La Isla — Restaurant in Hamden

I wanted so bad to like this place because when you want a nice plate of Spanish food it would be nice not to have to drive to another town to do so, but that us what I will continue to do. Upon entering the establishment there is a notable absence of the smell of food. It didn't smell like anything was currently cooking or has recently been cooked so I knew in that moment I wasn't ordering a meal. So my partner ordered Pernil with arroz and beans and I ordered a papa relleno and let me say I have never been so disappointed. The beans tasted as though they just opened up a can of beans dumped the contents into a pot and warmed it up. The pernil was tasteless beyond salt, it wasn't dry but it wasn't the the tenderness that you look for when eating pernil. The papa was heavy, greasy, the potato wasn't seasoned and it had some type of chunky texture to it that was very unbecoming, and the meat was flavorless. We asked to have the papa freshly cooked because the ones in front looked past their intended hold time. My partner wants to give them another try I on the other hand feel as though one visit was more than enough for me. To be clear I visited La Isla hungry and eager to fall for a new food establishment but that was not to be. When you're given the moniker "The" concerning anything please make sure you are in fact Thee 1 and not...

I'm just going to begin saying the food is so gooooood. Always fresh and hot. The plantains fries with the mayo ketchup sauce and the relleno de papa (aka) stuffed potato ball with beef are my absolute favorites just as an appetizer and don't forget to grab an ice cold Malta it's a classic! The bacalao with white rice and beans totally delicious. The chicken, the penil and the yellow rice is bomb. I went there on a day they had a special of the "canoa" that is a sweet plantain boat topped with their yummy seasoned beef, cheese and baked to perfection oh my goodness I was in heaven. I love the fact they have a plant based empanada like whatttttt! Even though I eat meat I will eat those too. Lol. Oh I'm not done yet!!! My daughter and I grabbed the passion fruit juice its amazing, it brought be down memory lane, when I went to college in Puerto Rico, make sure you grab one, you won't be disappointed. Oh yeah, for dessert the flan, tres leches, and cupcakes are to live for, lol. La Isla is my home away from home. I love it here. The friendliness, the hospitality, and cleanliness is top tier. Make sure to check out the beautiful mural on the wall and the decor in the bathroom is gorgeous. Don't take my word for it, go try it for yourself. Keep doing y'all thing LA ISLA you have a very happy...

Visited this restaurant today based on the rave reviews of my son. I must say the food was very good. However, I paid 20. For a empanada a small tin pan of yellow rice and pork shoulder. My favorite Spanish food restaurant is in Bridgeport and I get a large tin pan of yellow rice, 4 spare ribs, fish, a empanada and a loaded banana for $20 I am going to guess that the prices in Hamden are steep due to high rent. Understandable. But to steep for me. I would recommend this establish because the food is good, the place is clean and the staff are friendly.

This is in response to the owners comments: It saddens me that you would take offense to my opinion of your establishment which I am entitled to. Please be advised that I am not the only customer who spoke about your STEEP PRICES. In response to your comment, The Restuarant I rave about in Bridgeport also serves fresh ingredients. The proprietor is an old school Hispanic woman who is an excellent cook. I challenge you and your customers to visit this establishment and I guarantee you that you all will rave about not only the food but the large portions they give. The establishment is call La Caguena. Sorry to say I will not be visiting you again. However, I do wish this business...