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    Isla Caribbean Cuisine

    4.2 (17 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 9:30 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    ISLA CARIBBEAN CUISINE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Isla Caribbean Cuisine

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    Red snapper and tostones with rice  Delicious

    Ambiance was incredible,service outstanding,very attentive and pleasant staff ,I am from South America came here to this town for business work and the food was amazing, very authentic I was so happy to find it because my birthday happen to be in this trip . I was able to celebrate not feeling away from home , Food is delicious Well done isla Caribbean

    Thomas C.

    In March 2025, Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant owner Luis Colon Torres bought the rights to the name & recipes of a group of Rochester based restaurants/bars/clubs called "809 Lounge & Restaurant". The intention was to offer the same as what 809 did - Latin Caribbean food by day, with a bar/lounge/club by night. Due to some creative differences between Torres and the original owners, Torres changed the name to Isla Caribbean Cuisine, cutting out the club aspect and putting more of a focus on offering a family friendly Caribbean dining experience in a more upscale presentation than anywhere else in the Syracuse area. The food menu features items from across the Caribbean, with a specific focus on dishes from Puerto Rico and the Dominican. I've been following Isla since they opened as 809 and have been waiting for a chance to give them a try and decided to with some friends this weekend. We called when they opened to make a reservation just incase - got no answer the first couple times we called, but we did eventually get through and were able to book a party of 4 at 6PM that day. We arrived at 6 - didn't really need a reservation at the time, as there were only 2 other tables sat. Took a few minutes to be acknowledged and then sat, but we were sat pretty much immediately. Our server came over and explained a couple things and took our drink order. Took a couple minutes to get just waters, but they got there eventually along with our ordered drinks. Everyone enjoyed their drinks - as a non-drinker, I always appreciate a place that has mocktails, so I was happy to have 4 options and their Sunrise mocktail was tasty. We ordered an order of empanadas & mofonguitos for an appetizer. They were brought a little later than we expected, as our server explained they had run our of the garlic cream sauce for the mofonguitos and had to get the ingredients and make more. We did enjoy both appetizers when they were brought, but felt like the sauces were doing a lot of the heavy lifting, as both the mofonguitos & the filling of the empanadas themselves could've used some more spice. The empanadas were huge as well. My friends ordered the churrasco and camarones as their main dishes, while my wife and I went with carne frita mofonga rellano and arroz frito with chicken and steak. Our dishes were delivered in an acceptable amount of time and everything was very beautifully plated. My and my wifes dishes were also huge portions. We all liked our dishes, with small complaints. My buddy with the churasco felt parts of his steak were tough, and my mofongo was served in a very nice wooden chalice-type dish, which while nice to look at, was very impractical to eat out of. My side of Isla sauce was never brought with my dish, which in turn made the mofongo more on the dry side, and while my fried pork pieces had good flavor, they had a lot of connective tissue in them and were very chewy. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive. Our bill, with an 18% gratuity added - which they do mention on their menu, came to $275. We obviously knew this was a more expensive dinner so the price wasn't a problem, but we did not feel we would go back again at those prices. The food has a ton of potential, but there are lots of small issues that need to be fixed, and moreso, while an upscale Caribbean restaurant is not a bad idea, Isla is mostly selling Caribbean comfort food at upscale prices, and what we were served simply was not worth those prices.

    BACALAITOS CON SALSA CRIOLLA ( 5)

    I'd been looking forward to going to this place for awhile and it didn't disappoint. The service was very good and the food was excellent. The whole fried snapper is enough for 2 and was cooked very well. The flan is also yummy. My only complaint is that we were very cold. They seated us right near the door on a very cold and windy day. I think they did turn up the heat eventually.

    Mofungo with skirt steak and a side salad
    Deb B.

    Had a fabulous experience dining at Isla. We were doted on by the fabulous server Ewell, who ensured we always had everything we needed. We started with the calamari, which was perfectly cooked, served really hot and came with delicious dipping sauce. We also ordered Maduros which were piping hot and sweet and served all four of us. I have read earlier reviews where the food took a long time to arrive, but our experience was that our starter came out right away and there was a little wait for our main courses. I opted for a shrimp dish with creole sauce, one of the options, which came with a nice salad and a side. I selected Tostones. Our main courses were served beautifully. I've never seen a mofungo served in a tall wooden bowl, but it was very pleasing to the eyes. The whole atmosphere is beautiful and tropical. Staff are very obliging and friendly. Prices are a little on the high side because you want to try a little bit of everything, but well worth it. I also appreciate paying the bill tableside, which is common outside the US and should be mandatory. Thanks Ewell for a Splendid experience.

    Entryway

    Food was very good. Lots of flavor! Our waitress Mary was great; checked on us throughout the meal and helped with a birthday surprise :) the location is cute, the decorations and music are a vibe, very relaxing. I'm glad they have the small light on each table especially when the lights dim. I will definitely be back!

    sangria and puerto rican margarita
    Jessica G.

    I had an amazing experience at their happy hour. I went with my sister and we tried four of the appetizers and felt the portions were really good and for a good price. Our server was very attentive and honestly the food didn't take long to come out but you could tell it was fresh. The ambiance and vibes of the place were on point. From what I could tell there was one person in the kitchen, a manager, bartender, and one server. Everyone on the floor stopped by the table to ensure we enjoyed our drinks and food and that we had everything we needed. I am Puerto Rican so I make some of these dishes at home. I would say this menu has a bit of fusion on it being the shrimp is served with a jalapeno sauce that has a bit of a kick. Their mofonguitos stood out to me because many places I go serve very dried out mofongo and this was nice and moist with a delicious creamy sauce.

    grilled snapper

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    Stephanie was the best bartender ever! I would recommend the empanadas and the pollo guisado!

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    1 year ago

    Great food and ambiance, the service was fantastic as well. Definitely recommend. Glad we're finally getting Caribbean cuisine here!

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    1 year ago

    Great service, Melanie is amazing. Food was great. Great music, the place looks very nice and cozy.

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    Ask the Community - Isla Caribbean Cuisine

    The Wedge

    The Wedge

    4.8(36 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    My first time at The Wedge was amazing all around! My…read morefriends and I came on a Wednesday night and the servers were all super kind, knowledgeable, and patient as we arrived late to our reservation. They were also so kind to give me a complimentary glass of prosecco to celebrate my birthday. Wednesdays are $2 off all cider and wines so my friends enjoyed that deal as well. The Wedge changes their menu on a weekly basis so I was excited to see what was on this weeks menu so naturally we had to get multiple dishes to share in order to try as much as possible. We ordered two pasta dishes, truffle fries for the table, and brussel sprouts to share family style and we didn't leave a crumb behind! All the dishes were more unique than a typical pasta dish you may find elsewhere which was extra fun and soo delicious! The brussels were so soft and topped with so much flavor. I would love to come again to try their brunch menu and continue coming throughout the year to try many new items as their menu rotates. I really wanted to try their mac and cheese so I am determined to come back at the right time for that one!

    I'm a bit late to trying out The Wedge and I regret not going sooner. Went for their Pre-fix…read moreValentines Day menu. Everything we got was delightful. Cocktails were imaginative with a wide variety. Personally tried to Ceasar Salad Martini for something different and the Berry the Hatchett for my favorite kinda of of cocktail. Spicy! Loved both. Ceasar Salad Martini truly tasted like a light ceasar salad. All the food was fantastic, shrimp bisque, poached pear salad, steak with fabulous mashed potatoes, and one of the best lava cakes I've ever had and a shockingly good combo of Basque cheesecake and blood orange. And not to mention their cheese platter to start the night! Staff was friendly. Inside is cute and cozy, feels like an upscale Cafe with adorable artwork. Great place for a special occasion or just a catch up date night. Cannot wait to go back.

    Photos
    The Wedge - Bathroom

    Bathroom

    The Wedge - Mac n cheese of the day

    Mac n cheese of the day

    The Wedge - Leek, goat cheese and fig galette.

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    Leek, goat cheese and fig galette.

    The York - Crispy Tuna Appetizer

    The York

    3.5(271 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    We went on a Monday for happy hour with a large group, they were able to quickly seat our group…read more The restaurant was recently updated, it looks great, clean and sharp. It's definitely brighter now which I love. The happy hour deals are great, and the food was excellent.

    The York feels like a 20 something that wants to flex like an adult, but still likes to read Teen…read moreVogue. Growing up is hard, I get it. TPOH nailed it: "Speaking of hearing, I can't take too much loud music I mean I like to play it, but I sure don't like the racket" I'm starting here, with the vibe, which sets the scene, dig? Decor-wise, it's luxe lounge, and is a welcome surprise in the Salt City. We use Resy, and...either the hostess misheard our party size, didn't really care, didn't really doublecheck to read our actual reservation, or whatever man, that's just your opinion. So, the backroom might have been a bit better suited for us olds, we were ushered into the front room. Not the window, but pretty darn close. Again, fun for people watching, inside and out. But damn it kids, if you have a DJ, I want to talk to Sir Vibes A Lot and ask them how they think thumping house music actually aids in digestion? Maybe I unconsciously started chewing to the unrelenting 4/4 beat, anything's possible. Now onto the menu, and back to the identity crisis. Like a lot of places, the York has a broad spectrum of offerings. Burger. Nashville Hot. Multiple pasta options. Sure, sure, sure. The porkchop with kimchi fried rice was the clear winner, hands down. The chicken, mashed and greens took second place (but I'll give ya a pro tip chef: the longer you cook your greens, the better they are). The salmon was a distant third because everything bagel seasoning is a lot after a while, and the veg was uninspired. Our TL:DR recommendation is come for cocktails and poutine. The poutine satisfied by itself. Our server was great- thanks, Destiny!

    Photos
    The York - The bar

    The bar

    The York - Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

    Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

    The York - Bar area in front

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    Bar area in front

    The 443 Social Club - Jeffrey Gaines

    The 443 Social Club

    4.4(19 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    Bad business plan, false advertising and drowning in basically debt due to "punishing'" the ones…read morebuying drinks and socializing, but putting entertainment first in a bar setting. It is not this way at other bars as the entertainment is an afterthought for people to listen to as they socialize and drink spending money. They want the money but cater to ones not spending it and then try to bleed the ones coming for the entertainment by forcing minimums even on those that bought a ticket and never showed up. RESPONSE to Owner: Then it is best to change all your Misguiding information on your website and Facebook pages. How doe one "SOCIALIZE" with people and "LOUNGE" around doing so as in your own descriptions on your website and Social Media? How can you charge people that don't show on a ticket for a table set-up on your minimum purchase, when those that did attend went way beyond the minimum purchase on those that attended INCLUDING the ticket that was a NO SHOW? Price Gouging or a Venue that is desperate for money trying to fleece those that "attend" and don't attend for your Shows? Where does it state that policy as to NO-SHOWS and what makes it Legal? You may feel certain ways about your Venue, but it doesn't pay the bills as you have basically asked to nickel and dime members yet won't do anything to improve your bottom line or approach? Hobbys are great but having a "Alligator" as a hobby will eat you out of house and home.

    Another Shakedown Sunday at the 443. Stellar music as always. The place is always sold out, so the…read moreroom is packed, but in spite of that, it feels more like a family reunion than a concert. Great cocktails. I wish they had sandwiches or soups. I always end up coming home and needing to eat dinner. On a sad note, I was told by the owner that their lease will not be renewed, so they are having to move into a new location. :(

    Photos
    The 443 Social Club
    The 443 Social Club - Jeffrey Gaines

    Jeffrey Gaines

    The 443 Social Club - Thai flatbread

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    Thai flatbread

    Touché - Eggs benedict topped with caviar

    Touché

    4.5(32 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    I had the pleasure of returning to Touché for a second visit on Saturday evening, and once again,…read morethe experience was exceptional. It's not uncommon for a new restaurant to impress the first time, only to fall short on subsequent visits. Touché, however, proves to be a welcome exception. Their continued commitment to quality, creativity, and classic French influences remains evident in every aspect of the dining experience. Several days before our reservation, I received a courteous text from the charming and attentive hostess, Bridgette, requesting details about the members of my dining party, including names and dietary restrictions. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by name and seated at a table adorned with a personalized name card--an unnecessary but thoughtful and memorable gesture that set the tone for the evening. I selected the very reasonably priced three‑course prix fixe menu ($70), while the rest of my party opted for the Steak Frites. My starter, a colossal scallop, was beautifully seasoned and perfectly cooked. While the nettle purée could have used a touch more vibrancy, it still complemented the bright yuzu dressing well. The main course--a perfectly cooked half duck breast accompanied by roasted celeriac purée and a currant‑cassis jus--was a standout. The deep berry notes paired beautifully with the richly rendered duck fat. Although I typically gravitate toward savory dishes, the dessert was an impressive finale: a Sablé Breton with blood orange cream, thyme Chantilly, thyme jam, and a rocher of coffee ice cream. The combination of sweet, salty, and herbaceous elements was wonderfully balanced and thoroughly enjoyable. I was fortunate enough to try a few bites of the Steak Frites, which did not disappoint--nor did it for the other members of my party. Our meals were complemented by excellent cocktails from the well‑stocked bar. The bartender was knowledgeable, skilled, and engaging. The open‑concept kitchen is also a delight to observe, and I look forward to reserving a seat at the chef's table on my next visit. One of the ongoing challenges in the Syracuse dining scene, in my opinion, is a general lack of restraint. Touché distinguishes itself with its thoughtful menu design, technical precision, and appropriate portion sizes. We left feeling thoroughly attended to and perfectly satiated. I sincerely hope Touché continues its pursuit of excellence both in the kitchen and in the dining room. Syracuse needs restaurants of this caliber, and I eagerly anticipate their spring and summer menus.

    Chef's tasting menu for our anniversary. We got a taste of spring with some lamb & a few seafood…read moredishes, Brie cheese ice cream & even the garnishes were delish. They included the cutest personal touches and confirmed these with me prior to arrival. We watched them craft each dish & others, such as a very fancy looking smash burger & fries. The courses definitely got better as we went on, flavor & presentation wise. Definitely want to come back for another season, though I believe they change up the menu every 2 weeks - month!

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    Touché
    Touché
    Touché - Elegant atmosphere

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    Elegant atmosphere

    Inka's - Skewered Shrimp

    Inka's

    4.5(108 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Visited with my daughter and we were blown away. The ceviche was perfectly balanced and super…read morefresh. The short rib was incredibly tender and the green sauce was rich and comforting. The arroz con pollo was one of those dishes you keep going back to even when you're full. And Tacu tacu! Yum! Desserts were tasty. Both beautifully plated and delicious. Easily the best dining experience I've had in Syracuse. 100% recommend.

    Had reservations for Valentines Day. We were seated promptly as we arrived…read more We had the ceviche special and some sort of potato appetizer to start. I very much enjoyed the ceviche and it was a large portion. My partner seemed to like the potatoes. I had the whole fish special. An interesting experience to say the least. No idea what kind of fish it was but it tasted good. Do not order this trying to look cool or attractive. This is a messy experience- not for a first date. My partner had a vegetarian entree, something with mushrooms. She enjoyed it. We had a total of 3 mocktails as well. Bill was almost 200 dollars. Steep for no booze and one person ordering all vegetarian. Take that into consideration when planning a night out as th drink menu looked great so you're destined to go above that if you booze. The tables were very close to each other and the dining room was loud. Not romantic in my opinion. Food was pretty good, rest of the stuff could use a little work.

    Photos
    Inka's
    Inka's - Pork belly

    Pork belly

    Inka's - Salmon

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    Salmon

    Isla Caribbean Cuisine - caribbean - Updated May 2026

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