Tucked between Church and Winter Street lays Isola Restaurant, a modern Italian restaurant that’s family owned and managed, serving up classic Italian dishes with modern Vineyard twists.
“It has to be the Chicken Parmesan – because I grew up eating a version of it and I believe we do it so well at the restaurant. We currently just developed a gluten-free version of this dish and you can’t even tell the difference!” – Chef Jimmy, talking about his favorite dish on the menu right now.
By Marnely Murray
There’s something about Italian food that just makes everyone smile once they take a bite of whatever is in front of them. Classic Italian food has the ability to transport you to a happy place – whether it’s that first bite of pasta you had in Italy or it reminds you of your grandmother’s Sunday sauce, the flavors and textures just make you smile from within.
And that’s what Isola and their culinary team, lead by chef Jimmy Alvarado achieve. The menu is a composition of items that create a gorgeous meal. Because we’re on the Vineyard, the menu deeply reflects that island way and you’ll start with noticing that there’s an entire raw section that focused on sustainable and fresh island seafood. Whether you’re starting with raw oysters with a smokey yuzu mignonette or diving into their Casino Oysters with a traditional preparation of bacon, roasted pepper, lemon, fresh herbs, and crumbs, you’ll start noticing this isn’t the run of the mill Italian joint. Their “raw fish” menu item depends on what’s freshest and we had a chance to taste the tuna version of this, made with Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt, pickled pearl onions, whipped feta, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, Turkish pepper. There was something about the pickled pearl onion and whipped feta combination, that with the fresh tuna, just melted into your mouth.
If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s on the cooked side, we definitely recommend the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, one of the best appetizers on the entire island. Roasted garlic hummus, toasted baguette, and a spicy tomato pan sauce make this dish up and you’ll be in heaven. You’d think hummus i
Then, the world of pasta’s opens up to you when you take a look at the entrees. The pastas are handcrafted and they offer gluten-free versions for all their dishes, so it’s very accommodating. Some of the pasta’s you’ll find on their menu include:
Lobster and Tito’s Vodka Sauce: Creamy tomato sauce with a touch of vodka & fresh basil over black pepper gnocchi, grated Pecorino Romano
Linguini and Clams: Roasted shaved garlic, butter, white wine, clam broth, fresh herbs
Lemon Shrimp Scampi: Lemon butter sauce, tomato sauce, fresh basil over spaghetti, grated Pecorino Romano
Broccoli Rabe & Sausage Bucatini: Roasted garlic, a little spice and truffle brodo, grated Pecorino Romano
Pizza-Oven Baked Chicken Parm: Fresh basil and cheese over penne marinara, grated Pecorino Romano
One of the dishes we tried was one that was a special, but going on the menu soon because of its popularity: a Shrimp Caprese Bucatini in a Pecorino broth served with roasted grape tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella. The light sauce coat the noodles and the sweet tomatoes burst as you take a bite. It’s a gorgeous dish that is only elevated by the perfectly cooked shrimp. Ask for a side of bread to soak up the sauce – it’s that good.
Last word of advice – don’t skip dessert. Order the chocolate pannacotta if it’s on the menu because it’s life changing and like an adult “snack pack”. Isola – a spot you must put on your summer bucket foodie list!
More Information
Isola Restaurant
19 Church St.
Edgartown, MA 02539
Restaurant: (774) 549-9446
Pizzeria: (774) 549-9428
