Norma's

I went here with a few friends for some brunch. I saw the online menu and was intrigued. We were seated quickly (reservations a must on a Saturday). Our waiter brought us some samples of the smoothie of the day which had bananas and mangos in it. Then he brought out some fresh squeezed orange juice for us, yum. I ended up choosing the banana-macadamia flapjacks and had no regrets. It was a huge portion (I only ended up eating half of it) and it was very sweet and very tasty. I didn't even have to use the syrup they provided because the the flapjacks itself was delicious. Our waiter was very kind and had a sense of humor. I was very satisfied with the food and the service. I will come here again and will recommend this place to all my friends. more

After reading about Norma's in Zagat's for years (2008 edition - Food 25, Decor 19, Service 21, Cost $36), I was excited to have brunch there this past weekend with a few friends. Unfortunately, I walked away with a negative impression of one of NYC's highest rated brunch venues. more

I must say, the food here is absolutely incredible! I ordered the crepes with mango and papaya. OMG!! It was absolutely delicious! The host and hostess were very friendly and delightful but our waiter was not as warm as I would have preferred. We arrived close to closing and of course the place was still 80% full, however, we were rushed to order our food and that was a bit unattractive to me. Clearly, if you are going to rush patrons to order, despite closing at 3pm, you should not allow anyone to make a reservation after 2:30 or so. The waiter urged us impatiently to order our food and seemed a bit restless and agitated. Pros: Delicious Food! Cons: Small sitting areas, Unfriendly Waiter more

I brought a friend from DC to Norma's this past Saturday with a 10:45am reservation. We were warmly welcomed by Robin who was such a charming delight that we did not mind the additional 10 minute wait in this bustling restaurant. After receiving a delicious amuse bouche shot of the fresh squeezed juice medley of the day, we were given 2 additional large glasses of this liquid ambrosia compliments of Robin!! more

The tables were way to close together, they had to be pulled out to allow a person sit on the booth side, once you were seated forget about getting up and going to the bathroom. The tables themselves were very small and could hardly accommodate all the plates, baskets and glasses. We were sat 20 min. after our reservation, our food took forever, and our glasses were never refilled. My lobster omelet was amazing, however, I am hesitant to go back due to the uncomfortable seating. Pros: food more

Folks, seriously, do NOT go there. We had Sunday brunch at Norma's recently and I don't even know where to start. Let me talk about the one positive aspect first: We were promptly seated (might have to do with the fact that we got there at 8am and had a reservation). Waitress was very unfriendly -- I asked her for her recommendation and she just mumbled somthing about ""Depends on your taste"" -- thanks, very helpful. I had Norma's eggs benedict (basically eggs benedict on mini pancakes with some asparagus), my wife had the egg white frittata -- there was nothing wrong with the food, but it certainly is NOT the best breakfast in New York. I'd compare it to average diner food, definitely not better than that. The portions were pretty small (contrary to what you might read in other reviews) -- and the pricing is OUTRAGEOUS. I mean, I have lived in this city for many years, but when you pay $80 for two persons for breakfast, it better be freaking awesome. And it really wasn't. The place itself is very unspectacular, typical hotel lobby kind of place. So, here are two tips: a) If you want really good quality and you are willing to spend some money on it (like $80 for two persons), go to Sarabeth Central Park: These guys have the best breakfast I have ever had in New York, the portions are huge, the staff is super friendly and the place is just gorgeous. b) If you want a lower budget breakfast in a relaxed place, go somewhere in the Village, for example Grey Dog Cafe or Tartine. Cons: Small portions, outrageous pricing, average quality, diner type of food, unspectacular ambience, rude staff more

This is indeed one tasty place for brunch. Best on an expense account, but then again, who can eat that... more

This is indeed one tasty place for brunch. Best on an expense account, but then again, who can eat that much on a weekday when you have to go to m... more

I have been to Norma's three times and I've never had to wait to be seated. 2 of the 3 times I had a reservation--it's definitely suggested. Each time I tried something different and each time i was ridiculously full and pleased with the food. the french pressed coffee is delicious and you have to try the chocolate french toast. it is way too rich to eat alone so go with a group and share bites. the service was fine and ambience pleasant. just be ready to drop way more $$ than average on brunch--think of it as your dinner night out. Pros: amazing unique breakfast dishes more

BEST brunch in ny!!! definitely go for the huevos rancheros - delicious!!! and save room for a sweet dish... more

BEST brunch in ny!!! definitely go for the huevos rancheros - delicious!!! and save room for a sweet dish to share as well.. chocolate decadence f... more

The most expensive brunch I have ever had in my life was here. But it was worth every penny, because I... more

I was truly disappointed with Norma's before we were even seated. Cons: Service more

The most expensive brunch I have ever had in my life was here. But it was worth every penny, because I never thought that I would get to experienc... more

The food at this place is indeed something to behold, but the service is terrible and the time it takes to get seated, even WITH a reservation, is ridiculous. This place has been coasting for years on its reputation, and on the fact that brain-dead tourists are willing to put up with anything (next stop, Carnegie Deli!). So don't bother with this corporate experience when you can have a wonderful, intimate brunch or breakfast elsewhere. Oh, and by the way, it's incredibly expensive. Pros: food is good Cons: price is high, wait is long, service is BAD more

Best place for a heavy brunch if you're hungry (or even if you're not)! Very creative variations on classic... more

Best place for a heavy brunch if you're hungry (or even if you're not)! Very creative variations on classic brunch favorites. more

i love norma's. it's great for meetings. it's great for family time. it's great for friends. you can't go... more

i love norma's. it's great for meetings. it's great for family time. it's great for friends. you can't go wrong with b'fast food here. yum yum yum.... more

Outstanding brunch. Large plates of delicious food - good value for the money. And if you're feeling rich... more