Haley Z.
Yelp
My first experience with Lola, a year ago when they first opened, was pretty mid, but I heard whisperings that they leveled up their menu so I had to come try it again.
In terms of the Nashville Spanish tapas scene, you only have a few options. Barcelona is incredibly overrated and the food is mediocre. Boqueria feels mass-produced, borderline a chain restaurant. Peninsula is a personal favorite with their unique dishes, but you don't get a ton of bang for your buck.
My second time at Lola puts it at the top of the list for tapas, hands down. The dishes were elevated, but a hearty serving. We ordered everything that came recommended to us:
-The mussels were my #1 favorite. Amazing.
-The mushrooms I wasn't in love with, but they can be hit or miss for me. On the other hand, they were my date's favorite.
-The tongue carpaccio. I typically wouldn't have ordered this unless suggested and was a little nervous to try tongue, but if you're adventurous enough to give lengua a go, I promise that you'll like it.
-The octopus was the best I've had.
-The steak was ok, I'd go for other menu items next time.
-The chocolate cake was the sluttiest bite of cake I ever had. I mean that in a good way.
-Oh, and I loved the chai espresso martini. It's decaf too and a really fun drink I haven't seen anywhere else.
-Our waitress felt personally involved in sharing about the food.
-We also had the special I can't remember, but they offer a lot of rotating specials which I like because you always know there will be something new on the menu.
My only qualms about this place was the website's reference to being like 'stepping into deep Madrid, into that local hole-in-the-wall.' This is a fine dining Spanish restaurant in Nashville and should simply own it and be authentically what it is.
Either way, it was certainly a step up from my last visit. My sincerest compliments to the chef for the leveling up (;