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The Orator, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The Orator

4.0
4
395 Reviews
£25 and under
Contemporary British
Top tags:
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.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 15 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary British, British, Cafe Dining
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Wed 11:00–23:00 Thu–Sat 11:00–00:00 Sun 11:00–21:00
  • 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
    Located on Round Church St that runs between Bridge Street and Park Street
  • Parking Details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 395 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.0
4 based on recent ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Best Ambience

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Best Value

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Great for brunch

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Good for business meals

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Good for business meals

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Innovative

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Healthy

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Great for scenic views

  • Cambridge/Cambridgeshire

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Cambridge

    Best Food

  • Cambridge

    Best Service

  • Cambridge

    Best Ambience

  • Cambridge

    Best Value

  • Cambridge

    Great for brunch

  • Cambridge

    Good for business meals

  • Cambridge

    Good for business meals

  • Cambridge

    Innovative

  • Cambridge

    Good for groups

  • Cambridge

    Healthy

  • Cambridge

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Cambridge

    Great for fine wines

  • Cambridge

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Cambridge

    Lively

  • Cambridge

    Most Booked

395 Reviews

  1. Kathryn

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Lovely venue and although midweek lunch quite busy but not noisy. The food was very delicious and hot , Emily was very attentive and efficient although she probably need another pair of hands. Will definitely recommend to friends and family.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Pigeon was delicious. Overall, the food and drinks were tasty and looked nice.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Cambridge

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    Fantastic find in the centre of Cambridge. The food is outstanding and you are made to feel very welcome.

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  4. JjjjjJ

    Buckinghamshire

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Yesterday's lunch at The Orator was absolutely wonderful! We were at our table for a good 4 hours and nothing was too much trouble, the service was impeccable, so attentive, Paul our server was just completely brilliant. The decor was lovely, lots of famous photos on the wall and eclectic furnishings. Food was delicious, the Christmas pudding was to die for! Would definitely recommend The Orator.

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  5. SharonM

    Lincolnshire

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 19 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time at the Orator. We went for Sunday lunch. The menu choices were great, excellent service and delicious food.

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  6. JulieMcG

    Devon

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 19 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Faultless - excellent food, interesting menu and generous portions. Comfortable yet stylish surroundings with a low key but friendly buzz on a Sunday lunch time. Staff were fabulous - we needed to change our reserved table on arrival due to access for a member of our party - we were accommodated immediately and graciously. Our waiter (Freddie) was attentive, kind, well informed and professional - he made an already delightful occasion even better. We were a party of 4, of varied ages and palettes but we all plan to visit again soon.

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  7. GarethP

    Greater Boston

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 18 November 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    4 of us had a fun evening with cocktails and dinner. A cool set up. Food was all v good, apart from slightly strange lemon dessert which was a bit salty. Cocktails were fun and the price was excellent value.

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  8. MaryM

    Cambridge

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 18 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and excellent service in a lovely environment.

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  9. BobS

    London

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 18 November 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience4
    Great location and lively atmosphere. Good food. Service slow and unresponsive, bordering on rude. Perhaps they were having a bad day?

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  10. Milliemunro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great place to eat. Full of history too. We loved seeing the photos of all the interesting people who have been speakers in the debating chamber Ellen was a wonderful manager so helpful and friendly. We highly recommend this place for the food the comfortable restaurant and super staff

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  11. KarenT

    N. Ireland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 12 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was in Cambridge to visit my son - delicious meal in beautiful surroundings. Great service . I had thought this restaurant was for Cambridge Union members only but no longer - it is open to the public without membership. Situated behind the Round Church, it is a hidden gem!

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  12. Kate

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 November 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    I had to request the background music to be turned down. Being vocal music it was distracting. The loos downstairs were not very clean. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the meal and atmosphere and the staff. Thanks!

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  13. SusanneE

    Buckinghamshire

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 4 November 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good menu choice split into meat, fish and vegetarian. Dishes all very tasty, and home made, even desserts. Only failed on giving extra star because the portion sizes were slightly on the small side for the two men in our party. Pleasant atmosphere, not too crowded and overlooking lawn. Friendly service.

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  14. JollyH

    Bedfordshire

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 30 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food, lovely staff Will definitely recommend to friends and family

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  15. NClDryt

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is exceptional value; all menu items are worth getting and delicious. It is a lovely atmosphere in a building with a rich history. The staff are lovely and enjoyable to talk to. I highly recommend a visit.

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  16. JayBird

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a lovely meal at the Orator. I can’t eat gluten and there were plenty of options for gf food. We all ate different things and enjoyed our meals. It is a lovely setting and there was a nice atmosphere - chatter in the background but not too noisy to hear each other.

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  17. Bushman

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    Beautiful place. The waiters were not very friendly and slow to serve.

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  18. SamW

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Staff were friendly and attentive. Thank you!

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  19. Ging

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    lovely dining experience throughout just the main dish (pigeon) could be warmer it gets cold super quickly in winter

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  20. KatyT

    Cambridge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 October 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Absolutely beautiful food. Server's could be a little more attentive, paying particular attention to customer's drink levels! But overall an absolutely superb place to eat in Cambridge.

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  21. ladywithkids

    London

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 15 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place for sunday lunch and families, caters for omnivores and vegetarians equally well

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  22. Alan

    London

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 2 October 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    I used to eat here regularly when I lived in Cambridge. I used to find the food fresh, exciting, something different and a good selection. I dined there recently and the menu is drastically reduced and to make matters worse, we were met with a list of foods that were not available once we had sat down. I ordered ‘crispy’ pork - it was flabby, fatty and very tasteless. There was nothing crispy about it. Perhaps the chef doesn’t know how to crisp-up pork fat? Overall, expensive and disappointing- there are better places in Cambridge.

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  23. karenm

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff - friendly Menu - varied Chicken kale and potato rosti - beautifully cooked as was the beetroot tart tatin Good value

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  24. ToniaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 September 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very tasty food. I would prefer more nibbles. Nice wine options. Excellent service and whole atmosphere.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 22 September 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Excellent lunch at the Orator today to celebrate our 44th Anniversary. We were kindly gifted a lovely choc pud with raspberries to share....but still had room for roasted peaches with raspberries and creme diplomat! Very good service and friendly faces. Thank you.

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  26. William

    Cambridge

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 20 September 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    It was piano night . Fantastic pianist who did request and sang. Amazing he knew so may hits. Had a really fun evening .

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  27. MargaretG

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 September 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    On the day it was not busy..but overall this did not affect the pleasure we had of eating there. Look forward to the next time.

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  28. carolynM

    London

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 20 September 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Quick efficient service good food loved the mocktails.

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  29. ColinW

    London

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 18 September 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    On a dull Monday in any city in the UK the choice of good restaurants is limited as most of the best are closed. So anything left open is a matter of being a hostage to uncertain fortune. This place looked ok judging by online reviews and the ownership of the Cambridge Union but the spirits sagged on entry and being offered the scruffy much used menu. On a positive note the service was good and a brave attempt by the manager was made to make our evening a success. But is an overblown place in a great Victorian building which could be designed in a more sympathetic way for comfort. The kitchen is open and the three dips starters were adequate. The main dish of plaice was dismal being a couple of the smallest imaginable fillets overcooked on a bed of sliced potatoes, kale and artichoke dip for an alarming £28 - our bill that included one glass of sangiovese and a fruit juice came in at £57 ex service. Probably one should expect no more on a dull autumn Monday - but it all could so easily been less lacklustre and categorically not worth the expenditure. We will not return.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lovely place with friendly staff and delicious food.

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  31. SueO

    Cambridge

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 11 September 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    As a mainly lunch customer I have always loved the venue, but the food and service at The Orator has been extremely erratic since they opened. To begin with, despite the service being slow, it was great, but the menu quickly reverted to being extremely limited, with small portions of over-priced food. I therefore started to go elsewhere. However, my experience yesterday was completely different. The food was delicious, really well cooked and reasonably priced. I like the option of having a small or large plate. The service was fine. I do hope the restaurant is able to maintain this standard in the future.

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  32. Brett

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 September 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    First visit on recommendation and very pleased. Outstanding service by Frankie ? and nothing to fault - will recommend and visit again.

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  33. KatieM

    Surrey

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 5 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our meal was exceptional, the 'deconstructed cheesecake' was to die for, the staff were all lovely, particular shout out for Sophia our waitress for the evening, what a lovely young lady, the icing on the cake

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  34. StephJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely restaurant in Cambridge hidden away behind The Round Church. A real find.

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  35. AmyG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 August 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Excellent service and lovely atmosphere at this hidden gem in Cambridge. Small but excellent menu which is delicious and well designed. The desserts were particularly delicious. Highly recommend.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Surrey

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 26 August 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Food was good and service fabulous. Our waitress was lovely and the atmosphere was great.

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  37. SimonT

    Cambridge

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on 21 August 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Very tasty food in a lovely setting, good service.

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  38. AmandaF

    Cambridge

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 13 August 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely interior and food - one of my favourite places to eat in Cambridge

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  39. RACHELT

    Romania

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my go-to restaurants for a treat with my daughter or special occasion with family & friends. Delicious, well-presented food, nice range of non-alcoholic drinks and excellent service in beautiful surroundings.

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  40. William

    Cambridge

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 8 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Popped in for a quick mid week lunch. Beautiful veggie selection and a treat of fresh sardines cooked with crispy skins. Finished with the best peach pudding ever and not badly priced.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

FAQs

The Orator is rated 4 stars by 395 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 15 times today
Google Map for The Orator

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

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Located on Round Church St that runs between Bridge Street and Park Street
  • Area
    Cambridge
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Wed 11:00–23:00 Thu–Sat 11:00–00:00 Sun 11:00–21:00
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary British, British, Cafe Dining
  • 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, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, 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.
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