Isla is the latest big win for Midtown Center, downtown’s buzzy dining hub for everything from Japanese (Shōtō) to Italian (Grazie Nonna), and now Caribbean cuisine.
Isla’s Lonie Murdock, a Canadian chef and restaurateur with Jamaican heritage, showcases her island roots in style for her first-ever D.C. project that turns one at the end of the month.
Sink into a sleek tan couch surrounded by plants, use the soft palm-printed pillows as your armrest, and order like you’re on vacation, like my date and I did.
Any vantage point of Murdock and her team at work, where you can watch the fine-tuned symphony of fire-grilled branzino and oxtail patties coming off the line.
It’s hard to remember this was once the home of Nick Stefanelli’s Philotimo. No redesign details were spared, from an illuminated gold bar to luxe magenta furnishings imprinted with palms; but the most striking statement piece is right above you: a 10-foot shimmering pink chandelier reminiscent of Chihuly’s gorgeous glasswork. Plating here is a work of art itself, and even the food’s outfits are stylish; starters like that crudo come in colorful crystal bowls that cast shadows on the marble table. In short, if Vegas and the tropics had a baby, this sophisticated, yet comfortable, dining room would be it.
D.C. steps up its look here (there is a dress code), which makes Isla a good choice for a date, anniversary, or birthday. I spotted celebrity chef Carla Hall leaving whatever fabulous dinner party she was attending that night in a perfectly tailored suit.
Keep the night going with a five-second walk next door to Goodlove, its sultry sibling lounge overseen by glittery leopard prints that serves excellent cocktails at a bar lined with fringed lamps.
Dining and Cooking