Tucked away among the lakes of Jumeirah Islands, Isola is a quaint Italian eatery that aims to embody the essence of its namesake – Isola means island in Italian.
It takes inspiration from the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, Sardinia, and Capri, and serves up a menu of rustic food to a city that’s already brimming with over 700 Italian restaurants (thanks, Google).
Does it do enough to stand out amongst the crowd? Let’s dig in.
Just a stone’s throw from Dubai Marina, yet distant enough to escape the city’s traffic, Isola sits comfortably in the heart of Jumeirah Islands Lakes community, alongside some of the city’s grandest mansions. While this prime location is no doubt high-end (some might say, posh), the restaurant itself leans toward the charmingly unpretentious.
The design is not unlike that of an Italian villa. Isola is light and bright, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s lots of greenery inside; include an actual tree. It overlooks the clubhouse’s pool, making the restaurant’s terrace a decent sunset spot during Dubai’s cooler months.
The atmosphere at Isola is as varied as its diners. There’s constant hum of activity inside the restaurant, think pool-soaked patrons enjoying drinks post-swim to families tucking into hearty dinners. We even spotted two nervous teenagers, evidently on their first date. Despite its upscale location, Isola maintains an approachable air, devoid of any highbrow pretense.
Where Isola truly shines is in its execution of traditional Italian cuisine. Stick to the core of the menu, and your taste buds will be rewarded. The Seabream Carpaccio, Spaghetti with Clams, and Grilled Octopus are crowd favourites, a nod to the restaurant’s commitment to humble yet delightful fare.
However, the chef’s menu overreaches its capabilities, and strays a touch too far from the kitchen’s comfort zone.
In conclusion, Isola does exactly what it promises – serving up honest Italian food within a charming setting. With a dash of simplicity and a dollop of delectable flavour, it sits proud alongside Dubai’s expansive Italian food scene (just stick to the staples).