New Neighbor: Lola’s

We’re thrilled to welcome Lola’s, the new pan-Asian and Southern restaurant by acclaimed Chef Suzanne Cupps. Located at 2 West 28th Street, Lola’s is Cupps’ first independent venture, culminating in her 15 years of experience at New York City restaurants Annisa, Gramercy Tavern, Untitled at the Whitney, and 232 Bleecker.

“NoMad is an exciting neighborhood to be in right now,” says Cupps. “So many top-notch hotels and restaurants have opened, and it’s a convenient destination for most New Yorkers.”

Lola’s tells a personal story of Cupps’ heritage and history, that’s rooted in her South Carolina upbringing and Asian-American background. Lola, meaning “grandmother” in Tagalog, is named for Cupps’ grandmother Annunciasion “Noning” Rocamora Paraiso, whom she never got to meet but was tremendously inspired by. Noning fled her home during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. After ensuring the safe arrival of her children to a nearby island, she passed away, leaving behind a photograph and a jade stone that Suzanne wears as a pendant. Lola’s is a celebration of Cupps’ grandmother’s legacy and resiliency.

Upon entering Lola’s, guests are met by an inviting interior and environment. Designed by Ben Krone of Gradient Architecture, the 2,500 square foot, 70-seat restaurant includes unique features such as globe pendant lighting, jade green tiling throughout the open kitchen – to honor Cupps’ lola, and plush green-and-pink banquettes.

Lola’s menu combines Southern and pan-Asian influences, paying tribute to the diverse experiences of Cupps’ culinary journey and of growing up in Aiken, South Carolina. Each dish is crafted using the finest natural, locally sourced ingredients to create distinguished flavors in each plate. Begin your dinner with Sesame Milk Bread + Pimento Cheese, Crab Stuffed Littleneck Clams, and the Paraiso House Salad featuring chicories, pretzels, and served with buttermilk ranch. For a main, order a few dishes to share such as the Sea Scallop + Shiitake Bowl served with carolina gold rice and vegetable glitter, the Union Square Bento with broccolini, pink cabbage pancake, and malt vinegar potatoes, and the Heritage Country Rib Skewers with baked beans and carolina bbq sauce.

Compliment your meal with a drink from Lola’s beverage program designed by Beverage Director Adrienne Vanni. Enjoy a curated offering of sparkling, white, rose + orange, and red wines. For a cocktail, try the Leche de Tigre made with mezcal, ginger, and jalapeno, or Suzanne’s Special featuring cocchi americano, orange, and olives. A selection of local beers and alcoholic beverages are also available. Save room for dessert and indulge in the Chocolate + Black Sesame Pudding Cake with toasty meringue or the Leche Flan with citrus marmalade.

Join Lola’s for an unforgettable dining experience in NoMad!

Lola’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 – 10 pm. Reserve your table.

Lola’s, 2 West 28th Street, @lolas.nyc

All Photography Credit: Lola’s