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It’s disappointing to write this,as Nolah has long been one of our favourites.We’ve dined here at least six times,often with guests,and always left impressed,until our most recent visit.
We made a reservation for two to celebrate my fiancée’s birthday on a busy Sunday evening (Father’s Day and Grand Prix weekend).Despite arriving early,the terrace was already filling.Our server greeted us warmly and offered cocktails, which we accepted.Unfortunately,drinks took over 12 minutes to arrive,and water was only served after two requests.The cocktails lacked refinement,mine with a tired orange slice and his overrun with mint,resembling something from a resort buffet rather than a well-executed house cocktail.
We weren’t given the usual explanation of the menu or specials,something we’ve always appreciated here.We chose to share the crab cake,followed by the lobster macaroni for each of us.At this point,we realised our server was the only one managing the entire terrace,approximately 15 tables.She remained courteous and did her utmost,but service understandably suffered.
The crab cake was average,presented with a blob of sauce and scattered greens.More disappointing was the signature bread,which is usually warm, fluffy,and slightly sweet.This time,it was dense and dry.We requested another basket with our mains,hoping it was a one-off issue,but the second batch was just as tough.
Our lobster macaroni arrived in small skillets, featuring one modest tail and two overly spicy shrimp.The pasta was rich and well-cooked,but there was no lobster in the actual macaroni,just the topping.For the price,it felt more like gourmet mac and cheese with seafood garnish.
After finishing our meal,our table remained uncleared for 20 minutes.We declined dessert,though fond of their donuts,simply because of the delays and visible staff shortage. What stung most was the lack of acknowledgment of the birthday,which had been mentioned during booking.At an upscale restaurant,especially in the West Island,this is a basic courtesy that was notably missing.
Our server confirmed she was the only staff member covering the entire terrace.She truly did her best,but no one person could maintain the level of service Nolah is known for under such conditions.
This visit fell well short of what we’ve come to expect,both in food quality and experience.For a restaurant of this calibre,such an evening felt rushed,underwhelming,and overpriced.I share this as a loyal guest who has always held Nolah in high regard.I would welcome a response from management and hope they’ll consider making amends for what was meant to be a special evening,but sadly was not.