Welcome to ISF Trading
Located at 390 Commercial St in Portland, ME, ISF Trading is a hidden gem for seafood enthusiasts. Specializing in fresh sashimi and uni, this wholesaler offers high-quality seafood at remarkable prices. Customers rave about the freshness of their offerings, with many declaring the uni as the best they’ve ever tasted, even surpassing options in Japan. The tranquil upstairs lunchroom allows patrons to enjoy their meals in peace, equipped with essentials such as soy sauce and tea. The attentive staff ensures a seamless experience, packaging orders with care. For an unforgettable seafood adventure, ISF Trading is a must-visit!
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390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States Hotline: +1 207-879-1575
Welcome to the culinary gem of Portland, Maine: ISF Trading. Nestled at 390 Commercial St, this unassuming spot is somewhat of a hidden treasure, showcasing the freshest seafood offerings that will transport your palate straight to the shores of the Pacific. As a food reviewer, I often find myself captivated by places that resonate authenticity, and ISF Trading certainly excels in this regard.
ISF Trading operates primarily as a wholesaler, but it has embraced the retail aspect, allowing patrons to savor its exquisite seafood on-site. Imagine indulging in fresh sashimi and uni—the highlights of my experience here. One customer, Ben Hua, encapsulated it perfectly, declaring that visiting the restaurant felt like an adventure. Indeed, every visit left me yearning for more, making it a must-try for seafood lovers and curious food explorers alike.
The seafood selection here is impressive and primarily features sashimi, sea urchin, sea cucumbers, octopus, and sweet shrimp. Each element brings its own unique flavor profile and texture. I particularly savored the sashimi platter—it was sublime, with flavors that were both delicate and deeply satisfying, a testament to the freshness of the fish. A notable mention is the uni, described by many patrons, including Tiffany V and Hitomi, as one of the best they've ever had—even surpassed by some experiences in Japan.
The ambiance is a delightful paradox: though it feels like a hidden hole-in-the-wall, the second-floor lunchroom provides a calm atmosphere to indulge in your selections. Visitors can enjoy complimentary tea and access essentials like soy sauce and wasabi, adding convenience to your dining experience. Customer Chann Chum highlighted this feature, praising the cleanliness and thoughtful amenities.
One cannot overlook the pricing, either. The value at ISF Trading is exceptional, especially when indulging in high-quality seafood. As Jea Kim shared, their amazing deals on uni were hard to pass up, with a 150g serving at a price that felt like a steal. This commitment to affordability without compromising quality is something to cherish!
However, the appeal of ISF Trading extends beyond just its offerings. The warmth of the staff and their passion for delivering fresh seafood is palpable. Their attention to detail in packaging and service adds an extra layer of care to an already remarkable experience. In the words of Mel C, this is the place to visit for authentic Maine seafood—'delicate, delicious, and incredibly fresh'.
In conclusion, ISF Trading is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination for seafood enthusiasts and those willing to embark on a culinary adventure. From the moment you step foot inside to the last bite of your sashimi, you know you’re in for a treat. If you're in Portland and have a penchant for fresh seafood, this hidden gem should certainly be at the top of your list. Experience the flavors of Portland—your taste buds will thank you!
I wanna say, I love finding hole in the wall spots just like this one. It was like an adventure going to this place for the freshest pieces of sashimi. It was so good that I had to go back multiple times on my trip here to Portland. There’s a lunchroom upstairs where it’s quiet and you can sit in peace and eat the food. It is such a vibe and experience. I love everything about this spot and I hope it never leaves. 100/10 must try!!
Highly recommend going early to avoid missing out on popular items, as they can sell out quickly. The uni, sashimi, and other seafood are incredibly fresh, though some selections are frozen. The staff are exceptionally friendly and take great care in packaging your purchases, often using ice packs or styrofoam containers when needed. Upstairs, there is a spacious seating area equipped with a microwave, coffee, tea, soy sauce, wasabi, and small dipping bowls, which makes it convenient to enjoy your food on-site. Just be sure to tidy up after yourself. Definitely planning to come back!
4.5/5 Sashimi Platter -- salmon and scallop were our favorite! The tuna was unfortunately evenly chopped end pieces and we would have loved to see a variety of tuna in the platter. 5/5 Saltwater Uni -- one of the best uni I've had, definitely on the sweeter side!
Very fresh and delicious Uni/ Sashimi. Best Uni we have ever had! (Even better than the ine in Japan) They sell rice, so you can make you own Kaisendon. Second floor has a space to eat with microwave, soy sauce, coffee and teas.
Spot is a bit hard to find but try to follow the sign - it’s very discrete! They sell fresh sashimi and uni along with sea cucumbers, octopus, shrimp, fish and more! They also sell 6 for a half dozen of eggs that are safe to eat raw (they’re raised on their own farm growing up eating sea urchins which is really cool)
For the freshest seafood, especially sea urchin, this is the place to go. Their sea urchin, shrimp, and sashimi mix were delicate, delicious, and a lot cheaper than buying from places like H Mart, IF you're willing to drive, the quality and value are unbeatable! You may also eat there but I ordered to-go.
Insane Maine uni deals. First time experiencing an uni coma. Stopped by this past Sunday around noon and was surprised to see how lively it was. Plenty of customers, including quite a few Japanese families, which felt like a good sign. Though primarily a wholesaler, they offered a decent selection of retail items, many of which can be enjoyed right upstairs in the lunch room. The space was simple, but all the essentials were laid out: soy sauce, wasabi paste tubes, complimentary iced tea and water. Picked up 150g of fresh saltwater uni for just 26, which was wild. Paired it with a sashimi set and some sweet shrimp on the side. Unlike the usual uni served at high-end omakase spots (which is cured for 2–4 weeks in wooden trays), this one was completely fresh—no curing, just stored in salt water. Because of that, the flavor was much milder and cleaner. Drain the salt water first tho. We forgot and got briny first few bites. But once you wrap it up in seaweed with sweet shrimp, ikura, and a splash of soy sauce... pure euphoria.
Very fresh and taste good We tried two different kinds of uni, the one without sea salt water is more creamy than the other but both taste good! And the price is reasonable, we spent 89 for a sashimi platter, two uni, and one shrimp. Tho the shrimp seems still not totally defrosted We brought our own rice and seaweed but they sell them as well. There’s a room on the second floor where you can sit and enjoy your food.