A faithful neighborhood favorite, Isabella’s has been an Upper West Side institution for over two decades, a hit with locals and celebrities alike. Isabella’s defines Upper West Side dining with reliable market-fresh offerings for the Mediterranean palate. From birthdays to celebratory brunches, many a memories have been made at Isabella’s and continue unfolding at this “oasis for an unrushed, delicious meal,” according to Zagat. When the weather’s pleasant, grab a sidewalk seat in the café for a classic New York Brunch filled with people-watching, benedicts and Bloody Marys. Indulge your sweet tooth in a Chocolate Bag, a dessert staple that’s been on the menu since opening day!
"I know it was Mother's Day, but it seems our order was lost in the kitchen. After a 40 minute wait, we were offered 'starters' on the house, which was real nice. When the food did show up, it was really good and well plated. Even with the mix up, we will come back"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Sometimes from the minute you sit down you know its not going to be good. Well we sat for quite awhile before anyone came to the table and when the waitress finally did come the response was "I have a lot of other tables". OK that made us feel so much better. The service went downhill from there. The special seafood/arugula arrived w very little seafood and no arugula, interesting. The entrees a bit better, although the Mahi Mahi was overcooked and dry. This is probably an OK place for brunch but not for a good dinner, there are too many good restaurants here to waste your time and $ on this one. Its a shame because there are simple corrections to make the overall experience better."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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"We hadn't been to Isabella's in about 10 years, but were feeling nostalgic. The food was good but unremarkable. What was remarkable was the service that made us feel like they were rushing us through so they could turn the table. Odd when the place was only partially full and there wasn't anyone waiting. We won't be going back."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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"Great brunch, lunch and dinner. The grilled artichokes are amazing. My favorites are the grilled chicken salad, beet salad, lemon skewered chicken, blue cheese crusted filet mignon, etc. I've never had a disappointing meal. The management is superb!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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"We loved our post-American Museum of Natural History luncheon at Isabella's. Our table was quiet--the outside corner of the indoor balcony--so our foursome could converse in normal tones. Service was prompt and not interruptive. My cold mint and fresh baby pea and mint soup was a new taste and refreshing, same for the chopped salad. Others were happy with their meals and cocktails. Most of all appreciated the quiet corner overlooking the rest of the restaurant."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"I visited the first time a year plus ago when my daughter moved to NYC and we had a great time. I have since been back a few times and it is always a wonderful time. This evening we sat inside and up a few stairs and a had a lovely view of the restaurant and the street. Dinner was great. Our server was wonderfully attentive and assisted with our choices including a great cocktail (which i do not usually order). We would go back just for the mixed drink. We had great starters and they served my grilled Alaskan Cod over a salad (which was not on the menu but exactly what I asked for and wanted). My daughter's filet was perfect. Cappuccino to end the meal. I have come and had appetizers and wine outside. Love it here!!! Thanks"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Went there for the first time upon recommendation from a friend. We were a group of four who all had different meals and ALL enjoyed and look forward to going again."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"I went to Isabella's with a few friends for an early dinner Friday night and loved it! The reception/wait staff were excellent - friendly and efficient. Food was really good too. Only gave 4 Stars for Food as would have liked to see a vegetarian/pasta entrée but otherwise plenty to choose from. When we were leaving there was a very long line of people waiting for tables and the restaurant - inside and outside - was packed. Highly recommend!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"For years we have been coming to Isabella's and enjoy the food and relaxed setting. The food on my last two visits was even better but the level of service, look of the wait staff's uniform looks tired and outdated. I would suggest eating downstairs and away from the kitchen stairs but think it s still a good value and worth a lunch or dinner visit."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"We had a group of 8 for my sister's birthday after visiting the Natural History Museum. We finished up at the museum much earlier than we expected. The staff at Isabella's quickly modified our reservation. Our server was friendly, offered great suggestions and made sure we enjoyed our meal. I wish I could remember his name! Anyway, make Isabella's part of your plan when visiting the upper west side."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Isabellas is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant. The atmosphere was especially nice on a warm, sunny spring day with it's open feeling, surrounded by french door-like windows. The chopped salad with Shrimp was delicious. The egg white omelette was cooked to perfection. Our table service was great. No matter what little extra's we asked for (olive oil, ice coffee refills, additional bread, etc.) it was at our table in a matter of moments. We were not rushed between courses, nor were we rushed to finish our coffee at the end of the meal. It was delightful dining at Isabella's. We'll be back!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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"After I expressed my doubt about the rightness of the ordered bottle of wine that was served, the waiter sustained in his annoyance about my mistake."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Our table was at the immediate top of the stairs to the balcony and shook slightly every time the wait staff went up or down. I felt as if my chair would fall backwards down the stairs if I wasn't careful when I moved back. (It wasn't as close as it felt.) The ambiance was otherwise pleasant. I have had dinner there on other occasions and liked everything very much."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2008
Special Features: great for lunch
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"The table we got for six of us was in the back corner of the restaurant, and it was just right for us. The waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable, and we enjoyed the occasion."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Isabella's is a fantastic find on the Upper West Side. The food is so fresh and delicious. I had the lasagna and they made their own pasta and sauce. The Greek salad was also very delicious and fresh, made with local produce. It is a quiet and romantic restaurant with low lighting. Our server was also very friendly and suggested some great dishes, including the Hay and Straw Linguini, which was amazing."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Looking forward to the next time of dining at Isabella's! Superb food & service as well as location when you are working up an appetite at the museum across the street."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2011
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"A really delightful meal. The filet mignon was incredibly tender and flavorful, and my dining companion loved the hake special. Service was swift, and our waiter was very friendly and attentive. Wish I were hungrier, since the desserts looked really good."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"This was my second time at Isabella's. The first time I went was for brunch which I thoroughly enjoyed. My daughter was looking for a place to have Easter dinner and we waited too long to try and get a reservation at our go to place, Keens. Since I'd enjoyed Isabella's for brunch I suggested it to her and we were able to get a reservation for three.
Once again I enjoyed myself. It's intimate without being overly so, and the service was the same as I remembered it, excellent. I had steak and while of course it wasn't Keen's level it was edible and tasty. My daughter's boyfriend had grilled mahi-mahi and he enjoyed his meal as well. Dessert was tiramisu and it was excellent.
Isabella's is quite busy and it's best to make a reservation."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion
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"The place was crowded, and there were even several large groups, but the noise level was never intrusive, the wait-staff were efficient and charming and the food was quite good and priced reasonably. Warmly recommended."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Anuual Easter dinner was very enjoyable as always! (visit several times during the year also) Nicely confirmed the reservation in the afternoon, seated promptly at a great table, great service, comfortable pace, meal was excellent as usual (recommend the gnocchi + killer risotto:)"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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"a true pleasure coming here and pretty consistent over the years since the restaurant began and we were there. good menu choices and wine list and attentive, well-trained service."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"We were attending a Members' Event at the Museum of Natural History at 6:15 pm and needed a place to have an early dinner. We choose Isabella's primarily for its location (just down the street from the Museum) and for the fact that they offered a "Sunset" menu (4:00-5:00 pm) which suited our schedule. I had a delicious seafood salad that contained fresh shrimp, crabmeat, scallops, avocado, lettuce, tomato, etc. My friend dined on skewered chicken that was served with Greek salad and lemon-infused french fries. That too was delicious. We enjoyed a glass of wine with our meal and finished off with cappucino (the foam was at least an inch thick). The restaurant itself is very pretty and the tables are well-spaced. I will definitely return."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Isabella's is a wonderful neighborhood go-to restaurant. We often eat there before a show, or when we're in the vecinity. The chopped salad is delicious -- loaded with capers and other delights -- and we usually gravitate toward the fish entres, which are always good. This time around I had the Hazelnut-encrusted Cod with haricot vert and new potatoes, which was lovely. While the sauce was just a little salty for my taste, I was very impressed otherwise with the balance of the dish. The staff is first rate: friendly, attentive at just the right moments, and eager to please. I would definitely return."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Isabella' is great, except for one thing: the noise. Loud, jarring music is played through speakers in the ceiling ( in our case, right over our heads), And this, combined with the more normal noise of dinner conversation, creates an atmosphere of discordant racket. Why? I don't think a majority of customers actually prefers this over a nice, peaceful dinner. It made both me and my companion feel on edge. I was glad to leave. If it weren't for this, I would eat at Isabella's regularly and recommend it to others, because the food is delicious and the service friendly."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2011
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"What a wonderful find! We enjoyed our first time at Isabella's and plan to go back to try other items on the menu. The blue-cheese crusted filet mignon was marvelous. The wild mushroom ravioli was delicious. Can't wait to try the brunch menu when the weather is nice enough to sit outside."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
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"Dinner service felt very rushed, even though no one was waiting and there were tables available. Waiter seemed inattentive to basics. For instance, we were not offered a drink when seated or before ordering food. Not a big deal but still. Food was good. Would go back, but wouldn't rush back."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
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"Still a small menu, but everything is a winner. A family restaurant it can be a tad noisy at peak times, yet however crowded it gets you never feel rushed and the service is always attentive. Pasta dishes and salads always charm. House breads this time were dry and over salted, but Filet was perfectly flavored and cooked. Baked Cod was perfection - moist and tender yet crisply baked crust; Magic. I'll never understand why their famous Chocolate "Bag" is so popular, but I'd like one of everything else please. And don't miss their poorly described "Salted Caramel Cake" - far more delicate than it sounds. Comfortable setting, gracious service, excellent food... What's not to like?"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"A friend and I had 6:30 reservations. Although the restaurant was barely half full at that time, it was completely full an hour later and people were waiting by the door for tables. Between us, we had two appetizers, two entrees, and a dessert, along with a variety of beverages. The warm Brussels sprouts salad was especially delicious. My salmon was cooked perfectly, and the accompanying risotto was perfection. My friend had the mahi mahi, which was perfectly prepared, although the char flavor from the grill wasn't entirely to her liking. The warm brownie sundae, which we shared for dessert, was wonderfully decadent, though a bit too sweet for my taste (I find most American desserts too sweet). We will definitely be back."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
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"I was visiting the city, and Isabella's was recommended by a friend. It was FABULOUS! The dining area is bright and airy with a great street view. Our waiter was helpful without being overbearing, and we all found the perfect item on the menu."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"This happens to be the third time we have eaten at Isabells in the last few months and have always found the food very good, the service very good and friendly. Always had our reservations ready when we arrived. We wil not hesitate returning or recommending to friends and family,"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"So pleased to return to Isabella's after many years to find out it is still good. I told the hostess I brought my 23-year old daughter when she was less than a year old and sat outside with her - a lovely memory. She was very sweet and excited with my story."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"Superb food, creative menu, with special attention to special needs (food allergies, etc). New executive chef trying out new things and let us sample them (artichoke soup). Interesting takes on old standbys, eg lentil soup with pico de gallo. Filet Mignon was like butter. Seafood was excellent as were sidedishes."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We were very pleased with our experience. The four of us were seated as soon as we arrived at a great table. Our server made an instant connection and made us feel at home. The soup and salad appetizers were outstanding and the seafood, beef and pasta entrees were all superior. And what topped off our evening was when our server brought out four complimentary glasses of champagne to celebrate our son's birthday. She had noticed when checking Id's for drinks that he had turned 28 the day earlier and surmised that ours was a birthday dinner---she was right. She took the initiative to later bring champagne to celebrate. I worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years and would have treasured such an employee. She made our night."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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