"Soho Scene Greek Island Fare." Sign me tf up. Greek/Mediterranean is my favorite cuisine, hands down, no contest, so bear that in mind when you read the title. If you feel the same and you constantly find yourself with a craving for olive oil and oregano or whatever it is that makes Greek seasoning so addicting- look no further than Lola Taverna. This is your stop for overpriced (Dinner's going to be $26-34 plus $10 for a side,) but beyond delightful Mediterranean fare. My favorite Greek overall for a nice gyro combo sandwitch with greek potatoes is Souvlaki GR, but don't expect those kind of options here, because you won't be leaving quite as stuffed. If however, you're looking for something fancy for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary date I would absolutely go here. They take traditional Mediterranean fare and jazz it up with items like Gyro Bao Buns, Spanakopita Spring Rolls and Saganaki fondue?? They didn't have the fondue at the time I was there and I will be going back to specifically try that but the Bao Buns- out of this world.
They made some very bold twists on traditional Greek food and I've never experienced anything like it. I assume it to be the "Island" part in the "Greek Island Fare," they boast on their website. Whatever the reason for throwing gyro flavored chicken meat on a traditionally Chinese yeast-leavened filled bun, it's a huge success and I would like to thank them profusely for their contribution to my stomach and also their contribution to Soho, as this place really outshines every other restaurant, visually, as well. Covered in flowers currently, decked out in palm trees last summer, they're really capitalizing on outdoor dining and also the need for some quality Instagram content.
The shining glory was the Pikilia or mezze app, with what was essentially bottomless pita (they don't label it as such but I found when I kept asking, they kept bringing it to me) and it was just fantastic. The pita bread here is bar none- moist, flavorful, just the right combination of charred and soft- someone took their time on these babies. Why do they call it grilled nish nush pita on the menu? A Google search wouldn't explain, but I have to assume it's some kind of technique for orgasmic bread. Look at that food porn. The flaky seasoning, the glistening olive oil- pure gold. The Kopanisti is a CAN NOT MISS, it's their spicy whipped feta and we devoured it. Tzatziki is always a winner as well. Though it doesn't really matter what you dip it in, you will not be disappointed.
Their brunch menu is sparse and the price for a meal is within the $20-$32 range so I wouldn't say it's set up for the same kind of experience you'd get with dinner for paying at that price point, but I would love to try regardless because I do think you get what you pay for here. Maybe skip the cocktails and go for the food if you're pinching pennies. The cocktails tasted great but they amounted to only a few sips and for $17 that part did cut out a piece of my soul. But you can always have more pita to compensate.
So if anything, to still enjoy the aesthetically pleasing ambiance and quality ingredients and flavors at Lola Taverna- get the mezze platter, apps and some wine. You'll enjoy the experience, I promise.
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