The Travelling Pixie in London

Opentable Offer: Orrery Restaurant

I went to Orrery 3 years ago for the first time when they still had the honour of 1-Michelin Star.  The food was absolutely stunning.  With the option of booking it via Toptable (now Opentable), we were able to get a very good deal of 3 courses for a little more than £20 – I’ve checked the Opentable offer online, and it is now £32 for a three-course dinner, and £27.50 for a two-course lunch.

Orrery is named after the clockwork model of the solar system, probably because of acquiring its own Michelin ‘Star’.  Located on the Marylebone High Street, this restaurant is converted from stable block, with a rooftop terrace and overlooking the Church.  As I stepped out of the elevator when it reached the first floor, I was warmly welcomed by a smiling waitress, asking us if we had reserved a table.  The restaurant wasn’t very big and the tables seemed to be quite close together, but as it was a Monday, the restaurant wasn’t very crowded and the ambience was nice and quiet.

We settled down in our seat and ordered the Toptable-table offer 3-course dinner menu.  To our surprise, apart from the 3 courses, we were given a complimentary pre-appetiser.  The French Onion Soup complimentary pre-appetiser was the best I’ve ever had – I still remember it to this day.

The appetiser I chose for the 3-course dinner was a crab and crayfish ravioli in Lobster bisque, it was absolutely bewildering.  It was served on the table with the lobster bisque on the side, the friendly waitress then poured the searing hot lobster bisque around the ravioli, submerging the crab meat and seafood.  The crayfish ravioli and the lobster bisque was in perfect harmony, it tasted so rich and savoury.  I felt like I could never have enough of this dish.  I would definitely recommend it if you’re a fan of lobster bisque and seafood.

Then came the main course – where I ordered braised beef.  Sadly I didn’t take a nice photo of the actual braised beef- but you could always order it and try for yourself ;)!  It was served with crispy chips placed as petals, as shown in the photo.  I have no idea what the crispy chips are, but they’re yummy!

I also couldn’t find the photo of the dessert, but I ordered a vanilla flavoured creme brulee.  The crispy top of the creme brulee was seared to perfection, plus it was served with ice cream – which was a huge huge plus because I SIMPLY LOVE ICE CREAM – well who doesn’t right?!

Finally, our 3-course dinner came to a close with a post-dessert of chocolates and biscuits, which marked a perfect ending to my first experience at Orrery.

 

1 year ago, I went to Orrery again with the Toptable offer.  Yet this time, we went for lunch plus they’ve already lost their Michelin Star.  It was a completely different atmosphere to the last time when I went for dinner.  The day was beautiful, as we stepped into the restaurant, the warm rays of the sun radiated into the restaurant.  It was a weekday, so again, the restaurant wasn’t very crowded.  The ambience was even better than dinner as the sunlight created an atmosphere of serenity.  The waitresses also gave a lot of privacy for the diners, you wouldn’t see them while you’re eating, yet when you raise your hand, they always seem to be there for you instantly.  Despite losing their Michelin Star, I still felt that their food was still delicious.

Overall, I would say Orrery is a defo must-try restaurant, especially where there’s an Opentable offer.  Without the offer, ordering a-la-carte could be quite pricey.  But with the offer, I’d say its a value-for-money deal.

 

 

Orrery Restaurant

55 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 5RB

Price: £££

Ambience: 7/10

Yum Factor: 8/10

http://www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk