LA ISLA RESTAURANT Introduce
Located in the heart of East Harlem, LA ISLA RESTAURANT stands as a vibrant beacon of authentic Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine. This local gem is a favorite among residents and those in the know, offering a taste of the Caribbean right in New York City. The restaurant’s mission is to bring the rich, comforting flavors of the islands to its patrons, and it does so with a menu full of traditional dishes that taste fresh and come beautifully arranged. It’s a place where every meal feels like a home-cooked feast, offering both familiar favorites and local specialties that are hard to find elsewhere.
While the provided information classifies it as an "American restaurant," its true identity is rooted in its Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage. The menu is a testament to this, featuring classic dishes like Mofongo, Sancocho, and a variety of meat-centric plates. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, making it a perfect spot for solo diners looking for a quick bite or for groups gathering for a satisfying meal. The friendly and professional tone, combined with the slightly promotional but always factual approach, highlights a place that is proud of its heritage and dedicated to serving its community with high-quality, delicious food.
LA ISLA RESTAURANT is conveniently situated at 1883 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10029. This prime location in East Harlem makes it a well-known and easily accessible destination for anyone in the neighborhood. The restaurant is a familiar landmark for many and its position on 3rd Avenue ensures it is always within reach for a quick and satisfying meal.
The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating. For those arriving by car, free street parking is available, which is a significant advantage in a densely populated area like New York City. The combination of a central location and accessibility features makes LA ISLA RESTAURANT a convenient and inclusive choice for the local community. It is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, and its reputation for catering to solo diners and groups alike speaks to its broad appeal.
Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy a relaxed meal with full table service in a casual and cozy atmosphere. The interior is designed for a comfortable experience, whether you're dining alone or with a group.
Takeout and Delivery: Perfect for a convenient meal at home or on the go. The restaurant offers both takeout and delivery options, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious food wherever you are.
Catering: For larger gatherings, LA ISLA RESTAURANT provides catering services, bringing their authentic Puerto Rican and Dominican flavors to your event. This is a great option for parties, family gatherings, or corporate events.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which can be a helpful feature for planning a visit with a group, especially during peak dining hours.
Authentic Puerto Rican and Dominican Cuisine: The menu is a treasure trove of traditional dishes, from savory Sancocho soup to a wide variety of Mofongo, which is a staple of Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine. The flavors are authentic and the preparation is done with care, ensuring a genuine taste of the islands.
Generous Portions and Good Value: Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its good portions at a fair price. The family combos are particularly popular, offering an economical way for groups to enjoy a complete meal with plenty of food to share.
Diverse Menu: Beyond the main entrees, the menu features a rich selection of appetizers and sides. The "Frituras" section, with items like Alcapurrias and Papas Rellenas, is a must-try for anyone looking to sample classic Caribbean street foods. The sandwiches, like the classic Cubano and De Pernil, are also a major draw.
Late-Night Food: As a late-night option, LA ISLA RESTAURANT provides a perfect solution for those late-night cravings. The convenience of being able to grab a hearty, hot meal after a long day or night is a major plus for New Yorkers.
Fast Service: The restaurant is known for its quick and efficient service. This makes it a great choice for a quick bite during a lunch break or when you need a meal without a long wait, while still maintaining high-quality food preparation.
Address: 1883 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10029, United States
Phone: (212) 534-0002
Choosing LA ISLA RESTAURANT is a decision to embrace the deep, comforting, and authentic flavors of Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine. As a local establishment that has been serving the community for years, it has earned a reputation for its consistent quality and a menu that truly reflects the culinary heritage of the Caribbean. The dishes, from the savory Sancocho to the perfectly prepared Mofongo, are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to providing an authentic experience. The restaurant is a go-to for many, and for good reason; its meals are not just food, but a taste of tradition.
The variety on the menu is a significant factor that makes LA ISLA RESTAURANT a top choice. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meat dish like Bistec Encebollado or Pollo a la Brasa, a satisfying sandwich, or a selection of delicious fritters, there is an option for every preference. The "Combos Familiares" are particularly worth choosing for their excellent value, allowing families and groups to enjoy a wide array of dishes without breaking the bank. The ability to sample multiple items and share them makes it a great social dining experience. The presence of staples like Tostones, Yuca, and Maduros as side dishes ensures a complete and traditional meal.
Furthermore, the restaurant’s service options and welcoming atmosphere add to its appeal. With fast service, you can get a high-quality meal without a long wait. The availability of delivery and takeout services provides incredible convenience for those who can’t make it to the restaurant. As one customer review noted, the staff, despite a perceived "attitude," were part of an overall positive experience, with the food being the star. This spot fulfills expectations completely with "good food" and "consistent quality." The casual and cozy atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed meal, and the fact that they are "good for kids" makes it a great family-friendly option. In a city filled with diverse dining options, LA ISLA RESTAURANT stands out for its honest, flavorful, and reliable offerings that make it a true local treasure in East Harlem.
LA ISLA RESTAURANT Food & drink
Sopas
- Sancocho $18.00
Los viernes.
- Modongo $16.00
Triple vegetable soup.
Mofongos
- Chicharron Mofongos $17.00
Fried pork.
- Carne Mofongos $17.00
Beef.
- Queso Mofongo $14.00
Cheese.
- Pollo Mofongos $17.00
Chicken.
- Plain Mofongos $13.00
- Camarones Mofongos $15.00
Shrimp.
Sandwiches
- Cubano $10.00
Roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and garlic sauce.
- De Bistec $10.00
Steak.
- De Pollo Asado $8.50
Roasted chicken.
- De Pernil $10.00
Slow cooked pork sandwich.
- Jamon Y Queso $7.50
Ham and cheese with lettuce and tomatoes.
Combos Familiares
- Combo 3 $34.00
1 pollo entero, masita de cerdo, arroz grande, habichuela, medium ensalada and soda. Whole chicken, fried pork chunk, large rice, medium beans, salad .
- 3 Family Combo $11.00
Arroz y habichuelas acompañado con chuleta frita. Rice and beans with fried pork chop.
- Combo 5 $34.00
Mofongo al pilon, carne guisada, arroz grande, habichuela, medium ensalada, and soda. Mofongo, beef stew, large rice, medium beans, salad .
- 2 Family Combo $11.00
Arroz y habichuelas acompañado con pollo frito. Rice and beans with fried chicken.
- 1 Family Combo $11.00
Arroz y habichuelas acompañado con half pollo. Rice and beans with half roasted chicken.
- Combo 1 $25.00
1 pollo entero, arroz grande, habichuela med, ensalada and soda. Whole chicken, large rice medium beans, and salad .
- Combo 2 $34.00
1 pollo entero, 1 lb de pernil o costillas, arroz grande, habichuela, med ensalada and soda. Whole chicken, 1 lb of pernil o spare ribs ribs, large rice, medium beans, salad .
- Combo 4 $34.00
Masita de cerdo o costilla, chicharron de pollo, arroz grande, habichuela, medium ensalada, and soda. Fried pork chunk or ribs. Fried chicken chunk, large rice, medium beans, salad .
- Combo 7 $37.00
Carne guisada, 3 chuletas, arroz grande, habichuela, medium ensalada and soda. Beef stew, 3 pork chops, large rice, medium beans, salad .
- Combo 8 $35.00
2 bistec encebollado, 1 pollo entero, arroz grande, habichuela, medium ensalada, and soda. 2 pepper steak, whole chicken, large rice, medium beans, salad, .
- Combo 6 $37.00
2 bisteces encebollados, 3 chuletas, arroz grande, habichuela, medium ensalada and soda. 2 pepper steaks, 2 pork chops, large rice, medium beans, salad .
Carnes
- Bistec En Salsa $17.00
Steak in sauce.
- Bistec Encebollado $17.00
Steak with onions.
- Bistec Empanizado $17.00
Breaded steak.
- Pollo A La Brasa $14.00
Half rotisserie chicken.
- Pollo Empanizado $13.50
Breaded chicken.
- Chuletas $16.00
Pork chops.
- Chicharrón De Pollo Sin Hueso $17.00
Boneless chicken chunks.
- Masitas De Cerdo $17.00
Fried pork chunks.
- Chicharron De Pollo $17.00
Fried chicken hunks.
- Costillas A La BBQ $16.00
BBQ ribs.
- Pollo A La Plancha $17.00
Grilled chicken.
- Bistec Salteado $17.00
Pepper steak.
Acompanantes
- Maduros $4.50
Sweet plantain.
- Yuca Frita $4.50
Fried cassava.
- Pollo Frito Por Pieza $3.50
Fried chicken by piece.
- Pasteles $4.50
Vegetables pie filled with meat.
- Tostones $4.50
Fried green plantain.
- Papas Fritas $4.00
French fries.
- Guineitos Verdes $1.75
Boiled green bananas.
- Yuca Hervida $4.50
Nolled cassava.
Ensaladas
- Lechuga Y Tamale $4.00
Lettuce and tomatoes.
Pollo Asado
- Rotisserie Chicken $12.75
Por Libras
- Pernil $17.00
Roast pork.
- Chicharron Dominicano $17.00
Ribs belly.
- Costillas De Cerdo $22.50
Pork ribs.
Jugos Naturales
- Jugos Naturales $9.00
Frituras
- Platanos Rellenos $2.50
Meat stuffed plantain.
- Cold Fish Fritters $2.25
Bacalaitos.
- Alcapurrias $2.50
Cassava fillet with meat.
- Morcilla $3.00
Sausages.
- Pastelitos De Carne $2.50
Chicken patties.
- Papas Rellenas $2.50
Potatoes filled with meat.
Platos Con Arroz Y Hab
- Pollo Guisado $15.00
Chicken stew.
- Bacalao Guisado $17.00
Codfish stew.
- Media Pollo Asado $14.00
Half roasted chicken.
- Carne De Cerdo Guisada $17.00
Pork stew.
- Pernil Asado $17.00
Roast pork.
- Costillas BBQ $17.00
BBQ ribs.
- Carne De Res Guisada $17.00
Beef stew.
Postre
- Tres Leche $5.00
Sponge cake soaked with 3 milks
- Cheesecake $5.00
- Flan $4.00
Egg custard.
- Pudin De Pan $3.00
Bread pudding.
- Arroz Con Leche $2.75
Rice pudding.
LA ISLA RESTAURANT Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free street parking
LA ISLA RESTAURANT Photos










LA ISLA RESTAURANT Location
LA ISLA RESTAURANT Reviews
rice and beansspanish foodalcapurriaempanadassoupwhite ricepernilsteaklatin foodjuice
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I was looking for some Cuchifrito and stopped by La Isla. Over all it's is Puerto Rican food and tastes like it too. The service was ok but the staff had somewhat of an attitude (but who in NYC doesn't have one?). Not bad overall.
August 27 · Angela RodriguezLa Isla presents a challenge in knowing what to highlight first. Their meals taste fresh and come beautifully arranged. This spot fulfilled my expectations completely. Good food. Truly excellent staff. I appreciated the consistent quality.
September 14 · Judith VasquezI appreciated the thought put into how this place feels. The food satisfies consistently and the location saves me time. The meal preparation and worker care exceeded expectations. The food quality went past merely great. This spot is EXCELLENT!
August 22 · Elsa BennettOverpriced and Rude ServiceI've been here before, but after today, I will never return. I ordered a small soup, which used to be $6, and was shocked to see the price jump to $8.50. When I asked why, I was completely ignored. On top of that, the older lady at the register showed zero interest in serving me. She pinched the money from my hand like she didn’t even want to take it. The combination of ridiculous price hikes and rude service makes this place a hard pass for me. Definitely not worth it!
February 15 · Jilliann ThomasNot sure who's cooking the food in the back kitchen but it has definitely changed- the food used to be very tasty and flavorful, now it is bland and needs more seasoning. It is still fresh and they still give you a lot of food but it needs to be seasoned. The person packing my food gave me someone else's meal because the receipt was not on the paper bag so they didn't know which customer was getting which order. They put your receipt in the bag in the end after the order is packed, when it should be on the outside so they know which items go into which bag for different customers.
June 21 · Judy Chu
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