ISLA Restaurant

I had such an amazing experience at Isla! From the moment we walked in, we were blown away. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and wonderfully decorated. The ambiance is warm and stylish. The music was on point all night, which really added to the vibe without overpowering conversation. For drinks, my friends and I ordered Sauvignon Blanc and dirty martinis. We kicked things off with the wagyu oxtail patties, shrimp patties, and scallion bread. Every single appetizer was incredible. The patties were flavorful and perfectly seasoned, and the scallion bread was so soft and addictive. For our entrees, we had the fried snapper, fire-grilled branzino, and grilled prawns. The seafood was cooked beautifully, fresh, and packed with flavor. Honestly, some of the best food I’ve had in DC in a long time. For dessert we had Miss Paula’s carrot cake which was rich and delicious, and the plantain parfait was the perfect sweet ending to the meal. Service was great from start to finish — attentive, friendly, and professional. Yes, the menu is on the pricier side, but for the overall experience, quality, and taste of the food, it was absolutely worth it. I would definitely return and highly recommend. I can’t wait to see what their brunch menu looks like once it’s released!

DC finally has a spot that feels like it was made for people who actually care about food and atmosphere and Isla is it. Let me start with the branzino, because I’m still thinking about it. Best filet I’ve had in this city, and I don’t say that lightly. The lime chimichurri was the kind of pairing that makes you wonder why anyone would ever serve fish any other way. I told myself I’d pace it… I did not. Gone in maybe seven bites The crab patties were bomb and flaky just how I like it. the real surprise of the night was the lamb tartare. I’d never had lamb tartare before and honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. Phenomenal doesn’t cover it. And the ambiance? Moody, intimate, a little sexy exactly the kind of vibe DC needed more of. Great for a date, great for impressing out-of-towners, great for treating yourself because why not. Oh, and the carrot cake. Chef’s kiss. Full stop. I’ll absolutely be back probably sooner than I’d like to admit.

We had an absolutely exceptional experience at Isla, and a huge part of that was thanks to Kellen Colbert, the Assistant General Manager. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was top-notch. Kellen went above and beyond to make sure our group was comfortable and that my friend's birthday celebration felt truly special. Every detail was thoughtfully handled, and his attentiveness and professionalism elevated the entire experience. It's rare to encounter leadership that is so present, accommodating, and genuinely invested in making sure guests have an unforgettable time. Everything was seamless, welcoming, and superb from start to finish. If you're looking for a place that truly understands hospitality and knows how to make a celebration feel meaningful, Isla delivers-especially with someone like Kellen setting the standard. We'll absolutely be back.

I came here for my birthday, and it was a big mistake. I made a reservation through Resy, only to arrive and be told they no longer use it and now only accept OpenTable. This caused unnecessary confusion and pushback when trying to seat me and my friend—already a bad start. For food, we ordered the branzino, red snapper, scallion bread, crab patties, and Brussels sprouts. Unfortunately, the crab patties were the only standout. The red snapper was extremely under-seasoned and honestly tasted more like catfish. The scallion bread was overly doughy with an overpowering scallion flavor, and the Brussels sprouts were bad enough that we had to send them back. The branzino was actually very good, but one solid dish doesn’t make up for the rest. I had the Isla Daq cocktail, which was good and strong—credit where it’s due. Service, however, was all over the place. Staff communication was disorganized, and despite my friend repeatedly telling multiple servers that it was my birthday, they somehow thought it was hers. They brought out a mango sorbet “on the house,” then later asked me what dessert I wanted, which was confusing because it was unclear what was complimentary. At least three different people came to the table about dessert, none of whom seemed to be on the same page. When the birthday dessert finally came, it was just a plain cup of mango sorbet with a candle. No presentation, no acknowledgment, no “happy birthday”—nothing special at all. On top of that, the table was extremely small—barely enough room for the entrées. Overall, the service was lackluster, the food was disappointing, and the experience felt careless. As someone who comes from a family that cooks very well, this was especially underwhelming. I would not return and would not recommend this place—unless you have very low expectations for both food and service.

We had an amazing experience last night, and a huge part of that was our server, Nate. From the moment we sat down, he provided exceptional customer service from beginning to end. He was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, answered all of our questions with ease, and communicated everything clearly, which made ordering and enjoying our meal effortless. Nate consistently checked in on us to make sure we were good without ever being overbearing — truly the perfect balance. You can tell he genuinely cares about the guest experience. We also appreciated how attentive the entire team was. Assistant busboys and management checked in on us as well, which really elevated the experience and made us feel valued. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-tier. We’ll definitely be back and will be asking for Nate again!

Scored a spot at the bar for an early dinner, a win since reservations are tough! Beautiful space with top-tier, elevated Caribbean fare. The Wagyu Oxtail and Crab patties are must-orders with a perfect filling-to-pastry ratio. The Fire-Grilled Branzino was deboned and cooked to perfection, we paired it with the macaroni pie. Despite the Saturday rush, Roberto provided excellent service. Can’t wait to return!

Isla was a really great experience except for one aspect. The food and atmosphere was great. Our waiter was knowledgeable and the experience manager who came to our table to speak with us was very lovely. The only part that bothered me was there was a man (who I presume to be a manager) that is tall and African-American who was unbelievably rude to me. I walked in and he happened to be standing near the front desk and only greeted and spoke to my friend. It was as if I was invisible. I was shocked. It was clear he took an interest in her, but to ignore someone standing in front of you is extremely unprofessional. The same manager came by our table, again later in the evening — only spoke to my other two friends, he didn’t even acknowledge my presence or look at me. I mentioned it to one of my friends who concurred and agreed he was extremely strange. This unfortunately diluted the absolutely wonderful experience me and my friends had. But I am grateful for the staff who were welcoming and considerate.

Truly enjoyed this place!!! They were so accommodating but also the service was amazing (one of the best in DC)! The food was fire and the drinks were great! We all had a fantastic time. Loved the ambience and the interior design. Honestly for a DC restaurant this is truly a great spot and highly recommend. I don’t love the dc food scene but I’ll send people here because I know it was a guaranteed great time. Their speakeasy was beautiful and whoever did the interior chefs kiss

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.

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!

Isla had a very nice, sexy vibe. I went for dinner with a friend. We ordered and shared a few items: scallion bread (very tasty), crab patties (they were pretty good), oxtail patties (delicious!), roast pumpkin gnocchi (absolutely delicious!), and curry goat bara (tasty). The service was nice overall. The waiter even gave us an after dinner digestif to try. I would definitely recommend checking this place out. It's also a good place for a private party. I don't think there are enough bathrooms on the main level though. It was a very long wait with only two individual bathrooms for the entire lower level dining area. Not sure if there are bathrooms upstairs for the private dining. Also, the prices are a bit high considering comparable dishes at similar establishments. Otherwise, it was a nice experience and I would return.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

Wonderful experience and lovely place for Valentine day. Before I even begin I just want to say thank you so much for the hostess who was able to seat my wife and I after we came 45 minutes late. Our server Sydney was amazing and had a great personality. We ordered basically the entire menu Drinks: All delicious and strong. I loved the fancy pants and captain oasis. We also had the isla daq and the espresso martini. Food: Snapper crisp 100/100 citrusy and delicious Oxtail wagyu empanadas buttery flaky and rich Smoked chargrilled chicken was juicy peppery and seasoned Fried snapper was tender and delicious Dessert was absolutely amazing as the carrot cake was rich and sweet

The service was impeccable our server Alexis was so knowledgeable, kind and super attentive! The restaurant is super aesthetically pleasing super cute for an intimate girls night out or a date night. The food was okay was not super impressed. The food was just very unflavored to me. My favorite was the brown stew mushrooms and the crab/cod fritters they were packed with flavor.

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?!

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!

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.

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.

This makes me sad to say, but if you're hungry, I honestly wouldn't recommend. Service was excellent and they operate in a team-forward manner, but I feel like we were catfished by the visual appeal of everything around us. The flavor is lacking in several of the food items and we tried more than what is actually pictured below. The only items we somewhat enjoyed were the Brussels and ginger shrimp. If you just want to drink, then certainly come for the vibes. Ambiance was lovely, but I ordered takeout on the way home :/

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.

New Restaurant Alert!!!!! Long post alert! Detailed breakdown Added to the DC culinary scene, Isla, pronounced I-La. This Caribbean fusion restaurant is the place where the African diaspora comes together to prepare various culinary traditions, all of which can be tasted in the variety of spices. Bravo to the owners for presenting this vision. As a Trinidadian woman, I felt a sense of comfort and class on the plate and was proud to hear the use of spices very relevant to Trinidad and Tobago. Service: every good restaurant has a great staff and this staff was nothing short of amazing. Leading at the top of the service was our waiter, Marcus. He explained that he does not have Caribbean background but was passionate about learning the items. I think he perfectly explained the menu and gave incredible recommendations for both food and drinks-kudos Marcus! You're a rockstar. Ambiance: the decor isn't for the faint of heart so come dressed in your best wear, grab your significant other, a date, or some friends, and go! The decor was breathtaking. Picture the international dining scene, the rich use of accent bronze, marble tables, dimmed lighting, sexy bar area, rope and stanchion, large chandeliers, and you've envisioned this place. It's classy and sexy and their music selection gave off a grown vibes. I loved every moment. Appetizers: Scallion bread- This bread was freshly baked and buttery soft. The yuzu kosho honey butter was literally the icing on the cake lol it was a hint of sweetness and spiciness paired together. Highly recommend. Lamb Tartare- my goodness! The chef won big time with this dish. As someone who loves ordering tartare of any kind, this lamb presentation of the dish was exquisite. Robust flavors with a balance of fattiness, sweetness, pickled flavors, and the winner-green seasoning. A staple in any Caribbean home. Highly recommend. Main Dishes: My boyfriend wanted to try the Chargrilled octopus, which only comes as an appetizer. The dish was DELICIOUS! Perfectly charred to perfection, with some subtle balance of acidity. Highly recommend as an appetizer because it is a little small. Fried snapper: honey, this is STELLAR! Marcus informed us that it was a dish first fried, filet into pieces, and fried again. But he didn't prepare me for the taste. The seasoning on this fish was delectable! Some fried dishes can taste like the oils they're fried in, or you can capture the flavors in the batter-the flavors were oozing out of the batter making this dish a 10/10. Paired with a perfect side of pickled carrots, an ode to Jamaican escovitch-nuff respect! Highly, highly, highly recommend! Side dish: cook up rice. Whether you're Trinidadian, Jamaican, Guyanese, Bajan, or from any of the beautiful islands, you understand how important cook up rice is. Simply explained, it's where peas and rice comes together and it can be prepared with fresh coconut milk (not to be confused with the one people might drink). Every island prepares it differently, but this chef used coconut tea, a milky substance which I imagined was used to help boil the Carolina gold rice. Having just learned about the origins of the Carolina gold rice, read "High on the Hog". I loved seeing Afro-Caribbean excellence on a plate. This rice was remarkable and I wanted to keep eating scoops of if. Dessert: Miss Paula's Carrot Cake- DIVINE! Order it! Rum Raisin ice cream- If you aren't a rum drinker, don't try. I love good Caribbean rum and this ice cream wasn't shy of it. Creamy with a buzz. Drinks: Trini sour: perfect if you understand bitters and are looking for something that isn't sweet. I also had a couple glasses of crisp sauvignon blanc. . Prices are what you'd paid for exquisite services such as this, so be ready to pay and tip! Remember tipping is important and they didn't add it to the bill. I heard that they are preparing to launch brunch and happy hour soon, so count me in for both! Cannot wait to return here! Definitely a beautiful date night experience and it wasn't crowded when we went.

From the moment I stepped into ISLA, I felt surrounded by warmth and elegance. The restaurant's atmosphere truly reflects its philosophy -- a blend of island soul and global sophistication. I started with the Oyster topped with hibiscus granita and scotch bonnet mignonette -- absolutely incredible! The balance of floral, spicy, and ocean-fresh flavors was unlike anything I've tasted before. It perfectly captured the "island through a global lens" theme. The service was attentive and friendly, the bartender Kristina and Alex did the best to serve us going through the menu itams and I can tell every dish that followed carried a story and a sense of creativity. The presentation was stunning, and the flavors were bold yet refined. ISLA is not just a restaurant -- it's a culinary journey. Whether you come for the artistry, the flavors, or the atmosphere, you'll leave inspired and satisfied.

Overall agreed experience great service great food. Only negative was that it was kind of hard to find because it's in between two buildings and a small lake alleyway. They should really have a sign in front of the building to point you to the right direction because we walked around the building and then had to walk back to find the entrance.

If there was a way to add more than 5 stars, I would. My family and I had an amazing experience here. It was my mom's 70th birthday and wanted to try Isla based on the positive reviews of Chef Lonie. The staff was extremely accommodating. We had to alter our reservation multiple times and there was no issues. Great service from the beginning. Everything also came out timely in terms of drinks. We had a table of 6 and as soon as a drink was ordered, it was there. Fantastic time with Nikki, the experience manger. It's not uncommon for smaller restaurants to check in with guest, but it was such a nice feeling to have someone from the restaurant come by and provide a personal touch. This is a huge restaurant so to have someone that's not your server do that was great. It added to the experience. We got the warm olives and scallion bread to start. The olives had a green sauce that they were mixed in that had a little spice to it! The scallion bread was warm. Love warm bread! It was able to provide 3-4 pieces of bread for the table. Good size for 2-3 people. We got the Wagu Oxtail, Crab and American Patties. They came in threes and each had its own unique sauce. They were good and warm. The meat was moist! I would do the Wagu over the American. American tasted very much like a beef Pattie, so the other two would provide a different flavor. I got the Curry Goat Bara. It was really good. It was a curry goat on a bed of mashed potatoes essentially but it worked well. The bara skin was a bit more firm than a roti skin, but it worked. Not sure if there is an opportunity to add on, but definitely ask to see if you can get extra. It was a great value for $22. We also got the Mac and Cheese. It was square and a bit firm in my opinion. It was still nice but I would recommend trying other dishes if you were on the fence. It's not as sharable as it seemed. Overall, great experience. Would like to come back if anything for the atmosphere and a drink! Note: I didn't get any pictures because I wanted to enjoy the moment for mom's bday.

First dinner of 2026 and it did not miss! The restaurant is stunning, with low lighting, mirrors as you walk in and they offer coat check. Staff were incredibly friendly and helpful with recommendations. For the drinks: passion project and Isla daq were 10/10. Good ratio of alcohol to mixers. They recommended we order 2-3 dishes per person for group of 3. Out of all the dishes we ordered, my favorite was the bara channa. Highly recommend for a cute date night or dinner with friends.

We went for something new for a happy hour during the holidays and landed on Isla. Caribbean/island inspired restaurant in the city. It can be a little hard to find, given the entrance is in a corridor and the door is a bit inconspicuous. Look for a light in the floor that says Isla. It's very moody and deliciously decorated inside. The drinks were AMAZING. Our bartenders were VERY good at their craft. The food was too, however I thought the plates were a little small. I wasn't crazy about the BBQ Greens, but the Oxtail Bara was amazing. It's important to note it's considered fine dining so that's more expected. Everyone, including the hostesses were so nice. Hospitality 10/10. Overall, I'd come back for sure and I'm definitely having the fried snapper! Great to have flavor you can count on

The ambiance was perfect, and the wait staff was very attentive. Service was quick, with hardly any wait for food or drinks. When we returned items we weren't too fond of, the staff came over to chat and check in, which was appreciated. The food was good overall, though most of the dishes we tried were on the spicy side. The portions, however, didn't quite match the cost. The lobster rice portion was very small in my opinion. The coconut rice could have used a bit more seasoning, and the collard greens weren't very tender and also lacked seasoning. The snapper, however, was delicious, and I loved the presentation of the dish. The drinks were okay--less ice would have made them more enjoyable. That said, the cocktail presentation was beautiful. Lastly, I wish there were more bathrooms for the size of the restaurant. There are only two stalls, which caused a backup and crowding in the wait area.

Loved the ambiance, service, and the food was pretty good! The crudo was one of the best apps. Oxtail patties were exceptionally good! The grilled octopus was a bit chewy, but the blend of flavors made up for it. I had their take on an espresso Martini and a spicy margaritas and both were enjoyable. Our server was absolutely delightful and had great recommendations. I will be back!

Omg! Ok so I came here on a rainy Friday evening after work. It was one of my friends birthday, and I wanted to take her to something different that we haven't tried before. And this restaurant was close to my job. We came in and we immediately sat at the bar which we requested. My friend and I joked about the sexy lighting. Because I definitely had to use my cell phone's flashlight to read the menu. It's a really cute and nice restaurant. I love the lighting and the bar area. Our waiter was very nice. And he recommended a couple of things off of the menu. We tried the I think it was the oxtail patty. It was so good and filled. I mean, packed with meat. With a nice crispy, flaky crust on the outside. I cannot remember the name of the drink that I had lol but I think it was some kind of pear flavored drink. I'll definitely come back to try some more things off of the menu this time. I really was just there for the drinks.

Isla, Isla, Isla! This restaurant may have just become my favorite restaurant in the city! My friend came in town for his birthday and I heard this was the new spot to be and it didnt disappoint. Upon entering, the ambiance automatically gives the vibe of luxury, warmth, and exclusivity. The host was friendly and prompt. We were quickly seated and our serving team introduced themselves to us. The staff was so friendly and attentive; I can't get over it! They brought us complimentary drinks over that were delicious and helped us through the menu. Now on to the food! This is some of the most flavorful and intentional food I've had in DC. Everything was cooked to perfection, seasoned well, and was bursting with flavor. It's hard to pick any stand outs because everything was amazing. If you need a nice dinner in the city, give Isla a chance. You won't regret it.

The ambiance and service were amazing. The restaurant is decorated beautifully and has a dimly lit intimate vibe making it perfect for date night and small groups. Our server was very helpful with explaining the menu and the food came out quickly. Overall the food was a little underwhelming. The snapper and oxtail patties were the highlight of the choices but they were both too salty. My friend had the chicken and she would not recommend. It's worth trying but not somewhere I would revisit.

If you want tasteless Caribbean food, this is the spot. The venue is sexy and really a vibe, great staff. Unfortunately the food is a 2/10, and that was disappointing. I recommend coming in to sit at the bar and have a cocktail and an appetizer just enjoy the vibe.

Private dinner for 13 and a private room upstairs. everything was savory and delicious. the chef came in to speak to us. really pleased with the offerings here all dishes were authentic strong flavors

This was quite an experience. So new they didn't have signs up, but we were lead in through a velvet roped door. So fun and unique. The peanut butter twist on espresso martini was one of the best cocktails I have ever had. The snapper crudo was to die for... but personally some of the other food options, like the rock shrimp, left much to be desired. Our waiter was so kind and service was great. I would say try it for yourself but not if you aren't an adventurous eater.

Joined several friends for dinner here on a Friday night. It was a great atmosphere and energy in the restaurant. We received great service from our server - we enjoyed the drinks, split some small plates, and each got a larger dish. The channa bara was delicious and I loved the cook up rice and the plantain. The mushroom patty was also a table favorite among dishes we shared. The manager stopped by the table and kindly chatted with us about our experience. The service was seamless so I was surprised they had only recently opened. I would recommend Isla for a group outing - especially if you are a fan of excellent Caribbean cuisine.

We ordered the tempura okra, curry goat, fried snapper, bbq greens, and brown stew mushrooms. The fried snapper was fried hard and reminded me of a southern style fried fish this was a must try. I would skip the tempura okra, unless you're into okra with sweeter flavors.   The service was great! There was a little bit of a wait despite us having a reservation, but our waiter took great care of us through the night. Overall this place is go to for great food and a cute night out.

It's 2025. There should be at least one item on your menu that a vegan can safely consume. To say that you don't know if the chef can remove the cheese from a salad is bizarre of course he can. For you to have still proceeded to bring the salad with the cheese on it is even further bizarre. I just clearly stated I'm a vegan. Manager at this establishment please educate your staff regarding veganism. Vegans cannot consume meat or dairy, educate your staff have some items readily available safe for vegan consumption. To offer plantain chips that have been deep-fried in animal fat is bizarre. I just explained to you that I am a vegan knowledge truly is power. Furthermore, regarding service, we had a 9:15 reservation and was not seated until 10:15. Service was lacking and very slow additionally, to say no flash photography in a darkly lit space like be so for real who's gonna take a picture in the dark of course we're gonna use the flash. Huh? The location is very difficult to find there is no signage. You all are a new location. People are coming from the first time obviously have some clear signage indicating where you're located. I don't recommend vegans to patronize this establishment as the servers will act as though they've never heard of what a vegan is they will bring you items with cheese and meat and act confused it's truly bizarre.

The space is gorgeous. The food was tasty and the service was great. It is a little pricey so not some where I can frequent, but I will be back.

My sister and I grew up in the Caribbean, she now lives in DC and we were anticipating this restaurant opening with all of the hype. She made reservations for her birthday and I tagged along. When we could actually find the entrance to get in (no signs) we found the ambiance to be lovely - great vibes, decor, lighting and music (music is a little loud at times) but this place definitely feels intentional, cozy, inviting and luxurious, like a stylish place to come chill. You can't chill for too long though- we had 4pm reservations (since we were trying to go to a 6:30 p show after) and the first thing our server said to us, before we were even seated was "we have a 6pm seating at this table". Ok, thanks for letting us know, way to make a girl feel welcome. Service was fine, there is a coat check, waiter friendly and knowledgeable, no issues there although we had not done all of our homework because we didn't realize that the fare was more fusion and "Caribbean inspired". You're not going to find your traditional Caribbean favourites here but keep an open mind (and the chef is open about this in all of their media). Wine list is decent, good selection of mocktails. Of what we ordered, the bara was the standout - absolutely delicious. I preferred it with the channa (I did not try the oxtail), the curried goat was underwhelming. The snapper was also great, pork chop was ok. I'm not sure what I was expecting with the rice and peas but what I got was rice that seemed overcooked with peas that seemed a little undercooked in comparison. It was still enjoyable and to be fair, the server tried to warn us because she did mention "risotto". What was not enjoyable was the rock shrimp, felt like biting into an oily sponge (worse when they cool down to room temp, and even worse when reheated). The roasted plantain is also not what you would expect, I liked them ok while my sister wished she had just ordered the plantain chips instead. They brought some mango sorbet for my sister for her birthday which we appreciated and she looked appropriately mortified while we all (including the server) sang happy birthday. So all in all, it was an enjoyable experience. I might return but might just sit at the bar instead.

I was so excited to visit Isla for the first time. I was very disappointed. The decor is beautiful and the service is pretty good. Besides that, there is nothing that would make me want to return. The food was severely underwhelming, and some dishes just flat out bad. We had the grilled octopus and oxtail patties to start. Both were pretty good. Actually they were the best things we had. The octopus was tasty, but a little chewy. The patties tasted like beef patties that I could've gotten from the corner store. On to the entrees. I had the pork chop, my date had steak, and we shared the "macaroni pie". Macaroni pie is in quotes because as someone with Caribbean parents, it was an abomination. I've never seen pie that looked like this but I still kept an open mind and gave it a try. It wasn't good at all. I took 2 bites and was done. My pork chop also wasn't good. It tasted super charred and I couldn't get past that taste. My date's steak wasn't cooked to the right temperature and he didn't enjoy it. I know this place is a fusion, but the chef really needs to go back to the drawing board. One of the experience managers (that's probably not her correct title) did come around and asked for feedback. I believe her name was Nikki. We asked if she wanted us to be honest and we went for it. She did give us a round of drinks, which was nice.

Isla brings the feel and ingredients of the Caribbean, a touch of plantain and tropical flavors complements each dish I tried. The Mille feuille had the fundamentals of French pastry making, with a tropical touch of guava and strawberry making it a refreshing summer or spring time desert, perfect for after a meal. After hour the lounge in the back has a DJ and is perfect for a night out lounge feel. the decoration is well curated, the dining room, the lounge and the art all show attention to detail in a beautiful way.

I went to Isla because of all the hype, but for me it was just okay. The service was a bit slow during my visit. One thing that stood out was the bathroom setup. There isn't a trash can or a sink inside the restroom, so you have to leave the bathroom to wash your hands. That felt a little inconvenient and not the most sanitary since you have to touch the door handle before being able to wash your hands. The food overall was just okay, but I did really enjoy the oxtail empanadas. They were definitely the highlight of the meal.

Someone told us about this wonderful restaurant and I quickly sought out a reservation for this hidden jewel. I say hidden because it's a bit hard to find. Nestled in a dark hallway with a simple signage that reads ISLA. We were welcomed in by a wonderful host that took our coats. Coat check nice gesture. Coats can be so cumbersome at a table. Next we met the delightful Selvin our server. I forgot to tell you it was my husband's 66th birthday. The atmosphere is very simple however their is this amazing chandelier in the center of the room. It's really comfy and cozy. I ordered the red snapper, Mac and cheese and barbecue greens. My hubby had the jerk chicken dark meat , barbecue greens and we shared the Mac. Everything was excellent and pure perfection and I love the way they fixed the snapper making it easier to consume. It was pretty too. The pickled veggies weren't to my liking. It just didn't seem to belong with the dish. I told Selvin that it was my hubby's birthday and he bought out some really delicious mango sorbet with a candle in tow. Isla for the win. Thank you for making his night memorable. We noticed that they are working on a possible brunch. We will definitely be back.

The food, service and atmosphere are all 10/10. If you like martinis, get the peanut butter one.

Last Wednesday, I visited Isla with friends for an early Galentine's celebration. Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the restaurant's ambiance, stylish, inviting, and well-suited for a festive evening. The setting set high expectations for what was to follow. We began with cocktails and appetizers. I ordered what I believe was titled the "Isla Daq." While pleasant and well-balanced, it lacked distinction, earning a respectable 7 out of 10. For starters, our table sampled the oxtail patties, crab patties, and fried rock shrimp. Unfortunately, my oxtail patty was served cold, which detracted significantly from the experience. In contrast, the crab patty was notably enjoyable, well-seasoned with a pronounced kick of heat (guests should note it leans toward the spicy side). For my entrée, I selected the 12oz strip loin prepared with the house rub, accompanied by a side of pomme purée. Regrettably, the dish fell short of expectations. While competently prepared, it lacked depth and memorability. Overall, the meal was underwhelming and not one I would choose to revisit. Service, however, proved to be the evening's greatest disappointment. Although our server was courteous, attentiveness was noticeably lacking. We frequently had to flag down other team members to request drink refills and even to obtain menus. For a newly established restaurant, one anticipates polished, seamless service; unfortunately, that standard was not met. A refresher in hospitality fundamentals would greatly enhance the overall guest experience. While the atmosphere shows promise, the culinary execution and service leave room for improvement. At present, I am in no rush to return. That said, I hope future guests enjoy a more refined experience.

First, shout out to ChimaEats for his great restaurant content and style!! If it's woman led top tier carribean inspired fine dining food experience, I'm there!! Where do i begin?? Salute to a great Shef and her amazing staff. What an experience curated by her awesome, Experience Manager Nikki Murdoch!! Brava!! Dreamy, super classy dining spaces, the bar staff was phenomenal, cocktail acumen is stellar (hey Chrissy and Pablo) and the FOOD!?!?!? Outstanding!! Scallion bread, snapper crudo, goat, waygu patties and the oysters slapped!! The sorrel granita is genius!! It was a dinner with a dear friend that turned into 3 hours of joy with the whole staff and restaurant. Go for the food and cocktails, stay for the LOVE!! Brava!! -- aka Oyafemi

Their food is amazing but service leaves much to be desired. The waiter literally spilled two glasses of the courtesy champagne on the birthday girl (shocking and sad accident) and then they comped us ONE DRINK. Pure insanity. Her shirt was soaked. The service is very slow (every step of the process was slow). They need to get this part together. I would not recommend based on the the experience overall.