ISABELLA’S ITALIAN Trattoria was the perfect place to visit in Lynchburg on a Saturday night. The family-owned and operated restaurant contained couples enjoying a date night and families laughing over a delicious meal.
We started our dinner with fried oysters, served with an aioli flavored with Old Bay seasoning, which was to die for. It was the perfect appetizer for our table for two as we awaited our entrees. With soft, dim lighting and music playing quietly in the background, the atmosphere was as enjoyable as the food. Speaking of, it felt like our food was ready in no time!
My husband ordered the blackened cod with Calabrian chile served with spicy pearl couscous, which our waiter highly recommended. The cod was cooked perfectly and seasoned well; the couscous added just the right amount of heat. With a colorful plate full of incredible flavors, my husband thought his meal was the best.
My choice for the evening was the chicken piccata, which currently sits as my favorite meal in Lynchburg. The combination of pan-seared chicken with artichokes, capers, and polenta was the best bite of the evening. The different textures and flavors work so well together, and the hint of citrus in the meal creates an incredible balance. It’s so exquisite that there won’t be any leftovers to take home.
We ended our date night by sharing a bowl of passion fruit sorbet. I would make a reservation exclusively to get this sorbet — it was sweet, tart, and refreshing. The personable service, the cozy and classy environment, and the decadent food make visiting Isabella’s Italian Trattoria an incredible dining experience. We left happy, full of tasty food, and ready to make our next reservation. GN