Norma Hell's Kitchen Reviews Summary

Category: Sicilian restaurant New York

Address: 801 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

Phone: +12122466000

Rating: 4.6
based on 150 reviews.

Food Quality

Pros:

  • "Nearly everyone’s food was some of the best Italian we have ever had."
  • "The pastas are so decadent… the timballo sardo is so rich in flavor and the anelli is like adult Spaghetti O’s."
  • "Consistently one of the best Italian spots around."
  • "The crust is incredible and the toppings just really fresh and tasty."
  • "We had the pasta alla Norma and the gnocchi bolognese- both were 10/10."
  • "It was some of the best pizza I ever had...the crust was crisp and fluffy and the sauce was incredible."
  • "The food was fantastic, they had a wide selection of Sicilian wines."

Cons:

  • "The pizza was not the Italian it tasted blind. Their pasta was horrible."
  • "The lasagna and Fettucine Funghi however were cold, stodgy and tasteless which was incredibly disappointing."
  • "The mushroom pasta was fine, but the pork was very dry."
  • "Starting with the meatballs, they were frozen meatballs. Almost as if I was eating a pogo stick in ball shape. Horrible."
  • "Unfortunately our entrees: mushroom fettuccine and Trapanese pesto pasta are both quite bland."
  • "Food was not good. Pizza was decent but pasta was very basic and was too wet."
  • "Second, my pasta was undercooked. Not al dente, which I enjoy and can recognize, but brittle and chalky."

Service

Pros:

  • "The service we received was great! Cecilio was so welcoming and informative about all the tasty foods!"
  • "Not only was the food amazing, but the service was also flawless."
  • "Staff were very attentive, and easily answered any question."
  • "Knowledgeable and polite and pleasant staff."
  • "The staff were very attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was ok."
  • "Service is great and attentive."
  • "Service was professional and friendly."

Cons:

  • "Service was very subpar. We literally only saw our waiter to order and then to bring the check."
  • "They did charge us for a glass of wine we didn't have, so had to get that adjusted."
  • "The food was fantastic but out server was terrible. He brought us the wrong appetizer and tried to blame it on us, and he never brought a drink I ordered."
  • "Terrible service. Norma no more."
  • "Unfortunately, I can't get over the fact that our waiter literally never checked in on our group after the food came out."
  • "Walked in and waited at the front we weren't even acknowledged."
  • "The service — really really poor. Rushed all the way — being seated, taking order, paying."

Ambiance

Pros:

  • "The general atmosphere was cozy and enjoyable and the waitress were exceptionally kind and quick."
  • "It's great for catching a bite before or after a Broadway show due to the location."
  • "The interior design felt like we were in Italy, such a great vibe!"
  • "The atmosphere also nice, with a nice decor."
  • "The music and decor gave a great environment to this classy, casual corner spot."
  • "The atmosphere is very welcoming & warm with excellently attentive table service."
  • "Ambience is very home-comfortable and warm."

Cons:

  • "I would say this place is an average Italian restaurant, their sauces, and service are good, but it feels like a club with loud music where you can even have a conversation."
  • "It was packed and pretty loud (inside)."
  • "The tables are very close to each other so there’s barely any space and zero privacy for a private conversation."
  • "Tight tables, which can be annoying because it's a small restaurant to begin with."
  • "The vibe is a little hectic and the service isn't worth the aggravation."
  • "Too stressful eating with all that negativity."
  • "Busy restaurant. Was seated less than a foot next to another couple, but such is New York."

Value

Pros:

  • "Price point is very reasonable. Portions are ample and shareable."
  • "Food was spot on and fairly priced."
  • "Prices were reasonable, and food was authentic."
  • "The prices were very affordable for NYC standards."
  • "They haven’t raised their prices 30% like a lot of the restaurants in the neighborhood."
  • "Tasty wine at reasonable prices."
  • "The Margarita Pizza was one of the best Neopolitan style pies I've had in the city."

Cons:

  • "But around 20/25$ per pizza isn't cheap."
  • "For the prices they’re charging people, they should at least know how to make a decent not soaking wet soggy pizza and create an enjoyable experience."
  • "Over rated, over priced."
  • "They RUSH u out before u even take sips from your beverage."
  • "Only issue was the slow pace of meal, ordered a macchiato before desserts and everyone who ordered expresso after got it right away had to run after so long."
  • "We had to wait longer than we probably should have to receive our main courses."
  • "The service — really really poor. Rushed all the way — being seated, taking order, paying."

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