You will find East of Norman at 44-48 Sturt Street in the city – as the name suggests it is East of Norman Street. Contemporary fittings create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. A large bar area dominates the entry, outdoor seating is available weather permitting and in the dining area copper-legged stools and wooden table tops enrich a dark ceiling and walls. With a focus on fresh and healthy food, the menu will delight any vegetarian with numerous options. Carnivores don’t despair – there is enough to satisfy you too.

We started with a couple of pizzas. It is worth noting that Tuesdays have a buy one get one free pizza offer. The bases are very light and thin relying on the ingredients to provide texture and flavour. A subtly flavoured tomato base and a decent helping of cheese are served on each pizza.  Jack’s Mexicali Supreme Pizza is topped with a delicious wagyu mince that is lifted with Mexican spices. Sliced cherry tomatoes and salad leaves provide a fresh touch and jalapenos, crunchy corn chips and a drizzle of chipotle sour cream add punch and enhance the Mexican flavours.

The Smoked Salmon Pizza begins on the same thin tomato and cheese covered base paired with both caramelized and Spanish onion.  Juicy capers, spinach leaves and chevre are added to complement the slices of smoked salmon that adorn the top of the pizza. It’s a tried and tested flavor combination that is guaranteed to please.

Soup of the day was Charred Tomato with chickpea and ginger. Served with a generous portion of grilled sourdough toast, the soup is presented in a large mug. A rich, well seasoned tomato soup has been blitzed with chickpeas and has resulted in a hearty soup with a thick consistency. The addition of ginger slightly underdone, the warmth of the spice missing in the end product.

Chunky, hand cut chips rest alongside a Falafel Slider.  The potato wedges crunch as you bite into them and contain a fluffy core. They were somewhat under seasoned but a pot of flaked salt on the table allowed me to salt them to my taste.  A sesame burger bun bears stripes where it has been toasted on the grill. Sandwiching a chickpea patty, lettuce and cucumber and finished with hummus. Sadly, there was no trace of the promised preserved lemon yoghurt.  I am not sure if it was omitted or too weak against the hummus but it would have given a further dimension to the burger and finished it off nicely.

The Honey Roasted Pumpkin Salad was a delicious accompaniment to the mains. A blissful combination of sweet roasted pumpkin, whole hazelnuts and crumbled feta were mixed through peppery rocket. The arrangement of sweet, crunchy and salty ingredients was topped off with the addition of merlot mascerated cranberries. The cranberries had a delectable chewy, lolly like and texture and appearance. A sticky balsamic dressing bound the salad and provided a mustardy tang.

East of Norman will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt free with thier generous portions of fresh and healthy food and friendly staff. Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch and for dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

Words by Kate Wilkinson

WHERE: 44-48 Sturt St, Adelaide