$$$$Precio: Moderado • Puerto rican • Ballard/Fremont
As Washington state's first Puerto Rican restaurant, La Isla Cuisine has a fine tradition of serving up tasty Caribbean fare in Seattle. Savory ingredients like pernil (slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated for days) are featured in several dishes, along with fresh fish, shrimp, steak and chicken. The pastelon, or Puerto Rican lasagna, is a house favorite, filled with layers of sweet plantain, mozzarella cheese and a choice of fillings. Entrees are accompanied by sides of Abuela's rice and beans, fried plantain and salad. The menu offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan choices, as well. For a fun monthly learning experience, join La Isla's Rum Club. Sample flights of three or more featured rums each time, along with delicious food pairings. La Isla Cuisine is located on NW Market Street in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. A second location has opened in the city of Redmond at Redmond Square shopping center.