Lola's European Cafe, Asbury Park, NJ: A Restaurant Review

Lola's European Cafe, Asbury Park, NJ. A dining review

Lola's European Cafe
539 Cookman Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ

Lola's European Cafe: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: Café and Gelateria

Price: Moderate

Noise Level: Moderate


Ambiance/decor: Repurposed rustic charm.

Service: Welcoming, attentive

Overall Rating: 2 1/2 Stars

Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class

Recommended For: Casual diners who enjoy a light lunch, or some hand crafted cheese boards with a glass of wine before a night on the town, or for an after diinner nightcap of a dessert and cocktails.

Not Recommended For: Upscale diners who enjoy fine dining with many amenities,

Recommended dishes: When available, anyone of the 24 creamy Gelato's, The Turkey & Brie Panini w/Fig Jam, Arugula, and Caramelized Onions., and The Proscuitto & Peppers Panini w/ Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Red Peppers, Arugula, Balsamic Glaze and Olive Oil.

Liquor: Full bar service with their signature smoked bourbon, and Boozy Milkshakes


Lola's European Cafe is a popular spot for millennials who enjoy a light lunch, or some hand crafted cheese boards with a glass of wine or cocktail before a night on the town.

People watching is an added attraction when viewed from a table through large windows, or during the warmer months on the outdoor sidewalk patio along Cookman Ave

This funky, rustic gelateria and cafe is owned and operated by Scott Mizrahi who named the place after his mother.

While Gelatos with over 20 flavors, is the main attraction, they also serve a limited selection of well prepared paninis, salad boards, cheese boards, and some unique alcoholic drinks .

Mother Lola is behind the creation of the delicious Gelatos and desserts. Their Gelato's are clearly amongst the best in the Northern Jersey Shore area.

The ambiance is repurposed rustic charm., done up exposed brick walls, reclaimed, distressed wood tables and counters with seating for approximately 25, some with old metal folding chairs, vinyl plank wood flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views along Cookman Ave in downtown Asbury Park

The additional attraction is the small eight seat bar that has the distinction of being one most unique bars in Asbury Park, a town with over 40 bars. Their signature drinks, the Smoked Bourbon drinks are not to be missed. It's prepared by the server taking a butane torch to a piece of oak from a used barrel to smoke a snifter of bourbon. Other drink options include eight specialty cocktails, boozy milkshakes, coffee and tea cocktails, and dessert martinis. Beer, and wine.

Restrooms are gender neutral.

Lola's European Cafe is open seven days/week for lunch and light dinner from 11am to 7pm

(updated: September 2024)

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