6 Little Portland Street,
Fitzrovia,
London,
W1W 7JE
(020) 7637 0125
The ViewLondon Review
ORA is a great little restaurant in Fitzrovia, where the welcoming Oriental hospitality, the authentic food and the stylish surroundings will almost certainly win you over.
The Venue
Until now, Little Portland Street had The Social as its only attraction. Things have now changed, with this bespoke Thai restaurant behind a discreet entrance serving up another very fine reason to venture down. Step in and discover a gorgeous little bar that's all brown, low tables and short, wide stools. The larger restaurant is hidden out of sight in a windowless space which instead of feeling claustrophobic, makes you feel privy to a privileged secret. There are long tables for groups and for communal dining, with plenty of more intimate tables for couples. The glamorously demure décor is based around an exotically warm palette of dark wood, browns and red accents, with wooden carved panels on the walls acting as a contemporary nod to a traditional Thai craft.
The Atmosphere
The only negative to ORA is the noise: you may have to lean over the table to converse, as the restaurant is already full every night - booking is a good idea. ORA makes up for the volume with special details you would not expect at these prices - the napkin is not paper but heavy cotton embroidered with ORA's logo, and the staff wear striking, tailored beige and red uniforms, modernising the traditional Oriental look nicely.
The Food
The food is uncompromisingly authentic. If the vegetable spring rolls (starters £4.75-£5.75) or the creamy coconut chicken with crispy shallot Tom Kha Gai (soups £4.35-£6.75) aren't innovative, they are certainly excellent, whilst the curries (£8.55-£10.75) are spicy, and rich in authentic ingredients. The Kaeng Ped Phed Yang (red duck curry with cherry tomatoes, chilli and basil) wows with its elegant presentation before tempting you with two pieces of duck which, even if you remove the thick greasy skin, still represent a generous portion. The Kaeng Kiew Warn Jay has large chunks of vegetables swimming in a deliciously fiery green curry paste in what's a hot, delicious dish.
Desserts (£4.50-£5.50) are no less exciting. For an overview, order the Sarm Sa-Hai, a collection of Thai desserts including pandan and delicious coconut jellies, sweet sticky rice and ginger and lemongrass cold tea. Or order the mysterious, sweet and fresh Tub-Tim Grob, made of Thai fruits and fresh coconut milk - don’t try to decipher it, just enjoy it.
The Drink
ORA is well stocked in every department, from cocktails (£9) with a Thai twist, to their signature concoctions (£9), mocktails (£6), layered fresh juices (£5.50), loads of spirits (£5.50-£11), liqueurs and more than three dozen bottles of wine including a perfectly enjoyable house white. Beer options consist of Chang or Tiger (£3.80-£4) - both perfect for those that can’t do without lager when tucking into curry.
The Last Word
ORA truly ticks all the right boxes. This beautiful Thai restaurant may be less than a month old but it is here to stay. What won’t stay is the secret, so book a table and discover this new London venue before everyone else does.
ORA Restaurant has been reviewed by 9 users