Nora Restaurant

The food was fantastic. We started with the fried smelts which came with two great dipping sauces. My dad got the halibut which was cooked to perfection--moist on the inside with a nice crisp on the outside. I got the oxtail rigatoni and it was phenomenal. Tender oxtail, sauce was perfect, and pasta was al dente. The ambiance was your normal upscale leaning restaurant in downtown Chicago, nothing crazy but also not too casual. But the service was phenomenal. From the host to the busser to our server (who was handling an 18-top party in addition to us), we didn't feel neglected at all and were sure to let them know how phenomenal the food was. Will definitely be going back!

Joined a friend for dinner at Nora, located right in Streeterville. The curb appeal is so beautiful albeit it is right near the Inn of Chicago which has become a migrant shelter and run down. However once inside, you will forget all about that because the menu has so many great options with traditional Sardinian recipes - quite unique for Chicago. We had just missed the happy hour which runs 4-6pm on the outside patio weekdays. I mention it so others know it's a thing here:) Bread with a house made olive tapenade is brought over as a complimentary starter and if you love olives, you will love this!I ordered a mixed beet salad $15 and my friend had a caesar salad $12. As a main course I absolutely had to get the Culurgiones (a potato dumpling with cheese and tomato sauce) when I spotted them on the menu because it's very popular in Sardinia but not a commonly known dish outside of Italy. My friend opted for the hangar steak. We were considering sharing the branzino but the waitress talked us out of it, but I'm thinking I'd still like to try it another day. Also they have fregula which again is another tradition Sardinian dish but it would have been so filling. I'll definitely be back for it though! Yum.Everything was well portioned, presented well, and tasted great! Table service was attentive, albeit it wasn't too busy during our meal. Keep your eyes on your table though because the bussers are mighty quick to take plates away which made us feel rushed for no apparent reason. We weren't even done but just talking and enjoying ourselves and my Culurgiones disappeared before I could finish them. That bugged me because I could have enjoyed those last few!! When I told the waitress, she apologized and giggled but since only 5 come to an order, taking two away before I could enjoy them was really not ok. My friend loved her hangar steak and said it was cooked to perfection! We considered indulging in desert but ultimately opted for expresso this time. Ambiance: 9/10Service: 8/10Menu selection: 10/10

Pretty disappointing. Was very much looking forward to dinner here given the many good reviews. Our server was very nice and explained menu items well. Unfortunately...the tuna tartar she recommended was bland, the pasta dish she recommended--Piramidelli--was also mediocre at best, and the grilled halibut was over-salted. At least the green beans were cooked nicely and the sauce was good. Our server also missed 2 of our other appetizers completely--they never arrived. Had she checked back on us while we were having the tuna we would have asked her why the other appetizers were taking so long to arrive. But she did not; the restaurant was at most 1/3 full, so not sure why we were forgotten. Won't be going back here again, a shame since we're often in the area.

I had a nice experience at Nora, but, unfortunately, I don't think it's a restaurant that I will be returning to. I dined with a group of friends on the patio for lunch. While the ambience was lovely and beautiful, the service was very slow. We ordered an assortment of spreads for an appetizer, which were nice! However, I couldn't finish my roasted cauliflower salad with chicken, as there was too much dressing and the chicken was gamey/fatty. Sadly, didn't love this place, which was a bummer!

Good! While the service leaves something to be desired (it took several minutes for someone to show up at the host stand and seat me, amongst other problems), I thought the food and drinks were great. I had a mocktail which hit the spot and two apps - shrimp and the black and white hummus (definitely get this!). Would love to return and try more drinks and food.

I recently visited Nora Restaurant in the Streeterville neighborhood. I'm always a bit suspicious of a hot new restaurants, especially those that are done up for Instagram. However, Nora was excellent. It didn't matter that it had picturesque interior and was in a trendy neighborhood. First, the food was excellent. I ordered the burrata as an appetizer then the oxtail mezza rigatoni, fungi truffle risotto and the crema catalana for dessert. To my surprise, the fungi truffle risotto was my favorite. It was super flavorful and creamy. It had a large hunk of gorgonzola cheese in it. The gorgonzola cheese was flavorful, but not overpowering. It was a nice compliment to the dish. I also like the crema catalana for dessert. It was sweet and creamy, but not too sweet. Second, the service was good. I went on a super busy night, but the waitress was still pleasant and attentive. Third, they have nice decor and ambience. The restaurant is dimly lit which creates a nice vibe. They also have floral decorations hanging from the ceiling and a nice feature wall at their entrance from the attached hotel.In sum, Nora Restaurant needs to be on your must visit list.

Steak was cooked just the way that I wanted. Barada was super tasty. Carbonara was OK but not authentic. . Service was super slow. It was only us and two other parties in the restaurant. Wait time was over 25 minutes for entrées . Very sterile looking restaurant when it comes to surroundings

I walked in at 7:30 on Saturday night and was able to sit right at the bar. It was busy and the bartender was overloaded. However, my service was still good!I ordered the grilled octopus and beet salad. The grilled octopus came with roasted potatoes and a vegetable/olive caponata. The beet salad had ricotta, pistachios and a very simple, but delicious dressing. I usually get it on the side, but forgot to ask. Since I like very little dressing on my salads, so next time I will get it on the side. However, to most people, it would be perfectly dressed.I highly suggest Nora and will be going there again!

The food was amazing and the staff were very friendly. Overall great place for a meal.

beautiful ambiance and fresh ingredients. would recommend for a date night or business dinner!