Norman's Japanese Grill

Cute concept, very fun decorations, and all the food is tasty but I have to agree with other reviews on small portion sizes. I also didn’t love how pan-Asian the menu was, despite it being described explicitly as Japanese Western. There’s a decent amount of gochujang (Korean) and Korean Fried Chicken on the menu. Both of the more expensive beef options read as more Thai than Japanese (we ordered the $49 A5 beef and the Prik Nam Pla fish sauce made the flavor profile very Thai). We didn’t order the $99 ribeye but the papaya salad in the description also felt very Thai. The waiter recommended the hamachi crudo so we got it, but it came in a cold creamy Tom Kha- again, very Thai. Tasty, but I didn’t love how thick the tom kha was and it overall did not read as Japanese Western at all. The hand rolls were simply not hand rolls, but just nigiri size sushi that you wrap yourself with seaweed which is fun in theory until you realize it’s $10-14 a piece for a bite and a half. Our escabeche was excellent and our favorite of the night, but it came out last after everything even though it was described as a small plate. For dessert, the yuzu cheesecake cleared and was phenomenal. The chocolate gelato with the cake underneath and what was described to us as a Thai(?) matcha?… the chocolate overpowered all of the matcha and cake flavor and it just felt like a nice scoop of ice cream with a pretty tuile and some gooseberries on it. I think this dessert in particular needs to go back to the drawing board and we could have done something more fun and more Japanese with chocolate ice cream like a play on matcha KitKat or a Pocky. Overall the menu concept needs to match the aesthetic a little sharper and should be more Japanese and less other Asian influences, and portions need to be bigger.

Norman Japanese Grill in Dallas has really good food and solid execution overall. Everything was fresh and flavorful, and you can tell they care about quality. That said, it is a bit overhyped for the price — you’re definitely paying a premium for the name and vibe. Still, the food itself is good and worth trying at least once if you’re in the area. The highlights were definitely the Korean fried chicken, the otoro nigiri and the handrolls.

Everything was outstanding. The menu had a lot of unique, interesting dishes — none of which initially sounded appealing to me — but I was so pleasantly surprised. The udon carbonara and the Romano beans were my favorites. The gem lettuce salad with the ginger dressing was delicious too. Our waitress was super nice and attentive. Great vibes, great food. Definitely a must-try while in Dallas.

The food is quite tasty and the menu has a variety of different types of dishes from really great quality cut of sashimi to pasta to steak, just to name a few. The service is so friendly and inviting. I think the ambiance and just the entire creation of Norman’s is unique and I appreciate this so much! Their cocktails are amazing and their wine choices never fail. The lighting got dimmer as of late —LOVE THIS! XO, A great fan of Duro Hospitality, Casey T.

my girlfriend and I celebrated our anniversary here, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. the service and food were truly next level. we even met one of the regional managers, who was incredibly generous and welcoming. you can feel how much pride the chefs and servers put into every detail, creating such a warm and inviting vibe ✨ we tried a variety of dishes and loved every single one. the corn and miso ravioli, korean fried chicken and shrimp tempura handroll were unforgettable— highly recommend! the whole concept of this place is amazing, but it’s the vibe and the food that really set it apart. absolutely worth checking out! i’ll make sure chloe leaves a review with some of the other pics. thanks so much for the amazing experience yall! 🤠

Norman's Japanese Grill: An Exceptional Shared Dining Experience ​Dining at Norman's Japanese Grill proved to be an exceptional event where every detail, from the inviting atmosphere to the attentive service, exceeded expectations. The establishment is built around a dynamic, shared-portion model, where the server or bartender skillfully navigates your journey through the menu. The cuisine itself is simply stellar. ​A closer look at the highlights: -​Korean Fried Chicken: The execution of this classic was flawless, featuring a perfectly crisp breading. The dish reached its full potential when balanced with the bright acidity of the house pickles. -​Curry Katsu: This rendition showcased remarkably tender chicken enveloped in a deeply flavorful curry sauce. The inclusion of a jalapeno apple slaw offered a vibrant counterpoint, providing a burst of rich, palpable freshness. -​Udon Carbonara (Vegetarian adaptation available): A deeply satisfying indulgence. This dish was characterized by its smooth, rich texture and complex, delectable flavor profile. It is a harmonious blend of richness where every ingredient is distinct yet unified. -​New Zealand King Salmon: Prepared beautifully, the salmon boasted a delicate outer crust that gave way to a moist, flaky interior. The finish of Togarashi Honey was genius, imparting a savory-sweet heat that flawlessly elevated the protein. ​Norman's Japanese Grill earns a clear 10/10. The unforgettable meal has guaranteed a swift return, specifically for the highly coveted Dry Aged Cowboy Ribeye, finished with Uni Butter.

Norman’s absolutely blew me away! Our server, Kutter, was incredible—we trusted him to choose dishes for us, and every single one was a hit. The miso cod handrolls were silky and unforgettable, the sliders and meatballs were total comfort, and the noodle carbonara might be my new favorite dish in Dallas. The cocktails were spot on, the service felt so thoughtful, and the whole experience had this perfect blend of Asian and Southern flavors. I left already excited to come back. Truly a unique foodie experience!!

Norman’s offers a unique blend of Japanese cuisine with American west vibes in terms of flavors and ambiance. Most of the dishes were excellent, but the crudo lacked a flavor punch and the wagyu was unforgivable-the meat was tough and overcooked. How does that happen in Texas!?! Linda, our server, was incredible. She was engaging and informative. The atmosphere was visually interesting and comfortable. Restaurants at this location seem to have a tough time making it. If Norman’s can get all of their dishes dialed in, I think they’ll buck the trend of their predecessors.

I cannot say enough good things about Norman's! We had outstanding service from Cutter, who was super knowledgeable about the menu and took great care of us. The food was AMAZING! Highly recommend the Godzilla handroll, udon carbonara, and the korean fried chicken. We went on a Saturday night at 7 and it was a fun and lively atmosphere but not too overpowering where we couldn't hear eachother! Definitely one of my new faves in Dallas, can't wait to be back!

I had such a nice time here that it now makes so much sense about why it was so difficult to get a reservation! Our server, Alexandra (I believe), was so kind and knowledgeable about the whole menu. She helped us decide between things and gave great recommendations. Our favorite was surprisingly the duck meatballs followed very closely by the udon carbonara. I you're a matchbook collector, they have them here!

Norman's is way too pricey for what you get... I ordered all of the handrolls to try. What they called "handrolls" would be considered as nigiri in other sushi places. That's how small they are. They are good but small portions. Not surprisingly the nigiri are very fusion. I thought the taste was ok. The sauce and toppings overshadowed the taste of the fish. I was excited to try the udon carbonara. I liked it however I didn't think it was anything special. My friends thought it tasted like mac & cheese. The plating for the desserts were very nice but it's nothing you haven't had before... The service was good. The ambiance was nice. Can be a little bit loud. Overall Norman's could be cheaper for what they're providing diners.

Rating: 3/5 Overall, disappointed. Not sure what the hype is and overpriced. Made a reservation one month in advance with very limited slots to choose - our reservation was at 4:30pm on a Sunday. 2 stars for its service and the atmosphere and the concept. I'll rate and explain one by one based on what we've ordered - we ordered 6 things + a cocktail (didn't take picture) in total (Rating: 1 Worst to 5 Best) 1. Otoro sushi - 2.5 stars Looked fancy but the i did not enjoy the flavor. I didn't get the taste of tuna but all the other flavors. I got a bite of something slight crunchy not sure what that is. Whatever's on top completely overwhelmed the entire nigiri. 2. Oh Godzilla - 4 stars (-1 cuz of the price) Spoiler alert: this is only one that I actually like. It came with a really cure Norman cowboy style instruction on how to consume the handroll. The uni and caviar were super flavorful that complements the tatare really well. However, $14 for one is so expensive for its size and price! I'd love to order 1 more so my bf and I could each have our own. But $14 is really a big stretch. 3. Duck & Kurabota Pork Meatball - 1 star Overcooked and overgrilled. That's all I have to say. The quality felt like the meatball I'd get from low quality Mediterranean place. 4. Carbornara Udon - 0.5 star MAJOR DISAPPOINTED! I came here because of this dish. This dish concluded how I felt about the food quality. The carbornara udon was ABNORMALLY salty. I never had such salty carbornara, let alone a carbornara udon. I asked my bf if he could taste how salty it was, and he said it was probably the cheese. I tried taking one noodle at a time so to separate with the sauce. It didn't help :(. I had amazing carbornara udon before in LA, and this is absolutely not what I expected. It really ruined my meal :( 5. Beef Caparccio - 3.5 star My second favorite after the O Godzilla handroll. The wagyu was very tender and tasty. The papaya to me was a little unnecessary but it was a nice add on. No strong critique here. 6. Corn and Miso Ravioli - 3 star Recommended by one of the servers. I love the sauce. I really savored the sauce. The ravioli itself was shaped like a siu mai which I thought it was pretty cute, but the taste of the stuffing did not make so much sense. Corn on top but miso in the bottom. I got a nice sense of sweet corn in my first bite and the I got to the bottom, the saltiness of the miso hits a little too hard. I had to use so much sauce just to cover the saltiness. I'd rather they mix the corn and miso flavor together than separating into two different flavors. Bill total (including cocktail $21, excluding tips): ~$190 I am not trying to be harsh at all with the reviews, but I am here to give honest reviews and express my genuine disappointment. The restaurant was indeed very crowded and popular. Personally, I would not come back again.

This place is the definition of go there for the vibes. All the decor, menus, the sunken bar, really fun. The food...is good. But extremely pricey & small portions. The hand rolls are good & I liked the fried chicken dish. The hamachi crudo was overpowered by the coconut flavor. The service is excellent. Free valet parking available.

This place gets pretty busy, for a guaranteed spot, make sure to book a reservation. We came in on a Saturday and got seated after waiting around 20 minutes. The parking situation is tight but they have a free valet service. Food here is good but pricey. I enjoyed the udon, it was creamy and smooth. The tuna was fantastic as well. I would recommend people to try this place and I would come back again.

First off, I love the Duro hospitality group!!! Norman's was no exception as the interior was fun and thoughtfully designed. I would point out that this is definitely more of an Asian Fusion over a Japanese restaurant but I don't think Dallas cares about that? Lol. I still ordered the gochujang chicken and hamachi with tom kha sauce. I still ordered the hand roll that was part DIY with a cute cowboy telling me how to eat it. Overall, the food was tasty. Service-wise, our waitress was very attentive and extremely professional. The server seemed in a rush and impatient. The food came out reasonably quick, but they seemed to have forgotten one dish we ordered which was the cold smoked hamachi. I'm glad we didn't cancel the order because that was probably the overall favor dish.

Duro does it again! I should start by saying Sister is one of my favorite restaurants in Dallas, so I was coming in with expectations! They were met, Norman's was fun, playful and more of an experience than I was expecting. The staff all worked so well together, we had Hannah and Julia who were both great! I was here for a date but there were tons of groups as well. They have an ample outdoor space which will be great on a nice night! We ordered a pretty large array of food and were impressed with it all. The hand rolls were about 2 bites per hand roll and my husband and I shared 4. I think we liked the tempura and lobster best. The dumplings were really good, probably my favorite of the night! My husband devoured the carbonara and we both really loved the bluefin otoro. We also had a cobbler, not sure it's on the menu but it tasted so homemade and was definitely the icing on the cake!

It's a tad on the pricey side but pretty dang delicious. Service was excellent and the food and atmosphere was very desirable. Inside a cool building that looks like a New England seafood place the decor here is very welcoming. Everything I ate was creative and super delicious. Definitely recommend anyone to at least give it a try.

Nice place, seems to be popular i.e. very busy, and noisy, but it's essentially a theme-restaurant business conglomerate trying to pass off Korean Asian-Fusion food tastes as Japanese. It's not bad, just not Japanese.

Well, we finally got to experience Norman's, and it was worth the wait. We arrived about 5 minutes before our 8 pm reservation, and we were seated immediately. The place was hoppin' and LOUD -- fun vibes, but not a place to bring your hard-of-hearing elder relatives. The decor is fun, whimsical, and so *different* from anything else you see in Dallas (thanks to the Texas-meets-Japan theme). It's really refreshing. The menu, in my opinion, is more Asian fusion than it is Texas-meets-Japan. The carbonara, for example, is made with udon noodles. There's a cowboy ribeye served with uni butter. You get the idea. I saw another reviewer complaining about the restaurant's inability to accommodate her shellfish allergy, so I think it's important to note that I also have a shellfish allergy, and they were happy to accommodate me and did so very well. HIT dishes: - Edamame hummus: Ridiculously better than any iteration you've ever had of this. Comes with a spicy plum chutney in the middle, but even the hummus itself is divine. Only complaint is that it needed to be served with more than 6 chips for 4 people. The portion size of the hummus itself is generous (which we appreciated). - Hand rolls: Most of them had shellfish, but I loved the miso cod, which was rich and decadent (brown butter is among the ingredients). These aren't traditional, purist hand rolls, but they're impressive. Everyone who was able to try it loved the Oh Godzilla (bluefin tartare + uni + caviar). - Tempura veggies: Wowwww do NOT sleep on these. Truly the best tempura veggies I've ever had. That tempura batter is perfection, and the veggies were fresh and interesting (squash!). - Corn miso ravioli: Utter decadence, and such unique flavor. This one had our eyes rolling back in our heads. Many declared it their favorite dish of the evening. - Udon carbonara: A really solid carbonara with the twist of being served on udon noodles. Those bacon bits are divine but slippery and hard to catch if you're eating this udon with chopsticks. No complaints, but I've also never met a carbonara I didn't like. - Japanese cheesecake: Phenomenal, frankly. It was buried among toppings that all went together flawlessly. Not too sweet, not too heavy, rich yet nuanced. - Ube ice cream: Served with cherries. Light and delicious. Very clearly a fresh ube flavor made from the plant itself, not a syrup. MISS dishes: - Otoro tuna sashimi with foie gras: The slices of sashimi weren't fully cut, and our knives were woefully inadequate (?!) in our attempts to cut them apart at the base so that we each could have a slice. This led to a jumbled, squashed mess of sashimi and the (freeze-dried) foie gras being scattered. Flavors were good... - Cowboy ribeye with uni butter: This one is my fault because we requested the uni butter on the side since I can't eat uni. Unfortunately, this meant that the butter came in a side dish, shaved and cold -- so cold that it was slow to melt when applied to the steak -- and we missed out on the tableside searing of the butter. It would have been nice if they had instead served me a portion of the (pre-sliced and easily divided) ribeye and its accompaniments, and brought the rest of it with the uni butter and the full tableside searing experience. I just hate feeling like my shellfish allergy is decreasing the quality of everyone else's experience. DRINKS: - I started with the sesame-washed Kikaijima Manhattan. It tasted like drinking straight sesame oil. I rarely send anything back, but this truly couldn't even be suffered through (and everyone else at the table, after each taking a sip, wholeheartedly agreed). - Switched to the Crazy 88, a mezcal margarita with some sort of wasabi hint. Frankly, I love mezcal and love wasabi, but this wasn't my jam either. It was at least drinkable. It's served with a little side dish of wasabi peas. - For the ribeye course, I got a glass of the cab franc. It was flat and boring and disappointing. I noticed she poured it from the bottom of an open bottle that might have been open a tad too long? It's just hard to fathom exactly how their very small selection of wines by the glass could include such a miss. - The Snowblood Spritz (sampled from a friend) is delicious and refreshing but a tad on the sweeter side. - The Black Rain (sampled from a friend) is a really strong entry into the espresso "martini" game, in an Old Fashioned style. It was served with a chocolate-glazed espresso bean and instructions to eat the bean halfway through the drink. Love that. TL;DR: A fun, vibey spot with numerous incredibly tasty and unique dishes. Definitely worth checking out. Cocktails are hit-or-miss, as is (seemingly?) the wine by the glass. Sashimi wasn't properly sliced. Attention to food allergies is generally excellent, although some details of service here could be refined (give my friends their tableside uni butter searing!). We still had a great experience overall thanks to phenomenal service. Duro does it again.

This is the first time I've been to a higher end dining spot and had them unable and unwilling to accommodate food allergies. I mentioned I have a severe shellfish allergy, and initially our server said she would not be able to accommodate me. Then, she said the chef would be able to change gloves (which shouldn't this just be a common practice?) and boil my pasta in different water. Then, when serving the pasta although she came with two separate tongs, she used the same tongs for both me and my friend's dishes with her rationale being "we both got the same dish." Yes we did, but the point is that I have a severe shellfish allergy and requested there be prevention of cross contamination. Needless to say, I had an allergic reaction after dining here. If you have food allergies, this is not a spot that will care for you. The inside is cute, though!

As a vegetarian, it's hard to find good options around the city. I loved the Corn and Miso Ravioli and salad here. The service is great and it's a great spot for a nice dinner with friends or date night.

OBSESSED with this place! We used to be big fans of the restaurant that was here before and we are so glad that this is in its place. The food was so flavorful and gave us some new things to try! The service was quick with no wait with our reservation which made me so happy. I'm also OBSESSED with the decor so I'll be back! Thank you for such an incredible experience

I waited to review Norman's until I'd had a second dining experience, which came last night. I have to say, there was a sharp contrast between my first and second visits when it comes to service and hospitality. On my first visit I sat indoors, and the service was impeccable--like the team had trained for this exact scenario, size, and scope. The patio was closed due to the temperature that evening, so everything felt perfectly dialed in. Last night we chose the patio, and the difference was obvious. Like many patios, it felt as though we were a bit forgotten out there. We ordered four small plates; they arrived quickly and were excellent, but water refills lagged and it took about fifteen minutes after we finished before anyone came back to take our next order. By the time they returned, I didn't even want to order anything else. Now, about the food. Despite the service issues during the second visit, the dishes were excellent on both trips. The Carbonara Udon remains a favorite, as do the skewers and the meatballs. I'm not usually a fan of pay-per-bite sushi, but my lady is, and we tried several of those bites--each one tasty but offering little to no real sustenance. The one thing I still haven't had is the 20-ounce steak with optional nori butter. I've heard it's one of, if not the, best items on the menu. I do a lot of big presentation steaks at home, so I have to be in the right mood for a restaurant steak, but I'll make a point of coming back specifically for that--and I'll be sure to sit inside for the full experience. If you love Duro Hospitality, you should definitely come here. Just be ready to wait for an indoor table or plan on a 90-minute patio experience where you're in no rush. One last note: the valet is an absolute disaster. The lanes for parking and moving cars are far too narrow and it's a total cluster. I drove my brand-new 911 last night, and they parked it who knows where--it took fifteen minutes to get my car even though I texted for it ten minutes before leaving. My suggestion: use a ride share, hire a driver, or park on the street and walk if you want to avoid a parking experience that can crush the evening. Overall? Norman's is unique, tasty, and fun. I just didn't love the big variance between my two visits, and there isn't anything on the menu (yet) that calls me back for frequent visits like some of my other favorites. Still, it's absolutely worth your time and dollars to check out.

This place will definitely be a hit. First, since it's so popular, you can order drinks from them while you're waiting. the sunken bar is a really cool feature too. The udon carbonara was delicious! rich, but not too rich, was probably my favorite. The korean fried chicken was good and had a little kick to it. The handroll is a single serving, so just be aware of that when you're ordering. the corn and miso ravioli was really yummy, and had a light sweetness to it. my least favorite was probably the meatballs, but still good. Really hoping this place stays around, it's one of those rare new Dallas restaurants that has been marketed correctly to match the hype.

Nice ambiance, staff were super informative and gave us great recommendations! Everything was 10/10, will definitely be back

Chicken dish are raw ! ............ I'm going to the hospital For FOOOOD poisoning !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amazing food, great service, chill vibe. Ask for their desserts, it's not on the menu but you won't be disappointed. We got the cheesecake and it was so unique and delicious, just like everything else on their menu!

Norman's in Dallas strikes a perfect balance between Japanese minimalism and Texan warmth--think clean lines softened by cowboy culture and cozy lighting. The decor feels intentional, cool, and effortlessly stylish. Their unagi nigiri is a standout: smoky, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth good. It's a space that's as thoughtfully crafted as the sushi itself. Ideal for a low-key date or solo night at the bar.

10/10! The vibe is super cool down to all the details as per usual w Duro Hospitality group! Our service was excellent. Staff members recommends drinks and gave full descriptions of menu, how to order and what not to miss! The food was exceptional - we tried so much! The lobster hand rolls, miso ravioli, fried chicken and carbonara were the highlights! Don't skip out on the apple cobbler either. Highly recommend!

3.5 Stars Enjoyed the vibes of the place and food was good but a bit overpriced. Favorite dish was the meatball skewers. I was surprised they were able to get that charred, smokey flavor. The udon carbonara with lemon was interesting. I'd go back to hang out at the bar & have some small plates.

Request for Maddie! She's da bomb. Blue fin toro & corn & miso ravioli 10/10. Vibe was great.

Over rated. Too many people standing around doing nothing! There were four booths for 4 empty for 30 minutes with about 15 people waiting.??? Really. That technique will get you out of business fast!!!

Did I go to the same place as the other good reviewers? The most ill conceived concept. The handrolls are ridiculously small. It's about the size of one nigri in any other sushi restaurants. The taste was okay. Nothing like the handrolls in an omakase places. The kitchen "hot" foods were not good either. The udon carbonara did not work either. It's slimey and soupy. The best was the grilled salmon and the green beans. We tried almost everything on the menu and those were the 2 best things. At around $200 per person, this place is ridiculous and you will leave hungry. If you want sushi, stick with a omakase spot at these prices

My boyfriend and I walked in without a reservation and were seated right away at the sushi bar. Our waiter, Blake, was amazing. Super friendly and knowledgeable, and he gave us some awesome recommendations and dishes to try! The hand rolls and sashimi were the stars of the night, incredibly fresh and flavorful. We also tried the udon noodles, and they were perfect. We tried about half the menu (not pictured lol) and nothing disappointed us! Everything was delicious, and the service made the experience even better. We'll definitely be back with our friends and family!

My girlfriend and I walked in Saturday night around 7 and were able to get sat immediately at the sushi bar. Our server was Blake and he was fantastic. Walked us through the menu and gave us some fantastic recommendations. I highly recommend the OH Godzilla handroll, Udon Carbonara, and the Duck and Pork Meatballs but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. All of the sushi was super high quality and the food came out in a timely manner. We will 100% be back and this will be a regular date spot for us.

Everything was delicious! Our favorite was the duck and pork meatballs, dumplings, lobster hand roll, and nigiri! We will definitely be going back!

Leaving this review to offset the idiot below who walked into a training session of a closed restaurant and felt entitled enough to not only be served, but to then also leave a one-star review. Excited to have a Duro restaurant right down the street from me, can't wait to make a reservation once they actually open up!

Great new restaurant in the area. Food was on point! Drinks were flowing. Something to note is that there is no walk up bar to sit at, you need to have a reservation/book the bar as well. Plenty of room though!

With every fiber of my being, I wanted to love Norman's Japanese Grill. My spouse and I lived in Japan for years, and we were electrified by the idea of an izakaya-influenced restaurant opening in Oak Lawn. The very thought was enough to light our expectations like a neon veranda. Stepping inside feels like walking onto the set of a Wes Anderson film. The space is dressed in coffee-stained leather, a low-slung bar, carefully curated objects, and shelves adorned with "treasures" from Norman, whoever he might be. Duro Hospitality's fixation on design is obvious. It is Kyoto ryokan meeting Marfa bunkhouse, with every surface composed for maximum visual impact. It is a perfect 10 out of 10 for ambiance. The service is equally flawless. Staff are attentive without being intrusive, friendly without being overly familiar, and informative without being condescending. Our server navigated the menu like a skilled diplomat, guiding us toward dishes, explaining how to enjoy them, pacing the meal, and knowing exactly when to check in. It was, without question, a 10 out of 10 for service. The menu is a theatrical production in itself. It is gleefully maximalist, offering handrolls like the "Oh' Godzilla" with bluefin tartare, Hokkaido uni, and Ossetra caviar, alongside udon carbonara with pecorino and cured egg yolk, Korean fried chicken with family recipe gochujang, A5 wagyu, a ninety-nine dollar rib-eye, and corn and miso ravioli. There is miso cod next to cowboy meatballs, sake next to mezcal margaritas. It is an exuberant show and earns a 10 out of 10 for menu design. Unfortunately, the execution in the kitchen cannot match the polish of the dining room or the pageantry of the menu. And not by a long shot. The cold smoked hamachi with tom kha sauce and charred shiitake aimed for inventive fusion but ended up tasting disjointed, the fish lacking freshness and the mushroom not well matched for flavor. The udon carbonara arrived looking stunning, with its cured yolk, pancetta, and pickled mustard greens, but the noodles were limp, and the sauce cloying. The Korean fried chicken had a soggy crust drowned in gochujang syrup so sweet it erased any joy. The skewered meatballs with cured egg were far too over-spiced to be enjoyable. And then there was the salt. Nearly everything we consumed contained far, far too much of it. Even the sushi, celebrated by some diners, rang hollow to us. The otoro topped with foie gras and the "Oh' Godzilla" roll were theatrical but lacked depth, more about ornament than flavor. There were fleeting moments when a bite suggested the kitchen might pull it all together, such as our sampling of the pork sliders, but those moments were quickly erased by the next dish to come out. The result is a dining experience that dazzles the eyes and flatters the imagination, but falters where it matters most: the taste itself. Norman's is a perfect example of what holds back Dallas's upscale dining scene. The city can produce restaurants with impeccable aesthetics and flawless service that are conceptually thrilling, yet nearly every single time, the preparation of the food itself is treated merely as an afterthought. Especially as compared to other cities. Michelin recently arrived in Dallas and in a metropolitan area of over eight million people awarded only a single star, to Tatsu in Deep Ellum. Tatsu is a quiet omakase counter where fish is chosen and sliced with precision, where technique and restraint speak louder than spectacle. Norman's represents the other side of the city's fine dining coin, where group-owned concepts prioritize appearance over substance. In the end, Norman's is all design, service, and concept without the cooking to match. It is a place you might visit for the setting, the energy, the excellent craft cocktails, and the sense of occasion. But it is not a place where the flavors of the food will linger in your memory for any of the right reasons.

Best sushi in Dallas!!! Very unique experience!!! The food and staff were amazing. Staff gave great recommendations and service

The food was refreshing change. Our server was on top of thing the entire evening even helping with recommendations. Very refreshing invigorating environment with everyone having a great time.

This restaurant altered my tip without my permission. I clearly wrote the total as $140, yet my card was charged $142.15. The amount itself is small, but taking extra without my consent is unacceptable. On top of that, the food was disappointing, it came out very slowly, portions were tiny, and the flavors were either overly sour or overly salty with no balance. I wasn't planning to leave a review at first, thinking a new restaurant might just need time to improve. But after seeing that you changed my tip, I feel compelled to speak up

Perhaps the best description of Norman's Japanese is to say it is simply exceptional! Whether you are describing the food, the service or the interior, Norman's Japanese is a standout! We have had the opportunity to dine there on three different occasions so far, and have sat in the main dining room, the sushi bar, and the outside patio, you can't go wrong with any of the seating options in this beautiful restaurant. The decor has a 1970s Western feel, it's unlike anything you've seen in Dallas, and the vibe is vibrant and welcoming. So about the food... truly delicious!! It would be hard to pic a favorite among the choices, but I would say the sushi is some of the best in Dallas! Starting with the handrolls the Oh Godzilla handroll is a must try, a delicious blend of bluefin tuna, uni and caviar that just melts in your mouth. The king salmon sushi is phenomenal as was the oturo with foie gras and the bluefin tuna with the bacon furkake. The yellowtail and snow crab were also delicious, so hard to go wrong with any of the sushi selections. Outside of sushi, the edamame hummus with plum chutney was unique and filling, would definitely order this again. The Korean fried chicken and smoked Hamachi are terrific starters. Probably the standout dish, after the sushi, would be the corn and miso ravioli, the sauce on this dish is so good you literally want to not want to waste a drop of it! The udon carbonara is a close second, which is a unique play on traditional carbonara. Other fantastic options include the skewers, our favorite include the duck and pork meatballs, the rosewood NY strip and the charred octopus. The sauce on the charred octopus takes it to another level! The food, however, is only rivaled by the outstanding service. In fact, from the moment you walk in the door until your finish your meal, every team member you encounter is just fabulous. They seem to truly care that you have a great experience, there is no feeling of being rushed and on each occasion the warm and engaging team members went above and beyond, including check ins by the manager to ensure we were enjoying the evening. With the backdrop of the unique décor, the phenomenal service and the incredible food, you have a spectacular dining experience! We anticipate many return visits to Norman's Japanese and have recommended it to many friends and family, all of whom have shared a similar experience. The Duro group has once again hit it out of the park, we can't wait for our next reservation!

Norman's Japanese restaurant far exceeded my expectations. My husband and I have dined twice in 2 weeks. Ambiance is fun, staff is amazing, menu is excellent with flavors off the charts! If you like sushi, try the miso cod hand roll. We loved the salad which is shareable, the dumplings were close to a dessert, they were so yummy! My husband got the chicken also shrimp and shiitake soup. We shared everything and loved the experience at Norman's! Congrats on a winner!

Absolutely outstanding from the delicious fare, unique and refreshing cocktails, one-of-a-kind decor, and amazing and personable waitstaff. I will definitely be returning for the incredible hospitality and menu! Way to go again Duro, this place is a gem.

I just want to thank the staff at Norman's for a wonderful experience this evening. My wife and I are from Philly and were in town for a conference. Our 31st wedding anniversary was today and the staff really went the extra mile. Our server Maddy was great and we had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for making our evening extra special!!!

My friend was able to get a reservation last minute and we saw this place on Instagram so it was already on our list to try... definitely was worth it. The food was great the ambiance and interior design was really nice. Service was amazing, all the dishes were explained and handled with care. My boyfriend and I are big foodies and it definitely reminded us of some of our fav places we've been to in Houston. All the dishes were amazing - highly recommend the corn ravioli!!! We will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu!

Cutter was amazing, he accommodated all of my allergies. Thank you so much! I will come back again and request him!

Walking in, you are struck with how ordinary the décor is. It's a lighter, brighter Houston's with some garish Asian "art" scattered around for "color." Really, all this time and for this? We also discovered that there is something like a "preferred customer profile," which we clearly did not meet. The hostesses looked at us, conferred in whispers, and then promptly seated us directly next to the toilets. The restaurant was empty, did I mention? Completely empty. Being cooperative diners, we took to heart the hostess' not so subtle hint and forewent our usual $150+ wine & spirits tab, to shorten our stay. I intended to mention our concerns if the manager ever stopped by, he did, for 3 possibly 4 seconds and never came to a complete stop. He was however, quite engrossed later in a very extended conversation with a single woman seated at the bar. The food is best described as frat-boy Asian. A mishmash of Japanese, Korean and Chinese dumbed down with tortilla chips, sliders and a ribeye. I read that the owners really worked long and hard on the menu. Exactly, overwrought and over thought. $21 for tuna poke that was 2/3 seaweed and vegetables. The tuna was an afterthought, like sesame seeds on a bagel. The bbq pork cheek was a sliver of pork with slaw in a 1/4 size brioche slider bun. Two came on the plate, so essentially $18 for the equivalent of one bao bun. Remember grandma's bacon wrapped green beans? Well, ever so cleverly, that's the way the wagyu carpaccio comes. Thin slices of beef wrapped around asparagus. The wagyu, if that's what it was, did not melt in your mouth but did have hard chewy bits that I spit out, making the dish fully interactive. I do enjoy several of the other Duro concepts but this one is a sad loser, if you care about what you are paying for the sophomoric food you are served. And the toilets? Just like the rest of it, tiny and meh.

Everything went well! The service was over the top..... Julia was just spectacular. The menu was unique and fun and delicious. We had a fabulous meal experience at Norman's.