One thing we didn’t expect upon entering Noahla for a sneak peek of the new space: Mayor Kessler, saying hi to the new owners. Naturally, we coerced him to join us in our tasting with Bryan Drewry, the Executive Director of the Bexley Chamber of Commerce. All these officials hanging out over crab legs has to be a good omen, right?

Niki Tang and her husband opened Noahla because they also owned a seafood wholesale company here in Columbus for about six years. They’d previously had a restaurant in Flushing, Queens, with a similar concept: not just Cajun, but a vast selection of seafood with Low Country flair—mussels, clams, lobster are also on the menu. She was most proud to share that their seafood is incredibly fresh, especially the blue crab and crawfish that they get straight (and live) from Louisiana. Though they’ll offer it frozen, crawfish is only in season from February to July – so get it now!

Niki is thrilled that the restaurant is finally open and says “the people here are so nice!”

Our feast included fried fish and shrimp, both with a cornmeal crust—not puffy like fish n’ chips, but more like catfish. We sampled the chicken sandwich, prepared southern style with pickles, and fries. When a bag twice the size of my head arrived, we knew we were in for a treat. Inside, snow crab legs, shrimp, corn on the cob and potatoes bathed in a pool of garlic butter. You could customize the sauce – more Cajun and spicy options were available. Next appeared the lobster roll. It was sweet, fresh, and not too mayonnaise-y, on a split-top bun.

Bryan said his favorite was “the lobster roll! Great flavor with a Cajun twist to it. They had so many options, it was hard to pick my favorite. It’s exciting for the place to open and provide a different place to eat in Bexley. Gold star review from me!”

Ben said, “I loved the crab boil – buttery, steamy, fresh, and full of flavor. And their innovative takeaway buckets keep the meal piping hot. I’m looking forward to this great addition to Main Street!”

While I can see the takeout seafood boil being a perfect alternative to Friday night pizza or a backyard party, Noahla is also hoping to make the most of the lunch rush. They have a kiosk for ordering, and a quick-serve counter where you can make your own box for $14, sort of like Chipotle—just choose 3 seafood selections, your sauce and go.

We agree with the Mayor and Chamber of Commerce—we’ll be back for more and hope to see you there!