Lola Taberna Española is my new favourite Spanish tapas bar in Dubai. Located where Joey Ghazal’s Barbary Deli & Cocktail Club used to be at the TRYP by Wyndham, Lola’s interior is every bit the Spanish taverna – unpretentious, inviting, kick your shoes off under the table comfortable and déjà vu familiar. The restaurant takes its name and inspiration from Lola Flores, the flamenco icon from Andalusia. Fans of El Sur at The Westin will feel right at home here as many of the managers and staff from the Mina Seyahi venue have migrated to Lola, including their charismatic manager, Lloy Rubio.
Interior 
The outdoor dining area is almost unusable till the fall 
Interior 
Two of the kitchen staff….roasting peppers… 
Estrella Galicia would have been better but Estrella Damm is good too 
Interior
Spanish Chef Daniel Delgado has prepared a menu encompassing the best of Spain, a culinary homage of sorts, which includes traditional favourites such as patatas bravas from Madrid to the most amazing Valencian paella, to the crumbly Manchego cheese from the county’s central region and gambas al pil pil (prawns), arroz caldoso de bogavante (lobster rice) and that deliriously delicious Agnei Iberian lamb which I had on my first visit to Lola. In addition to all this, their selection of Spanish charcuterie (and wines) are second to none. Of course, Estrella Damm is also on tap. All these are amalgamated into their fantastic, must try Friday lunch package. But don’t wait for Friday, Lola is amazing every day. Happy hour is ridiculous. The tapas amazing and the music…Latino. What more do you want?
Spanish charcuterie 
The BEST paella in Dubai 
Spanish omelette 
Agnei Iberian lamb 
Carpaccio 
Pan con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Toast)
Delicious food, amazing vibe and that warm and friendly Spanish hospitality make this brilliant taverna worth a detour.
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Xerxes (pronounced Zûrk’seez) physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join his culinary journey on Instagram: @ravenousxerxes or reach out to him via email on xerxes@dellara.com.