Noja — Restaurant in Mobile

Was I racially profiled?! I was at the park across the street and walked over about 4:55 on Friday April 11. I was outside waiting when they opened at 5. The hostess asked me what I was looking for. Excuse me what?? I'm outside your restaurant during your hours of operation. Why would I be looking for anything other than to order the food. I tried to make a reservation Thursday morning, but there were none, so I assumed it would be packed. I wanted to ensure I got my food, so I arrived early.

I had on a knee length sequin dress. I did have on athletic sandals, but I had been walking in the area for hours. I was certainly within the dress code. I ate here March 1, 2024 and had been dreaming about those potatoes ever since. They didn't have the pork belly appetizer, but I got the chicken kaarage. Unfortunately. This was the only highlight of the meal. The salad was weird. You should have a standard "basic" option. Just give me some romaine lettuce, caesar dressing, and croutons. I don't even need that tiny sprinkle of cheese all caesar salads seem to have. I don't eat blue cheese or shallots, so it was spinach, bacon, and an unpleasant dressing. It was finally time for the moment of truth. The potatoes. And, I was infinitely disappointed. They needed salt and generally lacked flavor. Last year they were absolutely perfect. The brussles sprouts tasted overcharred, the fish was bland. If the chef from last year left, you need to hire him back.

I walked an extra 10,000 steps making sure I knew where the restaurant was. I was in free parking somewhat of a ways from the building. My GPS is not very good on foot, so it took a long time. I went to and from the restaurant multiple times to ensure I knew where it was and could get my food. I had been dreaming about those potatoes for over a year. I was so excited to finally be able to come back to Mobile and eat here again. Last year, I wanted to take myself on a nice date. Get dressed up and have an upscale meal. Last year you delivered. This year you royally failed. I live a 4 hour drive from here. I don't get many opportunities to take off work, but I returned here because I loved it last year.

From now on, I'll be saying No to Noja. And, I paid for my meal in cash. Yes, black women have money. And, I will be spending it at places that don't think black women outside the restaurant are "looking for" something other than the menu to order. Also When I left at 6, it was one couple at tables. It was me and a couple at the bar. No idea why they had no reservations slots. Place was empty.

I was very disappointed by how I was greeted and the quality odd the food, but the lady at the bar was pretty good. I hope you get it together. But, I won't be giving you another try. Wish I could...

We stopped by on a Tuesday without a reservation. Not expecting to go there, we were definitely not dressed for fine dining. We were told there were not any tables available and were sat at the bar, despite there being three 2-tops available for the next two hours until we left. Was this on purpose, as we were dressed like we just hit up some frozen margaritas and spilled half on our shirts? Probably, but who's to know for sure.

Despite landing at the bar, Alison, the bartender, was the MVP for the evening. She mixed us the best cocktails we've ever had: an Old Fashioned and a "please make me something fruity and not super sweet," which ended up being an elderberry, blueberry and lemon cocktail of some sort, which was chef's kiss. Alison gave us a ton of fabulous tips and recommendations and overall was fabulous. We love you, Alison.

My partner and I split the 3-course meal: the scallops, the tomato and burrata salad, and the veal chop, as well a pork belly appetizer. Overall, a 4.5 out of 5. Delicious, but missed the mark in a couple important areas.

The pork belly could have been just a touch crispier but overall, the pork belly was great. The salt, acid, and sweetness combo was excellent.

The scallops were tasty, flavorful, and seared perfectly, but overall they were hella salty.

The tomato and burrata salad was extremely delicious but there were very few tomatoes (especially for being in the name), a very small serving of cheese, and the balsamic was really, really strong.

The veal chop was a bit tough but cooked perfectly. The sides- crispy fingerling potatoes and brussel sprouts- were cooked to perfection. Possibly even the best we've ever had.

Overall, a very good meal and...

I love a flavorful and tender steak. My excitement rises to the level of Buddy the Elf when Gimbel’s manager announces Santa will be arriving. When I find a great steak house. The hostess was accommodating and helpful on the phone. The service…. Impeccable. They offer fresh sweetened and unsweetened iced tea. My drink was never empty, there were no empty plates on my table. Pre bussing the table was just in time. My food came out all at once. Dessert was offered even after the closing time passed. They did not rush me which I find a lot of servers learned that poor quality. The menu is a prix fixe, three course meal. There are several options to choose from. The menu is one page…. And they mastered the culinary art in these dishes. The appetizers were great. The pork belly is fried and tasted similar to a cracklin ( of course!). The shrimp and scallops with Parmesan was great with and without bread. The sauce was on point. The filet melted in your mouth…. best filet around Mobile. The lamb chops are such a great cut! They were also tender. It restored my faith in eating lamb chops. Excellent quality in meat. So for the filet my meal (appetizer, salad, entree) was $75 instead of the regular $65 because I ordered filet. The meat portion for the filet was around 8 ounces. The Brussels sprouts were delicious, and I am not a BS fan. The potatoes paired well with the meal. This will be my go to spot. It’s cheaper than the New Orleans chain steakhouse and superior in quality.

Be carful! The circular plate that the shrimp and scallops comes on…… if you put your utensils on it….. you’ll clang and have the whole restaurant looking at you, waiting for your...