The place was packed and there was a wait for seating when we went here on a Saturday night. The seating was very compact and "cost" but the absolutely top notch delicious food was worth the wait and possible discomfort.
The wait staff were very friendly even though they were super busy they were warm and accommodating.
Loved everything I tried. We had the milkfish, Kare kare, lechon kawali and chop suey. The Kare Kare was the standout dish. I have always said if there was a dish that can be adapted for western palates it would be this and I believe Isla Filipina has done it. It had the perfect balance of a sweet savory dish. I don't know how they got that sweetness but I ate this without the standard bagoong accompaniment. Great job! Would visit again when I am in Chicago again.
I was absolutely in heaven with the food here. The seafood express dish was amazing. Full of flavors my mouth is still watering! The adobo was one of the best I've had. I would recommend this place to anybody going to Chicago. Such value for the potions they serve!!
Went to Isla this weekend in their new location in Urbanspace. We had the opportunity to try out the chef’s counter experience and it did not disappoint. The experience started off nice and light with lumpia (of course 🤤) but as the different courses progressed the chef talent behind isla was expressed in items that aren’t on the regular menu. My favorite was the tempura spinach bc you could still taste the earthiness of the spinach without it being drowned out by the batter. The smoked duck was amazing and melted in your mouth like butter. Portion sizing was good and fair- definitely was full by the fourth course but I managed to find room for the ube milkshake. Was not going to let the cookie on top go to waste. Highly recommend checking out!
Terrific service, family like atmosphere and reasonable portions for a decent price. Wait time for food is a bit long but worth it. Call in ahead to make reservations. The mini Lumpias are delicious and the lechon kawali which is the fried roasted pig is yummy, tender and crispy. Will come back there again to try other dishes!
We had the opportunity to have dinner at Isla while in visiting Chicago from Cleveland and cannot say enough great things about my experience! We were given the opportunity to try the Counter experience! I have not previously had the opportunity to eat much Filipino food and this talented chef has set the bar high! The counter service menu progressed very nicely starting off with the lumpia (which I could eat all day long) and then followed with two courses with vegetables as the main focus followed by mouth watering applewood smoked duck and delicious crispy pata (deep fried pork leg). Then the meal ended with a smooth Ube milkshake. I was so delightfully full I had to delay the milkshake for a little bit so I could fully enjoy it! Strongly urge everyone to check out Isla's new location Urbanspace.
I haven't been to Chicago in 2 years and the last time I was in town I went to Isla for the first time. This time, it is just as good as I remember. I made sure that I made a special trip for this restaurant. Service was friendly and fairly fast even during the Sunday lunch rush. I ordered beef kaldareta and mixed chicken and pork adobo. Both sauce were on point. You get plenty for a very reasonable price. I ended it a halo halo and leche flan. The halo halo was great. The leche flan wasnt bad. But i think they used granular sugar to caramelized the top instead of brown sugar so it was more on the bitter side. Other than that this place is fantastic.
We visited this relatively new location (in Urban Space, Chicago) of the original Isla. At 3:00 pm, there were plenty of indoor dining spots and service was very fast. We had the Chicken Adobo with rice, Lechon with rice, and two (!) orders of lumpia with dipping sauce. It was an absolutely delicious feast. The portions are large but, more importantly, the food is seasoned and cooked very well. Delicious! We can’t wait to go back to try the Filipino hot dogs and other menu items. A real treasure in the Loop.
Excellent food and the friendly service, cozy atmosphere. By far the best Filipino food in Chicago that I have tried. Comparable to "Jeepney & Maharlika in NYC." If you haven't been, this place is a must go. Young, hipper crew. Kudos to Mark, the executive chef at Isla Pilina. Definitely looking forward to try the rest of the menu on my next visit. Thank you Sheila for helping me out with posters and fliers.
This place is awesome. Really good Pilipino food with a modern flare. I can't say enough good things about this place.
Ordered this thru doordash, so far the best filipino restaurant here in chicago. Portion size and food is great and when i got my order it was still hot. Will always come back and order to this place!
Everything about this place is amazing! The atmosphere is relaxed, the music they play is fun, and the people who work there are wonderful. Most importantly, the food is delicious! I'm always happy to be at Isla Pilipina. Thanks!
I wish the lechon was more traditional instead of deep fried. Still a great spot!!!
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