Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria
100 Granville St, Columbus, OH, 43230
Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria Menu
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Address :
100 Granville St
Columbus, OH, 43230 - Phone (614) 473-9931
- Website https://www.lolas-italian.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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James D.
Lola's never fails to be a joy. The atmosphere warm and welcoming, with food to delight taste buds as well as the soul. Our party sampled the Stuffed shells, spaghetti and meatballs along with fettucini Alfredo. Appetizers of of the spinach artichoke dip and the fritta. Everything was rich and flavorful. Sauces were bright with the sweetness of the tomatoes being notable. The appetizers especially the spinach artichoke dip deserve praise. We finished with the carrot cake and the limoncello cheesecake. Both were delicious, but the cheesecake, a water bath style cheese cake making it extra creamy, was sublime. Each creamy bite a little taste of heaven. Best Italian in the city!
(5)Tim Y.
Met two friends for dinner and found my dining experience disappointing. My friends beat me to the restaurant and were already seated in a tiny room that fit only three tables. It was pretty hot out, maybe 88 and humid, and I noticed that the air conditioning was not working well or they did not have any. A fan was blowing warm air into my area. After perusing the menu I decided to order the Sicilian onion soup. It had some rave accolades so I gave in. It arrived and looked ok, but upon tasting it, my friend and I noticed that it was very oily. More oil than broth, and had a sweet taste. Not sure what exactly was going on here, but I ate it. Complimentary garlic bread came out. Really average at best. Small pieces of flattened bread. I dunno. The wine selection is not very large and I ended up ordering a glass of merlot. There was no Shiraz. Also, many of the wines did not identify themselves on the menu as Merlot, Cabernet, etc. For my main dish I ordered the Giuseppe's Sampler. Meatball over pasta, lasagna, and eggplant for $18. We waited and waited for the food to arrive. wasn't timing it, but I know it was a long time when I think the owner came out and asked us how our meal was. Of course our answer was, "we haven't gotten our food yet." After a long wait my dish finally arrived. Food presentation was good, but taste was disappointing. Pasta was overcooked as pasta and in the lasagna. No chance for al dente here. Didn't taste terrible, just way overcooked pasta. It appears that a lot of people truly love the food here, but for me, disappointed.
(2)Brad S.
Was in town for a wedding and searched Yelp for dining options. We were not disappointed. It's a very small place so when a group of six of us showed up it was a pretty big deal to accommodate us. They were accommodating and the service stayed outstanding throughout our entire meal. Can't say the meals were outstanding, but they were very good. The desserts, however, were delicious. The tiramisu and the bread pudding were to die for. If you typically don't eat bread pudding, you'll still love theirs. It has the consistency of flan and melts in your mouth. Don't know when we'll be passing through Columbus again, but will definitely be keeping Lola & Giuseppe's in mind when we do.
(4)Sean P.
This place has wonderful Italian cuisine. They have salads, soups, anti pastas, lasagna, meatballs, ravioli, seafood dishes, and more. I wasn't expecting a decent sized menu from a place that only seats 35 or so (that is a guess). For a start, I got the wedding soup that could've used a bit of black pepper. There are two special entrees that are only served on Friday and Saturday. I would've got the one if it was Friday, but I settled on my initial choice of the chicken marsala. The waitress recommended it without hesitation, as well. It was a wonderful choice, the aroma as she laid it down assured me I made the right decision. The vegetable of the day was green beans, it went wonderfully with creamy risotto. I do wish they had a bigger red wine selection, as they could benefit from a Cabernet or two. I will return again.
(5)Rae S.
Two of us arrived at around 830 on a Saturday night. There was no wait, and Lola greeted us with the most humble excitement I've ever experienced in a restaurant owner. The free garlic bread was good, but the antipasti Pasta Fritto was absolutely amazing. Crisp, fresh and delicious. I also had the best chicken parmigiana I've ever tasted. We left no room for dessert, but we'll definitely be back. And when we do, we'll try and ask for Judy. She was attentive, friendly and incredibly inviting.
(4)Shawnna S.
If you think there's a better Italian restaurant in Columbus or the mid west for that fact your dead wrong. Amazing wine. Amazing apps. Amazing food. Amazing service. Come here and only here. I beg you.
(5)Don T.
IMO, Best Italian food in Cbus. Insalata Caprese is the best I have had. Spaghetti and Meatballs are excellent. Can taste the freshness and homemade effort that has gone into the food. Was my first time here and will be back. Highest rating I have given on Yelp so far. They make the butter homemade, the bread is a meal in itself.
(5)Jessica R.
Lola and Giuseppe's is by far my FAVORITE restaurant. I have not been served a bad meal yet...and I've eaten here quite a few times. On my 2nd visit Lola came around the tables talking to people and asking how the food is. That day she got my name and every time I've been back she knows me by name and remembers that we drive in from the Marysville area. The food is amazing, the staff is great, and Lola's dessert of the day should not be missed. Especially her 4 layer chocolate cake with white chocolate frosting!! I highly recommend the lasagna to any 1st timers.
(5)Joe C.
I am from Youngstown Briar Hill and this is one of the best if not the best in Columbus. The pasta is fresh just like my grandmother Modarelli's, the tiramisu is to die for, I remember a place in San Francisco that my father loved and this..mio padre piacuito questo poosto! It is small so get there early. Lola and Guiseppe are meravigliosa!
(5)Michelle B.
A cozy and friendly place with delicious food. Lola greeted us at the door and ended up giving me her Hello Kitty cookie tin by the time we left! (I had spotted it in the kitchen and commented on it) She's an absolute delight. My son lives in Columbus so we are looking forward to our next visit just so we can dine here again! We all enjoyed our stuffed shells, eggplant, and the cannoli filling was amazing. Cannot wait to return!
(5)W.C. G.
The food was absolutely fantastic and cooked to perfection: wonderfully seasoned, flavorful and fresh. And meeting Lola was a joy: she treated us like old friends. My colleagues and I wish that we could have brought her home with us!
(5)Juliet D.
Good family italian restaurant - cozy place and reasonable price. A little cold whenever the door is open during winter. If you love salty food, you will like this place. I'm more of a plain person so the sauce is a little salty for me. Overall great place - environment.
(3)Glen S.
In a world of fabricated ambiance, scent machines and distilled culture, one can easily become cynical when it comes to restaurants that seem to be real... and feel so good upon entry. Let me tell you... This is the real deal. It's a little bit Italy, but 100% Italian. With family, flavor, eccentricity and devotion... All coming together in both dish, flavor and presentation. It starts with the bistro like setting. Add then the staff - both family and friends, and of course the food. The food... Ah, the food. Soup of onion with sweet Marsala, carmelized onions, cream... topped with grated cheese and toasted crusted bread. You've never had it like this before... And neither had I. I won't forget. We ordered two entrees... Chicken Parmesan and a Baked manicotti with sausage and peppers. Sublime. Neither is a complicated dish. Both though require a deep sauce and quality ingredients. These had it all. Like Firenze... with those shiny doors that beckoned me to admire their craftsmanship years ago, I simply loved seeing the entrees coming from that kitchen... I wanted to touch and taste them all. Each item obviously made with care and tradition. I admire the touch given to the food here... It is proper and it is done with love. Dessert. Cannoli with a blended ricotta that was smooth as silk (perhaps more smooth than I'd like as I enjoy the mouthfeel of ricotta against the sugar and cookie like casing), and a tiramisu that was literally the best I've ever had. Period. Lola. Her Family. Her staff. They are real. They are lovely. Truly. The value is beyond reproach. The skilled way in which this place is run... More like art done for friends. Wow. Please visit. This guy...from all over the US. With a pretty good sense of what is right and wrong when it comes to restaurants - at least to my own palate, highly recommends this restaurant. It moved me. Perhaps it will move you as well. Thank you Lola, Gabrielle, and the entire staff. Well done! I hope to visit your city and your restaurant again.
(5)Dan O.
On business in Columbus and wanted someplace close by to have Italian with some co-workers. Lola & Giuseppe's fit the bill, with the bonus of being a Rewards Network affiliate restaurant. It is small, only about 35 seats. Very cozy. They do not accept reservations. We got there early at about 5:30 pm and didn't have an issue finding a table. They don't have a big menu, but we got some wine & the eggplant appetizer while we figured out our entrees. That and the complimentary toasted garlic bread took the edge off of our hunger while we waited for our dinners. I got the chicken parmiagiana. It was excellent - hot, gorgeous looking, tasty, and just the right size. I was stuffed, and had a couple of pieces of chicken to take as leftovers. Noticed they had homemade limonicello, so ordered a glass as an aperitif and had the limonicello gelato. What a great end to the meal! The bill wasn't cheap, but fair for the quality of food - a worthwhile indulgence. A terrific meal, and one to recommend and repeat whenever I'm in the area!
(4)Liz M.
Went on a date to Lola's, keeping it local! My familiy is Italian and we are serious about our food and so is Lola and her husband who hang out at the restaurant and make sure you're enjoying yourself. It's nice to see how passionate they are. It's a very tiny place with two rooms and a total of about 10 tables with some outdoor seating. The menu has slight variety. The prices are average. I had the wedding soup which was microwaved (I saw and heard it) to a lava hot temp before I got it and it was just not very good (no seasoning and too few meatballs). I'm pretty particular about my wedding soup and so far, Cafe del Mundo is holding the Wedding Soup award. Anyway, moving on! We ordered the Aranccini (cheese stuffed rissotto ball breaded and fried) and boy was it good! I haven't had any that good again! It was a huge size, cooked right through and through, great cheese, and yummy maranara dipping. Highly recommended. I ordered a pesto salad, which i really enjoyed. Even though it was over dressed, the dressing was so pestoey good I didn't mind. I love inventive salads and this was definitely one! My boyfriend had the pasta alfredo that suffered 'alfredo sydrome' and was all gloppy and blah. I would like to try a meatball in the furute, that's always a good italian food test ;) For me Lola's missed the mark. It just didn't wow me beyond it's cuteness and the aranccini. I guess the icing on my 3 star cake was that I left there smelling like I'd been cooking in an Italian Kitchen all day and it was really distracting.
(3)Christiana C.
In terms of ambiance, Lola's has it in spades. From the outside, this place looks so innocuous and smushed in there, but inside? It looks similar to a restaurant in Italy, divided into separate rooms for privacy and sound (I assume that's what this about, maybe it's just a design choice-who knows!) with dinner lighting (I love good dinner lighting). The food was delicious and very true to Italian tastes (the right amount of garlic and spice, IMHO). I had gnocci in red sauce (I highly recommend the red sauce!) and boyfriend had the lasagna (which I couldn't help but take a bite or two of-delish!). Even though it is smallish, we had no trouble getting a table. Even though it was a little more pricey than usual, I would recommend this place for sure! Protip: Do keep in mind while it's cold that you don't want to be in the front room. The breeze flows right on you. Opt for the room right behind the door-we moved there and it was not nearly as cold.
(4)April C.
Had a family birthday dinner at Lola's last night and it was fabulous! We were greeted by both Lola and Guiseppe (owner's) - they are adorable and obviously love sharing their amazing food with friends new and old. We each (8 of us) ordered something different and tried each others meals... All were outstanding! The Fettucini Alfredo, Pasta Fritto, Saltimbocca and cauliflower were favorites. Can't forget that despite how full we were - the tiramisu and cannoli were best around! Authentic Italian food, in a locally owned and run family atmosphere, at a good price and served with love - what more could you ask for? Have already decided this is our new family birthday dinner tradition! Can't wait to go back. Mangia!
(5)Karla S.
This place has great homemade authentic Italian food. Large portions, small restaurant, and friendly staff and owners. The garlic bread, calamari, fettuccine Alfredo, gnocchi, are all wonderful. I have yet to have had anything here that I did not love.
(5)Bryant M.
Lola's has the missing ingredient that so many other restaurants don't have: heart. I've been going to Lola's ever since it opened, but after a long hiatus because of work travel, I'm re-discovering one of my favorite places around! Lola is an amazingly charming lady who pours her heart and soul into every dish she prepares. She never takes short cuts by using store-bought ingredients or pre-packaged food; everything is homemade! And there are no fillers on her menu - if it's on there, then it's amazing! Some of my favorites are: wedding soup, chicken salad, and chicken parmesan. Lola's space is pretty small, and the homemade goodness takes a while to prepare. So be prepared for a dining event, and don't get annoyed by the quirks and intricacies.
(5)John A.
Lola's is an oasis! Service is not necessarily quick and it's small so you may have to wait to be seated. There is additional outdoor seating, but it looks out to a strip mall parking lot. But if you are after charm, outstanding food and desserts, and enjoy seeing the pride of ownership first hand, it will be found here. I wish there more restaurants like Lola's.
(5)Heather T.
I love this tiny, local, yummy place. Lola is fabulous, her food is delicious, and it's adorable and quaint inside. The veggie lasagna was one of the best things I've ever eaten! The salad, garlic bread, and appetizers were all delicious, too. Go here!
(5)Kristie K.
Let me start off by saying I am from NJ. If you know anything about NJ (Sopranos anyone?) We pride ourselves on our quality Italian foods, and can find it just about any of our small towns and eat it often. Moving to Ohio left a huge gaping hole in my heart (or stomach) because of the lack of good Italian restaurants. No Olive Garden or Carabba's don't count!!! Then I found Lola's. It was recommended to me about a year ago, but I was too skeptical to try it. So many times well meaning friends have recommended Italian to me here and I've left disappointed. To me, good Italian food is about the sauce. The kind, where even though you are stuffed, you want to use your Italian bread to scoop the rest up!! Finally I tried Lola's during a huge Italian craving. I was blown away!! Its the real deal!!! Hooray!!! I can't wait to go back. Even the atmosphere was perfect, quaint, and family run. And with good Italian wine :) It isnt NJ, but its a close second!!
(5)Chris K.
I am not the type to typically write a review for a restaurant, but felt inclined after I found out through the grape vine that such a great local restaurant like this is struggling to stay open. It certainly is not struggling out of a lack of great food. I visited last Friday and had an incredible meal. I am far from any sort of food expert, but everything we got was incredible. The gnocchi seems to be a special and it was definitely very special. We also tried the pasta fritto as an appetizer that was great. This is such a great Italian restaurant that serves up simple, hearty Italian food. It is run by a husband/wife team that both work the dining room throughout the night to personally ensure everyone has a great meal. You will spend the same (possibly less) here than you will at Olive Garden, Brio, Bravo, or any other number of local Italian chain restaurants, but the food is much more fresh, homemade, and authentic at Lola's than either of the corporate alternatives.
(5)Erik And Jennifer H.
My fiance and I live in Gahanna and wanted to try something different. We saw a review online and gave it a try. It was fantastic! It is a cute little place that has a very homey feel. And the food....oh the food....soooooooooo good! First, you get delicious garlic bread to start your meal. Then we ordered the spinach and artichoke dip appetizer. Best we have ever had. The pita bread was warm and the dip was warm and delicious. You could taste all the components--no one ingredient dominated. My fiance then had the onion soup--which was also fantastic. It had great flavor and was nice and thick. I had a spinach salad with candied bacon and homemade dressing. For a side salad, it was huge! The dressing was very good. For our entrees, I had the giuseppe's gnocchi, which was good, but I could only have a little bit because I was so stuffed from everything else. Fortunately, I brought it home for later. My fiance enjoyed the chicken parm, which was delicious. We would definitely recommend it!
(5)Tom C.
On a business trip with a colleague who has lived in Italy, we read the reviews and decided to try Lola's. We were blown away by the quality, the taste, the accommodation to a gluten and dairy free diet ( hers, not mine) and the warmth of the staff. One of the best authentic Italian meals we have had this side of the Atlantic. We told everyone in our meetings and at the hotel to go there. We will be back.
(5)Kim G.
I am looking forward to going back here! The chicken parmigiana was quite tasty along with the crunchy cauliflower dish that came with it...the flavor was amazing and I am not a big fan of cauliflower. The atmosphere was authentic as well as Lola's attention to detail. I highly recommend dining here if you are looking for great Italian.
(4)Julie R.
What a major disappointment. I have lived in Gahanna for as long as Lola's has been open, but never tried it until today. I had heard great things about it, and had high expectations. I ordered spaghetti and meatballs to go, and frankly was shocked when I got home to find such a little amount of spaghetti for a $14 price tag!!! It was almost like it was someone's leftovers, not an actual meal. It didn't even include a side salad, that would have been an additional $6! The garlic bread was like frozen Kroger brand Texas toast and it was hard, as if it had been sitting around under a warmer for hours. I am giving my review one star because the two meatballs while small, were at least tasty and the best part of the experience. I don't know if the kitchen was having a bad day or what, but I don't see myself ever wasting money at Lola's again.
(1)Dani M.
Great food and a charming place. Lola is a treasure. You will love the experience.
(5)Pam B.
My boyfriend and I had some of THE BEST Italian food here last night. While this place is a little hard to find and it is super duper small, we LOVED our dining experience here... The onion soup is truly unique and is a must try! For entrees, my boyfriend had the Goat Cheese ravioli in a red pepper sauce special and I had the gnocchi. Both dishes were absolutely incredible and so flavorful. They also provide garlic bread with your meal which was soooo warm and a perfect complement to the meal. For dessert, we had the bread pudding and are so happy we did even though we were overly full by that point. Judy, our server was very hospitable and welcoming. We will without a doubt go back here again!!
(5)Iris C.
I'm a fan of all things Italian food related, so it's pretty easy to win me over at an Italian restaurant. We went in for dinner on a busy Saturday night. Greeted almost immediately by Lola. We were seated in no time. I have to note that other reviewers are right, this place is small. I'm okay with it, I never felt crowded, just cozy. The food is AMAZING. The portions for the entrees are large enough for two to share, but not horribly oversized like you find in many chain restaurants. Our server was very sweet but very slow, even for a busy night. Dinner for two with dessert to go took a little over 2 hours. We had just poured our last glass of wine when the entrees arrived. I'll go back for sure, just maybe on a week night.
(3)Jenny B.
Went here for the first time today for lunch. We were in the neighborhood and were planning on going somewhere else, but my mom said, there is a little place close to here, lets check it out. And boy we were glad we did! For lunch we shared the chicken crepes filled with creamy chicken, broccoli and almonds covered in garlic cream sauce. It also included a side and we chose Lola's salad. You could also pick mac and cheese, fruit, a muffin or pasta salad. We over heard Lola tell another table about the mac and cheese, I def want to go again to try it. She said they use 5 cheese and have it in the fridge waiting till someone orders it. Then her guy in the back forms it into a patty and throws it on the grill. Sounds great to me! My mom also ordered a cup of the onion soup. The crepes were wonderful!!!! I was sad to give one up to my mom (it is an order of two). I had to lick the plate because the sauce was sooo good. Lola's salad was also wonderful with the poached pear, spiced nuts, cranberries and port wine dressing. My mom said her onion soup was wonderful! Since I don't eat beef, I guess I really missed out. She said it was like eating a bowl of marsala sauce. They carmalize the onions and then add in beef and chicken stock, cream and marsala wine and top it with 3 types of cheese. For dessert we had the triple chocolate cookie! It was one of the best cookies I have ever had. Too bad we had to save half for my sister! I heard Lola telling someone that they use whole wheat flour. When I have made cookies in the past with whole wheat flour they didn't taste good at all, but this was amazing with chocolate chips and half of it was covered with chocolate frosting! It keeps on calling my name, but I can't eat it :( I am too nice. Anyway, we will definitely be back to try dinner and I am really looking forward to it!
(5)Lindsay W.
It doesn't get any better than this unless maybe you are in Italy or in Little Italy in NYC. However, even then it would be just as good not necessarily better. Have been here many times and its always consistently delish. Lolas version of onion soup is unique. Its a bit creamy and has a slight sweetness and is loaded with onions. Her bruschetta is loaded with fresh chopped tomato and torn fresh basil. The salads are always very fresh and the house-made dressings are perfect. Her servers are always pleasant (Gabriella is her daughter). All the main dishes I have ever ordered, and anyone I'm with has ever ordered, have been wonderful. The last time the chefs special was a pasta in light cream saffron sauce with craw-fish that was to die for! The carrot cake is crazy good. Moist and dense with a not too sweet traditional cream cheese frosting. Mmmmmmmm! I really don't know what that one star reviewer was talking about...maybe she was reviewing Mia Cusina or Olive Garden by mistake?
(5)David L.
Taste: 3 Value: 2 Service: 4 1. Crab cakes, $6 Pretty good. The 3 crab cakes were quite yummy, especially with the sauce. 2. Linguini special with shrimp and spiced tomato sauce, $16 Wasn't really impressed. There wasn't much to it other than the linguini, 5 pieces of shrimp, and spiced tomato sauce. I thought it was a bit spicy, although I'm pretty sensitive to spicy food. The linguini was good and tasted home-made, but I think I saw them pop the dish in the microwave to heat up before they served it. Service was pretty attentive, although they did forget to give me another fork after they took mine away with the appetizer plate. Also had to ask for water, although the server did ask me for water a few minutes beforehand.
(3)Andrew C.
It was average italian food. I paid $23 for a blackberry veal that the waiter was raving about. The veal was not tender and it had an average taste with 3 blackberries on top. Very disappointing. However my wifes plate was a little better but still average.
(3)John C.
Lola's has to be my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. Let's start with the service... The owners, Lola and Joe, are always friendly. The greet each guest at their tables, and even get to know their customers by name. The rest of the staff are friendly, outgoing, and provide excellent service. Now to the food.... We've been to Lola's many times and feel it's got to be one of Columbus' best kept secrets. Everything is delicious, creative, and just the right size. Of particular note is the garlic bread, Lola's salad, the onion soup, and any special she's running. The wine selection is small, but all options are good and moderately priced. Also, Lola makes the most amazing desserts... Save room.... You won't be sorry!
(5)Lori B.
Adorable family-owned restaurant. Cozy and romantic, friendly service, FABULOUS food. The Sicilian Onion Soup is amazing, as is every special I've ever ordered. Nice wine selection. Tasty bread. Considering how few really good restaurants there are in this part of town, Lola's definitely stands out. However, I'd drive across town for that onion soup; it's that good.
(4)James B.
My wife and I both called on separate occasions and both times the guy answering the phone was extremely rude. I started by asking about the kids menu, but he stopped me mid-sentence said he was having a hard time hearing me and hung up before I could talk louder. I immediately called back and he wouldn't answer - instead the kitchen answered. They routed the call back to front and it went to voicemail. When I told my wife what happen, she told me she tried to call a few hours ago and the guy was rude to her too (and she's not a confrontational person). He must have had a bad day, but why take it out on potential customers. Maybe the food is good, but they're not getting my business.
(1)Ann S.
Just took the grandparents there for dinner tonight. It had been 10 days since we'd been there but both the waitress and Lola remembered us. Gotta love that! The grandparents seemed to enjoy it. I got the whole wheat penne in red sauce, the hubbs got the meat lasagna and the grandparents got spaghetti and meatballs. Both hubby and I agree the portion to price ratio for our entrees were a little on the skimpy side but you could've shoved their garlic bread into my piehole like a pacifier and I wouldn't have complained about it. Still slightly bland for my spicy palate but still good. (A BIG thumbs up for being about the replace the pasta in the Family Tree Favorites with a healthier whole wheat option!) They also don't have traditional spaghetti and meatballs on the menu but they gladly made it. Now THAT was a massive bowl of pasta and 2 big ol' meatballs. They each got a piece of freshly made homemade peach pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was HEAVEN! I didn't even think I liked peach pie but it was peach pie with this beautifully caramelized brown sugar and cinnamon glaze over the crust and peaches. SO good! The only thing holding us back from a 5 star is for the price they should include a small side salad and you shouldn't have to pay extra for meatballs with spaghetti. But when you do order the side salad it's like strapping on a feedbag baby, tons of ruffage and toppings but only available with Joe's Italian dressing. So a few things that could be tweaked but nothing major. Next time I'm getting those spaghetti and meatballs now that I know how much they give you. Joe wasn't in but Lola came over and schmoozed which I think really won my grandparents over.
(4)Ryan P.
We love Lola's. the bread pudding is amazing!
(4)Brant J.
I love Lola's. Had the pork chops with polenta, and it ranks as one of the best meals I've ever had. It's just good, hearty, well-executed Italian comfort food, and Lola and Joe couldn't be nicer, more gracious hosts.
(5)Cheryl W.
If you haven't tried Lola's you are missing out on an authentic treat. Lola's always exceeds my expectations. Their food is wonderful and very Italian. It is a bit too cozy (small, really, really small) and the wait for a table can be long but it is well worth all of it. Chef Lola is a hoot.
(4)Diane H.
Food was amazing. I rarely give 5 stars to any place, but Lola's was delicious. Calamari was tender, shrimp were fresh and crisp. Everything was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Lola was wonderful, I felt like I was a welcome part of the family. Atmosphere is quaint and original. Bread pudding was the best I ever had. One of the best finds in the Columbus area and a refreshing change from all the chain restaurants. Will be back for sure.
(5)Deb S.
I tried to get some birthday Tiramisu - emphasis on the word tried. We went on a Thursday at 8 pm and ordered 2 slices to go. We waited for more than 10 min standing there and the lady wouldn't bring us the two to go boxes waiting for us in the kitchen or take our card to ring us out. I left without my birthday Tiramisu based on principle - it shouldn't take that long to swipe a card and hand over two boxes during a slow time. The food may be decent, but I wasn't going to wait all night to find out.
(2)Joan G.
I had the pleasure of having lunch at Lola's along with seven other girlfriends. Sadly, this was the last week that Lola's will be serving lunch as they are going to a dinner-only menu. Every one of the ladies were impressed by the delicious homemade food and the wonderful congeniality of Lola and Joe. I had a side dish of the macaroni & cheese and it was the absolute best I've ever tasted. I could have made an entire meal with just this as the entree. The good news is that they have carryout. I will certainly try to convince my husband that this is a restaurant where we should have dinner in the future. While I was too full to have dessert, that is something I want to try on my next visit---which hopefully will be very soon. This restaurant is a real gem.
(5)steven c.
As far as I am concerned, LOLA'S is the ONLY Italian restaurant in Columbus. She is a treasure,herself and her desserts are amazing....The carrot cake is my FAVE!!! It is always such a treat to go there.The Sicilian Onion Soup is in a league of its own. I have been going to Lola's for years and it continues to amaze me. Just walking in the door and smelling the aroma is captivating. Her homemade Limoncello is delicious.Going to Lola's reminds me of going home to my grandmother's for dinner, however, Lola is not nearly that old. Lola's is worth the trip to Gahanna!
(5)Marissa M.
Lola's is pretty good. Not getting the full five star rave because it doesn't really stand out. Still, for a catered office lunch Lola's get the full five stars for being a safe bet. The good thing about Lola's is the variety. In an office of vegetarian's Lola's pleases the herbivores and carnivores alike. The rigatoni is luscious and sinful. It can be hard to taste the noodles and meat under all that delicious cheese. The Alfredo is slightly spicy, and meatless, although it is chicken stock based so true vegetarians beware! The salad and bread are real standouts. I am always impressed that neither arrives the least bit soggy. The salad is made zesty by its tasty dressing, and the red peppers are always crisp. The bread is crunchy and garlic-y which is what all good garlic bread should strive to be. One could easily make a meal out of the salad and bread alone. The price of a catered Lola' s lunch is one that will make even the tightest fisted office manager smile. The portions are good enough sized that we always have left overs. Lola's is great Italian fare in that it can please everyone.
(3)Kathryn K.
Beware of Lola's if you value hygiene. If you watch closely, you will see the servers clear glasses from the tables by putting their fingers inside the glassware and collecting 3-4 at a time. Then they go into the kitchen and put their fingers all over the bread that they bring to your table! If you take a trip through the kitchen to the bathroom, you will see it for yourself. There is a hand-washing sink that is never used (just stand there talking to Lola and you will see that for yourself), nor is their even soap at the sink most of the time! Also, Lola's puts the icing on the carrot cake with her damn fingers!
(3)Megan T.
Amazing. Worth the wait. And yes...there was a wait. We waited over an hour for a table for two (plus a toddler). Apparently they were short some staff, but the food more than made up for the wait as did Lola's beautiful personality. She is truly concerned with the guest experience.The garlic bread was AMAZING and I loved my lobster ravioli. Solid and authentic Italian food. It's still unclear whether they take reservations...I had plenty of time to chat with other customers (most of them repeat!) and the consensus was that sometimes you get seated right away with a res, sometimes not. We don't live over that way, but I would make the trek back in a heartbeat.
(5)Robert S.
This is why Yelp is my go to app when dining out of town. Read great reviews about Lola & Guiseppes and the meal didn't disappoint. Great atmosphere, lively host (Lola) and incredible food made this a must revisit spot. Sauce was awesome and no one should be able to dine here without trying the onion soup. Not your typical onion soup, this alone would be a reason for us to make the 240 mile round trip here for dinner. Check this place out!
(5)Charles K.
Surprised by all of these great reviews. Was in town and went with a friend. Bad experience overall. completely americanized 1950's Italian, not authentic Italian at all. We ordered 2 appetizers. The bruschetta had so much garlic that it could not be eaten . We were in the middle of eating our appetizers when they delivered the main course and put it on the table. No dining style here at all. The pasta was so overcooked it was mush ! My friend lives in Gahanna and was so embarrassed that she brought me here. Cute place and waitress was friendly. They just need a menu and chef update and learn how to serve properly.
(1)Sean G.
High quality and authentic. Reminds me of Aldo's in Cleveland and Alassandro's in Ashtabula. Home made meatballs are fresh. Excellent red sauce. They have a basil Italian salad dressing that has a nice kick. If you come between 5:30 and 7:30 you're going to have to wait, but it's worth it. This is not a chain, it's the way real Italian food should be prepared and served.
(5)Carol F.
Hard to find.,, worth the trip Family italian place that is quaint and cozy. Caprese salad was delicious ! Fresh tomatoes, perfect mozarella and sweet basil covered by beautiful balsamic vinegar, The Sicilian onion soup is worth the trip alone- to die for!! Our table had lasagne-excellent , chicken Marsala -perfect meal with risotto and fresh green beans, and baked rigatoni. Our only regret was that they were out of tiramisu. - so we tried the carrot cake instead---while not a usual Italian dessert option. OMG-it was fabulous!!!! A must visit in Gahanna!
(4)Naiying C.
The food is unforgettable here! Try Giuseppe's pasta fritta(fried pasta)- crispy on the outside and cheesy yummy pasta on the inside. The wedding soup is also worth trying- delicious and fresh for only 5$. Lastly, the fettuccine alfredo- no where makes better alfredo than they do! It's not runny nor clumpy, it's the perfect texture YUM! By the end of dinner, we were so full there was no room for dessert but we ordered a cannoli to-go!
(5)Rakesh M.
Heavenly food, its all cooked fresh and I may take authority and say its an authentic Italian taste!!! The atmosphere is very pleasing, very cordial and service minded staff and very friendly. Miss Lola takes care of each group with individual attention. She even cook the food and personally guides others while preparing. Had a honor to speak to her and her little team of chefs. Its a must for someone who love Italian cuisine. The eggplant Parmesan, the tiramisu, and the bread pudding was very tasty and too much filling.
(5)bryan h.
small mom-and-pop restaurant that is a bit of a hole in the wall, both of which make it fantastic. everything is made to order and probably the best red sauce I've ever had. will definitely be going back.
(5)Amruta D.
The food here is really good. I had gnocchi with marinara and it was perfectly cooked. Also they serve you garlic bread which I think was good too. My friend got the dinner sampler which was good too. Space is tight so you're going to be seated real close to other tables, but it has its own charm.
(5)Michelle L.
Stay with me. I want this review to be as thorough as possible. Saturday afternoon - called at 5 pm to see if they took reservations. I was told no, but I stated that we expected to be there at 6:45, and was told there would probably be a "few minutes" wait. We arrived at 6:45 to a madhouse. This restaurant is tiny; maybe 15 tables; and there were several large parties. That "few minutes" turned out to be 50 minutes of standing; no place to sit. The noise level was deafening. There must have been 14 people waiting and it was raining so we were all bunched by the door. There is no way to have a "private" conversation here; we could overhear everyone around us. Some people will not mind, some will; I am just reporting the facts. If you are looking for intimacy, you will not find it here. Finally seated 50 minutes later, our waitress greeted us and we ordered a bottle of wine, very reasonable at $22. She brought garlic bread which was average. We ordered one Melanzane appetizer and one Giuseppe salad. As a main course, we ordered the lasagne and the veal marsala. We liked the salad but be warned, the dressing is loaded with fresh garlic.The Melanzane took over 30 minutes to arrive, but the eggplant was tender and well prepared, although I felt the breading was a bit thick. By the time we finished the appetizer, we had been at the restaurant over 2 hours Fortunately, the lasagne arrived within 10 minutes of the appetizer. It was a huge dish and could easily have been split. Now I understand why every finished table had several "to go" boxes. I agree with other reviewers that the sauce is a bit salty, but it was still quite good - and it was obvious the pasta was freshly made. But it was when I received my veal that the whole experience went to pieces. I cook. I have made and eaten marsala dozens of times. When the plate was placed in front of me, I was truly surprised by what I saw. I order my marsala wine from Italy. It is a light caramel color and slightly sweet; and when prepared well is a delicious compliment to veal or chicken. The plate in front of me had beautiful veal covered in a mushroom sauce that was nearly black. The sauce was so thick that it had completely congealed to the plate and food; there was no movement to it. I tasted the sauce and not surprisingly it was bitter and had no sweetness left. The waitress came back to check on our meal and noticed I was not eating mine. I reluctantly explained that this was not what I expected from a marsala sauce and that I didn't really care for the preparation. She offered another dish but I think she didn't know what to do, so she went and got Lola. This is when the night turned into an SNL skit. If it hadn't have been me, I would have been laughing. After I gently explained how I prefer my marsala sauce, Lola proceeded to LOUDLY rebut that Giuseppe travels to Italy to attend cooking school, and that his preparation was AUTHENTIC. Lola was not the least interested in my opinion of the sauce. At her insistence,they brought another plate - exactly the same. Understand, the veal was prepared perfectly - tender and amazing. The sauce just ruined it. She demanded I tell her how I liked the second plate while standing over me; putting me on the spot. I could not lie and say I liked it. She about lost it. She went on, (and ON) about how they BOIL the wine down by 75% and don't use chicken stock; exactly as they do in Italy, (most recipes use stock). She looked somewhat shocked when I told her I have been all over Italy and never had it prepared that way; most recipes call for a reduction of 25% to 50% including stock, not 75% without. This woman argued with me, yelled at me and embarrassed me in front of the other patrons, (who were shifting uncomfortably in their seats as she proceeded to BLAST me). But the "pièce de résistance" was when she pronounced in front of the entire restaurant that I had made her 78 year old husband CRY!!! I get it about Italians being passionate; I'm married to one; but this borders on psychosis. I actually hope SNL writers use this review to do a skit - the poor unsuspecting patron on the receiving end of a tongue lashing by the crazy Italian lady over her audacity to not give 5 stars to the veal . Now I understand why everyone is so effusive in praise of the food - they had better be! How do own a restaurant and not be able to take a little criticism of FOOD? After the fact, this whole situation is funny; a real life parody; but at that moment I wasn't laughing and was a bit traumatized. We paid $110.00 for this disaster of an experience. I could put up with the crowds, the noise, the cramped quarters, the having to walk through the kitchen to the bathroom, the wait with nowhere to sit; but not Lola. It wouldn't matter if this was the best Italian food in Columbus.
(2)Nicki R.
Having already been to Italy and having a good idea of what Italian food and Italian hospitality is, all I have to say about this place is WOW!!! AMAZING!! My dad and I were out on a Father Daughter Date and happened to walk in 20 minutes before they closed. I was a little skeptical about going in that close to closing time but they took us in with open arms, served us INCREDIBLE authentic Italian food and were soooo nice!! I would HIGHLY recommend going here for some AMAZING Italian food!!
(5)Nick M.
after dining for dinner I have completely changed my mind, this place is a quaint neighborhood find with excellent food. My previous lunch trip I must have just caught them on a bad day because this is by far one of the best local spots to try in central Ohio.
(4)Holli D.
My family and I tried Lola's tonight and it was fabulous! Very small, quaint and cute. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. We had the Tuscan salad, the balsamic dressing was amazing. We had the pasta frito which was so good but very heavy. The pasta was great, service was awesome. We have found a new staple for our Italian fix. Do yourself a favor and try this place!
(4)Alan B.
Lola and Chef Bryon serve an amazing Italian dinner unlike anything I have ever had. The onion soup was delicious- flavorful and tasty every bite. tons of yummy onions in a rich creamy broth!! The garlic bread is toasted perfectly with loads of buttery garlic. The spaghetti sauce tastes fresh and perfectly seasoned. Great meatballs. My trout tasted totally fresh with a wonderful light herbed crust with an amazing mushroom risotto so creamy and delicious. I HIGHLY recommend you eat here. Shannon, our server, was friendly and patient with all our questions. Lola greeted us at the door and Chef Bryon let me take his pix!!! we are from San Francisco and this restsurant in Ohio was a highlight for our trip.
(5)Rachel S.
After watching the film Return to Me recently, I desired with all my being to go to a small family run, authentic Italian restaurant. After a few Google searches for good Italian I ran across Lola's. On a whim one night I went with my family for a back to school celebration. The space is small & so quaint. I love the individual rooms. The best part for me was Lola walking around & talking to everyone. I am a huge fan of the owner of restaurants being around serving and interacting. If you do not like loud environments, you may not like this. The music overflowed in the atmosphere & Lola's boisterous personality warmed the whole place up. I loved everything about it. When we got there we were given a warm basket of garlic bread which I could have eaten as a meal itself, so great! We ordered the pasta fritta as an appetizer. The best i've ever had. It was made perfectly & again could be a meal in itself. Around the table we ordered all over the menu. From the ravioli (very different- rich, some may not be a fan, I loved it!), to the Fettuccine Alfredo, everything was so great. You get a lot of food, we had quite a few take away boxes. We also ordered Tiramisu for dessert, as I had read you should never go without getting their dessert and we were not dissapointed. It was finished the second we got home & was so delicious in many ways. I am giving Lola's a five out of five. I think finding an authentic Italian restaurant in a neat area of Columbus is hard to find, and is hard to beat with Lola's around. I will definitely be coming back for more! The only disappointing thing will be when I finish the leftovers. I left with such a warmth in my stomach & happiness in my soul.
(5)John S.
Awesome food! Lola has madd skills and you cannot go wrong with the lasagna! Excellent dining experience!
(5)Sharmeela S.
Such comforting delicious Italian food. Fresh and classics done well with a little bit of a twist. The ravioli had roasted cauliflower accompanying it. Classic chicken parmesan perfected. I'm already looking forward to my next meal here. Even the garlic bread was noteworthy.
(5)Tim K.
I was looking for an Italian restaurant that wasn't part of a chain and my GPS led me to this gem. It's nestled in a small shopping center, but what a treat it was. Lola's is tastefully decorated and has an extremely homey feel. It was very clean and has an intimate setting. I was greeted promptly by Shannon who was also my server. She was very attentive and was sure to point out everything is made from scratch using the owners recipe's. I started off with a great Chianti ($9/glass) and opted not to have an appetizer. A nice basket of fresh, warm garlic bread was brought to my table and I decided on the Veal Parmigiana ($28). Speaking of magic, the veal parmigiana was amazing! It is described as "triple-breaded", but you would have never guessed it. It was a nice sized portion and it came with a light breading and was topped with and was topped with mozzarella & provolone cheeses. It was also topped with with a delicious homemade red sauce. It came with a side of spaghetti and fresh vegetable of the day. I didn't want this meal to end and I savored every bite. What's unique about this restaurant, is that you must go through the kitchen to use the rest room and the kitchen was spotless. You can also chat with the owner as she is there every day and she is very personable. Where i sat, you can actually see partially into the kitchen and watch the chef work his magic. I highly recommend this restaurant, not only for the food, but for the atmosphere and the whole overall experience.
(5)Junie D.
Thank you, Yelpers! Was staying on the east side of Columbus, seeking a scrumptious Tuesday night dinner for myself and a colleague and a customer. L&G's caught my eye, and sure enough, the aroma alone confirmed your ratings. It's a small place in strip of shops with not quite enough parking around, but worth trudging around in the cold. We arrived just before 6 I think. They've crammed as many table into the place as the firecode will allow, and they were *packed* -- but I would stand up to eat here! The waitress recommended the special -- linguine, scallops, pesto, etc -- and wow! A friend had lasagna, big enough to take home leftovers. Can't remember what the other friend ordered, but he had NO leftovers, ha! We split some tiramisu for dessert. All three of us *loved* it. Check out their website. Great photo of the owners and a letter detailing what they can't do...made me chuckle, but after you visit, you'll understand why they can't do it all -- they are maxed out on weeknights, so I can't imagine how busy the weekends are.
(5)Paul R.
This is a VERY small restaurant tucked in the corner of a strip center in Gahanna, when we came in we were offered a very small table (My wife and I are not made for small tables) when we ask to be seated at a larger one it seemed to be extremely inconvenient to them but we were told since it was slow they could do it. Our waitress was very friendly and took our drink order, she came back to take our order with some garlic bread, unfortunately it had the texture of rubber (I did eat it anyway...lol) I had the veal parm and my wife had the lasagna and we split a Ceasar salad since salad is not included with you meal It was nice to see that my veal was a real cutlet and not a processed patty, the portions were very generous and had good presentation. My veal was kind of tough, and the pasta was over cooked, the sauce lacked flavor, my wife's lasagna was the same overcooked and bland. We split a carrot cake; it was very good but a bit skimpy on the icing There was an older lady that I can only assume was Lola she was very pleasant to what seemed to be her regulars calling them "dear" but never ask us how things were, she did however keep looking at us kind of strange like she was mad about the request for a larger table. This restaurant is nothing to get excited about, and is VERY overpriced our bill was $62 without tip and we did not have alcoholic drinks
(2)Jon M.
Had an AMAZING date there! The food was magnificent, the staff was amazing, and the ambiance was perfect! Do yourself a favor, don't pass on going to this gem!
(5)Danielle A.
I have been to Lola's more than a half dozen times over the years. Two to three years ago, it was a favorite lunch spot for me and my co-workers. Unfortunately, back then the service was so slow that you had to schedule 2+ hours for lunch. I'm thrilled to say the service is much improved. I've gone for dinner twice recently, and the food is just as delicious as I remember. I always start with the wedding soup. It is a bit salty, but I don't care. It has a ton of meatballs and huge chunks of flavorful chicken. I then move on to gnocchi with meatballs. My husband ridicules me for always getting the same thing, but why mess with perfection. The location is convenient and there is typically parking in the small lot. Lola's offers call ahead seating which I recommend. When my dinner mates and I arrived on Friday at 6:45, the restaurant was empty. By the time we left, it was packed! So, to summarize this review, go to Lola's!!!! You will not be disappointed!
(4)Sagim T.
Guys, listen up! This is a great place to make up with your girlfriend. After arguing, we stumbled across this small cozy restaurant and thought to give it a try. We were welcomed with a warm smile and immediatley felt right at home. Its sectioned off into smaller rooms with roughly 4 tables in each with decor of Italian souvenir. My boyfriend thought it would be cool to order for me, and so I had the eggplant parmigiana which was great!. It was fried with panko breading which was very crispy and the eggplant was fresh.The cheese on top added sooo much flavor in each bite. I know your what your thinking, " thats probably no good and sounds weird" because its a fried vegetable, but honestly it was a great experience and reccomend to anyone who isnt in the meat-eating mood. It is served with small portion of pasta and freshly cooked green beans. My boyfriend had the Shrimp Fra Diavolo. Okay, if you love spiciness this is the dish to get. It has fresh huge shrimp with linguine pasta with a nice kick. Has lots more flavor in the sauce than the regular marinara sauce they serve. Our day went from yelling at each other, to a calm tranquil evening. I think the food and the enviorment have a lot to do with it. The staff was friendly, and it was overall a good evening.
(4)Keith M.
I've made my way to Lola & Giuseppe's three times now, once for lunch years ago, and then most recently for two dinners with friends. On our most recent visit, four of us went on a Saturday night. We called ahead to let them know we'd be there within 30 minutes, following their call-ahead seating policy, and were told that we were on the list but they weren't busy yet. When we arrived we were sat immediately and Lola came to greet Bryant M. and even though she hadn't seen him in two years, so knew who he was immediately! We ordered a bottle of moscato and a bottle of red for the table, and our waitress (knowing our priorities) immediately went and got our wine before taking our meal order. BONUS POINTS! I ordered the Sausage Cannelloni - and it was so delicious. The sauce was very flavorful, the sausage was tasty, and the cheeses so good and melty. Oh! And then there is the bread they bring to the table... we went through three baskets of it! At the end of the night, we were all so full we couldn't try any of the desserts but I know they are also great! So, if you want a intimate dinner for 2, or a night out with a few friends... make the trip into Gahanna and see Lola and Guiseppe!
(4)Ken B.
A perfect evening at a great restaurant. You MUST try the Sicilian Onion soup! Escoffier is green with envy! It is creamy with very complex flavors. Ask Lola the secret ingredient. Last night I had the baked rigatoni, tonight chicken Marsala. I'll keep you posted... The chicken is incredible! Cooked just right with a rich deep, sauce. And Brussels sprouts sautéed with bacon, delicious.
(5)Michael C.
Tiny little place in Gahanna that locals go. A nice, family run restaurant, really good food. Always very happy when I leave .
(4)Mike S.
Very unique dining experience. You feel like you are having dinner at you aunt and uncles home. The food is freshly prepared and almost unfailingly delicious. The wait can be long and the place is small but it is part of the charm. Highly recommend.
(5)Jeni M.
A nice little romantic place. The food is exceptional and staff are wonderful. I've recommended this place to many. I only wish there was a little more space.
(5)Allison H.
Had a nice little evening at Lola's tonight. The place is tiny and very cozy, and Lola was out among the customers the entire time we were there, chatting and making everyone laugh. We split a delicious caprese salad to start. My boyfriend had the veal saltimbocca and I had a seafood pasta special; clams, stuffed shrimp over linguine with red sauce. Divine. I also loved the homemade limoncello, and the bread pudding was light and creamy. We'll definitely be back for the personal, friendly service. It feels like you're eating in someone's home, not at a restaurant.
(4)Courtney G.
We really enjoyed this! Several friends recommended this and we thought we'd give it a shot. Very small space, but it was clean and the staff was very friendly! The service was a little slow, but the food was excellent. My daughter had the kids spaghetti and meatballs...I had the grown up version and they were excellent. My husband had veal Marsala with risotto and he cleaned the entire plate. Reasonably priced for the area. We'll be back!
(4)Elijah K.
I wanted this place to be 5 stars...I really did! Service was slow. I didn't mind it being crowded. I like cozy if the food is great. Everything was either too salty or too much cream. The onion soup was really just not good. The onions were too sweet like candy and the cream was rich as ice cream. Maybe I expected savory and I'm being a little hard. Bad service, not great food, plus over priced. Hopefully they see they need changes. But hey just my opinion.
(2)Frank G.
Food is good but the service was frustrating. Table after table left but the staff wouldn't seat anyone so 16 people stayed cramped in the tiny entry. Place needs better management.
(3)Darrien L.
The sauce is key to a great Italian place and I loved this sauce! We went on a week night and luckily got a table right away. We had the baked spaghetti appetizer it was good. Then our dinners, I ordered the gnocchi with sausage and it was delicious. My husband ordered spaghetti and meatballs which is the true test of an Italian place...excellent. It's weird to go through the working kitchen to use the restroom, but you get over it. It's delicious! We will be back!
(4)Alexander G.
A comfortable and authentic experience of Italian and a dash of American balance and meld together with a family kitchen atmosphere infused with a loving soul. The customers are nearly all regulars, recognized in an instant from the ever present owners and chefs. For those who are new, expect genuine, delicious, well-rounded dishes. From start to finish, salads to dessert, the quality of the ingredients and selection lack in no area. Homemade dressings for the salads and always fresh pie crusts show the level of the experience they seek to bring. Some of the best eggplant parmesan and most delicious cannolis can be found here. They have seasonal items and when their dishes are out, they're out. Make sure you come early or order ahead the pies! Lola and Giuseppe are dear people and have found their niche here in Gahanna, quietly tucked away, a gem of cuisine and quality.
(5)Todd S.
Wonderful small family owned and run restaurant. They treat you like you are eating in their dining room and are part of the family. On top of the friendly service, the food is great. I had the veal marsala special for dinner. The veal was hand breaded and the marsala sauce was a little sweet and had a great depth of flavor. After a great entree we had to have desert. Both the tiramisu and bread pudding were wonderful. The bread pudding was different than what you usually see. Instead of large chunks of bread in a thick custard, the bread was blended into the custard making the pudding extremely smooth and tasty. I will be going back very soon and would recommend everyone give this place a try.
(5)Holly J.
If you want an amazing Italian experience- this is very quaint and impressive. Lola always greets me at the door with a hug and says what a beautiful spirit I bring... How she remembers me I don't know but I have taken every friend I have here that will listen I think you will appreciate the authenticity of the place! Every bite is amazing. Every occasion is celebrated. No matter who I share this experience with we leave with a smile knowing we just experienced the best passionate food venue that Gahanna has to offer. Go hungry and enjoy Wine, appetizer, daily special and of course dessert made from scratch daily! Words do not describe what an incredible find this place is. Blessed to know Lola and Giussepe in this life.
(5)Erin D.
Lola and her husband are just too cute! This has become my new favorite restaurant in Columbus! After we left...couldn't wait to go back. Only negative was that they were out of calamari and the famous onion soup. We didn't arrive until after 8 on a Fri, so come early. Ordered bruschetta to start, 3 different varieties. Good flavor. I ordered the tortellini with walnut cream sauce. Amazing! The walnuts give it a sweet flavor that is distinctive and not overpowering. Husband ordered the veal with rigatoni and red sauce. Typically when you order veal parm, it is overcooked and tough. Not here. It was a thick cutlet that was cooked perfectly and not overwhelmed with cheese. The red sauce is just out of this world. I think I could drink it and I don't normally go crazy for a red sauce. Now for dessert...tiramisu and carrot cake. Tiramisu was the best I have ever had. It had a nice dollop of cream on the top. It was a generous portion and we ate for a couple days following. Carrot cake was excellent as well; liked that it had cherries as well. Like the other reviews state, place is small and there isn't really an waiting area, so come early.
(5)Janet W.
Shannon was our server...she suggested wine to complement our entrees. Garlic bread, a brushetta appetizer and a amazing salad had pears crunchy cinnamon bites, feta cheese.. OMG ! then the entrees....my buddy got lasagna, I got mussels with linguine in a spicy tomato sauce.... the pinot grigio was the perfect pairing w my mussels and pinot noir was perfect with the lasagna...yes we shared everything cause we could not believe the other dish could be better than what was in front of us. Oh YES the limoncelli you must you just must ! AND to Christ the Glory !
(5)Arlene A.
What's not to love about August? Luscious tomatoes, fragrant basil, fresh zucchini and eggplant . . . well, you won't find any of that at Lola & Guisseppe's restaurant. Our meal began with bruschetta: hoagie-style garlic bread piled high with bland tomato slices. My spaghetti and meatballs had two huge tasty meatballs but the tomato sauce tasted metallic and acidic. The side order of asparagus was four of the skinniest spears I've ever seen, served tepid with dots of congealed butter. My husband's ravioli was tasty, but it was swimming in a yellow gelatinous sauce. My friend's salmon was perfectly cooked. Except for the asparagus and salmon, all portions are enough to serve 2-3 people. Our server was friendly and efficient, and Lola gave us a warm welcome when we arrived. The bathroom off the kitchen was clean, but oddly enough there was a religious pamphlet, a hairbrush and a lipstick in there. It was like being in someone's house. In spite of all the fans, it was very warm in the restaurant, and by 7 o'clock the noise level was deafening.
(2)Jennifer H.
Very disappointing experience at what I thought was going to be my new favorite Italian restaurant. Lola's political views were not welcome conversation for our dinner out. I was surprised she felt so comfortable sharing her thoughts loudly and without regard for her customers' range of opinions. Not a good way to run a business. We won't be back.
(1)Bob J.
This place has charm and personality! Authentic family owned and operated fine dining restaurant. You will leave feeling like you just had a great meal with friends.
(5)P M N.
Best kept secret around! I wish I had known about this place years ago. Great atmosphere and excellent service. The food was also very good. My new favorite Gahanna Italian restaurant.
(4)Frank D.
Wow! This is a very cozy place. The place was packed, literally out the door. The seating is very intimate and staff is exceptionally nice. Lola actually knew a lot of her customers by name and engaged them in conversation with the new people. I noticed that when she asked each group how many and their name to be seated - she spoke to the female and took her name; adding her own observation. For example: She asked the young girl "and what is your name, beside beautiful?" Lola did not lie or exaggerate. The girl did brighten the room. :o) I came in for carry out on a Friday night. Lola explained that due to the volume of people they service on the weekend, they discourage take-away orders on Friday and Saturday. Then she asked what I wanted and I said spaghetti and red sauce. She said OK - walked toward the kitchen and said two meat balls ok? and I said yes. Next thing I know I'm walking out with enough spaghetti for two people The garlic bread was very good. I'm not a big bread person, but this was good. Just the right amount of marinara sauce. The sauce was really good, as I'm writing this I'm starting to nod off from the food comma. I highly recommend a visit. I would suggest going on a dry day or go early, because there is little room to wait inside and the line is long.
(4)Josh S.
By FAR this is my all time favorite restaurant. Our friends asked us to have dinner with them one night, and this is where they took us. Ever since that night, we've been back over and over again. Don't be fooled by the fact that it's an italian restaurant. Put places like Olive Garden completely out of your mind... they're not even in the same class. Owned by two true Italians, Lola and Giuseppe "Joe", the most adorable couple you'll ever meet; they provide a menu with their own personal recipes direct from Joe's home village in Italy. Every time we go in for dinner, we get a hug from Lola. One of the first few times we were there, she came out of the kitchen and asked if we were having desert... I looked at the desert menu and realized that there was no cannoli. I mentioned it to her, just joking around. She said, "You want cannoli? I'll make them for you!" She went back in the kitchen and 15 minutes later came out with cannoli for me and one of my friends! Now that's service! This restaurant itself is very small.... no more than maybe 10 tables, so expect a wait on Friday & Saturday evenings. I should also tell you.... if you're in impatient person, don't bother going here. The food is AMAZING, but the dining experience takes a while because of the way the restaurant is ran. This is NOT fast food. It's is NOT a chain. You can expect the whole thing to take at least two hours.... at least in my experience. That includes appetizers, desert, and wine. This restaurant is about the atmosphere, the service, and the amazing fresh food.... not about speed. Finally, you should know that Lola is extremly sensitive to the pleasure and satisfaction of her customers. Many times, she's personally greeting diners at the door. One Saturday night when we stopped for dinner, the place was packed and she was having to tell people there would be a 45 minute wait. We walked in, she gave me a hug, and began to cry. She was so overwhelmed at the popularity of her little restaurant that she was crying! Not only because she was flattered.... but because she felt bad asking people to wait. That's the type of place this is..... Overall: I truly exceptional dining experience. Personalized attention from the owners on many nights, amazingly delicious food, and an environment that you don't often find in America's eateries today. P.S. My favorite dish is Joe's Tortellini! I've never tasted anything like it in my life. I actually CRAVE it now! It's a MUST TRY!
(5)Mimi W.
I went here for the first time last weekend with my family and I absolutely loved it. It is small (to get to the one one-stall bathroom you have to walk through the kitchen!) and I was tickled that Lola herself was roaming around talking to all the customers. She's adorable! We had the bruschetta as an appetizer and I loved that the bread wasn't super crunchy. I had the eggplant parm with whole wheat spaghetti (yay! whole wheat!) It wasn't as large a dish as some other at the table like the shrimp fra diavolo but that was perfect because it left room for the best part: THE TIRAMISU!!!! The BEST tiramisu I have ever had, EVER. Every Italian restaurant should be like this. :-)
(5)Cherie R.
If this review was based on service alone, it'd be a five. :-) But unfortunately, the food just didn't wow me... either that or I'm just used to the in-law's Italian cooking. Mr. had a cannelloni, and I had a pasta - they were good, just not REALLY good. And his cannoli was a little on the soggy side... The couple that owns it are the cutest people ever, though!
(3)Yusuf S.
Great environment and authentic Italian food. Lola is very personable and remembers me every time I walk in the door. For you that are looking for date night in Gahanna or wonderful Italian food I suggest you check this place out.
(5)Luan N.
Cozy, friendly, intimate. Chef Lola treats you like family. Tried the lasagna and crab crepes and these were solid entrees. Price point for what you get is spot on. The must try is the sicilian onion soup. Made from scratch everyday and takes many hours for the end result.
(4)Justin R.
It was quite small, but enjoyable. There were 5 of us. The Onion Soup was not great, but the Pasta Primo made up for it. The service was great, but the portions at that price were not fitting for a man my size. I had the Chicken Marsala, it was delicious, but if you have a big appetite, I don't recommend it. We got 3 different deserts and the bread pudding was the best!!! Lola surprised us by walking out in the dining room with her hands full of dough. She was funny!!! Overall, I would rate this place as a B.
(3)Karl C.
This was a treat. It was like going to a big family get together. As Luan N said in her review, "Cozy, friendly, intimate. Chef Lola treats you like family." It is a small restaurant but do not let that keep you from staying. My entrée was very good. I had the seafood special. But the Sicilian Onion Soup with cheese bread pulled the whole meal into the 5 star zone. I was very happy with my dining experience up to that point. Then I ordered the Tiramisu for desert. This is simply the BEST Tiramisu I have ever had. It was perfectly balanced, light, and fluffy. We are into Food Network special feature episode good. It was funny because my waitress came back after I tasted the Tiramisu and grinned at me. She knew how good it is. Next time I go in I am just going to hand my menu back to her and ask her to order my meal!
(5)Roland K.
I've been looking for the Mom-and-Pop Italian restaurant experience and I found that at Lola's. The place had a few small rooms and a nice outdoor patio. The menu has all the traditional entrees, plus there is a sizable specials menu. Random conversations take place with the owners and Sinatra era music can be heard. We had a perfect quiet little date night and we'll be heading out there again soon. We ordered simple basic dishes, chicken fettuccine Alfredo and baked rigatoni with meat sauce. Everything tasted great. I was even excited to eat the leftovers the next day. Also want to note that the garlic bread was very good.
(4)Andrew R.
I went to Lola's for the first time this evening, and I 'm so glad I did! The place was so much smaller than I even anticipated, but the great ambiance came from Lola and her staff more so than the Italian decor on the walls. We ordered the Spinach and Artichoke dip to start. It was the best version of the dish I've ever eaten. The pita chips (which were wedges) were crisp yet chewy and salted just right. The saltiness of the chips, paired with the garlic, cream, and cheese of the dip made for an amazing appetizer. We also ordered the Carmelized Onion soup which was sweet yet rich and creamy and the Caesar side salad which features house made dressing. The Caesar dressing was among the best I've ever had. One of our entrees was the Gnocchi accompanied by Italian sausage which was seasoned perfectly. The chewy gnocchi stood up well to the moderately thick slices of sausage and tomato sauce. The other entree was the Chicken Parmigiana. The Chicken Parm was crisp but not oily and was served atop a bed of perfectly cooked al dente Spaghetti. The house made sauce was a great blend of acidic and sweet. Against my better wishes, I almost cleaned my plate it was so good! I hate left overs but took a little bit home because it was too good to waste. For dessert we sampled the Cannelloni, the Bread Pudding, and the Tiramisu. All are house made, and all were great. The Bread Pudding was dense but not too heavy, the Tiramisu was among the best I've ever tasted, and the Cannelloni was the best I've ever had. For all this food, our bill was 50% less than I would have expected, making this a great value too. Lola was exquisite in the dining room. She is the type of owner a guest wants to see in the dining room: quirky, funny, sincere, friendly, and most importantly hospitable. This was the best meal I have had in a long time, and I will definitely be back - sooner than later. My next meal will be the Clam Linguini. And the carrot cake since it was sold out... Lastly, I have never written a YELP review in my life but my experience at Lola's was so great I felt it was the responsible thing to do. I can't stress enough how great the food is, how amazing the atmosphere is, and how excellent the service is.
(5)Michael N.
This place was pretty good. I had the spaghetti with one meatball for lunch. It was pretty awesome. Extremely fresh. I am not sure if they made the spaghetti fresh or not. But it tasted like it. Although at lunch time they only had one waitress when I went there and it made for a long wait when I was trying to Order my meal. Luckily I had nothing else to do. I had dessert there and had the canoli. Oh it was good but they might not have it due to the fact that the owner makes it and she makes a different dessert everyday which is freaking cool. :) Love the fact the old dude who owns it comes out and greets and talks to you.
(4)Suneera K.
This was a really cute restaurant. The small Cesar salad is huge and very very delicious. The lettuce is extremely crisp and the croutons are homemade warm garlic bread. It's a small environment, but very friendly staff.
(4)