Ora in Waterloo melds traditional and modern Japanese dining experiences into an all-night venue.
Ora is set to transform Sydney’s dining scene with its progressive offering in Waterloo. Boasting a traditional omakase experience, modern Japanese dining and a late-night lounge with DJs every weekend, settle in for an evening of dining and drinking across three distinct offerings.
Formerly home to Luke’s Kitchen (Luke Mangan’s eatery which is now located within Kimpton Margot), the venue has been given a complete facelift and breathes new life into the once bustling Dank Street.
The scene is set from the moment you enter through a revolving door. Notice the grandeur of the venue with dimly lit spaces, dark finishes, pendulum lamps and a long marble bar that takes centre stage as intended by interior designer Kelly Ross.
On the right, Executive Chef Nobuyuki Ura (known for putting sushi e on the map and giving it hatted status) awaits to serve you omakase from the chef’s table. On the left, you will notice luxe velvet booth seating and banquet tables inviting groups to gather for a modern Japanese meal. Take your eyes to the back of the room and be drawn to the beading that falls from the roof in an arch shape, inviting you down for a drink.
Nobuyuki’s menu plays on the simplicity of Japanese cuisine, showcasing the best seasonal produce found across Australia, only complimented by staple Japanese flavours. It has been designed to share and we recommend the banquet menu to taste a selection of Nobuki’s top-tier dishes.
From the sushi and raw bar, highlights include Kingfish Sashimi with warmed garlic oil that coats your tongue and crispy potato for added texture and Snapper Sashimi with delicate white soy and yuzu vinaigrette. It’s clear Nobuyuki is a sushi veteran when it comes to the roll and nigiri sections. Highlights include the Sukiyaki Wagyu Beef Roll with thinly sliced, premium grade wagyu and an umami-rich sukiyaki sauce, and the chef’s selection of nigiri which brings an array of fresh seafood to the table.
Straight off the hibachi are some incredibly delicious charcoaled meats including Chicken Yakitori with sweet teriyaki sauce and the Wagyu Skewer which has a marble score of 9 ensuring the fat renders into the meat with a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Miso lovers must try the Miso Cod with Patagonian toothfish and Eggplant Nasu Dengaku, all featuring a sweet miso sauce.
If you are yet to curb your miso cravings, try the decadent Miso Caramel Chocolate Tart off the dessert menu. Nobuyuki also takes the classic Italian tiramisu to new Japanese heights with the Green Tea Tiramisu featuring biscotti and midori tea chocolate.
Nobuyuki’s manta to highlight seasonal produce has been taken into the cocktail menu. The venue grows its own biodynamic herbs which are used to add depth and balance to the cocktails.
The Yuzu Sour is the ultimate palate cleanser, perfect for starting and ending your meal with Roku gin, Heiwa Yuzushu, lemon juice, agave syrup, Absinthe 55 and egg white. There’s also a selection of Japanese beers, sakes and wines to begin your education.
Ora is open Tuesday from 6pm, Wednesday – Thursday from 5pm, Friday from 12pm-3pm & 5pm and Saturday from 5pm.
Find out more and book your table.