Isla Pilipina

Isla Pilipina was extremely important to me as a cultural demonstration. It was there for me when i needed to show my white friends that I'm not simply a person who can eat literally two to three times more than them at a time. Plates would land at our table at IP and sent them into awe and fear, and me into excitement. Together we'd clean out a mountain of lumpia and a bucket's worth of, without question, the best fried chicken I've ever had. Flash forward to Isla Filipino recently, it's a serviceable memorial to the glory of the original. It's no longer the go-to spot to be overwhelmed with lumpia, and the menu is limited. But I was going through a lot at the time, and all i could think about was my parents' pancit bihon. It's a simple dish that i never ordered at IP, and i was hesitant to get it here as at home i would eat perhaps pounds of it at a time. The pancit here is a some kind of mixed interpretation of bihon and canton, and the portion size is just right. It comes with a lemon wedge, which is required for me. I think this pancit knocks it out of the park, with crunchy cabbage, saucy noodles, whole peppercorns scattered throughout, and juicy onion and celery pieces; it sent me back to my childhood at Filipino-American parties not really understanding the Taglish hubbub around me so I'd bury my face in their food accompanied by mostly flat Sprite. It tastes like parental and communal love. This dish is resoundingly true to what i know to be Filipino. Isla Filipino isn't perfect, but i can't give it less than five stars.

Solid Filipino place for being in a food hall in the Loop. Good for introducing the cuisine to non-filipino friends, but I wouldn't take Filipino relatives here. By far, my favorite was the lechon. It was unbelievably crispy with every bite. Would come back just for this. On the other hand, the adobo had surprinsgly little sauce, the lumpia was the smallest and thinnest I've ever seen (order comes with 6 but would only serve 1-2), and the portions are on the small side.

We had the opportunity to have dinner at Isla while in visiting Chicago from Cleveland and cannot say enough great things about my experience! We were given the opportunity to try the Counter experience! I have not previously had the opportunity to eat much Filipino food and this talented chef has set the bar high! The counter service menu progressed very nicely starting off with the lumpia (which I could eat all day long) and then followed with two courses with vegetables as the main focus followed by mouth watering applewood smoked duck and delicious crispy pata (deep fried pork leg). Then the meal ended with a smooth Ube milkshake. I was so delightfully full I had to delay the milkshake for a little bit so I could fully enjoy it! Strongly urge everyone to check out Isla's new location Urbanspace.

Went to Isla this weekend in their new location in Urbanspace. We had the opportunity to try out the chef’s counter experience and it did not disappoint. The experience started off nice and light with lumpia (of course 🤤) but as the different courses progressed the chef talent behind isla was expressed in items that aren’t on the regular menu. My favorite was the tempura spinach bc you could still taste the earthiness of the spinach without it being drowned out by the batter. The smoked duck was amazing and melted in your mouth like butter. Portion sizing was good and fair- definitely was full by the fourth course but I managed to find room for the ube milkshake. Was not going to let the cookie on top go to waste. Highly recommend checking out!

We visited this relatively new location (in Urban Space, Chicago) of the original Isla. At 3:00 pm, there were plenty of indoor dining spots and service was very fast. We had the Chicken Adobo with rice, Lechon with rice, and two (!) orders of lumpia with dipping sauce. It was an absolutely delicious feast. The portions are large but, more importantly, the food is seasoned and cooked very well. Delicious! We can’t wait to go back to try the Filipino hot dogs and other menu items. A real treasure in the Loop.

Wonderful hidden gem of a restaurant. I have used it to introduce a few people to Filipino food as, unless it is homemade or the restaurant/catering service is tried and true, Filipino food can be hit or miss. This restaurant always delivers on quality. Prices are reasonable and the location is charming and cozy. If one has never gotten the chance to have authentic Filipino food or is simply a lover of delicious food at a good price, come to Isla.

Love this spot! The service is bright and friendly each time. Give their recommendations a try-- basically how I arrived to my menu favorites. The lumpia appetizer is the best in the city (or that I've ever had). Large selections and big portions that never lack flavor! Great prices for Chicago dining options.