Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “Isabela has a decade-long reputation as a fine-dining establishment”, November 2009
"Service is relaxed but caring with servers who know the menu and its ingredients. Successive courses appear at a measured pace allowing customers to linger over conversation and wine."
"The Roasted Pork Tenderloin that followed was near perfection -- pink, juicy and tender."
"With seven courses to get through it's understandable that portions are smaller than area residents might be used to. "It's deliberate so you can eat seven courses," Armstrong says. "This is a meal where at the end you are full with a smile on your face and can't wait to come back."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Mount Washington’s Isabela offers more than just a good view”, June 2009
“The rich, almost meaty flavors of golden-crusted swordfish were matched with an exuberantly tart rhubarb-cucumber salad in a lime-mint vinaigrette – as glorious a fish dish as any I’ve tasted in our landlocked city.”
“My favorite dessert was a pineapple custard topped with a thin layer of bruleed house-made marshmallow. A deft use of sea salt and lime zest balanced out the intense sweetness of the marshmallow. This dessert was not only delicious – almost an edible pina colada – it also had a sense of humor.”
City Paper, “As the view rewards the eyes, Chef Daniel Leiphart’s menu entices the palate.” May 2009
“Isabela provides a window on what Grandview dining ought to be.”
Pittsburgh Magazine, “The Height of Fine Dining”, April 2008
“On a strategic peak, chiseled into the hillside as if someone had used a giant show horn to get it just right, you’ll find Isabela on Grandview.”
“If seven courses sound overwhelming, tiny amuses are like magic tricks when they appear, perfect nibbles that coax us into believing we’ll make it to dessert.”
“Service is impeccable, prompt but discreet.”
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “A different View”, June 2008
“Daniel Leiphart has come a long way from toasting garlic bread in his youth.”
“Isabela on Grandview is revered for its seven-course $70 tasting meals.”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 2006
"This restaurant, unlike its neighbors, is as much about awesome food as it is about million-dollar views. I would never choose to order seven courses, but I must say that the creative dishes had me relishing each bite and anticipating the arrival of each new course."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 2005
"This is the kind of meal that is best savored slowly over the course of an evening with lively wit or words of romance. Your Isabela encounter is more than mere sustenance- it's an event."
Wall Street Journal, September 2004
"Food with a View"
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 2004
"Isabela keeps its high ideals amid many changes"
"Dining at Isabela is a treat, a privilege and an education of what is possible in Pittsburgh."
Featured in Gourmet Magazine, September 2003
USA Weekend Magazine, June 2003
“Second best view in the U.S. – the city view from Grandview Avenue atop Mount Washington.”
New York Magazine, March 2003
"You get a(n) 7-Course meal combining the flavors of Paris , Peking and Santa Fe ."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “A taste of home”, December 2002
"The menu at Isabela changes completely as the seasons pass to make use of seasonal produce as well as what's freshest and most appealing at the market"
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “The Pleasure of Isabela”, May 2002
"Isabela triumphs in providing the experience of truly good food, the wonder and surprise of savoring flavors, both strange and familiar yet meant to be together."
Bon Appetit, July 2001
"While everyone knows that places with spectacular views don't usually have spectacular food, Isabela on Grandview is a rare exception"
Pittsburgh Magazine – Best New Restaurant, June 2001
"Both the intimate setting with the fabulous view and personalized cuisine are attracting an avalanche of diners."
|
