Breaking News: Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes will close on September 1, 2019. A new culinary concept will replace it. The restaurant was most recently nominated for “Most Outstanding Restaurant” by the James Beard Foundation for 2019. They are actively looking to relocate in Orlando. More to come soon.

Below is from The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes:

Food and beverage has long been a universal focal point for Grande Lakes Orlando, and it is through our relationship with Chef Norman Van Aken that we have been able to elevate and bring our culinary offering to life, both for guests and amongst our local community. Norman’s restaurant has been a valued partner to The Ritz-Carlton for 16 years and it is with both sadness and gratitude we share that in summer 2019, Norman’s will be closing its location within The Ritz-Carlton. Norman’s was and will remain an incredible chapter in the story of our business and we are proud of what the team has accomplished since our relationship began in 2003. Among other accolades, Norman’s has won a series of awards including most recently being named Top Restaurant in Orlando Magazine’s 2019 Dining Awards. Until the final service on September 1, 2019, the team will continue to provide unique dining experiences for guests and locals alike.

As we look forward to introducing our next culinary offering, our brand is committed to a focus on innovation and delivering excellence in service. In an ever-changing global world, we will continue to evaluate the needs of our guests as well as our staff and strive to craft new experiences that stay true to The Ritz-Carlton character and integrity. Over the coming months we will be announcing a new culinary concept. We will endeavor to ensure our hotel restaurants and bars remain favorite neighborhood spots and achieve our long-term strategy of becoming the pinnacle of destination dining.

Updates from Norman’s Orlando:

“Under the direction of legendary chef, Norman Van Aken, and the dedication of our staff, the restaurant has become synonymous with excellence in New World cuisine, presenting inventive, innovative dishes with a reverence for culinary tradition,” says Thomas D. Wood, Jr., Managing Partner of NORMAN’S Orlando. “Our diners have come to expect perfection, and we are honored to have been able to deliver on that expectation. Chef Van Aken and I look forward to the next chapter for this compelling brand.”

As reported back in December, the luxury hotel property was sold to Trinity Real Estate Investments and Elliott Management Corporation. The investment group has decided to not renew the lease.

NORMAN’S was recently named Best Restaurant in Orlando by Orlando Magazine, was OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Award-winner for 2017, among other accolades. Van Aken, himself, was inducted into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame in 2016, and resides as the only Floridian chef in the James Beard Foundation’s list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage.”

NORMAN’S Orlando is actively pursuing new locations to remain in Orlando and will continue to operate in its current location through the summer.