Pizzeria Lola

Last week, my mom and I headed out for a post-work dinner date to a neighborhood favorite: Pizzeria Lola.  Pizzeria Lola is at the absolute top of my list for best pizza spots, and a favorite of many others...this gem has been featured in countless local newspaper/magazine articles, and was also featured on the Food Network's Diners , Drive-Ins, and Dives. It is always filled with happy pizza patrons, regardless of the hour of the day. 

The vibe of the restaurant is happy and unpretentious, and the wood-fired pizza is all kinds of delicious. 

The eclectic plates add a whimsical touch to the dining experience. Another bit of fun whimsy..the photo booth in the back of the restaurant that provides great entertainment while you wait for your table or for a spot to open up at the bar. 

If you are a caesar salad person, you must order it here. Romaine lettuce spears topped with shaved parmesan and hearts of palm, served with crostini and a  soft egg. It is heavenly and the perfect precursor to pizza. 

My pizza choice for the day? The feature: Meatball Ricotta. House-made meatballs (crazy good); mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta cheeses; and Lola's house red sauce. Just yum. 

My mom went with the Korean BBQ pizza. Beef short ribs, mozzarella cheese, scallions, arugula, and a sesame/soy-chili vinaigrette that is deliciously spicy. 

Deciding what pizza to order is the hardest part. My other favorites? 

1. The Hawaii Pie-O. House-cured bacon, fresh pineapple, serrano peppers, and mozzarella and provolone cheeses. This one is also the hubs' favorite. 

2. The Xerxes. Sauteed spinach, sheep's milk feta and mozzarella cheeses, kalamata olives and chopped almonds. When you order it, add bacon...and enjoy. 

3. The Lady ZaZa. What's not to love with that name? House-made kimchi and Korean sausage, serrano peppers, scallions, and sesame/soy-chili glaze. So unique, spicy, and delicious. 

As evidenced above, delicious pizza + dangerously close to my house =I have worked my way through the entire menu. 

We both took leftovers home in these fun to-go bags. If you have magically managed to save space at the end of your meal, don't miss the house-made soft-serve ice cream topped with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. In the mood for chocolate (who isn't?)? Then go for the milk and cookies...served warm and also topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, which really enhances the cookie experience. 

If you are looking for dinner plans this weekend, I highly recommend you head on over to Pizzeria Lola. There is also an exciting bit of news in Lola Lovers Land...a second pizza shop, Hello Pizza, is targeted for opening in Edina this coming March. Yet another reason to be excited for spring.  

Happy Friday, 

-The Delicious Dabbler