Rouens. Place de la Pucelle, the Oritano has been transformed into a Mediterranean bistro
By Margot Nicodeme
Published on
A new owner, a new formula for this place which borders on the essential place of the Maida Rouen (Seine Maritime) : the kitchen of theOritano is no longer just Italian, it is now mediterraneanand can be enjoyed at the same time with cocktails each more original than the other. It was entrepreneur Omar Abodib, owner of three restaurants in Étretat, who acquired the restaurant in downtown Rouen in October 2021. His sister-in-law, Céline Vatinel, is in charge. “We have reworked the concept, with this blue wall and lamps and benches designed by a Lebanese designer”, in homage to the origins of the boss.
Hummus trio, seaweed tartare
On the walls, photos of markets taken in Lebanon, where Omar Abodib and his team have also sent containers filled with clothing and medical equipment since the disaster in Beirut. At the “new” Oritano, there are two distinct menus, one comprising three starters, three main courses, three desserts, “with a vegetarian formula for each”, specifies Céline, served at lunchtime, then another with dishes to share for the evening.
The trio of hummus (classic, with beetroot, sweet potato, tasted and approved!), or even a sea bream ceviche with lime and Espelette pepper, falafels and their pickles of red onions, scallops accompanied by a seaweed tartare… The gustatory journey is assured.
With its delicacies, surprising cocktails, invented by the bartender Mickaël. The Riviera Spritz, for example, is a tasty mix of Martini Vibrante (without alcohol), peach, thyme and sparkling water, while the Kabylifornia contains gin, barley syrup, fresh mint and orange blossom.
A terrace that can accommodate 40 customers
If the Mediterranean bistro had opened expressly for the Belly Festival 2021, it is from this month of March that the public will be able to sit down there and taste its homemade dishes. Just in time for sunny days. “There are 18 places inside, and 40 outside”, sums up the manager. Undoubtedly the address to remember for the spring/summer season which is just around the corner.
L’Oritano, 8, Place de la Pucelle in Rouen. Phone. 09 86 15 26 90. The establishment is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
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