Our Story
Isla (pronounced “EES-la”) is the newest restaurant from chef Brian Bornemann and artist Leena Culhane, who partnered with Shane Won Murphy (owner/operator of neighboring Little Prince) to move their pop-up into its permanent home at 2424 Main Street in Santa Monica. Continuing along the innovative path the duo forged with their first creation, Crudo e Nudo, Isla combines coastal profiles with a diligent representation of local ingredients. With their new venture, Isla builds on Brian and Leena’s progressive labor model, stellar team, and tight knit relationships with local fisherman, farmers, and creatives. Isla’s menu applies a wood-fire cure to fish, vegetables, and pastured birds, and features a low-intervention wine program which focuses on best soil practices and high-acid, mineral-driven wines. Spanish legend describes the Isle of California as a terrestrial paradise, like Atlantis or The Garden of Eden. As such, Isla highlights the best ingredients from Los Angeles to create a menu with a sense of place and purpose. We look forward to having you.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Our address is 2424 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA between Hollister and Mills. There is city parking lot directly behind us, and metered parking is available on Main Street.
What is your reservation process?
We take advance reservations on RESY, and reserve a portion of seats indoors and outdoors for walk-ins. For last minute reservation changes or if you are running more than 10 minutes late, please message us through the RESY app. When booking, you will see our policy requesting 12 hours notice if you are going to cancel your reservation. As a small business, we order very delicate product and staff accordingly in anticipation of the following day’s reservations. We charge $35/person for cancellations within 12 hours. We are a neighborhood spot and will always do our best to accommodate walk-ins as much as we can. We are so grateful our guests and community want to join us.
How do I book a large party?
For parties over six guests, we require that the entire party participate in The Isla Feast, a multi-course che'f’s menu at $85/pp. The Isla Feast is written anew each day and highlights the daily farmer’s market offerings over several courses including appetizers, vegetables, skewers, wood-fired mains, and dessert. Parties of six guests and over will have a 20% gratuity added to the check. We accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences where possible, including celiac/pescatarian/vegetarian guests. To book a large party, please email hello@isla-la.com and include any requests or dietary restrictions in your party to streamline the booking process. This is also the correct email to contact about also buyouts, large events, and TV/film/photo shoots in our space.
What is your corkage policy?
We have a $45 corkage/750mL bottle with a two bottle limit.
Do you allow dogs on the patio?
We love hosting well-behaved pups who do not interfere with other guests.