Norman's Orlando

We have been to Norman's several times in the past and it's always a special experience. The service is impeccable and special and our visit was no exception. We sat in the bar area to take advantage of happy hour and Asher was attentive without being intrusive. He has served us before! I was chilly so I was offered a shawl to borrow - what a nice touch! We opted for a few mocktails and cocktails - the ingredients they use are so creative, unique and tasty. Each was simply delicious. We ordered the beignets, raw oysters, fish & chips and the steak tataki appetizers. Again, just delicious. The steak was really small even for the happy hour pricing. The beignets were full of crab and the fish and chips, a nice portion for the price. One of our faves. This was filling for me but my husband wanted to get the bread trio (3 types of bruschetta) and beef tartare with plantain chips off the main menu. Both great again but the bread trio was most surprising and a definite order for next time! We also had the bread basket and amuse bouche to end the meal.

Norman's Restaurant came highly recommended as Orlando's finest, prompted my reservation for five during a recent business trip. Located on Orlando's Restaurant Row within the Dellagio Town Center, Norman's offers a menu of fresh seafood, steak, chicken, and pork entrees, complemented by unique appetizers and desserts. While the pricing is on the higher end, with entrees ranging from $36 to $75, we received a warm welcome and were seated promptly. Our servers, Vincent and Mario, provided exceptional service, and following their recommendations, we enjoyed shrimp and oysters for appetizers, and yellowtail and filet mignon for our entrees. The food was exquisitely prepared and delicious, and the service was impeccable. Furthermore, our sommelier, Pedro, expertly guided us in pairing our meal with fine wines. Overall, it was a truly fine dining experience, and everyone at the table offered high praise for the meal and service. Thank you to GM Gregory, and Becky for checking in on us to ensure we were well taken care of. Highly reccomend Norman's in Orlando and look forward to returning.

Last night was our first time at Norman’s and it was incredible! The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. Our server, Pedro, was friendly and attentive! The food was so incredible and very elegantly presented. Easily the best restaurant we have visited!! Thank you Norman’s for such a delightful night! 🤩🍴

I recently celebrated our one-year anniversary at Norman's Restaurant, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm ambiance that set the perfect mood for our special night. The food was nothing short of amazing! Each dish was beautifully presented, and the flavors were out of this world. I have to say, I wasn't a fan of fried green tomatoes before, but Norman's has completely changed my mind. They were absolutely delicious! The timing of the service was impeccable; we never felt rushed, yet our meals came out just when we needed them. A huge shoutout to Chris, our server, who added an extra touch of friendliness and attentiveness to our evening. He made sure we had everything we needed and even offered some great recommendations. Overall, our experience at Norman's was fantastic, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate our anniversary. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking to enjoy exquisite food and a wonderful atmosphere! We will definitely be back!

What an amazing experience we had at Norman's. This was by far the best restaurant we've had the pleasure of dining at. We had several apps, meals, and deserts, and absolutely everything was delicious. The service was also top notch. Thank you for a special night out while on vacation.

An absolutely phenomenal dining experience from start to finish. I cried at the amuse bouche even though it was only one bite. I’ll be thinking of this meal for many years. Very considerate of my birthday. A glass of champagne, birthday menu message, and some decorations were provided for dessert. Oddly enough, my only complaint is I wish there was more time between courses for digestion. My husband and I each ordered the fixed price menu and shared the items. I recommend doing this if you are going as a couple so you can try everything. I am normally a shrimp avoider due to texture preferences but this was the first time I tried shrimp and LOVED it.

Amazing food!! I dined with a large group in a private room. Our servers were very attentive and knowledgeable. The sommelier was incredible!! We learned so much from him! The oysters were very small - I don't recommend. Everything else tasted amazing and we had an enjoyable time. Loved the restaurant decor and bathroom setup. I do recommend sharing the paella - huge and delicious portion size.

I was here for the first time recently and had a wonderful experience. We were there to celebrate a friend's birthday and we were a large party of 14. The wait staff was very attentive and the service was excellent. The food was also phenomenal. I would highly recommend the 3-Course meal with wine pairing and definitely go for the Havana pork.

This meal was excellent from start to finish. Our waiter, Chris was wonderful! My boyfriend I came here for our anniversary. Everything was amazing from start to finish. We started with a complimentary halibut cake. It was delicious. After the cake, our waiter mentioned "bread service." Now this is not your typical bread in the basket. Bread was brought out fresh and hot! We had fresh butter and freshly seasoned olive oil that was prepared in front of us with fresh herbs and cracked pepper. It was so good! I definitely accepted seconds when it was offered. For an appetizer we shared crab cake beignets. They were so yummy and perfect. Delicious flavor in every bite. I chose the yellowtail snapper for my entree. It was delicious! It came with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe. So good!! Everything about this dish as a perfect marriage! My boyfriend had the lamb chops and he really enjoyed them. For side dishes we shared lobster Mac and cheese and Parmesan fries. SO GOOD! For dessert we shared cocoa flan. During dessert our waiter brought out champagne for us to toast for our anniversary. Very thoughtful. We also ended the night with a cappuccino. We learned from another waiter at a table nearby that Chef Norman never went to culinary school, and he is self-taught. From all the food we tried, it's safe to say that Chef Norman is incredibly talented! Everything was so delicious and we literally scrapped our plates clean! 5+* for the food and for our waiter Chris!

Our experience at Norman's was a mix of good and bad, and while we had an alright time, I'm not sure I would recommend it to anyone. The food was overall good to great. We enjoyed the charcuterie and cheese, as well as oysters to start. The seasonal salad and octopus made a solid second course, but we didn't care for the octopuses set. Entree-wise, we enjoyed the filet and the risotto garnished with black truffle. Filet was excellent, the risotto was only alright. We were impressed by the selection on the wine list, but baffled by some of the pricing. There were some good value unique options available (sake in particular was a bright spot) however, some of the more "common" higher end wine was all over the place price wise. Some below and some above Michelin star options in the area. Ambience was excellent, with dim lighting and light ambient music. Service is where the meal fell apart somewhat. Despite having a reservation, the hostess attempted to sit us at a bar high top, then a table directly by the kitchen door. I needed to specifically request a two-top in a decent location. We were greeted by the manager, and introduced to our waiter. The waiter rushed us significantly throughout the meal, pushing for a full food order and wine selection before our cocktails had even arrived. He didn't know the items on the charcuterie board, and gave an incorrect explanation of some of the cheese and accompaniments. Further, he took every opportunity to push "upcharge" items wherever possible, including a $200 an ounce desert wine pour. When desert time came, he described my selection of sherry as a "feminine pour". Very odd.

During our annual trip to Orlando, we like to try new restaurants in the Sand Lake Road area. This year we found Norman's, highly rated, James Bear award, in a strip mall. Service was very good. Wine was good. Food was very good. We started with fried green tomatoes which had a nice spin to it with a great topping. My wife wasn't feeling great and only had the mushroom risotto. I tried a poor dish that was fantastic (see picture below). We finished the meal with a chocolate desert. I'd go back to this restaurant.

Stopped in for Happy Hour and it did not disappoint! The decor is very beautiful, the drinks are amazing as well as the food. They have a lot of options for food, and the portion sizes are excellent for happy hour. I did prefer the fish and chips over the beef tartare. While the beef tartare was good I didn't really like the mojo ketchup on it. I thought it was very overpowering for the dish. It is in a good location in Via Delliago so you can easily do a very fun happy hour crawl. We did Normans and then we went over to Dragonfly .

This restaurant is really beautiful. I came here to celebrate my friend's birthday dinner and it was a wonderful experience. The staff were excellent and very attentive. We came during Magical Dining month and I have to say I was blown away by the food, the flavor and everything we were able to sample. To start our waiter brought us bread and butter along with an amuse bouche. The bread was freshly baked and butter was creamy and whipped. The amuse bouche was tasty and served as a palate cleanser in anticipation for our meals. My appetizer was the beef tataki which bold in flavor and very tasty. I even asked our waiter if it was something that was on the menu as a full dish because it was that tasty. My main course was the filet mignon with seasonal vegetables. The filet was cooked to perfection and melted like butter. To finish, I ordered the panacotta dessert and it was very good. I have to say I was blown away by the extra attention we got since it was my friend's birthday. Not only did we enjoy the food we ordered but we were also given amazing decadent chocolate and champagne to celebrate her birthday! Thank you Norman's for an amazing dining experience! I will definitely be back.

I wasn't expecting to be wowed by Norman's based on previous restaurants, so we put off visiting for more than a year, but absolutely loved our experience here. The interior is beautiful, and just what I am looking for in a fine dining experience: classy, not noisy, and not brightly lit. The food really stood out for us, too. The dishes seemed more cohesive than those we've had in his past restaurants, with a perfect melding of complex flavors. We opted for six small plates so we could sample many things. Standouts were: House salad: this was startlingly good! Mixed greens with a light but complex vinaigrette, pepitas, dried fruits, and some crumbled blue cheese. Rarely has a simple salad been so memorable. Shrimp Ceviche: not really a ceviche, but more of a cooked, creamy combination with some tomato in the sauce and a dollop of avocado crema. Octopus: absolutely tender and flavorful, so hard to find prepared this well. French Toast Foie Gras: I had read about this dish, and it did not disappoint! The perfect combination of sweet brioche and lightly seared foie. Pumpkin Cheesecake: I would call this a pumpkin s'more caramel taco! Service was impeccable--professional, friendly, and attentive. I wasn't a fan of the Norman's at the Ritz Carlton (mostly due to the coffee shop atmosphere) or his Mount Dora effort (LOUD!) but this one absolutely nails it, with a classy, romantic interior, great acoustics, and subdued lighting. Highly recommended.

We went here for my friends' birthday dinner and it was great! The service was done well and quick. It was packed but not overally loud. The food was delicious! I had the four peppercorn roasted filet mignon w/ carrot and truffles layered potato pavé and I loved it. Even the palate cleanser was a huge hit at our table. The only downside was that the AC above the table kept dripping on my silverware and plates but the staff quickly brought out new ones for me. I can't wait to go back and try some of the restaurants other dishes.

We visited Norman's on a Saturday evening. We had a reservation and were seated immediately. This place has off the charts service. The entire team was awesome and took great care of us. We got an amuse buche to start which was lovely, then got the charred octopus. I don't say this lightly; all other octopus is ruined for me forever. This place has perfected the formula of the most amazing octopus. I couldn't have been happier with it. For mains, I went with the lamb chops since I love lamb and don't get it often. It looks like this dish's sauce and sides might changes seasonally; I got it with a lovely chimichurri, rainbow carrots, and a purée (I don't remember what of) the entire thing worked beautifully and was delicious. For dessert, we ordered a deconstructed creme brûlée. It consisted of some creme that was bruleed on top with a brioche on the side. There was chocolate and caramel popcorn around it. Overall it was really good, but the proportions were a little off. I wish there had been less of the brioche since it was so dense. Overall, I'd absolutely love to return to Norman's it's worth every penny.

We had a 5/5 experience at Norman's. The restaurant is easy to find and there is ample parking for lots of businesses in the plaza. Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable and helpful with recommendations. The meal was paced out well and the playing and execution of each meal was great. Norman's has a seasonal menu as well as a prefix menu and you can choose from either which was great for me because it gave me more gluten-free options to choose from. The lamb chops, pork belly and ceviche were all delicious. This is a great place to visit for date night or a celebration. I also heard live music coming from a back room and that seemed really fun. We will definitely return!

I'd been wanting to check out Norman's for over a year, and hoped they'd participate in "Magical Dining" in summer 2023 (Orlando's "restaurant month" promotion), but they didn't. This year they did, and they put in a great effort - was glad to make it my birthday destination this year. My side hustle is mystery shopping high-end restaurants to evaluate service, and I was off-duty here, but appreciated the host greeting, seater congeniality, prompt attention from server, satisfaction checks, tipping up drinks, etc. - VG service. The room was also finished beautifully - a lot of effort and money was spent, and it shows. Food is also top-tier and worthy of a visit by the Michelin man. I was concerned they'd scale back sizes for the price-fixe promotional menu, but the fish entree was the full-sized filet of extraordinarily fresh snapper on top of excellent garlic mashed potatoes. The filet was slightly smaller than regular menu (5oz), but still reasonable. For appetizers the beef tataki was sliced rare filet steak with slight char - very nice. The beignets had more dramatic appearance and uniqueness, but were more crab-cake than beignet - fine with me! (these were also slightly downsized - 3 instead of the usual 4 on the regular menu). Desserts were excellent: hard to pick a winner between the tree leches cake and the chocolate panda cotta, so go with someone and share both. My only suggestions: 1. great wines, with some decently priced bottles - put the list online! I might not have brought my own bottle if I'd known what was available (corkage a reasonable $30). 2. Two runners brought out our food, so they could place all entrees simultaneously (and to the correct person - for 2 of our courses, they went to the wrong person, which is the only thing worse than "auctioning off" dishes). Great job Mr Van Aken - nice to patronize you (in a good way) 20+ years after dining in coral gables.

What an experience! I made reservations for my friend and I through Open Table to celebrate my belated 45th birthday. We went with the magical dining menu which included an appetizer, Main course and dessert. We had 2 runners and a waiter. Each of them did an amazing job. Before our appetizers came out, our runners brought us 2 spoons with an orange mouse as a palate cleanser and some warm bread. I had the crab beignets for my app and my friend got the tataki. Both were delicious. We both ordered the filet mignon cooked medium for our main course. Perfectly cooked with a nice sear around the edges. The meat was melt in your mouth tender and quite filling. For dessert I chose the dulce de leche and my friend got the chocolate pana cotta. Not only did they place an edible happy birthday chocolate sign on my cake...it came with a sparkling candle and a glass of champagne for us both. And to end our meal, our waiter even brought out 2 chocolate truffles. I know we did the prefix magical dining menu which is what we were fine just doing BUT we were blown away with the extra things they brought out for us. It was the little details that made the difference. Our experience was magical. Oh and the wine cellar was pretty cool too! I liked that they let us pose with the bottles and I even got to do my model walk . lol. We're definitely coming back!

I have visited Normans when it was at the Ritz Carlton. It was an expensive, but excellent high end restaurant that delivered high quality food and service. They used to do the regular magical dining over there. Now at Dr. Phillips, they still are pretty expensive and do magical dining, but now at 60 dollars. I wanted to go to a fancier restaurant for my last magical dining, so I decided to visit the new Normans. I made a reservation on Saturday evening, and arrived a bit early. The friendly hostess welcomed me and told me to have a seat in the lobby or bar. A couple minutes later, another host greeted me and seated me at a small table in the dining area. I was given the magical menu upon request. I decided on a drink first and went with the Danger Berry (16 dollars). It was a tequila drink with strawberry and balsamic. It was sweet, refreshing, and delicious. For 16 dollars, it was also strong enough for a nice buzz. Before my appetizer came, I was given a small ginger puree in a spoon to welcome my taste buds. Plus a bread service was provided. I normally don't eat bread at restaurants, but when I saw the olive oil service provided at the table, I took the bait. The bread was so soft and the olive oil just added a great flavor. It was divine! The blue crab biegnets could have more crab, but the blue crab meat was fresh and the biegnets were light. The palm slaw was a nice addition. I took the signature yellowtail snapper entree as suggested, and I am so happy I did. The snapper was moist and fresh, with a mild flavor. The spinach provided was nicely sauteed, and the mash potatoes had the perfect consistency and garlic flavor. That dish alone would have made me come back. The chocolate panna cotta was an amazing end with the chocolate custard being light and flavorful. However, the small cake pieces added were a bit dry, but still chocolatey. Before paying the bill, I was also given a small piece of chocolate raspberry candy, which tasted like a first class treat! The experience was definitely worth the 60 dollars! And since they accept payment from the Inkind application, I was also able to use some of my credits. The service matched the higher end restaurant experience. I had various servers (sorry, but forgot their names. Maybe Becky and Matthew) who worked well together. They provided excellent suggestions for food and drinks, took care of plates very quickly, and walked with you when providing directions. The atmosphere was indeed upscale with many patrons wearing dress clothes and suits, but you would also be ok with polos and other business casual attire. The dining area is ample with a nice bar and wine cellar, and outdoor seating is also available. Complimentary valet parking is also available, but not necessary with the ample amount of parking spaces nearby. Norman's is definitely expensive, but well worth the cost. The food, atmosphere, and service is higher class. I am glad they were able to be close to the Dr. Phillips area. I was also given a 20 dollar coupon to come back, which includes happy hour. You know I will be back! This is one of my favorite higher end restaurants in Orlando.

Noooooorm!!! Everybody knows that name, right? Cheers to those who do. There was a fellow Yelper in town and since neither of us local Orlandoans that were meeting him have dined here yet, so we decided to meet here and empty our wallets a bit. I didn't know what to expect other than something good. Norman Van Aken is apparently a great chef who's had a number of restaurants around the Orlando area. Norman's used to be at the Ritz Carlton, so expectations were high in its updated location. It wasn't overly crowded on a Friday evening which was a bit concerning for one of Orlando's top restaurants. We had a reservation which had a $25 per person cancellation fee, so luckily we all showed up. The decor was elegant and the service was pretty great with water refills and such going well. When they brought the food, they didn't do a good job of giving it to the person who ordered it, which at a place like this, you'd just expect. I thought one dish was my salad, but it was the octopus that Emmett ordered. I ordered one of the tequila drinks that had tequila, mezcal, passion fruit and other stuff in a beautifully rimmed glass. The cocktail was just OK. I think they got in their own way trying to make something unique that everything just kinda got lost. The Amuse Bouche was brought out on bent spoons (Kreskin Inspired) and there was one for each of us. It was some kind of ceviche-ish type of "one bite" spoon which was good. It wasn't mind blowing though. Same with the Crab Beignets. I didn't get any sense of Beignet, but more of a crab fritter which was a bit mushy and kinda fishy from what I'm used to with crab. Bread service, however, was the absolute best I've seen. The Bread-tender (my term) brought us each a hot roll and placed it on our plate. They came the show... they poured the olive oil into a dish like you're at freakin' Macaroni Grill. But then, it changes... adding fresh ground pepper, a sprinkle of salt that definitely wasn't Mortons, and they from a bundle of herbs, he took his tiny scissors and cut various herbs which floated down into the pool of oil. They also had butter, but that oil was gorgeous (at least going in). We all ordered something different with the Scallops going to me. They were cooked perfectly but could have used a bit more of a sear. They came with 3 giant tortellini which just didn't pair well with the scallops. Same with the green cucumbery thing which was warm and odd with the scallops. The dish just didn't work. Also, there weren't any fermented black beans from what I could tell. I forgot when I was there, but it was supposed to come with them. Ronnald ordered the Risotto with the Short Rib and upon forking his meat, he discovered it was "super duper bippity boppity booper dry" (his words). The waiter took the dish and was back not much longer with another one which was much better. Kudos for the quick turnaround, but for shame on the dry meat being served to begin with. That was more Wooly Willy than James Beard if you ask me. All in all, I didn't find it as an impressive restaurant for which to recommend and if someone asks me where to go for a good meal, there are dozens of places I'd recommend before Norman's. It's elegant with good food, but so is Eddie V's, Morton's (not the salt), Capital Grill, Ruth's Chris, Flemings, Claim Jumper and a number of other places. And if I'd recommend a chain over a local "gem", then that local gem has got some work to do.

Thanks to the exquisite judgment of local Elite, Joe S, he selected Norman's for a recent group dinner at the Dellagio Town Center. The Doctor Phillips area is an affluent neighborhood in West Orlando so this fine dining venue fits right in with the other businesses. At the time of our reservation, the main dining room was barely occupied with maybe two other parties seated. The setting was upscale with globe lights hanging overhead and one wall lined with bottles of wine on display. The left side of the two-page menu featured a late winter, five-course tasting menu that was priced at a shade under $200. Every diner in a party must select the menu for it to be served. We passed and chose various a la carte items from the right side. While my dining companions each selected one of the Main Plates for their meal, I took a different tactic and picked the following... * Blue Crab Beignets * Seared & Glazed Pulpo a La Plancha * Brazilian Styled Shrimp & Mussel Chowder Four deep fried fritters were filled with blue crab meat and served with yuzu aioli and hearts of palm slaw. The coating was light and crunchy. This was my favorite of the trio. The serving size of the seared octopus was small for the price tag. I like to try this preparation at different restaurants, and the one at Norman's was average. The accompaniments to the octopus were papas bravas, aji panca, and squid ink chips. The chowder was poured into a bowl by a server from a tiny kettle. Coconut milk made up the base that was seasoned with star anise, orange, and saffron. I'm uncertain what made this "Brazilian Style', however it could have used more shrimp and mussels. The service was excellent as the main waiter was knowledgeable and attentive. An army of other waitstaff brought the food to our table. For the price and quality of our dinner, I gave the experience at Norman's a rating between four and five stars.

Amazing food, beautiful restaurant and excellent service. I was too hungry to take pictures of everything to be honest but came here for magical dining. I got the steak tataki, petit filet, and the sorbet for magical dining. All were amazing. I did order the scallops for an extra cost they were very sandy so I was not impressed by that but all else was so good I can overlook that. I just wouldn't reccomend the scallops.

Everything was perfect. The food. The service. The atmosphere. Would definitely recommend this restaurant. Mind blown how it looked inside.

My fiancè & I absolutely loved this place. The ambiance, food, staff, interior, etc. 10/10 experience! The food was amazing. We got the magical dining experience, which was a 3 course meal for each my fiancè and I. We are from out of state & we wish we had a Norman's near us. Will definitely recommend this restaurant to others. Favorite dishes: Yellowtail snapper!!!!!

My review of Norman's is solely focused on their desserts, as that was the primary reason for our visit. We were eager to satisfy our late-night cravings and had our hearts set on the Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée after spotting it on the online menu. However, upon arrival, we were disappointed to learn that the online menu was outdated, and the Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée had been discontinued. Seeking alternatives, we reluctantly took the server's and bartender's recommendations for the Vanilla Flancocho and Warm Turron Brownie. Unfortunately, the Flancocho lacked flavor and moisture, resulting in a bland and dry experience. Adding a layer of passion fruit or raspberry could have enhanced the overall taste. As for the brownie, the overpowering flavor of ground coffee made it taste more like a coffee-infused brownie, and its dry texture left much to be desired. Overall, I cannot recommend Norman's for dessert, especially considering the steep price tag of over $30 for two lackluster options. However, I must acknowledge that their back patio offers a pleasant ambiance, perfect for enjoying drinks with friends and listening to live music by the DJ on weekends.

Nice happy hour Valentines date with no baby! It was a lovely atmosphere! Good portions and great service by bartender extraordinaire Autumn. She was very knowledgeable of the beers and food. Ask for her if you're at the bar! We ordered double cut lambchops, pork tacos, charcuterie board, pork belly, chicarones and had complementary rolls. All the food was delish and very happy for the quality. The lambchops tasted more like filet mignon in a good way. My husband enjoyed the Adult lunchable aka Charcuterie board. It brought back very good memories-good quality meat and cheese. He loved the duck prosciutto the most. The only complaint is the girl bathroom door you have to push hard and the girl doors don't really lock. They need fix this asap.

I've been wanting to try Norman's since it opened. Today I decided to go for a solo dinner. The restaurant opens at 5pm and when I arrived at 5:30pm it was completely empty. I sat at the bar. The bartender was friendly but seemed a little rushed even though I was the only one at the bar. I started with a cosmopolitan and the blue crab beignets. They came recommended from the bartender but were just ok, not delicious. They seemed a little mushy in the middle. Next was the snapper entree which was DELICIOUS! It was served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Highly recommend. I think the bloodline was left it the snapper but it was so good I didn't even care. The lobster Mac and cheese was good but not memorable. Ambiance was nice from what I could see from the bar and the bartender said they have live music outside starting at 7pm. I would be back to try the scallops or filet next!

Easily one of the most deserving 5 star Yelp ratings I've ever awarded. Everything from the beginning to the conclusion of my first experience at Norman's was seamless and it's undoubtedly become one of my favorite spots to dine when celebrating a special occasion. The interior of the restaurant is downright stunning. It's difficult to think of a more aesthetically pleasing fine dining establishment in Orlando than this one. On a Saturday evening, I was shocked it wasn't busier - but I would still make reservations on opentable just incase it was a one off. The staff at Norman's can be described in two words: First class. My fiancé and I were so impressed by how "on the ball" the restaurant was operated and every single employee we interacted with was delightful and had such a professional demeanor. I can't share enough positive feedback about our server, Pedro, who delivered a "one of a kind" dining experience, going above and beyond describing each menu item he recommended in great detail. It was without a doubt the most involved & elaborate experience I've ever had with a server at any restaurant and that takes quite a lot for me to say! The food. THE FOOD! I have dined at countless fine dining restaurants and I have to admit, I've never experienced anything quite as unique and inventive as what I tried here. I really appreciated the complimentary "amuse bouche" and the extravagant bread service was very memorable. Each dish I tasted seemed to be better than the last. The blue crab beignets were melt in your mouth delicious while the blueberry & peach salad was crisp & fresh. It was a challenge to decide which was my favorite between the two entrées we ordered because they were both 10/10. I knew that they were well known for their yellowtail snapper and after taking my first bite, it became obvious as to why - Downright delectable. My fiance's grouper was perfectly cooked & just as impressive. Despite having no room for dessert, we decided we couldn't conclude our meal without it since everything we had enjoyed up until this point was out of this world. And just as expected, the peach raspberry sherbet we selected did not disappoint. I normally prefer something chocolate-y to finish a meal but I did not miss it one bit here. All in all, I cannot rave about Norman's enough and I have to say that I am extremely perplexed by some of the negative reviews I have read because I cannot find a single critique. Yes, it's pricy - But this should be anticipated and I can say from personal experience now that it was well worth it. *If you're bringing you're own bottle of wine, the corkage fee is $30*

This is definitely one of our new favorite restaurants in town. It's the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or just a nice night out. Inside gives off a fine dining feel with a group of staff and servers who go above and beyond to make sure you had an unforgettable experience. They have a big selection of wines and spirits but if you have a bottle of wine you want to bring (which we did) it is only $30. The food was next level. We shared the blue crab beignets along with a soup, salad and some bread which were all so delicious. For entrees I had the grouper and her the Yellowtail Snapper. Both of them were mouthwatering with such great flavors but the snapper was the favorite for the of us. Dessert we had the peach raspberry sherbet which was decadent and the perfect treat to finish off the night. If you haven't been to Norman's you're missing out!

Genuinely one of the best meals we have ever had. The ambiance is elegant and sophisticated. The restaurant also featured a lovely patio with live music. The service was unmatched, our server, Becca was absolutely incredible...so kind, knowledgeable, social and a true delight that made our experience special as we were celebrating a birthday. Not to mention the food itself, each item was insanely delicious and unique. I will be back and will recommend this place to anyone visiting the area!

Came here for my birthday dinner while visiting Orlando. Chef Norman really has a hold of American cuisine with South American and Carribean influence. This is a new location for the place, after 16 years at the Ritz. Service - indeed 5 star. Our server, Lauren, was personable. She gave recommendations of her personal fav items on the menu. Mathew, the sommelier, came by several times to check on us and fix our napkins and clear our drinks, despite us not even ordering wine. Pedro, the bread champion, took his role seriously, which made it an enjoyable experience. Food - After finishing the bread course, which is very tasty, I started with a first plate - blue crab beighnets. It's not super flavorful, but I appreciate the technique of how light and airy the texture of the crust and keeping the inside nice and warm. Next, I had the Yuka Stuffed crispy shimp. This was tasty. For my entree, I had their signature dish as it's been on the menu a long time- yellowtail snapper. I enjoyed it. My friend has the Tenderloin Tataki and loved it, plus the oysters. Drinks - I liked my first drink Fields of Grass, so feminine. Next, I had the Pretty in Pink, which was cute, but I wasn't in love with it. My friend had the French Kiss, and she loved it. Great place, with elegant service. I see why the reviews are shining.

Let me start out by saying Ted and his team are amazing! I was visiting Orlando and had the pleasure of eating at this restaurant. We had a party of over 20 people and had reservations on a Monday evening. The restaurant was actually pretty busy for a Monday. We had a great team of waiters and servers who were all very friendly and accommodating. They always made sure our glasses were filled. The food was delicious and their presentation was excellent! I really enjoyed the yellowtail snapper! I had a chance to walk around a little bit and thought the bar area and outside terrace were very cute with fun decorations. Norman's will definitely be my top places to eat when visiting Orlando.

The perfect place for an anniversary dinner or special occasion. Best lamb on this side of town, and the seafood selection is to die for. The Sommeliers were extremely helpful and made some amazing pairing suggestions. The men are always happy with the extensive options available for aged bourbons. Live music on weekend nights, lovely to enjoy a cocktail on the patio after dinner. Make sure you have a reservation though!

This was a near perfect experience. When I walked in, I was greeted very kindly and allowed to sit at the bar as I waited for my friend to arrive. I was not happy because I sat at the bar for a long while before the bartender finally came over andacknowledged me. But when I did finally get my dirty martini, it wasn't dirty enough so I had her remake it. When it came back it was perfect. When we went to our table and were seated, the magic began. The server was absolutely fantastic and very kind throughout the meal. Also, the sommelier was very informative and gave great recommendations on wine. They have a Pinot Grigio on the menu I had never experienced, it was absolutely divine and a great value at only $15 per glass. They brought out a pumpkin ginger purée to cleanse the pallet at the beginning of the meal and it was something unique and I had never tasted before. Yummy ! The crab beignets were so so. The main course for me was a yellow tail snapper and it was excellent! The fish was fresh, had a large portion and was very flavorful. I also tried my friends filet mignon, and it was really tasty as well. They were participating in Magical Dining so it was a great value at only $60 for an Entrée, appetizer and dessert. The ambience is very elegant and they do have a dress code at this location. They have an extensive wine selection and full bar for specialty cocktails. Restaurant is located on restaurant row. This is Michelin star restaurant that I Highly recommend and Iwould return.

One word: phenomenal! Norman's is truly an extraordinary restaurant. It's the ideal spot for date night or a memorable birthday celebration with friends. You can't go wrong with any of the dishes here, they're all fantastic. The yuca stuffed shrimp is incredible. I could see a lot of people loving that dish. It's a great portion and very well balanced in flavor and texture. The Brazilian styled shrimp is amazing as well. I am Brazilian so I loved trying something from my country with such an unique and delicious twist. The pork chop is one of their signature entrees and I can see why! Well spiced & perfectly cooked. The service is second to none; the staff goes above and beyond to make your dining experience exceptional. I wouldn't be surprised if Norman's became the next Michelin-star restaurant in Orlando! Also, their ambiance is stunning, and the option to continue your evening on their terrace with drinks adds a perfect touch to post-dinner celebrations. This is a 10/10 experience, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

This is my third time at Normans since they have re-opened. When they were Originally at the Ritz they quickly became my favorite Restraunt. I'm happy to say that they still are and IMO the best restaurant in Orlando besides ômo. I celebrated my birthday with their Spanish tasting menu including the wine tasting to accompany it for the full experience. Becca, who attended our table and the chef were very accommodating towards my allergies and Matthew the Sommolier while pouring our wines provided a great experience explaining the philosophy of the parings. The service was extremely smooth and even with a slight delay to make sure our Seafood Paella came out perfect they gave us an extra pour of wine during the wait, which we were very grateful for! They made my night incredibly special and Matthew has served me twice now, he is very professional while being easy to talk to. Also, Becca guided our tasting menu service and I can easily say the same as they both made a phenomenal team during our service, could not be more thankful! Overall it was a Top-tier service, the food and parings were absolutely a great experience and tells you chefs from Daniel Boulud to Norman's show while Michelin stars are a mark of achievement some chefs care more about the customer and what they want... and making sacrifices on the wine list or rotating food menu for a higher score and the star isn't always worth what a chef wants and that is to feed the guest and them leave feeling a full experience of enjoyment. The Michelin guide only tells you so much... Normans was ranked 1 wine glass in Wine Specators newly issued yearly restraunt awards issue and has not currently received a Michelin Star, yet. The Wine Spectator issue listed Normans Among others like Capital grill, Seasons 52, and Fogo de Chão and to me this is non-sense, so experience and know your restaurants they will always tell you more than a magazine.

Went to @normansorlando for my uncle's birthday celebration! What a treat! The service was so impeccable and the food was delicious! From the waiter to the sommelier, everyone was knowledgeable and so attentive. The yucca stuffed shrimp was my hands down fave. And the chocolate crème brûlée was divine.

Normons is a culinary haven where exceptional service and delectable dishes collide to create an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted with above-average service that set the tone for a truly amazing evening, but it's the food that truly steals the show. Each dish was served in a timely manner and had wonderful flavor. And let's talk about the Pretty in Pink Martini -- if you enjoy a good lychee martini this is an absolute must-try. The dining area was nicely lit and decorated and the music was at a perfect volume so we could easily hold a conversation while we dined. We will certainly be back here again soon!

Norman's is excellent. Not perfect, but close. Arrival is weak as the parking area is kind of dumpy. Great bar - however the seats are jammed in so you can't get in or get out. They also don't turn. They should remove 3-4 chairs and it will work much better. Menu is great. Tapas and appetizers are heavily weighted toward shellfish options. An authentic table side Caesar salad would be a great addition to the experience as there are only 2 salad options. Foie Gras was excellent but needed more brioche to offset richness. Filet was great as expected. Scallops on risotto and lamb chops also excellent. Garlicky mash was pretty bland for this level restaurant. Great option vs chain steakhouses on Sand Lake Road. Service was extraordinary. The prices are too. But, truly an elevated experience. We'll be back 2-3 more times to get through the menu.

OMG..Norman is BACK!!! This was a surprise date with my husband. I've mourned this rest since they closed their doors at the Ritz. Every as expected but more!!!!

Stopped in for a few drinks prior to dinner and definitely recommend checking them out. There is a dining area that is dark and upscale or you can grab drinks at their monkey bar. Which is less stuffy and has great bar bites and a happy hour. Later at night you can move out to the terrace where they sometimes have live music, order food, or another round. I had their espresso martini which at first glance I thought will be sweet but the cinnamon sugar worked well. Staff is friendly and leads ya in the right direction.

Everything about dinner at Norman's was incredible. The staff was kind and attentive. The food was delicious-every single bite. We had great drinks at the bar before dinner and enjoyed the pre-fixe menu for the magical dining currently going on. We had an incredible night and will absolutely be returning.

Have followed Norman over the years. Went here again on Wednesday night 6/12. Enjoyed once more. Server Becca was terrific as were all the others. I very much enjoyed the Blue Crab Beignets, but caution, portions are good size and can be filling for just two if ordering other items, perfect if sharing with four. The fried green tomatoes have a little too much crust, better with less. The side dish of layered potato pavé was terrific, and definitely the foie gras.

Get fancy for a delicious dinner or laid back and nosh on some tasty appetizers at the bar during Social Hour. The food is light and fresh with all the flavors you'd expect from a 5 star establishment. The service is amazing too. I enjoyed sitting at the bar and talking to the team. Some great wines as well !!

I was excited that Norman's had opened in the Dr Phillips area (in the Dellagio Plaza) as it is closer to me than his other previous restaurants. There is plenty of parking at the restaurant as well as valet. Upon walking in, we were greeted at the host stand and shown to our table. The inside is beautiful and elegant with white tablecloths and the most amazing lamp. Yes, we all remarked on the lamp! You know how you go to a fancy restaurant and they make it dim inside and you can't read your menu? Each table had a lamp that fully lit the whole table so you could see your food and your menu, but still looked classy. Also, when I told the host that I was excited to eat again at a Norman Van Aken restaurant, she said that the chef was there that night and would I like to meet him? Of course I said yes! Chef Norman came over and was so nice and we were all able to get our picture with him. Definitely a highlight for me! While we perused the menu, our server came over to take our drinks order. I asked if they had any mocktails and unfortunately, they did not, but said they could make any mocktail I wanted. I wish more high-end restaurants had a mocktail menu. I asked if I could get a mojito mocktail with fresh fruit - some sort of berries. I got a pretty good strawberry faux mojito - very refreshing with the mint. As we ordered, the server said the chef prefers that the table order everything (appetizers and entrees) at once to allow for the best timing to the table. Luckily, we were all ready. After ordering, we were offered an amuse-bouche which was a spoonful of an esquites-like corn mixture. It was yummy, savory and crunchy with a touch of sweet. For an appetizer, I got the seafood chowder which was amazing and was poured tableside. Plenty of crunchy vegetables gave texture and the shrimp were large. Speaking of large shrimp, my friend got the Stuffed Shrimp appetizer and those were huge! I think our favorite was my husband's Chilled Beef Tataki - like a combo between Asian Tataki and Italian Carpaccio. So flavorful! My entree was the Yellowtail Snapper and it was perfectly cooked, flaky and moist. Everyone else loved their entrees as well. For dessert, we all shared the Havana Bananas and the Chocolate Torte. Both were good in their own way, although we thought the salted caramel ice cream on the banana dish was a little too salty. The chocolate torte is definitely for the chocolate and peanut lover. Since I knew I wanted to try dessert, I asked our server to pack up the rest of my snapper entree for me. He came back with a little slip of paper, like a valet ticket, for me to pick up my packaged dish at the host stand when we left. I thought this was a nice touch as usually you put it somewhere on the floor and end up forgetting about it.

Atmosphere is nice, great lighting fixtures, cool wall paper definitely has a nice upscale vibe. Service is beyond slow, and for the price tag ridiculously slow. Drinks took forever to refill a wine glass! Thursdays is ladies night with half off drinks but they don't advertise it and you have to ask- it should have been offered upon ordering. They got our order wrong not once but twice- they also took forever to bring out the correct ordered item with little to no apology. With no gesture to comp a simple dessert, just another example of bad service. I want to like this place but has more cons than pros. To be honest better options on sandlake row, I don't think I will be returning.

Absolutely terrible service. We have people in our party with sprained ankle and could not make it to the restaurant. We called in for a togo order and the girl was very rude and said she could not accommodate our request for a togo order despite disabled customers. Not very inclusive restaurant, very disappointed

We were really looking forward to trying Norman for the first time on our anniversary. It was somewhat of a disappointment based on what we had expected per Norman's reputation. The service was spotty, we were sat near right the very loud bar, which kept pumping out loud music, and the food was average. We had the filet and the grouper as well as two of their feature appetizers. It was good but nothing really special. This is not a nice, cozy romantic place... just a large dining room. We may try their bar and happy hour one night, since it looked pretty busy. Just not a "special occasion" place for us.

My wife and I are Normans' fans from waaayyyy back. We loved it at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes and it was a special event and date night favorite for many years. We were crushed when it closed but ELATED to hear that it was moving so close to our house, on "Restaurant Row" in Dr. Phillips. Then... COVID hit. It took forever it seemed for this new location to open up, but it finally did! We are big fans... again! The restaurant is beautiful, and the service nothing less than stellar. We have been quite a few times since it reopened, and surprisingly this is my first time writing a review. Sorry! On the night I'm referring to, we had dear friends in town and we all ate on the GORGEOUS outdoor patio. Honestly it's been a few weeks, so my memory is hazy, but I took some quick notes in between the delicious notes. I loved the pork chops, the Grouper, and my Tilefish collar was amazing! I mean, how many restaurants even offer Tilefish collar?!? My ONE caveat? I'm recently alcohol free, and there were NO NA beer options. Believe me, there are plenty to choose from out there now- my refrigerator will attest to that! The NA movement is growing, so I would expect a restaurant like Norman's to have a robust NA mocktail and beer list for people like myself. But definitely a 5 star experience other than that one small quibble!

Foods were amazing, service was top notch... if you haven't been here yet , definitely need to come . You will not disappointed...

Amazing food. Great service. Our waiter was so kind. Celebrated a birthday here and it felt perfectly intimate.

Service and ambiance were spectacular! The lobster mac and cheese and red snapper were both delicious!

Wow what a phenomenal evening at Normans! We had the best server who gave perfect recommendations. The drinks and food were all top tier and we couldn't stop talking about how great everything was! The terrace was a fun treat to sit outside and enjoy being in FL for the week! Next time we are in Orlando we will be back, can't recommend enough!!

Our daughter and son booked our 50 th wedding anniversary this past weekend at Norman's . The service attention to details was exquisite. The food was phenomenal. Thank you to the entire staff that made our day a beautiful experience.

Went this restaurant for Foie Gras, I go try this dish in every French restaurant. And my friend tried their seasonal menu, I think the dessert was the best. Definitely the atmosphere and service were also great.

Quiet luxury. It is the refuge of well-traveled souls with discerning taste. It was a joy to be reacquainted with a dining experience as solid as memory recalls, but also completely reborn anew with a playful spark of vigor and a stealthy cool flair. Normans is a solid old restaurant friend (locals surely remember Normans at the Ritz Carlton) forging a new standard of quiet luxury dining in a new home on Sand Lake Road's restaurant row. Our recent dinner at Norman's hit the trifecta: a comfortable and well decorated setting, attentive service from friendly professionals and wonderfully fresh and creative food. The magic started the moment Haley - our culinary navigator extraordinaire - introduced herself and described the standout dishes of the evening. Great service is a team effort, and this team is well supported by its friendly and able roaming leader, Jaret. We enjoyed three delicious starters (true culinary gifts) plus the famous chowder. Everything was expertly prepared and beautifully presented. Chef and the kitchen team know how to bring it - for sure. The outrageous standout among starters: beautiful, firm (yet delicate) foie gras stacked neatly on brioche French toast. Say that to yourself again slowly and let it sink in. Never had anything quite like it; can't wait to have it again - a 10+ out of 10. Among our several wonderful entrees: the U-10 scallops were plump with a gorgeous crispy glaze and tasted as if just hauled into the boat, served with mouthwatering sweet potato tortellini (sounds crazy, but this novel treat is flat out cray cray delish) every bite was velvet deliciousness. Norman's signature yellow tail snapper was perfectly seasoned with a beautiful pan seared crust served nestled on a heavenly pillow of garlicky mashed potatoes and greens. The perfect ending to our visit came in the form of passionfruit crème brûlée - another great recommendation from Haley. Bursting with color, each spoonful was a mix of glazed creamy love, crunchy coconutty delight and snappy citrus pop. No BS: one of the most creative and delicious, sweet treats ever to pass our lips.