Food was really good! The chicken BBQ - is amazing! Definitely want to try other menu options
I had high hopes for this place after my go to place, Isla Pilipina on Lawrence, closed. The food is OK but too expensive for what you get. I'll give it another try on another day. But at best I would give it 3 stars based only on what you get in your meal. An example is the $5 lumpia shanghai that are pencil thin.
Solid Filipino place for being in a food hall in the Loop. Good for introducing the cuisine to non-filipino friends, but I wouldn't take Filipino relatives here.By far, my favorite was the lechon. It was unbelievably crispy with every bite. Would come back just for this.On the other hand, the adobo had surprinsgly little sauce, the lumpia was the smallest and thinnest I've ever seen (order comes with 6 but would only serve 1-2), and the portions are on the small side.
Ate at the Urbanspace location for lunch. I got the Lechón Kawali. The portion of pork and rice I got was pretty good and filled me up. The pork was crispy and delicious and maybe next time I'll spring for the garlic rice. The sauce that comes with the dish compliments the pork well. I'd come here again for lunch for sure.
The Lumpia is to die for. Amazing crunchy Asian finger food that makes you smile. They are now at Urban Space, and condensed space during covid.
I missed Isla but I’m so glad it reopened in the Loop!!! Great food! Fast service! Comfort Filipino food at its best!!!
Went to Isla this weekend in their new location in Urbanspace. We had the opportunity to try out the chef’s counter experience and it did not disappoint. The experience started off nice and light with lumpia (of course ?) but as the different courses progressed the chef talent behind isla was expressed in items that aren’t on the regular menu. My favorite was the tempura spinach bc you could still taste the earthiness of the spinach without it being drowned out by the batter. The smoked duck was amazing and melted in your mouth like butter. Portion sizing was good and fair- definitely was full by the fourth course but I managed to find room for the ube milkshake. Was not going to let the cookie on top go to waste. Highly recommend checking out!
We had the opportunity to have dinner at Isla while in visiting Chicago from Cleveland and cannot say enough great things about my experience! We were given the opportunity to try the Counter experience! I have not previously had the opportunity to eat much Filipino food and this talented chef has set the bar high! The counter service menu progressed very nicely starting off with the lumpia (which I could eat all day long) and then followed with two courses with vegetables as the main focus followed by mouth watering applewood smoked duck and delicious crispy pata (deep fried pork leg). Then the meal ended with a smooth Ube milkshake. I was so delightfully full I had to delay the milkshake for a little bit so I could fully enjoy it! Strongly urge everyone to check out Isla's new location Urbanspace.
I was really looking forward to trying this place after hearing a lot about it. Unfortunately their food hall location is not the most ideal:/. I understand being in such a place can drive up the cost but 16 dollars for a snack size of rice and some steak with no other toppings was pretty underwhelming. For 16 dollars you can get pretty decent amount of food even in the loop.I hope they get to open a restaurant by themselves again and I will go visit again.
I love all their Filipino dishes! Full of flavor and cooked perfectly!