Norah

Norah brought a surge of excitement to Santa Monica Boulevard when it opened in 2016, filling a gap in the neighborhood for an upscale yet approachable dining destination. The sprawling, industrial-chic space features an aesthetic that’s slightly retro now—think Edison bulbs and statement artwork—but the atmosphere remains warm and welcoming to everyone who walks through the door.

The menu leans toward comfort with sophistication. Start with the cast iron cornbread, an original dish that remains on the menu for good reason. The potato gnocchi with black truffle is unabashedly rich and worth every calorie, while the shrimp and halibut aguachile offers a lighter counterpoint with its bright, citrusy broth. The wood-fired pizzas are a newer addition and surprisingly well-executed, particularly the calabrese with its balance of sweet and heat.

What makes Norah truly valuable is its versatility. This is the kind of spot where you can confidently book a Monday client dinner or return for a Friday date night without missing a beat. The crowd ranges from business lunches to celebratory gatherings, and the kitchen handles the full spectrum with consistency. Reservations are also much easier to snag these days than during those initial frenzied months.

For anyone seeking a reliable upscale American restaurant in West Hollywood—one that delivers solid food in a comfortable setting without pretension—Norah continues to deliver years after its debut. Order the lamb breast over that impossibly smooth polenta and you’ll understand why it has staying power.