ORO Restaurant & Lounge located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, is a fun, chic, and casual restaurant in the PNC Building at the corner of Martin and Wilmington Streets. Rather than offering individual starters and main courses, ORO serves dishes that are designed for sharing among friends and are brought to the table steadily and continuously throughout the meal. Offering 16 wines-on-tap; ORO's wine list, cocktail selection, and variety of local beer is diverse and exciting to please all palates.
"Oro offered flavor filled unique options that you don't find at the other 25 Tapas bars in DTR. The Gilled Corn in Miso sauce is a must try! The menu includes heartier nibbles (short ribs), vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free bites. Tapas come out of the kitchen at an easy pace. Ambiance is fresh clean with a nod to mid century modern. This is not the place for an intimate conversation. The only soft surfaces are the napkins, noise bounces and you can hear every conversation except the one at your table. The energy is frenetic- ideal for quick stop on Saturday night before hitting the clubs. (Our server would go MIA for long periods leaving water & cocktail glasses empty, 20 min wait to order dessert, we got check & had dessert down street)"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"The service was very fast, friendly and good. The food was average. The ambience was awful. The tables are too close together and we were beside an older couple where the guy was massaging the ladies feet 6 inches from us."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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"Was looking forward to trying out ORO for some time now. The place is nice and the staff was attentive but the food was underwhemling, wasn't bad just bleh. With all the great choices downtown, I dont see myself going back to ORO unless they improve the food."
Dined on 4/19/2013
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"Food was good. The flavor of the short ribs was okay and they fell apart. We tried at least 10 dishes. My favorite dishes were the coleslaw with shrimp and corn. The halibut was good. Ordered the truffle oil dish that we added shrimp to but didn't get to taste. I tasted the pass fruit cheesecake and thought it and orange sorbet was great. I would return, but would rather choose a good dish rather than do tapas."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"Great food, offered in something like a tapas menu - smaller portions with the recommendation that you order two or three selections for a couple) and share, and order more depending on how hungry everyone is. Wine, although available in the usual bottle, is also available in four size "pours" - 2, 4, 6 and 8 oz., from a high end system that allows selections of higher end wines normally not on a "by the glass" selection. Our server, Phillip, was very helpful, very knowledgable and very attentive. In addition, the food was simply great. A fun experience and a restaurant I will definitely revisit regularly."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"Booked a table while waiting for the NC Symphony to start up. Very pleasant surprise. Felt like we were in Manhattan, not Raleigh. Just pleased that later evening dining options are expanding downtown."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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"I was at ORO for my son's birthday. It was fantastic! We had 8 different items, and every single one was special. The guidance we received selecting wine was perfect. The service was very professional and friendly.
We will be back, soon."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"ORO never fails me. The food and the service are always impeccable."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Everything was great EXCEPT seating. We had made reservations for 8:15 and was there 10 minutes early knowing we would have to wait until our time . So we sat at the bar. We did not get sat until 10 minutes to 9pm. I think it you take the time to make reservations you should be sat at your time. They gave no explanation until I went to the host and asked what was taking so long and they just said we had to wait. We could see there were many tables open in the dining room upstairs and puzzled why we had to wait . BUT when we finally got sat our waiter was great and the food was good"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"Some dishes were very good such as the Gnocchi and others were not seasoned well such as the fried chicken and green tomatoes. Hit or Miss on food. Very good service"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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"The food was absolutely AMAZING. They also have Red Oak on tap which made my boyfriend very happy! They seemed to be out of a few things the night we went (pork belly skewers, a few of the cocktails) but the food and drinks we did get were delicious! Highly recommend the gnocchi, it is some of the best I've ever had and I absolutely LOVE gnocchi so I've tried a lot! We will return for a special occasion or just drinks at a light bite, as it is a bit expensive."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, special occasion, hot spot
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"Such a wonderful place. I took my wife here for her birthday after searching open table for a good spot. Pleasantly surprised to notice the upstairs seating in addition to the dinner and bar scene on the 1st level. I would like to see dimmer lights and louder music at least as the night gets later. overall, an excellent spot."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
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"We sat upstairs and as the evening progressed the noise level was too high. I didn't see anything that allowed the noise to be absorbed. The food and service was excellent!!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"It was our first time here and we were very impressed. The food was excellent, our server and all service was fast and friendly, and the decor and ambiance of the place is very cool."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Oro's small plates are delicious and inventive. The chef came around to each table to get feedback from the diners, and was so gracious and happy, it made the night feel even more complete. We will definitely be back, ESPECIALLY for the pork belly skewers and lobster bites with pepper salad. Fantastic place for a date, and the best part was the very comfy chairs!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Just purely a delightful place to eat! Terrific cuisine!!! Loved everything! Waiter was very attentive. Will return every time I am in town on business."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"This was my first time here and I really enjoyed it! The food was delicious and well priced and the service was fantastic. I really liked how the restaurant looked as well. Nice choice!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Every item ordered was delicious, but don't miss the truffle mac n cheese! Servers were attentive and thorough. This was my second visit and I will definitely return."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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"Had dinner with friends on a lively Saturday night. I was the only Vegan in the group and was so happy to find many delicious dishes that my non-vegan friends also enjoyed. The food and service were both fantastic. The only drawbacks were that it was a bit loud, so it was a bit difficult to hear each other across the table (a lot of leaning in and repeating ourselves), and because it's tapas, many dishes are arriving and there wasn't always enough room on the table for all the dishes. Sometimes the dishes were hanging off the table. They should put stands on the table that are multi-tiered for all those plates! That being said, I highly recommend this restaurant and I look forward to going back soon!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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"We tried 8 different dishes and they were all wonderful. Favorites were the short ribs and the carmelized pork belly skewers. The service was also great. We were never left waiting for anything and the staff all seems to work together to keep things running smoothly. My only complaint is that there are not more affordable options for wine. The concept of the wines on tap is pretty cool since you have the choice to order 2 oz, 4 oz, 6 oz or 9 oz. However, many of the 2 oz samples are $8 or more which just makes it too expensive to actually try some of them. There are a handful of wines that you can get for $9-$10 per glass but, in my opinion, not enough of a selection. If you plan to order a bottle of wine,there are lots of choices"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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"We've been to Oro three times with 3 different couples. Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It has a big city feel and wonderful small plates."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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"Great vegan options and terrific for wine flights. Ground floor is noisy (at least to those of us over 60) so if you want a quieter meal, ask to be seated upstairs."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"I dont' remember their hours. But it would be nice if they are open after the theatre. There are many choices for small sharing plates - excellent fish tacos, sea bass, three bean cake, green beans (Yes!, Green beans). Didn't have time to look at the dessert menu, but we saw some lovely things coming out of the kitchen. White decor with interesting light fixtures. Areas for 2 or 4, but could be combined for larger groups. There is an upstairs, but no one was there when we were. Waiter was very knowledgable, responsive. Very good experience, we will definitely be going back."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"I went to Oro with my boyfriend to celebrate a special occasion. Our reservations were at 8:45, and there the place was PACKED. Usually when you have an OpenTable reservation, hosts will try to seat you at a nicer table (I could visibly see the host's nervousness when we were sat where we were). We were at a table for two right behind the host stand, which would have been fine if it were not for how terrible the acoustics were. Obviously, none of this is the restaurant's or servers' fault, but the noise really did make the dinner much less enjoyable. It must have been worse than usual because the manager apologized for the noise.
Food was excellent, hot, and coursed nicely. Service was great. Perhaps do not go on a Saturday night..."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, notable wine list
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"I probably wouldn't go back--made a reservation and was told that our table wasn't ready, not a problem, my friend and I decided to have a seat at one of the high top tables near the bar. Several other people were around us and during our 20 minute wait, the hostess made sure to visit their table(s) repeatedly to check on them, offer them water, and make sure they were OK. No visits to my table though. Rude. After waiting for a while, we sat down for our food, which was mediocre at best. The drinks were a little strong, we tried the Pura Vida and the Spring Fling--If I wanted to taste tequila, I would have ordered tequila and pineapple. Definitely did not put me in mind of being in Vegas or NY...just trying too hard in NC."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: hot spot
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"It was very good food. We had to wait for about 20 minutes to have our seat and then we were seated right by the door. The food came out really quick and the server was very good."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
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"Had a great dinner, sat at the "kitchenette". Food was wonderful,enjoyed talking with the chef/owner.The food was fresh and flavorful! Can not wait to go back."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We ordered small plates to share and each was outstanding. The food here is clearly a notch above most nice restaurants in Raleigh. It can get a bit pricey, but with the small plates that is easy enough to control."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"First time in a long time that my wife and I enjoyed the food so much. It was a pleasure to watch the chef in action. What an efficient kitchen! Great time, great food, great staff. Would love to do it again!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Oro greets you with an Urban Sophisticated Ambience that is both comfortable and laid back. Fabulous Fine Dining Tapas that is encouraged to share. When we viewed the incredible menu selection and then saw the generous portions being served, there was no doubt we were sharing! We ordered wine from a fabulous selection and then we opted to start with the fish tacos & crispy shrimp. Within a matter of minutes, our appetites were indulged. We then proceeded on with the chilean seabass and wild mushroom risotto. Every selection we made was an absolute culinary delight and our waiter was equally exceptional. Then if this wasn't enough, the price for this experience did not match up with the modest bill. Oro is a must try & fabulous experience!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Just not good. Trying to be modern, chic and upscale but its nowhere close. It's bar food, not creative or fancy tapas. Too bad. We were hoping for much more than polenta cakes, overdone ribs slathered in bbq sauce, tasteless ravioli, etc. oh we'll."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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"I brought my boyfriend to Oro for his birthday. I made a reservation through OpenTable, detailing the occasion. Upon entering the restaurant, the hostess knew that it was my boyfriends birthday. Then, when we sat at our table, our waitress wished my boyfriend a happy birthday as well. I was so impressed that the staff paid attention to my special requests through the OpenTable reservation. The food and drinks were absolutely amazing. The staff was friendly and the service was excellent. They even brought out a candle with dessert. The atmosphere was very upscale and romantic. Oro was the perfect spot to celebrate!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We came in for Valentine's Day and saw many couples for the same reason. Based only on the Valentines special menu, there were few choices. I didnt get to review he regular menu whether I will come back again. Very light and airy but the tables were too close to neighbors and a bit too white bright. overall, was a good experience. Friendly servers who not once dropped anything going up and down the stairs.:)"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"My second visit. Both have been very good. Food is wonderful. On the second visit, getting the waiter's attention to take our drink order took longer than it should have, but he recouped in the end. Excellent wine list. Love the ability to have tastes of wines that I ordinarily couldn't afford."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"I was really excited about the black bean cake. When we tried it, it was too salty. The grilled octopus and Chilean Seabass made up for the black bean cake. The waiter was welcoming and friendly.
Claudia"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
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"Excellent food cooked to perfection and service, caring and with a smile, highlighted this romantic, early evening trip into this elegant establishment. The wine was superb and highlighted the ambiance of the meal."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Great spot for lunch. We particularly enjoyed, Chris (the chef). He is so personable and welcoming to the restaurant. Presentation of the dishes was superb! Not too loud, so you can talk and the decor is tasteful but modern!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2011
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"A perfect place for an out of the ordinary culinary experience....high energy and romantic at the same time...a tough combination to produce! Highly recommend the Pear Salad. The waitress helped enhance the romance with my date by suggesting we separately order our courses and share with each other."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"If you like tapas this is the place. We ordered the fish tacos, delicious. The shrimp and grits, wonderful. Also the corn and cab soup very good. The only thing I would say they could improve on is the Chef needs to use a little more salt and pepper in the prep. But overall great. I will go again."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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"Excellent experience all the way around. ORO shines in Raleigh."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Dinner was delicious! I am still thinking about that Truffle Mac and Cheese...yum! We had never heard of this place until Restaurant Week. The menu caught our eye and we gave it a chance. So glad we did! We loved being encouraged to share our plates! It was such a great experience!"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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