Going global

Barbara Young visits Orbis in Stamford for a distinctive dining experience, where world dishes are created for sharing.

Tucked away in All Saints’ Place in the historic heart of Stamford, Orbis opened in 2021 and has fast become established as a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

Its focus is simple – diners take a gourmet trip of the world from their table, enjoying international cuisine in the form of small plates, sharing dishes and cocktails, all beautifully presented.

This stylish restaurant, which has a cosy, friendly and cool vibe, offers a unique dining experience with an eclectic 100% gluten-free menu inspired by world cuisines, perfectly designed for sharing.

Within just two years of opening, Orbis has already been recognised for great food, earning two AA Rosettes last summer, while also winning the Midlands-based Great Food Club’s Restaurant of the Year and gaining a Traveller’s Choice award from TripAdvisor.

Award-winning
However, owner and restaurateur Jonny Spencer, who also owns Orbis in Oakham, is not resting on his laurels. Last year he brought in highly regarded head chef Tim Luff to head up the kitchen talent and help bring the menu “to the next level”, with a third AA rosette firmly in the team’s sights.

Tim, who is already well known in the area, having worked with Sean Hope when they won the Michelin star at The Olive Branch in Clipsham, has risen to the challenge and developed an exciting and diverse menu of authentic world flavours with a clearly identifiable Orbis twist.

The restaurant caters for all dietary requirements, with vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free options available and clearly marked.

The interior of this contemporary and stylish eatery and bar features warm, rich wood and mellow lighting creating a relaxing atmosphere, with unobtrusive music adding to the welcoming ambience. Upstairs there is also additional seating (ideal for large groups), with a rooftop terrace which opens for outdoor dining this month (March) and plans for a charcoal pit and a special barbecue menu on Saturdays during July and August.

Sharing selection
Whether you’re planning a date night, a catch-up with friends and family, or a special celebration, the sharing concept works well.

This tapas type style of fine dining invites dishes to be sampled individually or form part of a selection for the whole table to try which also helps with pacing yourself throughout the meal.

The service is efficient but never feels rushed. Take your time to peruse the menu choices while sipping one of the many delicious and colourful alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktail creations.

We enjoyed sampling alcohol-free Sober Pirate and the Passion Fruit Mock-Tini, as well as the aptly named Lincolnshire Countryside, featuring apple juice, elderflower and Seedlip “gin”.

The friendly and well trained staff are on hand to advise and guide you through the varied choices of the speciality dishes, which arrive “Asian style” – freshly cooked and in no particular order, creating a source of eager anticipation.

Our waitress recommended a selection which provided a perfect globetrotting experience, including the Crispy Duck Miniature Taco with cherry hoisin sauce, spring onion and radish. This was full of flavour, with just the right combination of crispy shell and soft shredded duck, moistened with a glossy piquant flavoured dressing.

Next to arrive was one of the restaurant’s best-loved flagship dishes – Bang Bang Cauliflower, served with spicy peanut sauce. It’s one of customers’ all-time favourites and we could definitely see why!

Glossy, rich rounds battered and baked until crispy, sprinkled with sesame and chia seeds and served with a slightly spicy sauce – light yet utterly delicious!

The Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese is another firm favourite topped with a panko crumb crust, simply inviting you to dive in and explore its creamy interior before savouring every comforting forkful.

From the list of Larger Signature Dishes, we were tempted by the Ferocious Chicken with red peppers and cashew nuts, and the Sticky Vietnamese Tofu, but decided on the Maple Syrup Belly Pork with crackling and bacon jam, plus thinly sliced Slow Cooked Rump Cap served with hot ‘n’ sour sauce.

Stunning to look at, but also so full of flavour – impossible to choose a favourite between them!
We also enjoyed the skin-on Truffle Fries, served with a drizzle of fresh truffle mayonnaise and the Honey Roasted Red Peppers, Rocket and Goats Cheese salad, which proved perfect accompaniments.

Top marks too for the dessert menu which featured a retro classic, Baked Alaska, which can only be described as art on a plate as it arrived beautifully decorated with dabs of passion fruit curd and a sprinkling of raspberry crisp, while the Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding with vanilla ice cream featured a light sponge with a smooth creamy tasting sauce – very moreish!

There is also a special brunch menu (served on Friday and Saturday from 11am) and don’t miss the Chef’s Creations set menu for two, which provides a true gourmet trip of the world.

As the AA inspector summed up in his report: “Orbis is doing a good job of showing gluten-free doesn’t equal boring.”

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