Norman’s Restaurant

In Reviews by Nathasha Alvarez

Dining out can be expensive but every now and then you want to feast in elegance and comfort. Norman’s Restaurant located at 21 Almeria Avenue in Miami, Florida is that perfect place.

The service is warm, friendly and professional unlike that cold feeling of some posh restaurants. We arrived earlier than our reservation time and they lead us to our table instead of the bar with the high counters to have cocktails. The two story restaurant with large windows is surrounded by wine bottles with personalized autographs from various celebrities like Francis Ford Coppola. Soft lively sounds of Billy Ocean play in the background.

Before we could even order an appetizer, we were presented with the Chef’s offering to tempt our palette. Every bite we took the rest of the evening was so delicious that writing this review is giving me a craving for Roasted Pork “Havana” with “21st Century” Mole, Golden Haitian Grits, Black Bean Salsa and a Spanish Sherry Wine Reduction. The price $29.50 is a bit extravagant for a normal entree but nothing at Norman’s is normal. It’s exquisite. Michael had the Pecan Crusted, Louisiana Catfish with Fried Green Tomato, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Collard Greens and a Lemon-Bacon-Peanut-Scallion Butter for $29.00. The desserts were the perfect end to a perfect meal and a memorable evening.

There are three locations across the country in Los Angeles, California, and Orlando and Miami, Florida. Not enough praise can be given to Norman’s and their staff. If I could make one suggestion, it would be to remove the chairs that were in the hallway before the entrance to the restrooms. The staff graciously apologized for the inconvenience as they rearranged the chairs to make room for my wheelchair. Once inside the restroom, I found everything to be quite accessible.

My thanks to this wonderful restaurant. For some disabled people on a fixed budget, Norman’s may seem a bit too expensive but if there is ever chance for you to go there say “Yes!” quickly because there are some things that money can buy.