The chef of ORO shares where he goes for quick meals, special dinners and more in the Raleigh area.
by Ayn-Monique Klahre | photography by Forrest Mason

For our 2025 Guide to Where to Eat and Drink in Raleigh, we surveyed 11 people in the hospitality industry to learn where they go for a casual meal, celebration dinner, coffee fix and more. One of them was Kevin Ruiz, the chef of ORO. Born in Puerto Rico, Ruiz grew up in the Triangle and started cooking at age 15 at Amante’s in Chapel Hill. After leaving high school and backpacking through Europe, he worked at a slate of Raleigh restaurants, including Raleigh Raw, Cortez and Mofu. He took over as executive chef at ORO about three years ago, where he creates a menu with varied world influences.  Read on for his picks for where to eat and drink 2025!

Where do you go for a special-occasion dinner? 

For a special occasion, I like to go to Stanbury. We always go there for a birthday or when we have family in town, to show the old-school, new-school Raleigh. We always get the bone marrow, with a shot of tequila or whiskey to do a luge. The tartare is always changing, and that’s fantastic, and the ribeye is to die for! 

What’s your go-to neighborhood spot? 

Growing up, my dad always took me to Pipers Tavern, so that’s become my go-to. It has a good little vibe, home-y food. I often get the Smothered Pork Chops, they come with mashed potatoes and green beans.

What’s a great casual spot?

I love sushi, and YaTai Market in Transfer Co. Food Hall is great. The owner/chef there worked under Michael Lee, of M Sushi, for years, so he really knows his way around seafood. It’s also a nice spot to hang out, it’s a good Taco Tuesday spot because there’s a little inspiration. I love the birria ramen, and all their sushi rolls and hand rolls are awesome. 

Where do you get lunch? 

I like to go to Sosta Cafe downtown. I get the Leah, it’s a turkey sandwich with roasted bell peppers, and garbanzo salad or couscous on the side.

Where do you get a meal to go? 

During the day, I’ll get food from Manhattan Cafe. At night, I’ll go to Don Beto El Poblano. It’s on Capital Boulevard right after Crabtree, near the Greyhound Station. They make great tacos, and if you call ahead, you can get a fantastic pozole — they just need time to heat it up. It’s open late, which is great for my schedule! 

Where do you go for a drink?

We’ll visit Dram & Draught. I also really like Wine Authorities. I’m a big wine-head, and they have my favorite stuff there. The patio outside is a nice spot for a drink. 

What’s your go-to coffee spot?

I got to Sir Walter Coffee and get the Sir Walter Six. It’s like six shots of espresso, with dulce de leche and whipped cream. I’ll drink half to start my day, then save the other half to sip during service. When I first started at Oro, I would drink two a day — I had to lay off of that!  

What’s your favorite new-ish place?

LaGana! It just opened up a month ago, it’s my best friend Luis’ restaurant. I love his burgers, he’s been talking about it for a year and he’s been killing it. The other place that’s great is the new Ponysaurus Brewing. Jeff Seizer is the chef and the pizza is delicious. 

What are you excited to try? 

I still haven’t been to East End Bistrot, since it’s closed the same days we are. I haven’t checked out Brodeto yet, either, so those are still on my list. 

What’s a spot outside of Raleigh that’s worth the drive?

I’m gonna go with Cheeni out in Durham. Preeti has her spot downtown, and her food’s always awesome, super comforting. If I can make it in time for brunch I try to say hello. 

A portion of this article originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of WALTER magazine. The full version was published on waltermagazine.com on December 30, 2024.