Isabella's

I've been going to this restaurant for a number of years and the food has been consistently good and completely reliable. When I ate there last week, I was surprised to find the normally crowded place half empty. We ordered and the both the appetizers and entres were a huge step down in quality and taste. Every dish was heavily seasoned and the entres were so salty they were barely edible. Clearly there are some changes going in the kitchen. At one point the manager was going from table to table asking the patron's opinions (something I've never seen happen at this restaurant) so I think management is appearing to be a bit worried. I've always liked Isabella's but with so many other quality restaurants in the area, I'll need to hear that this kitchen has straightened out before I go back again. I hope they get back to their old higher standards. It's disappointing.

Isabella's has been around for longer than almost any restaurant I can think of. I hadn't been there in a long while, but my dinner last night suggested that it has not only maintained its quality, but actually improved! Maybe it was just the service: we asked for a quiet table and were actually seated at one! And our waiter was absolutely wonderful: smart, funny, and very attentive to our needs. The food is also excellent, and more inventive than I remembered: my roasted artichoke salad was superb, and superbly dressed. All in all, an extremely pleasant experience.

best eggs Benedict in the city (and anywhere for that matter) and I have tried very many. went for dinner tonight since brunch is always so good and was not disappointed - everything we had was terrific and the flavors were great. everything was cooked to perfection. not sure what everyone is talking about re: the wait staff, everyone was nice and cordial and quite helpful. great place with actually a pretty good value for the type of food - will definitely go back, one of my neighborhood faves!

If you like being ignored for 30 minutes or more and paying for your full order while only received parts of it, then go to Isabella's. The poorest service in town.

Our first time for dinner. 7:30 reservations, seated right away, the waiter came by and asked about drinks, dropped off menus, then disappeared for 1/2 hour. We waived him down to order. The salads came quickly, the main courses took 40 minutes after the salads were delivered. The meal took almost 2 hours on a Monday night without a dessert. The food is not special enough for the poor service. Prices are on the high side. There are too many other choices to eat at in the UWS.

it is annoying when the waiter /waitress comes over to remove plates when half of the guests are still eating. Those eating feel rushed and embarrassed. How easy for them to tell the staff to do otherwise. You spoil an otherwise pleasant experience. Training matters.

Huge Isabella's fans here... however, what is with the waiters heckling customers into the pricier options on the menu? It's pushy, bordering on downright obnoxious. And $3.50 for a soda! With no refills! In a 8 ounce glass! Preposterous. If their food wasn't so great, we wouldn't come back. That being said, we're about to make a reservation for tonight :)