Category: Blog

Sometimes we all need a little guidance—especially when it comes to what we’re eating. At NoJa, we get it. You want something delicious and satisfying, but you can get a little overwhelmed when looking over our extensive and unique menu. Our Mediterrasian flavors stand out from other restaurants, and maybe you’re trying to pick between our array of unique dishes. But lucky for you, we know how to help. We asked some of the people that know NoJa best to let us in on their favorite food and drink picks. Read on to hear about our Staff’s favorite items from NoJa!

From the folks that know our bar best, our bartenders picked the NoJa famous, Alteiri, as their favorite drink. This cocktail is “not too sour, not too sweet,” and the perfect addition to any meal. And while the Alteiri is their favorite concoction to drink, their favorite drink to make is a classic Old Fashioned. You may think our bartenders just know about what’s good behind the bar, but they know what’s going on in the kitchen, too! Their favorite dishes are the lamb chops and duck.

Then we have the members of our NoJa family that know the menu inside and out and also hear firsthand what our customers rave about—our servers! They love our rare ‘77 vintage port wine, and so do their guests. From our appetizer menu, they say the chicken karaage with a sesame rice cake is the dish they serve up the most. They’re also fans of our filet mignon accompanied by famous NoJa potatoes, vegetables and red wine reduction, as well as our panko crusted fish with brussel sprouts and fingerling potatoes. But they’re not the only ones— our management loves our meat and poultry selections too, and recommends the hanger steak and an Old Fashioned for your next meal.

And finally we have our chefs. Their culinary skills are unmatched, so we trust their opinion on this very important topic more than anyone. Our sous chefs say they love to cook our hook & line caught fish and daily specials, as well as our panko crusted fish. But to eat? You’ll catch them chowing down on pork belly and foie gras. Meanwhile, our head chef prefers to start his meals with a classic Crown and Coke, and treats himself to our maple duck breast on occasion. And when we can’t find him dreaming up new delicious dishes for our menu, we’ll probably find him cooking up his favorite dish to create for our customers: the cowboy ribeye.

Menus can be complicated. But hopefully with these recommendations from our most trusted sources, you’ll be able to enjoy the best options NoJa has to offer! If none of the mentioned dishes suit your fancy, don’t worry—we have plenty of other options available, and staff members that are happy to assist you. And if multiple items sound delicious to you… then come back for a repeat visit! We love getting to know our guests and would love for you to become a NoJa connoisseur. Maybe one day we could be the ones writing about your NoJa recommendations!

For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to NoJa. We have both indoor and outdoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

Food is more than just taste and textures, it’s a form of art expressed through the talents and intuition of the chef and the senses of the consumer. At NoJa, we believe food should be fun and made with quality ingredients. We want you to reach the level of umami and know why the quality of food matters.

You’re aware of what you’re getting

From farm to table, we deliver fresh ingredients to serve you better. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting, and where it’s sourced from. We base our menu depending on what ingredients are in season so that you not only get the best quality at the peak of nature, but also get to enjoy the flavors to their fullest potential.

Good quality food equals good health

Most of us want to maintain good gut health while still getting satisfaction from the types of food we love. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for and, at NoJa, we guarantee you will love our many dishes curated for good health that will meet all your cravings. The positive health benefits you receive from wholesome food is essential as it supports your immune system, nutritional value and minimizes the use of MSG.

It’s not about the quantity, but the quality

Most fast-food restaurants will serve you a large amount of food to distract the customer from the quality of food. At NoJa, we want you to come in hungry and leave full. Because the ingredients we use are full of proteins and nutrients, you will feel like you got the best of both worlds. You shouldn’t ever have to compromise from these two preferences. Instead, opt for quality food that is filling and made with ingredients you know.

It’s better for the environment

Food that is locally grown tastes better because it is better. Local food requires less transportation and do not need to use factories that manufacture chemically produced products. Food that would otherwise not be preserved is prone to erosion and contributes towards climate change. That is why we support farmers: to lower the cost of organic trade and bring it right to your table. You can help the environment by choosing restaurants that have access to quality food. At Noja, we care about what goes into your food just as much as you do. NoJa is a Mediterranean-Asain restaurant in the heart of Downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu. Call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today then visit us at 6 N. Jackson Street, Mobile.

You’ve heard of the saying the customer is always right. We strive to give the best experience here at Noja with the help of our fantastic staff and chefs, and the customer is our main priority. Your dining experience matters in many ways that you may have never thought of. We invite you to read about why it matters, and how you matter as well.

It Goes Beyond the Food

When you come to dine at a restaurant, it isn’t just for the excellent food. Your money is going towards a night out that you expect to be worthwhile and will leave you with a desire to come back. From the romantic ambiance to excellent customer service, the little details matter. Ordinary food is unlikely to be found on our menu as all of our fresh ingredients are seasonal and only brought from local farmers. We take cuisine to a whole new level and introduce a unique blend of Mediterrasian flavors for the ultimate fine dining experience.

We Put a Face to Each Name

Your dinner reservation is more than just a seat. We like to put a face to each name and treat each other like friends and family. That is because our customers help foster the reputation of our restaurant by sharing their reviews, giving us constructive feedback and sharing their love for food. We want to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Inside our restaurant is where conversations turn into laughter and date nights turn into lifelong memories.

It’s a Personal Service

Picking which restaurant to dine in is a personal choice for personal service. Our dishes are exclusively catered to you and your guests by our professional chefs. Order your selections with any customizations to your dish as you please. You want to make sure you are getting what you pay for when it comes to quality, quantity and the time you are taking to go out of your way and try something new. At Noja, we pay attention to every personal detail and do everything we can to accommodate you and your party.

Discover What You’ve Been Missing

Our location, fresh ingredients, drink menu and steady stream of celebrity visitors are just a few reasons why our fans have loved dining at Noja for years. We bring you a dining experience that is unlike any other, yet welcoming, familiar and comfortable enough so that whenever you walk through our doors feels like coming home.

It’s Noja’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that has allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to Noja. We have romantic indoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

Indulge in some fine wine while the crisp cool air and leaves start to fall. At Noja, we offer by the glass or half bottle with a variety of flavors to choose from. They pair well with many of our seasonal dinner items just in time for the autumn season. So pour on, and cheers to a happy harvest!

Peju Merlot, Napa (Red Wine)

Awaken your senses with the star ingredient anise, as you fall in love with this wine. Rich flavors of plum and ripe blackberries fill your taste buds along with a smooth combination of delicious cocoa and vanilla bean for a subtle aftertaste. Try it with duck or lamb from our dinner menu for the ultimate balance.

Château de Beaucastel (Red Wine)

Get cozy with this one-hundred-percent and perfectly ripe Grenache. You get the kick of spice with a blackberry twist. The finishing satin texture will make you feel like you are in a vineyard ready for all the fall festivities. Enjoy with our Chesire pork chop that also includes a white wine deglaze sauce.

Rombauer Zinfandel, California (Red Wine)

Got pie? We aren’t talking just pumpkin. The lush flavors of this red wine include raspberry and blackberry jam with a vanilla flavor that might just remind you of those soul food home-cooked meals. The deep maroon and hints of purple/black colors in this wine are mesmerizing.

Dom Perignon Champagne (Bubbles)

Let’s take it back a notch and enjoy the vintage history this unique bubbly brings. From its rich mineral finish to its marvelous designed bottle. Along with its aged preservation and a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the notes of poached apple, honey and sun-dried black cherry call for a perfect fall day.

Cakebread Chardonnay, Napa (White Wine)

Don’t think we forgot about you, white wine lovers! Just like the name says, this buttery white wine is a spoonful resemblance of cake heaven. Concentrated pear ingredients with sliced apple and melon flavors give you the creamy oak blend without the guilty feeling and all the harvest pleasures.

Deligeroy Cremant Rose, Loire (White Wine)

Get cocktail-ready after your long fall hike.. The luscious and vibrant layers in this wine are made of candied berries, rich hazelnut and sweet honey. Although floral tasting, its crisp and smooth texture pairs great with our fresh seasonal fish dishes.

Noja is a Mediterranean-Asain restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu. Call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today then visit at 6 N. Jackson St. Mobile.

Aside from our astounding cuisine, we also have amazing celebs and guests drop by to dine at NoJa. We love the fantastic energy they bring. When they come through our doors, the place instantly lights up with a contagious buzz. We are delighted to welcome everyone and anyone as part of the NoJa family. The support from our customers big or small makes our restaurant what it is today. Take a gander at the stars that have grabbed a seat and enjoyed the NoJa Mediterrasian experience with us!

K.J. Apa

The young and oh-so-charming New Zealand actor K.J. Apa of Riverdale and A Dog’s Purpose has grabbed a seat at our table. He knows what good, healthy food looks like as he follows a strict workout routine and dietary guidelines for his roles. At NoJa, we serve only farm-fresh ingredients, perfect for any fitness guru like him.

Robert De Niro

The world famous, Golden Globe- and Academy Award-winning actor is best known for his roles in The Godfather: Part II, Casino and Taxi Driver. While you’d think he’s an intimidating figure from his acting career, Mr. De Niro is actually quite the comedian!

Vince Gill

Vince Gill is an American country singer/songwriter known for his killer guitar playing skills and winning 21 Grammy awards. If you ever hear his voice, you’d recognize him right away, even over everyone enjoying their evening at NoJa. We know we could!

Alton Brown

Alton Brown is a legendary Food Network personality, author and host. He hosts shows like Good Eats and the intense Iron Chef America. Oh, and did we mention he has a food addiction? He absolutely loved the selections on our menu. We can relate, Mr. Brown.

Jason Schwartzman

Mr. Schwartzman is an American actor, screenwriter and executive producer, known for his starring roles in films like Rushmore and Saving Mr. Banks. He loves to describe himself as, “I’m a creature of habit. I go to restaurants all the time and stuff.” Us too! No wonder he wanted to give us a try.

Mykelti Williamson

You may better know him as Bubba from Forrest Gump. The actor and hollywood businessman founded the real Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. because, in his own words, “Shrimp is the fruit of the sea.” Here at NoJa’s, we couldn’t agree more.

It’s NoJa’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that has allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation at NoJa. We have romantic indoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

NoJa is a Mediterranean-Asain restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu. Call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today then visit at 6 N. Jackson St., Mobile.

NoJa Makes It Easy for Clients to Dine Here

Celebrate any occasion with a delicious dinner at NoJa, where you can come right in with comfort and ease. We make reservations convenient for a party of two or larger groups. Even though we are in the middle of downtown, our romantic atmosphere and beautiful ambiance will make you feel like you’ve gotten away from it all. We have convenient parking located across the street in the west parking lot.

Reserve with a Call or Click

Our friendly staff is here to accommodate all of your needs to ensure your meeting goes off without a hitch. You are also welcome to reserve a table yourself by going onto our website and booking through the online service company OpenTable. If for any reason you are not able to make it, simply give us a 48-hour notice to cancel or reschedule so that we can better serve those who want a table.

Business Casual Attire Dress Code

NoJa is a great place to have a more relaxed business meeting with our business casual dress code. We want you and your business partners to ease into a more casual professional setting so there’s no need for a tie here, but we do ask that you wear relaxed, business appropriate clothing to maintain our atmosphere.

Transparency is Our Calling

We have nothing to hide when it comes to keeping our clients in the loop about everything. From explaining our seasonal menu ingredients when you dine-in to sharing customer reviews and testimonials. You can access everything yourself across all our social media sites plus through other company forums such as Yelp. Your clients will love the attention that we deliver to every detail and service. We encourage you to take a look at our website gallery and blogs where we include fun and informative content exclusive for all you food lovers. NoJa stands firm on what we believe makes our restaurant keep clients coming back for more.

There is Something Here for Everyone

Big or small appetite, steak or seafood lover, our menu has a bit of everything. Our ingredients change seasonally, and for a good reason! NoJa’s chefs want to bring and make you the best farm-fresh ingredients to your table. The seasonal menu consists of high-quality food, desserts and drinks that make you feel good about what you pay for. The love we have for making it goes beyond just adding it to our menu. So sit back, relax and indulge in your favorite place to meet and eat.

It’s NoJa’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that have allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to NoJa. We have romantic indoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

Two plates are better than one, and if your taste buds are similar to your partner’s, Noja is the perfect restaurant for a date night. We invite you for a lovely night out, so stay a while and reserve your spot to get the most out of your experience. Celebrate a first date, anniversary or just the fact that you have a new favorite go-to spot.

The Perfect Location Right in the Heart of Downtown Mobile

Romantic vibes are in the air in the Port City area. Surrounded by brick walls, natural greenery, and fairy lights, classy ambiance with business casual attire is what we are all about. Located right in the heart of downtown Mobile, Noja sits in a beautiful historic entertainment and arts district.

One-of-a-Kind Spot with a One-of-a-Kind Menu

Not only are customers talking about why our location is so amazing, but Noja’s is one of a kind in so many ways. We offer a unique, “Mediterrasian” menu with seasonal farm-fresh ingredients. Our spin on Mediterranian and Asian flavors provides a unique dining experience. We work hard on perfecting our menu and have a great team of professional chefs to curate each meal carefully. The little details matter to us, from providing excellent customer service, to romantic decor and to making your intimate dinner reservation a night to remember.

We Do All the Preparation, So You Don’t Have to

Having a romantic date night is a big deal, especially if you want to impress. But doing it all from scratch on your own can be overwhelming and not guaranteed. At Noja, our priority is you and your overall experience. We can work in most special requests if you really want to wow your date, whether it’s a surprise for your partner or a culinary desire. From the food and wine to the dessert and everything else in-between, you will want to come back again for an unforgettable (and incredibly easy) date night.

Wine Pairings and Dessert Cravings

There are two types of people: those who like it red and those who like it white and bubbly. Whatever your preference, our list of expertly curated wines goes on and on. Not to mention they pair great with our menu entry items. After dinner, treat yourself and your date with some of Noja’s favorite dessert cravings like our ginger donut with popcorn ice cream or dig into a decadently rich pot de créme dark chocolate custard for all you chocolate lovers.

It’s Noja’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that have allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to Noja, call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today.

Nothing is more satisfying than knowing you can find all your favorite dishes in a place that feels like home. That place happens to be here at NoJa! If you have never tried any of our popular dishes, we know a thing or two about excellent, farm-fresh cuisine that will have you running back for more.

Foie Gras

Start with a small plate of our decadent pan-roasted duck layered on top of a warm crostini. We make a balsamic reduction with seasonal fruit jam to complement this tender duck with every bite you take. Our guests love it, and so will you.

Scallops and Shrimp

The right amount of sweet scallops and wild-caught gulf shrimp is a must-try at NoJa. Seared with a marsala sauce and Parmesan grits, they’re pretty addicting for a small plate. We always have people ask for a second serving!

Kansas City Strip

Hungry with a big appetite? Our 16-ounce Kansas City Strip is dry-aged 45 days for ultimate texture and flavor in a red wine reduction. Farm fresh vegetables are added on the side along with our famous, melty and buttery NoJa potatoes.

Hanger Steak

Full of delicious flavor, our hanger steak is another go-to fan favorite. The red wine reduction is the secret sauce that makes everything that much more satisfying with our NoJa potatoes and local vegetables.

Bone-In Stuffed Pork Chop

Our best cut of Cheshire pork is stuffed with wild mushrooms and herbs, giving it a slight spice and aromatic flavor. Served with a side of heirloom fingerling potatoes and a fresh citrus glaze. This filling meal is popular at NoJa.

Skuna Bay Salmon

If you are feeling in the mood for seafood and love salmon, this dish was made for you. Flaky to the touch, our Skuna Bay salmon includes a fresh lemon caper sauce, sauteed peppers with spinach and a side of fingerling potatoes. Talk about a perfectly buttery and tasty mouthful.

Ginger Donut with Popcorn Ice Cream

A warm homemade baked donut meets ice cream for a dessert date. And not just any traditional donut or ice cream since we like to switch things up here at NoJa. Our donut has a fresh ginger flavor which is then lightly covered in sugar and drizzled with caramel sauce. Oh, and did we mention our ice cream comes with fresh popcorn?

NoJa is a Mediterranean-Asian restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu. Call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today then visit at 6 N. Jackson St., Mobile.

The warm and sultry days of summer call for a refreshing glass of wine. From whites to reds to rosés, the best wines for summer come in an assortment of floral and fruity flavors. Try any one of these summer wine varieties during your next visit to NoJa.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is considered to be a versatile wine since it is both dry and sweet. It pairs wonderfully with chicken and pasta dishes and sweeter versions go best with dessert. Napa’s Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc has flavors of grapefruit and ripe lime flavors with a zesty clean and bright ending.

Rosé

The beautiful blush-colored wine has been seen in more glasses recently, and for good reason! It’s crisp, refreshing and pairs well with most dishes. Try Deligeroy Cremant Rosé for a luscious and vibrant wine with essences of candied berries, hazelnuts and honey. Moet and Chandon Rosé Imperial is a bright and fruity wine, a perfect blend to enjoy under the lights of NoJa’s courtyard.

Pinot Grigio

Summer and seafood dishes make for the perfect duo. The light flavors of fish and shrimp can help cool off the hot temps. The delicate notes of a Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with seafood meals due to its acidity level. Pair a glass of Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio with NoJa’s panko-crusted fish or our chef’s fresh, daily selection.

Riesling

Riesling is a very aromatic wine with bright and balanced flavors. A bottle of Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling will complement any one of NoJa’s entrées. Its bright, floral notes will leave a mineral-driven finish on your palate.

Prosecco

Crip and light. Bubby and effervescent. Prosecco is summer in a glass. Request a glass of Canella Prosecco during your next visit to NoJa. The wine has a delightful balance of zesty acidity with a touch of sweetness with its peach, apple, pear and citrus aromas.

Pinot Noir

Red wines such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are best enjoyed in the cooler months due to their heavy, full-bodied flavors. If you can’t wait ‘til fall for a red, then opt for a glass of Pinot Noir. This type of wine has a light-bodied taste and can be served chilled. Pair a glass of DuMOL, Lange or North Valley Pinot Noir with NoJa’s Skuna Bay Salmon or Maple Leaf Duck Breast.

Savor summer all season long with any of these flavorful and refreshing wines. Stop in and enjoy a glass during your next visit to NoJa. You will love the crisp, vibrant and delicious flavors these wines will bring to your meal.

It’s NoJa’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that have allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to NoJa. We have romantic indoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings on our Facebook page.

Make your meal a dish to remember with our decadent and always made-fresh side selections. Our meat, poultry and seafood go great with any of our go-to pairings. We mean serious business when it comes to what we serve and take pride in all side dish creations. Give them a try today and see why our guests keep coming back for more. Enjoy!

Roasted Mushrooms 

Unlike sauteed mushrooms, roasting them low and slow for ultimate tenderness in the oven is what we are all about. We first add our special glaze sauce and toss them to perfection. A much-needed side of earthy flavors is here for mushroom lovers. Ask about our wild mushrooms for a touch of spice and firmer texture. This low-calorie vegetable has fiber and is an excellent source of B vitamins as well.

Noja Potatoes

A not-so-secret anymore are our melty and buttery potatoes. Addicting and tender to the touch, it is our specialty and personal favorite. They go great with a tender steak such as a filet mignon or Kansas City strip. If you want a filling and satisfying side dish, this is just for you.

Fingerling Potatoes

What’s the difference between our Fingerling Potatoes and our Noja Potatoes? They are heirloom potatoes with a thin outer skin and are short in length. These cook up perfectly because of their size, so we season and bake them until soft, tender and crispy. We even love them so much we included them to our stuffed pork chop, panko-crusted fish and skuna bay salmon because it is just that necessary. Give these fun-sized pieces a go (trust us, you will want to order an extra side of these).

Baby Spinach

Try a classic, yet straightforward side made fresh as it is sauteed and wilted to a creamy consistency. Also, it is added raw to our arrange of fresh salads for that added crunch. Not to mention healthy and full of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, this vegetable is guilt-free and adds tasty greens to brighten up your plate.

Parmesan Grits

Our creamiest and cheesiest creation yet! Parmesan grits are a great base for any seafood or meat of your choice as it adds a thick consistency with a tender buttery feel. The mixture of parmesan cheese and butter is total heaven (and also a fan favorite). It’s all for the love of the comforting savory taste.

Noja is a Mediterranean-Asain restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu. Call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today then visit at 6 N. Jackson St. Mobile.