The Glutton’s Guide: A Journey Through Levantine Cuisine at Lola

Share it :
Lola

The Glutton’s Guide Visits Lola

In the heart of Great Neck, Lola invites diners to experience the cradle of civilization through a culinary lens, combining history and innovation with every plate. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Lenny Messina, Lola proudly celebrates the rich traditions of Levantine cuisine—or as they like to call it, “eclectic Mediterranean.”

Drawing inspiration from the flavors of modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and beyond, every dish at Lola tells a story of cultural exchange and evolution spanning thousands of years.

This past week, alongside fellow food enthusiasts from The Dead Chef’s Society, Lola hosted the 33rd dinner in our monthly series celebrating the diverse flavors and culinary artistry available on Long Island. The evening showcased why Lola is not just a dining destination but a portal to the ancient and complex world of Levantine cuisine.

Levantine Roots, Modern Innovation

Levantine cuisine is among the oldest in the world, rooted in the fertile crescent where agriculture began over 10,000 years ago. The staples of wheat, barley, lentils, chickpeas, and olives have sustained humanity for millennia.

Ancient trade routes brought spices like sumac, pomegranate, and citrus from Persia and Mesopotamia, while the Greeks and Romans introduced techniques like roasting and baking and an emphasis on fish and meats. Later, Moorish invaders brought cinnamon and cardamom, and the Ottomans contributed yogurt and coffee, shaping the cuisine we know today.

It’s this incredible melting pot of flavors that defines the Levant, where iconic dishes like hummus, falafel, and shawarma transcend borders and reflect a shared culinary heritage. At Lola, Chef Messina takes these traditions and elevates them with bold creativity, turning the familiar into the extraordinary.

The Menu: An Inspired Feast

The evening began with appetizers that honored tradition while embracing innovation. The Roasted Eggplant Baladi masterfully combined creamy tahini, sweet pomegranate, and toasted pine nuts, balancing earthiness with brightness. The Traditional Hummus, transformed with garam-fried chicken and date salsa verde, redefined what hummus could be—a dish so rich in texture and flavor it became an instant favorite.

For the main courses, the Pomegranate Molasses Braised Lamb Shoulder emerged as the star. Tender and falling off the bone, it was perfectly complemented by za’atar chickpeas, sumac onions, and honeynut squash—a dish that embodies ancient flavors presented with modern refinement.

Lola
Pomegranate Molasses Braised Lamb Shoulder

The Dry-Aged Hudson Valley Duck Duo, paired with burnt onion and a luscious creamed walnut sauce, showcased Chef Messina’s skill in balancing bold flavors with delicate textures.

Lola
Dry Aged Hudson Valley Duck Duo

Other highlights included the Grilled Branzino, served with parsnip skordalia and butter-roasted almonds, and the Hudson Valley Roasted Chicken, featuring cipollini onion agrodolce and black truffle pommes purée.

Lola
Hudson Valley Roasted Chicken

Each plate demonstrated an unparalleled attention to detail, with flavors that were comforting, exciting, and unforgettable.

Visual Splendor and Thoughtful Details at Lola

Chef Messina’s artistry extended beyond the palate to the visual presentation of each dish. The Fattoush Salad, with its vibrant greens, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, creamy Bulgarian feta, and crisp za’atar pita croutons, wasn’t just a salad—it was a masterpiece. It was, in fact, one of the best salads this glutton has ever encountered, a perfect harmony of freshness and texture that left a lasting impression.

Lola
The Fattoush Salad

The Sweet Finale

No meal at Lola is complete without dessert, and the finale did not disappoint. The Halva Parfait, featuring date honey, toasted almonds, and shredded halva, was a dream of creamy sweetness with a satisfying crunch.

The Olive Oil Cake, paired with saffron-poached apricots and frozen labneh, offered a sophisticated yet comforting conclusion, balancing light and rich flavors perfectly.

Lola
Dessert is a MUST at Lola

The Verdict

Lola isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a culinary journey through time and place. By blending the ancient traditions of Levantine cuisine with bold, modern techniques, Chef Lenny Messina has created a dining experience that is as educational as it is delicious. Whether you’re savoring classics or exploring inventive dishes, Lola offers something truly special: a celebration of culture, history, and flavor that lingers in your mind long after the meal is over.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pro Tip: Pair your meal with a carefully selected glass of wine, and bring an appetite—you’ll want to try everything on this thoughtfully curated menu.

For more Food Reviews by The Glutton’s Guide, click HERE!

Subscribe To Our Free Newsletter!
We'll send you the best of Going Local Long Island right to your inbox, twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Be in the know and ready to Go Long Island!
Skip to content