Norah The Weho Stunner Everyone’s Talking About
What do you get when you mix global style and sensibilities with a light influence of Southern cuisine in the heart of West Hollywood? Norah. The newest neighborhood boîte that has Angelenos vying for reservations.
International restaurateur Rohan Talwar teamed up with chef Mike Williams (previously of The Tasting Kitchen in Venice) and German-born designer Thomas Schoos to create a stylish, cool and welcoming local hangout. Williams’ previous culinary experience in the South adds a soft touch to the restaurant’s eclectic American offerings.
Pacing oneself would be wise while enjoying several courses from Norah’s polished menu, which changes weekly. Begin the dining experience with the Cast Iron Cornbread, served with rosemary-honey butter or Cauliflower Popcorn with chickpea tahini and housemade hot sauce. A twist on traditional charcuterie offerings, the menu features a “Sea” plate of smoked trout rillettes, octopus torchon and shrimp boudin.
Ease into the second course with a lighter, SoCal-inspired option like the Grilled Corn Salad, served with avocado puree, chili, pumpkin seed and cotija, or the Uni Butter Poached Shrimp served with smoked tomato, scallions, cilantro and toast. Entrées that shine are the Wood-Grilled Swordfish with romesco sauce and salsa verde, and the Heritage Pork Chop, with a cider glaze, creamed turnips and purple potatoes.
Brunch offers sweet (Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread) and savory (Short Rib Pastrami) options that easily pair with bubbly concoctions like the Fuchsia Fizzle and spicy counterparts like the Oaxaca Flaca Flame.
Thomas Schoos, who also worked with Talwar on his Mumbai restaurant Ellipsis, draws on his roots as a sculptor and painter to “re-imagine and explore the possibilities of art and design, combining styles, textures and influences from many cultures and media to create new experiences that are as vibrant and original as they are successful.”
With the community in mind, Thomas Schoos designed the space to accommodate a myriad of gatherings. The dining room seats 120, accepting reservations up to two weeks in advance, while the white marble wrap-around bar welcomes walk-in diners. Special occasions can be celebrated in the candlelit lounge, where groups of up to 14 can reserve the space for cocktails and family-style dining. For a night to remember, book the communal chefs tables, available nightly, featuring a tasting menu or a pre-selected family-style menu.
Given Norah’s winning trifecta of ambiance, style and cuisine, the only caveat is that diners might find themselves yearning for more.
Norah
8279 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046
323.450.4211 | NorahRestaurant.com
Photography Courtesy of Norah