Norma is a celebration of Sicily, and the myriad influences that have shaped it, from as far as Spain, North Africa and Italy. Nowhere is this more evident than Sicily's unique cuisine, and these flavours are confidently presented in broad brush strokes by Ben Tish, previously of the Salt Yard group and now culinary director of The Stafford London hotel.
If you're looking for a festive meal that offers more than the usual turkey, stuffing and trimmings, Norma could be the place for you. For starters, a visit to this magnificent restaurant is as much about the interiors and the hospitality as it is about the menu. This three-floor townhouse is a respectful homage to Sicily's grand cafes - the dining room is awash with marble and mosaic walls, whilst moody pendant lighting hangs from the ceiling.
Norma offers a choice of festive feasting menus for Christmas parties, ranging from £55 to £100 per head. Starters on the more affordable menus include olives, homemade focaccia, chickpea panelle and fennel salami, with slow-cooked chicken or slow-roast lamb shoulder for the main event, alongside pumpkin and chestnut gratin and pasta al forno with seasonal wild mushrooms, ricotta and winter truffle. Desserts are equally festive - a homemade tiramisu, seasonal cannoli and chocolate and almond cake are all on the menu. Upgrade to the £100 per head menu and you unlock a seafood platter, a beautiful sirloin roast, and Norma's stunning aubergine parmigiana with Italian winter greens and slow-roasted Delica pumpkin.
Norma is available for private hire, but the restaurant also has an intimate private dining room - called the 'Etna' room - perfect for a Christmas celebration of up to 14 guests