Restaurant Spotlight: Norma

Sep 10

Sharing a local fave today, Norma! Even though I think it’s one of the best restaurants in our area, I rarely talk about this little Italian spot. But don’t worry, they always seem to be bustling and full of tables so they are not going unnoticed. It’s been around for a few years now and they’ve received Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award for high quality dining at an affordable price. Need to give credit where it’s due, this is really Ryan’s go-to.

The restaurant prides itself on providing authentic Sicilian gastronomy. You’ll notice the menu is covered in Sicilian wines from the region, and I really enjoy their choices of reds to pair with my Italian.

Ryan and I have tried various dishes of pizza and pasta, they are all good! But now we have a usual favorite: The Norma Arancini (Tomato rice ball stuffed with eggplant, mozzarella, basil, served over fresh ricotta sauce) to start, and then the Caprese Cabbuci (Tomato, mozzarella, basil, prosciutto di parma, arugula, spicy mayo). The latter is a big sandwich and can be shared by two people or prepare to bring some home!

We always are so full when we leave this place.

The cabucci is the specialty bread, made fresh in their brick oven

Another reason I love Norma is the back courtyard, which is open now with outdoor dining! The first time we tried this restaurant years back was on a double date with our friends Steve and Sumeet, and it was a perfect setting! Bottle of wine on the table, sharing dishes, all the good stuff.

They also have more outdoor dining in front of their restaurant now, which has a cute and colorful set up that reminds me of Pasquale Jones on Mulberry Street.

Their restaurant is adorable and cozy to begin with, and I look forward to coming back here in the cooler months and being warmed by the big brick oven. Maybe even this Fall when indoor dining reopens at 25% capacity.