Fodor's Expert Review Isabella's

Set in the shadow of the Museum of Natural History, Isabella's has been a brunch-and-beyond stalwart for decades. Brunch time is especially busy, even though the restaurant is large; lunch is less crowded, and a great time to try neighborhood-institution salads like the seafood-loaded Cobb or grilled artichoke hearts with Parmesan and lemon-thyme vinaigrette. Another winner: the crab-cake sandwich layered with lush avocado. For dinner, don't skip the pine-nut-sprinkled mushroom ravioli. Try for a table outside when the weather's nice; it's a great perspective on the neighborhood and great for people-watching.