I first heard about Lōla Café + Bar through a friend who posted about it on Facebook. He waxed poetic about the place and the food so I was compelled to check it out. I frequent the vicinity in which it is located so I was quite surprised that I did not stumble upon it before but I’m extremely thankful that I know about it now. I find it hard to believe that they’re a relatively new establishment because they excel at what they do. In no particular order, here are the top five reasons why I love Lōla Café + Bar and why you might, too.
1. Laid-back vibe
The interiors of Lōla Café + Bar are sleek and stylish. Wooden floors, cozy chairs, contemporary art, and clever lighting all make for a relaxing atmosphere. The café is an ancestral house that was refurbished to look more modern but touches of the old place still remain. Howard, one of the owners, tells us that it’s even more beautiful at night. The strategically placed lights lend an enchanting quality to the whole property.
2. Simple and effective décor
The walls in Lōla Café + Bar are plastered with unassuming art that goes well with the interiors. I particularly like the framed typography in Italian proclaiming their love for pasta and what have you.
3. The actual menu
Much like the rest of the restaurant, the menu is streamlined. Once again, they make good use of typography to create a straightforward menu. Even without pictures, it’s just really nice to look at.
4. The Food
The food in Lōla Café + Bar does not fall into a single category. They serve Filipino, Italian, Greek, American, a little fusion, a lot of it delectable. The Veggie Hummus (P150) is one of the many appetizers in Lōla that go really well with cocktails. Well-seasoned, thin, and crispy pita chips come with a creamy eggplant hummus.
The most popular entrée in the café is their Tapa Benedicts (P350), a Pinoy take on Eggs Benedict with tapa instead of ham on English muffins with caramelized onions and tomato slices, cosseted in a thick hollandaise dressing. Each bite is a sensory experience with the different flavors hitting different taste buds. The sweetness of the onions is the most prominent taste, followed by the saltiness of the tapa. They also have Salmon Benedicts (P480) where the tapa is replaced by smoked salmon and the onions and tomatoes substituted with avocado.
When I asked Howard about his favorite items on the menu, he told me that he was particularly proud of their pasta dishes. If the Spicy Tinapa (P215) pasta is anything to go by then his pride is justified. Unapologetically spicy and just the right amount of salty, it is best eaten with a little squeeze of calamansi. The smokiness of the tinapa bits gives the dish a depth of flavor that goes well fresh tomatoes.
The dish that made the biggest impression on me is the slow-cooked Mixed Seafood Stew (P300). Inspired by the owners’ trip to Greece, the stew is fish, squid, and mussels cooked in a tomato basil sauce with bits of feta cheese sprinkled all throughout. It is divine. All the delicious seafood juices have blended well in the smooth and creamy tomato sauce. Every spoonful is like a trip to the Mediterranean: warm, exquisite, and unforgettable.
Lōla Café + Bar has a nice selection of desserts including a Banoffee Pie (P150) with frozen bananas and a thick layer of sweet cream, and crunchy Pistachio Pavlova (P99) topped with ripe mangoes.
5. Drinks
Lōla has a respectable arsenal of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Their colorful mocktails are pretty to look at and, more importantly, refreshing. I tried two out of four. Rio (P120) is soda infused with mint leaves and grapefruit. Tosca (P120) also has a soda base mixed with apple juice and infused with ginger and lime.
Lōla Café + Bar is a gem even among notable restaurants along Tomas Morato and the Scout area. It’s a little hidden, not the kind of place that you usually come across by accident. A little effort is needed when locating it, even for someone like me who knows the ins and outs of Quezon City. When you find it though, it’s worth it. Great places, after all, are worth the journey.
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Photos by Albert Peradilla, additional images provided by Lōla Café + Bar.
