Orka Artisan Cafe in Aberdeen City

Lovely meal and great helpful staff, I am gluten free and my partner is vegan so not easy to provide for but they excelled with us.

Lovely place . I was told to sit anywhere then another member of staff asked me to move to an aisle seat in main thoroughfare I moved to back of restaurant. Ordered an Orka bagel to be informed no salmon. So I left.

Arrived at 4 pm today and was told rather curtly that they were closed. I pointed out that the board by the door said they open until 5pm. Apparently they have still to update it with the winter opening hours. It is now almost the end of February so winter is just about past and we are into spring. I suspect they were just closing early today but would have appreciated a bit more honesty and politeness from staff.

Best coffee in Ballater, friendly welcoming staff, clean tasty and cute location in the heart of the town - highly recommend, Rose and her staff will be waiting to welcome you

We stopped at the cafe for lunch on Saturday,a sunny day so we sat outside The service from the young staff was friendly and efficient The food was excellent,we both said that it’s the best we’ve had recently. Can’t fault anything about our visit and will return 👏👏

This was a great place for my morning coffee and breakfast the bacon rolls are so tasty and the service is always excellent

This was so disappointing. What was advertised and what received was opposite. The vegan was poor offerings, mostly vegan cheese which I would never eat. Small treat for vegan were a sliver of bites. The place could do with a hoover. We had to ask for tea/coffee and waited too long for it. Asked several times. Unless they train the staff then should not be left alone. Also area downstairs suppose to be private but staff back and forth as we were really at the kitchen downstairs. Dishes etc going back and forth. Poor afternoon tea and would not recommend unless they improved service, food and cleaned up!. Not every eats cheese! Vegan or otherwise. Stawberry tarts were orded but not supplied, again not told until arrived. A phonecall would have been appreciated. Was so looking forward to this but would not recommend until improvements made.

My partner and I visited Orka on a Sunday for some lunch. The cafe was busy and there weren’t any available tables upstairs and so we were taken downstairs. The set up downstairs didn’t feel like it was properly set up for customers, it had a staff room feel to it (which I am guessing it serves this purpose when customers are not down there). I felt the waitress could tell we were not happy with the table. If you are going to offer this as seating, you need to make it feel as though the customer isn’t tucked away in some dingy room with staff constantly coming back and forth. We asked if we could have a table upstairs if one became available and shortly after we were moved to the main part of the cafe. We both ordered the soup and panini combo. The food was nice but nothing to write home about. Unfortunately, my partner found two hairs in his food. We understand mistakes can happen, but to find two?! We sent the panini back and the staff replaced the panini with a fresh one. My partner had a cappuccino and we both did not like the taste at all. The coffee had a very bitter taste to it. The staff were polite, friendly and apologetic with the issues we faced. With so much competition in the area for coffee shops, I would be more inclined to visit the other establishments, as I do not think Orka offers anything better for the price. That said, the cafe could be a real gem with some tweaks.

We went here for a lovely lunch a couple of days ago, we normally only have the chance to have a quick take away or breakfast roll from this busy cafe so it was lovely to sit and have a leisurely lunch . We had a couple of their Paninis and fab coffees - the whole thing was lovely - I like a strong coffee and it was without being bitter too . The service was really good too - they were busy but nothing seemed to be any trouble .

Had found out about this lovely cafe last summer and let me tell you that I've fallen in love and ever since I have been a regular. From the colour theme & decor to the lovely staff which have always been warm and welcoming to the amazing meals that I've had while basking in the rare Aberdeen sun. What a gem! The atmosphere and location make it ideal for a quick bite, catch up date or simply a coffee stop before work. I wholeheartedly recommend!

This is my favorite coffee shop,this end of Aberdeen. I visit every day for my coffee ECT and find the staff are very polite and friendly and keep the premises clean and tidy. I must say to the person that could not get a table? Maybe it was a busy time when you visited? Or the tables could have been reserved,? If you need a table for the next time try booking one next time. I would also like to say to the person,that sent a nasty report about what the staff allegedly said ? I recon it's down to some form of jealously at your end. So if you have a problem next time,talk to the owner,rather than waiting months to do so, ?

Friendly service , despite being on my own with my dog the staff couldn’t have been lovelier . Coffee was fab and the staff seemed to know all about it being hand blended . Great panini too - definitely be back .

I waited in a Q for a table to have lunch but when my turn came I was refused a table. When it was my turn I was asked for how many and when I said one, I was told the available table was reserved. There were two couples behind me and when the first asked for a table for two she said she would check (I was I in earshot) . I waited and watched from across the road and the couple were given a table. This was discrimination of the worst kind and I would recommend solo travellers avoid to save embarrassment, anger and starvation.

Lovely food with lovely service. As with everywhere at the moment, little bit short staffed but if you wait patiently, the staff will kindly take care of you. Can recommend the salmon bagel and the brie pannini. If you're a rude impatient cretin stay away.

Myself and 2 friends had dinner here and received a warm welcome from staff before being seated. Food was delicious, especially the prawn tempura that we all had for starters. We all chose different main courses and were delighted with everything. Great cocktails, great food, great service ….. what’s not to like? Well done to all at Orka Ballater. I would recommend you give this lovely bistro a try - you won’t be disappointed! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This place is not very clean, the table still had stains from previous visitors and the service was so s l o w. Other visitors seemed to be making screwed up expressions of disapproval on their faces at their food so we decided not to...

First visit at the Ballater cafe. Nice coffee and cake. Service efficient and friendly. Place modern and clean. Would definitely go back.

The coffee we ordered was delightful The service was more like frightful The french toast we got As the Instagram looked hot But to our surprise it was dreadful What can I say we got catfished If you could see what we got dished There...

Good cafe style food, well priced and served by a really nice and well trained team. The pastry items always look inviting. Dog friendly. Recommended.

We were advised that Orka was open for evening meals so decided to give it a try and it didn't disappoint. The food was full of taste, beautiful presented and just lovely. Excellent service. Good menu choice. Definitely go back.

I’ve had lots of take aways during lock down from this busy cafe but decided to sit outside and enjoy the good weather with my family . We had a lovely meal from start to finish, the staff were so lovely and nothing seemed to...

have popped into Orka a few times now, coffee is always delicious, service quick and staff friendly. tried a panini today and was not disappointed, would recommend !

I don’t know where to start with this review. There were two members of staff on. A guy who was helpful and very friendly. A woman who simply couldn’t be arsed. The food was satisfactory but the manor of service from the woman was horrendous....

First day of opening, decided to visit with my brother his wife and my husband for lunch. We arrived at around 2 o'clock after a walk. It seemed the staff were very disorganised, didn't really know how to address the customers. After ordering from the...

Got a few tables outside which are ideal for sunny days. The coffee was really good so will be back. Nice little cafe and the staff were really polite too.

Food and coffee was lovely! However our lovely lunch was spoiled by us witnessing the boss screaming at her staff whilst sitting in her grey mini parked on double yellow lines. Very disappointing as this spoiled our lunch, we don’t want to support a cafe...

Great customer service and the girls working there are lovely Manager or boss showed up and started shouting at the workers outside creating a horrible environment Really feel for those girls they were doing a good job Manager needs a reality check

Thanks to Louise & team for excellent service in organising individual afternoon tea boxes at very short notice, for a family funeral. Everyone loved them.

I tried this place a few times as I live close by and it always looks popular. They have some good aspects such as measures for social distancing, outdoor seating and good location. However the food is mediocre but the worst bit is the coffee....

We are often in the area and this location has seen a number of different restaurants. During COVID-19 we suddenly noticed Orka and what a great place it is. Lovely place, ability to sit outside, great service and very well adapted with the restrictions. Most...

Regularly visit Orka for a mid morning coffee, their coffee is so tasty and always hot (not like warm as per other well known franchises) staff are always happy and friendly, owner always has a chat as she passes.sometimes service can be slow if busy,...

The cafe has adapted well to the COVID restrictions and they have a lovely outside seating area. They have a small menu but containing the expected things. The cafe is supposed to be themed around Orkney - although it is not really clear how this...

What a lovely little find! Lovely breakfast with great options and the cakes are just amazing! The staff are so welcoming and allowed me to stay as long as I like to work which I really appreciate during this time

I had lovely Eggs Benedict for breakfast today. I could have had several other dishes equally as good. They have lots of tray bakes, sandwiches, salads etc... and on order you can have a beautiful afternoon tea, or a cheese platter delivered to you. This...

Fantastic find!! First visit today..coffee ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!! Lady taking the order very friendly and cheery. Can't wait to try indoors..BEST COFFEE IN A LONG TIME...

Okra has been a fantastic addition to the west end. Louise, Garry and their team have done a sterling job during lockdown adapting as restrictions have changed. Their breakfast brioche rolls are ace as are their platters. Fab for just a coffee or something more...

Came across this cafe with outdoor tables on our short break to Aberdeen. Staff were so welcoming and friendly. Coffee was lovely. We chose 4 of their traybakes and shared them. Absolutely delicious! Price for 4 coffees and 4 traybakes was less than £20. Lady...

Visited Orka for the first time during Lockdown. We ordered two coffees, a scone and millionaire shortbread. The lady that served us was really lovely. Friendly, adhered to the 2m guidelines and said she was also doing afternoon teas. Definitely going to try them soon!...

Tasty fresh sandwiches, scones & sweet treats all delivered to my doorstep for a great price & packaged nicely

Great little cafe with excellent coffee, and service with a smile! The decor is lovely and calming....a neighbourhood gem.

Stumbled upon this lovely little cafe and decided to try a coffee; I went for Americano, and it was absolutely perfect! Much better than the big chain coffees, it was so good I decided to try one of their food items, I chose the sausage...

What a find! The lentil soup was fab and the deconstructed meringue was amazing. I’m a coffee snob and loved the cappuccino there - will be going back for sure.

Have visited this gorgeous cafe for both breakfast and lunch and loved both! Beautiful decor, friendly staff, delicious food, great coffee and tea and a wonderful ambience. Lovely home-bakes and scones, great variety of fillings for paninis and subs, tasty soups and hot filled rolls,...

Visited this bright city centre cafe in the West End and was delighted with the welcome from the owner. Great service, fantastic coffee and very good food. Great selection and presented well. Will be back time and time again.

Had a lovely cup of coffee in here... two to be exact. Also, on my second visit, I sampled one of the homemade scones too, and that was really nice as well. There’s most definitely going to be a third visit at some point, hopefully...

Great tasting coffee, excellent friendly service and lovely decor! A welcome addition to the neighbourhood