Montreal was a huge part of my growing up, and having spent 4 critical university years here, Montreal will always have a special place in my heart. Having visited my old stomping grounds this past weekend, it just wouldn’t make sense to stay here without reporting back on the up-and-coming food scene in one of Canada’s trendiest food cities.

Lola Rosa is a cozy, vegetarian restaurant located in the heart of the McGill Ghetto. (For those who are confused, the McGill Ghetto is the epicenter of the student living area in Montreal – spanning just a few small blocks from the school’s side-gates.) Despite the small restaurant being packed, and the servers far too busy to be anything close to attentive, Lola Rosa has still not lost its quaint Montreal charm. Some specialties (judging by their mere popularity) are no doubt the huge platter of nachos (perfect for sharing), hemp burgers, and spinach lasagna. I have personally over the years tasted and tried many of the menu’s dishes, and I’ve got to say they sure hit the spot in their own way.

The lasagna, although sadly lacking in meat (what can you do), is a winner for the top three reasons: 1. Cheese 2. Cheese 3. More cheese. Call me boring but really who doesn’t love cheese? This meal is piping hot for all those cold winter nights (it’s Canada after all), comes with a kicker side Cesar salad, and has enough cheese to satisfy you for a week. Next up on the list are the nachos. The nachos are cheap, filling, and perfect for groups, meaning this dish checks a lot of boxes on the university crowd front. Accompanied with avocado, sour cream, black beans, shredded beet, and tomato, these nachos will be sure to satisfy. My only complaint is that there could be a bit more melted cheese, and the avocado could be guac-a-fied, instead of just sliced raw avocado. Call me a perfectionist, but these improvements could provide great satisfaction one day. Special mentions go to the hemp burger, and sangria, the former which I haven’t tried so I can’t comment, and the later which I have. My opinion on sangria is essentially always positive, so I’m not much help in that area. Also, call me basic, but the brownie and ice cream dessert is bomb.

In sum, Lola Rosa is your perfect evening fix for a cold winter night. Fun tip: be sure to open the drawers in the tables. They’re filled with everything from inspirational messages, to Shakespearean quotes, to deep desires, and my personal favourite, the unrequited love notes. Even better tip: bring a pen with you and write your own message to future diners. Viva la Rosa!

4/5 stars.