Ora Restaurant Bar and Lounge

11/05/06

Fantastic food and service

by fatcat568 at Citysearch

This place was amazing. We came armed with a $100 gift cert and a little cynicism about what kind of Pan-Asian cuisne we would get in Mill Valley. The interior was cozy yet stylish and romantic. Determined to try a little of everything we started off with the Belgian Endive Cups and the special roll of the day which changes daily. The cups were fabulous, made with ground chicken, pine nuts, wonton crisps, and water chestnuts. Served with little slices of endive leaves and plum dipping sauce, it was scrumptious. The portion was great for an appetizer so I almost regretted ordering dinner. My husband's sushi roll consisted of shrimp tempura, crab, unagi, cucumber, avocado and mayo and wrapped in rice, squash, hamachi and sweet unagi sauce. It was huge and amazing! Their special rolls vary daily so we can't guarantee everybody's would be as good. Also served was a container of Chinese doughnuts which were very tasty. As for drinks, I had what tasted like a mojito made of sake. It was delicious with a crisp finish. So I had two. My husband ordered, which I helped him with, two separate sake flights. The filtered ones were definitely better, though. After all that we still had to have dinner! My five spice duck was very good but I have to admit, I was still nibbling on my endive cups in between bites. We also got the lamb which was mouth-wateringly tender. Not ready to stop there, we decided to have dessert and the chocolate creme and berry panna cotta were both delicious. Service was outstanding and our knowledgeable waitress anticipated our every need, such as giving us more endives and smaller spoons for dessert. Overall the food itself was fantastic. This dinner was an adventure which we'll never forget. Was definitely worth the drive from San Jose!

• Pros: Amazing fare, excellent service, great drinks
• Cons: Small portions, parking

08/09/06

Best in Mill Valley

by stephlouise at Citysearch

This is just what Mill Valley needed, a trully amazing restaurant! Ora is one of my favorite places to go with friends, its young and hip energy is extremelly attractive, they have done a great job in designing the restaurant. Chef Nguyen has really taken everyone by suprise with his talented menu, did i mention that he is just 27 years old? his Masa's background defenitely shows. Their saketinis are delicious!!!

highly recommended!

• Pros: , service

06/28/06

my new favorite restaurant. Best duck dish EVER

by neiladelman at Citysearch

WOW. I'd been wanting to try for a while. MV needs a pan asian restaurant. This one is at least as good as betelnut...maybe better. The kung pao calamari was delicious & exciting. I was concerned when it was not fried & only the calamari steak cut up.

Then we had the hoisin BBQ shortribs & the 5 spice duck confit. The shortribs were perfect. The duck was the big winner, slow cookes & crispy on the outside, it blew away ANY duck dish ever!

The portions are on the small side, but the quality & uniqueness easily justify the price. Personally, I'd rather go to a place like this & eat the cooked food & pass on the alcohol & desert, then go to an average place & get the whole meal. If money is no object...more power to you. I'm the fine dining on a budget type, and will go for quality over quantity. I'll remember the flavor & presentation more than I'll remember the large portion.

The scene is hip & fun. Unpretentious, yet special. Need I say more??

• Pros: food, presentation, cool scene
• Cons: pricey, but totally worth it, if you appreciate the magic the chef makes!