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ZipPicks Awards
Best Luxury Dining French in the Marina District
Best Instagram Worthy French in the Marina District
Best Date Night French in the Marina District
Best French in the Marina District
Master Critic Review
Isa Restaurant
8.2
Long-running Cal-French small-plates spot known for a cozy front room and heated back patio. The menu leans market-driven—seafood, risotti, and a few bistro staples—served with unfussy hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato-wrapped seabass, Seared scallops, Baked Laura Chenel goat cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Two-decades-plus neighborhood fixture with patio seating and Cal-French staples.
Who should go: Friends sharing small plates and wine
When to visit: Golden hour on the patio before the dinner rush
What to order: Potato-wrapped seabass; seared scallops; goat cheese bake
Insider tip: Weeknight prix-fixe is the sweet spot for breadth and value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 6pm, especially near Chestnut Street—arrive early or use a nearby paid lot on Pierce.
Dress code: Smart casual—dark jeans or slacks with a collared shirt or blouse fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively chatter in the main room, quieter on the back patio where you can hold a conversation comfortably.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours (7–8:30pm).
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; the prix-fixe lunch crowd is steady but manageable.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and salads cater to vegetarians, including risotti and seasonal vegetable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted, but not a strong focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most proteins and risotti are naturally gluten-free; staff can advise substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its candlelit patio and intimate front room create an easy, conversational setting without pretension.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can sometimes snag a spot early (before 6:30pm) or late (after 8:45pm), but reservations are recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—menu and vibe lean adult, though well-behaved older children are fine for early dinners.
Best For
Better for: A more relaxed, neighborhood take on Cal-French dining compared to trendier Union Street spots—great for long meals and wine sharing.
Skip if: You’re seeking cutting-edge tasting menus or ultra-modern French presentations; Isa stays classic and cozy.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm