OU LA Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Carteret

I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Ou La for their grand opening, and from the moment I walked in, I was blown away. The warm and inviting African-inspired décor set the perfect ambiance, and the hospitality from the staff made me feel like I was among family. From the hostesses to our incredible server, Clemente, the service was beyond exceptional. He was not only attentive but also took the time to ask about my preferences, ensuring I got the best recommendations—and wow, did he deliver!

The Food – An Unforgettable Experience

I started with the Caribbean Jerk Lollipops, a flavorful and tender appetizer that set the tone for an amazing meal. Also, the jerk chicken, which was both perfectly balanced—savory with just the right touch of spice and a delightful hint of mango and lime. The star of my meal, though, was the Scampi Lobster Rigatoni, which I had customized due to a shellfish allergy. Clemente spoke with the chef, and they were more than happy to accommodate, swapping the lobster for crab. This thoughtful adjustment made all the difference, and the crab paired beautifully with the blush sauce—so much so that I hope they consider adding it as a permanent menu option!

For dessert, I had the Croissant Chocolate Bread Pudding, topped with homemade whipped cream and a touch of Haitian rum. I’m typically not a fan of bread pudding, but this one was simply superb—rich, flavorful, and reminiscent of pain patate, but in its own unique way.

The Drinks – Crafted with Passion

The bartender was an absolute star, pouring his heart and soul into every cocktail. I tried a margarita that I believe will be named the Big Margarita (not on the menu yet, but definitely worth asking for), and it was phenomenal—smooth, strong, and dangerously easy to drink. The Espresso Martini was another highlight, and when I requested a creamier version with Baileys, they happily made the adjustment. Their attention to detail and willingness to customize drinks to personal preference really stood out.

Ambiance – Chic, Modern, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Ou La is the perfect date night spot. The decor is modern and stylish, with plenty of photo-worthy moments throughout the restaurant, including the VIP section and well-lit mirrors in the hallway. The music was at the perfect volume—lively but never too loud to enjoy a conversation. They played smooth jazz, adding a relaxed and intimate touch to the atmosphere.

A 10/10 Dining Experience

Ou La is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. From the impeccable service to the outstanding food and drinks, every detail is thoughtfully curated. They even went above and beyond to accommodate my brother, who is vegan, by creating a custom salad featuring arugula, kale, black-eyed peas, and a house-made lime vinaigrette.

Would I recommend Ou La? Without hesitation. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or simply an incredible meal, this is the place to be. You’ll leave satisfied, impressed, and already planning your...

Ou La has officially made my mini wedding reception a dream come true! From the planning stages to the night of the event, every detail was handled with such care, professionalism, and grace.

First, I have to highlight the incredible events team. Where do I even begin? Tara was a gem to work with, extremely accommodating, attentive to every detail, and genuinely invested in bringing my vision to life. She never hesitated to hop on a call, even for last-minute ideas or updates, and always followed up with clear summaries and prompt responses. She coordinated beautifully with the management team and made the entire planning process feel effortless.

On the day of the event, Tara made a smooth handoff to Nichola, the onsite coordinator, who picked up seamlessly. I was so impressed with the level of communication and support, everything flowed.

Now, let’s talk about the service, food, and atmosphere : wow. My guests are still raving about it! The ambiance was stunning, the personalized menus added such a thoughtful touch, and the entire team was warm and attentive throughout the evening. The DJ kept the energy flowing, and the chef! well, let’s just say he had a standing ovation! ( We called him out to thank him) The food was absolutely delicious, with generous portions that had everyone bringing leftovers home. Every dish felt crafted with love, and it showed.

The team was also flexible and accommodating with the drinks package and allowed us the freedom to coordinate music and mic usage as we wished. It honestly felt like we were hosting in our own private space, but with five-star service. Our group was about 40 ppl total in the main dining room.

As the bride, I felt so taken care of and supported that I didn’t want the night to end. The payment process was simple and convenient, and my guests were so shocked with how the restaurant brought this experience to life.

I’m already planning to return for a personal dinner just to relive the experience again. To Tara, Nichola, the chef, and the entire Ou La team, thank you for making this one of the most memorable and joyful moments of my life. We are beyond grateful and I couldn’t have asked...

A Must-Visit Culinary Gem in Carteret, NJ – OU LA Delivers Excellence!

Last night, I had the pleasure of dining at OU LA, a stunning Caribbean-inspired restaurant in Carteret, NJ, and I must say—it was a 10/10 experience from start to finish!

As a vegan, I often worry about finding accommodating options at non-vegan establishments, but my server, Clementay, went above and beyond to ensure I had an incredible meal. He carefully curated a delicious vinaigrette salad with arugula, black-eyed peas, and spinach, paired with perfectly cooked plantains—all prepared with strict attention to avoiding cross-contamination. His knowledge and attention to detail were truly impressive.

Upon arrival, I was greeted with seamless valet parking, making the experience stress-free right from the start. Walking into OU LA, my sister and I were welcomed by the warm and professional hostesses, Fiza and Tiffany, who made us feel at home immediately.

The ambiance was breathtaking—it felt like stepping into a Gordon Ramsay-level fine dining experience, with an open kitchen concept where you could see the chefs meticulously preparing meals with the highest hygiene standards. Witnessing the kitchen in action was a testament to their commitment to excellence.

Shoutout to Smiley, the bartender, whose talent was on full display as he crafted drinks with jaw-dropping precision—flipping bottles and mixing cocktails like a magician. It was pure entertainment! Crystal and Nicole provided outstanding service, making the night even more enjoyable.

And let’s talk about Naj, the owner—a Black female entrepreneur who has created something truly special. Her vision for OU LA is evident in every detail, from the food to the atmosphere. This is Caribbean cuisine at the highest level, and the love and care put into each dish shine through.

My non-vegan sister was blown away by the flavors, and we both agreed—we’ll definitely be coming back!

If you’re reading this, do yourself a favor and visit OU LA at 29 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Let them...