Pastificio Norma, a sunny Sicilian restaurant in République

Opened in 2018, just a stone's throw from Place de la République, Pastificio Norma is a charming Sicilian osteria with everything you'd expect from this kind of address: simple , comforting cuisine, fresh pasta made on the spot in the purest Italian tradition, a (very) large terrace bathed in sunshine whenever it deigns to show its nose, and a friendly, helpful team.

Behind the address are Francesco and Amélie Lombardo. He's Sicilian through and through, originally from Catania, and she's Franco-American but "Sicilian at heart". Together, they have already opened no less than three addresses in Paris: Massara, where the pizzas twirl, Rusidda, where you can shop for the best Sicilian products, and Pastificio Norma.

A family heirloom, Francesco's traditional recipes reflect the authenticity of Sicilian cuisine, which may not be the most precious in the world, but is certainly one of the most comforting. And at Pastificio Norma, prices are comforting too, especially at lunchtime! Count on €19 for a starter/main course or main course/dessert lunch menu, €24 for a full menu - with starter of the day, main course of the day or fresh pasta à la carte, and dessert of the day. Enough to please the taste buds and the wallet, all at the same time.

Fried squid (16.50€) or tempura of sunny vegetables (14.50€) dipped in an airy lemon mayonnaise, delicate rolls of sea bass stuffed with Sicilian flavors (24€), bucatini all'amatriciana with guanciale lardons and cream of pecorino romano (18.50€) dipped in a sauce to the last drop: the starters and main courses are all about sun and vacations, just like the wines that transport us to the other side of the Alps.

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While the baba au limoncello (12€) was particularly plump and imbibed, it was without doubt the pasticciotto (11€) that stole our hearts, a stunning pastry typical of southern Italy, filled with custard, served still warm and accompanied by an artisanal Sicilian pistachio ice cream for a most salvific hot-cold experience.

An affordable and generous address to pass on, even at weekends. On Sundays, Pastificio Norma offers its version of the Sicilian brunch (€29), with a board featuring the chef's signature recipes and Sicilian pastries!