Lola's Bistro Key West

We had very high hopes for this restaurant, but it unfortunately did not meet our expectations. My partner and I have visited many fine dining establishments all over the US and abroad, and although we were certainly intrigued by the concept at Lola’s, the experience fell short for the price point. Like some other reviews have noted, we were seated 15min past our reservation time. The atmosphere was great, but I would highly recommend the restaurant reconsider its “no menu” policy. Written menus are standard for a reason! They allow diners to review options fully and at their own leisure. I literally had to take notes on my phone while the menu was dictated to us (and another table) to remember our options. I have no problem receiving no menu for a pre-fixe meal, but when you need to choose between different options this format quickly loses its charm. The complimentary amuse-bouche course was… confusing. Felt like there was little to no thought paid to how the disparate items worked together. Gave off lunchable vibes, and not in a good way. Our first courses were pretty good - we ordered a short rib in tomato sauce and scallops. But… the dishes were literally just proteins. They felt conceptually half-baked, pardon the pun. We ordered the filet and a fish filet for our entrees. While the meat for both was seasoned and prepared beautifully, the dishes as a whole felt uninspired and were remarkably similar. Both were served on a butter pasta that was almost identical between the two dishes. Again, a menu might have helped us avoid this disappointment! But we ended up being quite bored by our entrees and the monotony in flavor. For dessert we ordered the tiramisu, and by all accounts it was delicious. Credit where credit is due, chef is quite the accomplished baker/pastry chef. In my opinion, the format of this restaurant just doesn’t work. We waited a full hour between our 1st and 2nd courses. Chef was back there cooking up a storm, but the fact that he is the only one cooking means that they are severely restricted in the dishes they can put out. At this price point, some variety in the menu to allow for some fresher dishes was expected - especially given the climate of the area. But we saw none of this at Lola’s. TL;DR interesting concept, subpar execution. Maybe if management actually took critique to heart instead of arguing with diners in their Google reviews they could make some meaningful improvements. This is my experience and opinion, and it’s not up for debate.

My wife and I have been guests there since they have opened. We have brought over a hundred guests there over the years. Their food is amazing! The staff is fantastic! We have our own wine collection and appreciate being able to bring our own wine. If you are looking for a conventional restaurant with bake potatoes, coffee and splitting your meal this not the place to go. It's Key West, go with the flow. Love Lola's!

Lola’s is remarkable in every way! The food prepared by chef Richard is some of the freshest and most delicious we have ever had. Artichokes, scallops, shrimp, duck, and Hog fish were all worth 5 stars. The cooked banana and flourless chocolate torte were luscious and the ultimate way to end our meal. The ambience is quaint and romantic and the staff is attentive and professional. Dining here was the highlight of our trip and we will return each time we visit Key West. Thank you to everyone at Lola’s!

My husband and I had an incredible dinner here on our honeymoon. The experience of having the chef create right in front of you was so fun and exciting. The atmosphere was lovely and my goodness the food was incredible. Such a special place that I can't wait to come back to next time we're in Key West!

The food was delicious but slightly overpriced. Also, prices should be shared with customers. The hostess/server/co-owner?, had the personality and disposition of a poorly trained pitbull. The 6pm seating had a total of six people, our group of four were led to a table next to the restroom for some unknown reason. My request to move was met with derision, face making and loud complaining to the chef and other worker. It went downhill from there as she seemed ro target me personally. From getting my order wrong and blaming me, giving my order to the one other table and just overall unprofessional verbage and attitude. I briefly wondered if the poor service was due to me being the only African American until I read her response to customers complaints. Unless, you kiss her butt and tell her how great they are , she attacks. With her being the face of the restaurant, I give it a year. Finally, being a cash only establishment at that price point is unusual, I wonder if tax man is paying attention. Like you say in your responses, stop lying. The server we had was my age if she was a day, honestly seemed older, not sure what young lady you are referring. The only young lady we saw the entire meal was the one who brought the bird(parrot I believe) near the kitchen area. After observing and hearing the service that the other two patrons received and even the okay service the three in my group received, it is a logical jump to make. If, sitting six inches from the bathroom door in an empty restaurant where you will possibly get to enjoy the sounds and smells of said room is considered the best and most desirable table in the house....there is something wrong with you. Bottom line, a customer asks to be moved , restaurant is empty, it has already been stated that there will only be seven at that service, then you move them...quickly and quietly. The attitude, eye rolling, huffing and discussing me with the other two staff, is a no. My service from you was horrible ro non existent from that point on., I was with three other people who saw and commented on this. Bottom line, when I made the reservation, I said how happy we were to get a reservation and try the experience, the woman, who I believe to be you, said..you should be. Well, you set the bar happy with that unprofessional comment and didn't come close. Sure, I'll take that tax number.

L’un des meilleurs restaurant à Key West! Un vrai chef qui cuisine avec des ingrédients simple et de première qualité. Un menu inspiré du marché qui change tous les jours. De très très généreuses portions. Un service impeccable dans une ambiance très Keys. Un must. Et un plus: apportez votre vin. Sans droit de bouchon.

Best place on the island hands down! There is absolutely no need for any criticism about food, seating, price, byob...we will go here every single time we are in Key West. Chef heard me say that my tiramisu was the best so he slipped me a slice of his and I instantly regretted my comment, his was definitely better! Thanks guys see you in November for the boat races!

This was a unique experience in Key West. Menu is a surprise each night, but everyone can find something they will eat. Several meat and fish options for entrees. Food was incredible. For appetizers we had chorizo which was some of the best I’ve ever had along with scallops and lamb chops. All top notch. The duck, filet and fish were all done to perfection. It’s like dinner and a show watching the chef cook the meal. Truly mesmerizing. The staff was so kind and friendly and the chef asked how we enjoyed each dish. I would definitely come again to Lola’s in hopes of trying other dishes. Think the value for the quality of food, service, and ambience is right.

BUT: watch the pricing. Delicious but over-priced (in my opinion, and I'm a New Yorker). Pre-tip bill for two people without _any_ beverages: >$181. Because the menu is fresh each day, there is not a written menu with pricing. Therefore they verbally share the menu, without offering pricing. So be sure to ask. Service was excellent. Food was delicious, though rich. Atmosphere was cozy and very nice. My only criticism is I think several of the dishes (tho not all of them) were notably overpriced.

This was a truly top notch experience. The food was carefully prepared, the proteins were all perfectly tender, the sauces complimented the proteins very nicely, and the flavors had a lot of depth though not over complicated. The service was very friendly and down-to-earth and the atmosphere was warm and intimate. This made for a very nice night. Thank you!