Norma Hell's Kitchen — Restaurant in New York

Hey POC listen up!

Me (Latin) and my friend (Asian) rolled up here on a Sunday afternoon looking for lunch. We saw lots of empty outdoor seating on the 53rd street side of the restaurant. One or two of the tables were occupied and 4-6 were empty.

The host (white woman) said that we couldn’t sit out there because it’s closed off until dinner. We were offered to sit either on busy 9th Ave or inside.

We were seated at a table inside by a window that looked on to the outdoor seating that we had asked to sit at.

After ordering our food and less than half a drink in, we noticed that a white couple were seated exactly where we wanted to sit. Moments later another set of white people were seated in the same outdoor area. The exact spot where we were told no.

When my friend flagged down the host to find out what was up she completely ignored him and sent out a waiter, possibly a manger, to come speak to us.

After bringing the issue to his attention he came up with a nonsensical reason. I proceed to ask if he’s seeing what we’re seeing and he didn’t answer.

He then said that he was going to ‘take care of us’.

‘Taking care’ meant that after our meal he asked if we wanted dessert and we said ‘no’ because we wanted to get the f outta there. He then proceeded to send out a dessert and then comped it on the check. So he didn't listen to us and then didn’t take care of anything.

Anyway, that’s what happened - if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck… you know the rest.

Side note: I’ve been here several times before and the food and drinks are delicious, it’s a shame the staff culture is primitive. I'm def not giving them my...

Disappointing.

Went because it was conveniently located. They sat us immediately (yay!) and then no one approached us for nearly 30 minutes. They weren't overly busy (hence how they could seat us so quickly), they just kinda...forgot about us.

Then when we finally managed to flag a waiter down, I explained that I was hoping to get a salad but I am not a fan of vinaigrettes. I was hoping for an alternative dressing. The waiter nearly spat in my face and told me that they don't carry other dressings. He started yelling at me that if I didn't want a vinaigrette then I just shouldn't order a salad. I've been to other restaurants where this was not a problem. I suggested maybe they had a pesto or some pasta sauce that could be used, and he barely managed to contain his rage before he told me "Olive oil or choose something else."

My partner and I ended up sharing a single pizza. The pizza was pretty solid, but not special, and in NYC that's basically unacceptable, and the service was (obviously) pretty atrocious. I'd avoid unless you're a Sicilian - the waiter mentioned many times that this was not an Italian Restaurant, but a SICILIAN restaurant. I assure you, neither my partner nor I never mentioned the word Italian - but the waiter just wanted to be sure we...

Title: A Culinary Haven in Hell's Kitchen: Norma's Delight

Norma's restaurant in Hell's Kitchen has become my go-to neighborhood gem, and for good reason. The warm ambiance, coupled with exceptional food, makes it a standout dining experience.

The brick oven pizza at Norma's is, without a doubt, a highlight. Each slice is a perfect balance of crispy crust and flavorful toppings, a testament to the artistry of their culinary team. The rich, smoky aroma from the brick oven adds a distinctive touch that elevates the pizza to a whole new level.

Ending the meal with either an affogato or the Nutella pizza is a delightful indulgence. The affogato, a harmonious blend of espresso and gelato, is a perfect way to cap off the savory flavors of the main course. On the other hand, the Nutella pizza is a sweet, gooey masterpiece that satisfies any chocolate lover's cravings.

Norma's has truly mastered the art of crafting a memorable dining experience. It's not just a restaurant; it's a culinary haven in Hell's Kitchen. From the inviting atmosphere to the delectable menu, Norma's consistently delivers a dining adventure that keeps me coming back. If you're in the area and haven't experienced the magic of Norma's yet, I highly recommend making it your next dining...