Neighbouring The Cuban (in the space formerly occupied by O’sushi), Orzo aims to offer diners a modern take on the authentic tastes and flavours of southern coastal Italy, and deliver it in a sophisticated setting that’s relaxed yet subtly elegant. Chef Matthew’s menu focuses heavily on sustainable produce and local seafood, with lunch, dinner and in-between snacks (like cheeses and cured meats) served daily. You can dine alfresco overlooking the Oracle precinct, or settle inside and gaze at Orzo’s enviable blush-hued interior while catching the action from the open kitchen – wherever you perch yourself, be sure to kick things off with one (or two) of Orzo’s signature strawberry gum-infused negronis.

The menu, which is kept intentionally simple to flow with the seasonality of local produce, covers smaller plates and snacks, handmade pastas, and a choice of three mains. Start with housemade focaccia with whipped ricotta and rosemary oil, crumbed green olives with ‘nduja, kingfish crudo with bagna cauda, Calabrian chilli and fennel, and veal tartare with tuna mayo, pickled onion, croutons and caper leaf. Handmade pasta is the hero here, giving a nod to Italy’s south with everything from bucatini with native pepper, pecorino romano and guanciale (cured meat) to delicate ravioli encasing prawn and scallops swimming in a prosecco butter sauce, as well as rigatoni, tagliatelle, risotto and gnocchi. The menu is rounded out with mains like pan-roasted local fish with green olives and walnuts, and pancetta-wrapped spatchcock with chicory and grapes, accompanied by seasonal sides – think summer beans and peas with mint, red onion, montasio cheese and verjus.

Orzo’s bar is lined with goodness, with its predominantly Italian wine list covering all of the shades. There’s also Menabrea birra on tap, Italian cider, and the full breadth of spirits. The cocktail list will transport you to Italy’s coastline with just one sip, featuring an array of negroni variations and refreshing spritzes, as well as a handful of Orzo signatures.

Orzo is now open! You’ll find its opening hours and contact details over in our Stumble Guide.