No tour through Cleveland’s gastronomic gems would be complete without visits to Iron Chef Michael Symon’s acclaimed flagship Lola (and sister bistro, Lolita–but that’s for next week). Situated on a newly redesigned and bustling East 4th Street, Lola is perhaps the most widely talked about restaurant in Northeast Ohio, and deservedly so.
The service is everything you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber; prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive, but at the same time friendly and gracious rather than cool and aloof. Get ready for a big hit on your credit card though. Lola is fantastic, and fantastic doesn’t come cheap. Expect to spend upwards of $150 for three courses, drinks and tip for two people.
For starters, try the beef cheek pierogi ($12), which comes in a stacked presentation garnished with crème fraiche that provides a perfect counterpoint to the rich and tender beef. The menu changes seasonally, but if you have the chance to order the Short Ribs ($28), don’t pass on it! I have literally never had more tender beef in my life. The Rib Eye ($34) came perfectly cooked with salsa verde, and the Scallops ($28) in a tangy myer lemon sauce, almost fall apart on your fork. Desert at Lola is a real treat, and nobody should leave without trying the 6 A.M. Special, a playful take on breakfast with miniature French toast and maple-bacon ice cream. Yes, that’s maple-bacon ice cream. Trust me it just works.
The menu changes seasonally, but you really can’t go wrong with anything you order. Check it out for yourself at www.lolabistro.com
