Verified Company
We’ve been here three times and have never been disappointed. Everything we’ve ordered has been excellent. In particular, we’ve loved the gumbo oysters, naan, lettuce wraps, salad, fried chicken, short rib, and the miso cookie (the list could go on and on).
The pricing and portion sizes feel appropriate, and the cocktail list is fantastic. While it is a fusion restaurant, it leans more toward Asian cuisine than the Southern cooking we’re used to. That said, we really enjoy the Southern elements woven throughout the menu.
We're looking forward to returning to try the lunch menu in the future.
Our only wish: please add the basil gimlet to your year-round cocktail list.
I've eaten here five or six times, and I'm always excited to go back. The food is incredible, the vibe is lively without being sceney, and the service is great. We never skip the fried fish lettuce wraps (the perfect bite) or the paraiso salad (so simple but crazy good). My husband and I love it for date nights, but it's great for a group too.
I could write a book about how much we enjoyed our dinner at Lola's for my 30th birthday... it was pure excellence, dedication and hospitality all wrapped up in one fabulous meal! And what a unique concept too -- Filipino and Southern flavors married together in the most elegant fashion with additional unexpected touches along the way.
We had an early reservation at 5 before a Broadway show, so we were some of the first ones to arrive for dinner service (but the cozy space filled up within minutes and was pleasantly buzzy the whole time we were there). They seated us right away at our spot in the back at the chef's table/kitchen bar -- I cannot emphasize enough how much we enjoyed that experience... watching the team prepare each dish with so much skill and attention to detail was like watching an episode of "The Bear" (only 100 times better because it was all happening right in front of us!).
The staff were absolutely phenomenal -- Suzanne, the executive chef, greeted us right when we sat down and made a point to check back in a few times, and our waiter, Ben, couldn't have been friendlier and more helpful.
We started out with delicious drinks (the mocktail I ordered was superb... I can't remember the name but it had ube and was complex & refreshing) and decided to get the house-made naan as our appetizer -- and boy are we glad we did, it was a standout!!! So fun watching one of the chefs preparing each ball of dough in front of us, sliding it into the green-tiled wood-fired oven, brushing it with oil and presenting it with a dish of yogurt, carrot chutney and cilantro sauce (the quality of the ingredients was unmistakable).
For our entrees, we had the short rib and shiitake dumplings (clearly hand made and stuffed with the tenderest meat filling and swimming in an umami-rich, perfectly spiced broth) and the wild striped sea bass (beautifully cooked, crispy exterior and juicy interior, served over the most unique grain, shrimp and kimchi combination and garnished with some absolutely outstanding roasted banana squash). It was one of those meals where we looked at each other after taking our last bites and were genuinely sad that it had to be over.
I also want to call out the multiple ways they surprised and delighted us throughout the meal -- at one point, I mentioned how good the beet, apple & endive salad sounded, but my husband didn't want that so we decided against it, only to be surprised by the kitchen a few minutes later when one showed up on the house as a birthday treat! Then as we were wrapping up and said we had decided against dessert to allow time to get to our show, one of the staff brought over a warm chocolate chip cookie packed in a to-go bag.
These small but very meaningful gestures are the things that make a restaurant go from good to great in my book, and I will forever cherish the memory of our outstanding dinner at Lola's (and recommend it to anyone and everyone I know traveling to NYC) because of it.
Thank you for the best birthday dinner EVER, Lola's team!!!
I absolutely love Lola’s! This vibrant NoMad hotspot never disappoints. The service is exceptional, and the food is consistently outstanding. Some must-try dishes include the Fried Fish Lettuce Wraps, the Short Rib & Shiitake Dumplings, and the Crispy Chicken Thighs - each one packed with incredible flavor.
We had such a wonderful dinner at Lola’s tonight! The food, the ambiance, and the service… everything was just right.
First, a huge shout-out to our waiter who suggested pairing the crispy chicken thighs with the Union Square Bento — game changer. The chicken was perfectly crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and the sides that came with the bento completed the dish beautifully. Definitely one of the best fried chicken plates we’ve had in NYC.
The salads were fresh and vibrant, and every dish that came to the table felt thoughtful and balanced. And the sweetest part? Chef Suzanne Cupps herself came out to bring us dessert. Such a kind gesture and it made the experience feel extra special.
The ambiance is cozy and modern with just the right lighting — perfect for a dinner date. We truly enjoyed everything… from the warm service to the final bite of dessert.
Highly recommend Lola’s if you’re in the area. We left full, happy, and already talking about coming back. 💛🍽️
We had an amazing experience at Lola's! Every dish was crafted with creativity (fusion South US and Asian cuisine), innovative yet balanced culinary experience.
The service was friendly and attentive, friendly atmosphere. For me, it is always so inspiring to see such talent and passion from a woman chef!
As we had to wait a little bit on the main course, they proactively came to us and said they would offered dessert (party of 4) + one of the appetizers.
I've been meaning to write a review about this place for a long time. This place takes my #1 spot to go to when i go to the city. I have a hard time going to other places to eat when i know i can come here and have great food!!! I have loved everything i have tried from their naan dish, to their dumplings and pimento toast. Their staff are very friendly, but I just love chatting with their cooks and sous chef Fiona. Chef Cupps knows what shes doing there and doesn't get enough praise. I can't wait to see this place on the michelin guide one day.
Sadly the food fell short for us. All of the dishes were so close to being great but lacked enough flavor. The fish lettuce wraps for example could have been great but they put the tiniest amount of sauce on them—barely enough to taste—and the pickles were hardly pickled at all, leaving a dish that tasted like nothing more than a piece of fried fish served with lettuce. If they were more generous with sauces, etc. it would make a huge difference! Restraint is good but now when it means compromising flavor.
