ORO Restaurant is a gem in downtown Raleigh sporting a delicious menu with visual stunning appetizers, entrees, desserts, and cocktails. To compliment the dynamic menu, the exceptional ambiance makes for a beautiful evening on the town. Oro is a long standing black-owned restaurant in the heart of the Oak City.
I’ve had the opportunity to dine at ORO Restaurant twice. Each visit was more thrilling and exciting than the last. The first visit I ate at the bar, don’t worry I practiced social distancing and the restaurant was set up to accommodate all social distancing rules and regulations. I ordered a few shared dishes which is how their menu is set up. They have several unique dishes based on the chef’s French cuisine training but many of the dishes have a Caribbean and Asian flavor profile.
This time, I ordered a few specialty cocktails. Mine came in a fish shaped glass with a bubble waiting to pop! I know it’s hard to visualize but it makes for a great picture. Just make sure you capture it before it pops! I had their nightly special which included a two-cheese grit cake with ham hawk baked inside, topped with a seared scallop and slice of pork belly cooked to perfection. I also ordered the ceviche; it was so fresh and had the best presentation of the evening. The ceviche sat on top of an icy bowl with cool air/smoke rising all around the dish! It’s true that they say, we eat with our eyes first and our palette second!
If you’re not ready to dine-in just yet make sure you order take-out! You might miss out on some of the visuals, but you won’t miss out on a flavorful meal!
Parking: Street Parking
Ambience: ORO is chic, modern, and the perfect restaurant for a date night, special occasion, or girls’ night out!
Palate Notes:
There’s a dish for everyone’s flavor profile, the grit cake felt southern inspired, but the ceviche took me to the islands, and the Asian inspired king crab dumpling made me hum my happy song with each bite! They also offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes!
Now it’s time for the tea… Sip, Sip, Spill Style:
SIP: Chef and Owner Chris Hylton always stops by each of the tables to introduce himself!
SIP: They have a fully stocked bar and you MUST order one of their specialty cocktails.
SPILL: 4-5 dishes is more than enough for two people but if you have a large party, opt to have the chef pick and prepare each one of your dishes!
