Isla Cuban-Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar - La Palma, California

Phil C.

I've dined here a few times, and it's been relatively good. Spacious dining and bar areas, as well as patio seating, are available. Lunchtime isn't too busy, so it's a pleasant vibe. The service was good every time I dined here, and the staff was kind and attentive. Reservations are recommended for dinner time and large groups. The atmosphere is more active during dinner, with house and live music a few nights of the week. It's also a nice spot for small and large parties.

Food.
The food presentation is photo-worthy. The empanadas were delicious and one of my favorite items at Isla. They have light, crispy shells, and flavorful fillings. The two sauces added a nice touch. The Lomo Saltado is also a tasty and classic option. My family enjoyed the Polla Asado, Mofongo, and plantain appetizer.

However, the El Cubano sandwich wasn't great. The last time I ordered, the pork was dry, and the fries were soggy and bland overall. I didn't want to finish my meal. Maybe it was just an off day, but that was my last meal at Isla. I'll consider trying other items on my next visit.

Isla also has a full bar with a good menu of house cocktails, spirits, wines, and beers (imported and domestic).

Overall, a 3.75/5-star rating for now.

Azucena D.

I’ve been here 3 times now and honestly just keeps getting better and better. I celebrated my birthday there with 2 of my close friends and the food was delicious!! The drinks 10/10… it’s a perfect combo: ambiance, music, food, and drinks all 10/10. I enjoy pretty esthetic places to eat at and often times you either get pretty esthetic with crappy food. Here, you get EVERYTHING. The plates/drinks look pretty but also taste delicious. We got lomo saltado, pollo saltado, veggies and a pretty drink that tasted delicious. It’s also perfect for date nights!! Ps. The ceviche is everything and MORE 🙌🏼🙌🏼

Carolina B.

Wow! A lovely Caribbean surprise!! First time of many more to come to enjoy the warmth of great service, atmosphere, food and drinks. I had an Oxtail-Mofongo, green plantains mashed with salt, garlic, pork rinds and olive oil, to die for! Reminiscing my grandma’s favorite hit the spot. As appetizer the Yucca and cheese balls were creamy inside and crunchy outside. The sangria was also good as well as the rice pudding for desert. On Wednesday they are having a great salsa lesson with Rogelio, fantastic teacher for beginners and intermediate dancers, lots of fun!! Can’t wait to go back and try some of the other menu items, all looks delish!

Billy T.

This food is not bad. When I first came here I enjoyed it a lot my second time it was just okay but I will continue to say the food here is consistent and good and they have an oxtail with plantains and rice. That's actually really good and their cocktails are delicious and they have great. Really good choices oh and by the way I will set up the ceviche was extremely sweet. Wasn't my cup of tea

Viviana H.

LARGE GROUP EXPERIENCE
Came here with a large group of 10, but we were told they couldn’t guarantee us reservations when we called days prior bc they already had a large group — so they told us just show up early at a different time.
* I highly recommend you having a reservation ahead
So we showed up in person and they told us we’d be on a timer for 90 mins so we’d be seated in the outdoor section. They have heaters so we were OK.

** Keep in mind that parties of 6 or more you get 20% service fees added to your bill already.
** they allow up to 3 credit cards for bill payment.

Drinks and food menu prices were decent but honestly the plate I came here for was ROPA Vieja and it was the most disappointing meal ever at a Cuban restaurant. The meat was NOT tender at all, and it was so tough to eat. The MOFONGO dish presentation was very nice though. But I’ve never had Ropa Vieja so tough to eat that I literally left 75% of it uneaten. This gets 2* in my humble opinion.

The Ravi Encendido was actually delicious. 4*

I tried their mocktail bc had to drive - this mango juice looked like canned but also so sour. Needless to say, I’m not a fan. Better get your true spirits.

The Isla sample platter was tasty - this gets 4*.

The place plays Latin music overhead and it can be really loud. So be prepared to yell. But in all honesty, they didn’t make it so welcoming so I’m unlikely to come back in large group.

Hector R. L.

Authentic Cuban flavor, good service, very good atmosphere, cold beer 🍺 saw the preparation of the Dominican Old fashion and it was amazing.

JW

Fun place with friendly service. The food was very good. We had a great time. We would have loved to stay for the live entertainment. We heard a little bit as we were leaving and it looked like folks were ready to party!

Nick B.

The food here is good but a little different from many of the other Cuban places I’ve been, meaning in flavor. But the atmosphere here is really vibrant and festive. It’s a very open restaurant with nice decor. The food here comes out very quickly, so be prepared to drink some cocktails and groove with the live band they have.