Island Reviews

Ate there with friends last night.The staff was very friendly and efficient. I had a burger just a bit larger than a slider.The 2 ladies (our wives)each had a Cobb salad which was just Okay. My friend had a quesadilla which was just okay too.The restaurant was very pretty and very crowded and very noisy. I am willing to give it another chance

We were staying at The Wales Hotel which is next to Island and arrived late so we stopped in for dinner. I had the free range chicken which was excellent. My wife had the sole and my daughter the burger. The food was prepared perfectly and the atmosphere is quite appealing. The only downside was our waitress. Very slow and pretty much abandoned our table. Maybe we caught her at the end of her shift. That being said the food was so good I would still come back and hope for a better experience from the waitstaff.

GREAT Maine lobster rolls (even though we got it without the bread). Huge portion of Maine lobster with good crispy fries.

Weather was nice so we sat outside, service good as was ambience. There was a quiche as a special, more like a frittata really with broccoli, leeks & cauliflower. It was very good, obviously fresh too. The NE cod fritters were also very good, perfectly cooked & the fish was also very fresh. Lovely glass of Provence rose was perfect match & good value at $8.

I was in New York for business staying near the Island. in fact next door to the Island. Being on my own I found the bar just a great place to hang out before dinner. I ended up there 3 nights in a row. Dinner twice. The place has a cool vibe and everyone at the bar loves to chat. All locals and all really nice. Menu is good with a little for everyone. Certainly worth a visit.

Adriana was our server tonight. My friend and I both enjoyed our meal. Our bill was $110 plus tax. I split the bill with my friend and paid in $75 cash and she paid $72 with her credit card. This server Adriana chased us out to the restaurant lobby, with the credit card bill in her hand, and said “by the way YOU never tipped me”! What? She had the credit card receipt in her hand with $12 tip? She then said to me, and YOU paid me $75 cash. Ummmm $75 plus $72= $147! You publicly insulted us and we left you a 25% TIP.

After the concert we headed to this upper East Side restaurant nearby. I checked first and they assured me that they had dishes that even a Vegan could order. So my sister a vegan being in the dinner party ordered the roasted vegetables, which seemed so tempting that I ordered the same dish. It came with a savory sauce atop the veggies was just the right amount of rice. However, let me assure you that there are more tempting typical American selections. At another time I had enjoyed the salmon and yet another time, yes, I do go there,often when I'm uptown I sometimes order a delicious burger

I had a wonderful dinner here in this island theme restaurant. I started with a special carrot ginger soup which was delicious. Then I wanted the rigatoni but thought it was too big . The awesome service surprised me and offered me half portion! Delicious. The down side is that the lovely wicker chair are very light. The small place was so cramped I got my chair kicked twice. Of course they were friendly but perhaps don’t cram your clients in small spaces with chairs in the isles. Recommended!

When I saw that Island had a Kobe beef 🌭 Hot dog with sauerkraut & french fries on their lunch menu, I knew it was a delicious once a year delicacy... My hubby selected a more healthy entree & raved about his roasted multicolored beet salad topped with feta cheese & roasted sliced almonds ... perfect on a hot summer day in NYC!

This is the equivalent of Cheers (with food) in Carnegie Hill. Everybody does know your name and your likes and dislikes. The drinks are excellent and the food ain't bad. Kudos to Bill & Suzanne at the Bar and to Nicolette, Andrea, Becky, Adriana and others on the wait staff.

We have passed by this restaurant several times and finally stopped, met our son and his partner here ... and we'll be back. Dinner was delicious and the service excellent!

Something changed. Very different in terms of food and service. It WAS a gem. No longer. Food and service deteriorated. I thank the regular staff bolted

Have really enjoyed a couple of meals here, particularly a recent brunch. But had dinner Tuesday night, restaurant was crowded, and waited an hour and ten minutes for my entree. When we asked the waitress about the delay she said the roast chicken took a little longer. Too long by a mile. When it arrived shortly thereafter, it was so over cooked and dry it was inedible. Couldn't eat it. They didn't charge me for it, but no excuse for serving up a piece of leather after that kind of wait. Too bad, because the ambience is nice.

I went to Island for dinner on business and after looking at the menu I thought it would be just a standard meal. The Lobster Quesadilla was wonderful and full of lobster with a nice fresh salsa on the side. It had a nice fresh taste to it and the spicing was perfect. I had the crab cake for the entrée and thought even though it was loaded with crab (very large chunks of it), it had no flavor to it. It needed loads of salt and several squirts of lemon to give it flavor. The desserts are amazing and the best part of the meal. I had the brioche ice cream sandwich and it was excellent! It tasted like French toast with vanilla ice cream in the center of it. I highly recommend saving room for dessert. The dessert menu is where the restaurant shines. My dinner partner had the doughnut holes with caramel sauce and he loved them. The service is very friendly and welcoming and makes good suggestions for things on the menu. It is a nice friendly restaurant and very Upper East Side.

Every once and a while there will be a great and even innovative dish, but that is not why I keep coming back to Island. It is low key with a personable wait staff and good food. I come here because I can sit at an old style bar, without the distraction of a TV and have great martini. I like the food, enjoy the company and relish the drinks.

Met a friend staying at the hotel next door that weekend at Island around 8 on a Friday night. We told the hostess we wanted a drink first at bar and then a table. She put a table aside and told us to let her know when we were ready. Very accomodating. Bar was crowded but bartender took our order and quickly prepared some much needed and delicious adult beverages. Dinner was very good. Split grilled asparagus appetizer. My buddy had the sesame crusted tuna and I had the maryland crab cake. All the food was excellent and the servings more that adequate. They also served fresh baked bread / rolls from local bakeries. I am noticing this is becoming more rare in a lot of restaurants. The wait staff and servers was very attentive. Dessert was an red velvet cake which was delicious. The recommended red wine pairing with the meal was super tasty. I think this restaurant caters a lot to the neighborhood so the focus seems to be in the right place to make sure they take care of everyone who comes in as they can be there again and again... The prices were in-line with the area we were in. I live in Richmond so it a bit of sticker shock but I was happy for the price we got great service in a cool atmosphere and delicious food/wine served generously. Definately recommend - also since warm months are upon us they have outdoor seating with a restaurant front that is completely open to the bar area and formal seating area behind that. That gives it, for me, a great NYC neighborhood feel.

This is a great spot for brunch, lunch and dinner, or just a drink at the bar. Even if you're a visitor, it feels just like your nicest local neighborhood place for decent food and relaxation. Couples, families (of all ages), and singles come by to have something comforting to eat. Cosy in winter, and very pleasant in summer with doors and tables open to the sidewalk.

Staying at Hotel Wales next door, had enjoyedmrestaurant there (Sarabeth's), wanted something different, maybe a little less formal, slightly less expensive, attracted by good reviews. We were seated at table in the back, no trouble with noise there. (Low ceilings reduce noise level in general.) All 6 of us agreed our appetizers (lobster bouillabaisse, grilled asparagus, lobster quesadilla, blasted peppers and pear salad (evening special) were excellent, as were our entres (amazing hamburger with a stack of blue cheese, rigatoni with sausage... can't recall 2 others). Small piece of good bread as starter, nothing special. Over-all, nice energy and atmosphere, cozy more than crowded. Someone needs to report on their Tennessee Infirmary cocktail, as none of our group had the courage to try it!

Good for a quick dinner or lunch. Interesting decor - looks like the inside of a ship. It has an active bar as it is attached to the Wales hotel. Always busy! The food is your typical American fare - good not great, but enjoy the soups & salads

Ok so what I noticed right away was the number of return customers. I was seated immediately, and across from the bar. It gave me a view of everyone coming in and how they were greeted. The staff seemed to know everyone. I even commented on that to the manager and she said yes, many many people are local return customers. The place was packed. Even so, the service was very friendly and efficient. I was never without water or being asked if I needed anything else. My server was very courteous and attentive. It was a very welcome change from my previous night at Maxwell's (separate review, and not a flattering one). I ordered a calamari appetizer and fried crab entree. Both were fantastic. My wine was a nice Pinot Grigio. Given my seating location, I had the opportunity to chat with the manager. She was very friendly, professional, and funny. We swapped a few travel tales which I always enjoy. For dessert I was tempted and then convinced to try the donut holes. OMG. FANTASTIC!!!! I think I can easily say that this is a place I would visit again and recommend. So fellow eaters, enjoy!!!

Primarily a seafood place, the food is excellent and the staff is friendly. All the dishes are consistently good and the service is quick. While the crowd is sophisticated and yet convivial, the noise level is awfully high. Hint: Fine for families with young teens -- maybe not great for little children.

The poor service and small portions ruined what could have been a great experience. The waitstaff was rushed and then never came back. We had to ask the bus boys for food and drinks that had not been delivered and then for the check. The table next to us had to do the same, but they weren't as annoyed as we were. Having to keep looking for someone to flag down rather than enjoying good conversation and being together is very annoying. My salad was super small. I don't need to eat a huge meal, but the salad was listed as an entree, but was more like an appetizer. I don't recommend this place and we won't be back.

At first everything was nice. It's a very nice restaurant and the waiter was really nice. I ordered the angus burger which was good beside the bun was little bit smaller than the burger meat. But then I found a hair in my burger. The waiter took it and then the unbelievable thing happened. The chef came to the table with the plate !! and blame me for the hair thing - I have a very short hair (marines haircut) which means it's impossible I somehow put it in. They took the burger off the bill but the humiliation remains.

Lived in the area for 18 months, and recently moved even closer. This place is extremely reliable, as evidenced by the many repeat customers. The enemy and I much prefer sitting at the bar or outside on Madison, weather permitting, than the restaurant. Menu has some hits (shishito peppers, lobster quesadillas, cobb salad) and some misses (hamburger isn't great). Drinks are excellent: Suzanne is a brilliant bartender, and the new guy Steve is a fantastic addition. Also give a shout out to Nicolette (constantly singing), Becky, and Flavio. You will see a wide variety of UES stalwarts, many 80+ years of age, and it's popular with families too. In summary, a very well run place, and almost always busy. Toroughly recommend (NB they also have Stella and Lagunitas on draft).

Great restaurant on the upper east side. Nice atmosphere with nice tables outside. Service was also great. Highly recommend the Ahi Tuna burger and the fries. Fantastic wasabi sauce with a hint of honey.

We visited an old friend who lives a couple of blocks from this restaurant. It is a small restaurant with a quaint ambiance. Staff was nice and friendly. My wife and our friend who directed us there ordered something they liked and were pleased with. I ordered a steak, medium rare. When I was served, it was "well done" and I rejected it. They redid my order then served it to me, as ordered. However, because of their rush to please me, the flavor of the steak was not as I had expected. If there is a next time, I will make sure to tell them to not screw up my order.

Nice decor and servers, and good food--a real neighborhood place popular with the locals--the curried chicken dish was lovely; we went back after the show for after-dinner drinks.

The food and ambiance is delightful. If you are stying on the Upper east Side, or dining after a day at one of the museums or the Park, this is a wonderful place. Beware, in the warm months it does get full quickly.

The staff is warm and helpful. Food is always solid and the noise level is acceptable. A family oriented restaurant which makes accommodations readily.

This restaurant has a real summer beach feel ..a touch of the Hamptons. Friendly staff serve delicious food like Lobster roll ( in season) which is absolutely yummy as well as a wide range of steaks salads lamb and vegetarian. The feeling in the restaurant is warm and cosy...the bar has a variety of cocktails and wines. The desserts are creative. We had a most enjoyable evening indeed.

Island is perhaps the most modest of the 8 restaurants that populate Madison Avenue between 93rd and 92nd Streets. I have only had Brunch there and in the six or eight visits we have made its ben consistent and steady. Prices are less and fare more modest than some next door places, but they serve great omlettes, soups, sandwiches and fritadas, service is quick and efficient. Lots of kids after church on Sundays but they usually end up well into the back. Never have needed a reservation. Worth dropping in if you are in the 10128 zip code.

One may mistake this for bigger Sarabeth next door but one should make the effort to find the nondescript entrance to Island. A thin store front location with the kitchen in the basement allows a full dining room with bar and tables in front and sidewalk seating in the summer. The bar is usually alive and the dining room filed with locals. The menu is interesting and has some interesting well prepared items not usually found in New York bistros. And BEST, one can usally get on street parking close by. Definitely a place to rewmembr if one is looking for a fun and good place in the low '90's.

Pretty little restaurant next door to Hotel Wales. Four of us had brunch, we sat in the sunshine at the front. The waiting staff were so jolly and friendly. The food was fantastic, the four of us each had something different and we all cleared our plates. We returned for dinner after a long day wandering round NYC, had a couple of fab G&T’s sat at the bar, then sat down for dinner. A small menu complimented by the specials board, definitely something for everyone and a great selection of wines. Once again we loved the food. Not overpriced - you get what you pay for! A very popular restaurant, so recommend booking. A real gem of a place.

I've seen some unfavorable reviews for Island and I cannot understand them. My wife and I eat here maybe once every other month when we are staying at The Hotel Wales next store. If I've been to this restaurant 7 times over the past 2 years we have had 14 very good meals. Mid January we were a party of 4 for a birthday so make that 16 very good meals. Yum. Always pleases and never fails; we consider it one of our anchor restaurants for weekends in the city. Make a reservation. The place has 4 sections - front windows (and al fresco in warm weather), bar, between the bar and the stairs, back. If it's cold out try to reserve a table in one of the 2 back areas, preferably along the wall closest to 93rd St. This is basically true in any NYC restaurant since when large parties enter and leave even a 2 door vestibule can let in some serious cold wind. There are enough choices on the menu to satisfy even a food curmudgeon like me, and the prices are not as bad as Carnegie Hill joints can get away with charging. We were a party of 4 last month, maybe 4 glasses of wine and everyone ate well, including 2 desserts for about $225 including tax and a 20+% tip. There was scaffolding on Madison Ave and it may still be up. But when it's gone if you can eat in the window on a nice day you will not be disappointed.

At 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon, the restaurant was nicely quiet for a light snack. I ordered a Smoked salmon sandwich on rye bread with a small accompanying cress salad which was fresh and nicely prepared. Service polite and efficient. As indicated by other reviewers this place caters for the Ralph Lauren clad set. Coincidentally I was wearing an R-L jumper! Recommended.

great burgers and pub by atmosphere. A neighborhood gem. For some odd reason it is never included in Zagat's but my family has been going there for over 20 years!

Varied menu and excellent service made for a delightful lunch. The food was tasty, the room casual and comfortable, and the neighborhood vibe welcoming.

Have been going here for decades because it is so close to our apt., but can no longer rationalize the horrendous service and mediocre food. Most recent meal was the last straw. Waitress seemed to think she was at a cocktail party instead of work. She spent so much time chatting with people she had previously served that it took almost an hour to get our burgers. They were Luke warm when they arrived. I asked for a condiment and it arrived when I had 2 bites of my incredibly bland burger left. After getting the bill we waited so long to have someone take our credit card that we eventually brought it to the hostess. As our waitress watched this - she still didn’t interrupt her casual conversation but instead let the hostess process the bill. We will not be back.

In summer months, fun to sit in one of the tables on Madison Avenue. Food is good, fun people watching and its consistent!

The staff was very pleasant and they were accommodating. We were promptly seated and got very quick service even though the place was full.

I've been an intermittent diner at this VERY Upper East Side restaurant for decades. It is about as far away from touristy mid-town as you can get. The food has a bistro-like tilt to it, and is always fresh and enjoyable. As you would expect, the decor has a nautical feel to is. I find it a romantic setting when I'm with my wife. When I dine here alone, it's nice to sit at the bar and chat with those around you. It's worth a trip uptown if you are just visiting and want to avoid tourist spots. The neighborhood--Carnegie Hill--is one of the nicest in NYC.

Had the pleasure of dining here for lunch while waiting for an appointment at nearby Mt. Sinai hospital. The beet salad was amazing and fresh with a ginger dressing and goat cheese, oranges and candied almonds. The flavor was so delicious. My son had a codfish burger that was similar to a crab cake. It was fresh with flavor that left you thinking about it hours later. The carrot cake was amazing and the cream cheese frosting was one of the best I ever had! The food was gourmet, fresh and flavorful and the service was impeccable. I will definitely be returning here! The lunch prices were very reasonable!

The burgers are good--the rerst unimpressive. Service VERY slow. Prices seem great until you get the portion

I recently took my daughter and granddaughter to Island for a festive dinner to celebrate the latter's return from summer camp. I always enjoy Island but was not sure it would have the same appeal to a 12 year old. She loved it and thought the food superb. The atmosphere and service as well as the food are of uniformly excellent quality. I recommend it without reservation.

The meal was delicious. The service was excellent. The outdoor seating arrangement was best it can be. We felt very respected and safe with COVID-19 protocols and other diners were very considerate of the staff with mask wearing as well. This was a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience.

Island is one of my favorite restaurants. It's a little pricey but the friendly staff make it so welcoming I keep returning. It has a very relaxing vibe and is a true neighborhood spot. I see lots of people from the area dining solo and that says something. I've always felt like I was dining with friends..even if by myself.

good food on UES. lots of variety on menu. prices are high so order wisely. not for the budget diner

What a magnificent neighborhood gem. Great comfort food (including a Kobe hot dog to die for) and terrific service, all orchestrated by a the piece de resistance - Martin the magnificant host. P.S. The cheapest cocktails in town!

Food was very good. Nice small Neighborhood place next to hotel. Went here because air conditoning at Sarabeths was out for 3 days

We stopped at Island for lunch because it and its menu looked inviting from the street outside. We were welcomed warmly and seated promptly even though we didn't have a reservation. My wife said her salad was one of the best she had ever had. My lunch was fine as well. By the time we finished our meal, the place was jammed with customer, many of whom appeared to be from the general neighborhood. High compliments to the staff. They made us feel very welcome. We'll go back I'm sure.

Busy early spring day. Doors were open, so rather than wait for a table outside, we sat at bar. Had some fun with Roberta. Lobster roll was excellent, as were the bloody Mary’s.

likked seeing old friends as I lived in NYC all of my llife until a few years ago...disliked the garbage on East 86th St n bags on the sidwalks!!!

We sat down the block outside and not in the little building they built where cars should be parked and that was nice..........except for the sounds of busses and motorcycles and garbage trucks. I had a caesar salad and a hamburger and they were fine. Service nice and we sat outdoors for more than 2 hours. I guess this is what a NY neighborhood restaurant has become during covid season

This is my 3rd time dining here and it won't be my last. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. The service is fantastic every time and very family friendly. The food is yummy for adults and kids and the cocktails are made perfectly. What else can I say?

They would call it Island. Decent, if not great food, at reasonable prices served in a nautical/preppy themed restaurant. Always crowded with Sarabeth's rejects, the food here is decidedly better than Sarabeth's but overall, there is no soul here. Good for brunch and the quick glass of wine, but there not worth going out of your way. Service is robotic, executed without a smile. Your typical old school UES dining establishment.

There is something very inviting about the atmosphere at Island. The bartenders and wait staff are friendly, the clientele is attractive and low-key.

The waitress/ temporary manager for the evening basically screamed at us that we were very difficult when we asked where our food was after a 30 min. wait. We like the restaurant for simple food & salads. This waitress has been dismissive of us before. We have never had a problem with any other hostess or server there. Of course, the owner(s) are never around. When my husband said I thought the customer was always right, she commented except when they are wrong. Hard to recommend with an attitude like that.

Thirty plus years later and still limping along. Few alternatives on the upper East side, but this place has perfected mediocrity. Eat before you come because the kitchen takes for ever, even when the restaurant is not busy. The food is forgettable, and you will certainly try. The decors is the only positive, but the maritime motif can’t save this sinking ship.

One of the joys of staying @ the Hotel Wales is that the Island restaurant is right next door! The grilled Kobe beef hotdog with baked beans, sauerkraut, grainy mustard & fresh greens is ‘to die for!’ Penne Mozzarella a winner for hubby’s lunch .. lovely outdoor dining option 👍🏻

We had a nice meal. Good selection, fresh food, lovely space. But our visit was marred by lousy service. The food was all very slow. The waiter was MIA most of the night. Other people sat down, were served and left, while we waited for our food. No apologies, no explanations.

Typical Upper East Side restaurant- lots of options and outdoor seating for people watching- excellent food selections and an awesome bar tender with a heavy pour

I had a very juicy cheeseburger my friend had tomato bisque, which she really liked. I tried the blueberry cobbler with ice cream for dessert. Another night we stopped in just for dessert and we had the Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich. We were staying at Hotel Wales next door so we just stopped in-never had a reservation, although we generally eat fairly early. The restaurant is very small, but that didn’t pose any problems for us since it was just the two of us. The fries and blueberry cobbler were not warm enough and I did send the cobbler back. It was still not to my liking but ate it anyway. I didn’t care for the cobbler- it was more like a thick blueberry soup with a little crust on top and not sweet enough for my taste. However, the Ice cream sandwich was excellent!! I would eat here again if staying close by but would not go out of my way to go there.

The place has an attractively designed yacht-like interior, and a stylish neighborhood clientele. Service is polished, and food pleasant if not distinguished.

Island offers classic American dishes in an informal maritime like setting. The service is attentive and knowledgeable. The drinks are generous.

Unpretentious food and nice atmosphere. Quintessential neighborhood restaurant. Been there forever, friendly and reasonable food and wine. Chicken curry, crab cakes, steak, burgers, salads... Everything on the menu looked appealing.

Since it was next to our hotel, went twice for meals and once for late drinks. Somewhat pricey, but good food and varied choices.

Island cultivates a very nice atmosphere, and many locals are fiercely loyal. (As you can tell from their reviews). But the fact of the matter is that the kitchen is inconsistent and indifferent to any problems. I ordered a crab cake (ambrosia at Pasacolu across the street), and the pre-frozen, over-fried hockey puck jumped off the plate when I tried to cut into it. Quite literally inedible, but when I pointed this out to the waiter, the friendly service became surly, and the replacement (if, indeed, it was a replacement) was just as bad when it finally came. Stick to the simple fare and enjoy a glass of wine with friends in a lively atmosphere. But don't expect anything special.

While staying at Hotel Wales next door I ate here four times in four days! There are other highly rated restaurants nearby but Island just hit the spot with me. The bistro-like menu is simple but sophisticated and t he food is prepared with restraint. I loved the curry chicken salad, steamed mussels, and coconut crusted trout. The clientele seems to include nearby residents and the prices -by NYC standards - are reasonable. The wine list is also good. They also have a few outdoor tables at the front. Host, bartender and servers all charming.

Took the family to a nice early dinner. Very diverse menu for all dining styles, attentive service and good prices for the Upper East Side of NYC. Probably the best combo of those factors in the busy Madison Ave block between 92 and 93 Streets (6 other choices with in a block). You can dine outside, by the front window, at the bar or all the way into the back if you want more privacy.

Great informal and well priced spot of lunch. Food is well prepared and politely presented. Reasonably priced. Have had lunch there many times and always satisfied.

Classy place with friendly but professional staff. Food is great. I loved the blueberry cobbler. Only if tables were a little bigger.

The pasta is amazing. Love coming here during lunch. U will never be disappointed. Keep up the good work

Stayed at the Wales next door. Did a carry out for 4 and had a great meal around our dinette in the room. Something for everyones taist. Picked up and paid at the bar. Glad we ate in the room. The place was packed for a Tuesday night. Food was good.

We regularly (whenever we go to the Metropolitan Museum, Cooper Hewitt or Guggenheim) make this our go to dinner place on the upper East side. The food is good, reasonable (for the location) and we feel as welcome as "regulars". We ate there with 5 other persons, and all were pleased with their order. Service is friendly and efficient, givin that it is always crowded and humming.

Had brunch on a Sunday in October with 6 people. Our grandson (2 years) joined us and, as one can imagine, provided a bit of a challenge for the wait staff: squeezing in one more, up and down, etc. They were ever so patient, served an excellent brunch and handled the situation very well. The omelets were very good and they made a good cup of coffee. I would recommend it for breakfast, brunch.

A very pleasant neighbourhood restaurant and bar. I had excellent wine chosen by the bar man to complement the crab cakes I had ordered.

Great eating outside on Madison Ave. I think most of the clients here locals. That speaks to a good place. The staff is friendly. the food is great, the bar drinks are good, and sitting outside on a summer evening is wonderful. The menu has seafood, pasta, and steaks. The food arrives in a reasonable amount of time. So next time you are in NYC, eat at Island's where the locals, and no client is an island.

Loved it. Very fresh and amazing flavors. Service was very New York, but what can you do, we were in New York after all!!

This was one of the highlights of the trip. We had so much fun with the staff whilst enjoying really good food. The menu is comprehensive although small, you are sure to time something to enjoy. Good wine list and great service means a terrific night out.

If you live in Carnegie Hill or a visitor to New York, a visit to Island will get you a chance to meet the natives.I am not into name dropping, but a dinner here could be a celebrity sighting event..no promises of course. Great food and good service, a little hectic at times but that's what it's all about.steaks are superb, good hamburgers and really anything you order you will be pleased with.come celebrate with Native New Yorkers and have a great evening, you will not soon forget.

because we enjoyed brunch here. We had reserved an outside table but all they had was inside, but we made a sidewalk 2 top into a 3 top that worked just fine. Good Nicoise Salads and the tuna burger was also tasty (but small). Service was attentive, prices were reasonable

Island has been around forever and has forever been just fine. Jovial atmosphere for families. Nice decor. Sidewalk dining. A little crowded at peek times. Do not sit in the back. Nice for a drink at the bar. Food is only average and not worth going out of your way. Italian across the street much better for food. But who can beat the convenience if you live in the "hood or are staying at the hotel next door.

4 for Dinner yielded four distinct choices and all were well served & delicious. Nice, if not small bar ( a good pour) on entry with a cramped dining room & they still made us feel at home. Food as stated was first rate, service good and thoroughly attentive. If I lived in Carnegie Hill, I'd candidly be there on a weekly basis. I've been here before & it's got staying power as it was just as remembered (a good thing).

Slipped into this spot on a busy Saturday night and it was immediately obvious most diners were regulars from the neighborhood. Excellent service. Ordered calamari to start and it was a generous portion with a good dipping marinara sauce. The ribeye steak with fries was big enough to feed both my husband and I and was perfectly cooked. Nice wine selection and a cozy atmosphere made for a lovely dinner.

We both enjoyed our meals, and had friendly, fast service. My friend had a lobster roll and I had salmon, both were excellent. I got the feeling it is a consistently good restaurant.

We stopped in for lunch after visiting a museum and Central Park. We were seated quickly. It took a while for a server to acknowledge us. We ordered beverages and food right away. Suddenly, a server appeared and practically through popovers at us. I had to stop one before it flew off the table. Sodas and non-alcoholic beverages are served in 10 ounce glasses and are $4.75 or $3.50 for each one (no free refills). My son had the lobster roll which was pricey but good. Another had pasta. Two of us had the yogurt and granola. The bill was $110 before the suggested 22% gratuity.

This is a nice, quite stylish restaurant with friendly service and an active bar scene. Very pleasant. Noise level is moderate. The food is pretty standard and nothing special, but perfectly OK. Prices are on the high side. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but if I was in the neighborhood I'd be happy to go back.

We had just arrived in New York and we were hungry! We ventured out from our apartment to find a place for lunch and drinks in the neighborhood. Island fit the bill with its welcoming dining room and small bar. We ordered the crab cake sandwich and cobb salad, both very good. The bartender was nice as was the manager. It was a great place to enjoy a light lunch and glass of wine. Reasonable prices too.

This upper east side restaurant couldn't be more perfectly situated for locals and visitors, but the biggest reason to go there is the food and ambiance... especially on a warm day when there's seating by the open windows with a view of Madison Ave. The decor is on the subtle "island" side. There are island like touches, but no hanging lights with fake grass drooping over the bar, and no lobster traps on the wall. Refreshing, really. We had dinner there two of the nights we were in the area during Sept. 2011. On the first night I ordered their soup special (tomato and fennel) which was fabulous. I also split their roasted beet salad with hubby (also fabulous), and I ordered the roasted organic chicken which — surprisingly — wasn't as tasty as the one I make at home. The white meat was also on the dry side. None-the-less, it was wholly satisfying and, given we were in Manhattan in a pricey part of town, the price of the meal was pricey but not unexpected. We booked a table for the next night at the Island to try other dishes on the menu and take advantage of the wonderful ambiance. This time, the service wasn't good at all. It appeared that one or more staff hadn't shown up, or arrived late, so one VERY busy waiter tried to cover half a dozen or more tables and the bar. It took 20 minutes to get our ordered basket of bread. Despite my plan to try something different, I opted for the beet salad again and didn't regret it. I also ordered one of their menu regulars (Gazpacho) which was mostly tomato juice (again, not as good as what I'd make at home). My husband ordered one of their fish dishes (possibly halibut), served on spinach then covered with with a very nice pesto sauce. Then, for good measure, hubby ordered a cheeseburger and fries ($16). The burger was thick and tasty, the fries were perfect, and despite the need to wait for service, the dinner was another success. It's noisy by the open windows with sounds from the street and nearby tables so, unless you want to overhear family arguments and ruminations by jilted women, you might want to wander deeper into the restaurant. If they get their service-act together, with a little tweaking here and there with the recipes, this would be a real gem.

Easter Sunday, looking for lunch in the Upper East Side, we stopped here randomly and were pleasantly surprised: excellent food (we had the BLT Ceaser salad, the crabcakes benedict and vanilla bean creme brulee) reasonable prices, especially for the area and fast, polite service. Very good experience, we will be back next time we're in the neighbourhood.

We were staying in a hotel next door to Island, so it was an easy choice for dinner. The pasta with lobster, corn and asparagus was delicious, and so was my husband's crab cake. We were disappointed that they weren't offering the turkey meatloaf we enjoyed on a previous visit, but they waiter explained that is on the menu only in cold weather. Guess that confirms they try to offer what's fresh and in season. By Manhattan standards, the prices were average, and the quality was well above average.

Excellent is all ways. The food is reliably good, the staff is gracious and most have been there for several years. The atmosphere is comfortable and charming- there is a fireplace in the back of the dining room. Good for families with children above the squirmy stage. Good for couples, friends, or solo diners.

I paid some money to go here with a friend, and her steak looked weird. I used to go here a lot when I lived in New York in the 1990s. It was okay this time, just not great. Oh well. Chair wobbled a lot, and I was scared I would fall over.

Had a lovely evening at Island the service was delightful and the food exceptional (I loved the salmon with buttered sprouts) the ambiance was fantastic... reminded me of my favourite little Parisian bistros

I walked into the restaurant at lunchtime and the song the ladies who lunch immediately came to mind. It is truly a wonderful warm intimate restaurant. Well worth the visit.

A neighborhood favorite. Menu is limited, but one can always find something to please. Service is professional. Attractive decor. Families often bring children, who seem well behaved.

Wow what a find. If you love to sit outside or be in an airy restaurant this is the place. My chicken salad was nice presentation if bland. We thought the staff were super nice and very accommodating. Most locals must like this place and love the lobster roll. This is reasonable price wise and I would come again and try some other dishes. Good mimosa.

very busy restaurant. reservation is a must. Great spot which had been recommended by friends. Not disappointed.

We had only arrived in NYC, 48 hours earlier and were looking for a place close to our hotel (the Hotel Wale, on the upper east side) when we decided to give Island a go. The staff were great and we immediately felt at home. A good menu of food and drink kept us going back during our stay. My advice...have a drink at the bar before sitting for dinner. The Bartender is funny as hell and will tell you endless stories about the history of the East Side and past events.

Arrived on time for the reservation, offered a table for two (we were 4) in the bar. Turned out there were tables in the main room. Service is terrible, perhaps our group wasn’t “Carnegie Hill” enough, though we were well dressed. Food is good, the issue is service. Oh by the way, ordered a specific drink, had to send it back!! Not an issue of food, just one of attitude.

Island was crowded for a Sunday Brunch — we had French Toast and Crab Cake Sliders, all very good. Nice service. Not noisy. Informal. No complaints.

Let's start with the positive: the decor is pleasant. While the menu at Island is varied, the food and service are average at best. The hummus was bad and they don't even give you enough pita bread to eat with it. The chicken melt sandwich was okay, but tiny. The Cobb salad was fair. There was a minuscule amount of tiny pieces (slightly larger than peas) of chicken, slightly more blue cheese, a couple hard-boiled eggs and a decent amount of bacon. Who wants a salad full of bacon? The dressing lacked taste. The server was friendly when he took the order and was MIA for the rest of the meal, then again, we didn't order drinks.

Went here with my husband and parents for lunch. I was served raw chicken paillard that I had to spit back out onto my plate, we alerted the waiter and he took it away only to bring back the same piece of chicken that I had spit out of my mouth, but burnt.The owner onformed me that once a dish is ordered there they do not waste food by making a fresh dish and there was nothing wrong with putting spit out food back on the grill. As of this wasn't bad enough the Cobb salad that my mother orders was horrific, old dried out eggs and soft brown lettuce. I was truly sorry I had even walked into this placed. Oh, and I was made to pay for this nasty food.

Although it is not a gourmet experience, lunch with girls is more than adequate after a visit to a neighborhood museum. The salads and omelette are all very good.

They have a very approachable menu that is served by a seasoned staff who are very friendly and helpful. The decor is lovely with attractive prints of Bermuda. The back room feels more like a club with wood paneling. The seafood is excellent but you honestly can't go wrong with any of the dishes. It never disappoints.

Very good food choices and I recommend the ice cream sandwich dessert

Reaaly good menu, great wait staff and the food is delicious! Dinner with friends who live in the area and they picked this place and will go back again! Very nice evening, and a lovely place to dine - beachy!

The tuna burger and sweet potato fries was delicious as were the sauces that came with it. There is outside seating if you prefer. There are not a lot of good restaurants on the upper east side which makes Island stand out even more.

Awful service and servers have attitude problems. Added another $20.00 dollars on our bill already on top of the tip we left her.

We like Island's brunch as the best value in our neighborhood, but its not our first choice for top cusine in the area. Never had a bad time there but never surprised either. Nothing bad to say, its fine for families with children with a more conventional menu than some of the French and Italian places near by.

This small place in the middle of the upper east Manhattan has all the points for great place , good service , nice atmosphere , very good menu , just the prices are a bit high , but over all, great place

Located right next door to my hotel so I checked it out for dinner one evening. Really enjoyed the salad and an excellent salmon entree. It was somewhat busy but even with that in mind, my table service was spotty. Still...good food.

Island provided fine cuisine in a classic NYC location for lunch. I had the tomato soup then the crab cake sliders; each was tasty and in the case of the crab cakes came with several dipping sauces. The restaurant was busy when I visited close to a holiday week, service was still reasonably prompt. This restaurant is close to the Cooper-Hewett Museum, so it's a good choice if traveling to it or some of the other Museum Mile locations.

Island is a perfect neighborhood restaurant. The atmosphere is fun, the food is very good and the service is excellent. It's been a favorite of mine for years, and especially pleasant for a summer brunch. I ate there over the weekend and enjoyed a well-cooked omelet, iced coffee and a perfect popover. A great stop after visiting one of the neighborhood museums.

Eating out in NYC is not always about finding the 5 star on trend venue which are often crowded and and noisy. Here is a classic small neighborhood bar and restaurant filled with locals with about 8 or so good varied main options and adequate wine list with good service. It's a pleasant change to just go local and Island is good choice away from the hustle of the centre of town.

A wonderful find on the UES. Enjoyed a light lunch with my husband that included their lobster chowder (coconut curry based) and I had a veggie sandwich - my husband a salad. Fun flavors and perfect for summer. Price was good. Decent beer & wine list. Not many large tables, but they had outside seating and a small bar. Pleasant, old school atmosphere. There seemed to be a lot of regulars. Service could have been a little bit better - we never heard the specials of the day and it took a while to get our check, and then to sign for it. We will return.

I traveled to NYC to be close to patient at Mount Sinai. This restaurant is next door to Hotel Wales. Welcoming staff .. you can enjoy casual salad or filet mignon dinner. Wine choices were nice. I felt completely comfortable dining alone.

Another one of New York's underappreciated local restaurants. Active bar scene; well-constructed, fairly-priced drinks. Mussels, roast chicken and hamburger all stellar. If you happen to go there on one of the (very) infrequent nights when they have Mulligatawny soup,, Try it!

Second time in this restaurant and just as good and pleasant as the first. Good food, fine service and pleasant environment .

This was a an acceptable if not exceptional little bistro. The food was just average but not too expensive by local standards. Tis is a good place to stop in for a drink.

Every time we stay in the upper east side we eat in this restaurant. Pleasant neighborhood atmosphere, informal but nice public. Excellent crab cakes and good drinks.

The Cooking Tutor and her party were looking for a quick bite to eat close to the MMA(metropolitan museum of art). They found the Island, looked briefly at the menu, grabbed an outdoor table and looked forward to a good meal before going to the Met for the evening. We waited for nearly 40 minutes for a simple meal for 4: one salad, a hamburger, and two omlettes. After asking the server where our meal was after 30 minutes, she was condescending in her reply and was not eager to please our party. The meal finally came, although the salad was good, the omlettes were mediocre and the burger was burned and had the consistency of canned dog food (really). The burger was sent back and nothing was requested in its place after having waited so long. It was removed from the bill and no apologies were made. THE BILL STILL CAME TO $85 with tip. We ended up having only an hour at the museum before closing. Lesson to be learned : look around the restaurant on a summer evening - are there alot of happy people eating appetizing food? If not, walk away quickly - there's another restaurant half a block away in NYC.

We really enjoy the brunch at Island. Very unfussy and so pleasant to sit either outside or near the front windows and enjoy the weather and view. Food is reasonably priced with nice sized portions. Service was prompt and friendly. And it really does look like the a very big boat inside...kind of cool.

Island is a very cozy, comfortable restaurant at 1305 Madison. I was on a search for good crab cakes and after several disappointing tries, I found the best at Island. Would definitely go there again.

3.5 Good, not great. Never bad. If you live in the area like I do, you probably come here on a weeknight for salad or burger or roast chicken once every few months. No reason for vacationers to seek it out.

We came for brunch and liked the menu and the atmosphere. The food came out very slowly. I ordered the smokes chicken hash with spinach and poached eggs will hollandaise on the side. When my dish arrived, the poached eggs were over cooked. I flagged down the waiter and he said he'd have two more made. The hash was quite good. The poached eggs he brought the second time were barely cooked. It was interesting that in a place like this, no one came to ask how things were. My husband orderd the BLT Ceaser salad which he enjoyed.

This place was right next to our hotel and was a pleasant surprise. The inside resembles a boat cabin and is snug. The food was excellent and the service prompt and friendly. We went two nights and the place was packed with older diners. They did run out of the entree special both nights before we were seated. There is a tiny bar, so no place to really wait for a table.

Previous reviews cite staff indifference. I think staff are charming. Food is good here; drinks are even better. This is, after all, the Elizabeth Islands courtesy of the Upper East Side. If you're staying at the Wales (and if you recognize either of the aforementioned you probably are) this is a choice for for good food, well-prepared (i.e. not too much garlic for you). In summer, fish and salads are especially recommended. In cooler weather you can't go wrong with stews and beef here. Prepare to raid your trust fund when the check arrives.

This cozy spot on the Upper Eastside is attractive and offers very nice food. A good place for lunch, dinner, brunch, Island boasts a friendly staff, an interesting menu and an attractive clientele.

We found this gem by accident after doing the Uptown Tour on the tour bus .A wonderful little restaurant with lovely healthy salads .We had lunch & it was lovely , nice fresh ingredients.I would defiantly go back if I'm back in NY .

As a young newlywed in Carnegie Hill in the late '80s, Island was an exciting addition to the neighborhood. While now an institution of almost three decades, it is still, for me, the fantastic "local place" that keeps on delivering. Yes, it has a preppy vibe; yes, there is a bit of comfort food on the menu. But you will also find innovative updated choices as well. Portions are substantial, prices fair, drinks well-poured, and it's the kind of place where you can go yourself with a book and have a bite at the bar and find yourself in all sorts of interesting conversations with your neighbors. While it has a clubby insider feel -- 80% of the regulars live in the 'hood -- it is friendly and welcoming to all (including families with small children, who get the tables way in the back out of the fray.) And when I've had a hard day at work, there is sometimes nothing more needed than my favorite rigatoni with sausage and broccoli, or the amazing chicken with panko crust, a well-mixed martini, and that attractive, well-lit room. A treasured neighborhood institution. PS I have probably eaten here 100 times in the last nearly 30 years...most recently last week.

We were a party of four for lunch, sitting half in and half out on a warm day. This is a very pleasant place with a limited but thoughtful menu and courteous and fuss-free service. We ate well and the salade Nicoise with fresh tuna was particularly good. They deliver on what they promise and, in Manhattan, that is not all that common. The prices are fair. This is the kind of place that makes one want to return and I imagine it has a loyal neighborhood following.

I thought I would take my mother out for brunch at what looked like a nice bistro. My mother had just come out of the hospital and was using a mobility device. I ran up and found an outside table which I had found for her. When she reached the table we were promptly told to move to another table, as a younger family with a stroller was given the outside table instead. We were moved to another table which was a tight fit and the mobility cart had to be squeezed in between the table. My mother ordered a vegetarian quiche and I ordered scrambled eggs with Applewood bacon. The waiter served us bread, my mother coffee, and myself Ice tea. All in all, I think it was a mixed experience. My mother liked her food, my eggs were okay, but the waitress was a bit rude. Would I go back? Probably no. But then again, I leave that up to you?

I wish TA had a 1-10. This is truly a 7. Islam is Average-good. Solid place if you’re in the area. But not a destination. I live in the area so I come here a couple of times a year.

We ate at Island as we were staying next door at Hotel Wales. The business of the place attested to the good food. It was pretty crowded but service was attentive and rapid. The menu was pretty extensive and the portions more than adequate. Prices were great for the quality of the food. We would definately return!

Tucked away in the upper reaches of Madison Avenue, Island does not glitter or stand out in the neighborhood environment. But once you enter, you discover an intimate atmosphere with room enough at and between the tables so you don't feel squashed. The menu is small, but with attractive choices and interesting accompaniments. The wine list is not huge but the simple red we chose went quickly and with great pleasure. Rolls were exceptional. We all had fish - tuna was well prepared, beans crisp and full of flavor - and the young lady was informed and intelligent and attentive. But the desserts! I'm almost tempted to recommend starting with dessert. Maine blueberry crumble - to die for. Applie cinnamon tart with ice cream -breath-taking. I had donuts and caramel. 10 minutes before they appeared at my place, those donuts did not exist. Warm, crisp on the outside, moist, and wonderful flavor. I didn't use the caramel dip, the flavor itself was so rich. And affordable. We were in the neighborhood for an event - but this is worth a trip on its own merits.

This was next door to Hotel Wales, where we were staying. It is casual and informal. We had a lovely lunch there. I had a wonderful Cobb salad. Wait staff was very friendly. They have soups, salads, and specials each day.

The title unfortunately says it all. The food was just too average, my steak was over cooked, so was my wife's seafood. It wasn't bad mind you, but really not particularly good. For the price, there are better choices.

Great food, very welcoming - that's a big thing for me. Talked for ages with our waiter (ok I admit I talked at him) about travel and he took it all in his stride. Just a really lovely relaxing way to recover from a demented morning at a museum.

Cod burger was great and so was the lox sandwich. Gazpacho was great, had some mango in it. Very unusual. but good. Great service. Highly recommended on Upper West Side.

Staying at the Wales Hotel next door, Island was the best part of the stay. Food was very good, service excellent, drinks just fine. Yes, you can carry out and take dinner up to your room, but why? The dining room at Island is nicer than the rooms at the Wales, unless you have a group and want to linger, make noise, etc. And if you are trying to take beverages up to the room, you can always ask for a styrofoam cup and lid ;-)

Island has been there for years. It's just as consistent and delicious as when the day they opened! Think 30 years ago! Fantastic burger. They handle families well!

The first time I had dinner in this restaurant was about 30 years ago. Hard to believe that a small neighborhood joint could continue to shine in a city like New York for so long. The place has the same charm, buzz and delightfully friendly staff and simple but great food as it did at the beginning, chapeau!!

Island is the kind of place where denizens of New York's Upper East Side love to hang out. They return regularly, and with good reason. Tucked away in Carnegie Hill on Madison Avenue in a friendly and non-stuffy setting. You feel like you're on vacation on your favorite summer place, year-round. The staff is wonderful and welcoming, the cuisine is always what you would want to have prepared if you were cooking (or catering!) at home for a dinner party, and the crowd is convivial. If you want fancy 4-star food and fussiness, this isn't the place for you. If you want to feel like you're part of the UES vibe, and have a great and reasonably-priced meal, come on in and hang out for the evening. I've gone back time and time again. The mussels are a bit too spicy for me, but all the other dishes are just right. Tonight the crabcake on a bed of pureed spinach was sublime.

The Island is located right next to the Hotel Wales, where we were staying. We had lunch there the day we checked in to the hotel. Nice, eclectic menu. Good wine by the glass. Recommended.