La Isla Restaurant
“it's BYOB – so you can run up the block to buy a pack of Presidente to enjoy with your Ropa Vieja while you sit outside.”
“Whether you come in for the Cuban latte, stuffed french toast, or their signature huevos rancheros, La Isla will not disappoint!”
“She had the special, braised beef topped with onions and served with rice and black beans, I had the tasajo con boniato (sp?)”
La Isla Restaurant
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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I have never gone to the other Isla, despite my best intentions, so I was psyched to finally go to this one uptown. Coincidentally, my other friends also got a table there at the same time so we got to hang at the bar for a cocktail while waiting to be seated. We had the ceviche which was delicious, empanadas and camarones. Atmosphere was upscale and festive. Like this place a lot.
i had to stop in and grab some food as I was starving & the thought of authentic Cuban food had me salivating like a dog on a hot day. SO pulled out my Yelp app, got busy & decided on La Isla. This is a small restaurant and it has a few tables (about 6) and counter seating. I opted for the counter as the only available table was in the back. I ordered the beef empanada, and pollo asado. The boyfriend got a pork sandwich. Ok so the expand was Amazeballs! It was sooo good. The pollo aside was okay, but this dish calls for cooked onions, and my onions were semi cooked and soaked too long in vinegar. It was a potent taste. The rice was dry and the chicken was blah. I mostly ate because i was starving. The boyfriend hated his sandwich and was pretty upset about it. He said it was the worse he has ever had. I gave 3 stars because that empanada was everything.
I am falling more and more in love with this wonderful community restaurant the more I eat here. I can make a meal of their most delicious cuban buttered bread and cafe con leche. But I never do as I can happily order everything on the menu and always over order. The bread reminds me of my grandmother's cooking in both its deliciousness and ability to bring comfort. The cafe con leche is spot on, strong, smooth, just enough milk and like the bread, also comforting, plus a great value. Their yellow rice is perhaps the best I have had anywhere, especially delicious with their moist and flavorful oxtail stew they serve on Thursdays (come for lunch as they may sell out, it's that good). The service is warm, kind, and attentive and is the highlight of the warm atmosphere imbued with salsa music and a colorful interior.
Love this spot, one of my favorites in Hoboken. One of the best Cuban sandwiches you will find. The prices are extremely fair for Hoboken, and the ambience is fun. Their coffee is great as well, either the lattes or just coffee black you can't go wrong. The sandwich is stuffed with pork, topped with cheese, then put on the press until it is crunchy, and melty. They also have a great brunch menu. They were also featured on the food network multiple times, once with Guy, and once with Bobbby. If you are looking for a fun restaurnat with character and great food, this is it.
I have to say that I expected more. The food was good, the service weak, the atmosphere benefits from outdoor dining in good weather (otherwise not too impressive). Also note that wine or beer are not sold by the restaurant – it is BYOB. Fortunately, there is an excellent wine shop a few hundred feet away.
I had written a much better summary of our meal but I accidently posted it to the wrong restaurant and was (properly) asked to remove it.
Solid Sunday brunch spot! "El balsero" -poached eggs+shredded beef on a bed of yellow rice – was filling and delicious, and the sopa de pollo hit the spot on this somewhat dreary spring day. Cafe con leche is served in oversized mugs (good for caffeine addicts like myself), and the service was friendly and solid. I'd definitely return if I were in the area!
Although I've only been here a couple times and don't have a great background in Cuban cuisine, the food was absolutely delicious. Both times I had breakfast. The first time I had an egg sandwich, wasn't exactly Cuban, but it was made very well from what I can remember. I think it was because they didn't skimp on the avo!
My second and most recent visit, I thoroughly enjoyed La Papa as my breakfast. It was amazing. You can't come here expecting quite a healthy meal but you WILL be satisfied! The meat in this dish is so juicy and eggs were cooked just right. I think the star of this dish was the sauce. I can't recall what it's called but it's some type of salsa, it is bonkers!!
Also they serve a side of complimentary bread with your breakfasts – it's a bit crunchy and super soft inside and they add just a touch of butter. So. Good.
Note to newcomers – regular coffee will always come with milk unless you specially request black! They're cubancino is slightly sweetened regular coffee with cinnamon – also very good!
I would make sure to come right when they open – it's not a big place and fills up fast!
I have been to La Isla many times. I must say that this place is amazing! It has great authentic Cuban food at a very reasonable price. Im not saying it is on the same level as Miami/Hialeah but its close. When we got to La Isla, we were quickly seated and placed our orders. We ordered the Sweet Plantain Omelette and the "La Papa". I also order a Cuban Latte. Everything came exactly as ordered and took about 10 minutes. I also tried to order fried Yucca but they did not have any. Throughout our meal the waiter kept checking up on us and made sure we were doing well. The guys who work here are all hard workers! As for the food… WOW! It is great!. If you are new to Cuban food, please note that it can be heavy but it is definitely worth the extra calories. In addition to the food, i also enjoyed the artwork on the walls. Just as a tip for anyone coming here, come early because it gets crowded very quick! I would highly recommend La Isla to anyone looking for great Cuban food.
I would rate La Isla as follows: Food is 5 Stars, Price is 4.5 Stars, Atmosphere is 4.5 Stars and Service is 4.5 Stars.
The views expressed are of my own and are my true personal experience at this establishment. My personal experience may not reflect this actual establishment, their quality or someone else's experience at the establishment