La Lola Tapas Bar — Restaurant in Kitchener

Our lovely friends at Uno market had recommended we visit La Lola some time ago. We finally decided to drive out to Cambridge from Guelph and it was definitely Worth the drive. The place is fairly small, nice lighting, no pretentiousness at all which we loved. We got yummy olives on the house, we ordered croquetas, which were so good. I don't usually eat goat or sheep's cheese but, omg these were so tasty, I just couldn't resist. We also ordered the jamón serrano and salmon tostas, it's hard to choose which one we liked more, they mentioned that they cure the salmon in house and it shows. Delightful. The table next to us also ordered gambas al ajillo, prawns in a garlic Sauce and it smelled so good , I also decided to order it. No regrets! The owners also seem very nice and attentive and informative about their dishes, I really appreciate it when meals are cooked with passion. As a Latin person, I'm familiar with tapas, smaller dishes, bite size while you sip on a beer or Sangria, so if you go here thinking the portions will be huge, that's not the case. But the quality of the food is by far better than getting a huge portion somewhere else. Also, do me a favour and get yourself a glass of their Sangria... girl, See this as self care, it'll be worth it, I promise. Muchas gracias La Lola por tan linda cena. Besos y nos...

I have been hearing about la lola for a while and especially their paella. I was meeting a friend downtown and decided to go for it. It takes about half an hour to make but that was perfect when catching up with an old friend. I had a glass of sangria, which was lovely with just the right sweetness for my taste. The paella of the day was seafood with muscles, shrimp and calamari. The muscles and calamari were nice and plump but the shrimp were a bit over done. The real disappointment was a total lack of crunchy rice or socarrat on the bottom which is the best part of a paella. The flavours were good with the seafood and saffron blending nicely but without the crust it wasnt worth the price for me.

Update: I talked to the owner and they explained that with their kitchen equipment they can not do a proper socarrat, and that many of their customers here do not understand what it is and dislike it. I fully understand their position but wish I had known ahead of time, I would have waited for one of their paella parties where they cook outdoors and can get the socarrat. Apparently my love for it is in the minority here, and who am I to judge I just want others to temper their expectations and know what they...

I’m writing this with a heavy heart as I know this place is starting out so I am going to share my experience as gentle as possible. I was so excited for me to try La Lola as I read all the great reviews and saw the amazing photos of their food! My expectations were high. So sad that wasn’t the case! Below is a picture of their especial Paella! It was bland with no flavour it tasted like it was made the day before. Rice was mushy the peas drying out. As for the seafood in the seafood Paella there was hardly any and what was tasted dry and rubbery! Definitely frozen mixed seafood from a bag. Also traditional Paella is usually a large dish we’re in the past I’ve never been able to finish. I literally did not eat all day in anticipation for what I hoped for would be a feast! As you can see in the picture I’ve need kids menu portions larger then this! And as you also can see I did not eat it at all! This bill for 2 Paella and a charcuterie plater a couple of drinks came out to 100 bucks! I’m sorry but La Lola completely...