Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Isa – San Francisco
Isa - San Francisco
Photo from Isa
Isa at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- đ„ French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71â$80
mentioned by 66 of the guests
#999 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#18 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
732
Reviews
75.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Attentive service
- Patio ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
- High noise
The restaurant Isa is a charming French Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District. You’ll discover an upscale and romantic atmosphere perfect for a cozy evening out.
Known for its great dessert, this spot offers a delightful culinary journey. Whether you’re seeking a memorable dinner or a special brunch, Isa provides a welcoming setting with excellent table service, ensuring a truly enjoyable experience for you.
Overview: Introducting Isa
Isa offers a generally delightful dining experience, often praised for its consistently delicious food, featuring standout dishes like duck and scallops. Guests frequently commend the warm and attentive staff, including the owner, who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, citing small portions for the price. While the ambiance, particularly the charming patio, receives high marks, occasional issues with noise or specific service interactions have been mentioned.
Good
7.6
out of 10
732
Reviews
75.7%
Satisfaction
148
negative
30
neutral
554
positive
Isa maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its overall restaurant score of 7.6 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands at a respectable 75.7%, suggesting that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 732 customer opinions, with 554 positive remarks outweighing 148 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.9) and Ambience (7.9) topics both score well, consistently earning praise for quality and atmosphere.
The Service (7.4) also performs commendably, though some specific interactions have been less ideal. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.1), which customers often find less compelling given the pricing and portion sizes.
What people like
- Delicious food variety
- Attentive staff
- Charming patio ambiance
What people don't like
- Value for money
- Service inconsistencies
- Noise levels
Isa presents a compelling option for those prioritizing quality cuisine and a pleasant setting. While the food and atmosphere generally impress, be mindful of the pricing, as some find the portions small for the cost.
It’s a place that delivers on taste and experience, making it a worthwhile visit for many. With a recommendation score of 7.8, Isa is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking a good meal in an inviting environment.
Just manage expectations regarding the overall value proposition, and you’re likely to have a satisfying experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Isa
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 79.4%. Many guests rave about the delicious food, especially the scallops, lamb, and CrÚme Brûlée. With 313 positive remarks out of 394 total, it seems culinary delights are often on the menu.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some diners found small portions to be a concern, and a few mentioned bland food or dishes arriving cold. There were 61 negative comments, including instances of undercooked scallops, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
394
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
61
negative
20
neutral
313
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, exquisite food
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
- Perfectly cooked dishes
What people don't like
- Small, tiny portions
- Bland, unseasoned food
- Food served cold
Often praised
- foodThe welcome drinks were also a success, with the front area opened up, a full bar, ample staff, and sufficient space for our 100 guests. Isa is a gem in San Francisco, thriving for decades due to its great staff and great food. We made the right choice trusting Isa with our rehearsal dinner and wouldn't change a thing.
- scallopsWe visited with a large group, and the server wisely recommended sharing plates, which we embraced. We sampled all the top dishes, including the risotto, duck, scallops, and lamb. Every single dish was fantastic.
- duckRegarding the food, we sampled a variety, and they absolutely did not miss. The duck was cooked to perfection and delicious, their signature fish was amazing, and the risotto was the best I've ever had. I enjoyed the crÚme brûlée so much I had two, and the flourless chocolate cake exceeded expectations.
- risottoThe food itself is delicious. We enjoyed a 5-course menu that included salad, prawns, soups, chicken, steak, risotto, and creme brulee/ice cream â all of which were delicious. It's a high-quality restaurant and experience!
- lambThe salads are consistently good, and I super enjoy the duck with their yummy sauce. The bread is so good I could eat a whole loaf, and the lamb is also outstanding. For a grand finale, the dessert is a must-have before leaving.
- menuone chef and one menu since last 25 years
- crĂšme brĂ»lĂ©eI would definitely rate this as one of the best meals Iâve had. We started with the mussels, then enjoyed the lamb and scallops, and finished with the crĂšme brĂ»lĂ©e. We also had three drinks each with our meal.
- drinksWe started with the mussels, then enjoyed the lamb and scallops, and finished with the crÚme brûlée. We also had three drinks each with our meal. I highly recommend this place for its food and ambience.
- grilled calamariMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed a variety of delicious food, including the potatoes leek soup, grilled calamari with white beans, scallops with potato puree, and brussel sprouts. For dessert, we indulged in a flourless chocolate cake and a vanilla bean creme brûlé.
- oystersI really enjoyed the oysters as they were fresh.
Frequently criticized
- foodTo compensate, the waiter encouraged us to order multiple dishes, hyping them up as if they were the best we'd ever had. The food was prepared decently well, but ultimately was a bit of a letdown. Expect to dine here for a very long time and be thirsty and hungry, as prompt service is not their forte.
- portionsthe portions were small for the price
- portion sizetheir average portion is really small
- Amarettoamaretto was very disappointing
- Brussels sproutsswapped out the Brussels sprouts in the steak dish out with zucchini with no notice
- ChickenChicken is plain
- Diet CokeNever got it
- French cuisinethatâs NOT French cuisine
- French disheswould have appreciated more French dishes
- French wineswould have appreciated more French wines
If you're looking for a meal that often impresses with its quality and flavor, this spot is definitely worth considering. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, there might be occasional inconsistencies in portion size or seasoning.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 72.4%, its clear guests are generally happy. Many of the 142 positive remarks praise the friendly staff, attentive service, and knowledgeable waiters, often highlighting great service and hospitality that makes for a high-quality dining experience.
However, not every interaction is perfect, as indicated by 51 negative comments. Some guests experienced slow service, unfriendly servers, or issues with management and waiting time. There were also mentions of inattentive waiters and dirty plates, ' suggesting areas where the team could improve to ensure a consistently smooth experience for everyone.
Service
196
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
51
negative
3
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Attentive, excellent service
- Engaging owners/hosts
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude, unfriendly staff
- Poor management issues
Often praised
- serviceDessert offered a contrast: the Creme brulee was really good, while the Amaretto was very disappointing. The service was great with nice staff. Despite the positive service and ambiance, I found the experience to be on the pricey end and was hoping for a bit more quality in the food.
- staffThe welcome drinks were also a success, with the front area opened up, a full bar, ample staff, and sufficient space for our 100 guests. Isa is a gem in San Francisco, thriving for decades due to its great staff and great food. We made the right choice trusting Isa with our rehearsal dinner and wouldn't change a thing.
- ownerIt's truly a hidden gem in the city. The service is amazing, and the owner is always so friendly. We visit every couple of months and absolutely adore their patio.
- waiterMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While we thoroughly enjoyed the food and our waiter, the manager, Sam, significantly detracted from the overall experience. Sam overcharged us and refused to correct the bill.
- serverI can't recall the last time I experienced such slow service. Despite the lengthy wait, the food itself was good, and our server was nice, so it wasn't a completely negative experience.
- managerNever had a dirty plate on the table or an empty glass. The manager even came by to say hello and check in on us. Everything we ordered was delicious and generous in size.
- wait staffthe wait staff is warm and sweet
- SamSam was willing to answer to all my questions regarding the event
- bartenderMy friends and I stopped into this quaint place for a late drink while celebrating my birthday in San Francisco last Saturday night. The bartender who took care of us was very kind and the service was great.
- great serviceEach time we visit San Francisco, my husband Jerry and I eagerly anticipate dining at ISA. We consistently love their delicious food, great service, and very reasonable prices. ISA has been one of our favorite restaurants for many years now.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice, which started out friendly but quickly became increasingly pushy
- waiterI got the waiter to bring a free glass of wine. But I had to really press for that.
- customer serviceexpect better customer service and organization from such a long-standing restaurant
- hostthe host wouldn't allow us to sit where we wanted
- reservationMy only significant issue was with the service regarding my reservation. Despite booking through OpenTable, the host forgot to check us in, leading to disruptive text messages and a phone call about being late while we were dining. The staff did resolve this when informed.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food was good, it wasn't enough to compensate for the poor service and disorganized staff. The price was also a concern given the overall experience.
- waiting timewait patiently at the door, 20 min later we get suspicious
- LeeLee talks way too much
- brussel sproutsA side of brussel sprouts ordered to accompany the first entree plates did not arrive for 40 minutes
- dirty dishesasking our server to pick up dirty dishes
Overall, the service here is generally a highlight, with many guests enjoying friendly and attentive staff. While there are occasional reports of slow or unfriendly interactions, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives. If you value a welcoming and knowledgeable team, it's definitely worth a visit, but be prepared for a potential hiccup now and then.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre in for a treat! The ambience here is truly something special, scoring a 7.9 and boasting a fantastic 85.8% customer satisfaction. With 91 positive remarks out of 106, guests frequently rave about the cute atmosphere, beautiful patio, and cozy vibe.
Many appreciate the outdoor lights and heating that make for a memorable date night or nice night out, often noting a charming European vibe. However, a few of the 14 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found the crowdedness a bit much, leading to a noisy place with bad acoustics.
There were also mentions of heater issues, like broken units or heater fumes, and occasional concerns about parking or sidewalk seating' not being ideal.
Ambience
106
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful patio ambiance
- Cozy, intimate vibe
- Effective outdoor heating
What people don't like
- Can get very noisy
- Heater issues occur
- Sometimes feels overcrowded
Often praised
- atmosphereService and atmosphere were both rated a solid 4 stars
- ambianceEvery dish we ordered was absolutely fantastic, creating a memorable culinary journey with flavors that felt like fireworks in my mouth. The beautiful ambiance, especially the stunning patio, added to the overall delight.
- back patioso was the back patio with cozy Christmas lights
- ambiencethe ambience so comfortable and nice
- experienceWhat an amazing experience we had!
- patiopatio behind the restaurant was also stunning
- placeMy friends and I stopped into this quaint place for a late drink while celebrating my birthday in San Francisco last Saturday night. The bartender who took care of us was very kind and the service was great.
- restaurantNice little restaurant with European vibes
- eveningThe atmosphere was fun and energetic, and the menu was extensive. Our waiter, Dean, was fantastic, personable, and knowledgeable, which made the evening quite fun. He recommended a perfect wine to complement our meal, and his help with the extensive wine list was very welcome.
- lightingThe entrance was unassuming, but stepping inside revealed a completely different atmosphere. The beautiful open-air area, enhanced by subtle lighting and heaters, created a casual yet elegant ambiance. The wait staff and owner were incredibly friendly and provided excellent recommendations.
Frequently criticized
- parkingI would DEFINITELY come back again! We walked from our condo, so we didnât experience parking issues, but looking at the surroundings, parking can be tight. Take an Uber!
- BathroomBathroom was also a mess
- Noise leveluntil we had a group of rowdy drunk people just starting yelling and laughing uncontrollably.
- acousticsvery bad acoustics for chatting
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the restaurant was awful and disgusting
- crowdednessStuffed with people
- heaterUnfortunately our tables heater was broken so it was pretty cold.
- heaters outsidehad too many heaters outside. I had to ask for it turned off because I was inhaling the heater fumes.
- menumenu on the piece of creased paper
- noisy placeAlso very noisy place.
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely charming and often romantic atmosphere, especially on the patio, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it can get a bit lively and potentially crowded, and consider alternative transport to avoid parking woes.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the prices and overall bill to be quite reasonable, especially for the quality and level of service received. With 8 positive remarks, some felt the food was well worth the price, offering good value for money, even in a city like San Francisco. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a low customer satisfaction of just 22.2% and an average score of 4.1.
Many of the 22 negative comments, out of 36 total, highlight concerns about the meal being overpriced, small portions for the cost, and issues with automatic tip or bill discrepancies, including significant overcharges and uncredited deposits.
Value
36
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
22
negative
6
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the price
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Billing discrepancies
- Forced gratuity
Often praised
- pricefor the price we paid, it was pretty worth
- billShockingly the bill was just $160 pre tip
- food priceI think the food was well worth the price
- pricesThe prices were quite reasonable for San Francisco
- quality and level of servicethe price for quality and level of service was worth it.
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
- reasonable pricesEach time we visit San Francisco, my husband Jerry and I eagerly anticipate dining at ISA. We consistently love their delicious food, great service, and very reasonable prices. ISA has been one of our favorite restaurants for many years now.
Frequently criticized
- pricenot enough to justify price w service
- billWe put down a $1000 deposit months before our event that was to be credited on our bill. At the end of the event, the $1000 was never credited back. We assumed this was an oversight, and reached out to Sam to correct it, but he proceeded to gaslight us and insist that we "should be grateful" for all the work he put in and admonished us for "caring about more money" than all his efforts.
- depositWe had an absolutely awful experience at Isa after holding our rehearsal dinner there. The owner, Sam, robbed us of $1000. We saw reviews warning about scams here and should have paid more attention.
- glass of wineThe glass of wine advertised with the menu as included was in fact not included
- gratuity20% gratuity was automatically added ... hinted we should leave even more
- mealthe meal was overpriced
- moneyAt the end of the event, the $1000 was never credited back. We assumed this was an oversight, and reached out to Sam to correct it, but he proceeded to gaslight us and insist that we "should be grateful" for all the work he put in and admonished us for "caring about more money" than all his efforts. It has turned into such a nightmare and looks like we will need to go to small claims if we ever want to see our money again.
- no show feecharged my credit card $120 no show fee
- overchargeSeems they overcharge
- overpricedMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to its overpriced nature. The main course plates were very small, essentially appetizer-sized, which felt unfair.
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially pricey experience where many feel the cost doesnt match the offering. While some find it reasonable, the strong negative feedback on pricing and billing issues suggests you might want to proceed with caution or look elsewhere for better value.
How are the prices at Isa?
On average, youâll spend around 77 per person â from 66 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71â$80 category. For a French Restaurant, thatâs mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits at 77, the actual spending shows a nice spread. Many guests enjoy meals in the 61-70 $ range, but a significant number also go for more premium options, with the highest concentration of diners spending over 101 $.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 66 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a French Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a range of experiences, from solid mid-range to more indulgent options, which is great for different occasions.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Isa
Price per Person
- $61â$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Food, Service Marred by Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant featured perfectly sliced yellowtail hamachi and enjoyable food overall. The waiters were exceptionally informative, kind, and offered great suggestions. However, despite having a reservation, the restaurant was overcrowded, which detracted from the dining experience.
Additionally, there were too many heaters outside, and I had to request one be turned off due to inhaling fumes, impacting the atmosphere.
- Yellowtail hamachi10
- food8
- waiters10
- overcrowded3
- heaters outside2
Price per Person
- $81â$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Excellent Halibut, Slow but Good Service
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, particularly with the food. The halibut was possibly the best I've ever had. The service was a bit slow, which is understandable given there was only one staff member on a Sunday night.
Despite being busy, he did a great job meeting demand. I would recommend the Prix fixe menu for Sunday or weeknights.
- halibut10
- staff member8
- Prix fixe menu9
- service4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Terrible Food, Tiny Portions
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The food was terrible, and the portions were tiny. Additionally, the service was bothersome, with Lee talking way too much.
- food1
- portions1
- Lee1
Price per Person
- $31â$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Attentive Service
My experience at Isa was wonderful. It's a low key restaurant nestled in a neighborhood brimming with high-energy establishments. The food was delicious, and the service was attentive.
I would definitely recommend Isa.
- food10
- service10
- restaurant8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
4
Good Atmosphere, Poor Food Value
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the atmosphere was nice, the food quality did not justify the price. If you're prioritizing the dining experience, I'd suggest looking elsewhere.
- atmosphere5
- food2
- price2
What Isa offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Isa Restaurant?
At Isa Restaurant, you can anticipate an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening. You’ll find options for brunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable seating and attentive table service. It’s an ideal spot for a special occasion or a delightful meal in San Francisco.
Does Isa Restaurant offer options for specific dietary needs and a variety of beverages?
Yes, Isa Restaurant caters to various preferences with both vegan and vegetarian options available on the menu. For drinks, you can enjoy a great wine list, cocktails, hard liquor, beer, and coffee. Happy hour drinks are also offered, making it a versatile choice for your dining and beverage needs.
How is Isa generally rated by customers?
Isa holds a good overall restaurant score of 7.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 75.7%. Its Food (7.9), Service (7.4), and Ambience (7.9) are well-regarded, though Value (4.1) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
What can I expect from the food at Isa?
Diners often praise Isa’s food for its quality and variety, with specific mentions of delicious scallops, perfectly cooked duck, and excellent risotto. The crĂšme brĂ»lĂ©e also frequently receives high marks.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Isa?
Some customers express concerns about the value, noting that portions can be small for the price. There have also been occasional reports of inconsistent service, including pushy interactions or issues with reservations and billing.