La Isla Manila Inc. — Restaurant in Barrie

Wow! What a treat! My wife, her cousin and boyfriend and I had a hankering for some Filipino food. My wife and her cousin are Filipinas, so we decided to check out La Isla Manila. It being our anniversary and in close proximity to Valentine's day we decided to indulge ourselves. The restaurant is located on the corner of Maple and Dunlop in downtown Barrie. There is lots of on-street parking in the area and after hours in the alley adjacent to the Salvation Army. As we visited on a Tuesday afternoon, the place wasn't too busy. The staff had tastefully decorated the restaurant for Valentine's day including a backdrop and a frame, both of which we used.

We started off with the Lomi overload and Beef Bulalo soups, both very tasty and topped with crunchy chicharon (pork rinds). For mains we chose Boodle Fight for 2, named for it being a 'kamayan' dish, meant to be eaten with ones hands and perhaps a little friendly rivalry over who gets the best parts! The dish is artfully served in a basket with a banana leaf on the bottom. There's a nice mix of chicken, fish (bangus), pork, pansit and rice. There's a lot of food in this dish! I ordered the Lechon Kawali, a pork dish with huge chunks of fried pork belly served with rice, dipping sauces and garnishes. Even though I was quite hungry when I arrived, I couldn't finish it all! My wife ordered pancit Guisado, a mix of sauteed veggies and garlic, cabbage and crispy pork. Very tasty. For desert we ordered turon (banana based dessert with crispy wrapper) and ice cream. While we were waiting for the food, we took advantage of the restaurant's karaoke setup. For the non-filipinos out there, karaoke is an important part of filipino social culture. There's nothing better for breaking down barriers than belting out a classic in a non-judgmental environment. The staff are very accommodating and friendly. They heard that it was our anniversary and brought us a heart shaped Leche Flan, a custard and caramel dessert! All in all, an enjoyable meal, in a pleasant environment with amazing staff! A note for veterans...Tuesday is veterans discount...

This was ultimately a very disappointing meal. There’s so many places where it could have been better and it just feels like the restaurant doesn’t care about their food. The only reason this isn’t a one star review is that as a local mom and pop shop I would hate to see them go out of business. So here’s my thorough review.

The goods. The chicken inasal was very flavourful. Good char and good portion size. The rice went well with this dish. The sisig in itself wasn’t a terrible dish and had decent flavour, but we will get there.

The bads. The sisig had so many things wrong with it. First of all the egg. The dish is supposed to come with a runny egg on top. The fact the chef cooked and broke this egg and instead of recooking a new one just placed it on top. The sisig was also missing onions. Idk if their recipe doesn’t have it but it definitely was very one dimension. Typical sisig had chopped red onion to break up the fatty pork. I won’t assume, but I don’t think they used the right kind of pork for this sisig as well. Last but not least the portion size was SO small for $22! Was very surprised how little sisig was given.

The bads continue, we ordered pork spring rolls (Uber eats does not have an option for pork, only veggie, but the app says “pork or veggie”. I left a comment saying “pork spring rolls please” and guess what we got? Veggie. Either fix your entry on Ubereats or be more careful about reading the customer comments.

Lastly, the buko pandan. What a letdown! 100% they used old sago. The sago was hard and was definitely the texture of day old sago.

All in all, I just feel like the love for good food was left out at this restaurant, or maybe it was just a terribly off day. I ordered all this food and didn’t even get utensils in the bag. Just felt like a lazy order especially with the...

A Taste of Paradise at La Isla Manila – A Must-Visit Gem!

If you're looking for a dining experience that’s nothing short of amazing, La Isla Manila is the place to be! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality that immediately makes you feel at home. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, going above and beyond to make sure every guest is well taken care of.

The food is absolutely divine! Every dish is bursting with flavor and beautifully crafted with such attention to detail that it's almost too pretty to eat. The Instagrammable food presentation is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Whether it’s their savory main courses, perfectly seasoned sides, or decadent desserts, each bite is a delightful explosion of taste.

The ambiance is just as impressive. With cozy lighting, tasteful décor, and a laid-back island Filipino culture vibe, it’s the perfect spot for a casual meal or a special night out. And if you're up for some fun, don’t miss their karaoke experience—it’s lively, entertaining, and adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just in it for the laughs, it's guaranteed fun for everyone.

La Isla Manila is more than just a restaurant—it’s a full-on experience. Delicious food, picture-perfect plating, top-notch service, and a chill yet vibrant atmosphere. Highly recommended and definitely a must-visit! I can’t...