Isabelle Off The Beach — Restaurant in Curaçao

This will be long. Came here to have a birthday dinner as a surprise for my partner as I thought the atmosphere looked special! I corresponded with them via WhatsApp to make a reservation and let them know of the occasion. They were kind and enthusiastic. When we arrived, we were immediately greeted by a server who turned out to be Isabelle herself! She was friendly and made sure to get our order in prior to taking the order of this big party sitting in the front of the restaurant, who she mentioned kept growing in guests. As I had read rave reviews about the Mezze plate, that order was a given but I knew given its portions (though slated for 2) it would have to take place of an entree. We also ordered the catch of the day, Mahi mahi, as recommended. We asked for them to come at the same time. The fish was dry/overcooked, but the seasoning was nice. The Mezze plate was fantastic for the most part (recommend the crab salad), except the hummus portion was quite small and there was an overwhelming amount of candied fruit (maybe dried fruit would be better?). For service, there were only two servers (including Isabelle) for most of the time; the party of four next to us was waiting 20 minutes to just pay their check and we also waited 1.5 hrs to receive our food (I know, island-time, but the table next to us made this snarky comment out loud that they thought we were only there to drink when the food finally came). There wasn’t communication between the servers that when dessert came, there was nothing celebratory about it as the other server had brought it (Isabelle looked disappointed later while saying she was going to put a candle on the cake…). Lastly, at some point, an intoxicated guest was inappropriately ‘reprimanding’ the workers; the server, who we asked after if they were okay, had responded that it was just a joke. It is concerning, as someone who has been in the food service industry, that ‘do you know who I am? I ought to slap you in the butt!’ has been normalized as a joke — I think there’s a crucial need for reflection on what a safe and supportive work environment is. This person’s harassment-level ‘joke’ was so loud that most of us got quiet and glanced at each other uncomfortably. I hope that Isabelle and her team (hopefully continue) to work on this; I know it is difficult when it comes to drunk customers, but there should be protocol on how to draw the line. I walked away, disappointed and sad.

*edit after owner’s response: thank you for responding so thoughtfully and intentionally. I knew when we arrived and you welcomed us that your care is genuine and a pillar to the business. I am hoping the best for your place and your team — I’m grateful about your willingness to hear feedback and reflect. Increased a star in service because your reflective, intentional response indicates important values that will sustain...

If you haven’t experienced Isabelle Off The Beach, you’re missing out on one of the best dining experiences on the island! From the moment you walk through the front gate, it’s clear that this isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a place where food and hospitality come together in perfect harmony.

We had the pleasure of trying several dishes, and each one was an absolute standout. The shrimp cocktail was fresh and perfectly chilled, making for a great start to the meal. The beef tenderloin was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and just melt-in-your-mouth good. The smash burger was a savory delight, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior that hit all the right notes. And then there’s Glenda’s Stoba, a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and clearly made with care.

What truly elevates this restaurant, though, is Rebecca. As the owner and host, she brings an incredible energy and warmth that makes you feel like you’re dining at a close friend’s house. Her passion for the restaurant and for her guests is evident in every aspect of the experience. The staff, too, is a huge part of what makes Isabelle Off The Beach special—genuine, friendly, and always ready to make you feel at home. You can tell they truly care about the food they serve, and when they say it's made with love, it’s not just a slogan—it’s the truth.

But perhaps the best testament to the quality of Isabelle Off The Beach is the loyal following it has built. It’s not uncommon to see the same faces coming back night after night, eager to try something new from the menu or enjoy their favorite dish again. The restaurant lets its food speak for itself, and the fact that customers keep returning is a true reflection of just how great this place really is.

We can’t wait to come back and celebrate more milestones at Isabelle Off The Beach when the time comes! This spot is not only a place to enjoy great food, but also to create lasting memories with loved ones.

This place can get busy, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. Once you’re seated, prepare to enjoy not only some of the best food around but also some of the most authentic and thoughtful hospitality you’ll find anywhere. Highly recommended!

We found this restaurant last minute by chance with no idea what we were going to find. What a fantastic find it was. The restaurant is unique and like nowhere else on the island. As the name suggests, it is off the beach but we were able to find it easily with google maps. It was just a 7 minute drive from where we were staying in Lagun. A fantastic menu of food and cocktails & Rebecca made great suggestions to narrow our choices down as there were so many delicious items to choose from. The beef tenderloin tacos & shrimp quesadillas were outstanding. Very fresh and flavourful. We finished the evening off with a delicious chocolate cake & pistachio ice cream with a personalized cocktail for us both. The whole vibe from the location, staff, ambiance & menu in turn made the evening a great decision for us to pick a restaurant that we had no idea about when we first arrived in Curacao. The following evening we headed once again to Isabelle off the Beach to enjoy cocktails, wine & dessert so it definitely made a fantastic impression on us. Highly recommend. Thank you Rebecca & Jason. You have a gem of a place in your restaurant & bar and we wish you all the success in the coming years and we can’t wait to return again one day.

Steve Herron,...