Lola's Kitchen, a 28-seat Filipino restaurant in Woodside, Queens, has become the most sought-after reservation in New York City. Chef Maria Santos draws on her grandmother's recipes from Pampanga province to create dishes that are both nostalgic and innovative.
The must-order kare-kare features oxtail braised for eight hours in a velvety peanut sauce, while the crispy pata arrives shatteringly crunchy with a vinegar dipping sauce that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Reservations open every Monday at noon and typically sell out within minutes. Walk-ins can try their luck at the small bar, where a condensed menu is available nightly.
