Lolita's Homemade Tapas
Bournemouth, Dorset, UK
She Said:
Lolita's will always hold a special place in my heart. Perhaps it's because it was the first place Brett and I ate the night i moved to my new life in Bournemouth, this strange new land of unknown possibilities.
Perhaps it was the instant connection we felt with the eccentrically fabulous host, Lucia. Or perhaps it was the fabulous food and wine, of which there is no shortage of here.
Dizzy and delusional with Jet Lag, the night Brett took me here feels almost dream-like. But i think that's just the feeling you get while here.
We went by around 6.30 on a Tuesday, but the windows were dark and the door was locked. I was gutted. Brett had visited Bournemouth several times prior to our moving here for work, and always came to Lolita's. He couldn't wait for me to try it, just knowing much I would instantly fall in love with this restaurant - it was right up my alley.
So, as you can imagine, I was devastated that it was closed. We walked through town and were turned down at a few restaurants for not having reservations.
Defeated and starving, we decided to head back home and order pizza. On our way home, we passed Lolita's again, and it was OPEN! We were thrilled. Turns out they don't open until 7. We were still stuck in our American Early Bird Special dinner time. Oops.
We walked in, and were immediately greeted with open arms and unfaltering energy by the restaurants' host/namesake/vixen, Lucia (but we call her Lolita, per her request!). The best thing about Lolita's is you feel as though you belong there, thanks to the attention that Lucia/Lolita gives you. It's not something you can explain - you just have to go and see for yourself! The energy this woman has is unbeatable. Infectious. Fabulous.
Since then, every time i've been back, it's no different. We are made to feel as though we are the most special people in the world. The walls are painted bright passionate red. Photographs and art (mostly Dali) adorn the walls and there isn't a space in this place that isn't covered in something bright, sexy, and Spanish.
Since that first fateful night, we've been back countless times. It's the perfect Date Night spot, the perfect venue for a birthday or celebration, or just to sit with friends and sip on the sangria. The ambiance and energy of the place is unforgettable.
Second only to the atmosphere and ambiance that Lucia/Lolita creates for us, is the food. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE.
Their menu consists of an assortment of tapas - from large to small - all reasonably priced between £3 and £10. I suggest 3-4 tapas per person makes a good, well-rounded meal. If you're hungry.
But we always start with about 2 each and just keep ordering, as we see amazing dishes leave the kitchen, grabbing one of the fabulously Spanish waitresses and yelling, "WHAT IS THAT?! WE WANT THAT!!!"
The first few times we came here, too, Lucia/Lolita convinced us to order a completely different combination than we asked for - but it's always nice to get suggestions from her on what is fresh and special that night, so we sit back and enjoy her suggestions with an open mind (if you are the type who likes order and control, this is not the place for you!).
To me, this restaurant is just perfect. Ambiance, service, price, FOOD, drinks, fun.
While it won't be the most romantic place you can take your lady in Bournemouth, it certainly has the most character - and for me, that's a winner every time.
xo,
B&M
Perhaps it was the instant connection we felt with the eccentrically fabulous host, Lucia. Or perhaps it was the fabulous food and wine, of which there is no shortage of here.
Dizzy and delusional with Jet Lag, the night Brett took me here feels almost dream-like. But i think that's just the feeling you get while here.
We went by around 6.30 on a Tuesday, but the windows were dark and the door was locked. I was gutted. Brett had visited Bournemouth several times prior to our moving here for work, and always came to Lolita's. He couldn't wait for me to try it, just knowing much I would instantly fall in love with this restaurant - it was right up my alley.
Defeated and starving, we decided to head back home and order pizza. On our way home, we passed Lolita's again, and it was OPEN! We were thrilled. Turns out they don't open until 7. We were still stuck in our American Early Bird Special dinner time. Oops.
 |
| American and Australian "regulars" |
Since then, every time i've been back, it's no different. We are made to feel as though we are the most special people in the world. The walls are painted bright passionate red. Photographs and art (mostly Dali) adorn the walls and there isn't a space in this place that isn't covered in something bright, sexy, and Spanish.
 |
| The Food - Amazing! |
Second only to the atmosphere and ambiance that Lucia/Lolita creates for us, is the food. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE.
Their menu consists of an assortment of tapas - from large to small - all reasonably priced between £3 and £10. I suggest 3-4 tapas per person makes a good, well-rounded meal. If you're hungry.
But we always start with about 2 each and just keep ordering, as we see amazing dishes leave the kitchen, grabbing one of the fabulously Spanish waitresses and yelling, "WHAT IS THAT?! WE WANT THAT!!!"
 |
| Chocolate Fondue for Dessert! |
To me, this restaurant is just perfect. Ambiance, service, price, FOOD, drinks, fun.
While it won't be the most romantic place you can take your lady in Bournemouth, it certainly has the most character - and for me, that's a winner every time.
xo,
B&M
Lolita's Homemade Tapas
95 Commercial Road (in the Triangle)
Bournemouth, United Kingdom BH25RT
phone: 07588065360
lolitasrestaurant@gmail.com
Hours: (call for updated hours, but closed Sunday unless party of 15 or more)
Street Parking, or in garage behind Library
Accepts Credit Cards (but prefer cash)
Good for: Romance, Birthdays, Leaving do's, Stag/Hen's nights, ANYTIME!
95 Commercial Road (in the Triangle)
Bournemouth, United Kingdom BH25RT
phone: 07588065360
lolitasrestaurant@gmail.com
Hours: (call for updated hours, but closed Sunday unless party of 15 or more)
Street Parking, or in garage behind Library
Accepts Credit Cards (but prefer cash)
Good for: Romance, Birthdays, Leaving do's, Stag/Hen's nights, ANYTIME!
