When I first met Gustavo Baptista, a couple of years ago, we had a great conversation, not only about his wildly popular restaurant Isla Burger, but about a concept he had for a future establishment. He had just found a building he loved and he had all kinds of ideas about creating condos, with a restaurant and shared work space.   

Today I walked into that building and it is well on its way to becoming exactly what he had described. Isla Bistro is in the process of what Gustavo calls its soft opening. Being the smart restauranteur that he is, he is starting with limited items to make sure the team masters working in their new digs. I can tell you this is going to be a hub for the community. A place for people to gather and enjoy the excellence that Gustavo and his team provide. You will likely notice some nods to the flagship restaurant including the logo and some of the symbols surrounding you. It’s like a thread that links the two concepts together. 

Let me first describe the space. You enter through the bistro’s terrace. A comfortable outdoor dinning space that will soon be provided shade by a new palapa, into the bistro itself which will provide air conditioned comfort. Move further back and you’ll see the coffee shop counter leading into the shared work space. A scanner and printer will soon be installed. The end goal is to ensure the best possible internet access on the island is available in this space. Pop through the side door and there is more outdoor space that will soon be filled with comfortable cushion seating and another palapa for shade and a great view to the water.  The aesthetic is consistent throughout.

Bright white walls and lots of shades of blue reminded me of both the Caribbean and Greek islands. There is a global appeal to the place, which is no surprise being Gustavo is a world traveler. It is also reflected in his menu selections. 

We joined Gustavo for brunch on this particular day and the food was as exciting as the beautiful space.  Presently coffee and iced tea are on offer, with fresh juices and smoothies coming soon. The organic coffee is a medium roast and was especially good. It is produced by an indigenous women’s coffee coop in Chiapas who ships directly to the restaurant.

On to the food. Our friend had the breakfast sandwich.  House cured bacon, egg, and melted cheese on homemade bread, it was served with delicious mini potatoes that had been roasted in toasted spices and served with that homemade ketchup they serve at Isla Burger.

My sister ordered the Mexican dish, enfrijolades. Three blue tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs and cheese topped with chorizo sausage on luscious white chipotle beans and crema. 

I selected my favourite French creation, Croque Monsieur, a smoked ham and cheese sandwich, four types of cheese on the Isla Bistro version, topped with béchamel sauce. I made mine a Madam which typically means just adding an egg but also included sweet caramelized onions in this case. It was also served with those yummy mini potatoes. 

Our host had his breakfast favourite, eggs shakshuka. A middle eastern dish of eggs cooked in a tomato and pepper sauce that slowly stews for hours. It was served with house-made toasted savoury brioche to sop up the sauce. 

The portions were large with a few of us packing up our leftovers as a plate of “berry good” French toast arrived to provide a sweet bite to end our meal. A red berry swirl is baked into the homemade brioche which is in turn made into delectable treat and topped with fresh berries and real maple syrup. 

Other brunch items include steak and eggs, and two kinds of chiliquilles. More items are to be added down the road, including a kids menu. 

The plan is to open for lunch, providing hand held selections such as sandwiches and tacos. Again that international theme will shine through with likely offerings of Philly cheese steak, chicken pesto and mufuletta sandwiches and perhaps a build your own salad option. 

Later they plan to open for dinner and offer a bistro style menu.  You’ll have to stay tuned for details. 

Above the restaurant are the Isla Bistro condos. Details about renting them can be found online. And above those an expansive rooftop with views of the ocean on both sides. I look forward to seeing what Gustavo does with that space in the future. 

Kath’s quote: “You may say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will be as one.”-John Lennon

Love never fails.

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