Isabella Lives up to Its Reputation

Where to start? I’ll begin with the rumors that have reached my ears about Isabella.

“They only serve desserts,”

“Pricey, expect to pay a lot,”

“They aren’t open for lunch,”

“Reservations are required,”

“Dress code is a must.”

Isabella is the most rumored restaurant in Fargo and none of them are true, except their reputation for outstanding food, which was always spoken of with the caveat, “I need to get there one of these days.”

Isabella is fine dining because they serve homemade food, have table cloths, have actual chefs, and their wait staff have long, professional, black aprons.

Their prices are comparable to any restaurant in town, chain or independent, and their ambience is relaxed, more so than Seasons or Toscana.

Patrons aren’t expected to dress up to dine there, merely show up with an appetite.

The front door is in front of a deli case and to the right is a large menu board selling sub style sandwiches that come in 6, 12, and 19 inch sizes.

They use typical Isabella ingredients, like slow-cooked pork shoulder, capers, fresh mozzarella, and prosciutto.

They also have traditional American subs like ham and roast beef.

Two dollars more gets a soda and side dish, or if one is in a hurry, they have a slice of pizza and a soda for $2.50 during lunch.

I was seated and perused their lunch menu. The prices are $6-$12 for an entrée, with the marlin at $12 and beef tenderloin at $11.

I had lasagna for $8. It’s a recipe from the family of co-owner and waiter Anthony Guererri. My friend Cheef ordered the manicotti for $7 and it was done in the style of crepes.

French bread was brought out while our meal was prepared. The meal was prepared from scratch but it made it out to the table in a reasonable amount of time.

The lasagna had bright bold red tomatoes that were tangy with a hint of hot spice. The noodles were soft, the garlic mixed with the sauce and cheese to make a tasty meal with balanced and rich flavors.

Cheef’s manicotti was the best I’ve ever tasted. Served like crepes, the noodles were thin and made for the dish. That allowed the cheese and the sauce to shine. I’ve had crunchy manicotti made from a lasagna shell from someplace local, so to see and taste what this dish should be, was a treat.

Isabella makes their own desserts but we declined, our lunches being enough to satiate our hunger.

I took a quick self-guided tour of the restaurant and noticed that there are three dining rooms. Guererri pointed out that the pictures lining a hallway are his old family photos.

Too many rumors circulate around this place. They have good, affordable food and they’ve retooled their evening menu to make it “more balanced,” and with eighteen entrees under $20, they’re not expensive.

I cannot say enough good things about this place, so I’ll stop here.
Total spent, $10 including tip.

If You Go

What: Isabella
Where: 612 1st Ave N, Fargo
When: Lunch, Mon-Fri 10:30-2; Dinner, Mon-Sat 5-9
Info: 701-365-0608