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All Reader Reviews of...

Isabella's

359 Columbus Ave., New York, NY, 10024
at 77th St.
212-724-2100

Avg. Rating

7
Food: 7
Service: 6
Décor: 7
"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

56% would go back.

 Write your own review

tastebuds enjoy!

By mcohl on 3/8/2009

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

I recently ate at Isabellas, and was immediately greeted by friendly staff and a warm, soothing decor. I was unfamilar with some of the dishes and our server was very helpful in making great suggestions!I had the mahi-mahi which was perfectly cooked and paired with an amazing potatoe hash.My company enjoyed the Braised short ribs it was tender and perfectly seasoned.It was upscale, but far from stuffy playing a mix of new and old music. Was a hit among my group!!!

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43 out of 88 people found this review helpful.

Best Night Out In a Long Time!

By seelois on 1/3/2009

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

I went to Isabella's to celebrate New Year's Eve with my husband and friends! It was an esthetically pleasing experience. The ambiance of the place added to the joy of the occasion. The pretty white lights, wreaths, champagne colored helium balloons filled the ceiling while a band played in the background. From the on start of walking in to the place, greeted by a cheerful host staff, and the fantastic wait staff to the 3 course meal, I was blown away. Chef Lictro, Isabella's Executive Chef, out did himself! The Beef and Sea Bass was delicious. Not to mention the desserts! I am planning to take some of my good friends because they deserve the very best!

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40 out of 73 people found this review helpful.

Lovely Evening at Isabella's for a Bunch of Swedes

By Lynhistory on 10/9/2008

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

There were twelve of us in all at an evening wedding reception. All but three of us were visitors from Sweden. It would have been easy for the staff to have given "routine" service to our group of accented "outsiders." Instead, we were given a nice area of the balcony and were feted with elaborate and delicious side appetizers, side dishes, and desserts, "on the house," at no extra charge above the prix-fixe. The staff was attentive and soooooo friendly -- highlighted by a visit from Chef John Licitro. He had earlier sent an assistant around to make sure our lone vegetarian was well taken care of. The three children in our party were also treated well. I give them a 9.

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31 out of 60 people found this review helpful.

Great spot, that's about it

By lovenyc on 1/4/2008

  • Overall Rating: 3
  • Food: 1
  • Service: 4
  • Décor: 7
  • No, I would not go back!

In January of 2007, we visited Isabella's & had a pleasant experience. On New Year's Day 2008, our whole family (a group of 7) went on our recommendation for dinner. To say the least, we were embarrassed. The waiter was pleasant, but clearly having a rough day. The appetizers and main course were served in a disjointed fashion, with 2 of us sitting and waiting while everyone else's food was getting cold. My appetizer (the brie & zucchini pancakes)were inedible. We eat out a lot, and I think it is only the second time that I have returned something. The Veal ravioli was overcooked, cold, greasy and the veal inside was actually tough. Only a couple of things ordered were good.The wine was in a cooler out of reach from the table and the staff was inattentive. We opted out of dessert. I didn't want to write this, but I read reviews before booking & hate to see anyone spend money on such a disappointing meal. It really is a lovely spot, so I hope the management will pull it together in the future. Perhaps a re-visit by New York?

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129 out of 255 people found this review helpful.

Tough critics

By makuahunowai on 10/4/2007

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

We had a party of four at lunchtime after several hours at the American Museum of Natural History. The food was uniformly excellent and the service was attentive, prompt and friendly. We had the NE clam chowder, Caesar salad, spinach/ricotta ravioli, hay and straw linguine, and a cheeseburger done to perfection. We shared bites of everything. I can also recommend the honey/pear vodka martini (specialty drink). I have read literally hundreds of reviews posted at NY Mag and think New Yorkers are way too hard on their restaurants. Lighten up, guys. You have more interesting and varied food in your town than most people have in their entire state. And this place is a real treat!

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163 out of 321 people found this review helpful.

Dont waste your money! What a disappointment!

By rnnr on 7/19/2007

  • Overall Rating: 3
  • Food: 2
  • Service: 4
  • Décor: 5
  • No, I would not go back!

I decided to try this place on restaurant week. The food was horrible; A cold salmon dish, nauseating carrot soup, cold, stale bread, and a rock hard chocolate cake. The entree was a sliver of cold salmon served on a bed of salad and stale fruit. What a waste of time and money and an embarrassment for me because I brought someone there with me.

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147 out of 356 people found this review helpful.

In the neighborhood

By nancytm on 7/28/2005

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

Just happened to come across this restaurant while walking in the neighborhood of our hotel. We enjoyed it so much we went twice. The Ahi Tuna was perfect! I plan on visiting again on my next trip.

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365 out of 688 people found this review helpful.

Kick back Dining

By martin_chamois on 10/19/2004

  • Overall Rating: 7
  • Food: 7
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

Isabella’s is a relaxed Upper Westsider that’s perfect for Sunday Brunch, a laid backed lunch or a comfort dinner. In good weather the outdoor terrace is the place to be to observe the scene. While the food is average, this is a place more about the place than the cusine.

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412 out of 775 people found this review helpful.

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