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The Orator, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The Orator

4.1
4.1
498 Reviews
£25 and under
Contemporary British

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 12 times today
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • 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
  • 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.

What 498 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
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseEnergetic

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Good for business meals

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Innovative

  • 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

    Gluten-free-friendly

  • Cambridge

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Cambridge

    Healthy

  • Cambridge

    Hot spot

  • Cambridge

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Cambridge

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Orator offers a delightful dining experience with "excellent food" and a "great environment." Patrons praise the attentive staff and the venue's inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's live music and beautiful setting enhance the overall experience. While some note service areas for improvement, the inventive menu and vibrant ambiance make it a top choice.

498 Reviews
  1. julie

    Cambridge

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Not enough choice and expensive for you got not surprised it’s so quiet

    Is this helpful?

  2. Sarah

    Norfolk/Suffolk

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 31 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a delicious meal in a great environment with live music and happy customers. Our waitress, Nat, was very attentive and professional as well as personable. Great cocktails, delicious food - perfect sized portions. Highly recommend this venue for an evening out with loved ones and/or friends.
    The OratorResponded on 3 February 2025
    Thank you so much for the great review, and I shall pass on your comments to Nat! We look forward to seeing you again! The Orator Team

    Is this helpful?

  3. Julia

    Cambridge

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 26 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food. Staff were really pleasant and helpful. A very impressive meal.
    The OratorResponded on 3 February 2025
    Great to hear you enjoyed your visit, we look forward to welcoming you back soon! The Orator team

    Is this helpful?

  4. Val

    Cambridge

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 25 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Not a good start as we arrived a couple of minutes before our booked time but were told our table had been allocated to another party and we were offered seating on high chairs in the window. We didn't want to be balancing on high chairs but they did quickly find a table with two sofas facing in the bar area for us to sit at. The food and service were very good.
    The OratorResponded on 3 February 2025
    Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback, we hope to see you again soon

    Is this helpful?

  5. Sarah

    Cambridge

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 18 January 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The food is well cooked and presented and very tasty but the menu has “dumbed down” since we were last here and the choice is not as extensive and some offerings are little more than pub food. (Suggest avoiding the crispy gnocchi which were rubbery). The drinks menu was great! The staff were attentive and lovely and the bill was good value for money. In summary, special for drinks but, unfortunately, not for food anymore.
    The OratorResponded on 3 February 2025
    Sorry to hear that our menu didnt hit the spot for you Sarah. We have a new menu launching on the 18th February 2025, hopefully you will come back and try us again then. The Orator team

    Is this helpful?

  6. Astrid

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 December 2024

    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.
    The OratorResponded on 7 January 2025
    Thank you so much! We are glad you enjoyed your new years eve with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon

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  7. Laurence

    Cambridge

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 31 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    An excellent New Year’s evening with excellent food and live music.
    The OratorResponded on 8 January 2025
    Thank you so much for the review, and we are so glad you enjoyed new years eve with us. we hope to see you again soon! Best wishes, The Orator team

    Is this helpful?

  8. 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?

  9. 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?

  10. 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?

FAQs

The Orator is rated 4.1 stars by 498 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 12 times today
Google Map for The Orator

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
    Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Vegan
  • 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.
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  • Terms of Use
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