Lola in Jeddah’s Al-Khalidiyyah district serves French cuisine in a simple and elegant setting. I entered the restaurant and felt the warmth, while the vibe matched that of a classic luxury dining experience.
For salads, I tried rocket parmesan with 25-year-old balsamic vinegar, which felt smooth with the parmesan melting in texture. The beetroot and figs with ricotta and pistachio offered a sweet and sour balance, and baby gem lettuce and cucumber with honey mustard dressing was simple and refreshing.
For starters, the classic French onion soup with baguette croutons and comte stood out, especially with its layered flavors coming through in each spoonful.
Warm prawns served in beurre noisette with lime were soft and flavorful, while king crab with avocado, mayo, lettuce, and citrus kept a lighter profile.
Other options such as tarte a la tomate, Oscietra caviar with blinis, and different carpaccio selections followed a traditional French approach without much alteration to the original style.
The pasta selection included rigatoni Bolognese that was rich in sauce and meat flavor, while the truffle rigatoni was more intense. The lobster pasta added a different depth, although some dishes felt more familiar than distinct.
For mains, the wagyu ribeye A5 with fries and greens was the most balanced plate, with the right amount of juiciness in the steak and crisp fries on the side.
Chicken paillard, steak au poivre, veal Milanese, and sliders followed a straightforward execution, but the flavors carry a sense of authenticity that is not easily found elsewhere.
Desserts included a chocolate tart served with berry sorbet and raspberry coulis, offering a lighter finish that avoids leaning too heavily into richness or intensity.
For those not drawn to chocolate, the classic profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and hazelnut chocolate sauce provide a more traditional choice, while the tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream, creme fraiche, and caramel sauce works well as a sharing dessert for two to four people.
Do not forget their mocktails, especially the Lola mule made with rosemary reduction and ginger beer.
Their terrace, surrounded by olive trees with classic-style tables and chairs, is particularly pleasant during lunch with the added advantage of the view.
The overall dining cost can lean toward the higher side, given its luxury dining experience. Prior reservation is recommended.
