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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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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 :)!
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
1 month ago
12 days ago
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
1 month ago
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
1 month ago
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
2 months ago
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
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
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
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
4 months ago
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
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
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
4 months ago
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
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
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
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
5 months ago
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
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
18 hours ago
Such a cute restaurant, definitely nice for date night or girl dinner. My faves are the oxtail patties and the prawns. read more
5 months ago
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
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 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
7 months ago
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
6 months ago
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
6 months ago
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
26 days ago
3 months ago
Instantly when you walk in you feel the vibes and you know this will be a great experience. The server was knowledgeable of the menu and offered great suggestions. I enjoyed the crab patties and rock fish to start. Accompanied by the Chargrilled Octopus that had an amazing black garlic glaze. Lastly, I enjoyed the perfectly grilled octopus with the Mac pie. That Mac pie was the unexpected star of the night. I wanted to order more. read more
A little hard to find the door, go down the diagonal walkway lol. Love the entrance. It makes you think you're being transferred to another world. It was lively for a Wednesday night. Tables full, wine sips were in progress, and food. The center light installation sets the tone. Very nice ambiance. Our server Carlyle was top notch. Quick, efficient, funny, and unnoticeable. He did a great job with the six of us. Overall the food is good. Seasoned with good presentation. The menu has a lot to choose from. Large and small plates. The fried snapper was good, greens, rice, plantain chips, etc. I'd prefer the mains come with sides. Everyone was pleased. I ordered the Capital Oasis drink. More ice than anything. I don't care for the huge ice block taking up precious drink space especially at $20. I'd rethink that. Excellent establishment for a special occasion. read more
7 months ago
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
4 months ago
5 stars for ambiance and decor. We went and I was surprised to not see a packed restaurant. Food overall was ok. The oxtail dish was amazing though read more
I was able to walk in on a Thursday and grabbed a table by the bar. The decor and ambiance is beautiful! We got a round of drinks and an app, all were great. One annoying aspect, the server wanted the full order at once. I usually like to order a drink then decide food slowly. read more
8 months ago
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
2 months ago
8 months ago
I loved my experience here at Isla! I made a reservation but the place started filling up quickly after I got seated. I was seated near the kitchen, and the restaurant is very beautiful to look at. My only complaints are that it is loud and dark, but thankfully, the waiter gave us a flashlight to look at the menus. I started with the Style and Grace cocktail which was sweet and tasty - like a peanut butter flavoured espresso martini. They also gave us complimentary champagne which was nice and citrusy. For food, started with the scallion bread with yuzu honey butter. The bread itself was fluffy and had a good level of butteriness to it, and the yuzu honey butter made it taste smooth with a small kick to it, melting in my mouth. Had the wagyu oxtail patties which were honestly the star of the show for me! The meat was tender alongside the crispy dough shell, but the pepper sauce that came along the patties made it so delicious, and the sauce was a great amount of spiciness for me! Had the fire-grilled branzino for the main entree which was good, but nothing jaw-dropping. I liked that it was boneless and came with some nice chive flavours; I liked the skin part more than the white fish meat itself. We added the charred cabbage as an addition and it was probably my second favourite thing I ate here - the aioli made it very flavourful and the cabbage had a nice mix of saltiness and crunch on the top - I loved it! Finally, ended off the meal with the carrot cake, which wasn't too sweet but can get hefty if you're not a sweets person in my opinion. The bits of ginger and walnut were a great addition to the cake, which I enjoyed. Overall, I enjoyed my food and experience here. Food came out pretty quickly and everything was presented well. There were some dishes I definitely preferred more than others, but I liked all of them regardless. The staff were also very attentive and kind, offering coat check, cutting up some of our food, cleaning our tables, and providing us information about the dishes. The manager dropped by too and was very friendly with us. I'd definitely recommend coming here to try it out as an experience in DC! read more
This restaurant is beautiful and trendy right at the heart of downtown DC. Even though we had a late reservation, the service was great, very quick in between courses. I absolutely loved the crab patties moreso than the oxtail patties. I also really enjoyed the branzino which was very flaky and herby. I also love how the rum punch tasted very authentic and not like juice. Overall great experience read more
If you're celebrating anything - birthday, job promotion, anniversary, Tuesday....stop scrolling and book a table. Isla delivers. The moment I walked in, the vibes alone put me on cloud nine...and somehow, it only got better. The wine program? Unreal. Thoughtfully curated to match their island-inspired dishes, and it shows in every sip. Now for food, the must-orders: Grilled avocado salad and the creamy crab rice with a side of mushrooms, simple on paper, total flavor explosion in reality. And the staff? Truly the cherry on top. They treat you the way the restaurant feels: like royalty. read more
I visited Isla for a friends birthday a week or so after they first opened. The restaurant was a little hard for me to find because of the lack of signage on the outside, but that may have been because it recently opened. The ambiance is beautiful once you're inside, however. You can tell that the owners invested in making the dining experience unique. You truly feel as though you've been whisked away to enjoy some secret location. I arrived nearly an hour late (due to a prior commitment), and to my surprise my friends were still waiting for their drinks and appetizers. Service was a little slow, but our waitress was kind. I assume that the restaurant needs some time to figure out the kinks. I ordered the Isla Daq which was tasty. The Isla crab patties with the spicy sauce were my favorite. I decided to keep things light for my main dish by ordering the Channa with the Fire Roasted Plantain which was really good as well. For the price point, the portion sizes could be a little bigger. I'd definitely visit again, but I want to give them some time to refine the menu, and the service. read more
This restaurant is giving great gowns, beautiful gowns. The restaurant is aesthetically, beautiful, the interior is stunning. However, the food is lacking a wow factor, that's why I say it gives great gowns, beautiful gowns. To be fair, I went here one week after it opened and I hope they make adjustments and improvements to the food in the coming months. I had the red snapper and it was underwhelming, especially for a caribbean-inspired restaurant. It lacked seasoning and was a bit dry. My friend was underwhelmed by the wagyu oxtail patties and mentioned that they also lacked flavor. The service was the best part of our meal! Our server, Marcus, was great. We also chatted with the general manager, Michael and he was very helpful and friendly! They gave us each a mango sorbet to celebrate our birthdays, and that was very nice and thoughtful. If you want a pretty meal that looks nice, this is a place to go, but if you want to eat food that has flavor and leaves you full afterwards, I wouldn't put this at the top of your list. read more
1 month ago
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Isla - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026
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