11/03/06

A special place

by mojoanco

This has become the restaurant of choice for important adult family occasions such as birthdays or during the holidays. We have always encountered impeccable food and service. Excellent wine list.

• Pros: Service, food, wine list
• Cons: Upstairs seating is so-so, can be loud at times

Relish the contrasts of small portions with big flavor at the birthplace of New-World cuisine.

by Rick Munarriz

In Short
Chef Norman Van Aken's namesake eatery features a crafty, colorful blend of Caribbean, Latin American, Asian and American delicacies. Fresh, unique concoctions are served with artistic, almost too-pretty-to-eat flair; typically exotic pairings include Cuban roasted pork served with Haitian grits and Mongolian veal chop accompanied by Thai fried rice. The edible artwork may come in meager servings, but the wallop of robust flavors always fights its way through.

10/17/05

OVERRATED, BAD FOOD

by rayshello

Norman's has a reputation as on eof the best restaurants in the country, but it is barely even average--and at $100 per person. The appetizers were TINY and a tasty, but nothing special. My lamb was tough and bland, the seafood was overcooked, and the dessert was flavorless. And the acoustics in the dining room were terrible. If you're looking for a special night out, go to any one of Miami's other top-rated restaurants. Norman's is without question the worst of the lot.

• Pros: good service
• Cons: food

02/11/05

Excellent

by trinton

Wonderful food served by a staff that really cares. The wine list was one of the best I've seen. Even the vegetables were perfect! Fresh, wholesome, intriguing food in a classy atmosphere. A little pricey, but worth every cent!

• Pros: excellent service, fabulous food, great wine list

03/07/03

Not for everyone

by wineguy13

I have heard everything from good to bad about the food here. It's not mainstream, run-of-the-mill fare. But if you are looking for something different, quality, fresh and full-flavored you won't be disappointed. I have yet to be and no one I have brought in ever was either. The service was always very good to excellent. Despite the uniqueness of the food, there will always be a wine available to complement it, whatever your choice. From Buffalo filet mignon to yellowtail to pork tenderloin, there is always a variety to choose from and the deserts are knockouts as well.

• Pros: Unique, Great wine list, Great service
• Cons: Expensive, Parking