Why is NoJa the Perfect Spot for Special Occasion Dining?

So you’ve been quarantined for what feels like a decade at home but miss going out. We know the feeling of going to get food through a drive-through or curbside pick-up but missing real-life dining experience. Why not make it a special occasion and come to NoJa (while still taking the mandated precautions of course) and treating yourself for once? We want you to feel comfortable knowing that we take all COVID measures seriously during these unprecedented times by respectfully following our state’s guidelines. Know that nothing lasts forever, and this too shall pass. So if you would rather join us in the future, there will always be a seat waiting for you here.

A celebration to remember

Take the time to celebrate life’s precious moments even through the darkest of days. Many of our guests love NoJa because we make it the perfect place to remember. From our amazing customer service to our romantic scenery, any occasion or milestone reached, big or small, is worthy of special occasion dining.

Not your ordinary menu 

You heard it here first. At NoJa, we created a menu so unique, your taste buds will keep you coming back for more. Our menu is carefully curated to fit each season as we strive to serve only the best farm fresh ingredients. We know you are looking for an exquisite restaurant so we want to give you a special occasion dining with a Mediterriasian twist. 

Top pick location

It's your time to shine when choosing special occasion dining. That’s why we chose the perfect location for anyone looking to impress. We meant business when renovating this 1840s townhouse gem, and wanted to give it a special place in our sweet old downtown Mobile’s heart. Did we mention many famous guests have dined here? Well hello, Food Network star Alton Brown! Known for its rich history and entertaining, NoJa wanted to join in on the appearance. 

Highly rated in Mobile 

The hype that you hear from special occasion dining at NoJa is real. Our reviews speak for themselves as we could not be anymore proud to serve the people of downtown Mobile

We are a mean clean fighting machine and have had our doors open for decades. The fun here is only the beginning so join us for the perfect artisan industry spot. 

Due to COVID, there is limited seating available upon request. For a full list of instructions prior to and during entry please ask our staff.

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. 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 or text 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

We will be closed on Saturday, July 4th in Observance of Independence Day.

Dessert Menu Items You Must Try

It’s the meal we dream about the most — dessert. Whether your preferences lean sugary sweet or toward the savory dark, here at NoJa we have a little something for everyone. 

We are proud of the blend of Mediterr-Asian cuisines that our restaurant inspires. It’s what makes our entire menu unique, and what makes NoJa stand out from the rest of Mobile, Alabama’s, restaurants. After our guests enjoy their delicious NoJa dinner, we always recommend that they continue their night with one of our many desserts. Each one provides a decadent way to wrap up a perfect meal and offers another classic touch of the unique taste of NoJa, and we can’t wait to explain them in detail to you. 

Pot de Crème 

For the chocolate lover, there’s the pot de crème. This delightfully dark dessert features dark chocolate custard that’s topped with a caramelized brulee. We garnish it with fresh whipped cream, which adds a sweet touch to the bitter dark chocolate custard. 

Vanilla Crème Brulee

Another classic is our vanilla crème brulee. Made from vanilla bean custard, this is the traditional creme brulee that we have all come to know and love over the years. This dish will always impress whoever you’re with, and is the perfect portion size for two! 

Cheesecake Evolution

And if your sweet tooth keeps getting stronger the more you keep reading this, then you might just love our cheesecake evolution. This is a traditional classic cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, and a special garnish of seasonal berries. Cheesecake is a dessert classic for a good reason — it’s always delicious!

While the last three desserts we listed are classics with a NoJa twist, we also have a couple desserts that are special just to our restaurant. If you’re looking for a flavorful twist to end your meal with, look no further than these two delicious delicacies — after all, you won’t be able to find them anywhere else! 

Coconut Rum Bombè

Our coconut rum bombè will blow your mind. This coconut cake is layered with a vanilla pastry cream that will melt in your mouth the second your fork leaves the plate. And with dark rum drizzled all across, you’ll have an extra excuse to love this boozy-inspired treat. 

Ginger Donut

Finally there’s our ginger donut. This homemade ginger donut is drizzled with caramel sauce, and served with a side of vanilla bean or popcorn ice cream. This one is perfect for the fall, but frankly — we’ll eat it any time of year. 

Is your mouth watering yet? Is your stomach grumbling? We know ours are. These delicious desserts can only be found at NoJa in Mobile, Alabama, so it’s time to give us a call and reserve your spot at one of our tables! Our desserts are complemented by our historic and gorgeous architecture, and if you’re lucky you’ll even be able to enjoy your sweet treat while sitting on our vine-draped patio while drinking a glass (or two) of one of our specialty wines. Hope to see you soon!
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 now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

3 Reasons You Should Have Your Next Girls’ Night at Noja

Pampering doesn’t have to only happen at home. Plan a day to enjoy a girls’ night out at Noja and you will see why you all should treat yourselves to going out more often. After all, friends that eat and drink together, stay together.

Celebrate Gal Pals’ Big Moments

You can never forget about your favorite gals and should celebrate all that your friends mean to you with a big night out together. Reunite with old friends from high school or college, coworkers and, of course, your besties. Just sit back and enjoy a delicious dinner, sweet desserts and a tall glass of wine. You will love the variety of our unique dishes and Mediterrasian flavors from farm-fresh ingredients. Our dishes are very easy to split between friends. Enjoy the sweet things in life by sharing a dessert you both won’t feel guilty about. Toast to many more years of wonderful friendships with our extensive and savory wine menu.

Guilt-Free Menu

We know it is a new year and your fitness/health goals are your top priority. We wouldn’t want to ruin that for you, of course. Luckily, you have Noja as your top-notch farm-to-table restaurant! Not only are we conveniently located in the heart of downtown Mobile, but our seasonal menu showcases only farm-fresh ingredients that your body will love. Unlike other restaurants that only claim to have healthy ingredients, our selections are finely sourced from local, sustainable farms that contain nutritional benefits and are made by professional chefs who pay attention to all the healthy little details that make our dishes so beneficial for your health. We offer small plates and fresh salads for the vegetarians and vegans and filling meat and poultry options for protein lovers. There is something for everyone here, so send your gals a group text and gather for a night to indulge guilt-free.

Skip the Long Lines

If you planned a last-minute get together with all your girls, you’re most likely stuck between trying to pick where to eat at a place no one has ever had before while driving around town wasting gas and then having to wait in long lines once you get there. Or, you could skip the long lines, make a reservation at Noja and know that everyone will be able to enjoy themselves. You will spend quality time with your favorite people and eat dishes that everyone will be sure to love. It is no question that our reputation for good food and a wonderful atmosphere are the worst kept secret in downtown Mobile. You can easily make a reservation by visiting our website and booking through Open Table. We can’t wait to see you!

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 now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

Our Staff’s Favorites from NoJa

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.

Enjoy a Romantic Valentine’s Day at NoJa

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you’ve probably already started to think of what you’ll do for the big day. Flowers, chocolates and cards are a necessity, but we all know that one of the most important parts of the day is the dinner date. You don’t want to show up somewhere subpar or make your loved one wait for hours in a queue because you forgot to think ahead, so it’s smart to be on top of things and make your reservations now. Luckily, NoJa is more than happy to accommodate you and your significant other as you celebrate a day filled with love and laughter, and we’re so excited to share with you our delicious Valentine’s Day menu.

On February 14 and 15, we will be featuring a menu that we have delicately designed just for this special holiday. For $75 per person*, you and your date will be able to enjoy fantastic dishes while enjoying the romantic ambiance of NoJa. We are housed in a unique, quiet and intimate 1800s townhouse with a romantic vine-draped courtyard setting. Located in the heart of downtown Mobile’s arts and entertainment district, you’ll be able to feel the fantastic energy our neighborhood exudes each and every night.

Now that we’ve talked about where you’ll be eating—let’s talk about what you’ll be eating.

For appetizers, our chefs have prepared three delectable options that will start your night off on the perfect note. They include a venison medallion with herb-roasted fingerling potatoes topped with torched brie cheese; pan-seared scallops with a saffron-carrot puree over saffron rice; and vegetable consommé made from fresh, whole vegetables. We also have an extensive fine wine list and can recommend pairings to you that will complement your dinner choices.

As for salads and entrees, we offer a sweet gem salad featuring toasted hazelnut, fresh mint, red onions, goat cheese and drizzled with a fig-watermelon dressing. Then for entrees, we have prepared a selection that includes a 16-oz. Delmonico ribeye that is paired with sautèed asparagus, our famous NoJa potatoes and a black truffle sauce; a pan-seared Chilean sea bass with a lemon pan glaze and sides of farro, corn, peppers and turnips; and a sous-vide lamb breast that is complemented with turnip roots, roasted potatoes, grilled rainbow Swiss chard and a fresh cherry reduction.

And if our entrees aren’t already making your mouth water—then just wait for our desserts. We’ll be featuring two romantic desserts that are perfect for you and your date to share as the night winds down. You’ll be able to finish your wine and connect with your date as you share a strawberry-chocolate cannoli or our delectable raspberry pot de creme. Or maybe if you’re feeling like really impressing them you’ll order both! Either way, either one of these pairings would be a perfect way to end a perfect Valentine’s date.

Why NoJa Chooses Farm-To-Table Dining

Over the years, more and more local restaurants have stepped away from major food distributors and towards suppliers that offer dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and fresh flavors. Farm-to-table dining is a social movement that has not only become popular with restaurateurs but also with consumers. This curious term is used by those in the industry as a way to offer food that is farmed locally. Many restaurants have noticed the trend, including NoJa, and the benefits of locally produced ingredients are shared by everyone involved in the farm-to-table process.

How the Movement Began
Also referred to as farm-to-fork, this locally sourced and farm fresh style of dining first began to gain attention on the West Coast where local chefs wanted to offer their customers better and fresher options. They had grown tiresome over the lack of flavorful ingredients shipped from overseas. Their mission was to offer customers better quality and a new dining experience. Initially, farm-to-table took place at a local farm where a diner could tour the facilities and dine on food fresh from the ground. Over the years, chefs took notice of what their customers wanted – fresh ingredients that are locally sourced.

Benefits of Farm-to-Table
The benefits of farm-to-table dining expand not only into the major health benefits offered but the economic aspects as well. A farmer can see high returns by growing a specific crop or dedicating an entire growing season to a restaurant. Diners gain the advantages of consuming food grown naturally and organically without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals. Consumers also have the opportunity to try specialty items not normally found at grocery stores or chain restaurants.

Where You Can Experience Farm-to-Table Dining
If you enjoy dining locally, then you are in for a special treat. NoJa is one of many restaurants in Mobile and the surrounding area that specialize in farm-to-table dining. Here in lower Alabama, we are fortunate to have an abundance of local farmers who work tirelessly to provide food of the highest quality. Curious if your favorite eatery’s offerings are locally sourced? The chef or staff should be able to provide information about the connections they have with local producers.

Taste the difference of farm-to-table dining. You will love the delectable and naturally flavorful food this style of dining offers you and your guests. Farm-to-table dining is more than just an up and coming trend; it's an experience. Come and enjoy what delicious fresh flavors taste like by visiting us at NoJa.

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 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.

Expand Your Palate with These 5 Dishes from NoJa

At NoJa, we are always serving up something spectacular. From small plates and bowls to filling meals, we recommend you expand your taste buds and give these five unique dishes a try.

Chicken Karaage

Who doesn’t like Fried Chicken?! (The answer is no one, of course). We wanted to give it a twist by marinating it Japanese-style by using our traditional Karaage Sauce. We like to use chicken thighs for ultimate flavor and tenderness. Breaded with Panko breadcrumbs for that satisfying crunch, you can expect to taste all of Japan’s most fabulous ingredients like Garlic, Ginger, Honey and Soy Sauce. Laid on a bed of Sticky Sesame Rice Cake, this bowl is what your stomach’s dreams are made of.

Ethiopian Chicken

Forget about dull and dry chicken! Kick it up a notch by trying our Ethiopian Chicken. This dish is perfect for spice lovers! The chicken thighs are rubbed with an Ethiopian spiced blend called Berbere Sauce and seared until golden perfection. The spiced mix is made up of a variety of different seasonings, making poultry extra savory. Served with sauteed vegetables, this tender chicken dish is a must-try if you haven’t already.

Australian Lamb Chops

Our delicate Australian Lamb Chops are locally sourced from Thomas Farms Lamb Chops, so you know you are ordering quality cuts of meat. Cooked in a red wine reduction, this mouth-watering chop is unlike anything you’ve ever had. We add our Chef’s Fresh Vegetables and NoJa’s Fingerling Buttery Potatoes as complementary sides you will not want to miss.

Maple Leaf Duck Breast

Give your taste buds a gourmet meal with our decadent Maple Leaf Duck Breast. Cooked in an aged Balsamic-Cherry reduction and sauteed with our Napa Cabbage, this Duck Breast is accompanied by Rum-Infused Jasmine Rice. Talk about a great choice of protein! 

Panko Crusted Fish

All things crisp and flaky are in this dish, so we know your taste buds will enjoy the crunch. Our fresh fillet is crusted with Panko Breadcrumbs and pan-fried. Topped with a Miso-Ginger Sauce, you get a little bit of heat and a little bit of sweet. We paired this dish with Brussels Sprouts and Fingerling Potatoes for a great mix of textures and flavors.

All of our dishes have a perfect match on our wine list. Just ask your server for any recommendations on which wine to pair with your meal!

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/text 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

NoJa: Our History

Nestled in what looks like a townhouse on North Jackson Street is actually one of Mobile’s finest restaurants—NoJa. Since 2005, we have provided a unique blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine to our local community.

Founded by Master Chef Chakli Diggs, NoJa provides a culinary experience that took many years and many miles to create. Chef Diggs began his professional career as a fighter pilot, but then afterward transitioned into the culinary world. He threw himself into his culinary dreams and traveled across the world to experience the cultures and local delicacies of the globe. He settled in Mobile in 1991 and named the restaurant based on its location in Downtown Mobile (North Jackson). The time was ready to introduce the city to NoJa and the rest is history.

A lot has happened since Chef Diggs first opened his doors and started serving up the first NoJa dishes in 2005. After a strong initial opening in May 2005, we then had to face Hurricane Katrina just a few months later. Despite the storm’s damage, Mobile became a refuge for many businesses in the I-10 corridor between New Orleans and Biloxi and our restaurant was there with warm, unique meals. During this time we were able to continue to grow and flourish in the community, and also develop our own personality and identity as a restaurant.

Our unique selection of incredible dishes has become what we’re best known for. We pride ourselves in constantly evolving and incorporating new flavors of our unique Mediterrasian identity to new dishes. We love blending together the health benefits of Mediterranean fare with the spices and flavors of Asian cuisine, and our customers love it too! The taste is unlike anything many Mobilians have ever had before, and we’re always happy to see a friendly face come back in for their new favorite dish. While we have a more robust menu now, when we first started out we kept things pretty sparse—we only served Italian pasta dishes and a filet mignon sandwich! Now we serve anything from Chicken Karaage to Maple Leaf Duck Breast to Panko Crusted Fish! Our chefs are constantly working on improving our menu and adding new delights.

Times have changed, yet our attention to flavorful details and appetizing combinations has never faltered! Our customers agree, too, and that’s why Mobilians love coming into NoJa’s for great company, savory wines, delicious food and the unbeatable ambiance of our beautiful 1840s-style townhouse venue or our enclosed courtyard draped with romantic lights and vines. Mobilians know when they come to NoJa that they’ll be able to have an all-encompassing experience that caters to their every need.

There’s a lot to look forward to in the future for NoJa, too. We’ll continue to break the mold of trends that other restaurants follow and keep doing things our way, the NoJa way. We will continue to serve up the best Mediterrasian cuisine in the city. And in 2020, we’re expanding our location in Downtown Mobile so even more of your friends and family can enjoy everything we have to offer. Want to stop in soon? Call or click to make a reservation. We can’t wait to see you!