Isa

Isa Restaurant Review:

There are two ways to enjoy owner-chef Luke Sung’s French tapas menu at Isa: in the modern and boisterous front room that spills out onto a Marina district sidewalk, or on the romantic alternative---the roomy, bi-leveled back patio lined with greenery, flowering bushes and strategically placed heat lamps. Polite and well-versed servers happily walk diners through the dozen or so small plates that make up the menu. Charming bistro lights criss-cross the tented outdoor space. Seafood is clearly the chef's specialty. One signature dish is the potato-wrapped sea bass with caper-specked brown butter that is earthy without being too heavy. Indulge in supple scallops prepared in truffle sauce and served atop buttery, creamy mashed potatoes, or try the plump mussels in pungent white wine and garlic broth. Short ribs fall off the bone, braised in their own demi-glace and plated with roasted broccolini and carrots. End the meal with a light, silky mascarpone trifle layered fresh fruit and huckleberry. A moderately-priced wine list stays focused on California winemakers.