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 will highlight the best ingredients from Los Angeles to create a menu with a sense of place and purpose. We look forward to having you.
