My family couldn’t decide where to eat for dinner, so we ended up at Isla Restaurant. Located in San Bruno, Isla restaurant has become a familiar spot for comforting Filipino meals.

Walking in, the restaurant was full of chatter with different families gathered around tables. The restaurant’s structural atmosphere mimics a traditional
neighborhood in the Philippines.

A server who was carrying a plate of sizzling sisig walked past me, and the smell made me eager to eat. Looking over the menu a couple of times, my family and I ordered a couple of dishes–Kare Kare, Pancit, Miswa, Adobung Hipon, Chicken Wings, Crispy Binagoongan, and Kalderetang Liempo.

As all of the food came to our table, a flavorful palette began to form in front of us. I started with the Kare Kare, paired with rice. At first bite, the Kare Kare delivered a hearty flavor. Its rich peanut sauce, balancing both savory and slightly sweet, coated soft vegetables and tender meat in every bite. On the side, I had a bowl of Miswa, a soup with soft noodles and ribbons of egg, that brought a soothing contrast to the other dishes.

One of the most shareable dishes was the pancit, as its flavorful combination of perfectly stir-fried noodles and vegetables caused everyone at our table to keep returning to it. The chicken wings had a crispy texture on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.

Although I wasn’t able to try everything, the meal I had was very filling. Walking
out, the restaurant has a bell that customers ring if they are satisfied with their meal. By the end of the night, my family and I gladly added another ring, adding
to the many others that were heard throughout the restaurant. I’d rate Isla restaurant a 5/5.