Lolo
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 643-5656
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Bartlett Street
- Hours:
- Tue--Thu 5:30pm--10pm , Fri--Sat 5:30pm--11pm
Editorial Review for Lolo – by Angela Asche
The Scene
The lackluster exterior and nonexistent signage keep this barely-there tapas joint a well-kept secret among a handful of in-the-know locals. The casual bar area, with a small but delightfully palatable selection of wines, is an eco-friendly display of recycled materials that varies from peacock-stenciled mirrors and dark cherry-wood tables to newsprint wallpaper and eclectic fringed lampshades. A partial exhibition kitchen can be viewed from the adjacent dining room, where favorable service is supplied to spectators accommodated on cushiony booths covered in rainbow-colored fabric.
The Food
The distinguishable spread of miniature-sized portions includes a smorgasbord of epicurean delights. Small plates vary between the peculiar corn-fungus dumplings to the easy-to-swallow panko-encrusted, flash-fried shrimp served on a jicama tortilla and topped with a tropical relish and chipotle aioli. Tender marinated red and yellow beets and grilled radicchio are buttered with a velvety feta mousse. The slightly larger entrees consist of a charcoal-grilled mahi mahi cooked to perfection and a Cedar River, grass-fed flank steak coupled with a peach and strawberry mole. The ultimate sweet-tooth subduer is the bola verde, a harmonious blend of mascarpone, lavender and mint, layered with quince and sprinkled with lemon peel.
Hits: The hospitable and informative waitstaff are eager to go the extra mile for a pleasurable visit.
Misses: For hungry gourmands, the serving sizes don't make for budget dining. It's necessary to purchase entrees as well as appetizers to satisfy an empty belly.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoLolo does not accept reservations, but the crowd is sparse enough to yield a tolerable wait.
What to DrinkA glass of Ferraton Pere et Fils Valreas is luxurious on the palate when paired with the flank steak.
The ExtrasThe night is topped off with a surprising twist when the bill is presented in a hardcover book.
User Reviews for Lolo
01/21/2008 Posted by graymalkin
i actually wandered into Lolo thinking that it was a remodeled Vogolonga but when i realized that it was something completely different i was up for the new experience. the wait staff was very friendly and personable making the experience quite delightful. the food was good but i felt like they were trying too hard with some of the dishes and they could have been somewhat simplified. my only real complaint was the noise level -- it was much too loud in the side room and they should invest in some sound absorbtive wall and ceiling materials. so, it would be nice for a date in the front room (although the traffic for the whole restaurant goes through the front room) or for a party in the side room. in my opinion, they still have some kinks to work out.
Pros: wonderful staff
Cons: too loud
Users Like You Also Viewed
The Cravery
829 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Epic Roasthouse
369 The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94105
