Nola — Restaurant in Palo Alto

NOLA is a charismatic and lively restaurant in downtown Palo Alto. The interior decor was busy with some interesting artwork and various other knick knacks occupying most of the space on the walls. The restaurant seemed fairly popular with most tables occupied, but we didn't have any issues getting a reservation on short notice for a Friday night.

For our meals, we decided to start with 3 of their small plates. We tried the "Crispy Hot Chicken Sliders", "Mama's Mac and Cheese" and "The Devil's Eggs". Our favorite of the 3 were the "Crispy Hot Chicken Sliders", which were not too hot as their name suggests. They were however very tasty with the chicken having a nice crispy coating and a sweet and slightly hot sauce. We also really enjoyed the "Mama's Mac and Cheese" which had a creamy and tasty cheese sauce though we also didn't detect much heat from the cayenne in this dish. "The Devil's Eggs" were the one starter dish that did have a detectable heat to them, but still not too spicy. They were otherwise pretty standard deviled eggs, though we enjoyed them.

We moved on to main courses for which I ordered the "Spicy Jumbalaya" and chose the "spicy" level of heat when asked. My fiancee ordered the "Churrasca Steak Tacos" and "NOLA Frites". The "Spicy Jumbalaya" had some fairly tasty prawns included, but was otherwise fairly lackluster and once again the level of heat was pretty disappointing, as it was virtually non-existent. In retrospect, I certainly would have went with the "smokin' hot" level of heat, since "spicy" was seriously underwhelming. My fiancee really enjoyed the "NOLA Frites" and was pleasantly surprised with the tasty variety included. The tacos, she rated as mediocre. Admittedly, she was a bit full by this time and only ate 1 out of 2 of the tacos, but she didn't think there was anything particularly noteworthy about them.

Overall, the meal was mostly tasty and satisfying. The level of heat in much of the dishes was a bit disappointing to me personally. If you're a fan of spicy dishes, I would definitely recommend selecting the highest level of heat on the dishes where they offer the choice. We will likely return to try some additional dishes and maybe dessert which we passed on during our...

A Lively Spot in Palo Alto – Nola Delivers on Flavor and Fun

Nola in Palo Alto offers a delightful taste of New Orleans, with a vibrant atmosphere, great food, and delicious cocktails. While it may not be a must-visit spot, it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area and craving some bold flavors in a lively setting.

The ambiance at Nola is one of its biggest draws. The colorful decor and artwork create an energetic vibe that’s perfect for a night out with friends or a casual dinner. Each dining area has its own unique character, from the art-filled interiors to the cozy rooftop space, making the environment fun and engaging.

The menu offers a solid range of Creole and Cajun-inspired dishes. The steak was a highlight—cooked just right, tender, and full of flavor. It’s a satisfying choice for meat lovers. The jambalaya skillet is another dish that stood out, with its rich, smoky flavors and a nice blend of chicken, sausage, and shrimp. It’s hearty and comforting, exactly what you’d expect from a good jambalaya.

The New Orleans BBQ prawns were delicious, with a sauce that had just the right amount of tang and spice. They were cooked perfectly, retaining their natural sweetness. The crispy chicken sliders were a hit too, offering a nice contrast of textures and a tangy sauce that added a pleasant kick.

The Firecracker Cajun pasta brought a good level of heat without being overwhelming, and the pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente. It’s a dish that satisfies, especially if you enjoy a bit of spice in your meal.

As for the cocktails, they were well-crafted and complemented the food nicely. Whether you’re into classic drinks or something a bit more adventurous, the bar at Nola has you covered.

Overall, Nola is a solid choice for a casual meal with friends or family. While it might not be a must-visit, the combination of flavorful food, a lively atmosphere, and tasty cocktails makes it a fun option in Palo Alto. It’s an enjoyable experience that earns a...

I visited NOLA restaurant for the first time since the pandemic struck and I was extremely impressed. Nola has a large and well-spaced parklet directly in front of it’s doors. There are a variety of seating options on the parlet and each most are covered with an umbrella, which makes the outdoor seating extremely comfortable. There is no parking on the street that Nola is located on because it’s been shut down to allow for parlets and outdoor eating. Overall, the quality of food and experience was a positive. I ordered the following: “crabamole, cornbread, Cajun spiced fries, and two tacos (steak and carnitas). The best dishes were the Cajun spiced fries with came with chipotle aoli and the steak taco. When I consider what left MUCH TO BE DESIRED, it would have to be the cornbread. The cornbread is listed under “shareable” menu items, and the portion isn’t bad. The recipe is strange because it’s not highlighted on the menu. When you take a bite into the cornbread, you immediately notice the small pieces of actual corn (like corn on the cob) baked into the cornbread. This is not normal and it doesn’t taste good. Strangely enough; when I asked my server, “why is there corn in the cornbread, she said, because it’s cornbread.” Again, this isn’t normal and it isn’t good. Next, the crabomole, which is exactly like it sounds. It comes with house chips, and this item is pretty good. I wish the crab meat was hotter and mixed into the guacamole. Instead the crab meat, just set on top of the guacamole. Overall, it’s pretty good. Now the steak taco is amazing!!! It comes on two small soft shell tortillas and it’s extremely flavorful. My only issue with this is that it’s $5 bucks for one small taco. Lastly, the Cajun spiced fries are AWESOME and definitely worth that try!! If you’re ever in Palo Alto, and you’re hungry, give...