Downtown Raleigh has an amazing culinary scene with some great options being on Martin St. One of them being the stylish ORO Restaurant and Lounge. But let me tell you its not all just style, there is substance being served on those plates!
Recently I met with fellow NC Blogger\Influencer, Jen Lawrence of JenOni.com. We made plans to enjoy lunch and feature ORO since we’ve both heard awesome things about the restaurant, menu, drinks and of course the food.
The Restaurant
As soon as you walk in, the sleek white decor will catch your eye. Opt to sit at the chef’s table for a closer look of the magic in the the kitchen,
in the main dining area or in the mezzanine, which has a fireplace.
Although I was there for a casual business lunch, I can definitely see myself coming back for a date night or a fun girls night out. If you are looking for a casual yet chic place to dine in Downtown Raleigh, this is the place! Looking for a place to hold your Private Event and /or offers Catering? ORO provides those services as well.
The Menu
Serving fresh, local ingredients that is pleasing to all and designed to be shared among friends is the mission of ORO. Created by Hylton Hospitality, Christopher and Cara Zalcberg Hylton has done a fantastic job featuring a variety of small plates and signature dishes since Spring 2012.
Executive Chef Chris Hylton has created lunch (served 11am-2p) and dinner (served 5-10pm) menus where all items are identified with respect for dietary restrictions. So if you are looking for Vegetarian, Vegan or Gluten-Free dishes that are flavorful and delicious, reservations at ORO are a must. The restaurant also offers some off the menu items that are chef’s selections using seasonal ingredients.
The Drinks
Looking for an after work spot to enjoy cocktails and conversation? Step up to the full bar and order any of their exclusive wines or beer on tap and check out their specialty cocktail list. I recommend the Mimosarita.
It’s made with peach infused 1800 reposado..mango infused moscato..lemon.. orange and a large ice cube made of orange juice and sparkling water. Once the ice starts to melt, you get a nice effervesent surprise! Also on the menu is 3 types of mules. Jen tried the classic Moscow Mule made with Tito’s Vodka. Both drinks were refreshing and memorable in a good a way.
The Food
Soups,Salads and Starters...Oh My! Everything on their lunch menu sounded so good, we could not wait to try. The Truffle Mac & Cheese is a staple on the menu. Since the restaurant has been open for the past 5 years, it has been a favorite of guests. So I had to order the vegan dish to try for myself. Made with yellow and white cheddar cheese and fine herbs, the truffle mac and cheese is served as a shareable plat , but you might hesitate and keep all that yummy goodness to yourself. Jen ordered the Chef’s feature soup which was green curry and chicken. I love a good soup because when all the flavors come together, it’s like a party in a bowl. Let me tell you, I had a sample of her soup and my tastebuds were dancing at the party.
From the Sides menu, I tried the Wok Fried Brussels, which is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. The soy, ginger and chili flakes gave it a wonderful flavor. Not too salty or too spicy, but just the right balance to make me happy with this side dish.
Everything looked so good under the Main Dishes portion of the menu that I was a bit undecided. Do I want seafood, or beef or chicken? Thankfully, Maresa was there to guide me thru and offer some of her personal favorites. I ultimately ordered the Fish Tacos. You get 4 tacos topped with mango salsa, cucumber, red onion and cilantro lime aioli. For me the aioli and salsa is what elevated the dish from being just a basic fish taco.
Beef & Broccoli is what Jen opted to order. It was a nice portion of marinated filet served with chinese brocoli and water chestnuts. She enjoyed it and mentioned she would recommend this dish for those who enjoy the Chinese classic.
Be sure to save room to order something sweet from the Dessert menu. I had my eye on either the creme brulee or banana bread pudding, but an off menu featured dessert was described and we went with that. Ladies and Gents, feast your eyes on this celebration on a plate!
A housemade funnel cake ice cream sandwhich with birthday cake ice cream in the middle and confetti sprinkles. Since my birthday is on Thursday, it was apropo to go with this and make an early birthdy wish! This was heavenly indeed! Such an amazing sweet ending to a great lunch.
SobeSavvy Tip: Visit ororaleigh.com and subscribe to ORO’s Newsletter to receive updates and the latest news!
ORO Restaurant & Lounge
18 E Martin St
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phn 919-239-4010
When I lived in Raleigh years ago I used to love Oro the atmosohere and food is amazing … I’ve never had the ice cream funnel cake but it looks Delish! HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!
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The funnel cake is new and they are looking to add it to the fall menu. I think they should..its that good!
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What a fun place! I love the design and the food looks amazing!! I need to start exploring Raleigh a bit more . . .
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When I lived in Raleigh, I believe I visited ORO once before. It clearly looks like a place I need to return to. I love the decor and the food you ordered looks scrumptious! Happy Early Birthday to you!
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Thanks Ashley! I am happy to still discover places in the city to enjoy. It seems to be a fave of locals and I can see why!
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That Moscow Mule and Mac -n- Cheese, WOW! I’ll have to check it out since I’m local!
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Hi Leslie! ( I get excited when I meet a fellow Leslie) I hope you get a chance to enjoy them soon!
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So cool! I saw the truffle mac & cheese and was like, “Yes please!” I adore when restaurants have a menu that’s really friendly to different diets since I have friends with some dietary restrictions. But omg that funnel cake ice cream sandwich!! I’m pretty sure I need one of those…like…RIGHT NOW. Yum!
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Yes Liz..have the ice cream sandwich then hike or run it off! Lol It is worth it!
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Girl, you had me at Truffle Mac & Cheese! It looks so good. I work in Raleigh so I’ll have to make my way over there sometime soon and see if that mac & cheese is as good as it looks. And I’m betting that it is!
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I thought it was really good and you get enough to share ! Let me know what you thought Nikki.
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Oh my goodness!! Everything looks so good! I’ll have to go with my husband.
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I want to return with my husband too for date night!
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All of it looks so good. Now I want to try the mac & cheese, brussels sprouts, the fish tacos, and the ice cream sandwich!
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Yes! I am still dreaming of the ice cream sandwich ☺ and the mac & cheese.
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I’ve never been to Oro but it looks and sounds amazing! And the prices are good too – will definitely have to check them out.
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It was my first time as well and I look forward to going back! Especially for dinner. Everything under $15..great prices indeed!
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What a great review! The Mac and Cheese looks amazing.
xo, Lee
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Thanks Lee! The use of truffle really gave it an amazing tastes. Its one of their most popular dishes!
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Oh my the food looks wonderful! And looks like an inviting atmosphere! I need to stop by!
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I need to go back in the evening as well. I could only imagine the dinner and atmosphere is just as good then!
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I think you must have one of the best blogging jobs ever to visit all these neat restaurants. This one looks so elegant and inviting, and I love the names of the drinks. I’m salivating right now over the mac and cheese. Glad you guys had fun and thanks for the review. Hugs…RO
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As a foodie, I love dining out and sharing the experiences with others. Even before blogging about it, I would share pics and reviews on Yelp just to inform the community as well as keep a note of the places I like to eat at just as a reference.
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You are selling this place well! Everything looks so good, especially that funnel cake ice cream sandwich! That might be worth the 45 minute drive from my house!
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Trust me..its a celebration on a plate! So good.
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