Noroviruses are the most important viral pathogens causing epidemic acute gastroenteritis infecting people of all ages around the world. The viruses are responsible for the most common non-bacterial foodborne outbreaks of diarrhea. Due to the lack of an effective cell culture or small animal research model, the pathogenesis of norovirus infection and illness remains unclear. By contrast, norovirus laboratory diagnostic technologies are well developed. The recent applications of new technologies are further enhancing the development of diagnostic tools to meet the needs of public health and clinical diagnosis and treatment.