Nola Jazz Restaurant, York - Foodinburgh and Beyond

We are blessed with some amazing restaurants in Edinburgh, but to our knowledge there’s nothing like Nola, a jazz restaurant in York.

We were wandering the streets of York and on our way back to our hotel (Malmaison) spotted a restaurant on the corner. The menu of small plates looked enticing. We checked it out online and discovered it was a jazz restaurant with live music on a Tuesday and Sunday. It just so happened to be a Tuesday and we managed to bag ourselves one of the last tables – downstairs which is where the music is.

I’ve been to New Orleans and played the cornet myself and this is literally my dream place. Classy authentic surroundings with a very distinct jazz bar vibe. The New Orleans theme extends to the cocktail menu with the famous **Sazerac**, the first ever cocktail made with **Peychaud’s Bitters**. These bright orange coloured ‘medicinal’ drinks were served in many a chemist’s basement. These illicit establishments became the speakeasies of the Prohibition era. The menu also features the world famous New Orleans **Hurricane**. I wish I’d tried one now but instead went for the **English Garden** with gin and elderflower, it was delicious and a definite order again, albeit I’ll follow it up with a Sazerac or Hurricane next time.

cocktails york — I’ve been to New Orleans and played the cornet myself and this is literally my dream place. Classy authentic surroundings with a very distinct jazz bar vibe. The New Orleans theme extends to the cocktail menu with the famous **Sazerac**, the first ever cocktail made with **Peychaud’s Bitters**. These bright orange coloured ‘medicinal’ drinks were served in many a chemist’s basement. These illicit establishments became the speakeasies of the Prohibition era. The menu also features the world famous New Orleans **Hurricane**. I wish I’d tried one now but instead went for the **English Garden** with gin and elderflower, it was delicious and a definite order again, albeit I’ll follow it up with a Sazerac or Hurricane next time.

The jazz band were excellent and played many familiar tunes, King of the Road, James Bond etc in a jazz style which were crowd pleasers. The audience was definitely made up of some regulars, and I can see why, if I lived in York I’d be there at least twice of month! There’s something very enjoyable about good food and live music together.

The menu is easy eating with a variety of small plates separated into Meat, Seafood, Vegetarian etc. We had the **Scallops with Black Pudding and Pea Puree**, a classic combination which was executed well, and by that I mean the scallop was properly caramelised, how we all like them I think? The **Garlic and Chilli Prawns were huge** and the sauce was thick enough to coat the prawns and offered a decent kick. We also ordered the **Lamb Kofta** and **Beef Medallions** from the meat section. Again, both dishes were faultless. The beef dish felt particularly generous, we had what felt like a whole fillet for £12.95. We love enjoying steak in these smaller/sharing plates now, it should really be eaten as a treat.

small plates Nola — The menu is easy eating with a variety of small plates separated into Meat, Seafood, Vegetarian etc. We had the **Scallops with Black Pudding and Pea Puree**, a classic combination which was executed well, and by that I mean the scallop was properly caramelised, how we all like them I think? The **Garlic and Chilli Prawns were huge** and the sauce was thick enough to coat the prawns and offered a decent kick. We also ordered the **Lamb Kofta** and **Beef Medallions** from the meat section. Again, both dishes were faultless. The beef dish felt particularly generous, we had what felt like a whole fillet for £12.95. We love enjoying steak in these smaller/sharing plates now, it should really be eaten as a treat.

We had a fantastic evening at Nola, one of the most enjoyable restaurant experiences I’ve had. Definitely go on a Tuesday or Sunday when the band are playing!

Find out more about Nola