Front: LA Cajun Caviar. Market Potato Salad. Crème Fraiche. Parsley. Oil

Boudin Tamale. Roasted Tomatillo. Red Chile Sauce. Roasted Louisiana Oysters. Marrow. Hogs Head. Salsa Verde.

Steamed Mussels. Coconut Milk. Lime. Cilantro.

Point Judith Calamari. White Bean Purée. Lemon. Cerignola Olive.

Yellowfin Tuna Wraps.  Jalapeño. Crunchy Noodles. Citrus.

Candied Pork Ribs. Five Spice.

Upside-Down Cornbread. Pineapple. House Bacon Marmalade.

Although we set a reservation, there was a bit of a wait. Meril’s is HOT and NEW so that was to be expected. Once you’re seated, you’re good to go! Noise level is a bit high and echo-ey so if you’re looking for a quiet romantic dinner, this may not be the restaurant for you. As for the menu, every bite leaves you wanting more (in a good way!). I’m not going to lie, there were a few dishes I really wish I had all to myself.

My friends and I really enjoyed the Steamed Mussels, Caviar, Tuna wraps, and the Spiced Short Ribs. Of all the dishes we ordered these were the table favorites! When there’s that many favorites among so many people, you know it’s good! Sharing the dishes with a table of 7 was such a tease…

What to LOVE: Small plates! My personal fave was the Caviar, but the other dishes were almost just as good. Amazing job in the Meril’s kitchen!

What NOT to love: We had to wait 20-30 minutes even though we set a reservation. Noise level. It’s not rowdy but it was pretty difficult to hold steady conversations without hearing “Excuse me? What did you say?!”.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 spoons

Food: 5/5 spoons

Service: 4/5

View from my seat..

Table with a view! 

Casual dining at its best!

Enough pictures of the restaurant..let’s get to the food! When “the chef” and I looked at the menu, many of the appetizers stood out to us much more than the actual entrees so we created our very own tasting menu…

Complimentary Ciabatta bread and Cornbread. 

Miss Hay’s Stuffed Chicken Wings. Homemade Hoisin Dipping Sauce. 

LOVED this dish…I’m typically not a fan of “fusion” types of food, but here, American + Asian = DIVINE! The authentic Vietnamese egg roll stuffing inside a juicy deep fried chicken wing was interesting and leaves you wanting more…

Duck Confit and Fried Egg Pizza. Parmesan Cheese. Truffle Oil. Baby Arugula.

Although it appears large, it’s light and savory…

Aged Allen Benton’s Country Ham Salad. Moonshine Spiked Watermelon. Arugula. Feta Cheese. Citrus-Herb Vinaigrette. 

Gumbo of the Day: Cochon and Andouille Gumbo.

New Orleans Style Crab Cake. Spicy Corn Relish. Crystal-Butter Sauce. 

Good but not my favorite. The corn relish balanced the heavily seasoned crab cake and gave it a refreshing kick with the Crystal-Butter sauce. 

Crispy Smoked Duck and Mushroom Boudin Balls. Tomato-Bacon Jam. Creole Mustard. 

NOLA Banana Pudding Layer Cake. Graham Cracker Crust. Vanilla Wafers. Fudge Sauce. 

One thing I’ve learned is when you’re craving a good ol’ homemade banana pudding, you won’t get it at these upper echelon restaurants…but what you will get is an overly decadent yet still so delicious version. Not too far from the original homemade kind…fresh slices of banana, light pudding cream, graham cracker crust…loved it! 

Great experience at NOLA in Nola! Great service. Cool and casual vibe. Great place for a laid back night but very good food. Props to Mr. Emeril Lagasse!