A new restaurant to arrive in York, Nola is not like anything else you'll simply stumble upon. Housed in the old congregational chapel on Lendal, a visit to Nola feels rather special, complete with a 1920s Art Deco theme, lavish decor, and a programme of exceptional live jazz. Nola takes its inspiration from the vibrant scene of New Orleans cuisine and drinks, served in a dining room with large leather chairs, period mirrors, marble finishes, and banquette seating, and live music three times a week.
The menu is designed to be served in small portions, so diners are encouraged to order a variety of dishes to share amongst the table, or two per person with a side. Fish options on the Nola menu include grilled teriyaki-glazed salmon served on a crunchy Asian slaw with crispy seaweed, delicious oysters topped with a spicy garlic butter and grilled with parmesan shavings, and BBQ spiced fried haddock goujons served in a soft taco with New Orleans remoulade.
Meat eaters out there are in for a treat. Order the fillet beef medallion served on buttered crushed new potatoes with peppercorn sauce or slow-cooked baby back ribs marinated with BBQ sauce for some classic picks. The pulled pork arancini balls are as decadent as they sound, a bit like the shredded slow-cooked duck and crispy vegetable spring rolls with a sweet chilli dipping sauce.
The Nola menu caters to most dietary requirements, offering vegetarian and vegan selections with the likes of breaded goats cheese with a forest fruit compote, crispy southern fried cauliflower and a vegan jambalaya with artichoke hearts, spiced vegan sauce, jumbled with peppers, onions and spicy rice. Finish with a sweet treat, like the creole brioche bread pudding cooked with bourbon and sultanas, finished with a creamy bourbon sauce.