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Isabella's Italian Trattoria Reviews List
Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Isabella's Italian Trattoria is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant serving contemporary northern Italian cuisine in a sophisticated, yet casual setting. Executive Chef, Sean Meeks, has formed strong relationships with local farmers to highlight the best ingredients of central Virginia. Isabella's is the perfect choice for a night out with friends, a special date, or a business event. The restaurant offers a variety of dining choices - casual bar dining, patio dining, private dining from groups of 15 to 25, and semi-private dining for groups from 30-40. Isabella's also has a retail wine market on premises offering hand-selected wines from around the globe at very competitive prices.
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65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(40)
4 stars
(17)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(42)
- romantic(37)
- neighborhood gem(36)
- notable wine list(31)
- fit for foodies(27)
- good for groups(22)
Isabella's Italian Trattoria Reviews List
Review 1 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Classy for those who aren't
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Surprised my girlfriend to dinner with a few of her friends. We dressed up and got a private seating in the back. With the great selection of wines and service, made for a great evening. Take in the dim lighting, delicious food, and the atmosphere of a high class environment, and you too can make yourself out to be well established and tasteful. Notably pricy, but for a special occasion, passes the bar."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Local Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A wonderful experience overall. Glad to know that Lynchburg has such a nice restaurant. The atmosphere was high class, the food beautifully done, and the price was not crazy."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best in Lynchburg
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Long a favorite, Isabella's didn't disappoint on our most recent visit. Portions were huge, but more importantly the seasoning was spot on, and the ingredients were fresh. The dried fig salad is superb. The special soft shell crabs were great. And our waitress was delightful. Not the most inventive restaurant we've ever tried, but very good and wonderfully reliable."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We dined at Isabella's several times while our son was attending Lynchburg College. As we're not from the area, we'll miss it now that he has graduated."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very good!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My boyfriend and I wanted something different from the usual, and with Isabella's, we got it! The food was amazing and the restaurant
Itself was very nice! I see Isabella's as somewhere we can come often!"
Itself was very nice! I see Isabella's as somewhere we can come often!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Top Notch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Isabella's is our go to place for the best customer service and food in town!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 7 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dinner at Isabella's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Isabellas is an upscale casual spot with a good wine list and well thought out specials ( We had rack of lamb on polenta. The lamb was cooked correctly ). The atmosphere is nice with tablecloths and subdued lighting. The service was attentive and sincere."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list
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Review 8 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Graduation celebration dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a reservation for large party for my son's graduation and we were very pleased with the service and the food was outstanding! Some of our out of town guests had never been to Isabella's or this area of VA and were very impressed. Thanks for helping make our celebration special!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 9 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Pleasant Eatery
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Not being from the Lynchburg area we weren't sure what to expect as our son's girlfriend recommended we meet them there for lunch. Although located in a strip mall, the place has excellent ambience, friendly staff and really delicious food!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What an incredible restaurant... and if you can squeeze in a chocolate dipped canoli for desert, you won't regret it! :)"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great place for a special Sunday brunch, we selected their Egg Frittata and their smoked salmon pannini. If you are looking for light fare, the side of fruit is excellent, fresh and good variety. Highly recommended. Only negative was an unhappy toddler in the next booth but parents performed the miracle of good parenting and conversation did not have to compete with the high-pitched screaming which set teeth on edge at the beginning of the meal."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 12 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
best in town
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"one would have to travel to Charleston SC to find better food or service. Isabella's is perfect in everything they do. There menu is forever changing with the seasons and their nightly selections are always exciting and delicious."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful dinner, wonderful,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Wonderful dinner, wonderful, friendly staff...thank you!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 14 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This place is always great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is always great! The food is excellent and the service is wonderful."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Local and Lovely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Isabella's understands that consistency is key in the restaurant business and it shows in their food and friendly staff! Their commitment to using seasonal and local foods as much as possible and making sustainable choices makes them good stewards as well as a smart first choice when deciding where to fine. It doesn't hurt that the food is always so good and creative!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 16 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is one of our favorite
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is one of our favorite restaurants. The service is great. The ambiance is wonderful. The menu is truly impressive, with lots of uncommon ingredients and creative dishes. I would certainly recommend Isabella's. I suppose the only weakness I've seen is the occasional poor execution on a dish. More than once we've received pasta that was somewhat over or under cooked, or a dish that was lukewarm when it should have been served hot. On this particular night, my wife's pasta was somewhat overcooked. Fortunately, the servers are always eager to remedy any issues, but it is still surprising that a restaurant that excels on so many levels still makes simple mistakes like these.
Nevertheless, we love Isabella's, and plan to return."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Easter Disappointment
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was really disappointed. Easter Brunch was way below the normal quality of Isabellas. They seated us 15 minutes after the reservation time. The menu was limited and not what I expected. I had asked for a highchair on the reservation, but had to ask two differnt staff to get one. The service was poor. Our waitress seemed to be using "busy" as a way to ignore requests for water, etc. The kids menu choices, one of the reasons we choose Isabellas, were lacking. I had two extra shrimp tails in my grits and my mother's crab cake was bland. I felt like portions were reduced and prices inflated.
I will not return for a special day and certainly won't risk taking more business dinners any time soon."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 18 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Italian restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful Italian restaurant with dishes reminiscent of my many visits to coastal Italian villages. The pasta dishes were authentic and pleasantly presented. Portions were perfect. The rustic bread with olive oil and red wine vinegar was a perfect start. One plus over those restaurants in Italy was the expansive wine list and the selection of craft beers in bottles and on tap. My companion was duly impressed and had not been to this new location yet. Staff was very accommodating when I was stuck in traffic due to driving from out of town."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 19 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A true Lynchburg gem.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Always great! It's not just the fact that I've never been disappointed at Isabella's. It's the fact that I'm always impressed but what they do. New items, the best service staff. The place is a true standard for excellence."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 20 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food and service were excellent.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and service were excellent. The only problem was related to the cold weather in that the front doors (constantly being opened for prolonged periods while people visited at the entrance) created a terrible draft and my wife was cold throughout the meal. ***** I wish there were some form of dress code as people showed up looking as though they either needed a bath or a change of decent clothes - I was disappointed in that aspect and it dimineshed the atmosphere. People are so casual and dress down to such a degree that it is near impossible to find a romantic place for dinner anywhere any longer."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The potato soup was delicious.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The potato soup was delicious. I have ordered the tomato bisque on previous ocassions. Do you include this on your
menues at other times?"
menues at other times?"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite! Great service.....
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our favorite!
Great service.....
Food outstanding."
Great service.....
Food outstanding."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 23 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
One of our three meals was
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"One of our three meals was very good, the eggplant stack. The chicken and sausage pasta dish was just okay. the mediterranean chicken was very bland. we were disappointed that none of the meals came with a side or salad. We don't plan to return, as we have had similar experiences in the past."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
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Review 24 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Let me start by saying this
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Let me start by saying this was a very good first experience! There r areas that I would improve starting with the chairs, but the booths r comfortable. Loved the lighting, and the bar looked quiet but fun and sociable. The food was good and fresh but we ordered a assortment of appetizers and our main one came with black olives and I am not a fan. That is not the restaurants fault, but I can only comment on what I had. There were several dishes on other tables that looked delicious. I would recommend others to try for them selves and I would go back. Excellent place for a upper class date that will not break ur wallet!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We go for brunch almost every
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We go for brunch almost every Sunday. The food and Mimosa's are always great. The waitstaff is very attentive and the bartender, Josh, is one of the best."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place to bring a date
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I set up a reservation online about a week in advance which was really simple and easy. They seated me right away after greeting me warmly at the door. It was perfect for a date; the lighting was great, the noise level was low, and the food was amazing! It was very busy and our food still came in a timely manner and we had a very attentive waiter. Great for a dress up date, fancy atmosphere"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 27 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I took my special woman for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I took my special woman for Valentine's Day. The menu was amazing. Try the fig salad!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was the third time my
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was the third time my wife and I have visited this restaurant since moving into the area. All of them were a great experience. The staff is attentive, the food is outstanding and the wine list continues to surprise me. We will be back and bring along our friends, business associates and family. It is a great place for any occasion."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 29 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, the Tiramisu was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, the Tiramisu was amazing!!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Isabella's was amazing as
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Isabella's was amazing as always. The food was absolutely delicious & the service was fantastic!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
No
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food wasn't good at all. I ordered lasagna and it tasted like leftovers heated up in the microwave. Our server was awkward slow and never checked on us. I'm from a big city with great food, so maybe I'm a bit spoiled. But I will not go back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Isabella's Italian Trattoria
Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate