La Isla

Growing up in Ballard and frequenting the Andrew's Hallmark (now a trendy yoga studio), never would I have imagined someday feeling like jumping up on a table and doing the samba along Market Street. Sofrito Rico (now called "La Isla") attracts Norwegians and Ricans alike. There is always a diverse crowd there - lots of babies, kids (though they need to find another high chair) and great servers. Food is tasty and authentic (or so I'm told). All I know is that the Mojitos go down really well and after the first - I forget all about my reserved ancestry. ¡Viva La Isla! more

There's not too much I can eat here as a vegetarian and hater of cilantro, but I like the plantain empanadas. They are really tasty and a bit spicy (for my bland palate). I go here to spice things up. It's pretty popular and hasn't been open that long (maybe a year?) so that's a good sign. more

My Panamanian mother in law LOVES Sofrito Rico, saying the Puerto Rican dishes are just like the food she grew up on. If we go during her occasional visits, I get more than enough. While the basic rice and beans, bacalao, and tostones are satisfying, virtually everything is deep-fried. Cilantro (or its cousin, culantro) plays a starring role in most of the dishes, which is great for those people who love the stuff. Unfortunately, cilantro is one of the only flavors I can't tolerate. I wish Sofrito Rico much success, but I won't be going there very often. more

First of all I have to admit that we attempted to eat vegetarian here, which was probably a bad idea. The simply left rice, beans and various deep fat fried plantain dishes. Secondly I have no idea what Puerto Rican food is supposed to be like. We found the food very greasy and. Although the service was very good it just didn't make up for the taste. I probably wouldn't eat here again. more

Try the Caribbean Crush - guaranteed to knock you on your behind and the tostones were so tasty :) All the entrees were flavorful (¡sabroso!) and the service is good despite the small space that is always packed! more

I've never given out a perfect rating here before, but Sofrito Rico fully deserves it. The food is very unique and delicious. The sauces are like nothing I've ever tasted before and I got every scrap of food off my plate and hunted for crumbs under it. Everyone I talk to I recommend this place to. It's open for lunch and dinner and it's usually pretty packed. If you don't want to wait, I recommend getting your food to go and eating it at home. Don't go another day without eating here, seriously. more

I was waiting for this to happen. My Favorite place to eat at the Fremont Sunday Market opened a Restaurant. The best part of stopping for some yummy empanadas at the market was the same at the Restaurant, the lively atmosphere. The wait staff is so friendly, and if you are lucky you will get a personal greeting by the owner when you enter the door. This place feels like home. The second you walk in to the door its like you have been transported to the Island. The music, decor and the lively talk happening in the kitchen was great! The food is excellent and the drinks are perfect! The Rum menu is extensive and they carry a great selection of wine as well. Definitely get there early and be prepared to wait. It took me an hour to get a table on a Saturday night. However, they served us drinks and appetizers, (Caribbean Crush and a slamming Mojito plus yummy tostones) while we waited. Sofrito is definitely worth the time and effort. more