What a stunning venue SORA, the Asian restaurant on the seventh floor at York Malmaison truly is.
Once we exited the gold lift, which goes directly from ground floor to the seventh floor bar and restaurant, there was a host to meet and greet us at SORA at Malmaison York.
The views from SORA are quite possibly the best in York as we could see over the rooftops and across to York Minster. On a sunnier day drinkers and diners can see the entire city from this wonderful birds eye perspective. The whole roof terrace gives off Ibiza vibes, and is a relaxing haven away from the streets below.
We were invited to dine at lunchtime to experience the brand new Bento Box Set Lunch Menu. The set menu is priced at £25 per person. Guests are asked to choose one dish from Sushi, one from Robata Grill, and one from the Crispy sections of the menu. Moreover, guests then have a choice of either Asian Slaw or Cucumber Salad to be served within the Bento Box. In addition a refreshing drink is included.
There are three choices from each of the menu sections; they include the likes of Dragon Rolls, Sticky Pork Belly, and Buttermilk Chicken Karaage to name a few. Equally important, diners can also opt to have dessert, which are priced at £5 each. Desserts are also Asian themed, with some seriously unique choices.
Lunch at SORA
We opted for a Bento Box with California Roll, Chicken Yakitori, and Tempura Tiger Prawns served with Cucumber Salad. In our second Bento Box we chose Spider Rolls, Pointed Cabbage, and Tempura Tiger Prawns with Asian Slaw (all Gluten Free options).
The standout dishes in our Bento Boxes were the Chicken Yakitori, Pointed Cabbage, and Tempura Tiger Prawns. These were truly delicious, and full of flavour, especially the cabbage. Equally, The prawns were delicately wrapped in tempura batter, which melted in the mouth, and the chicken was so moist it broke apart off the skewers.
For dessert, which to be fair we didn’t need, as we were quite full from the Bento Box but were so glad that we did because they were excellent. We chose the Calamansi, Kaffir Lime Cream, which was served with meringue, bayberries and Thai basil. In addition, this dessert was described as a posset-style sweet treat. It was utterly divine! Coupled with our second choice, the Stem Ginger Marshmallows were served with almond crumb and chocolate sauce. Oh boy, these skewered beauties were super moreish!
It was the end of our lunch at SORA, and we were sad to leave that great food and those fabulous views behind. Of course we’ll be returning in the future to enjoy the evening atmosphere on the terrace.
Visit Malmaison York to find out more and to book a table at SORA. By the same token, if you want to stay at the Malmaison or book a Christmas party use the above web link.
SORA at Malmaison York Words by Rachel McAlley
