Always remember every place will not have every single thing to be happy about, just find something good about everything.This particular restaurant I believe is about the service the decor of plants seating pleasant height pink tones of walls and being presented with uniform. I have noticed few things as I'm regularly going out in Marylebone is some places will be a high fit for the decor, some will be more for service and some for the outstanding food, also as this is bright pretty place with plants and outdoor plants filled alfresco dining - I feel this restaurant is perfect for seating and enjoying the sun, I did find parmigiana bland though but it's fine as I'm not coming here aiming for foods I'm focussed on sitting in the sun and ordering something anything just to be there, where i can see it's rays. When I came initially I had walked past this place as I saw the suited managers in black suits at the door and yes they seemed busy checking in back and forth. It does become a busy place people have to understand that they are on their feet all day and running around checking clearing off tables and where to appropriately seat someone. The food is good ingredients good portion for the Arab Indian clientele so Isola is doing well with that. I found the aubergine parmigiana okay not the best but i ate in chilli oil dipped which was really nice. I decided to isola a try as I had been everywhere else nearby, this is the place to come to for nice looking surroundings, I forgot the Italian lady in a tied bun she was really attentive to me and I came back again so I have a motive to come focus on the sunlight alfresco, Isola by San Carlo does it well to satisfy for the atmosphere. The tables do get busy. I have found the aubergine rather bland but not complaining as I was sitting their aiming for the sun heat. The next time I came back again and was in mood for sitting drink at bar it was okay however their is a girl European who is dressed with same apron outfit as others she is a bit loud when she speaks She needs to train to silence down not talk so loud to me as people can over hear, she seems adamant that she knows so much " She said very loudly oh we can't do this i was speaking to her, I don't why this bar girl seems quite cuckoo that she hasn't learnt how to speak in public and how it can offend people she speaks medium level English with loud volume tone which she needs to calm down and know what to say and when, sorry I think she is bit cuckoo she needs to have more training at home of manners and etiquette. The manager ladies are lovely they were attentive and I really liked my experience with her she was Italian I'm guessing well spoken. for me this is a place to come when I want to be in nice beautiful surroundings and I loved their plants. I would feel more amazed sitting in isola if they hung up their ceilings with hanging plants making a jungle out of the place oh then I'd love to come here more, I'd love to visit San Carlo again in the summer. The gentleman can't remember his name in the suit he was nice lovely as well and funny. As it's gloomy this weather and all trees are twigs I need to visit garden like restaurants I've found and seem some which have greenhouses mega jungle full of plants inside bar and in treetop the ivy garden - all these in different locations so I need to check them out first because if I don't see plants or trees I will become miserable in January all in all isola is still one of the best restaurants in my experience in terms of staff and aesthetics, bright pretty bar side few...
Read moreThis is the worst restaurant i have ever been too. Avoid at all costs. I feel as though 1 star is being gracious to them. They don’t deserve that one star at all. Should be an option for none.
My friend and I went to Isola on Friday 31st May. We had to wait (which was fine). The receptionist wasn’t there to greet and the only remotely pleasant staff was the bartender. At the door numerous waitresses went past us and didn’t greet us at all and even say “hello” or smile. One actually did say “hello” in a condescending manner after I said hello because she passed us at the door and another say “it is not my job to seat you”
The receptionist came and said they are fully booked and we need to wait. We had some drinks at the bar (a mocktail and coffee) whilst we waited for a table and 25 minutes later we were seated (which was fine). However looking back on it it may have been a ploy to get more money from us as when we were seated in same floor (they have a floor downstairs also) noone was hardly there. It wasn’t overwhelming busy.
We were seated and waiter came over - no greeting at all and handed the menu. We were seated near the till and even time he came over i had to move to stop him bumping in to me
My friend and I both ordered spaghetti carbonara. First red flag was that it was served to us within 10 minutes even though they said there were really busy. We both ate the dish. It took ages for them to acknowledge us when it came to us asking for condiments or more water. They all walked passed us. Within about 25 minutes i started to feel really funny and so did my friend. Our stomachs were hurting. We decided to pay and leave. We received the bill and there was a service charge. I declined to pay the service charge and said this to the waiter to which he replied in a harsh manner and in disbelief “You didn’t like our service?!” I said “Not at this time”. Our experience with the waiter from the moment we were seated was nonchalant to us and very dismissive yet he could laugh with the customers next to us but not with us. He was very cold and distant.
Anyways we paid for our bill and left. Whilst walking to the station i started to feel sick at this point and my stomach was churning and started to feel really hot. My friend also was feeling the same way. I could not wait and had to go back to the Isola and use their restroom- it was not good.
Before I left i told the manager what has happened and he too was very dismissive and did not let me speak and was busy with staff members coming up to him asking him questions. At one time he had to leave us to deal with something else. Ge came back and he took my name down and my number and said they will call and it has been nearly 3 weeks and noone has contacted me or my friend. He also said they have CCTV in the kitchen and would look into it and contact me. To declare I have no allergies at all and was really unwell after i ate their food and my friend too was also very unwell.
I do not write reviews at all for restaurants and this is a long account- sorry - however all customers to this restaurant have to be aware of this place. They have a total lack of customer service and I don’t know what ingredients they use in their food. They took our money without hesitation- paying £17.95 for a pasta dish each plus which is a no brainer to make and is very difficult to get food positioning from and this gave us food poisoning.
We won’t be returning at all and it is shameful this place exists in central london where you expect the food to...
Read moreAn Unforgettable Dining Experience at Isola by San Carlo
My recent visit to Isola by San Carlo left me utterly mesmerized and yearning for more. From the moment I stepped foot into this culinary haven, I was captivated by the exquisite ambiance and warm hospitality that enveloped the restaurant. It is without a doubt that Isola by San Carlo deserves every bit of its well-deserved five stars.
One of the highlights of my dining experience was the exceptional service provided by the incredible staff, and in particular, Tomás, our remarkable waiter. Tomás went above and beyond to ensure our evening was nothing short of perfection. His knowledge of the menu was truly impressive, effortlessly guiding us through the tantalizing array of dishes and offering expert recommendations that perfectly suited our preferences.
As we delved into the culinary delights Isola by San Carlo had to offer, each dish surpassed our expectations. The menu, carefully curated with a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine, offered a truly memorable gastronomic journey. From the delicate flavors of the antipasti to the mouthwatering mains and decadent desserts, every bite was a symphony of tastes that left us craving for more.
The presentation of the dishes was a feast for the eyes. It was evident that the chefs at Isola by San Carlo take tremendous pride in their craft, as each plate was meticulously crafted with a perfect balance of colors, textures, and artistic flair. The attention to detail was simply astounding.
The ambiance of the restaurant was equally enchanting. The elegant decor, soft lighting, and soothing music created an intimate and inviting atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The blend of sophistication and comfort made our evening at Isola by San Carlo truly unforgettable.
In addition to the exceptional food and service, the extensive wine list offered an impressive selection of wines from various regions, perfectly complementing our meal. The sommelier's expertise and recommendations further enhanced our dining experience, leaving us in awe of the harmonious pairing of flavors.
Isola by San Carlo is undoubtedly a culinary gem that has mastered the art of creating unforgettable dining experiences. From the moment you step through its doors, you are transported to a world of culinary excellence and impeccable service. Whether for a special occasion or a romantic evening, Isola by San Carlo is the epitome of fine dining that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
I wholeheartedly recommend Isola by San Carlo to anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience. And to Tomás, our exceptional waiter, thank you for making our evening truly exceptional. Your passion for your craft and impeccable service truly made a difference. We cannot wait to return to Isola by San Carlo for another unforgettable...
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