Tony U.
Yelp
Why I won't go back: The sushi is average at best, and as I like to say, average sushi is awful sushi
Do NOT order: Any roll
Tony's Tip: The host stand keeps a wait list for seats at the bar. That's your best bet if you don't have a reservation, which you're gonna need if coming here in-season.
We've been to Lola 41 three times now since it opened in early 2020. Being from Boston, we were already familiar with the restaurant, having been to the Nantucket location a few times and the one in Boston's Seaport several times as well. While we usually have a decent meal at the Seaport spot, unfortunately Palm Beach Lola takes after its original sibling on Nantucket. Average sushi, high prices, and chaotic service. Our most recent visit this weekend sealed the deal - we won't be back.
Why? While the wait for bar seats for two at 7:00 p.m. on a Friday in January was reasonable (30 minutes), the rest of our experience was subpar to say the least. I'll throw a compliment to our server, who was doing double duty on counter/bar area service while also mixing drinks but still had a great attitude. Still, she was slammed, and we seemed to be short a second serving plate, chopsticks, and a soy sauce dish all night, on top of having to finally ask for water glasses halfway through our meal.
As for the food, the only thing that's been consistently good here is the tuna poke nachos, and frankly, that's the only thing I'd order if we ever found ourselves back here. We did enjoy the spicy fries (crisp, and topped with an aioli), but if you're coming to Lola, you're coming for sushi. And that's where we've been regularly disappointed. The rolls we've ordered have always been somewhat bland, and it doesn't seem to matter which ones we try. I literally can't think of one roll I am craving to order again. If you're going to go the sushi route, I'd stick with nigiri and sashimi - I'm sure the quality of the fish is still good so you can just isolate that. As for drinks, we both started with a Casamigos margarita and neither of us thought it was anything special.
Lola is a "see and be seen" type of place with an amped up club-like energy that isn't as prevalent on the island, at least at the classic Palm Beach restaurants. I'm sure for many people, that compensates for a subpar dining experience. For us, it's not gonna cut it. Three strikes and you're out.