Norma

Updated September 24, 2026,first published October 27, 2025

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

Benjamin Tremblet cut his teeth amid Europe’s exacting Michelin restaurant scene but his first outing as an owner treads a humbler path. Plying the traditions of his French-Italian upbringing, the menu delivers a beef bourguignon – its red wine sauce rich with lardons – that would make Julia Child ask for seconds.

But first there’s a taste of Provencal sunshine: tender marinated octopus going haute peasant in a tumble of romesco-spiked potato. Tuna crudo finds its groove with stracciatella and a sweet, citrussy mandarin curveball. Occasional fine-dining flourishes are smoothly integrated: a crisp parmesan lid must be cracked through to reach the cumulus-light gnocchi in a pool of cacio e pepe sauce below.

Tremblet’s own French family vineyard is represented on Norma’s simpatico wine list. Decked out with farmhouse tchotchkes and nostalgic artwork, it’s a restaurant to nourish body and soul.

Must-order dish: Beef bourguignon with red wine sauce, mushrooms and mashed potatoes.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.

An upstanding member of Melbourne’s reborn corner boozer club.

Hotspot staged like a martial arts film set in ancient China.

A no-sign-needed wine bar.