Bar Lola

I cannot say enough good things about Bar Lola - just make your reservation right now and then prepare for a glowing review.

Sure, it's a titch off the beaten path, but that should't stop you. Get out of the downtown chaos and enjoy ample street parking and a calm, quiet vibe - you can even sit outside and dine al fresco on a warm evening.

On to the food: The menu is broken down into courses. The first and second courses are light appetizers, with the firsts being more like plates to share. We split up a dozen of the local oysters with a bright champagne mignionette, the charcuterie plate which featured amazing jamon, chourico and salami, and a trio of local cheeses. All were delectable and a perfect start to the meal. My second course was a single (and perfectly prepared) carnitas taco - a hint of spice, great, deep flavor and fresh, crisp slaw. The third course options feature hand-made pastas, risotto, etc. I skipped right to the fourth course and snagged one of the last of the specials, the local dab filet which was light, delicate and beautifully cooked. Paired with fresh vegetables and a gorgeous butter sauce it had been poached in, it was one of the best things I have eaten in a while. Totally delicious.

Their desserts are well worth saving room for, so I was glad to have skipped the third course (although one of my companions ordered the risotto for her entree, and it was phenomenal). We shared the basil panna cotta with balsamic reduction and pine nuts and the hazelnut chocloate mousse. Both were outstanding and just the right size for a sweet-ish taste post-meal. The basil panna cotta was so unusual and the perfect desert of you're not a huge fan of sweets.

Lastly, the service - impeccable, sincere and helpful. We were warmly greeted, quickly seated, well attended to and, when the restaurant emptied out around us, we were never made to feel rushed. Truly outstanding.

I look forward to returning to Bar Lola several times in the future. Such a wonderful spot!

Bar Lola gave me one of the best meals of my life.  Hands down, everything was spot-on.  I feel as though someone cracked into my brain, discovered my palate, and made dinner just for me.

Being the adventurous types, we went for the 7-course "feed me," with wine pairings, but the kicker is that each of us got a different dish each course.  Even the salads were different.  Each course was delicious and the wines were amazing.  We especially loved the carnitas taco, the scallop entree, duck ham, and the desserts - almond cake paired with sherry, and basil panna cotta with muscato.

Also, service and ambiance were outstanding.  The space is clean and simple, and Stacey our server, and Stella, the owner paced everything out perfectly.  When Stella served us the first wine course she said, "If you don't like the wine, let me know, we have a whole room full of it in the back."  We are absolutely in love with Bar Lola.  

The next time I am in Portland (which I now hope is sooner rather than later) I will be back to Bar Lola for another Feed Me.

Very good! Enjoy the meal very much. So far best meal in Portland. The star was the starter; duck confit with gnocchi, yummy!
Beer menu is limited to a few nice bottled choices. Nice wine selection.