Make Reservations On-line

2132 Florida Avenue N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20008

For Reservations,
Call 202-462-5143

Special Events Director
Camilla Rothwell
202-797-4870


	Restaurant Nora Washington, DC

Nora Pouillon

Nora Pouillon is a pioneer and champion of organic, environmentally conscious cuisine. Born in Austria, Nora promotes and embodies healthy, sustainable living. Her inspiration in the kitchen comes from her parents who understood the value of simply prepared seasonal foods. When Nora came to the US, in the late 1960s She was disturbed by the amount of processed and chemical-laden foods Americans were eating. That’s when Nora began her search for seasonal and organic food and her crusade for healthier living.

Nora made a lifetime commitment to nutritionally wholesome food, balanced eating and sustainable living that is based on the premise that you are what you eat, drink and breathe, and that it is important to take responsibility for one’s own health. Her approach also includes a daily exercise routine that strengthens and focuses the body and mind.

Nora opened Restaurant Nora, in 1979 and was immediately recognized for her ability to create not only healthy but also delicous organic dishes. In 1999, twenty years later, the restaurant became the nation's first certified organic restaurant. Only three other restaurants have since achieved this goal.

Nora was instrumental in creating the organic certification standards for restaurants that guarantee at least 95% of all food served originates from certified organic sources. In the early 1990s, Nora launched the farmer/chef connection by introducing the farmers of the Tuscarora Organic Growers Coop (TOG), to other local chefs helping to ensure their farms’ economic viability. She also initiated the very first producer-only farmer’s markets in the nation’s capital, now known as Fresh Farm Markets which has grown to include eight active markets. While serving as a board member of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, Nora established an organic internship program and still receives five interns each year at Restaurant Nora. She is the author of Cooking with Nora, a seasonal menu cookbook, which was a finalist for the Julia Child Cookbook Award.

Nora presently sits on the board of directors for several organizations including the Amazon Conservation Team, the Environmental Film Festival, Fresh Farm Markets, Earth Day Network and Wholesome Wave. Nora also plays an advisory role to the Center for Mind Body Medicine’s “Food as Medicine" program, and Rachel's Network.

The Washington Post named Nora one of the dozen “Power Chefs” in the city. Over the years, she has received numerous awards from the International Association of Culinary Professionals, the Organic Trade Association, New Hope Natural Media, the American Horticultural Society, Campaign for Better Health, and others.

Nora lives in Georgetown with her partner and children, and enjoys the same healthy and sustainable lifestyle to which she is committed in her work. She is a tireless advocate for healthier organic food and a cleaner environment so future generations can enjoy life on earth too.