful. The wines were rich. The beer was unique. Nice experience. Pros: perfect more

The ambiance/lighting = fantastic and cozy. No kids - great to have an adult dining experience. The waitress masterfully and unstressfully handled the entire place. She was attentive, not overly intrusive or chatty. She let us enjoy our dinner, have a long time between courses, but kept an eye on us to make sure the pauses weren't too long - perfect. Also, we asked for several recommendations throughout the meal and she gave us excellent options. The food was divine. The jambalaya was fantastic and my friend's pork was thoroughly enjoyed. Bread was warm and fresh. Food was served hot and plentiful. The bread pudding is to die for - except this trip it seemed microwaved hot. Homemade ice creams were a nice touch. Delicious flavors. Pros: tons Cons: only one: could use more of a wine-by-glass selection more

You can tell when a restaurant can take a simple salad of fresh greens, crumbled egg and a bright mustard vinaigrette and elevate it to something you simply can't stop eating that they know what they're doing. Every dish we ordered was just dynamite. We got the bronzed black drum fish with crab, artichoke and potatoes, as well as the pork chop. Both dishes were unquestionable winners. I've found that restaurant pork chops can veer all over the place - this one was a bullseye, with smokey-sour onions, maple notes, and small jalapeno cornbreads. Awesome. Can't wait to go back! Pros: Cocktails, Food, Ambience, Service, Desserts more

I live near this restaurant but waited months to try it because the menu didn't appeal to me. I was clearly missing out, because the food was amazing! Everything about the catfish plate was great. The atmosphere was also warm and romantic. I'm already thinking about going back... Pros: Fabulous food, warm atmosphere Cons: Pricey but worth it more

so i am in portland on business and a friend of mine suggests this little bistro that only serves lunch on wednesday so we went. it is kinda small and really quaint, there is a cool little bar and a bunch of tables. the place was packed, so i was pretty sure it was a good idea. and was it! the food was amazing and the service spectacular. we ordered lunch and a woman (whom i believe was an owner) asked us if we wanted wine with our lunch and we said sure did she have any reccommendations, to which she did and it was perfect! a nice gigondas, which went really well with the ground tenderloin poorboy. the desert was also fantastic, a red velvet cake. there were only two waitpeople and i am not sure which one was supposed to be ours, so we had two, as did everyone else. the service was amazing! i would eat here every wednesday or any day for that matter, if i just didn't live 275 miles away. great job guys! more

The location was ok in a nice Northeast neighborhood, but I can't say too much good stuff about the food or service. I has sent back a seafood dish because I felt it was overcooked, then was told by one of the owners (Adam) that the dish was suppose to be served like that and that there was nothing wrong with it. After some unfriendly resistance from the owner, they did get me a new plate which I felt was much better than the first one, but I guess customer service is not a strong point with these people. I will not be revisting this place anytime soon and definately will not recommend it to any of my personal friends or strangers for that matter. Pros: Nice decor, fair prices Cons: Located on very busy street with alot of traffic noise, unfriendly staff more

I lived in Dallas in the early '90's. Cajun was the rage. I have also had good Cajun in New Orleans. After leaving Texas, it has always been hard to find really good authentic Cajun food. I tried Arcadia after reading positive reviews. Arcadia sits in an older Portland neighborhood. The old building has simple but very tasteful decor. I think the dim lighting and cozy feel would be nice for a romantic dinner. We were seated and served right away. We had a Cajun seafood dip with bread for the appetizer, which had a very nice distinctive creole flavor. we both had the soft shell crab and crawfish etouffee. Very nice flavor. Not as spicy as my favorite, but that's ok, as you can always add some hot sauce. Went very well with a Montana micro brewed lager. We did not have reservations, but did not need them as it was Monday evening, but still pretty busy! You may need them on other nights. Very nice place, and good food. Pros: Very good food, good atmosphere Cons: parking can be tight more

First time there. Had the Soft shell crab and crawfish etouffee. This dish was fabulous! Not too rich and just the right amount of flavor. We topped our dinners off with some bread pudding which was out of this world! When we received our bill, the server also brought out 4 pieces of pecan Pralines that melt in your mouth. They were ontime with our reservations, staff was friendly, food was outstanding (great portions too)and atmosphere was just right. It was a smaller and quaint restaurant but I did not feel too crowded. I'm already thinking of when I can go there again. Hopefully very soon! Pros: Authentic variety. Fresh seafood. Great food and service. Cons: None. Everything was fabulous! more

My husband and I went to this last night for a post valentines dinner. What makes this place one of my favorites is that they spread out the meal like it should be , dinner is an event (2hr event) which ables you to eat / drink from appeitizer, salad, dinner and dessert without feeling overstuffed. Staff are very attentive. It is difficult to pick what to drink and eat on the menu because everything sounds good. This is a great place for couples or small groups, it is noisy but Im sure everyone is talking about how good the food is and what does that dish look like. My only complaint and only is that the candelight was however romantic but i would have loved to see in full light what my dinner looked liked because it was probably the best meal I have had in Portland so far. Acadia is one of my favorites and I recommend it. The chefs need to be recognized! I 'll be back thank you and i will be telling my friends/family Pros: the whole menu/ service/make reservations this place is packed Cons: not being able to see the dishes in full light to see the fantastic presentation/ noise level (not for large groups) this is however my view more

I returned to Acadia for dinner after a long absence. My prior visit had been good, though perhaps not overwhelming. Some magic seems to have infused the place since. From the moment my partner and I walked in, we felt as if in a wonderful world apart. We were seated promptly, and the staff equally promptly attended to us without cloying solicitude. And the food: Oh, my, the food. I had the jambalaya. This was no shy, uncertain version of the dish, but a rich, spicy galluping delight. We ended with bread pudding. I love bread pudding. I really love bread pudding. I really, really, really love Acadia's bread pudding. Pros: Food, service, attention to detail Cons: Maybe the bread pudding is too good (for my arteries) more

I have been wanting to try Acadia for some time now. I finally did it. My wife and I ordered a variety of items off the brunch menu. The pheasant/veal pate was awesome. Full of flavor, it did a little dance in my mouth. Then came the other food, 25 minutes later and not worth the wait. We had some seafood gumbo that was well....not like any gumbo that I have ever had. First of all it was luke warm, unseasoned, and seemed like it was just thrown together and not cooked all day with some love. The okra still had the seeds in it. I have cooked my fair share of gumbo and the seeds are the first thing to dissipate out of the okra. more

Absolutely at the top of our restaurant rotation in Portland. Took a friend from out of town to Acadia for dinner Friday night. I thought he'd lick his plate clean!! The salads were crisp and cold, the jambalaya was spicy and fresh and full of shrimp, the duck breast was served with tasso gravy to die for and the grits....oh, the grits! The cocktail and wine list is superb. And the veal/pheasant pate - absolutely delicious... Pros: great food, great service, comfortable space Cons: parking, not open for lunch every day more

I can't say enough good things about Acadia! The food is ALWAYS perfect, no matter what I order on the menu - not many places I can say that about. It's a tough decision for me to try something different when the pork-chop is so outstanding, but I can honestly say I'm never disappointed here. Great original cocktails, and a good wine selection too. If you're considering going, just get up and do it! They also started serving lunch on Wednesdays, which makes this a great lunch meeting location. Reservations recommended though, except for lunch. Pros: Awesome food, service & ambiance more

Acadia has become one of our favorite places to eat. Whether we visit for Sunday brunch, Wednesday lunch, Cheap eats Monday evening, or any other night of the week, the food and service leave nothing to be desired. It?s clear that the owner/operators take great pride in their product and service and demand very high standards from the kitchen and wait staff. On our many visits to Acadia on different days of the week and different times of the day, we?ve seen families with small children, businessmen and women with high profile clients, romantic twosomes, and big parties. We?ve seen everything from jeans and flip flops to evening wear, and never seen anyone, regardless of apparent ?importance? treated with anything less than respect and consideration. The owner and staff know many of their regulars by name and treat everyone like family whether it?s your first or fiftieth visit. The menus are all varied in selection and provide options that allow anyone to find something they will enjoy regardless of their preference in foods. From appetizer to dessert and the unique and delicious selections at the bar you?ll enjoy anything you order. To complete an evening to remember, take a stroll down the streets of the wonderful little Portland neighborhood and visit the neighboring shops. The experience will have you coming back for more. Pros: Food, Service, atmosphere more

We visit Acadia every time we're in Portland, and never leave hungry or unsatisfied. There isn't a dish they serve we haven't tried, and so far we haven't found one we haven't loved. The chef creates unique and delicious dishes that are presented beautifully, and the staff is attentive and friendly every time we visit. The bar serves lots of local wines and has their own special line of martinis and specialty drinks as well. Whether you like something that is definitely Creole or you prefer more ""Americanized"" cuisine, there's something for everyone at Acadia. The pork chop is to die for and the steak absolutely heavenly. Even our teenage kids found something they liked on the menu. We've taken our extended family to Acadia when they have joined us on a visit to Portland, and we recommend Acadia to any of our friends that are visiting the city as well. My husband also makes Acadia a regular stop with clients when he?s on business in Portland. We've never had anyone come back and tell us they were anything less than thrilled with both the food and the service. This is a ""must visit"" place for anyone visiting Portland and should be added to the list of ""favorites"" for anyone that lives in Portland. Our experiences have always been relaxing and enjoyable and there isn't anywhere that provides a more satisfying and enjoyable menu, from the main course to dessert and the unique and delicious selections at the bar. You're sure to be delighted when you visit this wonderful little restaurant. Pros: food, service, Ambie nce, drink selection Cons: Parking - but don't let that stop you more

Acadia is a must when my husband and I make our frequent trips to Portland. We have always enjoyed good service and great cuisine. My fantasy meal, if I could eat it all, would begin with the oysters en brochette and the ceasar salad with the best ceasar dressing I've ever tasted. Follow that with the amazing pork chop and finish with the gooey butter cake or the bread pudding to die for! It all makes an evening to remember. Pros: Food, service, comfortable atmosphere Cons: parking, more