Isabella's Taverna & Tapas Bar

Spanish dishes, good service in heart of downtown.

A taste of Spain rekindled a cherished memory. Visiting Isabella's transported my wife and me back to 1979, when we were stationed in Spain. We loved the leisurely tapas bar hopping, sampling delicious bites and savoring local wines.

Isabella's captures that same spirit. Imagine a charming street lined with tapas bars, and Isabella's would be a perfect fit. We enjoyed a bottle of Spanish red and shared several tapas, carefully choosing ones that evoked our past adventures. The food was exceptional, the service impeccable. Isabella's has earned a permanent spot in our dining rotation.

We have been there many times, always confirmed as good alternative within many good ones

Vegetarian options: Not vegetarian. But look and taste vey good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Papas Bravas, Seafood Paella, Asparagus Fries, Ceviche, Empanada, Sizzling Shrimp, Manchego, Red, Fried

A perennial favorite, Isabella's always meets my expectations. Love the seasonal specials and the friendly, helpful staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We were expecting a totally different vibe the last time we were here was 2015. The food was a lot more expensive and not as good as it was back then.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 5

Very efficient and great service from Anthony. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Fried Asparagus

UPDATE SEPT. 2024. ok I take it back, went for lunch, food was awful, prices were insane, $15-20 per tapas? Server was the pompous old guy who has worked there 20 yrs and is a total charisma vacuum. Whole experience made me miss the old days of $5 goat cheese balls and $10 paella. The brunch menu looked great though, but maybe I'm delusional.

Previous review ....

I always forget how great the food is here....really solid tapas, good drinks, excellent consistency. Obviously asparagus fries are the signature dish, chorizo burgers are also amazing, patatas brava lovely ..strangely though can't recommend the paella, stay on the tapas menu....oh and the baked brie is phenomenal. Staff are also super nice. You can quite easily spend quite a bit because the plates are small but it's worth every cent.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Papas Bravas, Asparagus Fries, Empanada

We heard great things about Isabella's but were disappointed. The meat was very dry for two of the tapas we ordered, and the empanadas were flavorless.

Food: 2

Service: 5

I wanted to write this a little higher because I really liked the service, but the food was subpar. The paella was flavorless, have had better. Their saving grace might be their cocktails and their vegetable plates (we liked the patatas, the brussel sprouts, cauliflower and the mushrooms) but that’s it. Maybe maybe go for the small plates and not the paella?

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Papas Bravas, Brussels Sprouts

Love every detail of this place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best happy hour around

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sooooo gooooood!!! I love bringing people here when I'm introducing them to Frederick. Excellent, excellent, excellent. Many vegetarian options, too!

Vegetarian options: Menu is varied with ingredients clearly listed, along with vegetarian and gluten free options

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Papas Bravas, Bacon Wrapped Dates, Seafood Paella, Asparagus Fries, Ceviche, Brussels Sprouts, Empanada, Lobster Risotto, Baked Brie, Sautéed Steak Salad

Not a great Value. Weve been here couple times over the years, normally an excellent experience but post-covid was a miss for us. Fried asparagus was 50% inedible & hard. Pealla Valenciana, white sangria, and empanadas were excellent. Brownie dessert & 2 other average Tappas were nothing special. IF there wasnt SIGNIFICANT PRICE CREEP i'd say this place was 4.5 stars.... but for this price I expect more. Inside looks dark and dated, time for a refresh. We wont be back.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella

Go there to eat!!! Yummy and service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella, Asparagus Fries, Empanada

Drinks & food fab by

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5