My friend and I visited Isla shortly after they opened, and although it took us a little effort to find the place initially, once we walked through the doors, it felt like we had been transported to an elevated Caribbean restaurant. The ambiance, the vibe, the overall experience... LOVE! I had previously visited their sister location in Toronto, so I already knew the chef was coming with some good food. And once again, the food did NOT disappoint! Everything was so delicious that I honestly could have ordered the entire menu. The branzino, the snapper, the beef patties... whew! I'm literally getting food flashbacks just writing this review. Everything was packed with flavor, and I was already thinking about when I could come back. Isla is definitely one of those places where you want to put on a cute outfit and make a night of it. Perfect for a girls' night, date night, or heck, even a little solo date because why not?! If you're looking for an elevated Caribbean dining experience in DC, add Isla to your list. I'll absolutely be back! read more

I was excited to visit this spot given all of the positive reviews, however, the experience was slightly underwhelming. The decor and ambiance was nice. The service was subpar. Our waiter seemed to rush through the menu, he kept dropping things, I've had better service at chain restaurants. The food was pretty mid. The branzino was the best thing I had. We returned the Mac n cheese, It wasn't good at all. The greens were ok and the snapper wasn't bad but not memorable. Overall, I tried it but I probably won't return. read more

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Isla is the newest Black owned restaurant that's been on my list to try. Conveniently located in downtown DC nearby plenty of other popular restaurants. Although they do not validate, there is a spacious parking garage on the lower level. I arrived here a little earlier than my party so I sat at the bar and ordered the passion project. I believe the cocktail prices are pretty standard for DC ($20+). I was not impressed by my cocktail or interested in having another one. Thankfully, my bartender didn't bother to ask if I wanted another one - just handed me my bill and sent me on my way. I'm a spicy marg fan, but something about this drink was too adjacent to a savory spicy dish. At the price point for the dishes, I was expecting to be blown away, but most dishes were just ok to me. The stars of the show were the oxtail patties, fried snapper, and brussel sprouts. The pepper sauce that came with the oxtail patties was delishhhh. The fried snapper was unique in that it was already picked off the bone for you which made eating it way easier. The lamb chops were cool, nothing to call home about. Branzino was not memorable. The restaurant and decor is beautiful! It was quite noisy in there which made it hard to have conversations at the table. The service was quite lackluster (no one to refill water, no one to check on the meal after receiving it, took a while to get our order in, no knife to cut my lamb chops, no offer of dessert, took a while to close out our check) which is annoying when there is auto gratuity built into the bill. For food alone, I'd give the restaurant a 4, but the poor service brings this review to a 3. I hope I get to try it again in the future to leave a better review. read more

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Isla is beautiful and provides an enjoyable dining experience. We visited earlier in the evening so it was a little quiet, which was nice, and still had a great vibe. Service was awesome. We ordered the tomato and pepper choka bara, hamachi crudo, smoked chargrilled chicken, fire grilled branzino, and mocha Smith Island cake. To drink, I had the Old Money and Fancy Pants. I was most looking forward to the chicken and it was inedible. Absolutely dry and flavorless. I was shocked. Hamachi was also a bit disappointing. Everything else was delicious. I enjoyed my drinks. The bara is addictive. The snapper was perfect and I love chado beni, so the chimichurri was awesome. The mocha Smith Island cake was my favorite. I already love this cake and the espresso ice cream made it fantastic. I'd return to Isla, hoping that kitchen issues are resolved. read more

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FINALLY made it to Isla! After hearing all the rave reviews, I was excited to finally snag a Friday night reservation with friends. The space is larger than I expected, with a chic, sophisticated vibe and an upstairs area. Our waiter, Carlyle (I believe that was his name (very tall!), was friendly and helpful. The cocktails were delicious and well-crafted, and we ordered a ton of food. The oxtail patties were amazing and we definitely wanted more than three! The crab patties were good but the oxtail win. As a branzino connoisseur, I have to say the branzino was some of the best I've had... perfectly cooked and seasoned. The prawns were great too, but the BBQ greens and warm bread were standouts. And the carrot cake was the perfect ending. Can't wait to come back for dinner and finally try the brunch! read more

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I'll definitely be back! From the delicious food to the beautiful ambiance and amazing service, everything made for such a great experience. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff was attentive throughout our visit. Everything we tried was flavorful and cooked perfectly, but the oxtail empanadas, branzino, and prawns were the standouts for me! Each dish was so satisfying and left me excited to come back and explore more of the menu. A spot worth returning to! read more

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It had been years since I'd dined out in DC, so I wasn't sure what to expect. All I knew was that my sister had heard wonderful things about Isla and that it was the kind of place worth dressing up for. We hadn't packed anything particularly dressy, but we did our best to honor the dress code. Next time, I'd love to wear something a little more dazzling myself. The restaurant is stunning. The rose gold accents throughout the decor, the chandelier, the chairs, gave the whole space a soft glow. With a room this beautiful, the food had a lot to live up to. We expected small, delicate portions, and while nothing was oversized, everything was sizable enough to leave us satisfied. The presentation was lovely, and the seasoning throughout was extraordinary. The oxtail patties were rich and deeply flavorful, though the pastry felt more like an empanada than a traditional patty. That didn't bother me, but it's worth knowing if you're expecting something more classic. I ordered the grilled prawns in tomato choka beurre blanc, and they tasted like miniature lobsters. The sauce caught me off guard in the best way: smoky, decadent, and beautifully balanced. My sisters ordered the fire grilled branzino and the lamb chops, and we shared a side of collard greens. Everything was wonderful. I heard the branzino was flavorful, delicate, and satisfying, and I was especially taken with the sauces across the table. Every dish had real depth and complexity. I'd love to come back and try more of the menu. We skipped dessert this time, but next visit, I'm making room for it. read more

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First things first, ISLA is not a stumble upon kind of spot. It's tucked away, not visible from the street and requires a little intention to find. Consider that part of the experience because everything after the door is deliberate. The aesthetic is dark and moody and very much committed to it, flash photography is a hard no I actually wish that was started in the reservations vs upon arrival because the host came off a little rude about it. Now Nathan. Our waiter ran that dining room like a well oiled operation and I mean that with full respect. His presence alone gave my party a collective anxiety but he delivered without missing a beat. Drinks, small plates, main course, in that order and with purpose. Once we surrendered to his process the experience clicked. The food was largely impressive. Grilled octopus, beef patties, lamb, bara, branzino, brussels sprouts: all excellent!! The ribeye caught me off guard at the price point but the temperature and flavor made me briefly forget what I spent. Briefly. A couple of misses worth noting the rice leaned more risotto than the dry rice I was hoping for, tolerable but not what I wanted. And the snapper arrived as fish balls without any warning or menu indication. Breaded fish is not my preference and I would have appreciated knowing that before it landed on the table. That one stung a little. The espresso martini however was perfect and closed the night on a high note. ISLA is an intimate, sophisticated experience designed for people who appreciate intentional dining. Just maybe ask about the snapper preparation before you order. read more

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Incredible upscale Caribbean restaurant in the heart of DC! The inside of the restaurant is absolutely stunning so we were very excited to try the food, and it was just as incredible as the decor. The meat patties and whole fried fish were our favorite, especially with the fruity hot sauce that came on the side. read more

Isla - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It went well! Gio our server went above and beyond for our party of seven. We were there to celebrate a birthday in the party (LETS GO LIBRA!) Any who we had quite a variety of patties (crab and that green sauce is all love! Oxtail was cool) I ordered the red snapper as an entree, unfortunately it tasted like nothing but salt, however the lamb chops, brazino and lobster over pilaf was A1. Sides of BBQ greens, rice, mashed potatoes, the mac and cheese brick (looks are deceiving) we're equally delicious . Drinks, ehhhh pass pre-game if you need cause - no. Great experience, location, price point and flavoooorrrr. I'd go back for the lamb chops, alone! You should visit too read more

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The design curation is visible before you enter the building. The exterior had signage that attracted many social media opportunities, as I had to avoid getting in a a few pictures to while entering the building. Definitely well worth it as the experience continued once I was in the door. The hostess escorted the party I was with to our seating on one of the top levels. As I climbed the stairs, I was able to observe the main dining area, the kitchen busy preparing dishes, a private dining area on another level and then ultimately my area. It was truly like another restaurant as it had its own bar and seating for the large party. Several appetizers were placed strategically at the bar in front of a full selection of libations. My espresso martini complemented the appetizers which included including crafted plantain chips. The main courses were served family style for our group and included whole fried snapper, steak, oxtail patties and sides including bbq greens and chocho slaw. The slaw is the reason for 4 star rating. It was delicious until it wasn't. The non disclosure of tree nuts in the slaw led to an allergic reaction. Thankfully I was surrounded by doctors on both sides with epi pens. The owner was also extremely attentive and made sure I was okay and escorted me to my ride share. Despite that incident, I would venture back to Isla again to try the other creative meals crafted by the Chef. Her creations are innovative and pleasing to the palate. Will definitely question unknown ingredients so I can fully enjoy those within my dietary restrictions. read more

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Y'all, I had heard mixed reviews about Isla, but I honestly don't know why because this food slapped! I originally wanted the fried snapper, but I got discouraged when I realized they cut it into fish nuggets. I would've much preferred the whole fish so I could dig in myself. Anyway... everything we actually ordered was a hit. The oysters were a 10/10, the dips and spreads were a 10/10, and honestly, I don't think we had a single miss. Every bite was so good. The drinks were cute, but definitely not strong. If you like lighter cocktails that you can actually sip and enjoy, this is your spot. If you're looking to get a buzz from one drink, you might be disappointed. The ambiance is easily a 10/10. It's such a great vibe for brunch, dinner, or drinks with friends. I've never had an issue finding parking either, although I know that can be hit or miss for some people. Overall, I'd definitely come back. The food alone is worth it. Solid service as well. read more

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I came on a Friday night, and it was packed so definitely make a reservation! From the time we entered the restaurant to the time we left, our experience was great. The staff were so hospitable, and our waitress was super knowledgeable about the menu. Everything we tried tasted authentic and reminded me of my childhood. We started with the oxtail patties and curry goat bara. Both dishes were amazinggg with tender, flavorful meat. For our entrees (pictured), I had the Lobster Cookup and loved it (I'm still thinking about that cookup rice) Unfortunately, they were out of the fried snapper's fish bone that night, but my boyfriend still really enjoyed it. It's on the pricey side so be aware of that! Overall, 10/10. Next time, we'll check out the attached lounge. read more

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I visited Isla on Friday night of CBC weekend to celebrate my best friend's birthday. This was my second visit, and after such an amazing experience the first time around, I genuinely couldn't wait to return. We had reservations but were seated rather abruptly. Nevertheless, our server, Geo, was personable, knowledgeable, and had great energy and recommendations. There was a well-known tennis player seated at the table beside us, and between the VIP attention and what I imagine was an overwhelming CBC weekend crowd, a few things fell short. We understood the circumstances and continued enjoying our evening. Now, the food? Absolutely no complaints! We ordered the Scallion Bread, Crab ISLA Patties, Fire Grilled Branzino, Smoked Chargrilled Chicken, BBQ Greens, and Mac Pie. Every single dish was delicious. No notes for the kitchen! The chef even made a point to circulate throughout the restaurant and check in on us, which was a thoughtful touch that I genuinely appreciated. They also surprised my best friend with complimentary ice cream for her birthday, which was such a sweet gesture! Between the delicious food, the atmosphere, Geo's personable service and great recommendations, and the chef taking the time to engage with guests, there was a lot to love about our evening. Unfortunately, the drinks were another story. Our first round of cocktails was ordered directly from the menu. For our second round, I requested a Don Julio Reposado lemon drop. After a lengthy wait, the drink arrived, and I immediately noticed that the color looked off. I tasted it and questioned whether it was actually reposado. I asked Geo if he had specified reposado, and he confirmed that he had. I didn't want to make a fuss, so I let it go. Geo ultimately comped that round due to the delay, which we appreciated. Later, we ordered shots of Don Julio Reposado. The pours were generous, but once again, the tequila did not appear to be reposado. I pointed out the color to Geo under the light, and he assured me that he had personally watched the bartender pour from the bottle. At this point, I was frustrated. I knew what I ordered, and I felt like I was being convinced to question something I was certain about. But it was my best friend's birthday, the restaurant was busy, and we were having a good time otherwise. I wasn't interested in making a scene. When the bill arrived, we appreciated that a round of drinks had been removed. The manager, Kellen, came over to check on us following the delays. We explained that while we had enjoyed ourselves overall, we were disappointed that we had repeatedly requested reposado but appeared to have been served blanco. To his credit, Kellen immediately sprung into action. He went to the bar himself, retrieved the bottle of Don Julio Reposado, and personally poured us shots. The difference in color was immediately apparent. I showed Geo the shot and said, "THIS is reposado!" I genuinely appreciated Kellen's response and his effort to make things right. He listened to our concerns and took action without hesitation. I also want to be very clear that this review is not a reflection of Geo's overall service. He was personable, attentive, and contributed to us having an enjoyable evening. I don't know where the breakdown happened between our order being placed and the drinks being prepared, and I'm not going to place blame on someone without knowing. **My issue is simple: Give me what I ordered. And if there's a mistake, acknowledge it. Don't repeatedly assure me that I'm receiving something when there's a legitimate reason to question it.** When a guest specifically requests a premium spirit, they should be able to trust that they're receiving what they asked for. It's not even about the money as much as it is about honesty and the integrity of the experience. I understand that CBC weekend is an exceptionally busy time in DC, and I wasn't expecting perfection. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was enjoyable, Geo brought great energy, the chef made an effort to connect with guests, the birthday ice cream was a lovely surprise, and Kellen genuinely tried to make things right. My first visit to Isla was exceptional, which is exactly why I was so excited to return. I genuinely wanted to love my second experience just as much. Unfortunately, the situation with the drinks left a disappointing impression on an otherwise enjoyable birthday celebration. I hope this was simply an off night, because there was a lot to love about our experience. I just wish I hadn't left questioning something as basic as whether I was being served what I ordered. read more

Isla - Branzino, Mac pie, greens, chicken, scallion bread - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Such a great spot! Love the ambience. The chandelier is stunning, the dimly lit light...it's a great place for drinks and/or dinner with friends or for date night. I've came here twice and have loved all the dishes I've tried. My favorites so far are the grilled octopus and curry goat bara. Both were perfectly cooked and so flavorful. You can't go wrong with either one. For the raw & cold dish, get the hamachi crisp, you won't be disappointed. I also really enjoyed the oxtail patties. It's comes with three so good to share. I haven't tried any dishes from the feast & fire section so when I come back here, that's next on list to try. Highly recommend coming here, you'll love it! read more

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My friend and I got to experience ISLA on a beautiful evening and it did not disappoint. Upon arriving, the entrance is a easy to miss because the doors blend in with the dark colors of the building but they do have a sign pointing to the door and a red rope as well. The interior of the restaurant is stunning. The big pink chandelier was a beautiful design element and the rest of the interior follows suit with gorgeous gold accents. We did not make reservations but luckily they had an opening around 6:30pm, keep in mind this was also during the week but would highly recommend reservations as more guests arrived later in the night. Our server, was amazing! I did not get her name but she has brunette hair and she was so attentive and just the sweetest. She answered all of our questions regarding what her favorite dish was and provided recommendations. She also gave us some complimentary mango flavored drinks from the bar which was so refreshing. We ended up ordering the following: ISLA oxtail patties, Grilled Lamb chops, Bara with goat curry, fried snapper and a side of Mac Pie. The oxtail patties were absolutely delicious with the mango pepper sauce and nicely seasoned. It comes with 3 patties which is enough to share with two people. The grilled lamb chops were also good but the sauce took it to the next level. I will be honest, I had more high hopes for the fried snapper. It was good but not as flavorful as I thought it would be. It comes with a small side of the escovitch which compliments it but maybe it's missing something additional. My friend had more of the curry goat Bara which was also nicely seasoned with the piece I tried. I'm a Mac and cheese gurly, so I loved the Mac Pie. It has a slight smoky and sweet flavor which I enjoyed. We were stuffed after all this food so unfortunately didn't get dessert but would love to try another time. Our bill came up to $200 which was I believe a wonderful deal for the amount of food, and amazing service and ambience. It was great to see diversity in the guests that enjoyed this delicious Caribbean cuisine. There was no long wait for our food and I even had leftovers which they boxed up for me. I 10/10 recommend experiencing ISLA! read more

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We started the evening at Good Love for some happy hour cocktails before heading over to Isla, and it was the perfect start to the night! The cocktails were great, and then Isla was such a beautiful restaurant to follow up with. The food was absolutely delicious, everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was also amazing, everyone was so attentive and friendly. The restaurant has such a fun, elevated atmosphere. My only critique would be that the seating layout is a little interesting, but overall, we had such a great experience and I would definitely come back! read more

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Impeccable service and an overall wonderful experience. I was initially a little thrown by some of the messaging around the dress code and seating, but once we were there, I understood the atmosphere they were creating. I did have one odd experience before my party arrived at the bar. While sitting at the bar, I gave up my seat so a woman could sit with her party, and her response and behavior toward me were surprisingly rude. What made the encounter a little more uncomfortable was that she seemed to know almost all the servers and folks at the bar and the hosts so for a moment I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. She and all her conversations seem to suck the life out of the room and certainly made it a dark experience. She did eventually kind of apologize. Once my colleagues arrived and we moved to our table, that moment was quickly behind me. But she and all her "friends" at the bar and throughout the restaurant made it uncomfortable. From there, the experience was excellent. The service was absolutely top-notch, and the ambiance was beautifully warm and inviting. I was dining with colleagues from work, so I didn't take a lot of picture as we were simply enjoying the evening. I had the pork chop and it was excellent. Along with the bbq greens as a standout. Everything was wonderfully seasoned and full of flavor. Overall, the food, service, and atmosphere made for a terrific evening.... after the very uncomfortable bar scene. Despite that brief and unusual interaction at the bar, I would recommend you try the restaurant. read more

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Isla is dope dope dope! Ambience is super slick, upbeat and contemporary. Beautifully designed, we were impressed as soon as we entered. We started off at the bar and decided to try the giant prawn appetizer. They were so freakin good, I messed around and ordered the giant prawn entrée! The grilled octopus and oysters were awesome and her tomahawk pork chop not only looked impressive it tasted just as impressive! The one hiccup was the service. Our reservation was right at opening time and they did NOT have their stuff together, even though we pushed our time back to enjoy the bar for thirty or so minutes. Once they finally waited on us the manager did stop by and explained their lack of manpower this particular evening.. A complementary drink would have been nice for the lack of service, but oh well.. Lol Isla is now one of my favorites and I can't wait to return. I'lll make sure not to make reservations so early next time :)! read more

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Decent meal overall. For our drinks, my friend enjoyed the capital oasis cocktail. Although it is a rum punch, it's light in color and light on the pallete. I started with the fancy pants cocktail. The house jerk syrup gives it a slight edge with the bitters. We decided to try two different patties, the first being the Wagyu oxtail, and the second the crab. The Wagyu oxtail patties came with a mango scotch bonnet pepper sauce. This sauce instantly bought the heat. The crab patties came with a mild or sauce that still brings heat, but not as sharp. The red snapper has a delicious, airy batter. The branzino is cooked to perfection. The cook up rice has a lovely lingering flavor of coconut milk. The rice had a bit of a salty flavor that felt accidental. The barbecue greens are flavorful. The service we received was very friendly and welcoming. Our server was attentive and gave us helpful insight to the meals. I'm so happy we tried a variety of dishes and would come back to try other items on the menu. read more

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The place is absolutely beautiful and is great for drinks before going somewhere else to eat. I am seeing a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews which leads me to believe perhaps the taste of the food may be inconsistent? I'm definitely willing to chalk my experience up to an off night. We ordered the oysters, tempura okra, grilled prawns, fried snapper, and fried brussels sprouts. The oysters were surprisingly bland, especially considering they came with a scotch bonnet mignonette. I really enjoyed the flavor profile of the tempura okra, though it was a bit soggy. Not sure if that's intentional, but the taste itself was great. The grilled prawns and fried snapper were just okay. We both felt it needed a little more seasoning. And the brussel sprouts were also pretty bland. A scoop of sorbet was brought out for my birthday and that was great. Overall I was a bit shocked at the blandness and lack of flavor considering this place is supposed to be caribbean inspired. I'll likely come back just for the drinks! read more

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On a mission to prove there are a LOT of new places in DC I haven't been, my friend picked Isla! I love to dress up and be fancy so yes to this restaurant, you can definitely be glam! But you can also fit in regular too. Very very beautiful restaurant! Isla DC has a warm, modern island‑inspired ambiance that feels instantly inviting, soft lighting, natural textures, and a sleek, stylish design that gives the space an elevated but easy vibe. The open kitchen and wood‑fired hearth add a cozy, energetic touch, making it the kind of spot that feels both refined and relaxed at the same time. Let's start off with service! Great! Even on a very busy night our waiter did not miss a beat! The menu it's really good but I'll be honest we pre gamed at Good Love and I ate way too many patties so when we finally made it to dinner I was full. To be polite I picked a meal that I knew he'd eat if I didn't, he would, so it all worked out! Let's get into it! Prawns - Delicious - I wouldn't say they were the best I've had but they were good. Also wasn't hungry so can't knock them for it. Fried Rock Shrimp - Great! Oxtail - He said it was delicious! I'm not a big fan of Caribbean food so probably wouldn't return if I had to make the choice! But as a plus one, it's always fun trying new places! read more

Isla - Prawns - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We celebrated my birthday here. The staff was EXTREMELY friendly. We were greeted with welcome shots. The decor and seating was amazing. We loved the food so much. Would recommend read more

Isla - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went to ISLA last night for my friend's birthday dinner and I had such a wonderful time! First off I would like to say that the decor is wonderful. I saw a painting I loved on the wall and was pleased to learn that the stunning work was by local Haitian-American artist Charles Jean-Pierre. Next the service, from when we entered to our waiter Alex, everyone was so attentive. They even gave us a few treats for our friend's birthday and hearing I just had a birthday I got a treat too. So appreciated! The food- we ordered many items and tried everyone's. My favorites included the oxtail patty, the plantain chips, the pork chop, my Brazino, the greens, the Brussels sprouts, and that carrot cake!!! Do not leave without trying the carrot cake!!! All of our cocktails were great. I even kept it simple and ordered Wray and nephew over proof with pineapple and they still made it feel like a mixed cocktail. I am so happy to have tried ISLA and look forward to returning with friends. read more

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Yes to everything! The food, the ambiance, the service -- everything! We started at the bar. I was doing Dry January, so no libations for me. We ordered the oysters, shrimp cocktail, charred octopus, grilled prawns and the bone-in ribeye. The oysters were nothing short of amazing. There was a nice spiciness to it, which paired well with the salty/slightly sweet hibiscus granita sauce. I would definitely get it again. While I will eat shrimp cocktail, I've never been a true fan. Take what you will from that. It's shrimp cocktail. The octopus and the grilled prawns were goooood! Octopus has got to be one of my favorite seafood dishes. This was executed to perfection. It was tender, the sauce was amazing -- no complaints. The grilled prawns were huge and also a hit. Lastly, and so underwhelming was the pork chop. Insert a crying emoji *here.* I love, love, love, pork chops and I did not like Isla's rendition. Absolutely, positively would not get again. I think it may have been the sauce that turned me off to it; it was thick, and just had a weird taste to me. Besides the pork chop, everything else was delightful. I can't wait to visit again as there are so many other options on the menu I'd like to try! Try it out -- cheers! read more

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I visited Isla for a very special occasion--bidding farewell to the President & CEO of the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce--and it couldn't have been a more fitting setting. After a networking event, we settled at the bar to share drinks, appetizers, and reflect on such an impactful tenure. It was an emotional and meaningful evening, celebrating a leader whose work has been paramount to Black businesses across DC and whose influence has left a lasting impression on so many. The ambiance at Isla is absolutely beautiful--elevated, warm, and perfect for both intimate moments and celebrations. I focused on capturing the vibe (and got some stunning photos), but honestly, I was so caught up in the laughter and conversation that I barely remembered to take pictures of the food. That said, the tempura okra and wagyu oxtail patties were standouts--flavorful, well-executed, and memorable. I also had a mocktail that was incredibly refreshing and thoughtfully crafted. Even though we arrived about an hour before closing, the bar staff looked amazing and took exceptional care of us--attentive, gracious, and never rushing the experience. Cheers to celebrating leaders who pour into our communities and to spaces like Isla that help create moments we won't forget. I'll absolutely be back for dinner. read more

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The vibes and ambiance are amazing. Service from waiter sub par , manager very nice and tried to accommodate for the food being disappointing. My filet for $69 was burnt on the outside and rare in inside, they took it back and charred it some more when I asked for it to be a little more cooked. The mac pie was utterly disgusting, its small elbow noodles with a tomato paste topped with parmesan cheese , the dish was room temp with unmelted cheese on the top. Not to mention the medicinal cocktails we had , they tasted like they could cure a cough. 10/10 would NOT recommend. read more

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My friends and I had a large party of 6 and it was perfect. The restaurant is beautiful. The vibe is amazing. Music playing in the background but not too loud added a nice touch. Our waiter was kind and attentive and handled a party of our size very well. Our food and drinks flowed at a good pace for a large. We decided to eat family style and ordered a bunch of appetizers, entrees and sides to share. I highly recommend this as a chance to try a bunch of things. The crab meat pies were our fav but the oxtail ones were good too. For entrees we tried their branzino fish, fried whole snapper, jerk chicken and the lobster rice dish. Amongst these, the fried snapper and the chicken were the favs but all were good. For sides we got the crispy Brussels sprouts and the Mac Pie. The Brussels sprouts by far were our favorite. The cocktails were also good though their version of rum punch isn't a true one if you like the thicker sweeter versions. Their rum version of an old fashioned was my favorite. I would absolutely make a night of this with friends or on a date. read more

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Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - 5:00pm Reservation; While the front was slightly difficult to find [not on the main sidewalk; near corner of L and 15th], the decor, food, and service were outstanding. Cesar [sp?] was informative, helpful, patient, kind, and provides top tier service. The teamwork of the floor and bartending team members was nice to experience. The open kitchen was a good way to experience the restaurant. There's a semi private space upstairs. Parking can be difficult. I recommend ridesharing for reservations before 6:00pm during the week. This was my first time while in DC for Work. With ALL my friend and I ordered, we split the bill with less than $150 each (inclusive of tax and gratuity). I'm returning for sure! read more

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This was a dining experience, not just a meal. The restaurant is beautifully designed and decorated. Our waiter was amazing. His recommendations were on point. We ate a variety of food and tried a few drinks. Everything was delicious, and well seasoned, I don't know what some of these other reviews are talking about. Everything was good, but my favorite were the oxtail patties, my amazing red snapper, and the smoked greens. We will definitely return. They treated us so well and the food didn't miss. read more

Isla - Fried red snapper - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Isla is a breath of fresh air in downtown DC! Im so glad that my family agreed to make the trek into the city, and try out this new establishment (at the time of this review). This place just hits different with mix of elegant and eclectic decor, "globally inspired, fine dining, caribbean-influenced" food, and r&b grown, sophisticated vibes; and its a lovely addition to midtown center business building. The food was spectacular, and I admittedly was concerned in how our experience would turn out, due to some of the yelp reviews. Im not sure if we happen to come on a good night vs. other Yelpers coming on a bad night, but this restaurant truly deserves five stars. The food, the service, the ambience was truly a 10 out of 10 experience. Our server, Cesar, was amazing too; he made excellent recommendations and gave a thorough explanation of the menu. Bravo! He even pointed out the owner Mrs. Lonie, and honored my specific request to meet her if she happened to be available. She made the time to pass by our table and converse with our party, and she was personable and just great energy! Also, I LOVED everything we ordered: raw oysters, scallion bread w/honey butter, oxtail patties, bara w/channa and curry goat, fried snapper, grilled branzino, brown stew mushrooms, and rice and peas. The flavors were magnificent; and heads up, oxtail patties have some spiciness that can hit mid-bite, but it's nothing intolerable or unsavory. Now, we had to try some dessert, however, nothing truly jumped out at me from the menu; but Cesar strongly recommended the carrot cake, and he was absolutely right! The carrot cake was soft, melty, not overly sweet, and scrumptious. And trust me, I am not a carrot cake person whatsoever. They even have mocktails options that are interesting and delicious. Parking (due to the location) is painful. Limited street parking, and there's a garage for midtown center building, but it's a bit difficult to locate as its entrance is in an alleyway. Also, Isla is a bit hard to locate from the road, to due to lack of signage. But overall, highly recommend! Yelp pro tip: complimentary coat check and table side hat stands are available! read more

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Isla is truly the perfect spot for a date night or birthday dinner. The ambiance sets the tone immediately... upscale, intimate, and just the right vibe for a special evening. Let's talk about the food... absolutely impeccable. Every bite delivered an amazing burst of flavor that had me fully locked in. The waiter was also incredibly friendly and attentive, which made the experience even smoother. Now listen...y'all need to be careful with the drinks because they are GOOD and STRONG. They do not play around! Dessert was the perfect finish. The carrot cake and the chocolate bomb were both phenomenal and worth every single bite. And I have to take a special moment to thank the chef for the creation of the Wagyu oxtail patties... paired with that sauce? 1000/10. No notes. I will definitely be back, and next time, I'm bringing my girls. read more

Isla - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Hm. Food I would give a 4.5 but unfortunately, the overall experience was a 3.5. We visited for the Valentine Experience, as we heard so much about the restaurant and this was the only type of reservation we could make through OpenTable. I do wish they had the menu available before booking, though the accommodations made for my restrictions were great! The experience took place from 9pm-1230am and it was just so much longer than expected. The wait time between courses was a bit much to include our live music was only booked for 2 hours anyways. I think my favorite courses were the curry pumpkin lobster soup and the beet salad. We were all surprised to have to share the short rib entree, which many around us questioned as well. A bit dry. The macaroon was okay and we didn't make it to the final round as it was just too late in the night to stay any longer. As excited I was to visit, I'm not sure I'll be rushing to go back here. Food, yes, but the price and experience has me weary of returning anytime soon. read more

Isla - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Birthday dinner with an old friend felt down right romantic in the low light and lofty ceilings of Isla. 3 impressive things about this restaurant. The first is the gorgeous space. You are greeted with a brightly lit and fun (but small) bar slinging traditional cocktails and a killer happy hour deal (which you also get at the seated tables; think martinis, manhattans, old fashions, etc.). The service was great. A mix of friendly and attentive w/o being pretentious. Tables were constantly set, dishes changed, real class act. and 3rd, yes, the food was top notch! We started with the fried plantain chips which are dusted with a savory slightly spiced sauce. Crispy and delicious. We shared a duck rague dish that came with these flavored roti patties that hit it out the park. Juicy and savory but not heavy. For the mains we got the pork chop (recommended by our waiter) that was perfectly cooked, juicy and delicious, I too would recommend it! And then the impressively presented whole fried fish. Perfectly crispy, perfectly flavored, huge portion and delicious. Again, a hit. They treated me to a sorbet and candle for my birthday. Two managers stopped by to check in and while there is a 2 hour time-limit for tables, it was plenty of time. We never felt rushed, the pacing was also great. What a treat. I'll definitely be back for dates, birthdays, happy hours or just to get that fish again! read more

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Tastefully designed Caribbean inspired restaurant in downtown DC, blocks away from the white house and directly next to other hot spots. Food: Isla Patties: 10/10 Oxtail Bara: 10/10 Fried Snapper: 7/10 Side of Cookup rice: 6/10 Drinks: one was made incorrectly but fixed very quickly, the other was great. Service was friendly but food was not as good as it could have been. read more

Isla - Signage lighting - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This could have easily been a 5-star rating; however, they charged my and my friend's credit card an additional $20 each after we left the restaurant... which we didn't sign off on so now we'll have to dispute this matter. KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS! Beyond that, the ambiance is intimate, seductive... the customer service is amazing! They take a multi-team approach to ensuring you're enjoying your dining experience. Even with it being super busy, three team members noticed when I dropped my knife. One picked it up, the other came to bring me a new one on a beautiful presentation within moments without me asking! Yay! The food was uniquely inspired. While we LOVED the BBQ greens, oysters, and red snapper, the mac pie was not my vibe... and the chicken was drowning in sauce, so my friend had to send it back as we're not big sauce people (see picture). It has a speakeasy vibe and is a bit challenging to locate but definitely a gem read more

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This was my third visit to Isla and the food, ambiance, and service remain some of the best DC has to offer. This visit, I sat at the bar and had a great time with the bartending staff. One dish I will always get is the mac pie. Different and delicious. The Bronzino was phenomenal and enough to share with a friend. The brussels sprouts were full of flavor. With the popularity of the restaurant, try to go a little early and get a seat at the bar, you won't regret it! read more

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Went to ISLA for cocktails and small bites. This a such a cute restaurant with a pleasant staff. We had Storm as our bartender. He was very knowledgeable about flavor profiles and could curate a great cocktail. The manager was very nice as well. The okra and crab ISLA patties were delicious. I would recommend ISLA for a nice girls night or a romantic date night read more

Isla - ISLA Patties (crab) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I truly wanted to love Isla. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and was perfect for my date night. My server took the time to explain the menu, which I appreciated. The food was a hit or miss for me. The scallion bread was delicious 10/10, but the plantain chips were basic. The crab patties also missed the mark. When I think of panang curry I expect it to be saucy, but that is not at all what I received. The snapper was fried very well, but was lacking a little salt. The branzino was also cooked well. The bbq greens were also surprisingly good, well balanced and not too vinegar forward. I think they did too much with the cabbage and I could have done without the breadcrumbs. Lastly, I was SO excited to try the plantain ice cream but was extremely disappointed. It tasted like unripe plantain, which was definitely not the flavor I was expecting. The carrot cake, however, was super moist and tasty. I would give Isla a 3.5 if I could. I am typically a fan of fusion restaurants, but I think there are some things they should work out. I am not in a rush to return, but would consider after they've been open for some more time. read more

Isla - Snapper, branzino, mac, bbq greens, and cabbage - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Visited with my coworker to celebrate our birthdays and left wowed and full! The patties are a must (we tried the waygyu oxtail and crab and my goodness - a little spicy but oh so delicious!) The fried snapper was plated so pretty and was also really, really good and the oxtail bara was *chef's kiss*. The only thing I didn't care for were the BBQ greens - too crunchy for my liking. I've made reservations to return next week - see you there?! read more

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