Nora Restaurant — Restaurant in Chicago

I had an amazing experience at Nora. I went on a day where they were just revising their new menu during Chicago restaurant week. I had a few menu items and drink items also.. for starters, my friend and I had the pecorino cheese “grilled cheese” amazing amazing amazing very very good. This is something that I would probably go back for unassuming at first, but the depth of flavor is there. I had the gambas in garlic sauce the presentation in the technique was great, but it lacked flavor to be quite honest my server brought me salt, but it wasn’t enough for me to continue eating. To be honest, I would say the same critique goes for white bean vegetable soup. Personally, I felt like it wasn’t enough depth of flavor for me to continue eating, even on a cold day in the Windy City. Had it been more depth of flavor and a thicker broth, I would of continued to eat it. But, I honestly feel like it could have a heartier base with parsnip, mushroom, celery, garlic, and herb, flavored base instead of a tomato base. It came off very flat. I had the Seabass, which was amazing with the pinko and pistachio crust but again I felt like it lacked a tad bit of flavor and salt and tasted quite bland without the salt and pepper added. I’m used to more focused Mediterranean style preparation so my opinion might be solely based off of what I’m used to. Mostly, the menu is Mediterranean with an Italian Sardinian focus which might be the reason why some of the techniques are displayed in this way. everything else down to the ambience and the wine list, etc. immaculate. I will definitely go back for the experience and service alone. Considering they have only been open for one month, I feel they have a lot of potential to be amazing. I will revisit them, of course, to support them in the hopes that their menu is streamlined and provides more depth of flavor so that the dishes are memorable not only for how they look, but for how they tasted. Their staff is incredible and they have a wonderful team. I’m grateful for the experience I had there I wind up spending about three hours there and had a portion of the menu my friend and I spent about 250 bucks and the food was about a 7 1/2 out of 10. Please take this feedback as actionable items and not negative remarks. I really want you all to do well and I highly recommend going there and trying it out for yourself. All the best in your future...

Nora, a new gem in Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene, is making waves with its authentic Mediterranean flavors and inviting atmosphere. Tucked away in a cozy neighborhood, this restaurant offers a delightful escape into the rich, diverse world of Mediterranean cuisine.

Upon entering, you're greeted by a warm, rustic interior that feels both modern and timeless. The soft lighting and earthy tones create a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, perfect for a romantic evening or a casual night out with friends.

The menu at Nora is a carefully curated journey through the Mediterranean, featuring a range of dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. I started my meal with the baba ganoush, a creamy, smoky eggplant dip that was perfectly paired with freshly baked pita bread. The depth of flavor in this simple dish set the tone for the rest of the meal.

For the main course, I opted for the lamb kofta, which was an absolute standout. The lamb was tender and juicy, seasoned with a blend of spices that brought out its natural richness. Accompanied by a side of herb rice and grilled vegetables, this dish was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with each bite offering something new.

Vegetarian options are also well-represented on the menu. The falafel was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with a tangy tahini sauce that complemented it beautifully. The Mediterranean salad was a refreshing mix of greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, dressed in a light vinaigrette that didn’t overpower the fresh ingredients.

No visit to Nora would be complete without trying their desserts. The baklava was a sweet, flaky pastry layered with nuts and honey, offering a satisfying end to the meal without being overly rich.

Service at Nora is attentive without being intrusive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and more than willing to make recommendations based on your preferences. It’s clear that they are passionate about the food they serve, which only adds to the dining experience.

In a city filled with dining options, Nora stands out as a place where quality and authenticity take center stage. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or just looking for a new place to try, Nora is well worth a visit. It’s a restaurant that delivers on its promise of great food, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger just a...

Living downtown, flush with disposable income and out every night, I am a member of the Downtown Chicago Foodie Group. With over fifty years of downtown Chicago dining experience, no other resource can match the group as an informed and unbiased resource on the best trendy, fun and upscale downtown restaurants. The group includes dozens of local food fanatics, including the most knowledgeable in the world of social media. Nora’s is definitely among the “best of the best.” Highly recommended. See below for our top tier list. Those with a Vibrant Bar Scene are noted with an *

• 3 Arts Club • Aba* (Lettuce) • Adalina • Alla Vita* • Avec* (West Loop & River North) • Avli on the Park • Bar Mar* • Bar Siena* (DineAmici) • Bavette’s (Hogsalt) • Bellevue* (Original Tavern On Rush Location) • Boka • Brasero • Cabra* • Carmine’s* (Closed, Under Construction, 2025 Opening) • Ciccio Mio (Hogsalt) • Divan Steakhouse & Supper Club • Etta (Closed) • Fioretta* (DineAmici) • Gavroche • Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse* • Gibson’s Italia* • Gilt Bar* (Hogsalt) • Hoxton Hotel Lobby* • Hugo’s Frog & Fish* • IL Porcellino (Lettuce) • Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Lettuce) • La Grande Boucherie* • La Serre* (DineAmici) • Le Colonial* • Le Select (Boka. Closed) • Lyra* (DineAmici) • Maple & Ash* • Mastro’s* • Maxwell’s Trading • Monteverde • Nico Osteria* (Closed/ Replaced By The Just Opened New Tavern On Rush) • Nora’s • Oakville Grill* • Obelix • Petit Pomeroy • RPM Italian* (Lettuce) • RPM Steak* (Lettuce) • RPM Seafood* (Lettuce) • Siena Tavern* (DineAmici) • Tanta • Original Tavern On Rush (Closed) • New Tavern On Rush* (Recently Opened Replacement Of The Neighboring Original) • Tre Dita (Lettuce) • Trivoli Tavern*...