Nola

Nola is a restaurant and bar set within an old congregational chapel on Lendal. The venue combines a New Orleans-influenced approach to food and drink with a 1920s Art Deco interior, creating a setting that feels distinct from a conventional city-centre dining room.

The food takes inspiration from Cajun cooking while drawing on flavours from beyond Louisiana. Dishes are served in smaller portions, encouraging sharing and allowing diners to build a meal from several choices. The format suits guests who enjoy trying different flavours rather than settling on a single large main course. The menu is accompanied by cocktails and other drinks designed to work alongside the food.

Interior details shape much of Nola’s character. The upstairs bar and waiting area features period-style mirrors and marble, while the main restaurant is downstairs. Leather-upholstered chairs, banquette seating and dark wood panelling give the dining room a warm, dressed-up feel without removing the informality associated with shared plates and drinks. The former chapel setting adds architectural interest, while the Art Deco styling provides a consistent theme across the venue.

Live jazz is part of the restaurant’s evening atmosphere, with performances scheduled on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The music takes place in the downstairs restaurant, making those evenings suitable for diners looking to combine food with a live performance. Jazz nights can add a more animated feel to the meal, while other visits offer a quieter focus on the menu, cocktails and surroundings.

Nola is suited to relaxed dinners, shared meals and drinks-led occasions. The smaller-plate format works for pairs or groups who prefer to order collectively, and the bar provides a place for drinks before or alongside dinner. Reservations are recommended, particularly for evenings featuring live music, although walk-in tables are also available when space permits. Located in York’s central Lendal area, Nola offers a food-and-drink experience shaped by Louisiana influences, period-inspired design and live jazz.