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Isa Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
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.
Isa Restaurant
7.9
Long-running Cal-French small-plates spot with a twinkle-lit back patio and share-friendly menu. Reliable execution and approachable pricing make it a Marina staple for cozy photos and group meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared scallops, Sea bass with seasonal vegetables, Duck confit
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Shareable French-leaning plates and a photogenic covered patio.
Who should go: Friends who like to share and linger
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for easier seating
What to order: Seared scallops, signature sea bass, duck confit
Insider tip: Ask for the back patio—lighting is best for photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Steiner and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm, no valet offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops are fine; patio diners often lean a bit dressy for photos.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing conversation indoors, quieter on the covered patio.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; dinner fills after 7pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates like mushroom risotto and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes if requested; best to confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free plates; staff accommodates substitutions when possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the softly lit patio and shareable menu create an easy, relaxed vibe for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights or early weekends, but patio seats go fast—reserve if you want a guaranteed table outside.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids who enjoy trying new dishes; not ideal for toddlers due to pacing and small-plate format.
Best For
Better for: Casual French-style sharing with a warm neighborhood feel and great outdoor ambiance.
Skip if: You want a formal fine-dining experience or strictly vegan options.
Isa Restaurant
8.3
Long-running Cal-French small plates spot with friendly service and a covered back patio. It’s an easy, share-everything date with bistro comforts, solid wines, and a lively Marina crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea bass with seasonal vegetables, Duck confit with crispy skin, Truffle risotto
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Cozy Cal-French share plates with a heated, retractable-roof patio.
Who should go: Couples who like sharing and bistro classics
When to visit: After 8pm for a calmer patio and easier walk-in
What to order: Sea bass; duck confit; truffle risotto
Insider tip: Ask for the back patio—warm lights and heaters boost the mood.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Steiner and Chestnut is limited after 6pm; metered spots nearby. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—Marina-polished but relaxed; sweaters or light jackets for patio seating.
Noise level: Moderate indoors, quieter on the back patio—conversation friendly after 8pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar or patio seats open more quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lunch hours can be limited.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates like truffle risotto and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—ask to modify salads or risotto; no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—multiple dishes can be made gluten-free upon request; no cross-contamination guarantee.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Isa’s candlelight, shareable plates, and cozy patio make it a low-pressure but romantic first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible for two after 8pm, especially on the patio; earlier slots fill quickly on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—best for adults or older teens due to the intimate, date-night energy.
Best For
Better for: Laid-back Cal-French bistro dining with genuine warmth and fair prices compared to trendier Marina spots.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge plating or a quiet fine-dining experience—this leans cozy and social.
Isa Restaurant
8.1
Marina stalwart for Cal-French small plates since 2000, known for lively service and a heated back patio. The menu skews shareable—think seafood, duck confit, and market vegetables—delivering dependable dinners for dates and groups alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck confit, Grilled calamari over beans, Sea bass or halibut with Provençal accents
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Long-running Cal-French small-plates format with a popular heated patio.
Who should go: Casual date nights and small groups
When to visit: Late evenings after 8pm for calmer patio
What to order: Duck confit; grilled calamari; seasonal white fish
Insider tip: Book the back patio—retractable cover and heat lamps extend the season.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tough after 6pm along Steiner and Chestnut; nearby residential blocks offer better luck—no valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are fine, but most guests lean semi-dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively indoors; quieter on the back patio where conversation is easy even during rush hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation; the patio books up early.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though service starts later—check hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-forward small plates and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 adaptable dishes; confirm with server for butter or cream swaps.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many dishes can be adjusted; kitchen is attentive but not celiac-certified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The softly lit patio and shareable small plates make it relaxed but still special—a comfortable first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible on weekdays before 7pm; on weekends, walk-ins often wait for the second seating around 8:30–9pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately. Staff are accommodating, but the vibe skews adult. Early evening is best if bringing kids.
Best For
Better for: More relaxed and affordable than nearby high-end French spots; great for groups that like to share plates.
Skip if: You’re seeking a formal tasting menu or very quiet dining—try Atelier Crenn or Cote Ouest instead.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm