Ora
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
45 reviews
Corte Madera, CA
"Prices aren't too bad at a place like this with a variety of Asian/Fusion foods. Teriyaki bowls are decent, and there are some sushi rolls…" read more »
40 Reviews for Ora
First off, this place is a high class Vietnamese Fusion restaurant, and I don't know why they classify it as a Sushi Bar. But this place is delicious if you want to pay the price. Make reservations though- othewise you'll sit in one of them uncomfortable chairs overlooking the street (which is kinda nice since it's their version of a patio). Definitely get the garlic noodles and ribs. Yum! They do have a special "Omakase" course on certain times & days. Parking can be painful if going on a Fri or Sat night.
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I'm not sure why our waiter seemed not to like us, but the food at Ora tonight was **awesome** -- super-tender calamari chunks in a bowl with some sort of delicious sauce and incredible, not your usual butternet squash dumplings/ravioli that have like four simultaneous textures and are NOT heavy and buttery as they so often are, followed by a mild but nice-to-have for contrast jicama and green papaya salad and the pan-roasted scallops - also excellent. Since we didn't stuff ourselves we even had dessert: the mini molten chocolate cake and a butterscotch pot-au-creme. The bartender somehow "found" an extra two glasses of the sake we had ordered a bottle of, and so we ended up pleasantly giddy and very satisfied.
The friendly tan guy who welcomed and said goodbye to us _seems_ to work there, but it was hard to tell for sure. He did say that he "works out a lot" though, which, you know, is good to know.
Killer food, and if you're lucky, there will be a table of three blonde not-quite-MILF's talking about their pre-nups at the table next to you too!
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Mmmmmm. Ora, how do I love thee? Let me count za ways.
- Butternut Squash dumplings that literally melted in my mouth
- Exquisite tempura green beans with an outstanding citrus pozu sauce
- Tempting and tasty Coconut Curry Bisque with Crab and Mango
- Sultry duck made two ways with chestnuts and quinoa
- Scallops the size of my fist in a fabulous stew of yummyness.
-OMG, and that sexy molten chocolate lava cake that made me drool. On the ground.
- Fabulous ambiance, fireplace, cool artwork, glowing warm walls, Asian decor that is elegant and sophisticated.
I've been to this place twice to celebrate friends' birthdays (and neither of them live in the area either!), it's worth the trek for a special occasion since it has that 'sleek and seductive' vibe, plus the food is outstanding. Great wine list and you can score a bottle of cava like we did for $17! All in all, if you're not ravagingly hungry, it's not too expensive, the three of us split two appetizers, two soups, two entrees, bottle of wine and a dessert, and the tab was less that $80! Split two ways it's stnadard, but for three of us, it was quite the deal and we all left satiated and blissful.
PS: My friend who isn't a drinker was very happy to see a sassy non-alcoholic cocktail menu which is a nice touch for those who don't imbibe or are nice enough to be the D.D. for the evening.
PPS: I love that this is is an Asian fusion restaurant that's actually run by an Asian chef! Hooray for folks of color representin'!
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*3.5 stars* This restaurant space has been taken over so many times. Ora is the latest incarnation. Jeff and I went to dinner here to try it out because I love Asian food and the chef here is Vietnamese. I found the decor beautiful and the food interesting. Jeff thought it was good, but an expensive experience. The food servings are super small so you kinda have to keep ordering if you want to fill up. If you want to get more bang for your buck, this place is not it.
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Place has very good food and a rather diverse menu. Was happy with all the dishes ordered. In addition, the wine flights are excellent and reasonably priced.
Were rather busy on the weekend but seem slow during the week. Although even on the weekend the place was dead by 9:30pm. I assume some of that has to do with only a beer/wine license. Bar scene seems to head to Bungalow.
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Great food, not so much on the drinks menu if you want to stay sober. I have gone many a night with friends, and had a party there, but at times, the service can sometimes be a little unreliable. Good ambiance, but sometimes the customers can be a little on the edgy side because of the location. Even though I live in Mill Valley, I have met a couple interesting people who tend to eavesdrop and comment on my conversations.
Usually, the service is great, though, and I recommend the short ribs and a bowl of jasmine rice for everyone. The peking colada drink is good, but never get the ginger soda (unless you are a BIG fan of ginger), or the peach juice (unless you like to drink the syrup directly out of the peach can).
Don't be hesitant to try something new, because most of the cuisine is delicious, and definitely reserve the back room, because it is really cool!
Modern, hip atmosphere, video of acrobatics projected on the wall provides an interesting subject of conversation if you are uncomfortable or awkward with your date! ;]
Great overall, but sometimes unreliable.
Also, an organization I am part of has ordered a large amount of take-out for a buffet for an event, and was very disappointed in the take-out service. I suggest going in and eating there.
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What a great little find. Tonite was our second visit back to this restraunt. I can't believe that it was so empty. I found the food and service better the second time around. The ambiance was very cozy , the portions very generous and the prices reasonable. We enjoyed the sake flight slightly more than the pinot flight. The dishes were generous portions and the prices very reasonable. Parking was very eay and location easy to find.
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We met some friends there on a cold, wet, winter's night. The atmosphere felt cozy yet sophisticated. The staff was very professional - not too much fawning, yet no trace of attitude. I appreciated the menu of non-alcoholic cocktails so I could join my wine drinking friends in some pre-dinner libations. We opted to try a little of everything rather than order on our own. I think the sea bass was my favorite, although everything had nice, distinctive flavors. Overall a lovely evening with some great friends and good food. One complaint: I felt at $40 per person, I should have walked out of there feeling a bit more full. Perhaps it was the way we ordered, but I thought it was a bit on the pricey side.
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I thought the food was pretty good. Not much for the vegetarians on the menu though, but they did have some really great side dishes. The eggplant side and the cauliflower side were both great. Don't think I would go back though because of the limited veggie options. When I go to a fancy restaurant, I like to be able to get more than side dishes.
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Living in the City, even in the Inner Richmond, I think I sometimes forget about how close Marin is. An easy 20 minute drive got me to Camp Mill Valley -- look at all those big trees in the middle of town! Nice to walk around the 'hood before or after dinner.
The restaurant is cozy (and I don't mean cramped) since it's a series of rooms or alcoves. Looks like it was a private home at one point. Comfortable seating, good lighting, lively, but not noisy. Service was very attentive, but not intrusive. Just the way it's supposed to be. Wine is fairly priced, and you're given advice in a very un-haughty way, should you even ask for it. The food ranged from very good to excellent. The pork ravioli were closer to a high-class pork gyoza (dumpling) with a delicious, more complex soy sauce-based sauce, but it was a very good execution nonetheless. The roasted rack of lamb was *amazing*, and the "shaking beef" was excellent , too. We shared the bread pudding for dessert. Nothing earth-shattering, but solid.
And all of this without the attitude and prices you might find at some similar restaurants in the City.
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Ora was a nice surprise.
Service was attentive, at times overly attentive, but we're not complaining.
Okay I will complain about something.... ;)
I was carded! I may look young, but HELLO? I was dressed up and with people who were obviously over 35 and I was carded. I know, I know, in 20 years I'll wish I was carded, but this was just...well, funny. The best part was that I'm sure I'm more than a few years older than the girl who carded me.
Ora serves Asian-fusion fare in an unpretentious way. Presentation and pairings of food were done really well. The fish dishes (halibut and black sea cod) were phenomenal.
I really liked the decor and vibe in the house. If Ora was in my 'hood, it would be my hang out.
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Good food & close drive for those of us North Bayers!
I'm going here for the 3rd time tonight & my mouth won't stop watering.
My first time to Ora was for my winter birthday, so I thought the special night may have made Ora's food & ambiance a little brighter, so I tried it for a second time with another date a couple of months later.
My date & I had a duplicate of my first time's dinner. The Kung Pao Calimari was again a super yummy surprise to my taste buds. The spice was just enough without being overpowering. The cocktails were an infusion of many fun flavors without being girly. We were tipsy off one & both my partner (one of many - in food) & I can hold our liquor. Miso Glazed Black Cod was a favorite the second time around & the Som Tum or Green Papaya Salad was so fresh & tasty we were sorry we didn't order two!
The wait staff & sommeliers have all been friendly during both visits. The screen playing old movies & cozy seating by the fireplace makes this place feel like any good restaurant should. I'd recommend Ora for a special date or dinner as it's something that can't be afforded by just anyone too often.
I can hardly wait for tonight! Opentable.com here I come!
UPDATE: After tonight's dinner, I had to bump this place up to 5 stars. We arrived for the price fixe menu (which runs until 6pm by the way!) a few minutes late & the fabulous waitstaff still honored our reservation time. The food really is excellent & I can't think of anything negative. We're so lucky to have Ora!
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We had butternut squash raviolis to share, and I had the duck two ways.
The raviolis were perfectly cooked with a nice Asian fusion twist--pot-sticker style dough and a fresher sauce gave this dish a completely new identity though its origins (ravioli zucca, the crispy and decadent italian dish often served with crushed amaretti on top) shined through in a nice way.
I have to say, I'm usually very dissatisfied with duck in restaurants because a particular friend of mine cooks it so well at home, but this is the first time it's been GOOD (I keep trying it despite prior problems because I love it so much when it's done properly...mmm duck fat). The chestnuts, dried cherries, and other accompaniments were harmonious. The duck breast was cooked perfectly, and the confit was not greasy or tasting old (as it often does in restaurants).
Dessert was also fantastic, a warm chocolate cake with vanilla gelato. We ordered bracchetto but they didn't have it anymore, and while we refused our waiter's knowlegeable attempt to subsitute something else, he brought us two mini glasses of the stuff just for fun (comped), which was wonderful.
And lots of points for having falanghina by the glass!!!
I was incredibly surprised by how much I liked this restaurant.
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The nitty-gritty: Great place for a romantic dinner. Very elegant but unpretentious. Excellent food. Excellent service. Reasonably priced.
I have been there twice now for dinner. Their almond crusted tiger prawns are a must have for appetizer. Their Belgium Endive Cups are pretty good as well. But I'm not too crazy about their Calamari "Kung Pao." For the main course, the duck confit is a newfound favorite. They have a pretty extensive wine list, plus some interesting mixed drinks. Will definitely be back for a 3rd time.
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We went here for our anniversary. I am a vegetarian and my dishes were amazing. I ordered several so we could try them- I did not know they would be so big! We did 2 flights of Sake, then had two bottles of our favorites.
We closed this place down- the staff was great, they replayed the Cirque de soleil video for us, and they were cool about us being there late drinking.
Great food. Great service.
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I love how when you enter this restaurant, you can't help but feel something special will happen. My husband is in architecture and he always tells me that the entrance to a building (whether house, restuarant, office, etc) gives the entire body character, especially since it's the first thing you see and feel. Aura and aesthetics were fantastic: warm, welcoming, cozy. Perfect for just the two of you or a small group of friends. Not too loud, but not too quiet.
I had the pan fried scallops as my main dish. Best scallops I ever had! Every time I check out scallops at other places - it just doesn't compare. For dessert, I had the chocoloate mousse. YUUUMMMMYYYY! Heavenly.
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It was good...not great...but good food, real good waiter, and a great atmosphere. Definitely worth a look.
Delicious. The seared sesame ahi tuna dish was so yummy and so was the shaking beef and dont leave without having the chocolate bomb. This place is perfect for a party of eight bc you can sit on the floor with a bunch of pillows! 3 thumbs up!
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have been here 3, maybe 4 times now... can't believe I didn't recommend it sooner. this little jem is a little out of the way from the heart of mill valley, visible after you walk through a charming alley way reminiscent of europe, somehow... anyhow, it's always very cozy and warm inside, great service, delicous food, whether you're getting a few appetizers to share and a couple of saki flights, or a full-on meal followed by dessert... great service, food, ambience, and doesn't break the wallet. everytime i leave, i think to myself how nice it would be if they had a litttle room off to the side with beds in it, so you can soak up just a little more of the coziness before heading home. was there for an early dinner on a sunday night tonight, so it was pretty dead as far as numbers go, but still a very enjoyable experience. try it if you haven't been.
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Nowhere in the Northbay or San Francisco is there a spot like this with the food, ambience, and price like ora does. Young chef John Van Nguyen works magic with the fresh ingredients he uses everyday. Please go. Mill Valley is a wonderful setting for such a wonderful place. Thanks John!
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I just ate dinner here tonight for my mom's birthday... I didn't eat one dish that wasn't impressive and flavorful! The spicy eggplant was delicious and surprisingly not too spicy. The cod was hands down the hit of our meal. We actually ordered two of these, and for some of us who aren't huge fish fans, we raved about it. It was like butter and melted in my mouth! It reminded us of Chilean sea bass... !! Definitely order one of the 4 types of rice they offer. The unanimous favorite was the black rice. I also happened to appreciate the Anais flavored rice... it was very different and smelled faintly of black licorice!
The Petaluma chicken dish was tasty, but nothing mindblowing. We expected a whole chicken, but it was actually diced into very small pieces and sort of fell short of our expectations. Of all the dishes we ate, it was the least impressive.
For dessert, try the banana flavored bread pudding. DELICIOUS!
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Fantastic! I read the last review and from the tone of the person writing it, Bouchon would of been a disappointment....anyway, back to our great night at this tiny little gem nestled in the hills of Mill Valley. We wanted to celebrate our anniversary and decided to try Ora for the first time. I've read the reviews, love Pan-Asian food and decided to give it a try.
We were promptly seated at a window table and were greeted by the sommelier. She asked us if we would like to order cocktails and decided on two glasses of Champagne. We looked over the menu and saw that the menu was very diverse and had something that both my wife and I could enjoy.
We first tried the Kung Pao Calimari and Steamed Dumplings. Very flavorful and we loved the crunch of the Calimari and the savoryness of the Dumplings. We then shared the Coconut soup. I make great Coconut Thai soup but this was superb with just the right amount of spice. We then moved onto the Green Papaya salad that was fresh, had great mint flavors with just a bit of spice.
We ordered a bottle of wine and went onto our dinner entree's. My wife had the Miso glazed Black Cod and I had the Seabass with Shortribs. The Black Cod was one of the best things I've ever tasted. Perfectly seared with just a thin caramelized crust and the sweetness of the marinade was to die for. I had the Seabass with Shortribs underneath and at first I thought this was an odd combination but when I tried the dish, the flavors were very well balanced and the Shortribs complimented the fish perfectly.
I thought that neither of us had room for dessert but we decided to try the Panna Cotta and the Pot au Creme and both were outstanding.
The service was efficient without being stuffing or impeding on our anniversary and they even bought our desserts because it was a celebration! Viola! A perfect evening. Ora, we look forward to returning!
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Don't miss this swank little eatery in downtown Mill Valley. It's pan-Asian dishes are a nice occasional alternative in Mill Valley where Italian food restaurants reign supreme. They have an interesting selection of moderately-priced of Saki cocktails. This and the fact that they offer ice-cold Sapporo on tap pretty much explains why I've never left Ora sober.
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Ora is like going to San Francisco for food without leaving Marin. You are greeted wonderfully at the door and it doesn't stop for your entire visit. It is fun to share as this way you can taste more of the glorious food. Go to Ora if you like excellent food and outstanding service.
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It's Saturday night for a couple of city slickers like my pal Phil and I, so what do we do? Hit Rye, Bourbon & Branch and then Slide? Check out a hot house party in Potrero Flats? Hob nob at the Fairmont? Nah, we decide to head to Mill Valley to have dinner at Ora.
I guess we had both decided to take it easy - it's tough enough being Weekday Warriors on the social circuit - and just wanted to catch up over a great dinner.
Not being San Francisco, we were able to get a table fairly easily, and in a way that's a shame because Ora deserves to be packed at all hours. In fairness, it was quite busy, but I suspect we were amongst the only people who drove over the bridge to get there.
The menu is I suppose Asian Fusion and we found the best way to enjoy it was by sharing. I can easily recommend the dumplings and the spring rolls, both fresh and filing, but just right to tease you onto the next course.
We decided to go with the Chef's selection of Sashimi, which turned out to be a wise decision. We paired the fresh fish with two glasses of white wine that our server recommended, and both played nicely.
For an entree, we decided to split the short ribs, again on our server's suggestion. Wow, I consider myself a rib connoisseur but was truly blown away by these ones. Meaty and perfectly sauced, melt in your mouth meat, oh yeah. We split a half bottle of Fess Parker that - after some breathing - hit the spot.
At first we were debating not getting dessert, but then went full circle and order both the profiteroles and the banana split - two classic choices down extremely well here. It didn't hurt that we enjoyed the sweet ending with some 20 year old port.
All in all, a fantastic experience. Ora is a great place to have dinner with a hot date, just as much as with a good group of friends. When the weather is nice, being able to sit outside just might make this as good as it gets.
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What a meal...Ora meet our expectations and more. The food was B+ to A through every course and the service was top-notch. Great location and wonderful ambiance inside. Get one of those cold Sake drinks, they're refreshing and tasty. The Kung-Pow Calamari was fantastic. I really enjoyed myself at Ora and we plan on coming back again and again. This would be a great place for a date, or for a group of friends. I am passing the word to my friends. A wonderful night out...
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Ora brings a chic pan-asian elegance to the sleepy hollow that is Mill Valley. When most people think of Mill Valley, they conjure up strollers, mountain bikes, lonely housewives waiting for the UPS man and happy retirees, not a hot soju singles scene that could be downtown SF or for that matter NYC. The bustling yet seductive atmosphere is perfect for a first date or a large fun group as the food is share friendly. The asian approach to California cuisine makes for a happy marriage, and happy diners. From high quality to sushi to perfect, yes perfect, short ribs will leave you nourished and with a grin on your face.
We went with the medium sashimi assortment, the Jumbo Shrimp and BBQ Unagi Spring rolls, the Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, and the Painted Hills Farm Hoisin BBQ Beef Short Ribs. This was a great mixture of healthy and lean and rich and delicious. The Fess Parker Syrah was a nice bold companion for the ribs.
For dessert, we went big and did not regret. The Banana Split Royale and the Profiteroles were epic. Classic american desserts done right, the profiteroles filled with a delicious banana gelato and the split topped with strawberry marmalade, pineapple compote and a chocolate ganache. This was paired off with a twenty year old port that was off menu and highly recommended. It did not disappoint. I'll just say that people turned their heads in envy and then followed suit and dittoed our order.
I'll finish by saying the $5 toll and 20 minute drive was a small price to pay for the great meal, service and ambiance that makes Ora a surefire return.
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I went to Ora expecting good things. I came out having experienced great things. Atmosphere is cool, candlelit and unpretentious. Totally friendly waitstaff, if not a little flirty! But you go places with my friend and this is what happens.
We made early reservations for the pre-fixe menu. Oh yes, get there before 6 and in exchange for $30 bucks you shall receive 3 courses of the finest Asian infusion you will ever endulge upon.
We chose the curried crab bisque, which the waiter let us share so as to feast on more appetizers, the almond crusted prawns, and the calamari. I would happily eat them all over and over again. Spicy chunks of calamari with peppers, crispy prawns with tangy dipping sauce and a coconut-sweet bisque with a curry overtone that hits you right there.
Second course: the miso cod and Alaskan salmon. This was salmon to put all other salmon into hiding, change their name and pretend they were carp. The cod was elevated to such a level that one would never believe that the same species is used in your everyday fishstick.
Dessert was the daily special of butterscotch pot de creme. I ate, I loved.
In Mill Valley I'm sure you get your share of snobbery, but this place didn't have a hint of it. Great from start to finish. They have nothing to improve upon!
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I had a pleasant meal at Ora, then I walked past the back of the restaurant and saw the nastiness. Disgusting, open barrels of oil in the open. Trash all over. Eeewwww!
I won't be eating here again
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Will never return! The decor was fantastic, the menu amazing but the seafood was sooooo not fresh! We had two diff types of hamatchi/tartare and they were inedible (I had to spit mine out in a napkin). We did end up getting a refund on one hamatchi but for a $200 bill you'd expect the chef to inspect what he is serving- yuck!
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Party of 6 we came a-floppin' all sloppylike down offa Mount Tamalpais. Dayhikes of anything more than 7 miles will have us workin' up an appetite, and we weren't in the mood for "a little food for a lot of money". Although we were ravenous and prolly coulda put a pizza to good use, we said WTF and took in the scene at Ora for the first time. We were won over by their creative and tasteful food ("Shaking Beef" was, er, quaking with flavor!), the hip but relaxed atmosphere, and the absolutely most attentive service (which, given some other reviews here, may vary...). Had I not been able to swap my hiking boots for some loafers, Ora still would've been ok w/that - it was in everybody's best interest to look and feel somewhat presentable, if'n ya know what I mean, so...we opted to, er, keep up appearances and dine outside on the beautiful patio under the heat lamps, so we spared the inside diners the sight of our sorry asses. But after a couple of drinks and appetizers, we fell right into the MV groove. Next time, our plan is to dress the part and reserve that little zen-inspired opium den-like room and recline on some floor pillows - along with Ora's pretty darn decent wine list, this will enhance our next nuevo-fusion dining experience fer sure - Ora has it all ('ceptin' the hookah, that is).
We decided we had to try this place after having a sampling of their Kung Pao Calamari at the Mill Valley food and wine festival about a month ago. We ordered family style for the 4 of us, and every dish we had was delicious. They have a few sushi items in addition to the regular menu, we decided to try the Kampachi, which I think is baby hamachi but I'm not sure. Whatever it was, it was delicious! The decor was really nice, with bamboo accenting the tatami mats, and some gorgeous black water fountains outside. It was a bit cold outside, but they have outdoor seating as well as indoor. As someone else has said, elegant yet casual, a great addition to the Mill Valley dining scene.
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Okay, so Mill Valley is dominated by Italian eateries and it seems those are the only ones the restauranteurs can get right. The whole aura of Ora is hip (in a trendy, already-been-done-a-hundred-other-places way).
Unfortunately, the scene is the best thing about the place.
We ordered two different hot teas (camomile mint - $3,50 and lotus blossum - $6). The camomile mint was nice and came in a little tea pot. The lotus blossum, which I was told by one of the waitresses was supposed to be mild green tea with a jasmine essence, was served in a wine glass (horrible for pouring into my tea cup) and actually very tanic ... for SIX F-ING DOLLARS?!? A wine glass full of too strong tea?
It just got worse from there.
Our shrimp dumplings arrived and we each popped one into our mouths. Biting down we looked at each other quizzickly because the centers of the dumplings were cold. We notified another waitress, who seemed to have taken over for the first, and she whisked it away. When she came back she explained that the steamer had just been repaired and wasn't steaming as hot as the chef was used to. Now he would use the Wok.
Okay, I understand. Thanks.
Five minutes ... ten minutes ... "I'm sorry it's taking so long. The Wok takes longer. They'll be right out. Fifteen minutes ... at last they arrive. Mmmm. We're hungry.
I bite in and promptly burn my tongue ... now they're TOO F-ING HOT!?! Get it right buddy.
After warning my wife and taking our time with the other two -- they tasted fine, though nothing special -- we began our wait again.
Ten minutes ... fifteen minutes ... twenty minutes (I'm trying to get the attention of everyone who works there after about the twelve minute mark to make sure our order hasn't been forgotten) ... twenty-five minutes ... (finally getting the attention of our latest waitress) "the other dishes will be right out. There was just a big rush and the kitchen is small."
No sorry. No 'can I get you something else to drink' like maybe the waters we asked for when we sat down. Just this LAME-ASS excuse.
Now my 'happy I'm out to dinner' mood is completely wrecked when our dishes arrive, all at once. The spicy Japanese eggplant was good - if too heavy on the onions and scallions - well heated, and spicy. Still no waters, though ...
The tempura green beans were well cooked, but very bland and the dipping sauce didn't exactly make them shine. The salmon was good too, but not warm enough.
"Are you enjoying everyhting?"
"Can we have some water please?"
"Two tap waters ... yes. Right away."
Ahhh, FINA-F-ING-LY, cool liquid.
Wait, what's that? A shattering glass behind me. How relaxing. A perfect top note to such an exquisite dining experience.
Scarf, scarf, scarf (we were starving by the time our food arrived).
"Are you all fini-"
"Check please."
"Did you enjoy your meal?"
"Not really."
"I'm sorry."
"Me too."
(Rings us up.)
"I took care of the dumplings for you tonight."
"Thanks." Translation: "Damn straight! You should've taken care of a lot more than that! No tip for you!"
"Have a nice evening."
"Uh-huh. You too."
Now this raises a question: where do you Yelpers stand on the tipping issue? I personally believe that if the meal and service at least meet my expectations I leave 20%. If the service is good, but not the food I leave 15%. If the food is good, but not the service I leave 10%.
And, if, as was the case at Ora, the food is mediocre and the service abysmal ... 0.00%
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after my friend and i tried and couldn't get seats to grab drinks at snacks at the very crowded bungalow 44 bar we decided to try ora. when you walk up the stairs- they open the door for you and welcome you in- made me feel a little warm and fuzzy. the bar is not very welcoming- small and awkward- but the staff made us comfortable. we ordered drinks, salad and the calamari. the food was excellent and we drank more then we should have because the staff was on it! we also received a complimentary liqeur at the end which is always nice. though i did stumble down the stairs when i left, doh! ahh yeah. go- everyone should go- there space is one of those restaurant death spaces and i don't want this one to leave!!
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Update 12/22: Due to the lack of enthusiasm from other patrons, Ora no longer serves Sushi. :(
Having just moved to Marin from SF, I am in complete bliss to know that a place like Ora exists in sleeper nation, AKA Marin. First of all, I have to say that I am deeply impressed by the simple fact that the food is as good as their menu is prolific. Most places that boast as many choices usually fall short on their amibitons. NOT so with Ora. Their sushi was just as good as their small plates. Try the Cod - its buttery flavor and lobsteresque texture will melt in your mouth. The garlic noodles were sublime (you say: how can anything garlic be 'sublime' and I say: 'shush up and just trust me on this! You will stick them in your mouth and think 'sublime') , and the toro was perectly fresh. The slices of fish were huge AND fresh, a nearly extinct concept in an affordable restaurant. The only setback was that I kept envisioning the building's previous lives - prob a mobile law practice at one time, and maybe a Door Knobs Unlimited or Key World at another. Anywho, the movies on the wall make for good dinner conversation, and their chicness scares away Marin parents who think bringing children anywhere is ok. At least there is one retreat in Marin for child hatin' foodies, hip hip!
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I took a party of 5 last night to Ora. We dined outside at 6 pm next to the water sculture to enjoy the warm spring evening. The service was excellent, with the waiter making good recommendations, and was not obtrusive at all, but made sure we had a delightful time. No ' mindless waiter banter'. The calamari appetizer was fantastic, with peanuts, peppers, and cilantro. We all had fish entrees. The whole crispy sea bass was terrific both in terms of flavor and presentation. The black cod was judged excellent by three people, although the portions were small, due to the very high cost of cod. My wife's portion was substantially smaller than the other 3, but we didn't complain.
We had a Landmark Cabernet, a great food pairing by the waiter.
Everybody judged the whole experience 'excellent' and we ran off to the Mark Pitta Comedy Club at the 142 Throckmorton Theatre, just ten minutes before show time. ( Buy reserved seats to ensure you can dine in leisure !)
We will return again.
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one of my faves. really really great food, beautiful ambience, and every time i'm there, the owner and waiters say hi and remember my family. ora is the second (?) restaurant by the same owner as first crush in sf.
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Really excellent experience, wasn't sure what to expect, but from the initial walk up the steps and the immediate buzz to the food, really wonderful. Great service, though it being a Tuesday night it wasn't too busy. Smallish portions, but very satisfying. Good wine list, reasonably priced. Left wanting to go back.
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I love it.
They have one delicious menu. http://www.oramv.com/m... Going with a group is better so you can try a little of everything. Asian tapitas. Que rico!
Some of my memorable selections...
White Peony Tea:
a light yet flavorful antioxidant rich tea.
Tempura Green Beans:
the himalayan truffles topped it off for me
Japanese Eggplant:
my favorite appetizer... and i'm not even a big fan of eggplant
Trio of Tartare:
i can't decide if its more of a sashimi or a cerviche, but it's good so you should make sure to start with it.
Sea Bass:
really dry and bland. not recommended.
Miso Cod on Black Rice:
a much better choice of fish. succulent and steaming, and so artfully presented. like a giant sushi! yum
Short Ribs:
little chunks of tender meaty heaven. if they were on bones they might just fall right off.
Dessert:
i went for the chocolate. very very decadent but well balanced with a unique "jasimine infused" whipped cream