Normas Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant — Restaurant in Cherry Hill Township

Having traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean I am shocked at the one-star reviews that claim the food does not taste authentic or that the service isn't good. My family and I dine out on Wednesdays as it is a busy day for us and one of our friends at my child's learning cooperative told us that we had to try this place. My kids don't eat crap on a kid's menu so they usually split a plate and we get extra apps. I am more a fan of falafel that has some fava beans and a green coloring but the ones they served were still very good. We ordered the combination salads and bread combo. My kids shared a mixed grill with some of the best kofta I've ever had in the US. The combination also came with one skewer of lamb and one skewer of chicken. All were perfect. I ordered the same for myself but had the lentils and caramelized onion and rice side dish as we already had hummus, baba ghanouj, tabuli, grape leaves and a tomato and cucumber salad along an extra side of falafel because no matter how many I have left over, by the end of the night they are all gone. My husband had the cucumber and yogurt chilled soup and we all tasted it, it was delicious. At no point did I even look for salt or pepper as everything was seasoned well. As a main dish I believe he got the stewed lamb and rice. Before we had our desserts we asked them to make up another batch of rice for us to bring home to have with the leftovers and they were very accommodating. Our server was fantastic. He saw that we had young children and was patient while they chose, then when we asked he made sure that the main dishes weren't fired until we dug through the huge table of appetizers. He was there when we needed him and stayed back when we didn't. Our main dishes came out just as we were all finished. We each chose a different dessert and everybody shared bites of their choice. I had two Greek style coffees and my husband had one and one Americano which was equally as good. The 6-year-old and 9-year-old 52-year-old (and cough)40 something; were all pleased with both the food and the service. Our server was extremely professional and accommodating. The bill was typical of what we usually pay every Wednesday unless the kids pack dinner clothing and we intend to splurge. Thankfully the restaurant was casual enough for my 6-year-olds shorts and t-shirt but I think that if I went on Friday or Saturday I would probably shoot for less casual. In the meantime my kids have lunch for tomorrow but the cheese bread is not going to make it that long. I think that the only thing I can really criticize is the quality of the olive oil but I'm an olive oil snob ;) I believe my husband said the bill was 188 and we tipped accordingly for professional service. I would never claim to know other people's circumstances or situations but our experience was in stark contrast to all of the low...

We've enjoyed Norma's for years, and it just keeps on getting better and better and better! Norma's is a family owned and run Middle Eastern restaurant/grocery business, and because of my own Lebanese heritage, I suppose I am a bit biased in my love for not only this eatery but the people who own and manage it. The family is just wonderful! They are warm, friendly people, from the parents to the adult kids who assist their mom and dad, and I have never visited their place without leaving with that special feeling of kinship that can only come from being treated not only as a customer, but an extended member of a family. I sense it is not only because of our shared ancestry, but that this family seeks to make every customer feel the same warm welcome into their restaurant, where customers are treated as one would treat a special guest in their own home. Of course, as wonderful as this feeling is, it would not be enough to bring one back again and again if the food itself were not spectacular, and again, Norma's never disappoints! As a "boomer" who grew up learning how to cook these middle eastern dishes at the instruction of my own Lebanese grandmother, I can say with absolute certainty the food is authentic (and extraordinarily delicious!) in every respect! It's not just "like grandma used to make", it's EXACTLY like she made! I've been to MANY middle eastern restaurants, all over the country, and only a handful were "good". (Most "Americanize" their food, since these dishes can be an acquired taste.) Norma's recipes are PERFECT, the execution of those recipes EXCEPTIONAL, and I am taken back in time to my own childhood every time I eat there! The pandemic has made their "take-out" menu critical to my culinary survival, and I drive over an hour to buy there! I can't wait to get home to enjoy my order! They also feature a vast assortment of middle eastern groceries (some VERY hard to find elsewhere) so I can make my own dishes at home if inclined, and I always "stock up" when I'm there! I wish there was more room to review here, because I just can't say enough great things about Norma's! Don't miss your opportunity to enjoy the best middle eastern food anywhere I know of, and the wonderful family who brings it all to you! FIVE STARS just isn't enough! PS: Saw Norma's response! (BIG SMILE!) I am NOT a "paid endorser", just a VERY happy customer, like so many others who love Norma's! I was honored to write this review, happy it was appreciated, and can't wait until my next visit! And I'll remember to call ahead next time I want lamb in the stuffed grape leaves! (Forgot to mention in my review Norma's is happy to fill "special orders" if given advance notice! Can't say enough great things about this place!) Warm Regards,...

Normas is a gem. Tucked away in what seems like an unassuming spot, it opens up into a warm, inviting space that instantly makes you feel at home. I've been craving good Mediterranean food lately, and Normas absolutely delivered. From the moment you walk in, the aroma of spices fills the air, promising a flavorful experience. The menu is extensive, featuring dishes from across the Eastern Mediterranean, making it hard to choose! We started with the hummus and pita bread, which was a classic done right. The hummus was creamy and perfectly seasoned, and the pita was warm and fluffy. For my main course, I opted for the Chicken Shawarma plate. The chicken was tender and well-marinated, with those lovely charred edges that speak of proper grilling. It was served with a generous portion of flavorful rice and a vibrant salad. My friend had the Falafel plate, and she raved about how crispy and flavorful the falafel was, definitely not dry like some places serve it. What really elevates Normas is the attention to detail. The service was friendly and attentive, with our server happy to offer recommendations and answer our questions. The portions were generous, especially considering the price point - it felt like great value for money. You can tell they take pride in their food and want their customers to have a good experience. The only slight downside? It can get a little noisy when it's busy, making conversation a tad challenging. But honestly, the delicious food more than makes up for it. Normas is the kind of place you want to return to again and again. Whether you're after a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, it's perfect for anyone craving authentic, delicious Mediterranean cuisine. It's a little taste of sunshine, no matter what the weather is like outside. Would I go back? Absolutely, in a heartbeat. I'm already planning my next visit! Pro-tip: Don't skip the hummus, it's some of the best I've had. And come hungry, because you'll want to try everything! If you're going on a weekend evening, making a reservation might be...