🍜 Nawa on The Landing: Where Our Story (and Countless Great Meals) Begin

 

As a 54-year-old middle-aged guy who loves great food and even better company, there’s one place in Fort Wayne that will always have my heart: Nawa, right on The Landing.

It’s not just a restaurant for me and my wife. It’s where we had our very first date, and we’ve been back every anniversary since. Every time the staff, the flavors, and the atmosphere remind us why this is our tradition.

 

✨ The Atmosphere

 

Nawa is that rare mix of new and old. The exposed brick wall behind the bar, warm wood floors, tiled accents, and softly glowing lights give it a feel that’s both modern and historic. It’s spacious, yet somehow still cozy. The energy buzzes with conversation, but it’s never too loud; the perfect backdrop for sharing laughs with family and friends.

And if you look closely, you’ll notice something curious: an old safe built into the wall. It’s a piece of Fort Wayne history that sparks conversation every time we see it.

 

🍤 Our Favorites (and Then Some)

 

We’ve settled into a rhythm over the years.

 

• Starters: Firecracker Shrimp (crispy, spicy, impossible not to fight over) and Crab Mandalay (silky, rich, perfectly balanced).

• Mains: Rama Curry:  velvety, peanut-infused comfort in a bowl—and Drunken Lo Mein, a noodle dish with depth and just the right kick.

• Dessert: F.B.I.:  decadent, playful, and the only way we know how to end a night at Nawa.

 

But we’ve also ventured beyond our usuals. Friends rave about the Pad Thai, the Massaman Curry, and the Korean BBQ Short Ribs. Reviews online echo the same themes: authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and dishes that feel crafted rather than just cooked.

 

One TripAdvisor guest even wrote, “Our server was incredibly knowledgeable about the food and the history of the building...it elevated the whole experience.” That’s been true for us too. The staff is consistently warm, welcoming, and attentive without being overbearing.

 

🏙 A Jewel on The Landing

 

The Landing itself has become one of Fort Wayne’s must-visit stretches, and Nawa sits right at its heart. Surrounded by shops, arts, and the riverfront, it’s the kind of spot that reflects the city’s revival—proud of its roots, but always looking forward.

 

🔒 The Safe in the Wall (Your Turn!)

 

Now, about that mysterious safe in the wall. Every time I see it, I wonder: what’s the story? Was this building once a bank, a merchant’s office, or a hidden vault for something more colorful?

Here’s my call to action:

👉 If you know the history or origin of that safe, please share it! Whether you’re a local historian, a longtime Fort Wayne resident, or just someone who remembers “the old days,” I’d love to hear the story behind it.

 

❤️ Final Word

 

Nawa is more than a restaurant for us. It’s tradition, it’s comfort, and it’s a celebration of good food and the people you share it with. If you’re looking for a spot in Fort Wayne where every dish feels like it’s made with care and every evening feels a little special, you’ll find it here.