Norma Joan, Bathurst
Norma Joan is one of Bathurst’s best-loved spots built around great food, great wine and proper local pride. Michael – owner, chef, and all-round good human – has shaped a space that feels welcoming from the minute you walk in. It’s relaxed, thoughtful and rooted in the producers, growers and winemakers who make the Central West what it is.
Why we love it
Because Michael’s passion shows – in the menu, in the wine list, in the way he talks about the people behind every bottle and ingredient. He knows his region, he champions it, and he’s created a venue that feels warm, generous and genuinely local. And yes! His Nanna Joan’s golden syrup dumplings are definitely worth staying for. Read on for more…
🔗 Website
The heart behind Norma Joan
We got to hear from Michael – a few candid thoughts about the space that is Norma Joan…
What inspired you to open Norma Joan, and what do you want it to bring to Bathurst?
I wanted to create a cosy, comfortable space for locals and visitors alike to experience some of the amazing produce that comes from our region. A place to showcase the hard work, dedication and pride of our local producers.
A venue where anyone can come to enjoy unique food and top‑quality wine or cocktails, yet not feel like they’re in a stuffy, uptight space. Somewhere to create lifelong memories with great friends and family.
How do you choose the local producers and growers you work with?
I’m always looking to discover the great producers of our region. I speak to other producers, winemakers, make phone calls and ask questions everywhere I go. “Who did you get this from? Do you work with any other local producers? What makes you proud of this product?”
I go to markets whenever I can. I’m constantly calling wineries, talking to farmers, asking chefs and venue owners about suppliers. Growing up here and working as a chef in Bathurst means I already know a lot of what’s available.
It all comes down to asking, travelling, talking and listening to the amazing people who give their time and effort to create around our region.
What local wines do you love recommending to people new to the region?
What wines DON’T I love recommending? There’s so much talent surrounding us, and when our winemakers and growers get to work with the land we have, we’re spoilt for choice.
A few current favourites:
Mudgee – Skimstone, Mansfield, First Ridge, Stein Family Wines. Skimstone are making great Italian varietals with French influence. Mansfield make some of the most underappreciated wines in our area.
Rylstone – DeBeaurepaire Wines are making fantastic French‑style wines. They’re also growing grapes for a new, secret winemaker I’m about to champion. I’ll be the first place to hold this maker’s wine in Bathurst.
Canowindra – Rosnay Organic make phenomenal organic, natural wines, plus the best figs, olives, tinctures and dried goods in our area.
Bathurst – Everyone loves Renzaglia Wines, and for great reason. Mark, Sam and Sandy just do it right. You can taste the passion in every glass. Winburndale Wines are another standout – gorgeous cellar door, kind‑hearted owners, and amazing reds begging to be paired with dinner.
Orange – Fast becoming a true wine destination. My must‑trys are: ChaLou – Nadja and Steve can’t make bad wine. Nashdale Lane – Tanya and Nick make wines so moorish I’ve never not finished a bottle. Grape Pirates – Bex and Aaron are two of the coolest up‑and‑coming winemakers I’ve met. Rikard Wines – highest vineyard in Orange, and their old‑world‑meets‑new approach is incredible. We just did a collaboration dinner and their wines were some of the best I’ve ever tasted.
What does the perfect night at Norma Joan look like to you?
A perfect night at Norma Joan for me is seeing the smiles, laughs and happiness on our guests. I’ve always loved the idea that some of my hard work has helped someone create a fond memory.
For a guest, the perfect night starts with a cocktail using one of our amazing Bathurst distilleries’ spirits. Then get a bottle of wine – maybe something new, maybe something you already love.
Order three to five of our share plates. Eat well. Eat a lot. Pour yourself a second (or third) glass. Laugh. Ask your server for a recommendation… Then go for dessert. Share a bombe alaska. Or try the golden syrup dumplings – my Nanna Joan’s recipe, exactly as she made them for me when I was a kid.
Any way you approach your night here, I hope you leave full, happy, and with a new great memory to look back on.
Photos supplied by Norma Joan
