I had the pleasure of dining at Noah's on Sunday evening with two of my college girlfriends, and…read morewhat a wonderful experience it was! We ordered several dishes to share so we could sample as much of the menu as possible.
We started with a half dozen oysters featuring three different varieties. They were incredibly fresh, and we loved every one of them. The accompanying sauces were the perfect complement.
From the Small Plates menu, we ordered the watermelon salad. It was a generous portion and absolutely delicious. Perfect for a warm summer evening. I especially loved the combination of arugula, fresh mint, and both yellow and red watermelon. The cocoa nibs were an unexpected touch that added wonderful texture and flavor. It's not something I ever would have thought to add to a watermelon salad, but it worked beautifully. I can't wait to order it again.
Next came the Long Island calamari frito misto with rock shrimp. The lightly battered calamari and shrimp were perfectly crisp, and the addition of fennel added a unique flavor that elevated the entire dish. It was simply superb.
We also shared the red crab tacos. There are three tacos per order, which worked out perfectly since each of us could enjoy one. This was another standout. I love crab but usually shy away from mayonnaise-based salads. Whatever they did with this crab salad completely won me over. It was light, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
The Long Island Duck BBQ, served with pulled duck, cheddar grits, and scallions, was another pleasant surprise. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it was outstanding. Every bite was packed with flavor, and the creamy cheddar grits paired perfectly with the tender duck. It was another creative dish that showcased the kitchen's talent.
We also ordered a side of baby spinach so we'd have a vegetable to round out the meal, and even that was perfectly prepared and very flavorful.
When I say everything was exceptional, I truly mean it. Every dish arrived beautifully presented, at the perfect temperature, expertly seasoned, and bursting with flavor.
Our server, Jennifer Farino, kept everything running seamlessly despite all of our shared plates and courses. She was attentive, friendly, and made the entire evening even more enjoyable. My friends ordered Hugo Spritzes while I enjoyed a raspberry Stoli Cosmopolitan. The cocktails were outstanding as well. Kudos to the bartender!
When it came time for dessert, we asked Jennifer to surprise us with her selections. While every dessert was delicious, my absolute favorite was the cinnamon sugar beignets with bourbon caramel dipping sauce. They were warm, light, and completely irresistible. I could eat them every day! In fact, I'd happily return just for those beignets.
We originally had an indoor reservation, but when we arrived we were fortunate enough to be seated outside, where seating is first-come, first-served. It couldn't have worked out better. The weather was beautiful, making for a perfect summer evening. Even the background music was thoughtfully chosen and played at just the right volume, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
From the food and drinks to the service and ambiance, everything about our evening at Noah's was exceptional. We all left saying the same thing: this was one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. Noah's has truly set the bar high, and we can't wait to return.
