I went to Isla for the first time and celebrated a friend's birthday and here's my take...... Food Every single thing we ordered and ate was delicious (in my opinion). Here's a list of what we ordered: Starter - Plantain Chips and Scallion Bread Appetizers: - Oyster (hibiscus granita, scotch bonnet mignonette) - Wagyu Oxtail (wagyu oxtail, spiced ground beef, fermented mango) - Crab (panang curry, sweet potato, west african American) - Curry Goat (pomme puree, scallion) Entree - Bone In Pork Chop (kuchela jus, crab butter, grilled mango) - Smoked Chargrilled Chicken (jerk jus, pickled pimento, fried curry leaf) - Fire Grilled Branzino (citrus mojo, chive blossom) - Fried Snapper (fish spice, escovitch vegetables) ADDITIONS - Fried Brussels Sprouts (pimento pepper aioli, plantain furikak) - BBQ Greens (pot liquor, chicken skin chicharron) - Cook Up Rice (coconut tea, pigeon peas) Service The service is great. All the crew were attentive. Our server was very knowledgeable of the menu. He also was able to recommend his personal favorite which helps with making decision of what to order. Ambiance The restaurant is very cozy and modern. The big chandelier is definitely an attraction. It's very beautiful. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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 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

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

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

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I am not someone who casually leaves harsh reviews, especially for fine dining establishments. However, my experience with the customer experience manager was unacceptable enough to warrant one. As an executive, I have learned that how you treat people matters. Respect, professionalism, and dignity are not optional, especially in hospitality. They are the foundation of the business. Unfortunately, this individual demonstrated a level of judgment and conduct that suggested she is either poorly trained, poorly suited for the role, or both. A few things should be made clear. Do not build a restaurant around Black, Latino, Hispanic, or Caribbean influence and then allow guests from those very communities to feel judged, diminished, or unwelcome. Do not assume those guests lack money, sophistication, or familiarity with fine dining. And do not mistake quiet observation for ignorance. The restaurant itself has a nice atmosphere. The servers were professional. The food is subjective some may enjoy it, others may find it underwhelming. Personally, I found it lacking. But the real failure here was not the food. It was the customer experience. For a restaurant presenting itself at this level, the gap between image and hospitality is significant. I would not recommend this establishment to colleagues, friends, family, or anyone seeking a refined dining experience. A beautiful room does not make up for poor judgment, weak hospitality leadership, or guests being made to feel diminished. I am not looking for a refund, a response, or follow-up. I am simply sharing the experience for others to consider before choosing where to spend their time and money. read more

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. read more

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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

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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 :/ read more

Isla - Ginger shrimp, oxtail patties, octopus, Brussels - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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. read more

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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. read more

Stopped into Isla for a late night dinner with friends! We had a very smooth check in process and were shown right to our table. The dishes ordered were delightful, most came out promptly, and they were perfectly sized for sharing. The lobster cook up rice and wagyu oxtail parties were especially flavorful - definitely order when you visit! We loved the ambiance of the space - especially the large sized art and chandelier. Took a star off for small things, such as a small drink snafu (ordered one drink and was brought a different one), and late delivery of Brussels sprouts (not pictured) - staff did check in frequently on the table and were able to resolve these concerns. Overall, a must-try!! read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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