Lively Australian-leaning spot with creative small plates and brunch favorites, strong cocktails, and friendly but inconsistent service; prices skew high for the neighborhood.
Isla & Co. delivers creative contemporary fusion with strong food quality and an attractive, bustling space that makes it a solid neighborhood choice for brunch and cocktails. However, inconsistent execution—ranging from underseasoned dishes to service timing hiccups—and documented food safety lapses prevent it from reaching higher territory.
The room feels warm and bustling with high ceilings and a stylish bar, a spot where friends linger over brunch and cocktails. One diner put it simply: "The space is beautiful and the team made us feel looked after." Service warmth shows often, though timing can wobble. In the kitchen, the approach skews creative and contemporary with Australian cues: kangaroo skewers, yuzu-kosho tartare, gochujang-glossed veg, and a prawn vodka rigatoni. The culinary approach leans contemporary fusion: bold flavors over strict tradition, more cocktails-and-small-plates than comfort fare for everyone. Families will find kid-viable standbys like the burger, chicken salt fries, and simple pastas, but some plates run spicy or inventive. No explicit kids menu noted; picky eaters may prefer the fries, burger, or plain pasta while adventurous teens might enjoy the espresso-martini-free dessert lineup if available.
Area vibe: Trendy, lively Williamsburg block near boutique hotels and parks; draws brunch crowds and evening cocktail seekers.
Safety: Busy and well-trafficked; generally safe with good lighting and steady pedestrian activity.
What's nearby: Near Bushwick Inlet Park and the William Vale; mix of bars, cafes, and retail draws weekend foot traffic.