Lonie Murdock is changing the story of Caribbean cuisine in fine dining, and she is doing it with confidence, culture, and intention. As the executive chef and co-owner of Isla, Murdock has created a space where food feels personal, elevated, and deeply rooted in heritage.
For years, Caribbean food has often been left out of fine dining conversations. However, Murdock is pushing that narrative forward. With Isla, she is not just serving meals—she is creating an experience that blends culture, storytelling, and high-end cuisine in the heart of Washington, D.C..
Caribbean Fine Dining Reimagined at Isla in Washington D.C.
Caribbean flavors take center stage at Isla, but with a refined twist that fits perfectly into the fine dining world. From the very first bite, it is clear that this is not traditional dining—it is a carefully crafted experience that merges global techniques with Caribbean roots.
Moreover, the menu tells Murdock’s story in a powerful way. Dishes like snapper with passionfruit ponzu and pork chop with green mango kuchela jus reflect bold creativity. At the same time, her pumpkin gnocchi stands out as a signature dish, blending a West Indian spinner style with Italian influence, finished with coconut ricotta cream and jerk beef ragu inspired by her grandmother’s recipe.
“I wish she could be here to see this,” Murdock shared, speaking about her grandmother. Through every dish, she honors her past while pushing Caribbean cuisine into new spaces.
A Personal Culinary Journey Shaped by Culture and Family
Murdock’s approach to food is deeply personal. Growing up between her Jamaican mother’s kitchen and her Canadian father’s table, she learned early that food could bring different worlds together. That experience now defines her cooking style.
“The contrast between the two cultures I grew up with shaped how I move through life and how I connect with people through food,” she explained. “It taught me that our upbringing can sometimes separate us, but it can also be the very thing that brings us together.”
As a result, Isla feels like more than a restaurant—it feels like home. Every dish carries layers of identity, memory, and connection, making the dining experience both emotional and unforgettable.
Building Isla Restaurant as a Space That Feels Like Home
Beyond the food, Murdock paid close attention to how Isla looks and feels. The restaurant spans over 8,000 square feet, and every detail was carefully chosen to create a warm, welcoming environment. From the copper accents to the design of the seating, nothing was left to chance.
In addition, Murdock worked closely with a design team to ensure the space matched her vision. She wanted guests to feel something the moment they walked in—even before tasting the food. “It’s the little things, the ones you cannot quite name, that make a place feel special,” she said.
Because of this, Isla stands out not only for its menu but also for its atmosphere. It invites people from all walks of life to sit, connect, and enjoy Caribbean culture in a new way.
From Toronto to Washington D.C. A Growing Culinary Empire
Before bringing Isla to Washington D.C., Murdock and her husband Darren Hinds were already making waves in Toronto. Together, they built a strong foundation with their hospitality group and a popular Caribbean-inspired restaurant that started as a pop-up in 2020.
However, they always had bigger plans. At one point, Miami was on the table. Still, everything changed after a visit to Washington D.C. “We walked the city, dined at a few places and looked at potential locations, and I was sold,” Murdock said. “DC felt like a place where I could live and truly be myself.”
That decision proved to be the right one. Today, Isla stands as a bold step forward in expanding Caribbean cuisine beyond borders.
Breaking Barriers for Black Women in Fine Dining
Murdock’s journey has not been easy. As a self-taught chef without traditional accolades like Michelin stars, she has had to fight for recognition in an industry that often overlooks women like her. Still, she remained confident in her vision.
“I have been called passionate, emotional and opinionated, when in reality I was confident in my vision and unwilling to let it be diminished,” she said. That determination continues to drive her success.
More importantly, Murdock is thinking beyond herself. She hopes her work will open doors for other Black women in the industry. “I hope my success helps make it easier for the next generation… Our time is now,” she said. Through Isla, she is not just building a brand—she is building a legacy.
