Knowing that this place has the same owner as Young Joni, I already expect the pizza to be very good, and I was not disappointed. Their pizzas are probably some of the best, if not the best, I have had in the Twin Cities. I will definitely recommend this place to those that visit Minnesota if they want a good pizza experience here.
All pizzas that I had ordered in two occasions were hits. The marinara had the right amount of garlic and the tomato sauce offered a raw yet delicious flavor and the olive oil gave a pinch of extra layer of flavor. The margherita had fresh cheese on top of basil and the same tomato sauce as marinara, and was just delicious. The xerxes provided an interesting flavor juxtaposition with feta cheese, almonds, olives, and spinach, along with mozzarella. It had an abundant amount of ingredients and they altogether provided many types of flavor and texture. The lady zaza pizza had kimchi, Korean sausage, and gochujang on it, so it was basically like staple Korean food on top of pizza dough, which was innovative and worked pretty well in my opinion. The forager had many kinds of mushroom like crimini, shiitake, and portabella, and was flavorful because of the spices like tarragon and parsley, and fontina cheese.
If there was anything I would be critical about, it would be the desserts. The lime ice cream was so sour that I couldn't even finish it, even if it looked really pretty. It was soft serve ice cream which I wasn't sure if that had anything to do with the concentrated flavor, but I would highly suggest changing to another type of fruit for flavoring. The chocolate budino was hard and had underwhelming chocolate flavor, almost as if it was pre-made and taken out of a fridge. The smooth and velvety texture of a pudding that would traditionally define a budino just wasn't there at all.
Regardless, I am still giving this place a 5 because the pizzas were just too good. But if one has read all the way until here, then one would know that I do not recommend getting desserts at this spot. I would, however, encourage people to try their other non-pizza dishes as well and see...
Read moreNestled in the heart of Minneapolis, Pizzeria Lola offers a delightful escape for pizza lovers, and a recent visit showcased why this establishment is held in such high regard. The inviting ambiance combines a modern aesthetic with a cozy vibe, making it the perfect backdrop for a casual meal or a special night out.
Starting with the pizzas, the Marinara and La Creme options are nothing short of extraordinary. The Marinara pizza, a classic in its own right, boasted a perfect balance of tangy San Marzano tomatoes, each slice coated in a rich, aromatic sauce. This simplistic yet flavorful pizza is dressed with fresh garlic and oregano, enhancing the vibrant tomato flavor while allowing the quality ingredients to shine through.
On the other hand, the La Creme pizza took indulgence to the next level. Featuring a luscious crème fraîche base, it melded beautifully with the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions and the savory bite of smoked mozzarella. The addition of fresh herbs elevated the dish further, allowing for a symphony of flavors that was both robust and satisfying.
The craftsmanship behind each pizza was evident in the perfect bake. The crusts were incredibly thin yet delightfully chewy, with just the right amount of char that added a smoky nuance. This attention to detail ensured that every bite delivered a satisfying crunch, while the toppings remained moist and flavorful, never overwhelming the taste.
Service at Pizzeria Lola was impressively prompt. The staff was attentive yet unobtrusive, ensuring our experience was enjoyable from start to finish. The wait times were minimal, allowing us to dive straight into the delicious offerings without delay.
Overall, Pizzeria Lola stands out not only for its delectable pizzas but also for its welcoming atmosphere and efficient service. The Marinara and La Creme pizzas represent the best of what a pizzeria can offer — fresh ingredients, perfect baking, and vibrant flavors that keep you coming back for more. It is a true gem in the Minneapolis dining scene, and one that I wholeheartedly recommend for anyone seeking an authentic...
Read moreWe’ve been to Pizzeria Lola many times over the years and it’s truly a gift to have a restaurant like this in our city. First and foremost, the pizza. If you’re looking for something unique, the Korean BBQ is an absolutely delicious fusion of beef short ribs, soy-chili vinaigrette, arugula, sesame, mozzarella and more. It’s incredibly creative and probably the pizza that put Lola on the map. Or, for a more traditional option, the My Sha-Roni is mouth watering with red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni and fennel sausage. That said, our favorite pie is the Margherita. It’s simple, light, fresh and perfectly balanced. The key to any margherita is quality ingredients and this one delivers. Finally, the crust. The crust at Pizzeria Lola is flavorful, slightly charred and holds up well to the various toppings. In fact, I feel like it’s only gotten better over the years.
Be sure to try a side dish as well. There are a variety of options, often with seasonal ingredients, and they are cooked in the gorgeous wood-burning oven at the center of the restaurant (along with the pizzas). The options are constantly changing, but I can vouch for the green beans and the roasted cauliflower. Both delicious.
The ambiance at Pizzeria Lola is warm, personal and romantic at night. It’s a small restaurant overall, but there’s also a buzz of energy in the air. I suppose people get excited for pizza, and there’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to Pizzeria Lola. Outstanding food, service and atmosphere. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the photo booth at the back of the restaurant to commemorate...
Read more