Elsewhere in town, Ora Tapas serves up unexpected small plates, like pickled chili crab, marinated monkfish, confit baby back ribs, and Manchego caesar tacos. They may be far removed from the Iberian delicacies you would experience in Spain, but Ora offers its own take with confidence. For a non-traditional afternoon tea, A Peculiar Tea is where you will find chef Gemma Austin concocting all sorts of magical dishes in her self-described “emporium of imagination.” You can also opt for the six-course tasting menu with or without a wine pairing.

Living up to its Maori name---Ora means "life"---this airy tapas restaurant specializes in hot and cold small plates such as crab claws, Manchego Caesar tacos, or chicken, chorizo, and buffalo mozzarella fritters. More substantial dishes are spiced glazed pork, braised shiitake, and barbecue mushroom, or a cumin roasted cauliflower curry. Dessert highlights include homemade trifle, baked meringue, and a whiskey crème brûlée.

££ · Modern Cuisine

Ora Wine and Tapas, located at 12 Great Victoria St, Belfast, offers a vibrant dining experience focused on sharing and indulgence. The menu features an array of Asian-influenced small plates, including marinated grilled spatchcock and seared scallops, designed to be enjoyed leisurely with fine wines. Customer reviews rave about the attentive service and flavorful dishes, highlighting favorites like the chicken liver parfait and the sticky bread and butter pudding.

Nestled in the heart of the city centre, Ora is a tapas restaurant that exudes holiday charm. With its stylish and cozy setting, tasteful Christmas decor, and a warm and accommodating staff, Ora offers a delightful backdrop for a festive culinary experience. Their Christmas menu boasts a delightful array of starters, from chicken liver parfait to crispy goat’s cheese fritters with spiced carrot puree, creating an enticing prelude to the main event.

Perfectly described as a restaurant where fusion meets classic with the focus on fresh, local produce, Ora is sure to deliver excitement, but above all taste. A new venture from renowned local restaurateur, Marty Murphy, patron of Howard Street, Ora has had big shoes to fill. However, this central spot has gone above and beyond to deliver small but perfectly designed plates, enabling it to live up to the high local expectations.

There’s no shortage of destination tables in the heart of Belfast city centre, from Michelin-starred (Ox, Muddlers Club, Deanes Eipic) to contemporary but casual (Yugo, Buba, Edo, Roam, Ora). For something a bit inventive but still accessible, consider delving into the tasting menu at either Gemma Austin’s A Peculiar Tea or the six-weekly rotating, six-course menu at Six By Nico.

It is impossible to put into words adequately to tell you how wonderful the food is at Ora Wine and Tapas, and the intense pride all the staff have in presenting it to their customers. We were delighted to have our food brought out to us on a number of occasions by the main chef. You can see how proud he is of his kitchen's work.

If you love small plates, then head over to Ora where a flavorful array of tapas range from Singapore, American to French influences. Each dish is a reflection of the owner’s journey throughout the world. Don’t miss BBQ Harissa Chicken with Napa and Kohlrabi Slaw.

The latest addition to the James Street South family, Ora is presided over by award-winning chef Marty Murphy. A nice glass of red and a tapas selection will have you dreaming of Barcelona from the heart of Belfast.