Nola Bistro & Lounge
| Address: | 204 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369, USA |
| Phone: | +1 952-334-5857 |
| Site: | nolamn.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | Closed Closed 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
LA
Laura Schaefer
I booked a reservation for 7 at 5:30 on Open Table. Unfortunately the restaurant received a notice from Open Table that stated 7 for 7:30, but that in no way affected our experience, but we were asked to book directly with NOLA in the future as we were repeat customers and an Open Table booking cost the owners a few dollars per person which was news to me. Although we waited a bit for the arrival of our drinks and food, the sharing tapas platter was so good, especially the poutine and just enough to whet the appetites of 7 people. Individuals loved the main entrees: chicken tandoori, Po Boy shrimp sandwich, egg plant and jambalaya. Quality food, made to order, takes time and was worth the wait. Music, mostly classic blues (e.g., Muddy Waters), was set at a comfortable volume and seven people could actually converse and hear each other. The owners stopped by several times and were very engaging and personable. If you are going to attend the nearby Yellow Tree theater after dinner, sure to inform the wait staff upon arrival. Arriving two hours before the start of the performance, we left in plenty of time to attend The Yellow Tree theater 4-5 blocks away. Our group cant wait to return to NOLA, but when we do, we will book our reservation directly and save the owners some dollars because Mom and Pop, independent eateries like NOLA need every buck to survive. Thanks, NOLA, we had a great time and look forward to many more.
SA
Sally Phillips Helling
There are only a few items on the menu. We were also offered the menu for the Indian restaurant but there were only a few items on that menu and I think they were all vegan/vegetarian. My husband ordered the ettouffee (spelling is probably incorrect). It was $23 and it was served on rice with a few chopped cucumbers and tomatoes. There were about 3 nice sized shrimp and several crawfish but the serving was not large. I ordered the salad which was supposed to be lettuce, onion, tomatoes and vegetables from the farmers market, marinated in lime juice. There were absolutely no vegetables besides those I just listed! The salad was $8. I ordered the grilled chicken breast for an additional $4 and requested it not be blackened. It was served blackened. By the time they replaced the salad (this time with a non-blackened, although small, chicken breast), my husband was finished eating. No bread was served with the meal so we ordered the muffaletta for $10 - definitely not worth the price. Our waitress was attentive and personable but did not seem to have a good grasp of how the food was prepared. In short - not enough variety in the menu and way overpriced. Sorry, but we will not be returning.
JA
Jana Worrall
Going into NOLA is like going to visit family. The owners welcome you into the restaurant as if it were their own home. The atmosphere is open and eclectic as is the menu. If youre expecting a rushed restaurant experience, this is not for you. However, if youre open to waiting for food that is well worth it and taking a moment to simply enjoy the company youre with then please take the time to stop in. The pountine is nothing like what you would expect, but I find myself dreaming of it. Buttery, cheesy potatoes that melt in your mouth and make you want to lick the plate. The sampler is delicious and a fun way to try several menu items. My favorite hands down is the etoufee; its amazing! Hidden gem in Osseo just down the street from a new painting studio, Celia Studios. Make it an evening with friends, stop in for dinner then enjoy painting afterwards.
SA
Sam Dayton
Fantastic restaurant. Authentic atmosphere to go along with the unique and vibrant Cajun and Creole dishes. Nola Bistro & Lounge also offers a variety of exotic international meals. While catering to casual as well as more explorative Minnesotans, their menu offers a ranging spice scale complementing the many cultural choices. Personable yet professional staff are always available to guide patrons with the flowing wine and cocktail list to perfectly pair with any entrée or side dish. I always feel comfortable when I go to eat or drink or even enjoy the occasional live event. The owners and staff seem like family. Nola provides a relieving hotspot of activities and amazing cultural vibes to the more small town of Osseo. Absolute highest rating for overall experience, satisfactory dining, and quality of service!
CH
Christy Morrell-Stinson
Such a special place to discover in downtown Osseo. Uptown Minneapolis feel and flavors of New Orleans, India, Thailand, and other delicious exotic foods. Try the combination plate, so far this is my favorite. The owners are gracious and friendly. The focus on food education and accessibility is refreshing: you can purchase do-it-yourself meals with custom spice blends by Ajika, and so much more. Ajika also makes available fresh whole foods that combine local and international selections along with recipes and reasonably priced cooking classes. Interesting beers and cocktails round out the experience. This is one of those places you can meet friends for dinner or for happy hour.
LO
Lori Hadler
My husband and I were looking for someplace to eat for date night, where we havent been. We found Nola. What a great place. I didnt even know it was there in Osseo but I googled restaurants and they came up. The decore was refreshing and well thought out. We ordered the sampler omg..catfish, hush puppies, gumbo and more. The owners were very friendly, easy to talk to. The chocolate cake was soooo ingredably good. Wed like to go back when there is live music to check it out. The price is higher than a regular bar menu but you can taste how fresh the ingredients are. We loved the change from the same ol restaurants. Well be back for sure!
RO
Robert Gerhart
Very tasty, very friendly, and a very unique vibe for something hidden in Osseo. The space is divided up into lots of little nooks and crannies, so it can be very cozy. The menu is somewhat all over the place, with a smaller-than-expected selection of New Orleans type food, plus a collection of Indian/Asian dishes. Once you get your head past that and actually order, youll find the food to be very good. I had the jambalaya, and my wife had the chicken satay. Mine was good, but hers was great. Next time, I will likely skip the thin Cajun menu and go straight for the international goodies.
NI
Nicole K.
I was in town from LA last week and was fortunate to eat at this gem of a resturant. The food provided an amazing combination of flavor, good quality, and healthy options. I wish I could have tried everything on the menu. The atmosphere was impeccable, one of a kind. The service was top-notch. This restaurant could compete with the best resturants in LA but provides you the welcoming hospitality I appreciate in MN. On a side note, I normally hate beets, but I was able to try the beets here. They were delightful. The cooks work magic in the kitchen.
LA
Laurie Tralle
Jambalaya was like a soup with rice. Tasty but weird. Liked that they asked us to specify heat level 1 to 10. I asked for a 5 and early on in eating my jambalaya soup I got a bite of something that was a12 on a scale of 1 - 10!! Once I recovered, I ate some more and the spice level was acceptable. Mentioned the heat level being off to two different servers during my recovery time and they just said, Oh. None of the 3 others in my party were very impressed with what they ordered either. Service was decent & friendly. Wont be going back...
