This OMA Borough Market review covers our relaxed late lunch, the Greek-inspired sharing plates we ordered, the service and what we paid.
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Located above AGORA in Borough Market, OMA is inspired by the Greek islands, with flavours influenced by the Levant and other parts of the Mediterranean. Its entrance is tucked inside the passageway leading towards the main market, at 2–4 Bedale Street.
I booked our lunch online for 2 p.m., and we stayed until around 4 p.m. The restaurant was still quite busy when we arrived, but about an hour later, many of the lunchtime diners had left, and the atmosphere became much quieter.
Based on my visit, I would choose a slightly later lunch again. It gave us time to enjoy the food without feeling rushed, while still experiencing the restaurant’s lively atmosphere.
Sharing Plates at OMA
The staff were wonderful from the moment we arrived. The lady looking after our table was warm, attentive and very helpful when we were deciding how much food to order.
We started with still water and chose several dishes to share.
First came the wild-farmed laffa, a warm, pita-style bread served with olive oil. We ordered it with the hummus, tahini and hot honey, as well as the babaghanoush.
The hummus came with roasted chickpeas, which added a lovely crunch. I could easily have eaten the chickpeas by themselves as a snack. Both dips worked beautifully with the warm laffa, and this was a delicious way to begin the meal.
Trying Orange Wine at OMA
After my recent trip to Porto and the Douro Valley, where I learned more about wine, I have become curious about trying orange wines whenever I see one on a menu.
I ordered a glass of Orangino 2024 Masseria, while my friend chose a glass of La Cattiva from Puglia. The wines were recommended by another lovely member of staff who helped us choose from OMA’s extensive wine list.
We were enjoying the food and chatting so much that we did not immediately notice our wine had not arrived. When we eventually asked, the team brought it over straight away.
The orange wine was lovely and paired well with the rest of our lunch.
Charred Lamb Belly with Hummus, Shallot and Mint Salata and Bluefin Tuna Tartare
Next, we shared the charred lamb belly with hummus, shallot and mint salata and the bluefin tuna tartare.
The lamb was incredibly soft, while the tuna tartare was fresh and full of flavour. We originally planned to order a few more dishes, but our waiter suggested that it might be too much. She offered to check with us again later if we still wanted them.
I was very pleased that we followed her advice because, by the time we had finished these dishes, we were already quite full. It was another example of the thoughtful service we experienced throughout lunch.
Olive Oil Ice Cream
We still wanted to look at the dessert menu, and there was one dish that immediately caught both our attention: the olive oil ice cream.
I had never tried anything quite like it before. The extra virgin olive oil gave the ice cream a distinctive richness and made it feel much heavier than a typical dessert. I ate all of it and enjoyed the experience, although it was certainly a filling way to finish the meal.
If you enjoy trying unusual desserts, this is one to consider.
A Thoughtful Gesture from the Team
When the bill arrived, we noticed that both glasses of wine had been removed because they had initially been forgotten.
We had not expected this, and it was an extremely kind gesture from the team. The issue had been resolved quickly when we mentioned it, so removing the wine from the bill showed how seriously they took the service.
Our final bill was approximately £80 for two people. Including the wine, the meal would have cost around £50 per person.
For the quality of the food, the location and the excellent service, I thought this was a reasonable price for a high-quality lunch in London.
Is OMA Borough Market Worth Visiting?
I would definitely return to OMA.
The sharing plates were delicious, the staff helped us order the right amount of food, and we were able to enjoy a long lunch without feeling pressured to leave the table. The warm laffa and dips were a wonderful start; the lamb was beautifully tender, and the olive oil ice cream made the meal particularly memorable.
For a quieter experience, I would consider booking a later lunch. On the day of my visit, the restaurant became noticeably calmer after the main lunchtime rush, although this may naturally vary depending on the day.
OMA is particularly suited to anyone looking for:
- A relaxed lunch near London Bridge
- Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates
- A special meal in Borough Market
- An interesting wine selection
- Attentive and knowledgeable service
- Somewhere to eat before exploring the surrounding area.
What to Do After Lunch
If you would like to explore more of the area, this Borough Market food tour with six tastings combines local food with the history of Borough Market and London Bridge.
OMA’s Borough Market location makes it easy to turn lunch into a longer day out.
After our meal, we walked through the market and continued along the River Thames. It was a lovely way to explore the area, and a welcome walk after such a filling lunch.
If you are visiting London, you could also combine your meal with Borough Market, London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, the Thames riverside or one of the food experiences available around the market.
Visit details: OMA, 2–4 Bedale Street, Borough Market, London SE1 9AL
Menu: View OMA’s current sample menu — dishes and prices may change.
Booking: Book a table through OMA’s official website
Approximate cost: £80 for two after the wine was removed; approximately £50 per person including wine
Would I return? Yes
For another restaurant in the same area, read my Rambutan Borough Market review.
