“Noroc”: A restaurant in the U.S. founded by a Moldovan family ranks among California’s best
Traditional Moldovan cuisine has found a place in the heart of California, USA. The "Noroc" restaurant, located in Sacramento and founded by a family originally from the Republic of Moldova, has earned a spot in the prestigious "101 Best Restaurants in California" ranking. This list was compiled by restaurant critic Bill Addison and published by the Los Angeles Times.
One of the most influential publications in the U.S. recently highlighted several dishes, including polenta with cheese and sour cream, served alongside pork roast and mushrooms. The article also featured Moldovan pies filled with cheese, cabbage, cherries, or apples, as well as sarmale (rolled rice cabbage) made from traditional recipes.
Sandu Sîrbu, the founder of the "Noroc" restaurant in Sacramento, expressed that this recognition signifies that the dishes they grew up with—polenta, pies, and sarmale—are now being appreciated and respected in one of the most competitive culinary landscapes in the world. He noted, "It confirms that the traditions we come from have value and deserve to be carried forward."
According to Sîrbu, the inclusion of their restaurant, which is rooted in Moldovan culture, is significant. As of March 2025, Google Maps shows over 98,000 public catering establishments in California.
We remind you that Alexandru and Ludmila Sîrbu from the Republic of Moldova founded the "Noroc" restaurant in Sacramento in 2018.
