SUMMARY: The service at Lala Lu was above and beyond. I’ve been trying to find an excuse to come here since they opened since their Instagram posts are outstanding! We went on a quiet night for our anniversary and they couldn’t have been more attentive and timely. You’ll see in my review that the food was not up to par, but DO VISIT THIS PLACE FOR GOOD VIBES, DRINKS AND SERVICE!! They have a whole separate martini menu and a fabulous selection of wines by the glass and bottle. It is an a very odd spot in between a Ruby Tuesday’s and Courtyard by Marriott.I hope to come back for drinks even though it is out of the way, but not for food.Unfortunately, the food was not good especially for the price. The pasta was handmade (nice touch!) but very very undercooked, and I love Al dente pasta, but you can tell that this pasta was cooked for maybe 2-3 minutes max. Which was a shame because the pasta sauces were SO GOOD!! I LOVED the arrabbiata and they made a beautiful traditional basil pesto.Then I had the ribeye and asked for it medium-rare. *sigh* It was well-done and I could taste the ashes from the grill they used (not the good kind of char). I felt so so bad sending it back, but our waitress was very kind about it. When I received a new plate, it came back very rare and unseasoned. Fortunately that did taste better even though it wasn’t what I asked for. So I was content with that since the turn around was quick!! Then my partner got the veal chop, good but nothing special unfortunately. Then he also got a cappuccino and it was.. meh. It was all disappointing considering Lala Lu is advertised as an Italian restaurant with primi secondi plates and the quality was well below average. I do love the smaller portion sizes, but not worth the price. I hope that I just visited on an off night since it wasn’t a weekend night, but I’m not sure I’m willing to try the food again.
Gus McElwain
We were sat down instantly, which lead to quite a few minutes of wait on the server coming over. We put our orders in and drinks and everything came out and was amazing the presentation on the food was spectacular, the food also tasted amazing. When it came time to getting the bill we waited for more than 20 minutes to get it with nothing on our table.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Katherine Brown
Food was amazing and I would totally get it again but the service was awful. We waited forever to order on a dead Tuesday night and then waited close to 30 minutes after our plates were taken to get our check.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Joseph D'Agostino
Desserts were pretty gross but the dinner portion is amazing. It has a very imaginative dinner menu and the presentation is what your paying for.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Nicole Power
Went here for our 17th anniversary, and it was beautiful! The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. There was a live performer who sounded amazing! Food and atmosphere was a 10/10 would absolutely recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tusd24
The ambience was really cool, and I appreciated the craftsmanship of the plating of the dishes. But my friend ordered the Bootylicious drink for the soul purpose of having it in the butt cup, and they told us after they brought her drink in a regular cup that there were too many butt cups on the floor. She didn't even drink her drink. She only wanted it for a photo opportunity and they still charged us the full price of $13 even though it was not in the cup it said it would be in.
KatieN
We had a good time tonight - I'd say it was a 7/10. Love the ambiance here and the overall vibe here. There was live music which was great! We went for the unlimited fries and $6 martinis but never got offered more fries. Also, I noticed other tables had water bottles to refill their water glasses on our own, we did not and had to ask for more water multiple times. So, overall OK.
L B
The food and atmosphere was amazing. However the service was terrible. We were made to seem like a bother and any time we needed something we would get an eye roll, he never gave us a chance to ask for anything before running off again. Would definetly go back if I knew it was not going to be the same guy waiting on us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
BrittE
I have been several times, I brought a friend from out of town for his birthday. I was dissapointed. There was no birthday mention, previously we would get a sparkler or a little surprise. We were not offered dessert or to even see a menu or options. The waitress brought the bill sort of abruptly. Which was ok as we were full but it would have been nice to bring something home. There was no soap in the ladies room. I told the host. He allowed me to go Into the men's room. I used the restroom before leaving and still no soap. I would have thought after almost two hours someone would have filled it or made it right. Lastly, we shared a salad...with food still in the plate the waitress took it away. I did notice the table next to us was read off all the desserts.
Sean Werner
This is a very fun, unique atmosphere for groups of people to have a good experience. The building is very cool on the inside with moving pictures, artsy paintings, and plenty of spots for instagrammable photos. There is a plethora of flaming, smoking, and gimmicky drinks that make for a fun-time. This does result in quite a raucous crowd, which isn't such a bad thing. It just might not be the location for a quiet date night.It's definitely fun and pretty affordable (We spent $120 for three people) for group celebrations like birthdays, bachelorettes, etc. The food is fine: another quality red sauce Italian restaurant. I did enjoy the warm bread that comes to the table as you sit down. My main complaint was some of the "over the top" features that were to define this place, such as light up menus or tableside pulled mozzarella and caccio pepe were unavailable due to staffing issues. If you are going to be "over the top" you have to make sure you are all in. It's still definitely worth going back.
Fun spot with tasty food selections. Celeste was one of the best servers I've had in CNY!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Addy W
Lala Lu is a wonderful option to eat in Syracuse if you’re looking for something fancy. I would have really loved to give Lala Lu five stars, however, the menu was a bit pricey for a little above average food. For the price of food, I would have expected bursts of flavor in every bite, leaving me wanting for more and completely satisfied upon exiting the door. Though, I left with feelings of guilt for spending as much as I did. With that being said, the restaurant is very cool with ceiling projections, a glowing orb at each table, and light up menus. The staff was also very friendly, polite, and funny! Again, this is a great place to eat, just a bit pricey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Tearney Hirschey
Horrible. Over-priced boxed pasta and jarred sauce. Boring meals...no creativity. The only excitement is the diarrhea that the food gave my husband and friend after they ate the same truffle pasta dish. Seating was uncomfortable and squished. Wait staff seemed to struggle to get around each other. Maybe that's why we could never get refills on our water. Do not waste your time and money! You can make boxed pasta and sauce at home for $6 vs $26. You're welcome!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Joel
The pictures online made the place look comfortable, unique, and classy. In person, it is unique. I am 6 foot tall and had a very difficult time even getting myself into the booth they sat us at. I had to crawl out with my hands on the floor to get out of the seat. Anyways, beside the seats being very uncomfortable, they were out of the pulled mozzarella, which was the main reason I went. The second item I asked for, they were out of as well. At this point, I just ordered a few appetizers. They were okay. I ordered the truffle pasta. It tasted off, and I wasn't sure why, but for the last 2 days, I have had bad lower digestive issues. My wife threw up as soon as we got home, and 1 other guest that went with us also threw up. Also, beware that there is a 4% charge for using credit cards. Update: the 4th guest I just found out threw up yesterday as she took her main meal (we ordered the same truffle pasta)home in a box and ate it yesterday. She had the same symptoms as me! Proof that we got food poisoning.
SUMMARY: The service at Lala Lu was above and beyond. I’ve been trying to find an excuse to come here since they opened since their Instagram posts are outstanding! We went on a quiet night for our anniversary and they couldn’t have been more attentive and timely. You’ll see in my review that the food was not up to par, but DO VISIT THIS PLACE FOR GOOD VIBES, DRINKS AND SERVICE!! They have a whole separate martini menu and a fabulous selection of wines by the glass and bottle. It is an a very odd spot in between a Ruby Tuesday’s and Courtyard by Marriott.I hope to come back for drinks even though it is out of the way, but not for food.Unfortunately, the food was not good especially for the price. The pasta was handmade (nice touch!) but very very undercooked, and I love Al dente pasta, but you can tell that this pasta was cooked for maybe 2-3 minutes max. Which was a shame because the pasta sauces were SO GOOD!! I LOVED the arrabbiata and they made a beautiful traditional basil pesto.Then I had the ribeye and asked for it medium-rare. *sigh* It was well-done and I could taste the ashes from the grill they used (not the good kind of char). I felt so so bad sending it back, but our waitress was very kind about it. When I received a new plate, it came back very rare and unseasoned. Fortunately that did taste better even though it wasn’t what I asked for. So I was content with that since the turn around was quick!! Then my partner got the veal chop, good but nothing special unfortunately. Then he also got a cappuccino and it was.. meh. It was all disappointing considering Lala Lu is advertised as an Italian restaurant with primi secondi plates and the quality was well below average. I do love the smaller portion sizes, but not worth the price. I hope that I just visited on an off night since it wasn’t a weekend night, but I’m not sure I’m willing to try the food again.
We were sat down instantly, which lead to quite a few minutes of wait on the server coming over. We put our orders in and drinks and everything came out and was amazing the presentation on the food was spectacular, the food also tasted amazing. When it came time to getting the bill we waited for more than 20 minutes to get it with nothing on our table.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Food was amazing and I would totally get it again but the service was awful. We waited forever to order on a dead Tuesday night and then waited close to 30 minutes after our plates were taken to get our check.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Desserts were pretty gross but the dinner portion is amazing. It has a very imaginative dinner menu and the presentation is what your paying for.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Went here for our 17th anniversary, and it was beautiful! The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. There was a live performer who sounded amazing! Food and atmosphere was a 10/10 would absolutely recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The ambience was really cool, and I appreciated the craftsmanship of the plating of the dishes. But my friend ordered the Bootylicious drink for the soul purpose of having it in the butt cup, and they told us after they brought her drink in a regular cup that there were too many butt cups on the floor. She didn't even drink her drink. She only wanted it for a photo opportunity and they still charged us the full price of $13 even though it was not in the cup it said it would be in.
We had a good time tonight - I'd say it was a 7/10. Love the ambiance here and the overall vibe here. There was live music which was great! We went for the unlimited fries and $6 martinis but never got offered more fries. Also, I noticed other tables had water bottles to refill their water glasses on our own, we did not and had to ask for more water multiple times. So, overall OK.
The food and atmosphere was amazing. However the service was terrible. We were made to seem like a bother and any time we needed something we would get an eye roll, he never gave us a chance to ask for anything before running off again. Would definetly go back if I knew it was not going to be the same guy waiting on us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
I have been several times, I brought a friend from out of town for his birthday. I was dissapointed. There was no birthday mention, previously we would get a sparkler or a little surprise. We were not offered dessert or to even see a menu or options. The waitress brought the bill sort of abruptly. Which was ok as we were full but it would have been nice to bring something home. There was no soap in the ladies room. I told the host. He allowed me to go Into the men's room. I used the restroom before leaving and still no soap. I would have thought after almost two hours someone would have filled it or made it right. Lastly, we shared a salad...with food still in the plate the waitress took it away. I did notice the table next to us was read off all the desserts.
This is a very fun, unique atmosphere for groups of people to have a good experience. The building is very cool on the inside with moving pictures, artsy paintings, and plenty of spots for instagrammable photos. There is a plethora of flaming, smoking, and gimmicky drinks that make for a fun-time. This does result in quite a raucous crowd, which isn't such a bad thing. It just might not be the location for a quiet date night.It's definitely fun and pretty affordable (We spent $120 for three people) for group celebrations like birthdays, bachelorettes, etc. The food is fine: another quality red sauce Italian restaurant. I did enjoy the warm bread that comes to the table as you sit down. My main complaint was some of the "over the top" features that were to define this place, such as light up menus or tableside pulled mozzarella and caccio pepe were unavailable due to staffing issues. If you are going to be "over the top" you have to make sure you are all in. It's still definitely worth going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cotton Candy
Restaurantji Recommends
Great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fun spot with tasty food selections. Celeste was one of the best servers I've had in CNY!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lala Lu is a wonderful option to eat in Syracuse if you’re looking for something fancy. I would have really loved to give Lala Lu five stars, however, the menu was a bit pricey for a little above average food. For the price of food, I would have expected bursts of flavor in every bite, leaving me wanting for more and completely satisfied upon exiting the door. Though, I left with feelings of guilt for spending as much as I did. With that being said, the restaurant is very cool with ceiling projections, a glowing orb at each table, and light up menus. The staff was also very friendly, polite, and funny! Again, this is a great place to eat, just a bit pricey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Horrible. Over-priced boxed pasta and jarred sauce. Boring meals...no creativity. The only excitement is the diarrhea that the food gave my husband and friend after they ate the same truffle pasta dish. Seating was uncomfortable and squished. Wait staff seemed to struggle to get around each other. Maybe that's why we could never get refills on our water. Do not waste your time and money! You can make boxed pasta and sauce at home for $6 vs $26. You're welcome!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The pictures online made the place look comfortable, unique, and classy. In person, it is unique. I am 6 foot tall and had a very difficult time even getting myself into the booth they sat us at. I had to crawl out with my hands on the floor to get out of the seat. Anyways, beside the seats being very uncomfortable, they were out of the pulled mozzarella, which was the main reason I went. The second item I asked for, they were out of as well. At this point, I just ordered a few appetizers. They were okay. I ordered the truffle pasta. It tasted off, and I wasn't sure why, but for the last 2 days, I have had bad lower digestive issues. My wife threw up as soon as we got home, and 1 other guest that went with us also threw up. Also, beware that there is a 4% charge for using credit cards. Update: the 4th guest I just found out threw up yesterday as she took her main meal (we ordered the same truffle pasta)home in a box and ate it yesterday. She had the same symptoms as me! Proof that we got food poisoning.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3