Zapoteca

Address:	505 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Phone:	+1 207-772-8242
Site:	zapotecarestaurant.com
Rating:	3.8
Working:	4–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–9PM

Location

Photos 51

Reviews 24

EllaMinnow Pea

The first time we went to Zapoteca -- it was AMAZING! The stars aligned, and we had great staff & service, strong mixed-to-order margaritas (the grilled pineapple one is awesome!) and hot & flavorful food with the flavors of Latin America. I left -- Ill admit -- uncomfortably stuffed! We started with Tres Ceviches, w/ tangy & fresh seafood, followed by fall-off-the-bone hearty rack of ribs and super-tender pork shoulder. And the show-stopper we STILL talk about was the roasted poblano pepper stuffed with creamy Pineland Farms cheese. Uh! To-die-for! Wanting to recreate this fabulous gut-busting meal, we went back about a month later and found it slightly inconsistent -- the stuffed pepper was tough and no longer sitting in a pool of creamy black beans (instead some lighter, watery version) and a few of my corn tortillas were hard & chewy like a frisbee. The pork shoulder, still good, lacked some of the deeper flavors of the first time. Do take into my account that we did eat EARLIER than most fashionably-late city diners, but, we still should not suffer from an undercooked or seasoned meal. I will go back to Zapoteca, although I think Ill wait later in evening until the kitchen catches their stride, pans are well-seasoned and the ovens are piping hot.

Jeff Carpenter

I really like this place. This is a small, upscale Mexican place that really pays a lot of attention to the details. I could tell when I opened the exterior door to find a curtain to keep the winter wind from the patrons in the closest tables, that this place was a little unique. The menu kind of reminds me of the likely more well-known chain Cantina Laredo but this menu is a little more eclectic and has less variety. I chose the Carnitas and it was wonderful. The presentation was great comma coming to the table and what looked like a solid slab of meat however it was so tender that the slab crushed with your fork to out it on the tortillas. The chips and salsa must be purchased but they have six varieties of salsa and when I told the waitress my preference she recommended one that turned out to be exactly what I like. This place is expensive. One drink, chips and an entree came to almost $45 for one person but it was well worth it.

Julie Parenteau

Lived in New Mexico for 3 years so I have some sense of good mexican cuisine - i was SUPER excited about all of the reviews and rumors of Zapoteca...and then was sadly disappointed. Need to shake your margaritas longer if youre not going to keep them on ice in the glass - what we received was way too concentrated (too syrupy & limey) to enjoy. Trio of salsas were meh - no significant flavors or spice. Pork enchilladas again no significant flavor & pork tasted like itd been hanging out in a steam bath for too long. The two stars go to the guacamole which was super tasty - just wish this full flavor experience was throughout all other dishes.

Laura Iliana Corey

Since moving to the USA, I have tried to have a decent taco or Mexican food to no avail. After reading an article about this place, I wanted to give it a try. The "flautas" (or as Americans call them "taquitos"), were amazing. My very picky son ordered more! The tamal was exquisite, the enchiladas great. The only thing I did not like much were the churros. There was a bitter aftertaste that I couldnt wash away. We came back again but this time, the chef and owner was absent and the quality of food was affected. My tamal was cold inside, the salsa was bland. We left feeling disappointed. After spending $120, you would expect more.

Walt

The drinks were fantastic, the food pretty good. Some dishes are very hot and it would have been nice to have been warned, or had the option of toning down the spice level. Prices are on the high side considering the portions are on the small side, but the quality and presentation was good. I had the carnitas which were a little too dry, but the flavors were very nice. Service was a little slow considering the place wasnt that busy. The decor was - simple. The booth we were at was a bit cramped and the table was badly worn - they may want to consider getting things refinished or start using tablecloths

Jeremy N

Horrible waste of money. Service was extremely slow, took about 45 minutes to get food after ordering. My dish wasnt complete, there was supposed to be a sauce but it was bone dry. Took another 15 minutes before waitress came back. I complained about the food, she was nice enough and took it back to the kitchen. Another 15 minutes later she brought back the same dish with sauce spooned over the top of it - it was stone cold by this time. I mentioned it to the waitress and she said the chef doesnt like remaking food. Absolutely unacceptable. Will never go back.

Elisabeth Dzuricsko

While in Portland for an art conference, my fellow teachers and I happened upon this restaurant. The waiter and host could not have been more gracious. I ordered a flight of red wines (delicious) and chips with the cashew variety of salsa. The seafood soup was excellent as were the meals of my companions. Next time I am in town I will definitely go back.

Nathan Berry

Food is great. Full of flavor and not your typical Mexican place (high end). The Ultimate Margarita is the best margarita I have ever had. Staff was very friendly and helpful with making suggestions from the menu. This is a must go to place for me when I am in Portland.

Terry Woods

Have gone twice and both times the same experience. Good drinks but food that has no flavor at all!!! Not worth the money when there are so many better places to eat at in Portland. Will not go back again!!!!! Order drinks to go and go to Taco Bell for food!

STAR MAN

A nice little quaint Mexican restaurant. Delicious food that is all made in house fresh! The waitress was wonderful and made us feel at home. The manager kept pacing and staring at everyone sitting and eating, quite unsettling.

A Private User

Easily one of the best restaurants in Portland and that is saying something. The appatizers especially. The Tres Sopes is a great sampler of the meats, flavors and sauces (one mole) available and is incredible.

Greg LeGore

Excellent tequila selection and a small but delicious menu. The margaritas are better than at most bars, probably because you have enough choices to meet your preferences

Ale Madrid

Good food Not many options and a bit pricey . Margarita was okay. The enchiladas were good, wish there was more affordable options.

R. Culbert

Stopped by today to get a reservation for nine, I hope we can get in because the food smelled amazing.....Hopeful.

A.J. Golash

Wonderful food & the best Margarita Ive had in Portland. The server was super attentive & helpful.

Matthew Campbell

Feeling a little tired of this place. Its supposed to be innovative Mexican but kind of blah

Harry Huggins

Great cocktails from friendly staff and well-flavored Mexican food. Fresh fruits everywhere.

Mia Richter

Good ambiance, delicious food (with vegan options!) and tasty margaritas!