Restaurant critic review: With more than fish and chips, Lola's has class
By Amanda Farinos
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
STUART — I wasn't sure what to expect when Lola's Seafood Eatery opened. A large portion of the menu is fried fish, but Lola's is a fish-and-chips stand with a touch of class. It's what took shape when the author of a French cookbook tried his hand at casual seafood, and the place is a winner in my book.
Outside, with an eclectic soundtrack, patrons sat on bar stools facing into the restaurant, reminding me of those little Cuban coffee bars in Miami. Orders are placed at a counter and, like at a fast-food joint, prepared all at once. This meant our beignets ($3) sat inside getting cold while we ate. It was our only disappointment with the meal, so I suggest ordering dessert separately, after dinner.
We began with some truly beautiful stone crab claws ($12). Their bright orange color accented by black tips is so captivating; and when you pick them up, the feeling of that icy-cold, smooth shell is enough to put a smile on your face. Dipped in Lola's Dijon concoction, this appetizer was a taste of luxury even considering that our table overlooked a parking lot.
Several nice sandwiches are available, all topped with such gourmet ingredients as roasted peppers or Gruyere. We tried the blackened ahi tuna ($9). The fish was wonderful, with wasabi cream and pickled ginger, but it was a bit strange eating ahi in sandwich form.
Fried seafood (shrimp, clams strips, calamari etc.) can be ordered in a cone, or with some excellent steak fries and a cup of bland cucumber slaw. The fish and chips ($11) feature different fish as available. My basket contained several large cod filets, coated in a smooth, herb-flecked batter.
Paired with a cold beer, this dinner was a relaxing start to the weekend. I'm glad Lola's is close to home, because I will be returning soon.
Amanda Farinos dines anonymously at the expense of Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers. Contact her at SouthFLFoodie@gmail.com.
© 2009 Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers
Lola stirs up simple, sophisticated seafood
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 19, 2009
MENU
Whether you prefer seafood simple or sophisticated, it's all here. Baskets of clam strips, crab cakes or buffalo style shrimp come with bottleneck fries and dipping sauces in flavors such as chipotle yogurt or sweet spicy Thai. And there's also a seared ahi tuna salad with Asian vegetables and wasabi.
Lola's Seafood Eatery 860 S. Federal Highway, Stuart, (772) 219-3340. Hours: Daily 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Note: Post staffers will anonymously visit a restaurant in your neighborhood each week in search of the best menu item. They'll tell you about that item and why they liked it in this spot each week. |
~~ What a wounderful atmosphere, the food is amazing, i now catch myself there atleast 3 times a week, even with my firneds and family..
Thank you lola's for opening up, we need something around here just like this
The food is excellent and the fish is alway extremely fresh. We always have a great experience when we visit Lolas!
.jpg)
July 7, 2011Likes it
Mobile reviewSeriously...this is one of the best Fish Restaurants in Palm Beach County. Fresh-original-delicious-not expensive-friendly and clean! You will NOT be disappointed!!
July 15, 2010Likes itLola'sInteresting way to order seafood - walk up and order at the counter and they bring it to your table. The menu appears to have good variety with different kinds of sandwiches, salads, entrees, and other items. I had the grilled fish tacos and the fish was delicious. I'd recommend putting some coleslaw on the tacos to add something a little sweet. The portions were plenty, especially for lunch and the price wasn't too bad. It cost about $20 for lunch for two people.
March 2, 2012Likes it Mobile reviewGreat little seafood place! I ordered the fried shrimp with a Lola salad. The shrimp were delicious and fried perfectly. Salad was very tasty, but the dressing was yummy, but there was a bit much on my salad for my taste. My husband ordered a blackened mahi sandwich- the mahi tasted very fresh. Fries were tasty too! I'll definitely be going back to try other fish dishes!- May 6, 2011Doesn't like itdisapointedwent in wanting good seafood thought they had a great concept walk in order then sit, kinda pricey for some where they dont do full service we order the steamers and they were sandy the clam chowder was good and so was the dessert we ordered but probibly wont return
- February 14, 2012Likes itI dream of the Lola SaladI love the Lola Salad!!!! I had it the last time with tuna, which I will never do again because it was tough and bland. I also love the fish tacos, very tasty and again my side is always the salad. The basil citrus dressing is to die for.
- January 20, 2012Likes it Mobile reviewExcellent!! Best New England fried clams!
- March 24, 2010Likes it Mobile reviewVery casual. Order at the counter. Sit down and enjoy excellent whole belly clams with a glass of wine or a beer. Close to new england.
- July 17, 2011Likes it Mobile reviewGreat food, new menu, friendly service!!!
I currently live in Jensen Beach and Lola's Seafood of Stuart is one of my favorite places to go on a week to week basis! The food is excellent, the restaurant is very quick to get your food out, but great quality at the same time! They also do take out too! I would reccomend going here. The fish taco meal is the best fish tacos that I've ever had, I would suggest to get them blackened. Very delicious! The salad is amazing, the house salad dressing is an homemade orange basil vinagerette. Don't forget their famous lobster roll! Yum! Delicious! Never had a problem with the food quality or service. The waitress staff are all nice, friendly and helpful. I am noticing a BETTER change in the waitress staff. PLEASE give Lola's a try, you will NOT be dissappointed, I assure you, if you stop by and try, it will become your next favorite place to eat, just like mine!!
- Visited July 2012
- Value
- Atmosphere
- Service
- Food
9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votesIt has seafood tacos with this amazing side salad, the dressing is truly unique! They have a Whole Lobster Special for $15 bucks...awesome! Their Fish and Chips are the freshest ever and they have outdoor seating. I crave the salad dressing and the fresh fish here>Be sure to give it a try
101 reviewsReviews in 20 cities24 helpful votesthe food was amazing, my 7 spice salmon salad was the best I had the whole trip. the service was NON existant. we couldn't find anyone for tea refills cause she was having her smoke break and left everyone to fend for themself. It is small that was o.k., clean, but hard to find and I wouldn't go back, to many fun places to go and not be treated rudely.
40 reviewsReviews in 19 cities19 helpful votesI live in Florida and love seafood so anytime I can find a little spot like this I check it out. The service was what made the restaurant! There was some items on the boards that I had no idea what they were, the cashier/waitress was very informative.....I was schooled in northern clams!! Food was good, I had the seared scallop salad I just wish there was more scallops!! They also had beignets which were amazing!!
