Orso

4.0 star rating
50 reviews Rating Details

Category: Italian  [Edit]

322 W 46th Street
(between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10036
Neighborhoods: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West, Theater District
(212) 489-7212
Nearest Transit:

42 St - Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E)

50 St (A, C, E)

49 St (N, Q, R)

Hours:

Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 12 pm - 11:30 pm

Wed, Sat-Sun 11:30 am - 11:30 pm

Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$$$
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Very Loud
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
About This Business:

We are one of the longest running restaurants in Columbus Circle with the best haute Northern Italian cuisine on the upper west side. Gabriel's Bar &…   read more »

Review Highlights   

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"...an excellent option for great Italian pre or post theater." (in 3 reviews)
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"...smoked mozzarella and tomato basil sauce - This was the..." (in 3 reviews)
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"...parmigiano, which came with white bean dip and fresh bread." (in 3 reviews)
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50 reviews in English

  • Review from Veronica S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Boulder, CO

    5.0 star rating
    2/9/2012

    This place is cute and delicious! It is a bit pricey but the food was worth it. I had the duck and it was so juicy and flavorful, my mom and Aunt got the mushroom pasta which was also great!

  • Review from Megan V.

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    • 37 friends
    • 8 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/8/2012

    My boyfriend's parents call and say they want to meet for an early dinner somewhere near Penn Station ( He's not around and it's the first time for me 1 on 1).  I know good food super close to Penn isn't possible. But a short walk/cab ride is Completely doable!!!  

    Delicious. Simple. Enough options but not over whelming. Great Staff that was very warm and welcoming.

    I say the above because I have definitely gone to places with food that's as good but with snobby staff that puts a sour taste in your mouth before sipping any wine!

    The only thing that kept Orso from 5 stars in my heart.  No Bread Plates!?!??!

    They give you a basket of an amazing, warm, crispy, fluffy warm loaf but no bread plates to consolidate your crumbs. That turned my boyfriends traditional parents off.

  • Review from Daniel K.

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    • 9 friends
    • 207 reviews

    Tysons Corner, VA

    4.0 star rating
    12/19/2011

    Cute place over on the edge of midtown west, very un-assuming, gets INSANELY busy, great place to hit right after a matinee show before the dinner rush.  Have reservations otherwise.  

    Food was northern Italian, very tasty.  A bit on the pricey side though, so be prepared to spend $100 for 2 people if you get say, desert or a glass of wine.  I loved the meatball appetizer.  My girlfriends dish had I BELIEVE Raw tuna in it that had a bit of an overpowering fishy smell.  

    Once this place gets busy service can slow down a bit.

  • Review from Justin F.

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    • 25 friends
    • 99 reviews

    West Babylon, NY

    3.0 star rating
    11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Orso is a nice cosy relatively out of the way little spot for northern italian style cuisine if you're in the area for a show,  or if you're simply just in the area.

    The place is small,  and it could do with a bit of a redesign of the interior,  as it's kind of dated.

    That being said,  the service is very attentive, and the servers are very knowlegeable.    The food is quite good,  and they feature a few dishes that you simply don't see other places.    I wasn't BLOWN AWAY, but the food was more than competently prepared,  and it was a nice spot for a  little romantic dinner.

    I'd consider going back.

  • Review from Sara B.

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    • 19 friends
    • 58 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2012

    Yum.  There are not many great restaurants in Time Square, but this is definitely one of them.  Delicious.  Very authentic Italian.

  • Review from Chris H.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    2.0 star rating
    1/10/2012

    I have been here twice. The first time was excellent, the service was great and the food was even better! The second time however was horrible. My boyfriend and I had just come in after seeing a play for my birthday, then we meet our waiter. He was extremely dismissive, and inattentive. As we were ordering my boyfriend was asking him a few questions about the wine, and the entire time the waiter looked as if he had something better to do, and seemed annoyed that we were taking up his time. Regardless of the waiters attitude we were excited for our food.

    Then as we are eating, a roach pops up on our table, and we had to kill it with our fork. Needless to say I was done eating. I would've given Orso 1 star, except that they have great management and our meal was comped.

  • Review from Thomas P.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Wallkill, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Great food great ambience and friendly and attentive staff, as far as authentic italian.. lacking a tad bit. However food was superb none the less. Not too pricey so well worth it.

  • Review from Shannon B.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/7/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This is actually our second time at Orso, and I am absolutely ashamed that I didn't get around to reviewing it before now.  Perhaps subconsciously I don't want it to get overrun with folks flocking there due to their STELLAR food and service....and did I mention that I don't share well?

    This time, we started with the Trevisano Salad: apples, grapes, goat cheese and walnuts. It was a great melding of flavors and started the meal out beautifully.  

    Next, I decided to forgo the typical fish I normally order and went with the rigatoni alla Bolognese.  I love a good Bolognese and this one exceeded my expectations.  Paired with the slight chewiness of the rigatoni, it was perfect.  So much so that I continued eating after I was full, as there was no way I was going to let any of that meaty goodness go to waste.  

    To finish, we ordered the caramel gelato.  It had a nice toasty caramel flavor and was a great ending to our meal.  Orso is on our short list of places we'll return to again and again.

  • Review from Ryan N.

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    • 25 friends
    • 91 reviews

    Addison, TX

    4.0 star rating
    9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Great service. The gnocchi was tasty and everything was quite enjoyable. Tough to find, but pretty cool location.

  • Review from Angelica C.

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    • 8 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Garden City, NY

    4.0 star rating
    2/21/2011

    The atmosphere in this place sucks. But the food is really great. I came with two others, we each ordered a meal and shared everything family style.

    We ordered the Pizza Diavalo. The sauce had a little kick to it and was seasoned well. We also ordered the cod. The fish was great. It was in some sort of lemon sauce which was delicious and the fish was cooked perfectly.  Lastly we ordered spaghetti with red sauce and bacon. Again, so good. This was unlike any other spaghetti I've ever tried. It was thick and a different texture. Different but so good. The red sauce was so yummy, and I don't like bacon, but my friends said it was amazing.

    The service is very laid back, which is fine. I just I think the atmosphere is really lame. The restaurant needs some color and some decor, or they should at least play some soft italian music in the background. But whatever, the food was great.

  • Review from Michael K.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    5/16/2010

    Top notch.

    Food here is great.  The menu has changed since my last visit in December of 09.  The potato, leek, broccoli soup was delicious to start.  Followed it up with a really spectacular piece of pork.  We went at 8PM on a Saturday, so we were there at a nice and quiet time.  Last time I went here was before the theater and it was quite crowded.  After the theater, I'm sure is even more jammed, but during is great.  Service is first rate and the wait staff is knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.

    I only wish I visited this neighborhood more often.  I'd be here 3 times a week.

  • Review from Dana T.

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    • 12 friends
    • 44 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    10/29/2011

    First of all - while not a native New Yorker, I've lived in the City (or suburbs) since 1981.  During that time, I've enjoyed meals at Orso's for as long as I can remember, usually accompanied by my dear father who loves the restaurant and enjoys going to the theatre.  Our visit yesterday evening did not disappoint.  Wonderful food and service, highlighted by the pasta with pancetta and a fried duck egg on top - seriously, it was sublime. Everyone's meal was delicious and while the food is on the pricey side, there are affordable pizza options for those seeking a more wallet-friendly meal.  The only cautionary note: it's noisy, but I like the atmosphere and pre-theatre buzz.  For those who read this in time to see it, FOLLIES is just down the block at the Marriott Marquis. Another sublime experience!  To sum it up, Orso's is our restaurant of choice for the theatre district, but it also stands on its own as a superb dining experience.

  • Review from Donald D.

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    • 3 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    2.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    I learned something:

    Don't trust 5-star reviews for restaurants in the Theater District. Mostly given by well-meaning out-of-towners excited to be in New York.

    More reliable rule: automatically deduct 0.75 stars from Theater District rating and it will be comparable to less touristy areas. Yes, I know this will be tough on truly great restaurants there. Show me one and I will weep.

    Service cordial. Food . . . better than Chef Boyardee.

  • Review from Melissa S.

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    • 49 friends
    • 274 reviews

    Austin, TX

    5.0 star rating
    1/8/2008

    I'm dedicating my 200th review to Orso.  Because I love it THAT much.

    Since it's been awhile since I've written some reviews, let me begin by reminding you all that it would seem that I rarely order something on the menu -- and if I do, I usually make special requests.  Alas, Orso takes special requests for no one.  And they will tell you that when they hand you the menu.

    But oh, sweet food god, their Rigatoni with Tomato Basil Sauce is to-die-for.  Since I like my always like my pasta with capers, they will usually bring me a little bowl of them to toss in myself -- since, of course, they don't do special requests.

    I highly recommend that you begin your meal with Fresh Arugala Salad with Red Wine Vinegarette and Shaved Parmasean Cheese.  And whatever you do -- please, be sure to order the Rice Pudding, which is servied with brandy-soaked cherries and a slight hint of honey.  It's amazing.  I would not hesitate to call it the best rice pudding I have ever had in my entire life.

    I live close to Orso, and find it sorely disappointing that they do not deliver.  In fact, they won't even let you order food for pick-up -- trust me, I would walk my happy ass here all the time with a smile on my face, if only they would allow me.  But, c'est la vie, and such is Orso.

  • Review from David Z.

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    • 3 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/23/2011

    I took my mom out for lunch before a Wednesday matinee at the theater.  Restaurant is convenient to many theaters.  Service was excellent and food was very good, with plentiful portions.  I had the pan fried skate wing, which was very tasty and prepared perfectly.  Mom had the calves liver which was good, but a little disappointing  -- many small pieces rather than a thicket cut.   All in all very good food, but not quite 5 stars.

    Make a reservation.

  • Review from Meg N.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/13/2010

    My friend was in town on business and her hotel was on 46th, so we didn't want to wander far from the area.. which brought us to restaurant row. After checking out a few menus she says "o what is that place" pointing to Orso's small entrance across the street. One glance at the menu outside was good enough for us.

    Led to the back room, there was a couple at a table near the kitchen and one guy sitting at a larger table in the corner. We are seated next to the couple and I glance over at the gentleman seated by himself. Then I glance again. Then I do another glance (making this a triple-take I guess). Yep, hello Ferris Bueller. Well that was enough for 3 stars right there!

    Luckily Orso lives up to those 3 stars and earns the 4th. My friend and I were deciding between 2 bottles of wine- one of which was also served by the glass. The waitress offered us a taste of that one to help us decide. My friend and I split a caprese salad, good mozzarella. I had the ravioli, which I enjoyed and my friend had the short ribs, which she said were good but the best part of her dish (which i sampled) was the potato & ricotta gnocchi. Do they serve that as a meal itself? I didn't see it but I wish they did! We followed up with the chocolate bread pudding. I'm very particular about desserts and this was average to me.

    All and all though it was a good experience and I would definitely revisit Orso the next time I need a place to dine in midtown.

  • Review from Clare D.

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    • 13 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Dallas, TX

    5.0 star rating
    1/18/2008

    I recently dined pre-theater at Orso and must say it was outstanding.  First off, I wasn't even sure I could get a reservation for a Friday night since they are packed with theater crowds, but as luck would have it there was a cancellation and we got a table about a week before the show.  I'm not sure what I was expecting, but what I discovered was fantastic Italian food complemented by a friendly and knowledgeable staff.   And since they knew we had tickets for an 8pm show, they were very conscientious about time and had our meals out with plenty of time to walk to the theater.

    The atmosphere is cozy, some might say cramped, but as long as you don't mind the tight quarters, you won't have any problem with the seating.  Although we did have to scoot out of the way a few times for our waiter to get to another table.

    Meals are served in pretty hand painted dishes, each of them different which I found charming.  Our waiter was quite helpful in suggesting wines and brought me tastes from two different bottles after he listened to me describe the kind of wine we wanted.  His choices were spot on and the wine we chose was fantastic.

    For dinner I had the chicken, spinach and ricotta stuffed ravioli in a tomato basil sauce that was quite possibly the best ravioli I've had in recent memory.  The noodles were cooked to perfection, not chewy and not mushy, but just right.  My dining companions also agreed that their meals were fantastic.  

    One thing that was odd (at least it was to me) was that we had our waiter who took orders for food and drinks, but the maitre d' brought out our meals and another server took our plates and gave us the check.  There is a line for maitre d' tip on the bill in addition to the regular tip, but I was unclear as to how or if I should tip the third person.  Seemed a bit unnecessary to me, but it didn't take away from the experience.  

    For the quality of food and service, I think the prices are more than fair.  I wouldn't hesitate to go again and will happily recommend it to others in the future.

  • Review from Mike D.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    6/26/2009

    Walked in after reading about it here without reservations and figured if I could get a seat on a Thursday at 6 for 2, then it was meant to be.  Started with the house red, which was very nice, as well as the tuna tartar.  The flavor was amazing and it was absolutely fresh.  Perfect use of capers, onions and sundried tomatos.  For entrees we had the quail and the halibut which were both cooked very nicely and accompanied with adequate and delicious sides.  The quail was stuffed with Italian sausage and was one of the better restaurant proteins I have ever enjoyed.  The halibut had a sweet and sour sauce that really complimented the meal, especially if you have a taste for things sweet.  We also ordered the 3-veggie plate consisting of broccoli rabe, asparagus and cauliflower.  The broccoli rabe was nothing spectacular but the cauliflower was awesome.  

    This is a perfect restaurant pre or post theater, expect to pay for the quality of food that you get.  The atmosphere was very comfortable and relaxing, even for being seated right next to the kitchen.  The service was fast, adequate and helpful.  I would definitely return with friends but being new to the NY restaurant scene, I want to explore a little more!

  • Review from Christian H.

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    • 6 friends
    • 39 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/17/2010

    Orso is a a little gem of times square (found using Yelp!) that you will walk by three times before realizing it, the entrance is stealthy compared to the surrounding places. The interior is like stepping into a Williams Sonoma catalog and the service is understated elegant.

    The spaghetti carbona was perfect and laced with bits of delicious bacon. I had the Mozzarella Tomato Basil appetizer - the basil was not very fresh, but it was the dead of winter so I don't know if I can hold that against them.

    In short, this is an Italian treat worth trying more than once.

  • Review from Susan l.

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    • 6 friends
    • 34 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/5/2009

    I have little new to add, except that they make terrific quail that I must recommend!  Having tasted the meals of my fellow diners, I shall also add that the halibut too was supreme; I recommend the clam linguini and the pork chops slightly less, however.

    They also serve their drinks very elegantly, with a glass of wine coming in a small carafe alongside an empty wine glass for the guest to self-serve (to aerate the red wines, I guess?).

    A grand celebratory spot, and I bet they'd love you even more if you didn't join the 6pm pre-theater rush and waited until 7:30 or later to enjoy your food.

  • Review from Kimberly G.

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    • 8 friends
    • 66 reviews

    Menlo Park, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/29/2009

    Orso is an excellent option for great Italian pre or post theater.  I love this place and would come here to eat for just the wonderful authentic Italian food and friendly and attentive service -- the convenient location for the theater is a wonderful plus.  Whenever I'm in the neighborhood, I think of alternate options to dine, and they all are overpriced tourist traps.  Why would you ever eat anywhere else?!

    The gnocchi and pastas here are incredible.  The desserts are equally delicious.  And the waitstaff is divine.  I've shown up multiple times, and they've always been able to squeeze me in.  Not only that, but they're incredibly warm and helpful -- making sure to get me out in time to catch my show, or offering tastes of different wines or gelatos to help indecisive me decide what to order.

    It's definitely an older crowd though, so don't go if you don't like eating with a room full of retirees.  But, on the positive side, oftentimes the cast of theater productions will come here after their evening shows.  Martin Short was dining at the table next to us last May!

  • Review from Aleta K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    10/4/2011

    Ah yes, the Trevisano salad...I spent quite a while deliberating if I would have a second one for dessert...absolutely delicious.  As I started to dig in to the salad, the bread arrived with the white bean spread.  I have had similar spreads before, but this one was far superior and it took quite a bit of will power to turn down the waitress when she suggested bringing more bread to sop up the remainder of that delectable dip.  For the main course, I selected a scallop dish (scallops perfectly seared and moist) that arrived with porcini mushrooms and the much lauded gnocchi.  Complementing this outstanding meal was equally outstanding service -- knowledgeable, attentive and welcoming. I look forward to a return visit.

  • Review from Bill C.

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    • 15 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Pensacola, FL

    3.0 star rating
    2/20/2011

    Ehhh.  Have to agree with the guy who said you should automatically subtract 0.75 stars from every restaurant in the theatre district because they get reviewed by excited tourists just happy to be in New York.  Our service was OK until 8pm sharp; then our waiter left and we had to get adopted by a new guy.  Then it went downhill fast.  Just wasn't a great experience.

  • Review from Christina S.

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    • 2 friends
    • 20 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/15/2009

    After being rained on all day at the US Open, my mom and I headed back to the city to find some warm, filling pasta.  Will yelped Italian restaurants in the Theatre District and came up with Orso for us.

    We snuck in at about 8pm, after all the shows had started.  The host was very accomodating, giving us a choice of two-tops - but giving us a friendly heads up that come 10:30, the post-theatre rush would hit.  

    The tables were set up at a comfortable distance from each other and even when full, the restaurant was not noisy.  The waitstaff was friendly and fast.  The decor is relatively simple - dark tan walls and plain tablesets - but there are beautiful black and white photos of Italy around the walls.

    My mom ordered a white bean soup with prosciutto which was substantial and delicious.  I ordered the margherita pizza - which had really delicious mozzerella, fresh chunks of tomatoes and a bunch of basil - I took down half of it (at least 10") in minutes.  For main courses, my mom had the rigatoni bolognese, which was ok - and I had the bucatini all'amatriciana, which was very tasty but not very spicy.  

    I agree with the previous review - the dessert menu was just "eh" (and we were stuffed at this point) - so we passed on it.  

    I am a bit confused by previous reviews because I do not believe any homemade pasta dishes were available - which was a disappointment.  All that said, my mom is taking my grandma to Orso Wednesday for lunch - so it has at least one new fan.

  • Review from Christopher T.

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    • 89 friends
    • 594 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    2.0 star rating
    3/28/2010

    You can easily pass by this little Italian joint if you're not careful. It is a step down from the street and there is nothing flashy about it at all. Brown facade with a glowing 'Orso' sign.

    I don't remember much about the meal and that is never a good thing. They bring the wine to the table and then go on to tell you that they're not going to pour it for you. Umm, ok. My friend said that was casual but i was thinking that i plan on tipping and you need to give me some service, please. Later in the meal they brought some nuts to the table and we had to crack them ourselves. I was just thinking how much work must i do to enjoy my meal. I just worked a 9 hour day and i am tired..can you please just crack my nuts and pour my happy juice.
    For dessert we had the nuts and fresh fruit...there should have been an asterisk next to the strawberries. I couldn't place the taste but it wasn't the taste of a strawberry. It must be all those chemicals that they pumped into them down in FL.

    My main was a pasta dish and it just wasn't memorable at all. Maybe i missed something. Overall though the staff were friendly just wouldn't come back.

  • Review from Jamie S.

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/4/2009

    Dinner update- also had a great time. We got a pizza appetizer, which was very good. I think I pissed the chefs off, forgetting they don't substitutions, hopefully they didn't remove the arugula and switch it with spit. For the main course I had the pappardelle with wild boar ragout. I was wildly impressed with the home made pasta; it was so wide and smooth and felt absolutely amazing in my mouth.

    The service here is good... but a little strange, its hard to put my finger on it. Everyone is maybe too friendly- pulling your table out when its not always necessary, too many people greeting at the door, I don't know... Also a little on the pricey side, but it is restaurant row. Still, its a really great restaurant for all times of day.

    Listed in: My Hell's Kitchen List, Take me on a date, I'll put on…

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      9/8/2008

      Had a lovely sunday brunch here. The place is kind of hidden, so look out for the stairs and tiny… Read more »

  • Review from Ed K.

    West Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/30/2009

    I was meeting up w a friend who was in town on business near Times Sq and after figuring out what we wanted to eat, good old yelp mobile had Orso listed pretty close to the top of highly rated eateries in walking distance.  Being understandably skeptical of any restaurant near the touristy restaurant row, we decided to stay open minded and marched in.  

    Overall I thought food, atmosphere and decor were tastefully understated and the service was great.  The paparadelli pasta and carpaccio appetizers were fantastic, and unfortunately having eaten there over a week ago, I forget what else we had, but the dining experience was great and I strongly recommend it to others.

  • Review from julie B.

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    • 4 friends
    • 78 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/6/2011

    After seeing a show we were looking on yelp for a good dinner spot in the theater district. Orso lived up to its good reviews. This place was SO good. I had Wine, pizza and a salad and it was delicious. The service and staff we so attentive and friendly. It was so cozy, I could have drank wine in here all night. I would absolutely recommend this place.

  • Review from Giovanni Q.

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    • 9 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Bronx, NY

    2.0 star rating
    1/19/2011

    Nice spot looks kind of asian in decor but it's 100% italian. They greeted us at the door and seemed very nice. The waiter was just okay seemed to be going through the motions.. I ordered the lamb shank and it was okay.. My boss has a pasta dish which was okay.. Couple of glasses of wine were okay..  Picking up on a theme here?   I was disappointed in the experience.  I just expected from such a highly touted place.

  • Review from carey y.

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    • 137 friends
    • 206 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    10/14/2010

    My mom and I had just finished an awful dinner a few doors up the street and decided to treat ourselves to some yummy after-dinner treats here. We had 30 minutes to kill before theater so we went in for dessert and cappuccinos. As soon as we saw profiteroles on the menu, we knew what we wanted. They were fantastic in every sense, if not maybe just a little on the small side. The pastry was puffed and light, and the gelato inside was a subtle coconut flavor. They had poured warm caramel and chocolate sauce over the top, which pretty much perfected the dish. Our cappuccinos came in cute mugs that fit perfectly in our palms and we enjoyed the extra frothy top quite a bit. The clientele was obviously of a much higher class than the tourist trap we mistakenly ate our dinner at. Oh well, lesson learned. Next time we will definitely come here to enjoy our dinner AND our dessert.

  • Review from Nate M.

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    • 12 friends
    • 183 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/30/2010

    Great service and great non Olive Garden italian food. Saw Lorne Michaels there.

  • Review from Michel A.

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    • 0 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/26/2008

    Authentic Italian food in an authentic Italian atmosphere. This place is a breath of fresh air compared to the many restaurants in this area of Manhattan. It is not touristy at all, the service is great and personal, the food is fantastic. The pasta was cooked to perfection. Our desert, the chocolate cake with coconut ice-cream was really good.

    Reservations are recommended.

  • Review from Victor F.

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    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Staten Island, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/9/2011

    I took my girlfriend here for a date and all I have to say was the food was amazing.  She got the rigatoni and I got the chicken and we both loved our foods, even the table next to us was saying how good the food was.  The Gelato we had was also amazing.  The service was great our waiter was so nice and made sure we were treated good, I would 100% go back one day

  • Review from Maura N.

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    • 0 friends
    • 21 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    12/22/2010

    We made a pre-theater reservation last week, party of 8, five of whom were children between the ages of 7 and 14.  We were graciously welcomed despite the youth invasion, which I was concerned about.  The menu was perfect, the food was delicious.  A lot of variety to taste and pass around, and the pizza was a great option for the kids.  Our waiter offered to have the pizza made more "kid friendly" which we did for one of the pizzas, but it turned out they loved the fra diavolo one best.  The wine selection was nice, and served in a very low key manner.  I was thrilled with our experience, and will go back again without a doubt.

  • Review from Walt R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Jenkintown, PA

    5.0 star rating
    4/12/2010

    My brother-in-law and I had one fine meal at Orso this past weekend.  Excellent waitstaff person who recommended the halibut and quail, as well as the right wines to compliment the cuisine.  We were not rushed and had a wonderful time.  Also had the added bonus of noting that Stanley Tucci was enjoying his meal, too in the back room.

    Walt R.

  • Review from Jim D.

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    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    East Northport, NY

    4.0 star rating
    12/18/2010

    Great little Italian place in restaurant row.  Went on a Sunday around 3pm, pizzas are tasty and brunch menu is interesting.  My rigatoni dish hit the spot.  The staff was friendly.  Definitely a pleasant experience.

  • Review from Buo Z.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/2/2009

    There's a book on how we make decisions, and this street demonstrates the point exactly: when there are too many choices, you can't decide what to get. Orso is located on Restaurant Row, where there are literally 30 restaurants located right next to each other within the span of a small NYC block. After 30 minutes of not being able to decide and bumping into a cute couple with their pet rat Garland who say they've been living in the area for years but were unable to give us a definitive answer on what's the best restaurant in the neighborhood, we finally settled on this demure-looking little restaurant. We could have easily missed it if we weren't walking so slow.
    My friend and I decided to share the fusili with mushrooms and a pizza with goat cheese. The fusili with mushrooms sauteed in a slightly spicy red sauce was absolutely delicious. Then we moved onto the thin sliced goat cheese pizza that was drenched in olive oil. After eating half the pizza, we decided that it was not going to get any better. The dessert menu didn't seem very appetizing, so we just decided to get dessert elsewhere.

  • Review from Susan F.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/19/2010

    The quail was out of this world.  And the service was attentive without being obtrusive.  And even though we closed the restaurant, everyone was still cheerful and lovely to us on our way out.  It was a blissful evening.

  • Review from Susan H.

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    • 2 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Naples, FL

    5.0 star rating
    9/24/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Fabulous  very fresh salad  and pastas also  near Theater district

  • Review from Ely W.

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    • 1 friend
    • 44 reviews

    Brookline, MA

    4.0 star rating
    9/10/2010

    One of the better places in an area with a lot of restaurants.

    They get a lot of pre-theater diners, last time we went the place cleared out right before showtime.

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