Isa

Kitty and Ducky

Isa

3324 Steiner St

San Francisco, CA 94123

(415)567-9588

Isa @ Marina SF

We heard of this restaurant from a classmate and it was also participating in Dine About Town. Ducky and I decided to make a spontaneous trip. The restaurant is located at a nice spot with lots of neat little shops to walk around and look at things. Isa was a little unique because instead of serving both of our foods, they served us one dish at a time. What was supposed to be a 3 course meal stretched into feeling like a 6 course meal. Personally I enjoyed this style because it was a slower and more relaxed pace and gave us a chance to really enjoy the food.

Salmon Carpaccio 

[$13]

The carpaccio was pretty fresh.  The bread chips was a nice touch and added a different level of texture.  Normally, I do not like the taste of capers, but I felt the capers added a nice salty flavor.  If you like sashimi, you will probably love this.  However, keep in mind it is raw fish.  Kitty did not like this dish too much because of that fact.  -Ducky [4/5]

Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels

[$12]

Served in a light tomato broth, the mussels were tender and fresh. It did not have any fishy or seafood taste/odor. As you can see from the picture, they are very generous in how much mussels they gave. It's a clean and simple dish recommended for any seafood lover. -Kitty [3.5/5] 

Truffle Risotto with Shiitake and Hon Shimiji Mushrooms

[$19]

This risotto was finely made. The rice was soft but not to the point of feeling like I was eating porridge. The mushrooms were divine. I really appreciated the fungi variety and each type offered a different taste. Even though this dish had no meat, it was very enjoyable. -Kitty [4/5]

Duck with Currants, Pine nuts, and Bacon served with Sherry Vinaigrette Sauce

[$22]

I love duck. Period.  This dish did not disappoint.  It offered a different variety of duck that I had never experienced before.  The duck was nicely roasted with a slightly crispy outside layer all around the duck breast.  The bacon complemented the roast duck flavor quite nicely.  The roast duck had a bit of hammy taste with it too.  This is a dish that I would not mind trying again.  -Ducky [4/5]

Semifreddo All' Amaretto

[$6]

This was a unique dessert because it had the texture of an ice cream but it was not cold at all. For some people that may be too weird of a sensation but I loved it. It wasn't too sweet and the almond flavor possessed a pleasant fragrant. -Kitty [4/5]

Grapefruit Granite

[$6]

The grapefruit granite was much like a sorbet.  It had a very strong yet crisp grapefruit flavor.  It was a nice refreshing fruit/dessert dish and I am a sucker for fruity flavored dishes! -Ducky [4/5]

We went ahead and put prices on the items we ate if it was on a normal day instead of Dine About Town. Isa also offers their own Prix Fix Meal for $30 as opposed to Dine About Town's usual prix fix for $35 which is a very good deal. Also, if you can try to get a seat in the back where the "patio" is. It's a very romantic setting that simulates an outdoor background without needing to brave the actual cold outdoors of San Francisco. -Kitty

So true, Prix Fixe for $30.  I felt a bit betrayed after I found that out.  There was little to no difference between their usual Prix Fixe and Dine About Town's selection except...$5 MORE!!!! - Ducky

On a side note: Foie Gras lovers or people like Ducky and me who want to try it once in their life! Before this delicacy becomes banned in California, Isa is a venue that offers it without being attached onto a hefty prix fix such as the foie gras offered in Gary Danko or La Folie.

Overall Score: [4/5] One of our favorites and we will surely come back for the foie gras