Isla. Filipino. Restaurant.

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!

Terrific service, family like atmosphere and reasonable portions for a decent price. Wait time for food is a bit long but worth it. Call in ahead to make reservations. The mini Lumpias are delicious and the lechon kawali which is the fried roasted pig is yummy, tender and crispy. Will come back there again to try other dishes!

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 haven't been to Chicago in 2 years and the last time I was in town I went to Isla for the first time. This time, it is just as good as I remember. I made sure that I made a special trip for this restaurant. Service was friendly and fairly fast even during the Sunday lunch rush. I ordered beef kaldareta and mixed chicken and pork adobo. Both sauce were on point. You get plenty for a very reasonable price. I ended it a halo halo and leche flan. The halo halo was great. The leche flan wasnt bad. But i think they used granular sugar to caramelized the top instead of brown sugar so it was more on the bitter side. Other than that this place is fantastic.

We visited this relatively new location in Urban Space, Chicago of the original Isla. At 3:00 pm, there were plenty of indoor dining spots and service was very fast. We had the Chicken Adobo with rice, Lechon with rice, and two ! orders of lumpia with dipping sauce. It was an absolutely delicious feast. The portions are large but, more importantly, the food is seasoned and cooked very well. Delicious! We can’t wait to go back to try the Filipino hot dogs and other menu items. A real treasure in the Loop.

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.

The chicken adobo was decent but lacked any bold or memorable flavors. For $16, I think the portion sizes could have been larger.

Excellent food and the friendly service, cozy atmosphere. By far the best Filipino food in Chicago that I have tried. Comparable to "Jeepney & Maharlika in NYC." If you haven't been, this place is a must go. Young, hipper crew. Kudos to Mark, the executive chef at Isla Pilina. Definitely looking forward to try the rest of the menu on my next visit. Thank you Sheila for helping me out with posters and fliers.

This place is awesome. Really good Pilipino food with a modern flare. I can't say enough good things about this place.

Ordered this thru doordash, so far the best filipino restaurant here in chicago. Portion size and food is great and when i got my order it was still hot. Will always come back and order to this place!