Lola's Kitchen — Restaurant in Ottawa

If you’re looking for a place that serves authentic Filipino cuisine with a modern twist, look no further than Lola’s Filipino Restaurant in Ottawa. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.My recent visit to Lola’s left me absolutely blown away. The menu offers a wide array of traditional Filipino dishes, each prepared with a level of care and attention that is simply unmatched. Let me take you through the highlights of my visit, which left me eagerly anticipating my next meal at this hidden gem.Succulent Beef Ribs First on the list was the beef ribs, which were nothing short of extraordinary. These ribs were perfectly cooked—tender, juicy, and falling off the bone with ease. The rich, savory marinade infused every bite with deep, mouthwatering flavors that made it impossible to resist going back for more. Each bite was a reminder of why Lola’s is quickly becoming my go-to spot for comfort food in Ottawa.Chicken Pineapple Next up was the chicken pineapple dish. This unique combination of tender chicken and sweet, tangy pineapple was a revelation. The flavors were perfectly balanced, with the sweetness of the pineapple complementing the savory chicken, all brought together by a sauce that was both rich and light. It’s a dish that exemplifies the harmony of flavors that Filipino cuisine is known for, and Lola’s executes it flawlessly.Lumpia No Filipino meal is complete without lumpia, and Lola’s takes this classic appetizer to new heights. Crispy on the outside and filled with a flavorful mix of vegetables and meat, these bite-sized delights are the perfect start to any meal. The accompanying dipping sauce adds just the right amount of tang and spice, making each bite even more satisfying.Fresh Calamansi Vodka Drinks To wash it all down, I opted for one of Lola’s fresh calamansi vodka drinks. This refreshing beverage is the perfect companion to the rich flavors of the meal. The tangy, citrusy taste of calamansi, a Filipino lime, pairs wonderfully with the crisp vodka, creating a drink that is both invigorating and smooth. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience.More to Explore While these dishes were the highlights of my visit, the menu at Lola’s is filled with other tempting options that I can’t wait to try. Whether it’s their hearty adobo, flavorful sinigang, or any of the other traditional offerings, I know that each visit to Lola’s will bring something new and delightful to my palate.Final Thoughts Lola’s Filipino Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination for those who appreciate the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine. Every dish is crafted with love, bringing out the best in every ingredient. The restaurant itself exudes a welcoming vibe, making it the perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions.I can’t wait to find another excuse to head back to Lola’s and replicate the culinary feast I just enjoyed. If you’re in Ottawa and have yet to experience the magic of Lola’s, do yourself a favor and make a reservation. Your taste buds...

This restaurant was highly recommended for us to try when visiting the city but overall, we had a subpar experience. My family is Filipino and I am disappointed of how this restaurant is so overhyped.

• All the dishes are quite pricey (~25+) for a minimum amount of servings (please see attached photos) • Rice and other sides must be ordered separately (~9+)

• Beef skewer (appetizer, 2/10) was cold, dry and tough to chew. It was only slightly bigger than my index finger too. Tastes like a regular beef BBQ; no special taste in particular.

• Pancit Bihon (main, 3/10) : it was bland as opposed to it being savoury and slightly tangy. It also arrived on to our table slightly warm as if recently microwaved. in an attempt to portion the dish, the noodles lifted off the plate in a perfect mold as if the food has been sitting on the plate for a while. it was also no stirred well or seasoned distributively as evidenced by the multiple white noodles (see photo)

• Filipino style Beef Ribs (main, 9/10): sweet and more tender than the skewer.

• Chicken sisig, mild (main, 7/10): very disappointed by the portion. The flavor was okay but others may find it only salty as opposed to a savoury, slightly creamy and zesty flavour. *does not have slight crisp as it should've had *plate only contained 7 tbps in total *does not come in a sizzling plate (but thats okay, presentation looked good)

• Chicken Adobo (main, 8/10) : 2legs, 2 thighs. Loved that a dish we ordered finally tasted like home. There was no hint of slight sweetness. soft, moist and well marinated meat

• Garlic rice (side, 9/10) Other notes: • Securing seats through walk-in is practically impossible. Reservations are a must due to limited space.

GOOD: • Staff were all really friendly and smiley. Loved the enthusiasm and energy we were greeted with. • The space may be small but it is cozy. • Washrooms are clean and well maintained. • Great music choice and thank you for keeping the volume on the low side.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: • We were turned away the first time we walked in. I dislike the fact that the frontlady did not offer to make a reservation for a different day.

• Needs more decorations that represents the culture rather than on just one wall and some small pieces

Overall, that dinner fell short of our expectations. Perhaps its because we did not order the group platter but that does not excuse the fact that other dishes should...

I asked Kim to cater for my sister’s Filipino 18th birthday debut event, and he came through. I believe it was the first one he’s catered for, and the turn-out was AMAZING.

I ordered the Tier 1 catering for ~50 people. The 2 main dishes I ordered were chicken adobo and beef tapa. Both were cooked perfectly—tender and flavourful. The sides, dips, fruits and garnishes were included with the package we selected; they were delicious and abundant.

They arrived 30 minutes late however, it was because he had 3 other events to cater for before ours, and all the equipment and food is transported by Kim. Kim's set-up process was quick, precise and efficient. It was impressive considering the amount of food we ordered. It was more than enough for our party of ~50 people. The presentation was GORGEOUS. The food was beautifully laid out: well-decorated, organized, well-distributed across the banana leaves, and easy to select food (for the buffet style we desired).

On top of the food delivery, Kim was very patient and cooperative in communication. It was my first time ordering catering for a major event so I had asked tons of questions. Kim made the process really comprehensive, simple and stress-free. He responded when he could both through e-mail and over the phone. He was a delight to speak with in-person too when we were discussing ordering and payment details!

When he arrived to set things up at the event, Kim was very social, kind, warm, respectful, funny and super fun! If only we had the time, we would've loved to see some of his famous moves! He is the kind of guy you can rely on professionally, yet parang siya taong gusto mong maging kaibigan :)

For anybody looking for a new, unique, authentic, Filipino food experience, looking for someone who works hard, is passionate about their work, and puts a lot of heart into what they do--you MUST give Lola's Kitchen a try. Otherwise, you're missing out.

Food: Flavour - 10/10 Texture - 10/10 Quality - 10/10 Presentation - 10/10 Creativity - 10/10 Authenticity - 10/10 Memorability - 10/10

Service: Skillfulness - 10/10 Value - 10/10 Delivery -...