La Isla

- 4920 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220

For New Yorkers craving a taste of the Caribbean without leaving the five boroughs, La Isla stands out as a beloved, authentic culinary destination. Situated in the heart of Brooklyn, this establishment is far more than your typical fast-food joint—it’s a beacon of Puerto Rican and Latin American culture, serving up deeply traditional flavors with the speed and convenience modern city life demands. La Isla has long been a neighborhood favorite, providing comforting, hearty meals that transport diners straight to the island with every bite. The restaurant masterfully balances the quick service of a fast-food setting with the rich, home-cooked quality of classic Puerto Rican cuisine.

The restaurant’s history, while not explicitly detailed in public records, speaks to a deep community connection and resilience. Following a fire, the venue underwent a renovation, re-opening to a clean, modern aesthetic. While some long-time patrons recall the previous, more traditional setup where food was displayed at the counter, the commitment to fresh, delicious, and authentic flavors has reportedly remained. As one customer noted, the food is still "fresh and delicious," even with the operational shift to a menu-only ordering system. This dedication to quality ingredients and traditional recipes has solidified La Isla’s reputation as a reliable spot for genuine Puerto Rican comfort food in Brooklyn.

At La Isla, the menu is a vibrant showcase of Comida Criolla, the hearty and flavorful cuisine of Puerto Rico. From staples like Mofongo (mashed plantains) to succulent Pernil (roast pork) and various Frituras (fried appetizers), the selection is extensive and caters to a true appreciation for island gastronomy. This blend of fast, accessible service and authentic, generously portioned dishes makes La Isla a must-visit for anyone in the New York area seeking genuine Latin American flavor on the go.

La Isla is conveniently located at 4920 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA. Nestled in the dynamic neighborhood of Sunset Park, Brooklyn, the restaurant is easily accessible for both locals and visitors traversing the borough. Fifth Avenue is a bustling, commercial corridor, and the location provides a central point for those looking to grab a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal. Its placement within a vibrant community underscores its role as a local institution that serves the daily culinary needs of New Yorkers. Whether you're coming from work, running errands, or simply exploring one of Brooklyn’s most culturally rich areas, La Isla offers a welcoming spot for a delicious break.

La Isla offers a range of services designed to provide maximum convenience for its fast-paced New York clientele, from quick meals to catering-sized portions.

• Takeout: Ideal for individuals who want to grab their meal and go, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Delivery: Customers throughout the local area can enjoy the full menu of Caribbean flavors delivered right to their home or office.
• Dine-in: Patrons have the option to eat within the restaurant's clean and inviting, newly updated space.
• Lunch Service: The restaurant is a key spot for lunch, offering quick turnaround times for traditional, satisfying meals.
• Beverage Offerings: The menu includes alcoholic options like Beer, in addition to non-alcoholic choices.
• Catering Options: As evidenced by customer reviews praising the food for large gatherings, La Isla is equipped to handle orders for parties and events, offering larger portions of favorites like Pernil and Arroz con Gandules.

La Isla's popularity among Brooklyn residents is driven by several key features that set it apart in the competitive New York dining landscape.

• Authentic Puerto Rican and Latin American Cuisine: The core highlight is the commitment to traditional, rich, and flavorful dishes that reflect genuine island cooking. The menu is packed with staples from the Caribbean.
• High-Quality Meats and Stews: Signature dishes like Rabo (Oxtail), Carne Guisado (Beef Stew), and Pernil Por Libra (Roast Pork by the pound) highlight the restaurant's focus on slow-cooked, deeply seasoned meats that form the heart of Puerto Rican comfort food.
• Extensive Frituras Selection: A major draw is the variety of appetizers, or Frituras, which are essential to the cuisine. These include Alcapurria (cassava fritters), Bacalaitos (codfish fritters), Rellenos De Papa Fritura (stuffed potato balls), and Pastelillos (patties) with various fillings.
• The Jibaro Dish: For an individual, quick-serve option, the Jibaro—a plantain-based dish, often featuring ground beef—is a unique and affordable highlight at only $5.75. This showcases the creative use of plantains, a cornerstone ingredient in Puerto Rican cooking.
• Fresh, Natural Juices: The menu features a selection of popular Caribbean Jugos & Bebidas (Juices & Beverages), including exotic flavors like Coco Jugo (Coconut), Tamarindo Jugo (Tamarind), and Parcha Jugo (Passion fruit), offering a refreshing counterpoint to the savory meals.
• Affordable and Generous Portions: Customers frequently praise the excellent value, noting the reasonable prices for the quality and generous sizes of the portions, making it a great option for budget-conscious diners seeking substantial meals.
• Resilience and Modernized Space: The restaurant’s successful re-opening post-fire, now featuring a clean and modern environment, speaks to its enduring appeal and commitment to the community.

To place an order, make inquiries about catering, or find out more about the menu, customers can reach La Isla using the contact details below:

Address: 4920 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA

Phone: (718) 748-9375

Choosing what to order at La Isla can be a delightful challenge given the menu's breadth, but several dishes consistently stand out as must-tries for the authentic experience. For a complete and hearty meal, the large plate portions served with Arroz y Habichuelas (Rice and Beans) are highly recommended. A classic choice is the 1/2 Pernil (Half Roast Pork with rice and beans, $16.00), renowned for its crispy skin and tender, marinated meat. Alternatively, the Rabo (Oxtail with rice and beans, $20.00) offers a deep, savory flavor for those who enjoy slow-cooked stews.

For fans of fried specialties, diving into the Frituras is essential. The Alcapurria ($3.50) or Pastelillos De Carne ($3.50) are perfect for a quick snack or to start your meal. The individual portions, such as the Mofongo Individual ($13.00), provide a classic taste of Puerto Rican comfort, made from mashed green plantains.

For a quick, classic fast-food experience with a Latin twist, try a sandwich like the Pernil Sandwich ($12.00) or a simple, filling individual item like the Chicharron De Pollo Individual ($11.00). Regardless of your choice, La Isla’s menu promises an authentic, flavorful, and satisfying connection to the culinary heritage of the Caribbean, all within the bustling backdrop of Brooklyn, NY. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or planning a feast, La Isla remains a reliable, high-quality purveyor of Puerto Rican soul food.

La Isla

4920 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA