Where Palo Alto Comes to Celebrate, Unwind, and Eat Well
Whether you're marking a milestone or just craving a lively night out, Nola delivers bold Cajun-inspired flavors and a vibrant atmosphere that keeps you coming back.
Why customers choose us
What makes Nola stand out
01
Create a Lively Celebration Atmosphere
Customers hire Nola when they need a vibrant, energetic setting to mark milestones and special occasions. The colorful decor, live music, and festive New Orleans-inspired ambiance make every visit feel like a celebration.
“The atmosphere caught me first as I went to celebrate a milestone and grab a drink. The music was good and staff were polite.”
02
Host Memorable Group Events
Customers hire Nola to bring groups together for private parties, team outings, or post-game gatherings in a space that delivers on both atmosphere and crowd-pleasing food. The flexible layout, full bar, and broad menu mean large groups all find something to enjoy.
“The ambience is really cool and immediately reminded me of New Orleans; especially the courtyard setting, decorative beads, and vibrant artwork that create a lively, festive atmosphere.”
03
Satisfy Adventurous, Flavor-Forward Cravings
Customers hire Nola when they want bold, well-seasoned dishes that go beyond standard restaurant fare — from signature jambalaya to elevated brunch plates. The wide-ranging menu ensures both meat-eaters and plant-based diners find something genuinely satisfying.
“The vegan impossible jambalaya and portobello po boy are outstanding.”
What customers love most
Consistently praised by reviewers
Lively, colorful atmosphere
“The atmosphere is always lively and colorful, making it the perfect spot for a weekend hangout.”
New Orleans-inspired décor and courtyard setting
“The ambience is really cool and immediately reminded me of New Orleans ; especially the courtyard setting, decorative beads, and vibrant artwork that create a lively, festive atmosphere.”
Signature margaritas
“The mariposa margarita was perfect not too strong and yet it did its job!”
Vegan impossible jambalaya
“The vegan impossible jambalaya and portobello po boy are outstanding.”
Garlic bread with bubba sauce
“I ordered the garlic bread with the bubba sauce and wow!!! That was probably the best I've ever had.”
Brunch menu highlights
“Breakfast foods were great! French toast, breakfast burrito, breakfast sandwich, avocado toast were all excellent.”
Baked oysters
“Appetizers were recommended baked oysters, quite delicious.”
Attentive and pleasant staff
“The servers are young, pleasant and attentive.”
The little things that matter
Beyond expectations
A Atmosphere That Transports You
From decorative beads and vibrant artwork to a two-level layout with an open mezzanine view, the space is designed to evoke the spirit of New Orleans. Guests consistently remark on feeling immediately transported — as if the decor itself is part of the welcome.
Music That Sets the Mood
The soundtrack at Nola is curated to match the energy of the room. Guests note that the music contributes meaningfully to the lively, celebratory vibe — whether they're stopping in for a quick drink or settling in for a full evening.
A Courtyard Setting Built for Gathering
The outdoor courtyard creates a festive, communal feel that makes the restaurant a natural fit for milestone celebrations, group hangouts, and private events alike. Even al fresco seating comes with heaters, so guests stay comfortable through the evening.
Staff Who Make You Feel Welcome
Multiple guests across different visit types — solo drinks, group dinners, private events — highlight that the team is polite and attentive. The servers are described as pleasant and responsive, adding a human warmth to the experience.
Drinks Calibrated to Enjoy, Not Overwhelm
Cocktails like the Mariposa Margarita are noted for being well-balanced — present enough to do their job, without overshadowing the meal. Margarita pitchers are praised for being strong and shareable, making them well-suited to group occasions.
A Menu That Rewards Exploration
From baked oysters and garlic bread to vegan jambalaya and avocado toast, the menu spans enough range that guests keep discovering new dishes to try. Several reviewers mention wanting to return specifically to work through more of the menu.
Flexibility for Private and Group Events
Nola accommodates private gatherings — including corporate and university events — without losing the character that makes the space special. Guests attending hosted events still come away impressed by the ambience and food, and leave curious to return on their own.
A Space That Works Across Occasions
Reviewers describe Nola as equally suited to a celebratory night out, a casual weekend brunch, a post-game meal, or a spontaneous stop while exploring the neighbourhood. The consistency across visit types signals a kitchen and team that show up reliably.
Tips for your first visit
Make the most of your visit
Try the Signature Jambalaya
Reviewers highlight the jambalaya as the dish that defines Nola — order it to get a true sense of what the kitchen does best.
Explore the Small Plates
With tacos, sliders, and appetizers like baked oysters and garlic bread all drawing praise, sharing several small plates lets you cover more of the menu.
Order a Margarita Pitcher
Multiple visitors recommend the margarita pitchers for groups, describing them as "good and strong" and a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Visit Day or Night
One reviewer noted the vibe "was right for both" daytime and evening visits, so the atmosphere holds up regardless of when you arrive.
Expect a Weekend Wait
Dinner on busy nights can bring around a 30-minute wait, so factor that into your timing or be ready to enjoy the lively atmosphere while you queue.
Scan the Menu on Your Phone
The interior lighting is dim, so using your phone to read the menu — or scanning it digitally — makes ordering much easier.
More reasons to visit
There's always more to love
Mr. T's Teriyaki Skirt Steak
“I ordered the Mr. T's famous teriyaki skirt steak with garlic mash and sautéed green beans and my favorite crispy onion strings. Everything was so amazing, I told everyone as soon as I left that we'd be going there next time we ate.”
Portobello Po Boy
“the vegan impossible jambalaya and portobello po boy are outstanding.”
Chicken Pasta
“I had the chicken pasta which is extremely flavorful and seasoned perfectly.”
Avocado Toast
“Avocado Toast: Surprisingly elevated and very satisfying.”
Salmon & Cauliflower Tacos
“The salmon tacos and cauliflower tacos were also good.”
Margarita Pitchers
“Margarita pitchers are good and strong.”