Design

Norma Bistrot (SR)

by Lavinia Colonna Preti
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets

In the center of Noto, a bistro that combines the Sicilian soul of Salvatore Malandrino with the Bergamo heart of Norma Gritti, giving life to a gastronomic “parlour” that has become the fulcrum of the social and artistic life of the splendid capital of the Baroque.

It is said that those who get to know Noto then never want to be separated from it, like the song of a siren that seduces her sailor by keeping him with her. This also happened to Norma Gritti and Salvatore Malandrino who, having arrived in Sicily in 2011 to spend a sabbatical year after leaving their pastry shop in Bergamo, fell in love with it to the point of moving here forever.

So they opened a first place called Marpessa, and then worked on other openings and restaurants, until they fell in love at first sight with the late Baroque palace, located on the corner of the majestic via Cavour where the residences of the noble “Leopards” of Noto are located, where in 2022 they finally opened their dream place.

Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets

All our guests really feel like at home here, maybe this is as, for me too, the Bistrot is a magical haven where I have chosen to take refuge.

(Norma Gritti, owner)

Feeling it truly “hers”, Norma not only gave the bistro her name, but also personally followed the interior design of the rooms, choosing a tone of green that inspired calm and tranquility, comfortable sofas with a “home” flavor and enriching it of various Netini touches such as the paintings of the nearby Spazionoto art gallery and the wonderful Moorish heads of Moro Design Store in Caltagirone ceramic, also declined in the cutlery and place holders of the beautiful mise en place.

In the kitchen, Salvatore dedicates himself to dishes that enhance the raw materials of the territory inspired by the local suppliers he relies on for always fresh seasonal ingredients. Thus, the traditional recipes on the menu are given a contemporary touch that makes them lighter and more intriguing such as the Sicilian Red, sea and land tartare, the Pacchero alla Norma, with tomato sauce prepared every morning, the fillet of Mediterranean catch of the day or mouth-watering meats such as the Nebrodi suckling pig with purée and artichokes.

Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets

Betraying his origins from Noto and a past as a pastry chef, Salvatore will make you end every meal in bliss with yummy traditional desserts, such as the delicious homemade pistachio ice cream or the espresso coffee served with almond brittle.

The wines are recommended by Norma, a great enthusiast, who loves to suggest to her guests the great labels of the Val di Noto, as well as the small cellars she visits every Thursday, the closing day of the bistro in which she dedicates herself to the search for excellent products to be included in the drink list, such as Carricante, an ancient native vine of Etna, her favourite one.

Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets

Thanks to a cuisine open from breakfast to dinner, a cosy atmosphere and, above all, the warmth and sympathy of Norma, a perfect hostess, the Bistrot has become the point of reference for the entire beau monde of artists, creatives and designers who chosen Noto as their buen retiro, giving it the vibrant mood of a convivial “parlour”, a crossroads of stories, smiles and beautiful evenings with friends.

The Secret

Although Noto has very ancient origins, as it appears today it is the result of the reconstruction following the earthquake of 1693 which completely destroyed it. Its historic center was therefore redesigned as a scenography, studying the perspectives of the main roads so that the sun would always illuminate them; which is why also Norma Bistrot shines during the day with the wonderful and characteristic warm light of Noto.

Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets
Norma Bistrot (SR) — Sicilia Secrets

Useful Info

Norma Bistrot
Via Rocco Pirri 59
96017 Noto, Siracusa
Tel. +39 348 1939792

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