Ok, so this place tastes pretty good… BUT… it could be GREAT! For as much wordage is on the website boasting how fresh everything is and making it sound like a 5 star chef restaurant, I guess the food needs to really reflect that more. Let me explain…
The spinach on the spinach, feta, balsamic pizza is 100% canned. I’ve cooked fresh spinach on my pizza a zillion times in all diff temps and no matter what you do, it’s NEVER as soggy and saucy as this spinach was. It’s 100% from a can. So definitely upping the ante on using FRESH spinach would add such a depth of flavor and make the overall experience better.
The other ingredients on that same pizza were so heavily soggy… like the red peppers… and again FRESH ingredients DON’T do that.
The upside is that their crust is very, VERY nice and holds up pretty well to the drenched ingredients. So kudos for that! Also it’s cooked to perfection 👏🏻
Another thing is we were at a table that could see into the kitchen a little through a crack in a door, and we could both see and hear the microwave being used pretty frequently. Another big no-no for a 5 star restaurant. They don’t advertise to be an upscale restaurant per se, but their website sure does make it seem that way.
Also, the flourless chocolate cake was cold and dense and definitely felt more like a slice of thick fudge than a “cake.” So it was hard to eat an entire piece. Maybe some whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries would put it over the edge? (Just looking back at the pic of it, it doesn’t look super appetizing as-is). BUT, that being said, the flavor of it was ok and the raspberry sauce was yummy!
BUT… I LOVE the look and feel of the little house-like structure it’s in. I didn’t personally prefer the artwork or music choices, but it wasn’t so distracting that I didn’t enjoy the experience.
The waitstaff was nice and our waitress was great and personable! Natacha is her name from our receipt. But having some of the waitstaff go in and out of the door to smoke (or whatever they did, maybe vape?) was a little obnoxious. Because everytime they walked past our table after coming in it smelled soooo strong. Hard to enjoy our food with it.
And I loved the glass water left at the table… but I agree with another reviewer that the cheap melamine plates (including what the small pizzas were served on) doesn’t match the classy upscale vibe of the things like glass water and wine etc.
Overall, I’m sure we would go back again. Just would love to see overall FRESH ingredients being used more to really up the quality and taste of the already awesome ideas of...
Read moreLola’s Pizza in Charleston, WV is a must-visit spot for anyone craving bold, creative flavors and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice a passion for pizzas that go beyond the usual pepperoni-and-cheese routine.
Pizza Variety Imaginative Toppings: Think smoked provolone with caramelized onions, pear-and-gorgonzola drizzled with honey, or spicy lamb sausage with roasted peppers. Unique Combinations: Lola’s menu proudly showcases toppings you rarely see elsewhere—each pizza is a celebration of flavor and quality ingredients. Customizable Options: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix and match toppings to craft your own signature pie.
Local Microbrew Beers Pair your pizza with an excellent selection of local microbrews on tap. Whether you prefer a crisp pilsner, a hoppy IPA, or a rich porter, Lola’s rotating beer list highlights some of West Virginia’s finest craft breweries.
Fresh, Imaginative Salads Seasonal Ingredients: Salads change with the seasons, ensuring every bite is vibrant and fresh. Creative Dressings: From tangy citrus-herb vinaigrette to creamy avocado-lime, the dressings complement each salad’s flavor profile perfectly. Perfect Starters: These salads are a refreshing way to kick off your meal or to enjoy alongside a slice (or two). The sweet potato and the beet salads are both good choices.
Parking & Tips Peak-Time Parking: Finding a spot can be challenging during dinner rush or weekend nights. Insider Tip: Arrive a bit early or consider nearby street parking. Carpooling will help.
Final Thoughts Lola’s Pizza stands out for its innovative pizzas, excellent local brews, and bright, flavorful salads. The only minor hurdle is parking at peak times, but a quick walk or early arrival easily solves that. Whether you’re a Charleston local or just passing through, Lola’s is well...
Read moreMy wife & I tried Lola's for the first time over Labor Day Weekend. Looking for a good brunch spot, we found this place and went. Arrived around noon on a Sunday, and while it was busy, we had no trouble finding a table, choosing to sit in the outdoor garden area.
We both ordered drinks: I ordered a Bloody Mary, & she a Sangria. The Bloody Mary started as one of the best I've had, but due to the coarse salt on the rim, and some at the bottom of the glass, it became undrinkable about halfway though - waaay too salty. They did comp the drink, so no harm, no foul. My wife ordered a second Sangria, proclaiming it was the tastiest she ever had.
I didn't order food, but as food was being served to the tables around us, everything looked & smelled delicious! Wifey ordered a small plate, Lemon-Herb Hummus. It arrived at our table promptly, served with toasted baguette bread, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, & sweet red pepper spears. She couldn't stop doting over how delicious it was. I refrained from trying it. Looking forward to a return visit to sample one of their gourmet, hand-created pizzas, and to give their Bloody Mary another shot!
Almost forgot! Our waitress was excellent. Both friendly & helpful with suggestions. The owner was friendly as well, has a spectacular little bistro, and she comped my drink. Double thumbs up! I love this little place, located slightly off the beaten path. If you get...
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