Isabella's - Frederick

What a wonderful dinner!! We started off with Papas Bravas and Queso al Horno. The Queso al Horno is a piece of toasted fresh baked bread, brie, port wine reduction, almonds, and orange.. it was an explosion of flavors! It was absolutely delicious! We shared a glass of peach sangria which was very sweet and paired really well with the Queso al Horno. My husband ordered Solomillo and I ordered a vegetable Paella. Both extremely tasty. We ended our dinner by sharing a Empanada de Manzanas. The service and location were also both very excellent.

27July2021 Me and my peer were quickly treated by our bartender and he handed us drink and food menu’s as soon as we sat down. We had the Albóndigas(meatballs potatoes w/roasted garlic tomato rioja sauce) and they were super flavorful. Then we had beef empanadas, those were really good along with the pickled onions and sliver of cheese. That spicy mayo was really complimentary with it. The music is up beat and great to the ears. Atmosphere is truly welcoming. Check this place out for yourself.

Gluten free and safe for Celiacs. Great experience both times I've been here. Really enjoyed the atmosphere which picks up as it gets later. Great for date night or a group of friends. I've never had to wait for a table, but if you're going during peak hours you may wish to reserve a table; the place fills up fast. Note: they are not pet friendly, the dog in the picture is my fully trained service dog.

Awesome food, even better price! I can't wait to go back everything on the menu is delicious and the wait staff are friendly and helpful when deciding what tapas to get. It has a great view of market Street as well as a comfy home style yet classy atmosphere. I truly enjoyed my experience and have been telling all my friends and family about it.

Our group of 10 stopped in for Sunday brunch before a show at the nearby Weinberg Center. Even though the restaurant was busy, our reserved table was ready, and we were seated in a quieter side room that worked perfectly for us. The décor is colorful and warm, with Spanish-inspired art. On this brisk cold afternoon there was also a cozy brick fireplace in full working mode located in the back of the main dining area that adds to the charm. Our server was excellent—friendly, organized, and very mindful of our need to finish in time for the show. She handled separate checks, kept drinks filled, and made sure everything ran smoothly. The food was the highlight. We ordered full brunch meals, and everyone enjoyed their dishes. The house-made chorizo, flavorful sauces, and Eggs Benedict (with the option of a fresh biscuit instead of an English muffin) were especially good. Overall, we had a great experience. The menu is large, the atmosphere is inviting, and we’d happily return the next time we’re in Frederick.

I’ve been coming to Isabella’s Tapas Bar for over 10 years, and it remains one of my absolute favorite spots in town. Whether it’s happy hour, brunch, or an evening cocktail and dinner, Isabella’s never disappoints. Their menu is full of creativity and flavor — I’ve tried nearly everything over the years, and I keep coming back because every dish feels unique and thoughtfully prepared. The service is consistently phenomenal. The staff are quick, patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun to interact with. The atmosphere is cozy, dark, and a little flirty — with rich colors, leather booths, warm wood accents, and bold glassware. My favorite spot has always been near the fireplace; it adds the perfect touch of comfort and charm. As for the food, everything is designed tapas-style — smaller plates made to share, so you can experience a variety of flavors. On our last visit, we ordered the chicken skewers with apricot sauce, the manchego frito (fried manchego layered with fig jam, a thin slice of pear, and a crisp piece of baguette), and the cocoa-dusted filet — cooked perfectly medium and bursting with subtle, rich flavor. To pair with our meal, we enjoyed bubbly, elderflower cocktails, and a seasonal margarita — all beautifully crafted and balanced. Isabella’s offers a dining experience that’s warm, inviting, and endlessly satisfying. With such a diverse and delicious menu, one visit simply isn’t enough — you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.

Amazing authentic Spanish dishes. Everything we tried was delicious. The crab croquetas & Taza de Crema de Chocolate were both standout dishes!

Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar is a fantastic dining experience for those regulars of Frederick, Maryland and all those passing through. Straight up: if you have a chance to eat here, please do. After being sat down by the hostess, our waitress Pepper (amazing all around) brought over some drinks and gave us a minute to order. We ended up getting: - Queso al Horno baked brie / toasted bread / almonds / port wine reduction / orange - Papas Bravas fried potatoes / bravas sauce / garlic aioli - Empanadas ground beef / potato / cilantro / chili aioli / manchego cheese / pickled onions - Chorizo house-made Spanish sausage / mashed potatoes - Taza de Crema de Chocolate chocolate pot de creme / Spanish hot chocolate / fresh strawberries Everything was outstanding and came out pretty soon after we ordered. The homemade chorizo was so good, and I have to say that the taza de crema was one of the BEST desserts I’ve ever had. Definitely plan on getting one of your own. Overall, we had a fantastic experience here at Isabella’s! Can’t wait to visit again!

Very tasty food with good presentation. Service was really nice and courteous. Paella tasted pretty good, not truly authentic, but a good start.

Was visiting downtown historic Frederick walking on market Street around dinner time and came across this place. It looked inviting and authentic so gave it a try without a reservation we were seated immediately and the place was packed on a Friday night. Menu reminded me of tapas bars in Barcelona so tried a few items and a some good wine. The dishes came out quick and they were all excellent. The service was outstanding and the prices reasonable. It is indeed authentic tapas!

We came here for an early dinner on a Sunday evening so it was not too crowded. Delicious food and speedy, friendly service. Can be a bit noisy but not too much for maintaining conversation. We especially enjoyed the strip steak, fried asparagus and cinnamon brownie but everything was delicious!

A perfect spot for tapas!! If you want to try a bunch of things and share with others, it's a great option. The fried asparagus, prosciutto e melone and sangria stood out the most! Interior is a little vintage-ish which is cute and the servers are attentive and friendly!! The only drawback is that we don't live close enough to visit every week :s

Wow. Just wow. This place is amazing. The food and atmosphere go hand and hand. I would definitely be coming back.

Albeit pricy, I’m glad that my boyfriend, Andy, took me here. Never in my life would I thought that vegetables could taste so delectable such as here at Isabella’s Taverna. As for the fish, it’s definitely worth getting. Had my mate and I had more time, we would’ve ordered more, but for what we were able to eat, it was all worthwhile. I can’t wait to come back here, one day. P.S. If you’re hankering for some complimentary bread to mop up the last of your juices and sauces, then please ask. They do still have it. 😊

Very nice, chill atmosphere. We came for brunch and our waitress (Lex I believe) was great! The brunch paella was good, but our favorite dish were the croquettes. Service was also very good and we didn't feel rushed at all. Kid-friendly too.

An amazing dining experience. Delicious food and wonderful service. The perfect noise level to conduct our lunch meeting. We look forward to a return visit soon.

Amazing food, amazing service. All around fabulous and we can't wait to come back. We had the fried Manchego, pear and strawberry salad with Spanish goat cheese, short rib on amazing toasted bread, empanadas, roasted cauliflower, and shrimp in garlic oil with caramelized onion. It was the perfect amount for two people, but no room for dessert! Maybe next time.

I was pleasantly surprised with how good Isabella's was for my toddler with food allergies, the server understood and checked everything with the chef. I've been before for dinner but would definitely recommend it for lunch, three tapas for $15 is pretty great. Overall it's not cheap, but it's downtown Frederick, so that's par for the course!

Isabella’s Bar and Grill is our go-to spot for date nights! The food is consistently delicious, the drinks are fantastic, and the atmosphere is just perfect. The wait staff are always friendly and attentive, which makes every visit special. My husband and I absolutely love it here, and we keep coming back!

Had lunch there on a Mon afternoon in Dec. Great ambiance and the food was delicious. The server barely came to our table, we needed water refills as well as the check and had to flag her down for these.

I highly recommend the Machego Frito, it is soo good! My wife and I went here right after our date at the Rage room that is right around the corner, great food and great drinks. I never feel like they skimp out on the alcohol they pour, but it is well balanced so it goes down smooth.

We loved everything we ordered. The spices and flavor profiles were different for every dish, making them unique tastes, and we enjoyed all of them. Can't wait to go back!

Very pleasant tapas experience. Warm and inviting place. New plates arrived quickly and still hot. We found many plates we loved and a few that were good and well prepared...so, exactly what one expects.

We had a good experience reaquainting ourselves with Isabella's restaurant during restaurant week in Frederick Maryland. The pre-fixe menu had a starter, entree and dessert. My spouse had the empanada, New York strip steak and cinnamon brownie with vanilla ice cream. I chose the sizzling shrimp with garlic and onions, bacon wrapped scallops and flan with whipped cream. My negatives was the carrots could be a bit softer, mashed potatoes were warm but not hot and I am not a fan of brussel sprouts. We noticed a bit of an echo due to the small space and large number of people. The customer service was excellent. All in all it was a very nice and enjoyable experience. I would definitely return to try other options.

I went for brunch and can't really comment on the regular menu, but there was a great selection of Spanish takes on traditional brunch items like omelets, benedicts, and such. We didn't have reservations (party of 2) but were able to walk right in at 11:45 AM and get a table when most other places in the neighborhood had lines out the door. The gazpacho bloody mary was excellent. Entrees were mostly in the $20 range. I enjoyed my food and the service was excellent. The homefries were very crispy, which I liked and had a nice bit of red bell pepper in them for extra flavor, the poached eggs were on the more-cooked side but still had runny yolks, and the hollandaise sauce was excellent. The only complaint which takes things down from 5 stars to 4 is that I felt the potatoes (and also the soujouk benedict) were noticeably too salty. I'd be willing to give the place another shot though.

The overall brunch was okay. The best was the paella and with the eggs was an added treat. The mushroom omelette was good but the breakfast wrap was barely average. The classic Benedict was a disappointment. Cocktails were okay and fairly priced. Ali, our server , was good and felt sorry for his condition. It may have been best to encourage him to rest up. We have eaten here numerous times and will continue to recommend Isabella’s.

It was amazing! Good food and I've got no complaints except for one. There WAS a bug I my drink, but that's completely not their fault. They made sure to give me another. Oh, and we got a bit confused on the menu since it doesn't say the appetizers are appetizers. 😅

Our server was incredible—super fast and genuinely kind! Isabella's is the perfect spot for sharing tapas with friends. Pro tip: the more people you bring, the more variety you get to try! Everything was pretty good, but the highlights were the esparragos fritos and the patatas bravas!

We had a craving for tapas and date night gave us the perfect excuse to hit up Isabella’s. Straight off the top, the Papas Bravas - perfect chef’s kiss. I could eat a tub of these and come back for more!!! We ordered the asparagus fries and they were delicious! The presentation was great too. Served in a champagne glass with your aioli sauce at the bottom. Manchego Frito…..the fig jam and pear really brought this whole thing together. We’d prefer a nice chunk of manchego, not fried, on top but the fried was good too. We had the bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese. They were very good. Only feedback is they would have been homeruns if the dates had been stuffed with goat cheese. The goat cheese was more like a sauce the dates were presented in. Don’t get me wrong, it was delicious. We love goat cheese and we’re looking forward to the taste inside the date. The romaine salad was exactly what you would expect it to be and again, it was good. Hamburgesas de chorizo - what tipped the scale on choosing these was the jalapeño aioli. There was no spiciness to them though. So if you prefer no spicy, don’t miss out. It is also a bit sweet. The tomato bread was amazing. The boss loved it. I was not a fan of the Serrano ham. Just a little bit too gamey for my taste. The only reason we had leftovers was because we ordered dish after dish. Otherwise, there would have been no crumbs! The service was fantastic. The atmosphere was great. We waited for about 30 mins on a Saturday night and it was well worth the wait!! We plan to return with the kids next time!! Don’t walk by. Stop in and eat delicious food!

We had an amazing time. All the food was outstanding and we cannot wait to come back and try more tapas.

Expensive/ very tasty. When we arrived 3 tables were full of dirty dishes which turns me off and staff were walking by it. But maybe after 15 mins they finally cleaned them. Other than that personal preference of mine… the food and server were excellent! $8 for 4 asparagus with the woody stalk. Woof! Please cut the hard part off as it’s hard to eat!

Liked the food though is not really authentic. I would say is a spanish fusion with american bar food. Price is not excessive but it's not cheap either. We didn't like much the paella though had ok flavor

The food was not impressive. The service was good and the atmosphere it was fine!

I find this place a bit overpriced and I don’t care for the food - ate there twice. Their paella is huge, but we were offered the option to order a half size. Their service was great - George was one of the best servers I’ve ever had - ever. I don’t think I’ll be back.

Based on reviews and a look at the menu, our expectations were a bit higher for Isabella’s. The food could be described as fine but underwhelming and it appeared at odd times - my wife’s salmon came out with the side dish my son ordered, and it took another 15 minutes or so for the rest to arrive. The gruff waiter disappeared for a while and never explained the discrepancy. Our initial drinks were fine but we had empty glasses by the time the food showed up, and we weren’t asked if we wanted a second round - this should be a “no brainer” for a restaurant operation. My wife’s drink never even arrived at all, so she just drank water. Also, the charge for her salmon was higher than what appeared on the menu. Of course, we understand the need to raise prices on occasion but to show one price and charge a higher one without explanation, even if not a large difference, is simply not good business practice. Maybe with the above, we just caught them on an off day.

After we finished with the appetizers and main course, the staff did not make a single attempt to clear the dirty plates. We sat for almost an hour among plates with bones and leftovers. After I complained to the manager, instead of apologizing, she started shouting that the restaurant was crowded and they didn't have time to serve everyone. At that moment, only 3 tables were occupied in the restaurant. I have never seen something like this. Food was OK.

I disagree with the majority of reviews here but I just dont get it. The food is average at best. There is nothing special about it and it is pricey. We gave it two chances because our friends all like it. The first time for brunch, the corned beef hash seemed like the canned variety and the huevos rancheros were bland. Tried again for happy hour tapas and the drinks are fine but the house made chips and goat cheese queso were not good (cold chips needing salt, super thin queso with very little goat cheese flavor) and the shrimp were mediocre. Id say try it at least once and make your own opinion because some people clearly love it, but I wont go again.

Stopped in for lunch. Will not be back. Overpriced mediocre tasting food with rude service sums up our experience. Service: the waiter asked us if we were ready, we replied “Yes”. And as soon as I started to ask a question about one item on the menu, the waiter interrupted me and said “It looks you guys aren’t ready, I’ll give you few more minutes.” Then he put away his pad and just walked off. We were left there looking at each other and wondering if that really just happened. It was absolutely ridiculous. We were going to leave, but decided to stay because we were already in the mood for tapas. What a big mistake that was. Food: once our food started coming out, they were all mediocre at best, definitely overpriced for what they are. I’ve had good tapas before and this isn’t it. The meatballs: tasted just ok, the sauce was good, lukewarm in the middle but the sauce and the plate was hot, definitely microwaved before coming out. Overpriced for the portion and the quality; The homemade sausage: at first glance, I thought it was something gross, did not look appetizing, and the mash potatoes were definitely from a box mix. It has the consistency of high school lunch cafeteria mash potatoes, definitely overpriced base on the quantity(1 small sausage) and quality; The baked Brie: tasted ok, nothing special, overpriced; And finally, their specialty, the Paella: the flavors were ok, overcooked, overpriced for the portion. The waiter made it sound like it’s a big plate of food, it’s really not, certainly not $30 worth. To sum it, if you’re looking to pay extra for mediocre food, this is the place for you. I will not recommend it to anyone.

I called ahead to the other day to make a reservation for date night for 815 on Sunday night. They told me that it wouldn’t be busy, they were open till 10, I wouldn’t have a problem finding a table. I got to the restaurant around 8 o’clock and a female bartender/hostess came up and told us that they were closed. I told her that I had called and she acted like I was lying. I will not be back. It looks like the food is good, but because of this woman being extremely rude to my girlfriend, and I, I will not be giving it a second shot.

Loved the staff and atmosphere. This is my fault but I ordered the Paella de Viciras Gambus that was $MP without asking the price. The other Paella's were close to $30 so I thought it would be a little more than that. When I got the bill, it was $80. Talk about price gauging. I didn't say anything because I didn't ask initially. In no way was it worth it. Even reputable high end restaurants that provide elevated meals don't charge this much. Granted, there were maybe 5 nice size scallops... but they were Wet scallops...meaning the are injected with a solution that makes them more plump, retains 30% more water, tastes soapy and don't sear properly. Dry scallops are more expensive and flavorful and sear properly. Even if these were Dry Scallops it still would be too expensive. The shrimp too were unappealing. For $80, I would expect an elevated meal, this was the opposite. $80 is very insulting and no way would I return. If I had known the price initially, I would have sent the meal back. Very disappointed with myself and the meal. A Reputable restaurant would not do this.