Sydney Times

Café's CITY OF SYDNEY NEWS RESTAURANTS 101 ST FOOD & RESTAURANT GUIDE

Norma’s Greek Restaurant and Deli: A Culinary Gem in Manly

Written by Aksel Ritenis

Norma’s Greek Restaurant and Deli: A Culinary Gem in Manly

Written and compiled by A.Ritenis /Gemini AI used for editing and formatting

-Nestled in a stunning “shallow” basement site on the Corso at  Manly, Norma’s Greek Restaurant and Deli has quickly become a local favorite, charming both residents and visitors with its authentic Greek cuisine and inviting atmosphere.

-While Greece is a beloved holiday destination known for its beautiful beaches and delicious food, Norma’s brings that culinary experience to Sydney. Greek cuisine boasts a rich history, influenced by the Ottoman Empire, with iconic dishes like moussaka, börek, and tzatziki. Key ingredients include olive oil, eggplant, tomatoes, lemon, cheese, herbs, and honey. While sheep farming is prevalent in Greece, resulting in less beef consumption, many dishes feature filo pastry, such as spanakopita and baklava. Greek food is celebrated for its heart-healthy qualities.

-“Norma’s seamlessly blends traditional Greek dishes with modern culinary techniques and Australian influences, offering a menu that is both familiar and exciting. From moussaka and souvlaki to innovative creations like Norma’s pastitsio, each dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a passion for authentic flavors.”

 

———————————————————————————————————

*About Greek Cullinary traditions

Greek culinary traditions, spanning centuries, have absorbed diverse influences. Many familiar Greek dishes, like moussaka, börek, and tzatziki, trace their roots to the broader food traditions of the Ottoman Empire, with Arabic, Persian, and Turkish origins.Mezes (or mezze), small dishes served with salads, dips, and pita bread, are central to Greek dining. Olive oil is ever-present, alongside ingredients like eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, okra, lemon, cheese, herbs, and honey. Greece’s climate favors sheep breeding, making lamb and goat common, while beef is less prevalent. Filo pastry is used in many dishes, including classics like spanakopita (spinach and feta) and baklava.Greek food is often celebrated for its heart-healthy qualities, emphasizing olive oil, fish, lean meats, vegetables, herbs, and grains. However, some dishes, like the rich moussaka with layers of lamb and eggplant smothered in béchamel, are indulgently satisfying.Spanakopita, a classic filo pie with spinach, dill, spring onions, and creamy cheeses, makes a perfect light meal or appetizer.Greek cheeses, essential ingredients, include Feta (sheep or goat’s milk cheese cured in brine), Haloumi (Cypriot cheese often fried), Kasseri (mild soft cheese), Kefalograviera (hard, salty cheese), and Kefalotyri (a Greek pecorino).Greeks are masters of charcoal-grilled and spit-roasted meats. Souvlaki (skewered pork), served with tomatoes, onions, pita bread, and tzatziki, remains a favorite. Gyros, similarly served, is also popular.Steeped in history and surrounded by the Mediterranean, Greece boasts some of the world’s finest ingredients. Sample these in traditional Greek dishes at Norma’s, perhaps accompanied by a glass of ouzo.


Pastries, Focaccia, and More

Norma’s Deli features a state-of-the-art bakery counter, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries fills the air. Indulge in their focaccia, baked to perfection with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. The deli also offers croissants, danishes, and traditional Greek pastries like baklava and galaktoboureko, plus gourmet sandwiches on freshly baked bread.

Breakfast and Beyond

Start your day with breakfast at Norma’s Deli. The menu offers a tempting balance of sweet and savory options, including baked eggs and Greek yogurt with honey, plus taramasalata toast with soft-boiled eggs and lemon zest.

A Slice of Greece in Manly

Norma’s Deli, next to the restaurant, offers freshly baked bread, pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and Greek specialties.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Grilled Octopus: Served with lemon and tzatziki.
  • Moussaka: Layers of eggplant, rich beef ragu, and creamy béchamel sauce.
  • Souvlaki: Skewers of juicy pork with pita bread and tzatziki.
  • Galaktoboureko: Custard pie in phyllo pastry with honey syrup.
  • Norma’s Pastitsio: Spiced ragu, bucatini pasta, kefalotyri cheese, and herbed béchamel sauce.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Slow-roasted in Norma’s French rotisserie oven with marinade and gravy.
  • 12-Hour Braised Lamb Shoulder: Served with charred spring onions and lamb jus.

A Welcoming Atmosphere for All

With its open kitchen, bakery, and bar, Norma’s provides a lively dining experience. The 550-square-meter space, designed by architect George Livissianis, features marble flooring and walls, splashes of electric blue, and a stunning mosaic, creating a breezy and welcoming atmosphere.

A Commitment to Quality

Norma’s uses the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, sourcing locally whenever possible.

A Must-Visit Destination

Norma’s Greek Restaurant and Deli is a must-visit for an authentic Greek culinary experience in Manly. With its warm ambiance, exceptional service, and delectable dishes, Norma’s is a true gem.

Would you like me to make any other changes?

Norma’s Deli: A Slice of Greece in Manly

For a more casual experience, Norma’s Deli, conveniently located next to the restaurant, offers a wide selection of freshly baked bread, pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and Greek specialties. The deli’s breakfast menu features a tempting balance of sweet and savory options, including classics like baked eggs and Greek yogurt with honey, as well as unique creations like taramasalata toast with soft-boiled eggs and lemon zest.

A State-of-the-Art Bakery

Norma’s Deli boasts a state-of-the-art bakery counter, where the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries fills the air. Indulge in their expertly crafted focaccia, baked to perfection with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. The deli also offers a wide selection of other baked goods, including croissants, danishes, and traditional Greek pastries like baklava and galaktoboureko.

Dining at Norma’s is a culinary journey to Greece. The warm, inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a traditional Greek taverna, transports diners to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Friendly and attentive staff are always on hand to offer recommendations and share stories about the dishes, making every guest feel like part of the family.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Grilled Octopus: A perfectly cooked octopus, served with a refreshing squeeze of lemon and a side of creamy tzatziki.
  • Moussaka: A classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, rich beef ragu, and creamy béchamel sauce.
  • Souvlaki: Flavorful skewers of juicy pork, served with crispy pita bread and tangy tzatziki.
  • Galaktoboureko: A delightful custard pie wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry and drizzled with sweet honey syrup.
  • Norma’s Pastitsio: A unique creation featuring spiced ragu, bucatini pasta, kefalotyri cheese, and herbed béchamel sauce.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Slow-roasted in Norma’s French rotisserie oven and served with a delicious marinade and gravy.
  • 12-Hour Braised Lamb Shoulder: A melt-in-your-mouth dish served with charred spring onions and lamb jus.

 

 

Verdict:

“Norma’s Greek Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Greek cuisine in Manly. With its warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and delicious dishes, it’s a true gem in the local dining scene.”

Price Range: Moderate to upscale ($20-$40 entrees, $30-$60 mains)

Reservations: Recommended, especially on weekends

Address:

41-43 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095

Phone:(02) 9977 2444

Email: mailto:info@normas.com.au

Hours:Mon-Thu 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 12pm-11pm

Website: https://www.normasdeli.com/home

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the author

Aksel Ritenis

Publisher and Custodian of the Sydney Times

error: Content is protected !!