Isla Cantina, West Hollywood

Hollywood’s newest Mexican restaurant, Isla, gives guests an explosive Latin experience, redefining traditional Mexican cuisine by integrating chic elements and
a pulsating ambiance. It’s right next to Red Rock and has amazing food and out
of this world drinks. If you’re in the area you have to stop by for some of it’s
creative cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. Everyone there couldn’t
help but get into the festive mood and have a great time.

The dynamic design of the modish lounge is breathtaking as it transports diners from Hollywood to Cancun, fusing scrumptious food with an amazing full bar carrying
over 80 fine tequilas. Islas offers reasonable priced Small Plates, as well as more intricate entrees such as their mouth-watering Tacos Cocina Isla, served with
salsa fresca. A late-night menu offers playful fare such as Quesadillas and
Osyters-raw or grilles Isla Style. Isla is the fun and festive treat
for diners who want to break out of the traditional!

Cadillac Margarita

Although Isla serves Mexican food that possesses rich
depth and authenticity, this is not a place to come for nachos,
and burritos. Expect, instead, a flavorful journey down a path of gourmet
delights that combine classic favorites with the special accent of central Mexico.

Signature Drinks

It all begins when you walk past Isla, with a nice exterior that reminds me of a
castle! Its warm, bohemian atmosphere and the softly exotic music that
wafts through the cocktail lounge and front dining room that help
impart a bright Latin elegance to the dining experience.

Mint Mojito Blue Lady

Our polished and cultured owner and Manager Igor was quick to deliver a
delicious Mojito and to my guest a delicious Blue Lady; a delicious
cocktail, while we sat briefly waiting for our appetizers.

Cheese Quesadilla

When they arrived, we both found their aromas
and presentations to be absolutely mouthwatering. The
Quesadilla with Mozzarella Melted, onions and jalapenos were great. The
Taquitos were also fresh and delicious, we tried the chicken, beef and pork. All topped with tomatillo sauce, cotija cheese, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole.

Taquitos (Beef, Chicken or Pork)

Shrimp Diablo

We also tried the Shrimp Diablo sauteed in a spicy Vera Cruz tomato sauce and
a wonderufl Filet Mignon Apache (Mexican Carpaccio); thin slices of
fresh fish prepared with red onions, jalapenos, lemon & olive oil.
Both of these creations were incredibly fragrant and delicious.

Filet Mignon Apache (Mexican Carpaccio)

We each also sampled the Sugar Cane Skewers, marinated Chicken, Shrimp and
filet Mignon. We savored the first skewer and quickly understood why this
particular appetizer had come so highly recommended.

Sugar Cane Skewers Crowded Bar Area

Although Isla also features a wide range of wonderful dishes featuring Enchiladas, Fajitas, and Chicken my guest and I decided to stay with our favorites, I love
seafood and he loves meat. We ended up being extremely impressed with
the entrées that chef Antonio Hernandez from Jalisco, Mexico
eventually brought to the table with a flourish.

Tacos Cocina Isla

But before, we were told not to miss the Tacos Cocina
Isla, I wanted to try the Pacific Lobster taco, and my guest had
the filet Mignon Taco. We tasted a sample, but usually they came in 3 large
tacos, that is truly delicious and served with guacamole, sour cream and salsa fresca.

Carne Asada Bandera

My guest’s Carne Asada Bandera were giant; a Grilled NY Steak with onions, tomatoes & heirloom bell peppers, the meat was very tender and tasty, also
served with Rice and Beans. I was utterly enchanted by my choice
the Pacific Sea Bass; sauteed with citrus and ancho chile sauce,
presented on a bed of Mexican rice and Beans. Delicious!

Pacific Sea Bass

We had little room for dessert, but were finally persuaded to split one of Islas’fine after dinner creations. The special Grand Marnier Soufflé covered in a wonderful
chocolate sauce made with rich goat’s milk and had the whipped cream
richness that was the perfect topper to our fine meal.

Grand Marnier Soufflé

If anyone should ever need a good reason to venture off the beaten track in
search of a great, ‘undiscovered’ restaurant in Hollywood,
I can certainly assure them that Isla is it!

For map and location click Here!

For more information please visit their website at www.islacantina.com

Today is: Friday, April 19, 2024