Norah Keeps It Neutral and Light, Naturally
What do you get when you intersect fine dining with California cool? You get Norah, the sophisticated West Hollywood restaurant that's owned and operated by Rohan Talwar.
Nature is at the core of the seasonal menu — which includes locally sourced ingredients, of course — but it's also a defining feature of the overall space. The cream upholstered dining chairs, made by Schoos Design, complement the neutral tones of the room. The stunning wraparound marble bar splits the restaurant into cozy nooks for dinner and open spaces for larger parties. Order the Martinez — a drink with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino, and orange bitters. The silver slatted bar chairs are from Industry West. Interspersed dining and lounge areas found indoors and out — like this communal bar that leaves space for the trees — let diners take advantage of L.A.'s easygoing weather.
Light filters in from an abundance of doors and skylights, trees stretch out from beneath herringbone tile floors and dining options include an al fresco patio. Designer Thomas Schoos stuck to a neutral palette throughout Norah, but he was sure not to completely wash out the room with calming shades. His oversized black-and-white artwork adds just enough drama to the walls, giving Norah the kind of relaxed confidence that has just enough edge.
"It has the simplicity of modernism, which is very elegant, but it's warm and inviting, like our laid-back California lifestyle," designer Thomas Schoos said.
Fun fact: the leafy trees are planted right into the white oak flooring.
Large-scale original paintings by Schoos hang throughout the entire restaurant. He created the black-and-white art to stand out against Norah's neutral color palette. The Schoos-designed bubble light fixtures are a dramatic focal point that heightens the restaurant's industrial and modern features.
The restaurant's amazing design and natural but trendy atmosphere make it a must visit place for L.A. locals and tourists a like.