Lola Latin Bistro — Restaurant in Metuchen

Lola’s Latin Bistro was the perfect private restaurant venue for my Dad’s 60th surprise party for which we had 50 guests. Owner, Shiv and Juan were communicative, knowledgeable, and accommodating throughout the planning process, during the party itself, and even after.

At the time we hosted our party (July 2025), Lola’s wasn’t open for lunch so we had the whole restaurant (and patio!) to ourselves from noon to 4:30pm with a flexible set-up time prior to the party start. Guests arrived around noon with the surprise guest of honor arriving around 12:30pm. The connectivity from indoor space to outdoor patio takes this venue to the next level; perfect for a celebratory cigar and beautiful weather days.

For set-up, we arrived around 11:15am and had plenty of time to set-up with help from the staff. What’s incredible about Lola’s owners and staff is that they don’t just help you with anything and everything, they WANT to help you with anything and everything. They felt more like family friends than restaurant or venue staff. We could tell they truly cared about us, the party, and really wanted to make everything as special as possible. They helped us with everything from the exact table and chair arrangement in the room to decor and even a spotify playlist. Anytime we needed anything throughout the duration of the party they were eager and willing to help.

Appetizers were served family style, then the entrees, then we did toast prior to dessert. For parties of 4 or more, they offer a sampling of their menu in a family style setting, $40 per person with Ropa Vieja (cooked beef stew to perfection over white rice) or $48 per person with skirt steak with 20% required for all reservations of 9 people or more. Some of the other menu favorites were the chorizo ajillo (Spanish sausage sauteed in garlic) and the salmon asado con mango caliente (grilled atlantic salmon with a mildly spiced mango glaze with pineapple salsa and polenta cakes). Everything was delicious.

For drinks, it’s BYOB. We provided red and white bottles of wine which were opened at our direction by the staff and placed on the tables and in ice buckets around the room. Additionally, one pitcher of Lola’s signature red sangria was placed on every table, for which we provided Carlo Rossi Merlot (recommended by the owners, deliciously approved by me).

One of my favorite things about Lola’s for a party or special occasion is how colorful it is, leaving us with vibrant and lasting photographs and memories for years to come. As you can see from our photos, guests were smiling and happy with many complimenting us after the fact on what a fun and well done party it was....

I went to Lola's Latin Bistro in Metuchen, NJ yesterday evening (a Saturday). I had made a reservation for 2 about 1 week in advance and when I made the initial reservation, I had wanted a 6 pm or 6:30 pm reservation, but they only had a 7 pm, so we took it. When we got there, it was definitely fairly full, but there were plenty of empty tables and it made us feel like maybe we could have gotten an earlier reservation. They do not have a liquor license, so I had to walk to the other side of the complex to get a bottle of wine and it was raining ☔ I asked for the black beans to be put on the side and to be a small amount as they aren't my favorite, asked for a side of white rice and for plaintains. Instead, I got Cuban rice (rice mixed with the beans I had wanted on the side), a large side of black beans, no white rice, no plantains and our appetizer never even came, so they reordered it and it came after we were already eating our meals. The food was pretty good, but the steak was too fatty and I had to pick around for pieces that were free of fat. Also, the parking was tough/limited and we had to walk a distance in the rain because of that. We ended up having a fun time anyway and I feel it has potential and would be willing to try it again sometime. Maybe they just had a rough night and it...

Our first time here was on New Year's Eve with our family, and the food, service and kindness of the staff were exactly what we needed to end 2020! We made a reservation and got their private dining room with a large table big enough to seat around 10 (great to know for post-COVID dining). The private space was perfect for our two-year old to have room to roam without the fear of him interrupting others in the restaurant. Everyone there made you feel like you were right at home and part of a family. The service was attentive, accommodating and friendly. The food was delicious!!! We ordered the shrimp appetizer and the tuna tartar to start. Both dishes were fresh, full of flavor and generous portions. The entrees were just as fantastic - so much flavor, freshness, tenderness...just YUM! And there was plenty to take home for leftovers! Even the child's portion was sizable. We got a dessert sampler, also tasty. But the mango mousse cake was hands down the best dessert! If you like mango, that cake is a must! We also brought our own wine to have sangria made there. Great BYOB option! We felt safe here with the restaurant following COVID-19 guidelines - spaced out tables, masks, distancing, cleanliness. If you're looking for a great meal, awesome atmosphere and attentive service,...