Oro Sushi: New Delivery-Only Concept Launches in Wimbledon
Oro Sushi offers a fresh take on sushi, fusing Japanese cuisine with light and fresh Australian flavours. Recently launched in Wimbledon as a delivery-only, pescatarian-led venture, Oro Sushi is the brainchild of Alexandre Santamaria, founder of Aware Hospitality, ex Zuma Global executive chef, Anthony Garlando, and sustainability entrepreneur, Nick Yeatman.
Noticing a gap in the market, the trio set about creating a concept that concentrates on restaurant-quality sushi – made with sustainable ingredients – available at affordable prices. Rising to the challenge of reaching diners in new and exciting ways, the upmarket dark kitchen idea was brought to life amid the drastic industry landscape of 2020. Despite the headwind facing the hospitality industry during covid-19, Oro pressed on with their plans, and opened in the middle of the pandemic. With no desire to open a restaurant site, Oro is concentrating on the high-end home experience.
Following the overwhelming success of their first stint in Belgravia, Central London, the Oro team has secured substantial investment for fast growth starting with opening a delivery and collection outlet in Wimbledon – a neighbourhood previously lacking in high-end takeaway options.
With a surge in food deliveries during lockdown, Oro tapped into the takeaway landscape, offering South West London a sushi menu highlighting sustainable fish along with vegan options. With a strong focus on pescetarianism, and an unwavering commitment to quality, the menu features dishes including: Spicy Bluefin Tuna Maki with chilli mayonnaise and shichimi pepper; Prawn Nigiri topped with macadamia and tahoon pesto; Prawn and Ginger Gyoza accompanied with a rhubarb and Tasmanian pepper berry sauce; and Nori Crumbed Lemon Sole with crispy potato, black garlic mayonnaise and lemon.
Showcasing the versatility of veg and plant-based products, vegan options include: Avocado and Cucumber Maki, Mochi Flat Bread with Australian bush sukkah and whipped tofu, and Fried Cauliflower served alongside XORO Sauce and coconut tofu.
Anthony Garlando has been instrumental in curating the forward-thinking, pescatarian menu that emphasises innovative flavour combinations as well as embracing creativity. Working for years alongside Michelin starred chefs developing European dishes and establishing expertise in Japanese food in Zuma, Chef Anthony is a master of weaving new ideas into traditional recipes. In Oro, he brings an expression of Australian seaside flavours that he grew up with to this exciting new twist on a Japanese menu.
Currently delivering to Wimbledon and the surrounding SW18 areas, Oro Sushi will be available in other parts of London in the very near future. In addition to their ambitious capital takeover, the concept is set to expand oversees, with premises in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia already secured.
Alongside their sushi menu, Oro are getting ready to launch DIY kits and a selection of bespoke bottled cocktails designed by mixologist Chris Grøtvedt. An experienced business entrepreneur with more than a decade working in 5* star hotels and world-class bars, Chris is a pioneer in the drinks industry. He has many strings to his bow, including founding the Nordic Bar Show, walking away with Norway’s 2017 Industry Personality of The Year award along with his successful bar manager stints at 5* The Thief and Theatercafeén at Hotel Continental. Co-owner and creative director of award-winning cocktail bar *Ism Olso, Chris’ wealth of knowledge has aided his trailblazing cocktail menu.
With sales currently rising 30% week on week, Oro Sushi is already making waves in South West London and looks set to flourish post lockdown.