Orrery: Serene and Elegant French Restaurant in Marylebone

When my friend mentioned having lunch at Orrery, a Michelin-star restaurant on Marylebone High Street; I originally misheard the name and thought he said we were at going to eat at ‘Ovary’. Seeing my bemused look, my friend then spelled out the name but I was none the wiser to what Orrery meant.

Chicken Liver Parfait

Turns out, Orrey is a mechanical model of the solar system named after Charles Boyle, Fourth Earl of Orrery (1676 – 1731). The actual model on display at the restaurant is on loan from the Greenwich museum.

In additional to our visit being rather edifying, the food was flawless. We opted for their set lunch 3 course menu of £30 which was excellent value for money. We started with a cute little amuse bouche and then had the starters of seafood ravioli in a lobster bisque and a chicken liver parfait with onion chutney which were just stunningly presented and tasted amazing. The mains didn’t disappoint either: Salmon with fennel, citrus and a coriander dressing and Daube de boeuf en croute – a rich beef stew covered in puff pastry. For dessert, we chose a selection of cheese from the trolley and a Lemon tart with a raspberry sorbet.

Salmon with Citrus, Fennel and Coriander Dressing

With dishes cooked to perfection and served with such flair, you can totally see why they have a Michelin star. The only downside for me was the atmosphere or rather the lack of it. To be fair, we were there for Sunday lunch which was a rather quiet time of day. The layout of room is unusual as well. It’s a long rectangular room with large arched windows on one side looking out onto the Marylebone Church Gardens. Perhaps it does liven up in the evenings for dinner but sedate atmosphere or not, I can’t deny their set menu is an absolute steal for what they offer and well worth a visit.

Cheese tray !!!




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