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About

Nola brings the flavors of the Bayou to the heart of Palo Alto, serving up authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine in a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Our menu features a fusion of traditional Southern favorites with modern twists, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. From spicy gumbo to savory jambalaya, our dishes are crafted with love and care to transport your taste buds to the heart of Louisiana. As a Cajun restaurant, we're proud to offer a unique dining experience that's perfect for date nights, group outings, or simply a night out with friends. Our Lounge area is the ideal spot to relax and unwind with a craft cocktail or glass of wine, while our outdoor seating offers a charming view of Ramona Street. Whether you're in the mood for New American cuisine with a Southern twist or a taste of the Southwestern US, Nola has got you covered. Come visit us today and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Bayou in Palo Alto!

Nola Review Summary

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4.3
(3213 Reviews)
5
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1
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Kelly Huang
Kelly Huang -Google user
2 years ago
Unique restaurant with very cute waitresses. Art Deco all over the entire restaurant area. We waited for 5 mins before got seated in the courtyard. We ordered Bearkat’s sandwiches and jambalaya rice. Sandwich is only ok, rice is great but very tiny portion for $20....Read More
RB
RB -Google user
4 years ago
I visited NOLA restaurant for the first time since the pandemic struck and I was extremely impressed. Nola has a large and well-spaced parklet directly in front of it’s doors. There are a variety of seating options on the parlet and each most are covered...Read More
Rajesh Ramchandani
Rajesh Ramchandani -Google user
4 months ago
A Lively Spot in Palo Alto – Nola Delivers on Flavor and FunNola in Palo Alto offers a delightful taste of New Orleans, with a vibrant atmosphere, great food, and delicious cocktails. While it may not be a must-visit spot, it’s definitely worth checking out...Read More
Food: 4/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Crispy Hot Chicken Sliders, Spicy Jambalaya, BBQ Shrimp, Jambalaya Parking space Somewhat difficult to find parking Parking options Free parking lot, Free street parking
Nicole Morales
Nicole Morales -Google user
2 years ago
First time back here since 2019 and the food didn’t disappoint. Everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor.Table was in the street so we didn’t get to experience the atmosphere of inside. Pretty busy for a Tuesday night, I was surprised.Service is now done...Read More
Adil Anwar
Adil Anwar -Google user
7 years ago
No Review Text
Alicia DiGiammarino
Alicia DiGiammarino -Google user
a month ago
The beignets smothered in powdered sugar came with three different sauces and much promise for the meal. Alas the rest of the food was a mixed bag and overall not too impressive. The egg scramble was mostly ginormous Brussel sprouts in too much garlic. The...Read More
Food: 3/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 4/5
Diem Doan
Diem Doan -Google user
a year ago
Nola hits the New Orleans vibe atmosphere. Their food came out fast! Love their small plate items. You can try many different things. Don’t really care for their order by QR code system. Menu items are not the same as QR code items. Less waiters...Read More
Food: 4/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Chips and Guacamole, Chicken Sliders, Waffle, Jambalaya
Sarah Brooks
Sarah Brooks -Google user
8 months ago
What a fabulous dinner! Ordering through the QR code was super easy and everything came really quickly. The hurricane drink was delicious. We tried lots of small plates and our favorites were the mac and cheese, jambalaya, and the jalapeno cornbread. ...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Jambalaya
Rick Schwartz
Rick Schwartz -Google user
5 years ago
Great vibe. We sat upstairs, looking down into the courtyard. The spicy Jambalaya was good, but heavy on the tomato and light on the shrimp and salmon. The skirt steak was flavorful, but tough. Portion size of this was large however, which my hungry son...Read More
Justin Liebert
Justin Liebert -Google user
3 years ago
I’ve been dying to try Nola for a long time, and I have to say that my biggest regret is not going sooner!As someone who spent time living in the South, and who has a deep love of New Orleans, I had certain expectations when...Read More
Jenny Xu
Jenny Xu -Google user
3 years ago
Came here on a Saturday afternoon with about a 10 minute wait and got seated inside on their patio!Good:The aesthetic is so cute! It’s like a slice of Europe inside of a restaurant.The service here is super super fast since you place orders online and...Read More
Ben
Ben -Google user
8 months ago
Food, service, and ambiance 5*. Had an amazing time.Management and staff were amazing as well. BEST customer service during my time in Cali.They also have bottomless mimosas.
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
Mia R
Mia R -Google user
3 years ago
This must be my favorite restaurant in Palo Alto. The food here is absolutely gorgeous and I just love the exotic environment. We had several small plates, the grilled oyster, sweet potato nachos, BBQ shrimp on garlic bread, and the famous Jambalaya they all taste...Read More
Maribell Gonzalez
Maribell Gonzalez -Google user
2 years ago
People are crazy giving this place more that 3 stars. They do not understand that having a restaurant is not about food is about an experience. Is a place to share a good moment. Well this place have the worst service in town. Girls at...Read More
Shruthi Sheshadri
Shruthi Sheshadri -Google user
a year ago
The food and the vibe of the restaurant are both 5 stars. They have few good vegetarian/vegan options. We tried their crispy brussel sprouts, cauliflower taco and firecracker cajun pasta. Everything tasted splendid. I had asked extra sauce for pasta and they gave a generous...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 5/5
Mei. _
Mei. _ -Google user
3 months ago
Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.This was no where near “Nola” standards of taste and portion. They need to update their pictures if it’s not going to be accurate. I had to season my salmon and it was 85percent bread and lettuce for...Read More
Food: 2/5Service: 1/5Atmosphere: 3/5
Brian Leung
Brian Leung -Google user
5 months ago
Quickly seated, and given the option to order from the QR menu or in person. Prices and portions were quite reasonable for a Bay Area brunch.Definitely get the sharable beignets and the gumbo. The Dungeness garlic grease was good but kind of steep.Minor points off...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 5/5
VS
VS -Google user
8 months ago
Good place to have some quality southern comfort food. They have that QR code to order from though. The staff is bubbly, cheerful and helpful. Wait times are less. Their mac and cheese and gumbo are full of flavors. Will definitely visit again to try...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Jambalaya Parking space Somewhat difficult to find parking Parking options Free parking lot, Paid street parking
Asuka
Asuka -Google user
a year ago
Nora is amazing! The dishes she recommended were all incredibly delicious ❤︎Especially, the jambalaya, garlic toast, and eggs Benedict were so delicious that I wanted to eat more!I will definitely go back again!
Mason Severe
Mason Severe -Google user
5 years ago
I came here yesterday for a corporate networking event. We rented out a private room with tables, armchairs, couches, and a private bar. The food they brought in was awesome - my favorite being the fried chicken sliders. Great food, unique flavors, and good menu...Read More
Sofia Kritikopoulos
Sofia Kritikopoulos -Google user
4 months ago
A taste of the South right here in the Bay!🍗 FOOD: Pleasantly surprised by all dishes ordered! The beignets to me were quite dense, I would've preferred a fluffy and lighter interior. Definitely reccomend the hot chicken sliders. While it's listed as a starter, the...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 3/5Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes Fried Chicken & Waffles, Crispy Hot Chicken Sliders Parking space Somewhat difficult to find parking Parking options Paid street parking, Free parking garage
Jason Foard
Jason Foard -Google user
3 days ago
This restaurant gave me "Speak Easy" vibes when we first entered.Low lit atmosphere, cozy lounge room with a fireplace, bar seating with flat screen tv's and outdoor dining as well.Order and Pay with a QR code at the table . Which apparently is the popular,...Read More
Food: 4/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes Spicy Jambalaya, Guacamole
Hai
Hai -Google user
a month ago
Everything we ordered was delicious! And food came out super fast (2pm-ish)- Spicy Jambalaya was my favorite❤️- The fried chicken and waffle was also pretty good 😊- Cajun fries, super thin fries, but not enough cajun sauce on it. Still good.- crawfish and shrimp gumbo,...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Fried Chicken & Waffles, Spicy Jambalaya
Morgan Rasetarinera
Morgan Rasetarinera -Google user
3 years ago
My sister and I ate at Nola for a late lunch on a Friday afternoon. We were seated right away in one of their outdoor dining booths - a very nice vibe, casual and fun! We ordered small plates to share as we weren't very...Read More
Troy Flynn
Troy Flynn -Google user
3 years ago
Love this place and happy they open again.... their menu is smaller then before but just as good. In short we will return for they are the only creole food place around that is good and better then most who claim that title......Read More
nandani madhukar
nandani madhukar -Google user
a year ago
This place has a Southern vibe (as the name suggests) and the food is quite good. We reached when the drag brunch was getting over and it was quite an event. The show was entertaining and people were cheering for them! Quite a lively atmosphere.The...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
G B
G B -Google user
a year ago
We come here for a quick drink and some bites. Service is always good. Food is miss or hit. We probably should not try everything and just stick with our favorites. We like the atmosphere near the bar. Art on the walls is funny and...Read More
Food: 4/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
Ajay Pal Singh
Ajay Pal Singh -Google user
3 years ago
The food was okay nothing special, drinks were good. Had a nice website to download where you can place order and they bring the food at your table. But the service was really slow. No one gave us water or plates even after serving food....Read More
Mariel Camargo
Mariel Camargo -Google user
2 weeks ago
Fave brunch spot in Palo Alto. Especially their bottomless brunch that is cheap and gets the job done haha! In all seriousness though, such a great restaurant for a cute and casual vibe & delicious food, whether it be their jambalaya or their chilaquiles. I...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Mama's Mac & Cheese, Avocado Toast, Spicy Jambalaya Recommendation for vegetarians Highly recommend Vegetarian offerings Vegetarian menu or section
Mahima V.
Mahima V. -Google user
5 months ago
Two stars for the vibes and the service. The staff was helpful and the outdoor seating was shady and great. The food was a total disappointment. We went for brunch and ordered avocado toast to share. They’re charging $10 for one slice of avocado toast...Read More
Food: 1/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
Monica
Monica -Google user
a year ago
This place reminds me of New Orleans. I use to live in New Orleans and it gave me nostalgia feel. If they played jazz music like the streets of Nola it would hit more.The hurricane drink was amazing. Definitely a two or more people drink...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes Mama's Mac & Cheese, Spicy Jambalaya
Paul Pettersson (Petersson Fersman)
Paul Pettersson (Petersson Fersman) -Google user
2 years ago
A great place with a nice atmosphere. We visited Palo Alto city center around noon on a weekend day in search for bottomless Mimosas and high-energy food. Nola turned out to be just the right place. Tables and bar indoor, and sunny tables on the...Read More
Landon Ledbetter
Landon Ledbetter -Google user
2 years ago
I’ve never been to New Orleans before but it sure feels like it after hanging out here!! Definitely a popular place in the area so be ready for a wait. Bar is open seating though where we tried the staple Nola Hurricane (very strong 👀)....Read More
Jennifer Herrera
Jennifer Herrera -Google user
a month ago
This was the second time I dined in and it’s been consistently great. Customer service is wonderful. All Bartenders did a Fantastic job serving us, as we sat at the bar. As a bar manager, I can tellThat these individuals were true mixologists...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
Jason Leskiw
Jason Leskiw -Google user
6 months ago
Disappointing. Ordered eight things. One was good. They couldn’t get a smash burger right. Didn’t think that was possible. “Secret sauce” is Lawry’s and butter. Dungeness cheesy bread was terrible. Almost no crab, and they buried what little there was under melted cheese so there...Read More
Food: 1/5Service: 2/5Atmosphere: 3/5
April D
April D -Google user
a month ago
We were there for my son's 24th birthday. The atmosphere could have been better if we we're not sat in a corner and couldn't really see much of the restaurant. The pitcher of drink we ordered wasn't worth it. The food was good. They brought...Read More
Food: 3/5Service: 2/5Atmosphere: 2/5Recommended dishes Mama's Mac & Cheese, Seafood Gumbo, Spicy Jambalaya, Jambalaya Parking space Difficult to find parking Parking options Paid parking garage
Kayley Berger
Kayley Berger -Google user
5 months ago
I am so shocked this place isnt 5 stars. It is absolutely delicious.I have been coming here for a couple of years now. I order doordash from it constantly and dine in or get take out on occasion.Today, as pictured, I got my Jambalaya take...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes Spicy Jambalaya
Chan S
Chan S -Google user
7 months ago
For the first time visiting, this will not be the last. Ethan took care of all our needs and gave us the best experience!I ordered the spicy jambalaya, a fat and juicy delicious burger with fries (salted a little too much) and a moron bowl/drink?...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Nola Beignets, Spicy Jambalaya
Amir Emami
Amir Emami -Google user
9 months ago
I was here for a friend’s birthday party. The Customer service was great, above all else, you must try their Ice cream lol. Vanilla ice cream was the best I have had in a long time. I ordered the Fried chicken waffle, the waffle was...Read More
Food: 4/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
AJ Poore
AJ Poore -Google user
2 years ago
If you’re new to town, you gotta come by. If you’re a resident of the Palo Alto/Menlo Park area, and you STILL haven’t dropped by? What are you doing!? Their breakfast is incredibly good and the bottomless mimosas are a STEAL. Staff, is very friendly...Read More
H H
H H -Google user
a year ago
Atmosphere was good, definitely had good vibes and good music, would be a chill place to grab a drink on a nice summer evening. Service was quick and mainly digital so didn't have servers to serve much. The food flavor was so so, has much...Read More
Food: 2/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 5/5
zike qin
zike qin -Google user
3 years ago
Love the jambalaya, nice flavor.Eggs are a bit overcooked for the Benedict, Fried chicken has a nugget-like breading instead of a crunchy breading that I was expecting.Also like the tornado rum (forgot the exact name but it’s the first one on the menu)
Sid Gaonkar
Sid Gaonkar -Google user
a month ago
We've visited this place several times before, and their menu has evolved over time. The vibe is quite unique and seems to capture the essence of New Orleans, even though I haven't been there myself. They have ample seating with various areas that offer slightly...Read More
Food: 4/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 4/5
H D Stegall
H D Stegall -Google user
2 months ago
We had wonderful time, enjoyed the food, music and had the best hostess Christian as take care of our table. We are seniors and the restaurant is in the university area so lots of students came in since it was also happy hour but...Read More
Food: 4/5Service: 4/5Atmosphere: 3/5
Debbie Moses
Debbie Moses -Google user
2 months ago
Loved this restaurant❣️ The food, the atmosphere and especially the service, outstanding! My 20 year old granddaughter has been working here for about a year or more and was training a new wait staff, but they both were able to provide excellent service for my...Read More
Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
Alex G
Alex G -Google user
a month ago
Used to be alright - new QR system is stupid. Why pay extra money to dine on person then be forced to endure the awkwardness of ordering online..? This is a poor decision by the owner, if its to save money. The place was empty...Read More
Stuart Till
Stuart Till -Google user
2 months ago
Hmmm disappointingWe had breakfast here. Everything in the order was delayed or mixed up, 10 min to get service, mimosa delayed until we we eating, gratin potato’s had no flavor and undercooked, hashbrowns were overcooked, eggs oily and very small, coffee very thin, milk came...Read More
Food: 2/5Service: 3/5Atmosphere: 3/5
Amela Drljevic
Amela Drljevic -Google user
5 months ago
The vibe of this restaurant is just amazing! Love the architecture and all the little details! Just lovely to walk around. We just got cocktails and the beignets and the Cajun fries and I ate the whole lot of them. The fries were just ok...Read More
Atmosphere: 5/5

Features

Service options

check icon Outdoor seating
check icon Curbside pickup
check icon No-contact delivery
check icon Delivery
check icon Takeout
check icon Dine-in

Highlights

check icon Fast service
check icon Great cocktails
check icon Great dessert
check icon Sports

Popular for

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Solo dining

Accessibility

check icon Wheelchair accessible entrance
check icon Wheelchair accessible parking lot
check icon Wheelchair accessible restroom
check icon Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

check icon Alcohol
check icon Beer
check icon Cocktails
check icon Coffee
check icon Comfort food
check icon Happy hour drinks
check icon Happy hour food
check icon Hard liquor
check icon Late-night food
check icon Small plates
check icon Vegetarian options
check icon Wine

Dining options

check icon Brunch
check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Dessert
check icon Seating

Amenities

check icon Bar onsite
check icon Restroom
check icon Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

check icon Casual
check icon Cozy
check icon Trendy

Crowd

check icon College students
check icon Family-friendly
check icon Groups
check icon LGBTQ+ friendly
check icon Tourists
check icon Transgender safespace

Planning

check icon Lunch reservations recommended
check icon Dinner reservations recommended
check icon Accepts reservations
check icon Usually a wait

Payments

check icon Credit cards
check icon Debit cards
check icon NFC mobile payments

Children

check icon High chairs
check icon Kids' menu

Parking

check icon Free parking garage
check icon Free parking lot
check icon Free street parking
check icon Parking

Other

check icon LGBTQ+ friendly