Undercover Diner Visits Isabella's

A friend of mine had been eager to dine at Isabella’s Italian Trattoria for some time, so he made reservations for 7:15 p.m. on Friday night. Given Isabella’s reputation, we expected a busy evening, and sure enough, the restaurant was bustling. Thankfully, our reservation made way for a smooth arrival.

From the moment we were seated, our waitress provided outstanding service, promptly refilling our waters, topping off wine glasses, and checking in on us at just the right moments. Attentive service set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable meal.

To start, we shared the calamari appetizer—a large plate of crispy, tender calamari accompanied by a basil aioli and their signature tomato basil sauce ($17). It was just as delicious as I remembered, a perfect balance of light crunch and flavorful dipping sauces.

For the main course, I opted for the Chicken & Sausage Orecchiette ($24). This dish featured house-made orecchiette pasta tossed with Italian sausage and chicken in a light garlic and parmesan cream sauce. I requested to leave out the crushed red pepper for a milder experience. The dish was creamy, comforting, and generously portioned—so much so that I had to take some home.

One of my friends ordered Pasta Bolognese ($25), featuring house-made pappardelle noodles enveloped in a Bolognese sauce crafted from Seven Hills Meat Co.’s local beef, blended with tomato basil sauce, and topped with creamy ricotta and shaved Reggiano parmesan. It looked so good that I mentally bookmarked it for my next visit.

Another friend chose the Spicy Sausage Pasta ($25), which featured house-made pork sausage spiced with fennel and red pepper flakes, tossed in a tomato vodka cream sauce with penne, and baked with a generous layer of Italian cheeses. He ordered it without hesitation—clearly a favorite—and it is easy to see why. The baked cheese added a layer of indulgence to the spicy, savory flavors.

My boyfriend went with one of the evening’s special: Panko & Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Crusted Tilapia ($28). The dish was served over saffron and confit garlic parmesan risotto, accompanied by sautéed green beans and a Reggiano cheese garnish. He thoroughly enjoyed his choice, though I found the risotto not to my taste—but that’s just a personal preference.

Overall, Isabella’s delivered exactly what we were hoping for: a delicious and satisfying Italian dinner with great service. With generous portions and expertly crafted dishes, it’s a place we know we can count on for a consistently excellent meal. No doubt, we will be back again soon, next time, I will be trying that, Pasta Bolognese!