Sean K.
Yelp
I first came across And/Ore on Instagram, and the cave-like interior design made this restaurant standout in the city. So when I was invited to a client dinner there, I was excited for the opportunity to check it out.
Unfortunately, we didn't get a table in the intriguing "cave" area downstairs, which was a little disappointing since that's part of what makes the place so cool. If you're planning to go, definitely try to snag a reservation for that space--it's worth it for the vibe alone. Also, they conveniently offer complimentary coat check which was nice.
For dinner, we opted for the Chef's Picnic--a $65 per person selection of the chef's choice of snacks, small plates, and accompaniments like cheese and cured meats. The spread was impressive and included sourdough bread and butter, marinated olives, deviled eggs, a king oyster mushroom katsu sandwich, a charcuterie board, fried mozzarella, pan-seared salmon, and crispy potatoes.
The standout dishes for us were the deviled egg, the mushroom katsu sandwich, and the crispy potatoes--all unique, flavorful, and memorable. That said, the portioning was a bit odd, and it wasn't always clear how we were supposed to share everything. Some dishes were served individually (we each got a deviled egg), while others seemed to be for sharing in ways that didn't quite add up. For example, the crispy potatoes were served on three plates, each with just three pieces, making it awkward to divide among six people. Similarly, only three plates of salmon were brought out, leaving us to figure out how to split them.
That said, the service was great--friendly and attentive without being stuffy. They also have a really nice selection of mocktails, which is always a welcome as someone who doesn't drink.
For dessert, we couldn't resist and ended up trying almost everything on the menu. The toffee pudding and ice cream sundae were the highlights for me, but honestly, you probably can't go wrong with any of their sweets.
Overall, And/Ore is definitely on the pricier side, but the food and service make it worth a visit--especially if you're not the one paying! If you do go, I'd highly recommend trying to book a table in the downstairs cave area. It's a great spot for a special occasion or a dinner that feels a little fancy. I'd say it's worth checking out at least once.