I find the previous ratings and reviews for Isarn very surprising indeed. Aside of (in fact, probably including) Busaba, Isarn is quite simply the best Thai restaurant in London. As someone who has spent nearly a decade and a half living in Asia, and who considers Thai food to be the best in the world, I do not make such a statement lightly. Yes, it is a little expensive by Thai food sandards, but the service, ambience, presentation and quality all justify it - unlike nearly every other Thai restaurant in London, there are no kitschy, cliched Thai touches to the decor, menu or service. It is a treat to find a Tom Kha Gai or a Tom Yum Gai in London which actually tastes like the real thing, rather than something where most of the chilli has been replaced by sugar, as is the case in at least two other Thai restaurants on Upper Street. As for the curries, they are immaculate, just as a Thai curry should be - not swimming in bland liquid, and not overly sanitised for the Western palate by the removal all but a few chillis. The food at Isarn is intentionally spicy (as Thai food should be), but is not intended to blast away at your throat like a Vindaloo. If possible get a table in the open area at the back to enjoy the open air, or in the window at the front to enjoy the people watching, and relax....this is an excellent restaurant, worth many visits, and always busy, which speaks for itself. A few misguided reviews from customers who evidently know no better are good news for the rest of us who do...less competition to get a table, thankfully!
We were sorely disappointed with Isarn, and won't be going back. My husband and I went for a meal there last week, and it was not good. It was overpriced, and had small portions that were either over-salted or bland and didn't live up to expectations. I've never had so little sauce in a curry, and the portions were too small, and some far too sweet!
The whole meal came to about £50 (with 4 beers) which is a lot more than many Thai meals I've paid for, and not up to standard for the price, or any price for that matter. Isarn was honestly the worst Thai meal we've ever had.