This place is usually packed so try to call for reservation a few minutes before arriving. Don't expect a big fancy restaurant. The first time I've been here, it reminded me of what we call in Manila a carinderia... but mind you, this place is a diamond in the rough.
It's really a bit frustrating that there are only a few Filipino restaurants in Chicago compared to the other Asian counterparts. I beg to object that Filipino cuisines are not at par with them... and once you visit Isla, you would wish for more Filipino restaurants.
For appetizers, the Lumpiang Shanghai and Pork Bbq are my favorites. Filipino Bbq is not your usual barbecue... to begin with, anything barbecued in the Philippines comes skewered. Lumpiang Shanghai is our take on eggrolls.
For main course, one of our staple orders is Kare-Kare. It's beef / ox tripe cooked in peanut sauce. It's traditionally served with shrimp paste (bagoong) but it's good as it is.
You should also try the Nilaga and Sinigang: perfect for those chilly days.
For those who are adventurous, you can try Dinuguan. Its sauce has an interesting ingredient.
Dessert, they have halo-halo, ube ice cream (purple yam) and flan!
I hope that in time, they'll have another branch. And I hope the next place is bigger and less crowded... that will entice more patrons. I've seen non-Filipino patrons here at Isla, and it's so touching to see them enjoying Filipino cuisine.
Food wise, I'll give this place 5 out of 5 stars. Ambiance wise... come on! The food is so worth it ;)
Website: http://www.islapilipina.com
Tel No: 1-773-271-2988
It's really a bit frustrating that there are only a few Filipino restaurants in Chicago compared to the other Asian counterparts. I beg to object that Filipino cuisines are not at par with them... and once you visit Isla, you would wish for more Filipino restaurants.
For appetizers, the Lumpiang Shanghai and Pork Bbq are my favorites. Filipino Bbq is not your usual barbecue... to begin with, anything barbecued in the Philippines comes skewered. Lumpiang Shanghai is our take on eggrolls.
For main course, one of our staple orders is Kare-Kare. It's beef / ox tripe cooked in peanut sauce. It's traditionally served with shrimp paste (bagoong) but it's good as it is.
You should also try the Nilaga and Sinigang: perfect for those chilly days.
For those who are adventurous, you can try Dinuguan. Its sauce has an interesting ingredient.
Dessert, they have halo-halo, ube ice cream (purple yam) and flan!
I hope that in time, they'll have another branch. And I hope the next place is bigger and less crowded... that will entice more patrons. I've seen non-Filipino patrons here at Isla, and it's so touching to see them enjoying Filipino cuisine.
Food wise, I'll give this place 5 out of 5 stars. Ambiance wise... come on! The food is so worth it ;)
Website: http://www.islapilipina.com
Tel No: 1-773-271-2988
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| Crispy Pata (pork knuckle) |
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| Dinuguan (with the special sauce!) |
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| Kare-kare (Peanut butter is the main ingredient of the sauce) -- perfect with shrimp paste |
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| Ginataang Gulay and Hipon (Shrimp and Veggies in Coconut Milk) -- this dish surprised me! It's very good. The shrimp was cooked to perfection. |
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