Isabela — Restaurant in Town of Amenia

IMO does not warrant the expense. Have dined here twice, the first time seated in the dining room. The food was excellent quality, and interestingly prepared, but the portions are on the small side and expensive. One standout is the bib salad, which is so fresh with beautiful radishes. Dinner for four -which did include drinks and a bottle of wine -was over $700. More recently ate at the bar. The bartender seemed more interested in his friends. After we ordered we heard him read specials to other diners also seated at the bar - specials were not provided as an option to us. Oysters were not only not cold, but almost warm and some seemed to have some foamy soap in them. Went home hungry and made a frozen pizza. Overall, the servers are friendly and professional. The atmosphere is cosy and lovely particularly the fresh and...

I highly recommend Isabela. The menu and space is unique - clean, elegant, delicious and wholesome. I love knowing that the food is locally sourced and that many of the meals ingredients are vegetable forward. We started with the sourdough and kale gnudi (no joke, I nearly licked the bowl- the sauce was divine!!!).

For dinner, I had the trout topped with seeds and celeriac (seriously mind blown- the fish was so fresh and perfectly cooked and I thought it was so innovative to use the seeds for flavor and texture). My partner had the aged steak with roasted marinated roots and veggies (which was also superb). And the cocktails and desserts! My goodness!!! Honestly- everything!!!

We left full but not icky full. Bravo to the chef and team for creating an experience I will never forget.

I live in Brooklyn but...

I don't ever give five stars but I am giving it to Jose and his team here because Isabella is a rare complete and superb dining experience. From the heart, and from his mind, he is giving everything every day to create delicious meals from the best local sources, with a passion for making it better all the time. Talk to him, you will get it immediately. He's driven, he's experienced, and his food tells you the truth. It's a wonderful place, and I usually prefer to cook at home but this is worth...