Experience the Allure of Upscale Comfort at NORMA, Weho’s Newest Culinary Gem, Offering Distinctive Americana Flavors in a Chic Living Room Ambiance
Los Angeles, renowned for its entertainment, is also a gastronomic haven with an ever-expanding array of culinary delights. Among the latest additions is NORMA, a restaurant and bar situated conveniently at La Cienega and Melrose, embodying an upscale ambiance minus the pretentiousness often associated with fine dining establishments. Unlike its high-end counterparts, Norma extends a warm invitation to relish the sophistication of fine dining in a more laid-back atmosphere. No judgment for lacking a reservation, no scrutiny of attire—Norma fosters an inclusive environment for patrons to savor delectable cuisine, tantalizing cocktails, and each other’s company.
Norma marked its entrance with an exclusive invite-only launch party on January 9th, a day before its official grand opening. Guests were welcomed with an old-fashioned barrel-aged cocktail featuring Japanese whiskey, complemented by a wine selection at the bar. The soirée showcased menu samplings, a red carpet entrance, an elegant champagne tower, and a warmly lit ambiance with candles adorning the space.
Positioning itself as “Weho’s newest living room,” Norma innovatively merges the concepts of a restaurant and bar, offering a unique space for business meetings, date nights, and leisurely Sunday brunches. Described with the slogan “this must be the place,” Norma aims to be a sanctuary of comfort and familiarity—akin to a Soho House membership experience but without the membership requirement.
Crafted by Alican Bayer, drawing inspiration from his family traditions in Istanbul, NORMA embodies his vision for a restaurant that combines excellent service with vintage nostalgia reminiscent of home. The NORMA experience unfolds within a captivating 1970s Southern California-inspired interior, designed by the architects behind Nobu Dubai.
JustNowNews had the opportunity to converse with Ali Bayer about this exciting venture’s opening and what culinary delights patrons can anticipate.
Incredible turnout! How are you feeling right now? Feeling absolutely awesome! I’ve been immersed in construction for over a year, and until today, the only people I saw here were the construction workers. [laughs] Witnessing this bustling scene in real life is truly gratifying.
When did the idea for Norma come about? The idea sprouted about two years ago.
Rachel (publicist): No, actually, back in middle school.
Owning a restaurant has always been my lifelong goal. As a little kid, I knew this would be my profession. While I’ve opened two restaurants before, this is my first venture at this level. I’ve been preparing for this moment for the last 15 years.
Tell us about the concept; it’s meant to be like a living room, right? Absolutely, that’s the essence. That’s why we’ve crafted special areas within the restaurant—different concepts, layouts, and furniture in each corner to evoke distinct feelings. We want patrons to feel like they’ve entered a home and are sitting in the living room.
It feels even classier than a typical living room, doesn’t it? Indeed, it’s upscale, but without any snobbishness. We’ve cherry-picked every staff member to reflect sincerity to customers. We interviewed hundreds of servers and selected those who can host people with genuine warmth, as if welcoming them into their homes. I’m really satisfied with the entire team—both back and front of the house. My GM, my chef, everyone shares the same mindset.
Let’s dive into the menu. What are you known for? We call our cuisine Americana, a blend of coastal California with a touch of Southern influence. We infuse some eastern Mediterranean spices into sauces and seasonings, giving our offerings a signature taste that sets us apart. We didn’t want to be just another restaurant in West Hollywood; we aimed to bring a completely different dining experience to the table. Our drinks are incredible too—very signature offerings with a 70’s and 80’s vibe that we’re bringing to West Hollywood. While many vintage places focus on 20’s and 30’s aesthetics, we’re embracing the Gilded Age, the Hollywood glamour. That’s the vibe we aim to capture, and our menu reflects that.
Any favorite items on the menu? The fried chicken is absolutely incredible. The first bite convinced me it would be my go-to item here.
Are there vegan options available? Certainly! We have incredible carrot and beet dishes. The potatoes have parmesan, but we can always substitute that. There are plenty of vegetable items on the menu.
How excited are you for the grand opening? I can’t even put my feelings into words right now, especially with the energy inside here.
Did you anticipate this many people showing up? I hoped for it, but I didn’t expect this many people all at once. Rachel [the publicist] warned me about it. [laughs]
How does Norma differ from your other restaurants? My previous restaurants closed during COVID. The first one was a breakfast and lunch spot only, and the other was a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant. Norma is my only dinner-oriented restaurant with a nightlife element. It’s a day-and-night difference.
Anything else we should know about NORMA? On Sundays, we’ll offer brunch from 10 am to 4 pm, and hopefully, we’ll introduce lunch every day eventually. I want it to feel like a membership house without the membership. Similar to Soho House, where people go to work, party, and have business meetings, I want Norma to evoke the same atmosphere. From cappuccinos to cocktails, brunch to 2 am, this is the place to be. We’re not asking customers to dine here all day; if they’re here for a coffee date or meeting, they’re more than welcome. This is their home. That’s the idea.
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NORMA
631 N La Cienega Blvd
West Hollywood
T: 323.471.1700
Email: management@norma631.com
TUE – SAT DINNER 6 PM – 12 AM
FRI-SAT BAR BITES 12 AM – 2 AM
SUNDAY BRUNCH 10 AM – 4 PM
CLOSED ON MONDAYS
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