Imagine an exquisite miniature food court. Add accents of pink-flecked terrazzo and a wall of deli delights,both canned and jarred. Now fill it with the scent of freshly baked bread,a cornucopia of luminous salads,beckoning pastries and the roar of conversation.

This is Norma’s,all movement and abundance:sandwiches ludicrously stacked,galaktoboureko generously syrupy and a throng of constantly circulating people making for a chaotic,heady atmosphere. Charred octopus impresses,dressed with a medley of cherry tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon.

Half a roast chook is a little dry so a buttery,flaky spinach tart and subtly tangy taramasalata are better bets,as are any of the riotously overstuffed focaccias. Post-feast baklava or bougatsa is essential,but consider takeaway and go far from the madding crowd – the beach is moments away.

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North Shore and Northern Beaches

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