isabella's

[menton1]

Any feedback on Isabella's on Columbus? Heard that this is a true "bargain" with creative food at reasonable prices. Thanks.

[menton1]

I figured I'd ask the same question, got no responses last year....

[Felonius]

Haven't been in a while, but used to go frequently. I always thought the food was decent, and a reasonable value given the setting and the neighborhood. It's particularly nice in fair weather when one can dine al fresco out front.

They must be doing something right, because it's one of the few restaurants in this neighborhood that has remained popular over the years. I can remember dining there during a previous stay in NYC back in the late 80's.

If you're in the neighborhood I'd certainly give it a try. I wouldn't say it was a destination restaurant for folks outside of the UWS though.

[bloviatrix]

I haven't been there in 10 years -- I can't even remember the food. But, when the weather is nice it's great place for people watching assuming you have an outside table.

[alacarte]

It's OK, kind of ordinary, the food is decent quality but I thought it was uninspired. It's owned by B.R. Guest (they also own the Dos Caminos chain, Blue Water Grill, and Park Avalon). I took a team of co-workers there a couple of years ago, and they did seem to enjoy themselves.

[Bux]

I guess it's been more than 10 years since I've been there. When my father lived in the neighborhood, it was a sometimes spot for dinner. Then it was nothing special and little more than one of the more okay places within walking distance. It's possible it's improved and it's also possible that much better places have opened.

[Suzanne F]

Isn't that one of Steve Hanson's places, from before he started going upscale? Which means it's probably fairly reliable but not particularly exciting.

[bloviatrix]

Isn't that one of Steve Hanson's places, from before he started going upscale? Which means it's probably fairly reliable but not particularly exciting.

I believe it's his very first one.