The Orator

Name: The Orator
Address: The Orator Round Church Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB5 8AD
Telephone: 01223 417142
Price range: £25 and under
Rating: 4.1

4.1

493 Reviews

£25 and under

Contemporary British

Make a booking

2 people

6 Jan 2025

11:30 pm

Booked 11 times today

Good for special occasions
Charming
Good for business meals

Nothing delights quite like The Orator, serving up contemporary British food, cocktails, beer and wine. Set in a stunning Victorian gothic venue with high ceilings bathed in swathes of natural light.

We can offer private dining for up to 20 in our private Dining Room used to host guests of the Cambridge Union Society, recently including Dua Lipa and Robert de Niro. For larger groups, we have a number of different rooms throughout the venue to cater for any occasion.
Speak to our events team at enquiries@theoratorcambridge.co.uk for more information on all private hire options.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£25 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary British, British, Café
Hours of Operation
Mon–Sat 12:00–22:00 Sun 12:00–19:00
Phone number
01223 417142
Website
https://cus.org/the-orator
Payment Options
Cash not accepted
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We have a number of small and large event spaces available to hire. Contact us at enquiries@theoratorcambridge.co.uk for more information.

Location
The Orator, Round Church Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB5 8AD
Area
Cambridge
Cross Street
Hidden behind the Round Church, between Bridge Street and Park Street.
Parking details
None
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Homemade breadGBP 5.50
Focaccia & Sourdough with salted British butters (v)
Tonys NutsGBP 4.50
Sweet & Spiced Homemade Roasted Nuts (gf, v)
Olives (gf, pb)GBP 4.50
Italian Olives
British Charcuterie Board (gfo)GBP 16.00
Selection of sliced cured meats, creamy artichoke pate, grapes & focaccia bread
Trio of dips (gfo, v)GBP 13.50
Spiced sumac beetroot hummus, smoky baba ghanoush and caramelised caponata, served with flatbread crisps

Sharing & Small Plates

British Heritage Tomato Salad (Small) (gf, v)GBP 8.00
served with gazpacho, driftwood goats cheese, basil gel & crispy capers.
British Heritage Tomato Salad (Large) (gf, v) GBP 13.00
served with gazpacho, driftwood goats cheese, basil gel & crispy capers.
Crispy Gnocchi (Small) (v)GBP 8.00
Creamy Goats Curd, Fresh Lemon Veloute & Crispy Parsley
Crispy Gnocchi (Large) (v)GBP 14.00
Creamy Goats Curd, Fresh Lemon Veloute & Crispy Parsley
Caesar Croqueta (Small)GBP 9.00
Confit Chicken, Parsley & Parmesan, Romaine Lettuce Pesto, Parmesan Crisp
Caesar Croqueta (Large)GBP 15.00
Confit Chicken, Parsley & Parmesan, Romaine Lettuce Pesto, Parmesan Crisp
Cured Chalk Stream Trout (Small) (gfo)GBP 9.00
Juniper & limed cure roasted rainbow beetroot, pickled blackberries, watercress, & a new potato salad
Cured Chalk Stream Trout (Large) (gfo)GBP 16.00
Juniper & limed cure roasted rainbow beetroot, pickled blackberries, watercress, & a new potato salad
Bruschetta (Small) (pb, gfo)GBP 8.00
Chargrilled Courgette & Globe Artichoke, Vegan Feta. Served on toasted Focaccia
Bruschetta (Large) (pb, gfo)GBP 14.00
Chargrilled Courgette & Globe Artichoke, Vegan Feta. Served on toasted Focaccia
Roasted British Asparagus (Small) (pgo, v, gf)GBP 8.00
Homemade smokey baba ghanoush, sumac mixed leaf salad, marinated artichokes & sun blushed tomatos
Roasted British Asparagus (Large) (v, pgf, gf)GBP 15.00
Homemade smokey baba ghanoush, sumac mixed leaf salad, marinated artichokes & sun blushed tomatos

Big Plates

Seabream (gfo)GBP 18.00
Roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy bisque & a seafood cracker
Chicken SnitzelGBP 16.50
Crispy breaded chicken breast, roasted garlic & parsley butter, capper & lemon potatoes & a sumac mixed leaf salad
Orator Burger (gfo)GBP 16.00
Two smashed patties , onion jam, burger sauce, melted cheddar, beef tomato, lettuce, milk bun served with Fries
Dirty Vegan Burger (gfo,pb)GBP 16.00
Homemade bean patty, romaine lettuce pesto, melted vegan feta, beef tomato, lettuce, vegan milk bun served with fries
Flatbreads
Served with caramalised caponata, sumac rocket salad roasted red pepper & picled onion. Topped with your choice of:
Marinated Chicken BreastGBP 16.00
Spiced Vegan Kofta (pb)GBP 17.00
Slow Braised BrisketGBP 18.00

Sides

Marinated Courgette & Parmesan Salad (v, gf)GBP 4.00
Caper & Lemon New Potatoes (gf, v)GBP 4.00
English Leaf Salad (v,gf)GBP 4.00
Fries (pb, gfo)GBP 4.00

Puddings

Pistachio Chocolate CakeGBP 7.00
with raspberry Puree
Feta & Basil CheesecakeGBP 6.50
Served with strawberry salad
Sticky Coffee CakeGBP 6.00
Served with vanilla ice cream
Lemon Posset (pb)GBP 6.50
with shortbread
Roasted Pineapple (pb,gf)GBP 6.00
Chocolate Soil, Coconut Sorbet
Sorbet (gf,pb)GBP 6.00
A selection or our sorbet, ask your server for todays available flavors

What 493 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
3.8Service
4.2Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Cambridge/Cambridgeshire
Good for business meals
Cambridge/Cambridgeshire
Innovative
Cambridge/Cambridgeshire
Gluten-free-friendly
Cambridge/Cambridgeshire
Hot spot
Cambridge/Cambridgeshire
Great for outdoor dining
Cambridge/Cambridgeshire
Lively
Cambridge
Great for brunch
Cambridge
Good for business meals
Cambridge
Innovative
Cambridge
Hot spot
Cambridge
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Orator offers a delightful dining experience with airy, light-filled spaces and a charming garden perfect for music nights. Guests praise the "great food" and "perfect service," though some note occasional service delays. Ideal for relaxed gatherings, the venue's decor and ambiance shine, making it a "favorite" spot in Cambridge.

493 Reviews

A
Astrid
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Superb dining experience with a well-cooked, inventive menu. The new manager, Claire, is overseeing an excellent turn-round. Still one or two staff members who could benefit from some training in service. Excellent and knowledgeable bar staff, especially Pedro.
Is this helpful?
L
Laurence
Cambridge
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
An excellent New Year’s evening with excellent food and live music.
Is this helpful?
C
Clement
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 22 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was totally incredible.... really. Was so surprised to get this level of food for the price and location. Do not be deceived the menu is simple, but totally delivers. Cannot recommend enough - brilliant restaurant !
The OratorResponded on 27 December 2024
Thank you so much for the 5 star review! We hope to see you again soon! Best wishes, The Orator team
Is this helpful?
M
Madeleine
Cambridge
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 20 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and cocktails were delicious, but what made this evening so special were the staff (our waitress was particularly fabulous, so wish I'd got her name) and the overall atmosphere. Gorgeous seating, lovely furniture, a variety of areas to eat, drink and socialise. The history of the building and pictures on the wall were a great talking point. The ability to play the piano, just made it! We will be back. Thanks so much :-)
The OratorResponded on 27 December 2024
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review! We are so happy to read that you enjoyed your experience, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best wishes, The Orator team
Is this helpful?
B
Beverley
Cambridge
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 20 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great bar and restaurant located in the centre of Cambridge. Food was delicious and the service was great! Will definitely be coming back again!
The OratorResponded on 27 December 2024
We are glad to hear you enjoyed your visit Beverley, and we look forward to seeing you again soon, Best wishes, The Orator team
Is this helpful?
E
Emma
VIP
London
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
wonderful - and the staff were just about the most motivated and welcoming of anywhere i’ve ever been. a credit to the restaurant
The OratorResponded on 27 December 2024
Thank you for the review Emma, I shall make sure to pass your comments on to my team! We hope to see you soon, Best wishes, Claire- Restaurant and Catering manager
Is this helpful?
L
Laurence
Cambridge
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great atmosphere and delicious food. Excellent service. Highly recommended.
The OratorResponded on 27 December 2024
Thank you for the 5 star review Laurence, we look forward to welcoming you back soon Best wishes, The Orator Team
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
VIP
London
26 reviews
2.0
26 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
Visited the Orator after a really good experience last year but alas we were all disappointed. The Turkey meal was much better the previous year, the whole table was forced to have the set menu when the previous visit only one of us had the festive meal. The waitress did not explain that actually the two course option wasn't available on a Friday night so we were all made to desserts too. The Turkey was the only part of the meal we enjoyed, the Coley option looked poor and apparently was not nice. We were seated right in front of the kitchen, whilst we were there three separate incidents of dropping large pans and glassware happened not making it a pleasant experience. It's a real shame as a lovely building and we all loved 2023 so unfortunately won't be returning next year.
The OratorResponded on 27 December 2024
Hi Nicole, I am sorry that you did not enjoy your visit to The Orator. The festive menu did state it was 3 courses, but this should have been confirmed by your waitress too. We hope that you will visit us again for a more enyoyable experience. Best wishes, The Orator team
Is this helpful?
h
helen
Cambridge
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 12 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Our little team gathering was lovely, food was fantastic and the place is always exquisite but although staff are attentive and helpful when they come to the table it is quite hard to get their attention and obviously paying the bill and leaving is always a challenge - especially when you are tired at the end of the night. Otherwise a lovely place to eat and celebrate Christmas.
The OratorResponded on 27 December 2024
Thank you for the feedback Helen, we hope to see you again soon for a 5 star service. Best wishes, The Orator team
Is this helpful?
S
Steve
Phoenix
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 4 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food was good. Service was slow, especially when it came to getting the bill.
The OratorResponded on 27 December 2024
Hi Steve, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, we hope to see you again soon for an improved service. Best wishes, The Orator team
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Orator is rated 4.1 stars by 493 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

6 Jan 2025

11:30 pm

Booked 11 times today

The Orator, Round Church Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB5 8AD

Additional information

Cross Street
Hidden behind the Round Church, between Bridge Street and Park Street.
Area
Cambridge
Hours of Operation
Mon–Sat 12:00–22:00 Sun 12:00–19:00
Price
£25 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary British, British, Café
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Payment Options
Cash not accepted
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://cus.org/the-orator
Phone number
01223 417142
Private party facilities
We have a number of small and large event spaces available to hire. Contact us at enquiries@theoratorcambridge.co.uk for more information.

The Orator

Make a booking

Additional information

Snacks & Nibbles

Homemade breadGBP 5.50

Tonys NutsGBP 4.50

Olives (gf, pb)GBP 4.50

British Charcuterie Board (gfo)GBP 16.00

Trio of dips (gfo, v)GBP 13.50

Sharing & Small Plates

British Heritage Tomato Salad (Small) (gf, v)GBP 8.00

British Heritage Tomato Salad (Large) (gf, v) GBP 13.00

Crispy Gnocchi (Small) (v)GBP 8.00

Crispy Gnocchi (Large) (v)GBP 14.00

Caesar Croqueta (Small)GBP 9.00

Caesar Croqueta (Large)GBP 15.00

Cured Chalk Stream Trout (Small) (gfo)GBP 9.00

Cured Chalk Stream Trout (Large) (gfo)GBP 16.00

Bruschetta (Small) (pb, gfo)GBP 8.00

Bruschetta (Large) (pb, gfo)GBP 14.00

Roasted British Asparagus (Small) (pgo, v, gf)GBP 8.00

Roasted British Asparagus (Large) (v, pgf, gf)GBP 15.00

Big Plates

Seabream (gfo)GBP 18.00

Chicken SnitzelGBP 16.50

Orator Burger (gfo)GBP 16.00

Dirty Vegan Burger (gfo,pb)GBP 16.00

Flatbreads

Marinated Chicken BreastGBP 16.00

Spiced Vegan Kofta (pb)GBP 17.00

Slow Braised BrisketGBP 18.00

Sides

Marinated Courgette & Parmesan Salad (v, gf)GBP 4.00

Caper & Lemon New Potatoes (gf, v)GBP 4.00

English Leaf Salad (v,gf)GBP 4.00

Fries (pb, gfo)GBP 4.00

Puddings

Pistachio Chocolate CakeGBP 7.00

Feta & Basil CheesecakeGBP 6.50

Sticky Coffee CakeGBP 6.00

Lemon Posset (pb)GBP 6.50

Roasted Pineapple (pb,gf)GBP 6.00

Sorbet (gf,pb)GBP 6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Orator restaurant rated?

Is The Orator currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information