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A new Caribbean restaurant is arriving in downtown Washington this month, bringing island flavors and a theatrical dining room to Midtown Center. Chef and restaurateur Lonie Murdock, who draws on her Jamaican background, is opening Isla — a tightly styled, service-forward spot that changes the neighborhood’s mix of Japanese and Italian options with something brighter and spicier.
Why it matters now
Isla opens as Midtown Center continues to tilt toward destination dining, giving locals and visitors another reason to linger in the heart of the city. For Washington diners, it’s notable because this is Murdock’s first D.C. project and positions Caribbean cuisine alongside the district’s high-profile newcomers.
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What to order
On a busy evening, several plates kept returning to neighboring tables — a good hint of crowd favorites. Below are dishes I recommend, with short notes on why they stand out.
| Dish | Price | Why order |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Fried Snapper | $44 | Served upright with bright escovitch vegetables — a commanding presentation and a shareable centerpiece. |
| Lobster Cook Up | $58 | Plentiful lobster tail on a creamy Carolina gold rice with pigeon peas; the texture recalls a rich risotto. |
| Mac Pie | $15 | A fried rectangular slab of macaroni and cheese finished with a spicy yellow béchamel and shaved Parmesan. |
| Hamachi Crudo | $23 | Delicate slices with cucumber, soursop coulis, tobiko and crispy ginger — light and visually striking. |
| Lamb Tartare | $21 | Chef’s early favorite: lamb tartare accented by pickled shrimp, Trinidadian green seasoning and a Jamaican sweet potato crema. |
| Chocho Slaw | $19 | A refreshing starter with guava vinaigrette and cashew crunch — a consistent hit since opening. |
Dining room and design
The space has been fully reimagined from its previous incarnation, with careful attention to materials and color. Expect a polished bar finished in warm gold tones and plush magenta seating patterned with palm motifs.
Dominating the ceiling is a large pink chandelier — the room’s focal point — while plates arrive in colorful crystal bowls that catch the light on the marble tables. The overall effect is upscale and playful rather than ostentatious; presentation is treated as an extension of the menu.
Best seat
For theater and flavor, sit where you can watch the line: the open kitchen is a central feature. From there you’ll see everything from fire-grilled branzino to the team assembling oxtail patties, which adds a lively rhythm to the meal.
The vibe
Service here leans polished — there is an expectation that guests dress smartly — making the restaurant a logical pick for milestones and date nights. During my visit I even noticed a well-known chef leaving for the evening, reinforcing the place’s immediate cachet among the city’s food scene.
Insider tip
After dinner, cross the hall to Goodlove, a sister lounge with moody décor and cocktails served beneath fringed lamps. It’s an easy, five-second walk that feels like an extension of the night rather than an afterthought.
Practical info
- Address: 1100 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
- Phone: +1 (202) 733-4800
- Website: isladc.com
- Reservations: Available — book ahead for prime times
Isla’s opening arrives at a moment when D.C. diners are seeking new, well-executed flavors and memorable dining environments. Whether you go for the show-stopping snapper, the comforting richness of the lobster dish, or the inventive small plates, the restaurant stakes a clear claim as a polished new option for Caribbean food in the city.
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