It wasn’t long ago that Nola’s was simply a casual terrace restaurant and cocktail lounge offering a quirky Swiss-theme and reliable summer patio in Weinberg and nearby Tiergarten. That was until new Berliners Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrived for half a meal, where mid-entrée they were interrupted by an enraged Jennifer Aniston-fan sporting a ‘Friends’ T-shirt screaming ‘home-wrecking’ vulgarities. Now the place is hotter than ever as locals queue-up for a spot on the expansive terrace or within the cozier dining room awaiting the next sighting. The inside dining room features a sleek bar area with wood burning fireplace opposite the main dining room with its exposed wine wall and bistro-style tabletops. Each room features whimsical Swiss flags and antique ski memorabilia offering a fun and playful atmosphere that oozes of cool. The terrace is the hottest place to be during warmer months, offering a mountain-theme décor overlooking the surrounding park and neighborhood.
The Food
While Swiss culinary indulgence usually means a trough of melted cheese and skewer of bread, this lively café offers a regional selection of German and French specialties on an all-day menu. More suitable for quick noshes and light meals, the restaurant offers a breakfast selection of egg dishes, homemade croissants and pastries. Lunch offerings include spinach with smoked salmon, arugula steak and traditional spring salads with potato offering. Heartier dishes include several pasta and risotto plates as well as lengthy selection of soups. Dinner is a more astute presentation of leberkuchen, beef fillet and elaborate fondue presentations more typical of a Swiss ski resort than inner city eatery.
Last Word
Hip Swiss-theme café popular with visiting celebrities and their determined fans. Evenings offer a livelier bar atmosphere with live music and weekend DJS spinning German pop and rock.
