Ora Restaurant

Overview

Paying homage to the art of Japanese cuisine, ŌRA blends traditional techniques with contemporary influences.

ŌRA is a collection of venues inside one retrofitted industrial warehouse in Waterloo. Three experiences are on offer here. The central bar with chic velvet booths is where guests can enjoy a fusion of Western and Eastern tastes from a sushi menu that draws elements from across the Japanese spectrum — expect classic street food, steamed and braised dishes, charcoal-grilled veggies, seafood and meats. Then there's the So She Me cocktail lounge and event space where guests can enjoy Japanese-inspired beverages.

At the heart of every dish is Executive Chef Nobuyuki Ura. Every dish tells his story. "The most important thing is to execute each dish without compromise," he says. Chef Ura has worked in kitchens across Japan and Australia, from cooking for the Japanese royal family to serving dishes to a former Japanese Prime Minister — you can read our full interview with Chef Ura about his journey to ŌRA.

Omakase is enjoyed at the Chef's Counter, an intimate setting with only ten seats at the rich marble bar. Omakase translates to 'I'll leave it up to you' — it's a culinary performance where diners can witness the chef's skills as each dish is carefully created and presented to the trusting guests. Each month, a new menu is created by Chef Ura, showcasing the freshness and seasonality of the produce.

Highlighting the very best Australian produce, the menu at ŌRA sits alongside a beverage offering that includes seasonal cocktails, artisanal sake from new-generation makers and a wine list with Japanese wines.

Images: Yusuke Oba