Isla Restaurant has been through a couple of incarnations before but the present one may be the best so far. It was a dark, blustery early fall evening and we needed fortification so a friend and I stopped by this pretty unassuming eatery early this week. The orders came hot and fast. A steaming bowl of nilagang baka – basic, gut-warming boiled beef and vegetables and crispy lechon kawali with a better than most atchara on the side. This obviously wasn’t a lingering, foodie’s meal but I managed a couple of shots to share and made a mental note to drop by when my schedule was less hectic. I second my friend Ken’s hope for consistency, always a key to any resto’s longevity and popularity. The decor is a step above but could use more inspiration. I also suggested a more conspicuous sign outside. After all, this isn’t Cendrillon, yet.

Isla Restaurant
2501 West Lawrence Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois 60625
Telephone 773.271.2988

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