In the heart of Dallas, culinary enthusiasts have a new destination to satiate their cravings.
From the renowned Duro Hospitality team, which brought us Mister Charles and El Carlos Elegante, comes Norman’s, a unique fusion of Western-inspired traditional Japanese dining.
Located within a thoughtfully designed 3,100-square-foot space by Sees Design, Norman’s draws inspiration from the American West coupled with post-war Japanese aesthetics.
Guests are invited into a cozy atmosphere that feels like a well-lived-in home, enriched with decades of history.
The menu at Norman’s presents an array of choices across various categories: sushi and handrolls, small plates, crudo, noodles, charcoal robata skewers, and woodfired dishes.
While we sampled an array of sushi and small plates during our visit, the woodfired dishes remain tantalizingly untried for the next outing.
For those planning a visit, begin your culinary journey with the edamame hummus.
This dish, served with wonton chips and enhanced with a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi and a topping of plum chutney, perfectly marries sweet and salty flavors while delivering a delightful kick of spice.
When it comes to sushi, the Oh’ Godzilla handroll is a standout, showcasing a stellar combination of bluefin tartare, Hokkaido uni, and Ossetra caviar.
Next, the udon carbonara should not be overlooked.
This innovative Japanese-Italian fusion dish features hearty flavors of smoked pork belly, pecorino romano, and egg yolk, providing a satisfying, savory experience despite its petite appearance.
From the robata offerings, the Rosewood NY strip skewers are an absolute must.
Perfectly cooked and tender, they are complemented by a remarkable fish sauce chimichurri that elevates the dish further.
For fans of crudo, the cold-smoked hamachi steals the spotlight, combined with Tom Kha, charred shiitake mushrooms, and papaya.
The creamy coconut soup perfectly marries the mild, buttery taste of the hamachi with the subtle sweetness of papaya, creating a dish that is nothing short of spectacular.
To conclude the meal, the Japanese cheesecake, accompanied by yuzu cream, mango, Asian pear, and cocoa crispies, is a delightful treat that cannot be missed.
Shifting focus to another notable dining experience, earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to engage with Chef Paul Ko, former Head Sushi Chef at Uchi Dallas.
Discussions centered around his upcoming solo venture in the vibrant Dallas Arts District named Sushi Kozy, which embraces inspiration from Ginza, a popular shopping district in Japan.
Alongside Chef de Cuisine Ross Demers, this new establishment offers an enticing omakase menu with a twist, set in a sleek, modern space off Ross Avenue.
Guests eager to explore this culinary delight will find that only the full 17-course omakase menu is available at $185 per person; hence, the experience itself is highly recommended.
Moreover, there are opportunities to indulge in a la carte items, enhancements, specials, cocktails, and wine or sake pairings to enrich the dining experience even further.
For cocktail enthusiasts, the Jasmine Negroni is a noteworthy recommendation that should not be overlooked.
Highlights from the dining experience at Sushi Kozy included exquisite otsumami bites like the visually stunning scallop tartlet adorned with tosajure and caviar.
Additionally, the wagyu with sesame labneh and parmesan delighted our palates, creating a memorable flavor profile.
Among the nine pieces of nigiri served, we found the madai and kanpachi to be particularly exceptional.
Diners will encounter a unique choice — a land or sea tasting experience.
The duck with asparagus and plum is a standout dish, with the perfectly cooked kamo paired alongside a remarkable peppercorn sauce that enhances the flavors beautifully.
In a twist from tradition, Sushi Kozy presents its final savory dish as a ‘taco-style’ nori shell filled with toro, complemented by a delicious truffle aioli.
Desserts at Sushi Kozy are equally impressive, offering a refreshing green tea sorbet paired with blueberry shaved ice, alongside a trio of delightful bites including a kinako canelé, mochi donut, and pâte de fruit.
Meanwhile, amid these culinary explorations, a family-run Italian concept has made its mark in Dallas’ Bishop Arts District.
Recently relocated from McKinney, this restaurant takes residence in the charming space previously occupied by CocoAndré Chocolatier, refreshing its interior with a coastal Italy theme that fits seamlessly with the vibrant neighborhood.
Known for authentic Italian cuisine encompassing pasta, seafood, and meats, the menu is expansive and holds the promise of future visits for further exploration.
To start your experience, the burrata and arancini are highly recommended.
The burrata is complemented by the largest capers, while the arancini arrives as giant risotto-filled cones, evoking whimsical imagery.
For mains, the spaghetti cacio e Pepe alla Simona has garnered rave reviews, as has the bistecca with roasted potatoes.
As the menu offers many enticing options, diners can look forward to returning for crowd favorites like the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese and the much-praised linguine with clams.
Finally, saving room for their housemade tiramisu on your next visit comes highly advised, promising a satisfying conclusion to an extraordinary dining experience.
image source from：papercitymag
