Oria, a new Mediterranean restaurant, is slated to open to diners off Barton Springs Road in late February.
On the menu
The restaurant specializes in charcoal- and wood-fired cooking inspired by by flavors from the Eastern Mediterranean and Southern Europe, including bright acidity, bold spices and fire-forward cooking techniques, according to Oria information.
Sharable plates include the Fire-Roasted Harissa Branzino, Wood-Fired Pita Bread, and Spicy Walnut and Yogurt Dip. The cocktail menu features the Fig Leaf Martini, Charred Pineapple Mezcalita, and Dates and Spices Old Fashioned.
A closer look
Oria’s space is designed to reflect a Mediterranean garden courtyard. The restaurant’s patio, seating 100 diners, includes greenery, an outdoor pita oven and a walk-up counter with outdoor bar seating during the daytime.
The inside dining room offers banquette seating and freestanding tables to accommodate 100 guests. At the entrance of the restaurant, a lounge area serves as a dimly lit cocktail space during the evening.
The backstory
Oria is the latest concept from the team behind Space Cowboy—a restaurant off East Seventh Street in which diners are served by robots.
“Oria is about slowing down and letting food, fire and conversation take center stage,” Oria Owner Rikki Wang said in a news release. “After creating Space Cowboy, we wanted to create something that feels equally transportive but familiar, a place that still feels special, grounded in warmth, ritual and human connection.”
Something to note
Oria will be open from 4 p.m.-midnight on weekdays and until 2 a.m. during the weekend. The restaurant will accept reservations through Resy.
Complimentary parking will be available in the garage behind the restaurant.
“>
Dining and Cooking