There’s nothing quite like a monthly girls’ dinner — a sacred tradition of good food, great company, and even better conversation. This month, our table of seven found ourselves tucked into the cozy back room of Isabella’s Italian Trattoria, a Lynchburg staple known for its delicious pasta, warm atmosphere, and seasonal spins on Italian classics.
We chose Isabella’s for two reasons: it’s consistently good, and this summer’s seasonal menu had a few tempting new additions we were eager to try. The back room behind the bar turned out to be the perfect setting — quiet, with a round table that allowed for easy conversation and shared bites across the table.
Our server was the kind of attentive and kind you hope for but rarely get on a busy night. She was quick with recommendations and never let a water glass go empty.
Two of the girls went for the Flank Steak Salad ($23), which arrived piled high with roasted tomatoes, corn, and crispy seasoned tobacco onions over hydroponic bibb lettuce, all drizzled in a creamy Italian herb dressing. The certified Angus flank steak, tender and flavorful, came sliced on the side rather than on top — an unexpected presentation, but not a disappointing one. Both friends raved about the flavor and size of the dish.
Another friend went the pasta route, ordering the Sicilian House-Made Ravioli ($22) filled with pecorino, ricotta, orange zest, and mint, nestled in a summery puree of tomato and orange. She added grilled chicken for a protein boost. I snagged a bite and the bright citrus zing from the orange was surprising in the best way.
I ordered the Panko-Crusted Rockfish Limone ($27), a dish I’d been eyeing since the summer menu dropped. The rockfish — flaky, delicate, and perfectly cooked — sat atop a bed of lemon-sautéed pearl couscous with spinach, onions, artichokes, and garlic. Despite knowing rockfish are likely not in season right now (frozen or imported, most likely), I still devoured every single bite. It was vibrant, satisfying, and honestly, one of the best seafood dishes I’ve had locally in months. I highly recommend it.
Two other friends went for hearty salads: one ordered the Wedge Salad with Steak, which featured three generous, perfectly cooked steak slices draped over a crisp wedge.
Another had the Classic Caesar with Steak, a reliable, well-executed dish that hit the mark.
Our final friend tried the Green Goddess Salad with grilled chicken, which mixed mesclun greens, arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, quinoa, garbanzo beans, and fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a creamy basil green goddess dressing.
Despite our full bellies, we couldn’t skip dessert. I opted for a Cannoli, which was crisp and creamy with just the right touch of sweetness. My friend ordered the Flourless Chocolate Cake, rich and decadent without being overly heavy. Both were excellent endings to a standout meal.
The service was warm, the space felt intimate, and the food is consistently high quality with thoughtful seasonal touches that keep things interesting.
The standout of the night for me was the Rockfish Limone, though honestly, there wasn’t a single dish that didn’t impress someone at the table. Intimate setting, inventive seasonal flavors, generous portions, and top-notch service — worth the repeat visits.
