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Norma
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Norma
8.7
Norma’s Murray Hill outpost leans into Sicilian comfort cooking, from arancini and panelle to richly sauced pasta alla Norma and pan-style pizzas. The cozy room and attentive staff make it a go-to for lingering dinners that feel more like a trattoria in Catania than a Third Avenue address.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arancini Siciliani, Pasta alla Norma, Rianata Sicilian Pan Pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Sicilian-focused trattoria known for arancini, pasta alla Norma and warm hospitality.
Who should go: Italian comfort seekers who care about regional Sicilian touches.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends for relaxed, unhurried dinners.
What to order: Arancini, pasta alla Norma, a Rianata-style pan pizza.
Insider tip: Ask about daily specials; the kitchen often runs extra Sicilian plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Third Avenue and nearby side streets; most diners rely on nearby garages within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual is the norm—jeans are fine, but couples on date night often lean a bit dressier.
Noise level: Moderate—lively enough to feel energetic but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta, pizza, and antipasti options can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-forward pastas and sides work with light modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free pasta may be available occasionally, but cross-contact is possible in the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it strikes a sweet spot between cozy and romantic, with enough buzz to feel special without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can try on weeknights or early evenings, but weekend dinners are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are welcomed, especially earlier in the evening, and the menu has simple pasta and pizza options kids enjoy.
Best For
Better for: Deeper Sicilian specialization and a more intimate, trattoria-style feel than most Murray Hill Italian spots.
Skip if: You want a high-energy scene, loud bar crowd, or ultra-modern Italian pricing and presentation.
Norma
8.7
Norma is a Sicilian trattoria in Murray Hill where wood-fired pies share the spotlight with regional antipasti and pastas. Locals treat it as a neighborhood standby for chewy, blistered-crust Sicilian-style pizzas and an all-Sicilian wine list that makes dinners feel a bit like a quick trip to Palermo.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Norma with eggplant and ricotta salata, Sfincione-style Sicilian square with anchovy and onion, Pizza Trapanese with pesto and cherry tomatoes
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Sicilian-focused pizzeria and trattoria with regional recipes and all-Sicilian wines.
Who should go: Fans of Sicilian pies, antipasti, and cozy date-night energy.
When to visit: Weeknights or early evenings before the small room fills.
What to order: Pizza Norma, sfincione-style square, arancini starter.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal specials; the kitchen runs rotating pies.
Norma
8.7
Norma is a Murray Hill Sicilian spot where Lasagna Palermitana shares the spotlight with pizzas, antipasti, and Sicilian wines. Locals come for richly layered baked pastas, convivial service, and an atmosphere that feels closer to Palermo than Midtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Palermitana, Anelletti Siciliani, Frittura di panelle e panzarotti
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Sicilian-focused kitchen where Lasagna Palermitana is a signature.
Who should go: Sicilian pasta fans who prioritize hearty baked pastas.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before peak dinner crowd.
What to order: Lasagna Palermitana, arancini, busiate al pesto.
Insider tip: Sit toward the back to feel more like a Sicilian trattoria than a Midtown spot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited after 6pm. Nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at early dinner, slightly louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple meat-free pastas, pizzas, and antipasti are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-based pasta and appetizers can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Limited—select gluten-free pasta may be available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it strikes a strong balance between romantic energy and relaxed comfort, making it easy to connect without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You might at weekday lunch or early evenings, but weekend dinners are far smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pasta and pizza, but the atmosphere is geared more toward adults and social dining than families with toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Richer, heartier baked pastas and an authentic Sicilian feel compared to lighter Italian trattorias nearby.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet fine dining, highly modern Italian plating, or a strictly vegan-focused menu.
Norma
8.6
Norma brings a focused Sicilian menu and a small dog-friendly sidewalk patio to the Kips Bay stretch of 3rd Avenue. Handmade pastas, regional specials, and a tightly edited wine list make it feel like a serious dinner spot that still welcomes pups outdoors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Busiate al pesto trapanese, Arancini Siciliani, Cannoli Siciliani
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Sicilian-focused trattoria with serious cooking and a dog-friendly sidewalk patio.
Who should go: Couples craving Sicilian pasta and wine with their pup nearby.
When to visit: Weeknight or early weekend dinners before the patio fills.
What to order: Busiate pesto trapanese, arancini, pistachio cannoli.
Insider tip: Book an outdoor table and ask staff for off-menu Sicilian specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 3rd Avenue and tough after 6pm; nearby paid garages on E 30th–32nd Streets typically run $18–$30 for dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but most guests opt for polished date-night looks.
Noise level: Moderate — energetic indoors, but patio stays comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; patio fills fastest in good weather.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta starters, salads, and vegetable-driven antipasti.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable pastas and sides can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some mains and antipasti work, but pasta substitutions are not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy patio, candlelit feel, and approachable Sicilian menu strike the right balance between intimate and relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights, but weekends and patio seating are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-oriented overall, but well-behaved kids are welcome for early dinners; high chairs are limited.
Best For
Better for: Focused Sicilian cooking, romantic patio vibes, and a quieter, more refined experience than most casual Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a loud party scene, large group dining, or ultra-budget-friendly Italian fare.
Norma
8.8
Norma brings a tight Sicilian playbook to a cozy Murray Hill dining room, with arancini, busiate pastas, and regional pizzas backed by an all-Sicilian wine list. Michelin’s Bib Gourmand nod and chef Salvatore Fraterrigo’s cooking make it a serious yet relaxed spot for people who want Southern Italian flavors in a modern, candlelit setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arancini al Ragù, Busiate al Pesto Trapanese, 'Rianata' Trapani-Style Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand Sicilian spot with standout arancini and a Sicilian-only wine list.
Who should go: Couples and small groups craving serious Sicilian cooking.
When to visit: Weeknight or early weekend dinners before the room fills.
What to order: Arancini, busiate pesto trapanese, Trapani-style pizza.
Insider tip: Ask for pairing suggestions from the Sicilian wine list to match your mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages on 3rd Ave and Lexington typically run $25–$35 for dinner service.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine if polished, but most diners opt for date-night chic.
Noise level: Moderate – lively enough to feel buzzy, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several dedicated vegetarian pastas, pizzas, and antipasti.
Vegan options: Limited – a few naturally vegan apps and pasta modifications upon request.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some gluten-free pasta substitutions and naturally gluten-free mains available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the candlelit room, shareable Sicilian plates, and approachable wine list make it intimate without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends and peak dinner hours are reservation-heavy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved older kids who enjoy Italian food; this skews more toward adult date nights than families with toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Focused Sicilian flavors, wine pairings by region, and a romantic, modern trattoria feel that beats broader Italian competitors.
Skip if: You want huge red-sauce portions, ultra-casual pizza vibes, or a loud group-party atmosphere.
Norma
8.6
Norma brings a focused Sicilian playbook to a tight Murray Hill space, with arancini, busiate pastas, and regional specials backed by an all-Sicilian wine list. It reads like a serious neighborhood trattoria rather than a destination showpiece, which keeps it feeling intimate even on packed Bib Gourmand nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arancini, Busiate al pesto trapanese, Pistachio cannoli
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Sicilian comfort cooking and wines in a compact, candlelit room.
Who should go: Couples and small groups craving regional Italian pasta
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekend seatings before the rush
What to order: Arancini, busiate al pesto trapanese, pistachio dessert
Insider tip: Ask staff to steer you through the Sicilian wine list by region and style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on nearby avenues are limited after 6pm, and garages on 2nd and 3rd Ave typically run $18–$30 for dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — dark jeans, heels or loafers fit right in, and date-night attire is common.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner but still easy to hold a full conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta, antipasti, and vegetable-focused Sicilian dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable appetizers and pasta can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — a few naturally gluten-free starters, but pasta substitutions are not always available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate size, candlelit mood, and shareable Sicilian dishes make it feel romantic without being stiff or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weeknights, often yes with a short wait; on weekends, reservations are strongly recommended unless you arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults and older teens — the room is compact and geared toward relaxed, grown-up dining rather than families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Regional Sicilian cooking, intimate date-night energy, and wine-focused dinners that feel neighborhood-driven rather than scene-chasing.
Skip if: You want a loud party atmosphere, large group seating, or ultra-modern Italian fine dining.
Norma
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Group Dining Gatherings
Norma compresses Sicilian comfort food into a narrow Murray Hill space, with arancini, baked pastas, and pizza backed by an all-Sicilian wine list. Bib Gourmand recognition and steady neighborhood lines make it a strong choice when you want a lunch that feels homey but still serious about wine and ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arancini alla Norma, Busiate al pesto Trapanese, Anelletti al forno
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand–recognized Sicilian plates and wines in a compact, lively room.
Who should go: Teams craving hearty pasta with a serious Sicilian wine list
When to visit: Early lunch or late afternoon to avoid peak walk-in waits
What to order: Arancini, busiate pesto Trapanese, anelletti al forno
Insider tip: Arrive a bit off-peak and grab a window table to keep laptops and documents on the ledge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive during lunch rush; nearby paid garages on 3rd Ave typically run $18–$28 for 1–2 hours.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual—jeans are fine, but polished workwear fits the room best.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at lunch, but the room hums during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 35–60 minutes without a reservation during peak evening hours
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak noon rush; minimal wait before 12pm or after 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward pastas, salads, and antipasti work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable sides and simple tomato-based pastas can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Limited—grilled proteins and salads work, but no dedicated gluten-free pasta program.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy, energetic, and comforting without feeling too formal, making it easy for conversation while still feeling special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for lunch if you arrive early or slightly off-peak; dinner walk-ins are tougher and usually involve a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than small children—pastas and pizza are approachable, but the tight dining room isn’t ideal for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Rich, baked Sicilian pastas and a truly focused Sicilian wine list in a casual-but-serious setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet power lunch with lots of table space, gluten-free dining as a priority, or quick in-and-out service during peak hours.
Norma
8.8
Norma is a Sicilian trattoria in Murray Hill where handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and regional antipasti anchor relaxed family dinners. Parents get serious Sicilian cooking and a solid wine list while kids share arancini, baked pastas, and pizza at close-together tables that feel casual rather than formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Busiate al Pesto Trapanese, Pasta alla Norma, Sicilian Arancini
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Sicilian-focused kitchen turning out handmade pastas and pizzas in a cozy brownstone space.
Who should go: Families who want real Sicilian cooking without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Early evenings and weekend lunches for easiest seating with kids.
What to order: Arancini to start, Pasta alla Norma, a shared Sicilian-style pizza.
Insider tip: Ask about daily Sicilian specials; they often include off-menu pastas worth sharing family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots are available but can be tight after 6pm. Nearby garages on 3rd Ave are a safer bet for dinner.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed date-night outfits all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can converse easily, but it gets energetic when families and groups fill the room.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a quick 5–10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta dishes, vegetable antipasti, and margherita-style pizzas work well
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based pastas and salads can be modified
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free antipasti; most pastas and pizzas are wheat-based
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something relaxed and unpretentious. It’s cozy and lively rather than romantic and hushed, which takes pressure off conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for lunch and early dinners, but weekend evenings fill quickly. Walk-ins work best before 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — best for elementary-age kids and up. The pizza, baked pastas, and shareable appetizers are easy wins, and the casual atmosphere welcomes families.
Best For
Better for: Casual Sicilian comfort food, family-style sharing, and real southern Italian flavors without upscale pricing.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, romantic fine-dining experience or a fully gluten-free or vegan-friendly menu.
Norma
8.5
Norma brings a Sicilian trattoria vibe to 3rd Avenue with wood-fired pies, arancini, and pasta alla Norma served in a warm, brick-lined room. It’s a sweet spot for relaxed dates where you can share antipasti, a pizza, and a carafe of wine without it feeling overly formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pasta alla Norma, Sicilian-style pizza, Arancini
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Sicilian-focused kitchen turning out handmade pastas and pizzas in a cozy space.
Who should go: Couples craving Sicilian comfort food over a bottle of wine.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before the peak rush.
What to order: Arancini, Pasta alla Norma, a shared Sicilian pizza.
Insider tip: Ask about daily specials; some of the best pastas never hit the printed menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages along 3rd Avenue and 2nd Avenue are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and a nice top work perfectly, with many guests opting for relaxed date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate — lively energy but still comfortable for conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak hours (7–9pm).
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, even during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several standout vegetarian pastas, pizzas, and antipasti including Pasta alla Norma and Margherita-style pies.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward pastas and salads can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free substitutions are available, but cross-contamination is possible due to the pizza-focused kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it strikes the right balance between romantic and relaxed, making it easy to talk, share food, and keep things low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekend dinner is risky without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening it works for well-behaved kids who like pizza and pasta, but it feels more adult-oriented after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed, affordable Sicilian comfort food dates with shareable dishes and wine in a cozy, neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want ultra-upsacle Italian, white-tablecloth formality, or a guaranteed quiet, candlelit environment.