Norman's Japanese Grill

The concept and food at this restaurant is unmatched! It is so good, and the waitstaff is so helpful with guiding you through ordering. Eric in particular was amazing!! We tried a new fun drink & nigiri because of his recommendations!

+1

Ok I have to admit being from Houston my wife and I are BIG Beck's Prime fans and when it opens originally in this location we were frustrated about the parking. Now that it is Norman's we had to try it. The valet team was helpful and we had no issues with parking at all. Now let me get to the food... wait the ambience let me start there first fantastic from the tile cowboy that is holding a fish when you walk in to the awesome bathrooms. And thank you for having real cloth towels that actually take the water off of your hands. Ok the food..... oh man the FOOD.... Seriously, if I was a talented chef and if I was INCREDIBLY CREATIVE and if I loved blending 3 different food categories I would have made this restaurant.... wait no I could have never thought this up.... My list Miss cod Curry katsu Udon carbonate Romano beans Charred octopus YOU owe me!!!!!!

+1

My boyfriend and I came in on a Saturday without a reservation and were seated almost right away at the sushi bar. Our waiter, Blake, was amazing. Super friendly and knowledgeable, and he gave us some awesome recommendations and offered us dishes just 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!

+1

Duro Hospitality has done it again with Norman's. The restaurant offers a truly unique and compelling concept, flawlessly blending the vibrant cultures of Texas and Asia. From the moment you walk in, the creative spirit is evident in every detail, from the decor to the impeccable service. The menu is a perfect example of this fusion, offering delicious and surprising combinations like the perfectly executed Texan steak with a Thai papaya salad. The selection of drinks is also well-curated and diverse, ensuring there's something for everyone. This group's commitment to outstanding service remains unwavering, making for a truly memorable dining experience.

My husband and I came to Norman’s for a quick dinner before heading to Chocolate Secrets across the street. We were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the excellent food, service, music, and atmosphere. The bartenders treated us extremely well and the food was DELICIOUS! Highly recommend.

A fun Texas twist to some Japanese classics. We stayed on the app menu during our time, and everything we had was delicious! Thank you to Austin for all the great recommendations- we were never steered in the wrong direction. The hummus and gyoza chips were the perfect start- don’t underestimate their ability to pack a little kick. But still just as delicious! I will say, for the amount of hummus you get compared to the chips- you may need to ask for more chips. :) The Korean chicken was SO GOOD as well- not sweet and the sauce was super light so it didn’t drown out the flavor of the chicken. These packed the perfect punch of spice but matched perfectly with my drink. This plate is a perfect shareable for three people! The octopus and steak screwers were amazing. Dare I say I liked the octopus more?! They were sold out of the chicken, so this forced us to be more adventurous- and we were pleasantly rewarded. The asparagus and beans were an added touch. The sauce on the asparagus was light and sweet. The char on the beans added a nice smoky flavor and Texas charm. The dumplings were by far my favorite- amazing! If you are not into spice, this is perfect for you. The drinks were very delicious and unique. There is something for everyone. If you are into sweet, they have it. If you have a whisky wish, they have it. If you need a nice glass of wine- they have a wide selection. We also tried some of their sake as well. Lastly, and quite possibly the best part of every meal, dessert!! We ordered the cheesecake and the chocolate ice cream. The ice cream had a pear pairing and it was super delicate! The cheesecake was paired with a crunchy-chocolaty side that gave it a more crunchy texture. Both were amazing and we devoured these even after eating all our apps. Beyond the apps, they have a a beautiful list of sushi options. Even though we didn’t have any, I could over hear people discussing how delicious those dishes were. Overall, the atmosphere was perfect and fun for a Friday Night near downtown. Not too loud on a completely full night. The managers rounded on us frequently. Each dish that was delivered to our table was introduced, so we knew exactly what we were getting and the overall flavors were unique. If you are looking for something different, yet fulfilling, this is a fun stop to visit with friends or congregate after a day in the office. Will be back again!

+3

Very good food and service! A bit expensive for the small portions but delicious. Atmosphere also great. It’s always packed so would recommend a reservation.

My fiancé and I tried Norman’s for my birthday dinner and it was so good! We got the bluefin tartare and miso code handrolls, Korean fried chicken, udon carbonara, and the duck and Surabaya pork meatballs. They added the BBQ pork cheek sliders as a birthday treat which was a special touch. The seasonal desserts were also incredible. Super unique concept and would definitely recommend!!

+1

Norman’s is such a great experience! Whether sitting at the sunken bar (one of the best bars in Dallas) or at the sushi bar or at a table, you’re in for a treat! The service is great, we had Eric and he’s so friendly and remembered us from years ago at a different restaurant. The food is really really good and perfect sizes for sharing with someone else or a group of people. - Korean fried chicken is great texture and flavor. - hand rolls are fresh and in a fun presentation with great sauces - nigiri, like the hand rolls, are unique and really fresh, we had the crab and the tuna. The crab had hollandaise was so rich and flavorful - the miso and corn ravioli was one of the two stars of the night. The sauce was great and the texture was primo - the A5 steak was the other star, really tender and a perfect sauce to go with it along with some peppers - finally dessert we had the chocolate gelato with matcha. Really good combo and greet ending to the evening

+4

Duro group again impressed us with absolutely amazing food and service. Fresh ingredients and well balanced flavors. We tried a lot of different things on the menu. Edamame hummus,A5 steak, Otoro are among my favorites. Also the Romano beans and asparagus are very unique takes on the Japanese influence. Highly recommend! We will be back.

+5

Tried Norman’s for the first time and it did not disappoint. I ordered the lobster and miso cod hand rolls — loved the cute concept of the nori being served separately so everything stays crisp. The sushi was incredibly fresh, and the service was truly impeccable. I also loved the steak skewers and asparagus. I finished with the Japanese cheesecake, which was beautifully presented and just the right amount of sweet — light, fluffy, and such a nice way to end the meal. Sat at the sushi bar and it was the perfect “girl dinner” — chic, easy, and satisfying. Already looking forward to going back.

I give it a 4.8. Everything was great except for the carbonara it was way too salty. The sushi, nigiri, shrimp dumplings were all amazing. Will definitely be back!!

+4

Honestly one of the best bites in Dallas! Never had such an attentive crew and server. The yellowtail nigiri was a fam fav. Made our Dads bday so special. Will def be coming back.

+3

From the Host, she was very pleasant, smiling, Kathy was our server, she was knowledgeable about the cuisine, the food was delicious. They were very careful with my food allergies. Atmosphere was calm, the decor is a mixture, read the history you will understand the theme. The price was great for everything we ordered. We will be back.

We got very lucky and just dove into the last three available seats and had a great time dining at the bar in the thick of the action. I like that this small venue is both warm and lively at the same time. Our service was attentive and shared details on the array of items we ordered as we wandered around the menu and shared orders. This is definitely an experiential dining procession, and it’s best to try and put n your whole order, as u can add later if u want. Temps were good, crispness in right places and freshness abounds. We really enjoyed all the twists and turns in their unique takes on some traditional offerings, but I wouldn’t personally look to this sitdown as my go-to sushi house, as it’d b like having having caviar, escargot, lobster tail and crème brûlée every night…it’s just that rich, savory and decadent with every bite here. Not a bad thing when ur aiming to go big, but wow they pack it all in w every bite. A small example would be the nigiri, where even the sticky rice will be accented w herbals or citrus, so your not going to know what’s coming w each new slice of the seas coming ur way. Admittedly, I’m prolly a bit more traditional sashimi and nigiri type, where the freshness and flavor profile of the fishies are what I’m interested in most, but this joint is definitely a place to experience when ur interested in getting out of the usual lane. If I had any preferences to share it’d be to find a way to deliver more moisture in the meatballs, and to stay away from any mayo-esk contraptions on the sides…ur flavor profiles are too dang creative for that. What a night…glad we made it by…thanks for the wow!

+6

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. If you’re a matchbook collector, they have them here!

+6

Every. Single. Thing. was a 10/10! Such a great sushi spot, highly recommend. They offer valet which is always convenient, and have the cutest matches. We sat at the bar and they were very helpful and gave the best recommendations, glad we listened.

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 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.

+6

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! 🤠

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.

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.

+3

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.

+6

Totally unique concept mixing Japanese with Texan cowboy cuisine. Every single bite we had was *chef’s kiss* delicious. Service was 5/5 and vibes were immaculate. Standouts for us were the udon carbonara and ube ice cream. Very cool spot! Love having places like this in Dallas.

Norman’s is our new favorite spot! Everything is incredible - the food, the atmosphere, and the service are all top notch. Sarah D made our experience so memorable and special. She is outstanding. We loved everything we ate and will definitely be coming back!

Experience and food were incredible. Genuinely most unique food and vibe in dallas- couldn't recommend enough. Carbonara noodles, miso corn ravioli, Romano beans are a MUST! The hand rolls were also incredible.

Josephine turned last night into something unforgettable. I’ve rarely experienced hospitality this warm—not out of obligation, but out of genuine care. The hosts radiated joy, the staff handled a packed house with effortless grace, and the entire evening felt thoughtfully crafted, not just scripted. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place that makes happiness its priority. A rare gem.

Huge fan of Duro Hospitality and their new Japanese Grill - Norman's... did not disappoint! Loved every bit of it. The aesthetic look of the restaurant, to the drinks, to the food and the portion size as well as the overall taste. Service was top tier as usual for Duro. Love it!

Great place for Japanese cusine with a Western flair. Our party of six was seated promptly, the staff were very knowledgeable with excellent recommendations for us first timers. We were never hurried and did not feel rushed at all. Highly recommended.

I brought my 9-year-old here for our date and they made him feel SO special. We went early obviously since it is more adult-friendly but they made sure he felt so special. I would come here again and again. Amazing food, amazing staff and amazing atmosphere.

So glad to have tried Norman’s! The food was incredible and the staff were super attentive and friendly. Julia and Maddie were our servers, both gave us great recommendations! Will definitely be back, highly recommend

Amazing food and service, will definitely be back here again, very high quality food, cooked and served in a very imaginative way, might be one of my new best Dallas locations.

TLDR; a refined exquisite experience where Asian cuisine takes on a Cowboy twang Their attention to customers is on another level! They accommodated us after arriving late due to construction in the area. Once we sat near the sushi bar one of the chefs noticed that service was taking a while they offered something "off-the-menu" to keep us uplifted. Shortly after, the food started rolling through. Out of everything that we tried, the standout was the udon carbonara! Such a fantastic dish, bravo!

That was easily the best culinary and customer experience that I’ve ever had in my entire life. Music was perfect. The food was exceptional and the sauce …yo whoever made the sauces!! And to conclude it all with that cheesecake and chocolate rice crispy joint! There’s no doubt I’m coming back. 0 doubt. This is my number 1 in Texas. I pray this place never cuts a single corner and continues to deliver the same quality every time.

Duro hospitality does it again! Everything this ownership group does is top notch. From the food, atmosphere to the service. It’s a special experience every time. Norman’s is no different. My husband and I were in from Fort Worth and dropped in with no reservation. We waited but the staff was very kind and welcoming and accommodated us. The manager was top notch and sent us complimentary goodies to make up for the wait. We felt extremely welcomed and had a wonderful evening speaking to the staff. I will gladly continue to support this brand because this has always been my experience with them. It seems like a great culture to work for. Special shout out to the tuna belly. Best bite of the night!

A lovely and spontaneous experience at Norman's! The food was incredible, highly recommend the katsu and ravioli - they stole the night! Service was impeccable. Antonio at the bar makes great drinks, Maxwell - one of the managers - was so nice and informative. I didn't get the other Manager's name but she was so accommodating and communicative about my table and wait. Sarah our server, was so professional, highly trained, and enthusiastic about the menu! She recommended the beans and they delivered! I will definitely be back!

You gotta love the Japanese cowboy vibe especially in Dallas. There really is nothing else like it. Norman’s is a solid 4.5 star dining experience (4 would be inadequate and 5 would be generous.) The desire to return again marks a great meal, while recommending it to others signifies excellence. While I would do both, I left my meal wanting more. A few of the sauces were underwhelming- the tom kha was flat and the carbonara was too salty. However, the egg yolk dip for the duck meatballs was inviting and unique. I also agree with other reviewers that the Korean fried chicken is a standout dish. It was a “small plate” that gave main course energy. My favorite bite was the Madai with its exceptional brightness. We enjoyed it so much we ordered it twice. Even though it was the only nigiri we sampled, it was on the same level as Uchi which is no small feat. With a few tweaks Norman’s has the potential to be a Dallas staple.

I can’t think of anything that was not outstanding. For foodies enthusiasts, this place offers very unique nuances of flavors. That corn and miso ravioli is a must. Shootout to Angela, our server. She was great!

Everything was fantastic. Worth the price, and absolutely a place to put in a reservation. You can spend anywhere from $15 upwards of a couples hundred, it's really up to what you're craving. There is a budget for everyone, just bear in mind that the servings are not gigantic, rather something to savor and enjoy.

So excited to have this new Duro concept in the mix. The vibe and art style of Norman's is immaculate--trendy and high-brow while also being fun and approachable. The perfect combo. We ended up not being sat until 30 mins after our reservation time. However, they sent literally 3 appetizers to make up for it--sign of a great restaurant to have that awareness, when we hadn't complained or anything. The food was mostly great. Some notes: Edamame hummus: 4/5. Lovely flavor, like a mix of Japanese and Indian flavors with the chutney. And this is coming from someone who doesn't normally love Edamame or Hummus. Korean Fried Chicken: 3/5. Decent, but least "special" thing we ordered. Octopus skewer: 5/5. Probably the best octopus I've ever had. Incredibly tender. Duck/Pork meatballs: 5/5. Awesome flavors going on here. Hamachi Crudo: 4/5. Yummy, but kind of wish the Tom Kha sauce wasn't so heavy and creamy. Kind of overpowered the fish. I prefer crudos in a light, salty/citrusy sauce. The flake salt on this dish however was an amazing touch. Shrimp Dumplings: 3/5. Nice texture, but sort of lacking in flavor. A bit overly sweet. Corn Miso Raviolis: 4/5. Super yummy. Very sweet though--this would be over the top with some sort of Chili crunch or some element of spicy/sour to break up the sweet. Handrolls - Godzilla and miso cod: 5/5 just delicious. Service was absolutely excellent--we can't remember his name, but the tall male server who looks kind of like a surfer bro was just perfect. Professional, but casual, fun, and friendly. Struck the perfect balance. Can't wait to return!

Amazing experience! Waited a bit but they immediately offered comped apps to make up for it. Blake was our waiter and he was absolutely awesome. Head chef Ben came to the table multiple times to tell us about dishes and made the experience that much better. Prices seem high but are absolutely well worth it! We tried just about everything and it was all incredible!

Another great Duro restaurant! Our sever Blake was the best server my wife and I have ever had! All three staff the stopped by the table were courteous and knowledgeable. Blake helped us navigate the menu and every recommendation that he gave that we chose was well worth it. We really wanted to get as much food to experience which dishes we would order again. We started with the handrolls (oh Godzilla, miso cod and shrimp tempura) and all were delicious. We then shared the edamame humus, pork katsu and the gem salad. All three were great and hard to choose a favorite but I would say the edamame humus with the home made chips was exceptional. We then had some nigiri and crudo both otoro. Would say both were some of the best bites we had in Dallas. Their charcoal and wood fired dishes also were standouts. The last couple of dishes we had all left our palates satisfied. The octopus, duck meatballs, a5 beef, Romano beans, and summer asparagus were a phenomenal. The udon carbonara already seems like a fan favorite which was great and so was the corn and miso ravioli. To finish off the night we had the Japanese cheese cake with pear and yuzu sauce. Very nice dessert to end the meal. Overall, probably the most enjoyable dining experience my wife and I have had in Dallas. The western and Japanese influence on the food and decor of the restaurant really made us feel like we were in a city like New York or Chicago having dinner. Wish this restaurant a nothing but success.

I think I found my new favorite place to eat. The service was amazing, the food was so good. Led pricey than expected thankfully. 10/10 I will definitely be back

Had an incredible dinner at Norman’s Japanese Grille! 🍣✨ Loved the variety of dishes and the sake drinks were on point. Great vibe, amazing food — can’t wait to go back!

The food is creative and delicious. Our severs Alexandria and Tiffany were outstanding! They were informative, and remarkably helpful. Their recommendations were spot on!

My partner and I celebrated our second anniversary at Norman’s, the staff was very friendly and made sure we were celebrated. The food was incredible and worthy of the hype it has been receiving. We can’t wait to go back!

Norman’s describes itself as a “Tokyo-meets-Texas” concept. The service was excellent throughout, and reactions to the food at our table varied—I found it solid, while my husband absolutely loved it. What was undeniable, though, was the design. The tableware is unforgettable. High-end Japanese forms are paired with unapologetically Western imagery—cowboy boots, saddles, rope motifs, cryptic symbols—creating a tablescape that feels both playful and refined. You notice it immediately, and it stays with you long after the meal. I was so taken by the aesthetic that I went home and ordered the same dishes online—something I’ve never done after a restaurant visit. If you care about atmosphere, materials, and visual storytelling as much as what’s on the plate, Norman’s delivers in a way that feels genuinely distinctive.

Had an outstanding dinner at Norman’s tonight. We ordered a few things off the menu (corn and miso ravioli was awesome), but mostly asked Chef Shane to make his favorites - he delivered. Incredible cuts of tuna, A5 wagyu topped with foie gras. Everything we ate was incredible. As mentioned by other reviews, it’s not inexpensive, but it was a great experience. Can’t wait to go back.

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!

I'll start by saying the food was exceptional. We shared the shrimp tempura handroll, romano beans, ravioli with brown butter and corn, the carbonara dish, and the dry aged cowboy butter with uni butter melted on top. They were all great. The Crazy 88 (mezcal margarita) was a great cocktail as well. What set this place apart was extraordinary hospitality. I've been to most of the highly regarded spots in Dallas, and this was easily the best service we've had. I made a reservation at 4:30pm (the time they open) 30 minutes before arriving with a note that we were celebrating our anniversary. Wasn't expecting them to pick that up on such short notice. We were greeted and immediately told happy anniversary. Once seated, our waitress again said happy anniversary and asked how many years. Immediately after she left, we were congratulated again and each received a complimentary glass of champagne. Two minutes later, the manager came by and congratulated us on 4 years of marriage and thanked us for celebrating with them. When we were debating between the shrimp tempura handroll and the romano beans as an appetizer, the waitress said she'd get us the handrolls on the house because she wanted us to experience both! Exceptional experience, service, vibe, and food. Must try!

Food was so good. I could order just hamachi handrolls for an entire meal, as it was my favorite. Also got the udon carbonara and smoked hamachi, which were also stellar. Travis is also the most entertaining and kind server; he got us not 1 but 2 desserts for my birthday. Great food, service, and atmosphere; will definitely come back!

Dining here was my husbands choice, he enjoyed everything he ordered. My options as a vegetarian were more limited, but the menu and chef were more than accommodating. Chef prepared a vegetarian hand roll that was absolutely delicious!!! Alexandria was our waitress this Sunday evening, and she was a pleasure. She was attentive, well-mannered, and helpful with her suggestions. We will absolutely be back!

Incredible experience. Very unique combination of flavors. Each dish we had was delicious. Shout out to Sarah, Tammy, and the team for great service. And we recommend the “Hamachi” and “Shrimp & Longaniza Sausage Dumplings”!

Lovely dinner at Norman’s! As a first timer, loved all of the little design details and aesthetic. Enjoyed almost *everything* we ordered and would definitely come back and try more of the menu! Shane and Angel were amazing - and Shane made us feel really special and spoiled at the bar (which is such a fun place to sit). His specials were some of our favorite bites! They should be permanent! He and Angel both made the best recommendations. Drinks were delicious. Music could be a little more upbeat! But otherwise perfect atmosphere.

This place is an absolute GEM. The food is fantastic and I don't eat seafood. They have the best customer service, the best food, just so good. I recommend the Korean Fried Chicken and Udon Carbonara as starters.

We absolutely love Norman’s. Food is good and different. It is not your typical Japanese place. It is so unique. We have gone multiple times and we love when Travis is our server. He is the absolute best - he has your best interest at heart when ordering. Really recommend the raviolis, nigiri’s and the octopus for people going in for the first time!

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.

Cute little restaurant. Great vibes and decor. Food was just okay imo, but good if you don’t mind Americanized Japanese food. Some of the dishes were a bit salty and felt a bit heavy on the fish sauce (i.e. NY strip, octopus). For nigiri and crudo, you get better quality and bang for your buck at Naminohana or Hatsuyuki. Will stick to The Charles and Sister as my preferred Duro spots.

The ambience inside was incredible — warm modern-wood finishes, great vibes, the kind of spot you just want to hang out in. We got seated out on the patio though, and honestly, the lighting was way too dim. Could barely read the menu without pulling out my phone flashlight. Started with an iced green tropical tea — decent, nothing mind-blowing. They surprised us with a complimentary hamachi hand roll, which was actually pretty solid. From there, we ordered the hamachi crudo — fish was fresh, tom kha reduction had nice flavor — and then came the star of the night: the NY strip skewers. No photo (tragic), but wow. Juicy, tender, absolutely fire. Not crazy about the chimichurri personally, but my dining partner loved it, so maybe that’s just me. We also tried an A5 dish — great quality beef, but the sauce leaned too salty and kind of overpowered the meat, which was a shame. Here’s where it got a little messy: we had also ordered another hand roll and the otoro crudo, but they never showed up. A couple different servers asked if we’d gotten them, which made things feel a bit chaotic. Eventually, they comped the otoro crudo as a goodwill gesture, which was nice. Overall: the fish was consistently good quality, but the sauces didn’t always hit. Some were great (that tom kha reduction), others were heavy-handed. Service was friendly but felt disorganized. Still, those NY strip skewers alone might be worth coming back for.

A fun spin on Japanese Izakaya + sushi bar with a Texas twist. Plenty of small dishes to share and everything was pretty fresh. This is a fusion style restaurant so expect the chefs to take traditional Japanese concept and add a twist.

+1

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.

+6

Good but room for improvement. Unique selections like the mezcal margarita, tempura veggies, and flavorful dumplings. Salmon Nigiri was okay even though we actually ordered the Smoked Salmon. Something needs to counterbalance the pecorino in the Udon carbonara because the saltiness makes it inedible. Service could have been more attentive.

It’s a “one time only” place for us unfortunately. Even nothing was really bad but just something is not enough there. Even we had a reservation were waiting for 15min for our table. Small space inside, but cute, they also have an outside patio. The idea to make a hand roll myself personally I didn’t like, too messy. We had Manhattan cocktail and sparkling sake and both were amazing. Miso cod hand roll, Korean fried chicken, asparagus, escabeche, bluefin otoro (was delicious- the only thing I liked besides sparkling sake), and unagi.

+6

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.

+2

The food & service was great. Everything was perfectly prepared and the fish was fresh. The only negative thing I will say is there was a distinct unpleasant smell upon entering the restaurant. Obviously just like being around any smell the longer you are around it the less noticeable it becomes however we both noticed it the entire time we were there. The restaurant is in the old Homewood restaurant location and it is relatively small so possibly working on the ventilation may be helpful. We will definitely give it another try.

Everything amazing except the Miso ravioli. It literally made me throw and made my boyfriend nausea. Other than that Elijah was incredible and we had a fantastic time.

Fun Dining Experience - Exceptional Service - Mesmerizing Decor & Cozy Seating - Eccentric Western Japanese Menu - Instead of Clean Tasting, unexpected was the Heavy Meal Had - Yet, unforgettable was the pairing of our Favorite Dish of the evening: Norman’s Udon Carbonara!

I usually don’t write reviews, but this restaurant was great! I just stumbled upon it unexpectedly looking for a cocktail after work. I ended up ordering the cod miso & lobster hand roll as starter to supplement my cocktail (which was great), but after I tasting it, I HAD to order another it was so delicious! Staff was sweet & attentive even though they were packed. The chefs were friendly and efficient. It is a bit pricey, I spent about $70 on appetizers and a drink for myself, but it was worth it! I will definitely be back!

Food is pushing to the sour side. If you have a history of liking sour food, you will like it here. But I have to stress, there is nothing Japanese about the food taste here. While they have a Japanese like ambiance with the physical aspect of the restaurant and the servers' outfit, the food doesn't taste anything like Japanese. More like a Mexican take on Asian food. The prices are priced a little on the higher side and you can fairly call it a mid-upper end restaurant. The tables are very close together so you can hear your neighbours if your table goes quiet and there're times where I have trouble hearing what my dinner mate is saying.

Dallas is not a city that plays coy with food. It is bold, loud, unapologetic, much like the people who live here. Norman’s fits right into that rhythm with a quiet swagger of its own. I went on a cool evening and sat on the patio, which by Dallas standards feels like a small pocket of calm in the middle of chaos. A good place to let the night stretch out. The service was everything you want but rarely get anymore: attentive without being overbearing, friendly without the false cheer, and actually knowledgeable about what is coming out of the kitchen. That last part matters. The food was a mix of highs and lows. The Korean chicken came out glistening, lacquered in a sauce with just enough kick to make you pay attention. Crunch, heat, vinegar, a little sweetness, and pickles cutting through it all. Not subtle, but very good. The dish that stood above the rest was the ravioli. Pillowy pockets in a silky sauce, the kind of plate that makes the whole table go quiet because all you can do is taste. Whoever created this dish deserves a medal or at least another bottle of wine on the house. The sushi looked good and was fresh enough, but compared to the rest of the menu it felt out of place. You could skip it and never miss it. Norman’s does not live or die by its misses. It shines in the moments: the patio, the warmth of the staff, the punch of the chicken, and the perfection of that ravioli. Dallas has plenty of restaurants chasing trends, but Norman’s on that night felt like it was not chasing anything at all.

Muy buena experiencia, comida deliciosa, bebidas excelentes y ambiente muy agradable, lo recomiendo.

Our was very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and exceptional. My friends and I came in and tried many of their dishes and would say some dishes were delicious and some were very salty. What we enjoyed the most was the Romano beans, the corn & miso ravioli and the scallop sashimi. Those dishes were so flavorful, tender and juicy. The Miso cod hand roll was the saltiest dish we had, it felt like just pure salt and I’m assuming the saltiness came from the miso paste and salt flakes. The dish did not taste umami savory rather mostly salty. There were so many dishes that were sprinkled with so much salt flakes and it’s a shame, we did taste the flavor profile and it had a lot of depth, however, the salt flakes just overpowers everything. I would not recommend the hand rolls if you are a person watching your sodium intake and also the Australian strip. The Crudos were loaded in flavor but then again it was slightly too salty. The udon carbonara was alright nothing special, we were expecting more to it since we saw many videos about it. The charred octopus skewers were really charred and one of the pieces was burnt and we couldn’t eat that. Also, one of the food runners dropped one of our pieces but it’s alright mistakes happen and we let it go. Presentation was wonderful however I would probably ask to hold back on the salt flakes. The dishes were a little pricey however, it is in the heart of Dallas. If wondering, my friends and I’s bill was a total of a little over $400 for the 3 of us.

+5

I wanted to like Norman’s so bad. I love all of the other DURO concepts. Unfortunately the food wasn’t up to par. The new style salmon sashimi fell flat and was soaked in mayo, the steak was good but not worth $99, the crudos were mediocre (3 pea sized tuna chunks). The udon carbonara and drinks were very good.

Great ambience. Food is very overpriced for what it is. I would say at best, the dishes were okay. What really made the food unappetizing was the fact that a few of the servers have long fake nails. The plates are very stylish and aesthetic but make it so that the servers have to hold the plates with their fingers in the bowls. Seeing their long fake nails holding the inside of the dish literally made me cringe every time they brought a new dish out. I think it’s very unhygienic, especially when they aren’t using trays to carry food. How do I know their nails didn’t dip into the food on the way over. For this reason, I would not recommend this place to my friends.

Just had Normans for the first time and the influencers got me on this one. This was very much a 3 to 4 star average experience. In total we ordered the NY strip skewers, udon carbonara, otoro crudo, and nigiri (madai, hamachi and akami). They started our meal off with the steak, and it was very good and flavorful. Unfortunately they brought it as our first dish for some reason and our entire meal was off from then on out. It's bold and full of flavor, but you don't want to eat delicate fish after eating a steak bite. Second they brought the otoro crudo. The crudo was good but the vessel was not a good choice. The caviar immediately got lost in the ponzu, and it was difficult to eat the ingredients at once. The fish was also good, but it was not an off white fatty color that you would typically see in an otoro. Next was the nigiri. They were OK for us because there are too many overpowering ingredients in a dish that is supposed to be very simple. The Madai was the most frustrating part to the whole evening. It absolutely blew out my wife's palate and there is no warning from the menu or the wait staff on how hot that bite is. I regularly eat hot/spicy food and for about 10 minutes even my mouth was on fire. Last was the udon carbonara. The noodles were very good texture, although the rest of the dish tastes like chicken top ramen broth with an egg tossed in. Overall the steak was the best part, but it should have been last, the other dishes were very average and the nigiri was just fine. I started the meal with a glass of wine but was never revisted for a refill, and we did have 3 different waiters come to our table as well. For reference we paid about 130 for this meal.

Was really excited to try this new concept from Duro Hospitality as I loved their sister restaurant, Sister. The drinks were inventive and the bartenders were friendly. Alarmingly our hamachi crudo came out before the drinks were even finished being prepared. The tom kha flavor was wonderful but needed an acid to cut through it as it was so rich. We asked the bartender to zest a lime over it and that helped it out. The corn and miso dumplings we ordered were similarly rich and bland, turning us off from ordering any more food. I’d like to give this restaurant another shot but I think the balance of these dishes needs to be reworked.

The food was underwhelming, overpriced and an interesting take on fusion. Instead of complementing each other, It felt like Japanese cuisine where simplicity is executed at a high level was slammed together with Texan sauces and seasoning. The service and atmosphere is confusing. The atmosphere is fun, casual. Examples: The decor is quirky, menu style is fun, the staff are wearing chambray linen shirts and a cowboy hat but the service is trying to be fine dining? The waiter is presenting my napkin after sitting like he's going to place it on my lap and elaborately pouring my coke bottle at tableside like a wine bottle. Just felt really jarringly out of place given the relaxed setting.

Had good dishes and some bad. very overpriced for what it is, the quality doesn't match the price. service was good. aesthetic was cozy. & for the good food... i'd recommend the marinated lobster roll that was very juicy. the edamame hummus was a good starter. corn and miso ravioli was very unique but yummy! had a sweet/floral and nutty vibe? def try that something different. I would NOT recommend the Udon noodles, wayy too salty! overhyped. skip the Korean fried chicken, mediocre chicken, sauce was spicy but mid & for $19 is crazy work. same with the Vannamei shrimp, $19 for 3 little shrimps was robbery. nothing special about the flavor. getting a reservation is hard to get for some odd reason as well lol

While Norman’s atmosphere and service felt very much on par with the Duro experience, the food was quite the opposite. Many over-sauced attempts at asian fusion with underwhelming portion sizes. While the menu is ambitious in spirit, it left much to be desired in taste and visual effect. We tried 16 different plates in total: Korean Fried Chicken was the most egregious— soggy, soft nuggets dunked in acidic sauce. This should be either completely reworked or removed from the menu as it is a disservice to Koreans and fried chicken. Grilled Asparagus literally looked as if it had melted provolone on top. Instead, more acidic sauce. The nigiri was okay, again more sauce. Madai was the winner here. Handrolls were ‘deconstructed’. Size of a regular nigiri that had to be scooped up with a snack-sized piece of seaweed. Odd. The best dishes were the Escabeche and gem salad. So delicious and perfect in flavor, it felt as if a different restaurant prepared them. Overall, a disappointing experience from a food standpoint. As someone who loves The Charles/El Carlos Elegante, I do hope Norman’s can improve their menu in the near future.

I was in town visiting a friend and the restaurant came highly recommended; I desperately wanted to love this izakaya-inspired Oak Lawn spot. The reality? A film set with food as an afterthought. Austin's service was exceptional, and Axl's recommendations were on point. The interior brings me back to my childhood in Japan. But never did I think DURO could fail so hard on a concept. Every dish collapsed under its own pretense. Flavorless hamachi. Clumsy, overpriced rib eye. Soggy fried chicken drowning in syrup. Bone dry meatballs. Frozen tasting dumplings. Even foie gras topped sushi felt like ornamental fluff. Nearly everything was oversalted, overwrought, or both. The menu is chaos. A confused jumble of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Texas steakhouse clichés. Frat boy Asian cuisine in designer clothes, built to impress influencers who prioritize spectacle over flavor. Despite standout service, the experience crumbled. Empty dining room, yet seated beside the toilets. Management ignored us while chatting up bar guests. Every detail screamed misplaced priorities. Norman's epitomizes why Dallas dining struggles for respect. All concept, all style, all surface. No craft, no care, and no reason to return.

This place was seriously overpriced for what the have to offer. Nearly everyone we dealt with was so full of themselves. They made us feel unwelcome, it was uncomfortable. Our dining experience there was definitely not worth the hype or the elevated price. Lastly, the portions were absurdly small.

We were excited to try Norman’s Japanese Grill since we’re huge fans of the Duro concept—The Charles is our absolute favorite and we also love Sister. Unfortunately, Norman didn’t quite land for us. The interior looked almost identical to Homewood, and it didn’t feel like much had been updated. On the positive side, the wine was fantastic. We enjoyed two bottles of HG III Proprietary Red Blend, and the sommelier, Max, was knowledgeable and kind. Our server Tiffany was also wonderful and paced the courses perfectly. The food, however, was just okay. The two hand rolls were a bit fishy, and the tostadas were also fishy and just average. The hummus and meatballs were so-so. The ravioli ended up being the star of the night, with the sliders coming in a close second. Dessert was underwhelming—the cheesecake and chocolate gelato were both lackluster. Overall, while the service and wine were excellent, the food didn’t impress us. As much as we love other Duro restaurants, Norman was a miss for us.

We had a 7:00 PM reservation and were not seated until 7:20. When we checked in a second time, the host responded in a dismissive and rude manner. We were placed at the bar where it was so loud we could barely hear each other or the server. Our server pushed the $99 tasting option and presented it as the best experience. However, the service did not match that price point at all. He said he would explain each dish, yet we could hardly hear him over the noise. It felt more like an upsell than genuine hospitality. Throughout the meal, we struggled to get his attention. Our water was never refilled, no one checked on how the food was, and we were not given fresh plates or silverware during the course. For a restaurant positioning itself as upscale, that level of inattentiveness is unacceptable. As for the food, it was inconsistent and disappointing. The server didn’t even give us the right cocktails and it wasn’t good. The carbonara udon tasted overwhelmingly like black pepper. The corn ravioli was bland. Several dishes tasted burnt or excessively salty. The sushi quality did not reflect premium pricing. And the cheesecake being topped with an excessive amount of microgreens felt odd and unnecessary. By the end of the meal, we were simply over it. This place is severely overhyped. The service felt transactional and indifferent, and the food did not justify the cost. There are far better options at this price point. Save your money.

I booked Norman’s for my birthday dinner and brought a group of girls. We all shared everything and all of us were hit with violent food poisoning that night. Really sad because the food was great, but not worth spending the night vomiting for all of us.

Udon Carbonara – too salty, no bacon, and the portion was kid-sized. Meanwhile, the ones influencers post about look like family-style feasts. Shrimp & Sausage Dumpling – Basically Costco’s Bibigo dumplings in disguise… except Costco’s are juicier and cheaper. Romano Beans, Woodfired – Low-key a 5/5. Crunch, flavor, char — everything was on point. Duck & Pork Meatballs – Sahara-level dry. Looked and tasted overcooked. Not even a cured yolk dip could save them.

My wife and I celebrated at Norman’s for my wife’s birthday. We enjoyed every course and were eager to tell friends about the new restaurant and delicious food. 6 hours later, we were suddenly awoken and felt a much different sentiment. The remainder of the night, we were violently ill with food poisoning. The worst illness we have ever experienced. We immediately notified the restaurant the following day to hopefully prevent this from happening to other patrons. They were unsympathetic and unconcerned with the urgency of the issue, which seemed odd. Im now questioning if this is a recurrent issue for Norman’s. Final verdict: amazing food but NOT worth the risk!

Do not waste your money here!! Came here on a Monday night with a group of friends and we were extremely disappointed by it. We got there and had to wait over 30 minutes when we had a reservation for our table and were sent to the bar where the bartender was extraordinarily rude. When we got our table things improved our server Austin was awesome. However the food itself was extremely mediocre especially for the price. Additionally it took an extremely long time to receive our food. I can honestly say extremely mediocre and rude staff minus our server and overpriced. Would not recommend

The entire experience was extremely disappointing. We had a reservation and it took us 30 minutes to get our table on a Monday. The bar tenders were extremely condescending and rude after we were told to go outside and order cocktails. I asked for a recommendation and the bar tender looked at me like I had 10 heads. I think there were 8 cocktails on the menu and I’ve heard they were really good so I wanted their input. When we got to our table I will say our waitor was fantastic, his name was Austin. He was very attentive and apologized many times for the wait. He was always around to refill our wine and order our food. The first round we ordered came out at a decent pace but when we ordered more it took almost an hour (it was Monday night). The manager was also very rude to us and treated us like we were children. For the amount of money we paid I would not recommend at all, you’re better off going to Uchi. For the amount of food we got the price was outrageous.

First of all, I will say that the staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and extremely accommodating. Second of all the food was beautifully prepared and plated. With that being said....... Norman's is a place that is trying to be a high-end restaurant with high-end prices and mediocre food. The entrees are about the size of an appetizer. And the food is just subpar. I enjoyed the atmosphere only because I had friends with me. A lot of the customers came dressed as if they were at a nightclub, very skanky. This would definitely not be my first choice when it comes to high-end or low end restaurants. I honestly have to say I was not impressed and would probably not return. It's just not up to my standards. I left the restaurant still hungry but not wanting to pay a dime more, just to fill up.

While I’ve generally had excellent experiences at Duro restaurants, this particular location fell short of expectations. The most notable concern was the portion sizes, which seemed deliberately small making it necessary to order at least three dishes per person to feel reasonably satisfied. This gave an unfortunate impression of prioritizing upselling over guest experience. Even so, I could have overlooked that if the dishes themselves had been more thoughtfully composed. Instead, they relied heavily on acidic sauces or tempura-style preparations that seemed to overpower rather than highlight the ingredients. I truly hope this restaurant evolves to match the level of refinement at The Charles or El Carlos Elegante, otherwise I don’t see how this place will be around for long.