Lolas By Mfk — Restaurant in Anaheim

My boyfriend and I were looking for a new Filipino spot last night. Our go-to's are : Sea Food City and Terrace by Mix Mix. We love these spots because it reminds me of naynay's cooking, they do not use too much oil (most Filipino Restaurants do), and the price you pay for the amount of food you get is a great deal!

Despite these being our go-to Filipino spots, they are out of the way. We prefer dining in at home most of the time - especially during our movie nights. Seeing that this place had over 200 reviews and almost a 5 star was a good first impression for us! Not only that, it was just 10 minutes away.

I called to place a to go order last night. Before I placed the order, I wanted to verify with them that I was paying cash. Most places nowadays are cashless - or - don't even take large bills. Whoever I spoke with over the phone confirmed that it was okay. So, we proceeded with our order. After we listed what we wanted, she verified my form of payment a few more times. We had to verify this more than the order itself.

Upon arriving, the way they decorated the restaurant was really homie-like and welcoming. I was greeted warmly by the hostess who later got replaced by another staff member. This might've been the person I spoke with over the phone. I handed her my $100 that I needed to break - which we disclosed over the phone. I felt like I was being characterized as a "shady character" by her. She was not welcoming like the hostess.

First impressions really do matter especially for a restaurant. I was really turned off with my interaction when I was paying. I wanted to give them business to help them grow, break my $100 and just find a new Filipino spot for us. I get that someone from the past might've given them a fake hundred dollar bill, but come on. I've worked in the retail and restaurant business when I was younger. You do not want to frickin' look smug or rude when someone uses a big bill like that. She also could've had an off day, fine. I've had those like the other billions of people on this planet. You do not show your unpleasant mood towards your customers ESPECIALLY if they are new.

I paid over $60 for 2 entrees, 2 sinangags, and lumpia. The pricing could be altered to be more reasonable. I paid less for higher quality food at other restaurants. Listen, if you do not have a tita, tito, lola, etc. in your life that knows* how to cook authentic Filipino dishes, this place would be an immediate 5 star. I don't see my mom often, so finding places that can cook like her means a lot to me. I'm sure other people from around the world could say the same thing.

The food was oily and they could've used cheap oil because it hurt both of our stomachs. You might as well go to Pinoy Pam's best and eat there since their food quality are the same.

They have something going on. Just a few things to alter and...

A Filipino breakfast is very hearty, and Lola's knows how to make sure you feast and are full by the end of your meal!!

Lola's by MFK is a great place to have a Filipino breakfast/brunch. There are many great options that are not only classic Filipino breakfast items, but some that are Filipino-inspired and their take on the food is great!

When you come, know that you need to scan the QR code in front to join the waitlist (unless you are lucky and there is not a wait!).

Upon sitting down, there was just so many items I wanted to try. I did first get a Boku Pandan Cold Brew, which had just the right amount of boku pandan flavor in it where it was just not too overwhelming!

Now I will talk about a bunch of the dishes I had!

Adobo Fried Rice Omelette - This was my favorite dish. It was very hearty and had full of flavor! The chicken adobo inside was good and it had the right amount of sauce to over that garlic rice inside! I need to have someone make me this at home!

Ube Pancakes - By looking at it you may think there could be too much Ube flavor in here with all the color, but it was not too overwhelming. The pancakes themselves tasted great and it was just the right amount of Ube to complement the dish. If you want that sweetness for breakfast, then this is a dish to get!

Pork Sisig (was a special for the day when I was here) - You cannot go wrong with a good Pork Sisig! They did a great job with the stir-fried pork with those fried onions on that sizzing plate. This was definitely another heavy dish that we looked to munch on!

The service here was outstanding and very attentive considering it was very busy.

I will definitely need to come back here. I see they do a Kamayan brunch (communal-style meal where it is encouraged to eat with your hands), which is maybe what I need to...

This is my go-to spot for brunch before heading back home from a couple days in Anaheim.

Brunch here is my absolute favorite, because you can order that nostalgic Filipinx dish your mom or grandma (aka lola) used to cook for you, or you can order "fancy" breakfast like flavored french toast or somethin. Either way, your tastebuds will thank you for the mix of flavors and textures from each dish.

My go-to order is either their Tapsilog which is Beef Tapa with Garlic Rice + Fried Egg or Bansilong which is Bangus (fried milkfish) with Garlic Rice + Fried Egg. Other yummy eats are their Bangus Sisig and the Ube French Toast. I need to try something else but I can't help but gravitate towards my faves.

For their drinks, they have a great variety! Mimosa flights, beer flights, and coffee flights! Each mimosa, beer and/or coffee has a Filipinx twist to it! Mango, Calamansi, Ube! They even have an Ube Horchata which is delicious! But my last drink order was an Iced Milo (no coffee) and ahh... satisfying for sure!

The music they play in the restaurant is 5/5!!! A mix of OPM hits, R&B, classic 80s-90s, etc. etc. Trust me, you can't help but sing along to whatever song is playing! You can also find Lola's playlist, I believe, on Spotify!

Service here is quick once you are seated and ordered. I do suggest getting your name on the waitlist esp on weekends. This place gets packed right at opening!

Overall, if you're looking for Filipinx brunch in Anaheim, def...