Such a warm and inviting spot in Fitzroy. Service was great from start to finish and the team really made us feel welcome. We had a nice bottle of sparkling Chardonnay from France and every dish hit the mark. The beetroot and octopus starters were spot on, fresh, full of flavour, with great texture. The bread and French butter on the side just tied it all together. The highlight though was the beef cheek bourguignon with frites. The sauce was rich and full-bodied without being heavy, the beef just fell apart with a fork, and every bite had that deep, slow-cooked flavour you only get when it’s done right. It actually reminded us of a beautiful version we had in Paris at Le Caveau de l’Isle behind Notre Dame earlier this year. Absolutely outstanding. Edit (10 Jan 2026). Second visit, and it definitely won’t be our last. The service was polished, the food rich, flavourful, and indulgent. A brilliant spot for anyone chasing French flavours done right.

Norma Fitzroy on Smith Street feels like a gentle slice of Europe in Melbourne. The green and white wood panelled room creates an immediate sense of calm and the service is warm and thoughtful. The boeuf bourguignon was rich with beautiful depth while the cheeseburger carried that simple comforting nostalgia done with real elegance. Desserts like the Basque cheesecake and crème brûlée completed the meal perfectly. What stands out most is the generosity in every dish and the unhurried atmosphere that makes the experience feel personal rather than transactional. Norma is the kind of place that invites you to slow down enjoy good food and good company, and it is a restaurant I will happily return to and recommend to anyone!

Our group of 14 recently dined at Norma on Smith Street in Fitzroy and had a truly excellent experience. The upstairs dining area was spacious and well suited for a large party, comfortable seating, good ambience, and just the right energy. The food was outstanding. The beef tartare I ordered was delicious, fresh, flavorful and clearly done with care. The service was friendly, professional and made the whole evening feel seamless (including the split billing at the end, which was a big plus for our group). The vibe of the place hits that sweet spot of being classy without being stiff, ideal for a big group dinner that still feels relaxed. Great for groups, upstairs space + split billing = big win Excellent food, beef tartare was a standout Warm and inviting atmosphere, yet still feels special

Food is fantastic and they have great wine. The waiter was clearly really slammed with a large unexpected group arriving but he did his best to provide excellent service. Pics are of the octopus, tuna crudo and beef tartare. We also had the beef cheek and the bread. We were pretty stuffed. The stand out for me was the octopus.

Really enjoyed our time at Norma. My mum got the rib eye steak and I had the beef bourguignon for the first time. Neither dishes disappointed. Olives, butter, focaccia are all excellent and I highly recommend dining here