Lula is an excellent dining option in the heart of Ridgewood, NJ. I was recommended this place by a colleague and was pleasantly surprised to have such a great dining experience here. First things first as I'm sure other reviewers have flagged but Lula is BYOB. We forgot that memo but luckily they partner up and recommend local wine / liquor distributors who are able and willing to swing down to the restaurant with a bottle of your favorite thing. Prices are high (on-par with what you'd expect from NYC fine dining) but the ambiance isn't stuffy and staff were kind, friendly and generally attentive. Note that the restaurant is generally loud (there is no music) so you might find yourself raising your voice to talk to your partner. The restaurant was completely busy so reservations are necessary though thankfully did not find it as competitive as NYC to get a prime-time Saturday night dinner reservation. The focaccia, a staple on Lula's menu, was excellent though I would do without the +$3 additional sardine sauce / accompaniment which I felt was unnecessary. The beef tartare was my personal favorite, light and delicious and a generous portion paired with the cream sauce and chips. We were generally satisfied by the time our entrees came out and I really enjoyed the salmon / fish dish they served along with the clams. Finishing with the Baked Alaska was also excellent (though not game-changing) and we enjoyed our time here. Would recommend a visit and think there's enough going on nearby to warrant a trip to Ridgewood, NJ regardless! read more

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Disappointing birthday dinner! We had a 7:30 reservation and were out of the restaurant by 8:30! Felt very rushed; the hostess ( not our waiter) came and took my plate without asking me if I were finished or not; I had to tell her that I was still eating my dinner! Also, they serve you popcorn to nibble on while you're waiting for your dinner? Felt like we were in a movie theater or a bar/ grill! I ordered the beef carpaccio which they serve with potatoe chips; for the price that they charge for the appertizer, you would expect better! Food was good but not great! Overall not a great experience! read more

Talk about something you hope is a good meal, and turns into a memorable one. We could not of been more pleased with our dining experience at Lula last night. The setting and the vibe right when we walked in was so inviting and warm. Even for our first time and only trying a handful of appetizers, a salad, and our entree's and 2 desserts (1 generously comped) I think it is safe to assume there is not a miss on this menu. The focaccia with the whipped ricotta and bagna cauda set the tone for an amazing meal. From our tuna tar tar, clam jam, and rose apple and kohlrabi salad to start each dish combined freshness and flavor you would expect from the combination's of components in each dish. Our mains of the roasted venison loin and elite prime coulotte steak both cooked to absolute perfection were so hearty and satisfying on a cold winters night. Our server was detail oriented and we were fortunate enough to meet and have a conversation with one of the owners whose kindness, knowledge and professionalism did not only show in our dialogue but certainly in the food. Seasonal menu, changes with the best ingredients available at that time of year.. Bottom line. GO, simply GO., as we certainly will be back soon. Cozy setting, enticing menu and BYOB (a plus always in our eyes) read more

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When you walk into Lula, it gives a relaxed, modern, and cozy vibe. We went close to opening so there were ample seats and the hostess let us choose where we wanted to sit. Since there weren't a lot of patrons there, we expected service to be a bit faster. We waited over 10 mins before someone came to take our order and even longer for our food to come out. Despite the wait time, we still enjoyed our meal. One thing that's important to note is that it's BYOB! Not too many places have that anymore. We started with the house made focaccia and we are so glad we got it. It was warm, soft, and flavorful. For appetizer we got the clam jam because we saw all the rave reviews online. I have to say this was our least favorite. This dish was too salty and the components didn't go as well together for us. For our main course we got the steak & pork chop. The portions for both were generous. The pork chop was juicy, crunchy, and flavorful. The sourness pickled onions & snow peas, brought freshness to the dish. The steak was cooked perfectly. We would definitely come back. read more

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It's a place I might visit once, but definitely not somewhere I'd want to come back to. Both the service and the food were disappointing, and it wasn't a good experience considering I paid for it myself. read more

The table spacing is nice so you're not on top of your neighbor. The food is delicious! The timing of the food coming out is superb!!!! Our server checked in after every course and was on top of water refills, which is fantastic! The restaurant has a nice clean, airy and modern feel. We will definitely come back! read more

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Dining at Lula was nothing short of magical -- everything from the first piece of bread to the final bite of dessert felt perfectly executed. We started with the house focaccia and whipped herb butter -- warm, crusty, and utterly addictive. The burrata was creamy and delicate, a perfect balance with its accompaniments. Our salads (the kale and the wedge) were bright, fresh, and thoughtfully dressed -- just enough flavor without overwhelming the palate. For mains, every dish was a standout. The gnocchi was pillowy and luxurious; the pork chop had depth and balance with its accompaniments; the Arctic char was cooked with precision; and the steak and chicken each had that satisfying, expertly seasoned flavor that makes you pause mid-bite. The care and intention behind each entrée was clear -- nothing felt heavy or overwrought, just thoughtfully prepared. To finish, the lemon meringue dessert was a dream -- light, zesty, and the perfect sweet note to end the evening. The ambiance at Lula only added to the experience: cozy, low-key, modern, and welcoming. It felt like an elevated "favorite local spot" rather than a stuffy fine-dining place. Service was warm and attentive, adding to the sense that the staff genuinely care about your meal and experience. If you're in Ridgewood and haven't been to Lula yet -- do yourself a favor and make a reservation. It's rare to find a place where everything from bread to dessert hits the mark. We will absolutely be back. read more

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Excellent small restaurant that is relatively new to the scene but already packed! BYOB. Service is very friendly and timely. Spacious inside with tables of various sizes. 1. Focaccia - The best I've had. Fluffy and warm and delicious. Would come back for this! 2. Local burrata - Spread with veggies and nuts. Delicious! Need some more bread for this. 3. Hamachi crudo - Fruity broth, fresh fish, good. 4. Chicken liver mousse - Fruity cherry flavor and smooth texture. Would like more bread for this as well. 5. Veggie ravioli - Simple, delicious with various veggies and crumble. 6. Hazelnut dessert - Lots of nuts here (no peanuts! I'm allergic) which was delicious! 7. Caramel cake - Loads of caramel flavor. Very good Overall, a great spread of food options and the menu was not too extensive still. They do have a rotating seasonal menu and I would come back for more! read more

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People often ask my favorite places in NJ and my answer is one word - none. Dining here didn't change it. Bergen County in particular. The ultra superlatives used here by staff is a bit cloying. "Thoughtfully prepared salad", "absolutely expertly executed searing" etc But that's the basics of this place. Image over substance. Make it sound good and people will believe. it. Food here wasn't bad by any means. It was ok. By just ok. Nothing remotely impressive - except for the prices. For the price of a two way train ticket to the City you can do far far better. read more

Good food with amazing staff. Sat outside in the beautiful weather enjoying our food with no rush. They offered to make my toddler butter pasta while my wife and I enjoyed our dinner. Very interesting menu, a little bit of everything. Will come back and try the rest of the menu. read more

We weren't impressed with the restaurant for a $100 plus and table doesn't have tablecloth that was odd to me in my opinion, small cup of popcorn as starter not my thing. Food was okay but nothing spectacular. Service okay but not a big deal. read more

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Ambiance 10/10 beautiful restaurant that felt more like a romantic NYC spot than Ridgewood. Service was good. Coat check service was offered that was very convenient, as we sat at their bar top table. Food took a while to come out but service was fine overall. When the Food arrived it just ok. Presentation of the food was great but food itself was eh. Felt overpriced for what it was. Byob restaurant. read more

First and foremost, the Hostess and staff were amazing! There was a mixup with our reservation and they were so apologetic, professional and quick to fix the situation. They were incredibly accommodating. Ambiance is really beautiful and intimate. Service was top notch. Food was really delicious, very flavorful, and unique! Appetizer portions are on the smaller side so definitely order a few for the table to share. Entrees were delicious and fresh. Truly enjoyed this meal and experience and can't wait to go back! read more

Lula - New American Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

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Dined there on a Fri evening Jan 9th for our 4yr wedding anniversary. So glad we did.. the experience was superb. Incredible food some of the best we've ever had (I'll be saying this a lot and we eat out quite a bit so this is impressive lol)... presentation and flavor really stand out. BYOB a plus. Generous portion sizes, very friendly and attentive staff, unique modern upscale intimate ambience, very clean restaurant, great use of space with well thought out seating arrangements. DO NOT skip out on the focaccia with bagna cauda... something so simple really stands out (the best we've ever had). Ordered multiple entrees each one was a hit. I believe they have a rotating seasonal menu but if you see the chocolate mousse with pralines it is a MUST. BEST WE'VE EVER HAD. Restaurant very easy to find and felt very comfortable inside even on a colder winter night. Owner/chef phenomenal work with this establishment. We personally met him during our dining experience, very likable down to earth human you can really tell they care about every single guest experience from beginning to end. Instantly one of our favorite spots in northern nj. Make a reservation ahead of time. My wife and I will be visiting again read more

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A fantastic restaurant. A quiet space where you can hear yourself talking! A rare find. The food is absolutely delicious. The chef owner is very personable and interacts with diners. Don't miss the chef's focaccia. Super read more

Started with the Foccacia and the wedge salad. My wife tried the steak. I tried the Salmon. The food was very tasty. We will be back The service was a lil slow. Byob. Very loud place acoustics are not great. You can hear every table next to you which can be distracting. read more

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Lula is an excellent new addition to Ridgewood. Unlike other restaurants in town, Lula feels like Manhattan-level dining in terms of food, service, and atmosphere. The crudo was wonderfully light with a pleasant earthy note. I loved my pasta, and my girlfriend's steak was great. I'd highly recommend for a date night or intimate catch-up. I hope this is the start of a new wave of truly find and inventive restaurants in Ridgewood. The town could use it to keep up with Montclair. read more

Hidden little gem in town. It felt like I was eating in France or Italy. From start to finish we enjoyed every bite. BYOB of course. Can't wait to go back and try more of the menu. read more

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1st...THANK YOU Conor! Thank you for restoring our once defunct faith in Ridgewood restaurants. We enjoyed a meal executed with balance, flavor, and thought. The Kale salad had great texture contrast with the bread crumbs and the sweet grapes balanced the bitter kale! The clam jam was not fancy just DELICIOUS!! Well constructed and executed. I wanted to take the broth home (maybe a little heavy in the alcohol). We didn't take any pictures of our entrees because they were so good and we were so hungry. The Swordfish was expertly cooked fish. I was very skeptical but it shined (moist and tender.....sorry.... weird words I know). There was brightness from the citrus and slight black licorice/anise flavor that paired so well. My wife's steak was not just cooked correctly but seasoned well (not a small or insignificant task)! We loved the sunchoke chips! Overall......well done. Not cheap but by no means outrageous. And the good news.....WORTH the money spent! Will definitely be back. read more

Lula - Clam Jam - New American Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

Excellent food and service. A bit pricey but that's part of the Ridgewood milieu. We shared a few appetizers to start and shared a pasta with lobster which was first class. We sat outside because it tends to get a little noisy inside and the weather was still nice. BYOB and I can't wait to go back and try some more food. read more

I visited Lula with a friend as an early birthday celebration and the food, staff and ambiance did not disappoint. We started with the Lula Focaccia & Clam Jam and I dare you to name a better duo. I'm still dreaming of the sauce from the clams (chefs kiss). For dinner we shared the Ricotta Agnolotti & Pork Chop Milanese and enjoyed every bite! Needless to say, adding Lula's as a go to for future celebrations read more

Lula - Ricotta Agnolotti & Pork Chop Milanese - New American Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

The food here was so good! We started with the focaccia and the mussels served in a buttery white wine. Both were great. I had the pork chop Milanese, which was very good! My husband had the chicken dish, and that was great as well. One downside: the noise level was pretty high, which made it hard to have a conversations. The decor also felt a little plain and didn't really match how good the food was. Wish I remembered to take pics. Overall, we had a great time and would definitely come back--maybe on a slower night. read more

Went here with two of friends at 9pm. It was packed but sat right away. We were starving so ordered lots of food- four appetizers, each had a meal, and two desserts. We started with the focaccia bread, burrata, and mushroom. All delicious! I was especially impressed with the mushroom. We also had the wedge salad which came with two slabs of thick crunchy bacon. Yum! For dinner my friends both ordered the steak which came perfectly cooked and sliced. I had the chicken with smashed crispy potatoes. Loved the buttery sauce. We finished with a chocolate mousse and the apple dessert- wow! This is definitely a restaurant I'm looking forward to going back to. It was loud so if you're looking for a quiet spot go another time. read more

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BYOB and street parking. Good food. Great staff. Busy so make a reservation. Perfect for a group or date night.

Food is delish and fresh - highly recommend it The pernil and beans are very tasty. The food is served right in front of you. read more

Recently had dinner with my wife and was pleasantly surprised by the food and service at this recently opened location. We ordered the following: - Focaccia - very fluffy but not evenly oiled. Personally I enjoyed it with the whipped butter - Grilled Octopus - It was decent but not the best octopus I've had - Endive Salad - I'm not big on salad but would recommend this one - Pappardelle - Pretty good imo - Steak - I'd recommend this entree and would get it again. It comes with the mashed potatoes but definitely need to order extra greens. We'll definitely return and can't wait to try the half chicken. read more

Lula - Elite Prime Coulotte Steak with Pomme Puree, Crispy Sunchoke Chips & Black Garlic Jus - New American Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

What to say? As one that has given many more critical reviews than full of praise, I find that I am at a loss! 15 out of 10! Everything, from top to bottom was exquisite. This is what all restaurants should aspire to. To set the stage.... Last minute, searching for a good BYO to avoid the ever-present "Where do you wanna go?" conversation. Thinking we give this place "Lula" a call. Ridgewood often is the barrier because we're not looking to spend a mortgage payment on a quiet Friday evening dinner for 2. Menu looked inspiring and very reasonable, at first glance. So I rushed to the phone to call and spoke with a lovely and accommodating young lady, whom we later discover to be named Ava. She was welcoming and made a last minute spot for us at a "high top". We arrive, with BYO in hand, to find a very tastefully decorated, and warmly inviting space that was well populated with smiling and conversing guests. No rushing, no hurried employees back and forth, basically a well-oiled machine. The staff was equally inviting, meeting Ava at the entrance, she showed us to, what I would consider the best table in the house. A quaint spot along the wall near the entrance to the kitchen. It was a PERFECT spot to enjoy everything that was about to unfold. We were greeted by our server, Anna, who was as lovely. She took the time to answer all of our questions. We took some more time to enjoy a drink and NEVER once felt rushed. The place was a delight, these really are pros. All of the floor staff were attentive and unassuming as they paid close attention to the operation. As we were seated by the entrance to the kitchen, we quickly found out that this was a "feature" of our experience and not a "bug". As people entered through the curtained entrance, you could hear little ques of the happenings. We decided to order the "Lula House Focaccia" with the whipped butter and the "Clam Jam", with the "Wedge Salad" as a second course, more on those later. Moments later, we were presented with an elegant and delightful amuse-bouche of chilled cucumber with a sesame and ponzu infused viniagrette. We could tell we were in for a treat. I could not get enough, so I asked for more! A few minutes later, a dish with three large pieces of fluffy and warm Focaccia were delivered, side-car'd by an ample amount of whipped herd butter that was the perfect temperature to spread. The crispy top and perfectly airy center were a great balance of texture and taste with the butter. The "Clam Jam" came along and when I looked at it, I could immediately observe that the Chef, Conor Browne, KNOWS FOOD!! This dish was absolutely incredible. The clams, felt like almost a dozen, were cooked to perfection, perfectly tender and teeming with natural liquor that enhanced the broth. Texture balance in this dish is at another level, with the toasted crumbs and the bites of house sausage packed in the shells. The depth of flavor was another highpoint of this dish. Tender garlic and hints of lemon, fennel and fresh herbs complimented to tangy broth and the Calabrian Chili offered a slight spicy sparkle. I was glad my wife left me a piece of the Focaccia to back me up after I devoured the toasted wedge presented with the dish. I need more to soak up the broth, there was not a drop left. Not embarrassed to write that I humbly asked for a spoon or even a straw to enjoy what was left! As we were getting into the appetizers, we observed a humble young man exit the kitchen and seek direction from one of the folks on the floor. It had to be Chef Conor Browne. I've worked in more than a few places, and when the Chef comes out to greet the diners, it shows that he is proud of his food, cares about what he's providing and it is a real treat! I immediately decided to bend his ear as he walked back to the kitchen. He was extremely kind and we offered our well-deserved compliments for what we had enjoyed so far. We asked a bit about the food and recommendations for out main course. As he spoke about the food, I observed how inspired and proud he is about what he's presenting. The menu rotates based on seasonality and availability of ingredients. You absolutely can tell the difference in quality when you're getting fresh. This guy is a PRO! We decided on the Steelhead Salmon and the Ricotta Agnolotti. The evening continued to be impressive as the Wedge Salad arrived. The slab bacon was aromatic, warm and pleasantly crispy. Fennel fronds and delicately pickled onions balanced so well with the tang of the bleu cheese and buttermilk. A bit more about the service, 5 STAR! Plates removed by everyone, total team effort. Tables cleared and wiped between courses without any interruption, and utensils replaced during each course. THEY CARE! Sadly, Yelp is cutting me off, not to worry, continued on a Google Review! My only fear is that we won't be able to get a table soon!! Conor, Ava, Anna,Kara, and all at Lula, WELL DONE! read more

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We visited Lula on my birthday after receiving a gift card, and the entire experience was fantastic. Service was superb, and we were seated right away. The restaurant looks spectacular; they took over from Lisa's Mediterranean Grill and have done a phenomenal job with the space. Though my mood was initially low, the food and drinks changed my attitude completely! For the entree, the Pork Chop was out of this world and incredibly large; you will absolutely have leftovers. We started with the whipped ricotta appetizer, which was very good, although I recommend they serve a few extra pieces of bread with it. The highlight was the manager or owner bringing out a Key Lime Pie just because it was my birthday, insisting I shouldn't leave without blowing out a candle. That level of thoughtfulness was so nice and completely unexpected. I hope to see them succeed! I can't wait to come back to Lula! read more

Went there last night for dinner with 1year old and another couple. Very cute and clean place. Focaccia was fluffy and good, especially with the whipped butter. Beet salad was ok, octopus was good. The pesto pasta entree was very well done, had a good texture with a little bit of chewiness- in a good way. Steak was good and I got good feed back on the chicken too, but I didn't try it personally. They do have high chairs, crayons and coloring page. They don't have official kids menu, but they chef offered a variety of pasta options (buttered, Mac and cheese, marinara) My favorite part was the staff and other patrons. They were so friendly, our baby loves to say hi to everyone, even yelling HI!! at the tables next to us. The staff gave him waves and hellos, giving him enough attention but not too much to ramp him up. It's hard to enjoy a night out with a little one, and this place made it so easy. read more

We enjoyed a sensational dinner at Lula. It was our first, but definitely not last, time. Everything was so flavorful, with so much depth. The service was exemplary. We enjoyed Elite Prime Coulotte steak with Pomme Puree, Crispy Sunchoke Chips & Black Garlic Jus; Clam Jam- Beer-Braised Littlenecks, Calabrian Chili, House Sausage, Espelette Butter, Focaccia; Atlantic Cod & Cockles - Grilled Red Pepper Romesco, Marcona Almonds, Scallions, Lemon; Serrano Jamon & Sicilian Summer Melon - Marcona Almonds, Basil, Espelette, Nasturtium; Hamachi Crudo - Charred Pineapple Broth, Avocado, Basil, Long Hot Pepper, Vidalia Onion. We enjoyed a pickled cucumber amuse bouche. We took home a fluffy, light as a feather lemon meringue for dessert. read more

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Culinary delight in our backyard. Delicious, high quality food. The service was on point and timely. The ambiance was light and uplifting. We had the steak, pork chops and the Atlantic cod. Each dish uniquely presented with deliciously paired sides. Steak was perfectly made medium. The pork chops, beat we have ever eaten and the Atlantic cod tender and flakey. Came across this restaurant on Yelp and excited that I tried it out. Ended our lovely night with all three desserts, chocolate mouse, lemon meringue and cherry tart. A totall win. read more

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Great food service and ambience!! Much needed in the area. West village vibes with nyc quality food. Highly reco. We loved everything we ate

Very good and delicious restaurant I would definitely go again for best in class farm to table and elegant vibes

Food was amazing and we will definitely go back- hopefully they switch up the menu to a few more seasonal dishes. Service was good but not the best. The food is so elevated, the service should really match it. We were a party of four and the food never came out for all. Someone was always waiting (for more than a couple of minutes) for their dish and that definitely can kill a vibe. The ricotta gnocchi bolognese was phenomenal but it came out a bit on the cool side. But honestly the food was all killer, definitely get the focaccia with whipped butter. I'll definitely be back! read more

New Place in Ridgewood. First time of many - after being only open about 45 days. The service is already at high level. Not so easy to do. The food was prepared perfectly. Menu a tad limited, assume as chef sees what works and what does not. Three had the steak entree all came out delicious. The fourth person had the salmon. We both had the wedge salad and shared the mushroom appetizer. Give this place a chance... you will not be disappointed. Only see it getting better as it gets it footing read more

Amazing food, friendly service, and a great atmosphere. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Can't wait to come back! read more

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This restaurant was so lackluster and just honestly underwhelming. The food was okay, but the service was really horrible. Our waiter was essentially missing throughout the meal. One member of our party swapped zucchini for potatoes with the roasted chicken. They served everyone's entrees, including the chicken with potatoes on the plate, then proceeded to bring out two giant plates of zucchini 15 minutes later. The ambience was just overall awkward. Not rushing back read more

Really impressed with the food, everything we ordered was amazing. This chef is legit! Each dish has its own special something that you can't put your finger on. I look forward to returning, to try more dishes and to dine inside (we sat outside, it was a nice night). Our server didn't just tell us his "favorite" dishes, he listed to what we were interested in and lead us to what he felt was the best pairing. Shout out to Mahmoud, well done! read more

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Five stars for the female hostess along with she was incredible. Our male waiter was also very nice and patient. Spot is super cute and cozy. Very pretty inside. Food was delicious! Everything we ate was *chef's kiss*. read more

Excellent! Delish and very nice room. Service was excellent as well food was great. !!