Isabella's Bistro — Restaurant in Florida

So this is how it went for me... Frozen! I walked in to an empty restaurant and was told they were full. I was then forced to eat at an empty bar where I was then served ice cold sourdough bread with meagerly seasoned olive oil. This was followed by some good Italian wedding soup, which got my hopes up. Then came the entree of zuppa di pesce. Frozen, rubbery and poorly seasoned. Not even homemade or premium pasta (tasted like cardboard). The seafood actually tasted like licking the inside of an old bait freezer. So frozen, in fact, I thought I could hear Idina Menzel singing "let it go"! The service... Long way to go to match TJs Market Grill. Atmosphere... Small, quiet and empty. At some point here a couple came in to keep me company. And they were the only ones there when I left. And yet the owners' response does not refute the facts stated in this review. Obviously I would have brought it up when I was there if I thought it would do any good. Obviously they are trying to pass bad food so there is deception involved. And I could tell by the tone of how I was greeted an how employees were addressed that bringing up any issues would be futile. One of those people that always tries to rationalize their position. I don't believe in undeserved...

We have been here three times over three years. They have consistently served the selected menu item to someone incorrectly. The first time my wife ordered the special of chicken and gnocchi. It was served with no chicken. When we challenged the mistake, the waitress tried to say the chicken was in the gnocchi. When we did get the chicken breast it was just dropped off at the table on a plate , no sauce , nothing. Last year one of my guests ordered shrimp and scallops pasta. We were informed they ran out of scallops and he would get extra shrimp instead. When served there was no extra shrimp. This year, a week ago, they were not busy , not rushed, still the same problem. Three of us ordered the sea scallops with choice of pasta ($32.00). All three were served shrimp and scallops ($28.00). When the order was questioned, we were told that is the way it comes. The menu says scallops, no check ticket said scallops. Plus one of the orders came with linguine instead of angel hair pasta. When the check came all three people were charged the $32.00 for scallops. Unfortunately, I am afraid that three strikes you are out applies here. They have a problem in their kitchen...

Had the best experience at Isabella’s from start to finish. I had learned from their advertising that reservations were required. I called on Tuesday at noonish and left a message requesting reservations for 2 on the following night. At 2:30 on Tuesday my call was returned in a very welcoming manner and my reservation was confirmed. When we arrived the owner addressed us by name and was so gracious as she seated us. Our meal was amazing…. Fried calamari as an appetizer. Homemade delicious lentil soup as first course for both me and my husband. I had chicken Mona Lisa - a chef’s recommended special. This meal was wonderful! Flavors were a perfect blend and portion size HUGE. My husband had veal cacciatore. He loved it and could not finish it so another generous portion! The bread is served with a garlic olive oil dipping sauce which was so light and a perfect complement to the bread! Our waitress Suzanne was kind, extremely efficient and helpful. We will be back and we will make our reservations in advance since the next time we come will be...