Orso Reviews

Another great restaurant in New York. I don’t usually do Italian when traveling but since it was nearby and rated so highly I decided to give it a try. Not disappointed at all. Food and service were very nice. Location is also great - 1.5 blocks from Times Square so close to theatres. Highly recommended.

We were in NYC for a meeting, and looking for a place to eat. The concierge at the Marriott Marquis recommended Orso. The food is more southern Italian, which is what I grew up with. We had the antipasti tray, and then the rigatoni and gigli for dinner, and the affogato and pumpkin bread pudding for dessert. The service was great -- attentive but not cloying. The food was supurb, and the rigatoni was better than my mother's (and I'm fussy about it). Definitely a place to visit again when we return to NYC.

Great Italian food. Try the brick oven pizza as an appetizer. The wine list is excellent. They have the service to get you finished and out in time for the show. Walking distance to all the major shows. Thought the entrees were a little pricy

Service and ambiance only matched by the absolute best pasta ever, better than any I had in Rome, Tuscany, etc!!! Gelato for dessert was good too.

We had a lovely post-Broadway meal here. We all had different dishes and enjoyed them. I got the margarita pizza. Very tasty. Our waiter was wonderful. I was super thirsty after a dehydrating day. I drank a ton of water and he kept the water coming whenever we got low. We also had a bottle of Italian red wine. All around excellent experience in the midst of the theater district.

We could not get into our favorite restaurant, Joe Allen, so we said lets go next door. It was excellent. The wait staff if excellent and since we were not going to a show they let us move at a leisurely pace. Were there when we needed them. The food was excellent, both preparation and flavor. We will be back again.

Dined with another couple before show. Previous time was for lunch amd it was exceptional. Not so much this time. Food was quite good. But our server was not great and never swung back around to see how food was. Also, had called an hour before to mention birthday celebration but they never acknowledged. Asked for separate Chequers as we wanted to pick up wine and she refused to accommodate. Overall average visit. Would look for alternative next time we’re in.

Cozy Italian restaurant, impeccable staff, and a perfect meal. I had the baccala, the rigatoni, and the pumpkin bread pudding, which comes with some of the best gelato I've ever experienced. The bread and white bean dip before the meal were excellent also.

On any given night there are thousands of people looking for dinner before their Broadway show. One of the great New York challenges is finding a good restaurant in the Theater District. There are lots of AVERAGE restaurants to be found in this area, but excellent restaurants are rare in this neighborhood. Orso was a nice surprise. The vibe is upscale but still very welcoming. The menu is small but interesting - I guess their pizza oven is being worked on so currently pizza is not an option. We each ordered a first course and a main course. Often a dinner salad is a forgettable option - my salad was excellent. The Lamb Chops were excellent and prepared as requested. Wine list is very nice. Service is excellent and relaxed. They asked us twice if we needed to be out the door at a certain time for a show - and they made it happen with a hitch. Prices are reasonable for New York City. Orso will be at the top of my list for dinner before a show.

This is the perfect small neighborhood Italian restaurant. Great food and service. Being in the theater district, they orchestrate your meal to get you out at a certain time, without you feeling rushed. Nice selection of wines and a full bar.

A family in the restaurant biz Visiting New York with our two children for their first time. On a magically warm November evening that found us sitting in a 70° breeze and being professionally and sincerely cared for by Cheryl and her colleagues. Thank you Orso for being part of our family’s midtown memories. Everything was spot on and we truly felt welcome. Hope that we can return the favor in our neighborhood someday! Don’t miss this gem when visiting NYC for theater weekend!

This is a very well know pre and post theater Italian fine dining restaurant that has been in business for about 40 years. It is owned by Joe Allen who also owns his eponymous place next door and the chic boite, Bar Centrale, that is above Orso's. Joe Allen is a legend on Broadway (he also has a Joe Allen in London). The menu serves classic Italian favorites. I had spaghetti with bacon and tomatoes. I started with buffalo mozzarella. There are a number of thin crust pizza offerings as well. Service is professional. I have probably been here 20 times over the years. A standard for me.

Great location if you're going to an evening play. Great service but not rushed. We had two courses plus dessert and coffee and were in and out in 75 minutes. The restaurant was quite busy but they have lots of staff. Very nice pastas and seafood. Can't think of anything negative to say.

We had a large pre-theatre group and all of us were delighted. Our waiter, James, was one of the best waiters we've had at any restaurant. Our group loved the liver (the special of the house), scallops, and pork chop. Appetizers were salads and pizza (shared) and all were great. We've dined at Orso before, and we always see some celebrities. We never bother them, but their presence tells us this is one of the best restaurants in the area. On this last visit, Lorne Michaels, producer of SNL, was two tables away. On our last visit, singer and acttress Pattie LaBelle was at the next table and stopped by and chatted with us before she left. It's a friendly happy place. Prices are reasonable considering the location and quality of the food.

Restaurant Row restaurants can be hit and miss, but Orso proved a solid hit. I use linguine w/white clam sauce to evaluate mid-range Italian restaurants -- the clams, the flavor and body of the sauce, the pasta itself -- and theirs was a smash: sweet, fresh, relatively large clams in an unwatery sauce over house-made linguine cooked to perfect doneness. And a generous-enough, well-priced half-order left room for an $11 tartufo. A grilled octopus starter was tender and tasty as well. Service on a busy Saturday night was friendly and unrushed (we didn't have theater reservations; no complaints from neighbors who did). If we lived in the neighborhood, we'd be regulars -- which is exactly how we were treated. Looking forward to an encore.

Friends had a pre-theater lunch here before a Saturday matinee and couldn't have been happier. Orso is fairly small, quiet so we could talk ,and we could actually hear each other . I had superb beef carpaccio and a perfect salad. Thanks to previous TripAdvisor reviews, we knew to order their Tartufo for a shared dessert. My recommendation: do not leave this restaurant without ordering Tartufo! The gelato was silken and the chocolate core was fabulously rich. Three of us shared it -- it would be large for one person alone.

ALWAYS just wonderful food and atmosphere. Very limited seating pre-theatre so book one month in advance to assure a reservation. Food is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!

We had a wonderful pre-Broadway meal at Orso! Three of us shared appetizers, mains and two desserts. Every morsel was fabulous! The mozz & prosciutto app was very good, but the octopus with beans was even better and the cured salmon with greens and a grated egg garnish was so fresh and light and original. We loved it! We did not share as much of our mains and they were not as unique as the salmon app, but they were all quite good: bolognese, scallop risotto and duck breast. For dessert, the olive oil cake with strawberries was just right - light and not overly sweet, but the chocolate and raspberry mousse cake was the ultimate! The chocolate was rich and creamy and perfectly balanced with the raspberry mousse which kept the overall dessert from being too heavy. It was a perfect ending to a lovely meal! We hope to be back soon and will be dreaming about the wonderful food until then!

This is another classic, pre and post dining and watering hole in the Theater District. Located next to its sister restaurant, Joe Allen (both restaurants are female owned and managed), the focus here is on Italian cuisine. For you theater buffs that have travelled to London's West End for show, both Orso and Joe Allen both had restaurants in the area. It is where we first ate at Orso. Unfortunately, both restaurants are now closed in London. We had a play (Funny Girl) on a Friday. We had eaten at Joe Allen the night before, so I asked my spouse to just check with the maitre d' to see if something may have opened up for Friday. After hearing about the London story, he was able to secure us a table for after the show (we did tip him for working us in to a packed house!). We had the Polop (octopus) Scapece salad to start, that was excellent, followed by the Macellaio Pizza, and Rigatoni Bolognese for my wife. All were excellent, including our server, Les. The place was closing down, and we were seated at a table by the bar, so were able to chat with the servers and bartenders. All very friendly. It is not inexpensive, but by Manhattan standards, I think. We will be back on our next NYC visit.

Went to dinner at Orso last night with friends. Everything about the experience was first rate The staff were friendly and attentive The atmosphere was welcoming And the food was outstanding thanks to the executive chef Victor Flores We all had different entrees… pasta, cod, steak. All were thoroughly enjoyed Save room for dessert None disappointed… take your pick. Tiramisu, olive oil cake, tartufo, afogato… all delicious

A superb little Italian restaurant with good value and imaginative menu. As Europeans the only fault we would observe is the large portion sizes, we could easily have shared each serving. Service from the manager and James was exemplary obviously had a sitting that emptied t

We have been coming here since shortly after they opened (guess we are getting old) and have never been disappointed. Last night was no exception. The wait staff is always helpful and mindful of your schedule. We did not have to rush off to a play, so enjoyed a delicious, leisurely dinner. The menu changes regularly, but there are always great choices. We had the pizza bread and the roasted baby artichokes for appetizers. Both were wonderful. I ordered a small portion of the linguine with clams, white wine, hot pepper, & bread crumbs & it may well have been the best dish of the night. The clams were fresh, the pasta perfect, and the sauce demanded that you use the delicious bread to soak it up. Our entrees included the free-range chicken (oh yeah, Steve Martin had it at the next table too), calf's liver which was thin and perfectly prepared, and the fresh salmon with charred cauliflower. We made room for their house made desserts - the cookie selection, affogato (vanilla gelato, espresso, and nardini amaro), chocolate hazelnut cake, and the rice pudding. All were devoured except the rice pudding, which we would not order again. So, before or after a play - or just because you like a great, small restaurant with possible star gazing - go to Orso. We will again very soon.

We have eaten at this restaurant in previous trips. The food is great and the service is like years ago. The sauce for the ravioli was terrific. We love the ambience of the restaurant.

Centrally located for a Broadway show this modern, clean and friendly establishment was very pleasing. We had pre-booked well in advance which was a good thing. It was busy at 6.30pm and humming by 7pm. The menu and wine list was simple but provided great Italian fare for all tastes. Something for everyone. The staff were friendly and efficient and we enjoyed ourselves immensely without ever feeling rushed or concerned about our 8pm theatre date. Would certainly recommend.

Even with a limited menu, due to a utility issue, Orso delivered a delicious dining experience with exceptional service. If you are looking for an intimate dining experience this a great option for pre or post theater dining. So happy we followed our intuition and took a chance on Orso tonight!

This is a cozy, comfortable place to have a great meal in between your Times Square or Broadway activities. Most of the patrons were casually dressed adults, but we were there with our teenagers and preteen kids. They thoroughly enjoyed it. The culinary highlights were: The white bean dip served with the bread was delicious. I will try and replicate this. The appetizers were very memorable. We had a special with slices of rare steak on top of greenery and strawberries--seriously delicious. We also got the roasted artichokes, which were simply prepared and oh so delicious. Squeeze the lemon all over them for maximum enjoyment. The pizzas, Orso and Margarita, were very good and had a nice, thin crust. The smoked mozzarella on the Funghi pizza is super strong and may be too much for some diners. We all agreed the best entree was the ravioli, delightfully filled with chicken, spinach and cheese served in a delicious tomato sauce. I'd order that again. Desserts? The tiramisu and chocolate hazelnut cake were scrumptious. The rhubarb tart was refreshing and the most interesting of the bunch. (although not for everyone.) Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place to anyone in that area of NYC.

My wife and I dined here prior to seeing a show. Very friendly staff. Very narrow with tightly packed tables. The delicious white bean dip with the fresh bread could have satisfied me for dinner but we pushed on. The beef carpaccio was a bit bland, the spaghetti carbonara was just OK but the gnocchi in basil tomato sauce was outstanding. The tartufo was to die for. Wine list was small but a couple of gems.

Orso is an oasis of peace and calm in the bustle of Times Square... book early, early for pre-theater, and early for post theater. Plus, Orso has a great gluten free menu, lots of pasta, many main dishes and appetizers. And, usually, GF bread and desserts. One way to know it's a high quality restaurant: many of the very capable servers have been working there for years, some since the restaurant opened. Finally, for those of you (like me) that can eat gluten: the best upscale pizza anywhere (I'm partial to the Fra Diavlo). You can't go wrong.

Fresh unique food perfect before the theatre. Small restaurant (make a reservation) with good service and delightful dishware

We were a private group of about 35 family and friends who took over the back half of the restaurant for dinner. We had choices of salmon, roasted chicken and pasta. Everyone raved abut our dinners including salad choices and desserts and I can attest the roasted chicken was excellent. Service was great also.

Great post show dinner. Fresh daily menu that has great options for all taste buds. Food prep and presentation was done with care and great pace. Appie, Pasta and mains were delicious and a great value. Would return in a heart beat.

Orso is one of those restaurants that can only exist in New York. A narrow, deep space on the first floor of a townhouse manages to be cozy, light and airy all at the same time. "Orso Classics" like the carpaccio, any of the pastas or the Orso Pizza have been on the menu for decades (I am not exaggerating) and they are unwaveringly, consistently delicious. A favorite place for celebrity sightings, especially after the theater. Warm and welcoming, a great place for out of towners who want to feel at home.

Delicious meal in quaint location. Enjoyed dinner and dessert. The plates were unique and beautiful. Reservations recommended.

Great food, staff was wonderful and so welcoming and accommodating. Had the Rigatoni and the cauliflower appetizer that waiter recommended and was fantastic.

For years this was my favorite go-to place pre and post theater. Now it feels like a bus and truck tour variation on a NY theater restaurant. Pros--the staff, always friendly and helpful Cons--the food, linguine with clam sauce was average to mediocre, Steamed mussels were good but nothing special. We went at lunch, hopefully just an off day, but I tend to doubt it. Probably won't return, which is disappointing after so many great meals in the past.

This restaurant is near heart of Broadway theatre district so not surprisingly many patrons appeared to either be going to, or just been to, a show. Given that patronage, Orso do it very well. Rapid service without overly rushing. Minor touches a bit odd - like opening a bottle of wine without offering a taste or pour, saying “We won’t pour your wines - we leave it to you to allow you to dine at your own pace.” (Really? That was going to make all the difference?); not offering cracked pepper; etc. But very efficient. Food quality high. Not the cheapest but not bad, either. Not sure how the experience would stack up if you weren’t going pre theatre and wanted a more leisurely dinner. Might be a bit of a disappointment.

Reserved a Friday 8:00 pm table for two a couple weeks in advance to avoid the press of pre/post theater diners and were not disappointed. We were seated at a cozy corner table in the rear that was quiet with a full view of the attractively simple and intimate dining room and enjoyed the undivided attention of our waiter who was welcoming and friendly without being intrusive. Following a couple of signature cocktails and their complimentary crusty bread and white bean dip we had two delightful salads and particularly liked the roasted beets and pear salad. Our salmon and calf liver entrees were delicious, nicely portioned, and playfully plated on whimsically attractive hand painted terra-cotta plates. We finished our relaxing and unhurried dinner with a couple affogatos. Easily our most enjoyable dinner during our recent city holiday escape and will be high on our list for future trips.

Where I’m from “Liver & Onions” is not a signature dish. Anyone who is confident enough to make this their signature dish is either arrogant, and excellent chef, or both. I really don’t care about the arrogant part, I just want good food. I ordered the Calf’s Liver for dinner this past Saturday night and it was superb. The liver was sliced thin and stacked with crispy onions. The liver was tender and tasteful. The pancetta and lemon added nice flavor to the dish. My spouse had the salmon with roasted cauliflower, and we shared the roasted brussels sprouts. I am not a fan of brussels sprouts but have had some variations of roasted ones lately that were delicious. These did not disappoint. We had reservations and arrived a few minutes early; we were seated immediately. The wait staff were attentive and the service was excellent. I do not think this is an establishment for families with small children, though they would probably accommodate. The restaurant is small and the tables are somewhat close together. Whether you are a local and tourists like us, I highly recommend Orso. I would return again in the future.

My wife and I were in NYC this past summer for a business conference I had in Midtown which coincided with our wedding anniversary. A friend from home had recommended Orso, so I booked our anniversary dinner there. My wife had the duck breast and I had the branzino. We shared a tiramisu and coffee for dessert. The service was very good. Our meals were okay, but not outstanding. We enjoyed our evening at Orso.

Yeah, we really like Orso. We've been there 4-5 times over the years, and have never been displeased. This time we dropped by after a show for a late dinner. Split an appetizer and a pizza. Bottle of wine and after dinner drinks. Everything was as good as always. Pleasant service as well. You'll like it.

We went to dinner here after a Sunday Matinee and could not have been more pleased. The environment was clean and elegantly simple. The service was excellent - attentive but not cloying. The food was also wonderfully prepared and equally as wonderfully presented. Two comments...we thought the steak was a tad salty and the some of the pottery was chipped - which on the one hand gave it an old-world charm but on the other hand one expects more. Still - five stars and we will gladly go back! Our tab for three with wine and appetizers was about 90 dollars per person.

We were so pleased to find this little gem in the centre of town. We were out for the day in Manhattan and needed a quick evening meal. We found Orso online and saw it already rated highly. We recommended it to our friends living in New York after we went as it was delicious. Friendly staff, great dishes and tasty, reasonable wine. We felt so welcome and comfortable that we will be sure to visit again next time we visit New York.

Charming restaurant - a firm favourite with many New Yorkers. Booking essential - this place can be busy due to show traffic from nearby Broadway.

We had a late dinner at this restaurant after a broadway show. The menu has quite unique and traditional Italian dishes. The service is friendly and rather quick. The atmosphere is cosy, but quiet and comfortable as they have a very high ceiling. The food was delicious with great presentation. The prices are acceptable. Highly recommend the restaurant and the area.

We love Orso's and make it a point to always go when in NYC. (It's a short & easy walk from Broadway.) You will need reservations--it's a small, cozy place. The food is delicious--be sure to save room for the Tartufo dessert (an Italian ice cream ball that is beyond description--trust me--just get it!) We've been for both lunch (I think they are open for lunch only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, & Sundays) and dinner, as well as after theater drinks & dessert--it's ALL GOOD!

This restaurant has had a good reputation for a long time so we were looking forward to our meal. The food was good—as was the service—but it was a dinner menu and we were there for lunch. So I would recommend it for dinner.

We had lunch on a Sunday before going to a matinee. Getting a table wasn’t a problem and for us it seemed like we were the only tourists in the place. The food is good, nothing fancy but tasty. The service was excellent and the place has a very cozy atmosphere. If anything we thought it was a bit pricey. 6,50 for a cup of coffee.

Once again I have nothing but good to say about this place. The fried artichokes were perfect. The mozzarella di bufala caprese was excellent and our pastas were great. Service is lovely and it is a charming oasis in a busy area.

Recently visited Orso on a trip back to Manhattan and it was like stepping back in to an old, familiar haunt. Fun pre-show or post show spot for dinner and or drinks. A mix of tourists and locals; you may even have a Broadway celebrity sighting or two. Decent service and food. NYC prices.

Went to Ordo prior to the Sunday matinee of Hadestown for a truly excellent lunch. wonderful antipasto, superb fegato- a must eat place!

Nice ambiance. The staff was very thoughtful in how they dealt with two mix-ups. The food was delicious and the dessert was way better than expected.

So I did some research and it said that this is one of Cyndi Lauper’s favorite restaurants so i checked it out and it’s delicious! I truly enjoyed the quail I had and the environment and it was great! Go check it out yourself! There are a few steps so be aware of this!

We went pre-theater because it's a great location for such a meal. The service was very good. Pre-theater is very early, so the restaurant was relatively empty and low energy. The dining room is unfussy and a little dated. The food was good, not very good or great, altho the lamb chops were perfect. It is not cheap. Dinner for 2, 1 appetizer, 2 glasses of wine, 2 entrees (1 was a half portion of pasta), 1 dessert and 2 coffees was $133 plus tip.

Made reservations through open table for a late after show dinner. We had to change our reservation time to accommodate autographs at the Theater Door, Orso was very understanding. We were seated right away with water and bread. Appetizers were good and our entrees generous. The decor was cozy and pleasant and the food delicious. I will dine here again post show.

Ideal location when going to a theatre show- we saw Hamilton which is just a couple of minutes walk away. Very quick service, food quality excellent. Vegetarian options for my wife

We had a great lunch. The place was packed and the service slightly slow at first because they were making sure that others there before show matinees had time to get to the theater. Our food was excellent and the service very good.

Good solid Italian food. We start with a salad with arugula, grapes,slivers of apple and walnuts. All very fresh and tasty. My rigatoni with a traditional meat sauce is as well satisfying, a bit creamy and could use a dash more of meat, but it’s also fresh and tasty. My husband has a sausage pasta and he is enjoying it. Service is efficient and friendly and even though we have no reservations and the place is full and on a show night when theatre begins at 7, they slot us in. It’s a solid enjoyable place so close to theatre and a good find.

Orsos does not have a lot of curb appeal but the inside of the restaurant was very nice and comfortable. It’s not large maybe room for 75 max. Service as very good and the food was also very good. We started off with a couple glasses of Italian wine which our waiter recommended and he had good taste. I ordered the orecchiette ( a pasta I never had eaten before) which was a delicate half shell with a sweet sausage sauce with broccoli rabe. My wife ordered a salad to start. A beet salad with goat cheese and pistachio sauce.. it sounded strange but was very good.

Food is fresh, unique and delicious. A wonderful spot for lunch pre-theatre. Great service, delicious food. Have eaten there multiple times and always been pleased.

Had business dinner at Orso. Be booked the table at 20:00 since most of the Broadway Musicals start at the same time and there is less busy then. Very delicious and interesting Italian menu. I had pan fries baby artichokes, risotto and stuffed quail. It was delicious. We shared the risotto. It was not traditional American portion size but still would have been too much for me. Also tuna tartare and scallops were praised. Dinner was completed with desserts such as Tiramisu, Tartufo and Affogato. Yummy! Also wine pairing was a positive experience. Friendly service and relaxing atmosphere.

Wonderful, authentic Italian entrees in a pleasant environment within walking distance of Times Square, Broadway Theaters and the Algonquin Hotel. Not a large restaurant so reservations are a good idea. The staff is both courteous and attentive. And are very king to well behaved children.

Very well cooked dishes, be it pasta or rice. Optimal service. Comfortable tables and an elegant place without being rocococo. Somewhat high price.

We had never been here and joined another couple for 6pm dinner before an 8pm performance. The place is lovely in its upscale simplicity. Wonderful black & white art on the walls. Service is terrific. Food is great. I had the liver and it was sensational. Everyone was happy. GO AND ENJOY.

Wonderful place … looks like a place not for tourists ( quite hide) but the food it’s amazing and flavorful … the staff was super nice

I love Orso the food is delicious and the service is excellent the staff actually cares here about there customers which is refreshing now a days as customer service is everything in this industry . I worked at Orso in Toronto as a waiter many years ago before that location was closed . Working there taught me the meaning of great service , so was impressed from the moment I walked in the door and the attention to detail which is lacking in so many establishments today .

We had an excellent meal at Orso. The restaurant was recommended to us by someone we met in the elevator and we are definitely thankful to them. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. My husband had the prosciutto starter and I had a salad - both were crisp and tasty. The bread and white bean dip was outstanding. Our main courses of oricetta and calf’s liver were delicious. We finished up with desserts that were light and refreshing. We would highly recommend Orso for dinner and wish them the best during the upcoming difficult times facing New York.

Got 2 pizzas and a pasta, one pizza(orso pizza) was not the best but the pasta and the other pizza surely made up for it. One of the best pizzas I've had. Can definitely recommend, the staff is super friendly and service minded.

Just went after seeing Hamilton. First off, the restaurant was NOT loud. This is a big deal for me as I find most NYC restaurants too loud. And I am only in my 40's and my hearing is fine. Service and food was wonderful. My sister had the quail which was delicious! I had the fig pizza which I loved. It has a nice casual atmosphere. I highly recommend.

Close to shows. Judging from the patrons it is a favorite place for locals going to theater. Food is OK service is excellent and totally attentive to time commitments for shows. Would recommend based on those criteria.

A gorgeous intimate restaurant, delicious food, we all had pizza which was fantastic. The staff were so lovely. A must visit, hidden gem in NYC!

We dined at Orso after the theater. Our server came to us promptly and was attentive and sweet the entire night. Their bread with bean dip is a good accompaniment to the meal. We started with the arugula, grape and apple salad which was delicious. We next had rigatoni with meat sauce, and the spaghetti with eggplant and burrata. The pasta was perfectly al dente and the flavors were delicious. The atmosphere of Orso is cozy and it is not loud. The couple having dinner next to us was going back the next day. That's a good endorsement of Orso. I would highly recommend this place if you are looking for a place near the theater.

A friend suggested Orso on Restaurant Row to meet us before theater, and we couldn't recall ever eating here before. It's small.... on the narrow side, but it didn't feel cramped, and they have sound-absorbing panels on the ceiling that seem to do their job. I had the 2-minute Calamari to start, and although it wasn't spicy at all (description noted "hot pepper"), the sauce was quite good. I had the skirt steak with came with cauliflower and polenta (which was terrific!). The service was very attentive. Our 5:30 reservation was perfect for the 7:00 curtain, too.

Very good Italian restaurant. Prices are good. Wine list is still weak. Good for lunch, dinner and after theater.

It is a great restaurant!!! The staff is extremely friendly and made us feel like we were regulars. They made me a special vegan meal which was absolutely delicious. Will definitely go again when I'm back in NYC

Brought my teen daughter here as a holiday treat. The service was great. Everyone was warm, friendly and clearly trained to make sure guests have what they need. Food was ready at a good pace. Good portions for the price considering location. Recommend the risotto and the penne. Dishes at other tables looked great as well. What I like about the place is that they seem to try to have a shorter (but sufficient) menu, which in their case means concentration on better execution. Sometimes a long menu results in inconsistent results and ingredients that are not fresh. Pizza was nice and crispy, with good sauce, but probably not something I’d go for again, as there are better pizza options in the area if that’s what you’re looking for (something about the dough that didn’t work for me). Definitely a safe bet next time you are seeing a show or otherwise visiting the area. Also, their website lists the run times for all bway shows, to help you with scheduling your reservation.

Cozy. restaurant with an interesting menu and delicious food. And they will get you out in time for theater.

Consistently good food in a casual atmosphere --great thin crusted pizzas. Super convenient for after dining from theater. A must if anyone is hungry after a good show--who knows you may even see a celebrity dining?

We've eaten here several times over the past 15 years. We wanted to go to a place last minute for a nice meal that wasn't crazy expensive. Orso fits the bill. We ate at 7:00 pm as the pre-theater crowd was finishing up. By 7:45, the restaurant was pretty empty and stayed that way until we left at about 8:30. This is the only restaurant anywhere, where I will order calve's liver (in general, I don't like it). At Orso it's Thin, crispy, and delicious. We had a nice appetizer of steak tartar as well. Bread selection is very good though not exceptional. Wine list is extremely limited. We actually got a carafe of red wine for $39 which was decent, and much more reasonable than the $185 bottle we had the night before in a fancier restaurant.

Lovely little restaurant! A gem not far from the theatre. We had the salumi, & burrata salad for starters. Perfect to share for 4. We had papperdelle and orechetti - 2 of each for dinner. The sausage ragout was deliciously seasoned, we ordered one with broccoli rabe, and one without. Definitely go without, the rabe made it bitter. The papperdelle was delicious with a little added salt. The desserts were fantastic! Chocolate raspberry cake, chocolate gelato, and primitivo raspberry gelato. Not a speck left in our dishes!

We just walked in off the street and it was very busy. We wondered what the service would be like. We needn't have worried, the lovely lady who served us was fantastic. She was SO pleasant and nothing was too much trouble. The food was excellent - from the delicious bread at the beginning right through to the end. I would definitely return if and when I am in NYC again.

Our group recently enjoyed Sunday brunch at Orso.They offer soup=apps=salads-pizza -fish and meat dinners-The waitstaff was very attentive and the prices were reasonable for NYC.It is located in the theater district and is very convenient

Amid New York's gastronomic scene, where the tradition and excellence of Italian cuisine are revered, Orso Restaurant stands out by respecting classic recipes and the quality of ingredients that have made Italian cuisine a global reference. Strategically located on Restaurant Row, on 46th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues, this establishment is a true ode to the authentic flavors that characterize Italian cuisine.

Perfect dinner in a great location before we saw a show. This was just down the street from our hotel who suggested we try it. Everything was absolutely delicious! Great service and a great ambiance!

Excellent dinner - always a fine place to enjoy a meal with friends. Wait staff is professional, friendly and accommodating. Loved our meals, especially the braised lamb shank with mashed potatoes and gremolata and potato-leek soup which 3 of 4 of us had. Branzino was relished by one friend, paccheri with grilled eggplant was not as successful a dish as I had anticipated. It was heavy on tomato sauce which overwhelmed the eggplant flavor.

The BEST calves liver in NYC! (Order a vegetable with it). Wonderful & diverse menu; salads, pasta, pizzas, chicken, fish, steak. I fell in love with fennel sausage years ago and rarely find it in NYC; my friend ordered a fennel sausage pizza!! which we split, (alas, I ate one of her slices too), it was excellent. Orso's attracts many actors, writers, film and theater people because the atmosphere is cozy, friendly and the food is wonderful and -- it's in the theater district.

I stopped by Orso for dinner after finishing a show on Broadway. It has been a longtime since I've been there and the place continues to deliver. The service was outstanding. The pizza, Margherita and asked for mushroom on it, was delicious. Perfect crust, light sauce, beautiful fresh basil leaves that gave it delicious taste.

We had gone for a pre-theatre dinner and couldn’t have been happier with the friendly, efficient service and tasty fare. Seems most everyone being seated was there prior to a show ~ and the place delivered; never a concern about possibly running late. My wife and I will definitely return on our next trek into NYC for a show. James Carlton Longo

Stopped by for a lunch after a busy morning shopping. Traditional Italian, great food and very friendly service. I had the rigatoni pasta 🍝 amazing, so rich but also the rosemary garlic flatbreads are worth a call out. Recommend this place 👍😎

On a cold and rainy night, we had a lovely dinner. From the host, coat check to the waiter, all were welcoming. The three of us all ordered different items and we were all quite happy. Bread and white bean spread were delicious. I had chicken roasted with mashed potatoes with a yummy sauce, my daughter had linguine with clam sauce which she really enjoyed. The experience was enjoyable right down to the dishes.

Orso is just a touch above the average restaurant row shop. Great dishes and a very nice venue. On a recent trip it was booked solid over lunch and I had to try another day. Reserve early.

Tonight we had a wonderful meal. Despite a limited menu, the items we had were absolutely delicious. The service here is formal but friendly. Our waitress had excellent recommendations and was very sweet We were delighted to escape the madness of the NYC streets for the quiet and air-conditioned respite of Orso.

I enjoyed a delightful evening in this warm and inviting little restaurant. The staff were attentive but not intrusive. The food was perfectly prepared and delicious. We had a lovely time.

This is a great spot for dinner after a show on Broadway. It is an easy walk from all the theaters and is open late. Most importantly the food and service are great! It also is extremely resonably priced for the location.

Great fish and wonderful pasta. Wine selection small but serviceable. Environment is not really as upscale as we hoped. Cheap furniture. Sort of a stark interior, sketchy street area in Hell’s Kitchen. Service was excellent. For pre-theater it was fine.

A great place to go after a show. I’ve been to Orso several times and have always enjoyed the experience. Service is fantastic. The menu has plenty of selections for all tastes. My wife enjoyed the halibut and I the chicken. Five minute walk from most theaters.

Unlike so many of the theatre district restaurants, Orso is small, quiet and friendly. While the menu is small, there is something for everyone, especially the pastas! And, you're likely to run into a celebrity or two. The night we were there Jane Krakowski and a group of friends were dining!

We had reservations for a Monday before a show. The restaurant itself was very nice. We had the $25 Monday prix fixe. Excellent brussel sprouts to start. I had the pan fried chicken which was really good. My wife enjoyed her vodka pasta.We shared excellent gelato for dessert. I had a glass of wine that was good & reasonably priced. I thought my wife's gin & tonic at $13 was a little steep.Overall would definitely return.

We try to go to Orso every time we visit NYC, usually before or after a Broadway show, and we have never been disappointed. Our only regular mistake is forgetting to reserve a table way in advance, as Orso is very popular. This time we had lunch before a Wednesday matinee. Service was friendly and professional. Food and wine were outstanding. Most notably wonderful were the escargots, served in a delicious tomato sauce, and the tiramisu, but the salad and pasta dishes were also great.

This is a small but reliable restaurant on restaurant row near the theatre district. Varied Italian menu, great pizzas and artichoke salad. Service very good.

First visit was AMAZING. This visit, not so much. Waitress was not interested in our table. I actually had to walk to the bar to get a water refill after my glass being empty for over 10 minutes. The menu was very limited this visit due to a gas issue in the kitchen. I will probably give them another try in the future since I know they can do better.

We just popped in for dinner. I think the maitre did not like us because, although the restaurant was almost empty, he placed us near the stairs to the restrooms which was a very nasty smelling spot. The bean dip was good, as well as the bread ( thank God we asked because my husband is very allergic to beans) and so were the Brussels sprouts. The pasta was a surprise and not nice. It was very well cooked but surprisingly spicy. A hot/ spicy carbonara is not my idea of a good carbonara. The waitress who was also very nice, assured us that was the way it was cooked. Well next time please ask me the degree. No comments on coffee.

Orso is a small neighborhood restaurant with a thoughtful menu and great execution. Not one of those Italian joints with hundreds of dishes - go elsewhere if that's what you're after. Orso's menu is printed daily and is interesting but not overwhelming. We had the grilled baby artichoke appetizer, followed by a pizza with housemade fennel sausage. Food was excellent and the service was friendly and competent. We'll be back. If only we could get pizza like this in Tennessee.....

Can't beat the simply well prepared dishes. Limited menu because they only do what they do best. Every time we go there they seem to improve over already welcoming atmosphere. I love the salad with white anchovies, but that is only one example of how they do everything right. Home made pastas and interesting thin bread you can't get elsewhere. A repeat for us.

Having looked at the menu prior to making a reservation. I was disappointed to find a very limited menu when we dined. They did state on the menu that we received at dinner that due to utility work they couldn't serve their full menu. I had the rigatoni, which was pretty pricey for pasta, and it was very bland. The servers were attentive and very good. I will skip this place and dine somewhere else the next time I am in this area.

Service very friendly. Food very good. Prices very good for New York. Good location, will happily recommend it.

We’re always looking for a good place for a pre-theater dinner and we hit a home run night. I don’t know why we never ate here before, but this one will be on our go to list now. Orso is a small intimate restaurant with a decent space in between the tables. The wait staff work very well together. If our waitress was serving another table, the other waitress picked up where she left off. We were very well taken care of. The food at Orso was delicious. I ordered the chicken faro soup for my appetizer and my husband had the pasta dish with grilled eggplant in a spicy red sauce. We both kept eating from each other’s plates. We loved what we both ordered, but we loved what was on the other plate too. My soup was so good and chock full of chicken and vegetables. It tasted like your mom’s chicken soup, probably better than mom’s! The pasta dish was unbelievable. I couldn’t stop eating from my husband’s plate! For our main courses I had the mussel appetizer and my husband had the sliced skirt steak with sautéed broccoli rabe. We both loved our selections. The mussels were very large and so tasty. Some of the mussels were tremendous and equally delicious. My husband’s steak was perfectly cooked. He ate every last bite! We also had the roasted cauliflower. Loved that too! For dessert we shared the tartuffo. Of course, that was perfect too. Didn’t leave one bite over. We had an unbelievable dinner at Orso and will recommend it to our friends and family. We cannot wait to come back.

What a wonderful local spot. Incredible food. Great drinks. Amazing service. A true gem in the city. Go for a date.

This restaurant is not very large which is a good thing by us. The buffalo mozzarella and tomato starter was very tasty and fresh. We both had pasta dishes, one clam, the other an eggplant in red sauce; both were excellent with robust flavor, perfectly cooked seafood and veggies, and piping hot. Highly recommend either. The wine list is small but we found a nice bottle of Italian red which went well with the pastas. Was a bit surprised when our server announced she would open the bottle and pour the first glass, but after that we were to pour our own - I feel this is a poor policy, particularly if the expectation is to be tipped on the value of the wine. This would not negatively influence our return as everything else was excellent.

We ate here before our tickets to Hamilton just down the block. The food and service were wonderful. This is a great spot to eat before a show.

This is a great choice for Italian taste buds, especially if you are wanting a pre-theatre dinner. The grilled artichoke appetizer is delicious and we had entrees that varied from the liver to a pasta to the chicken with Brussels sprouts. Nice wine selection and reasonable prices for NYC.

Spent the evening with family and friends. Service was very good and food was excellent. Great appetizers. Beat salad and Bolognese were fantastic

Food was good The service was good, we were a group of 6 adults and 4 kids. The wine selection was ok. Not sure if I'd go back. There are too many restaurants and to little time.

I usually hate going to a restaurant by myself, as I always get the worst table and the slowest service. I was a solo diner at Orso and it could not have been more pleasant. They sat me a 4 top, amongst other diners (I was across from Timothy Busfield and Melissa Grant - when my son went there he sat next to Christian Slater). The waiters were attentive, the food was delicious and the whole experience was delightful. Thank you for taking such good care of me. I will definitely go back!

We were a group of 12 and we were accommodated perfectly by the Orso staff with an oval table without a feeling of being cramped ! So appreciated by a group which are often seated at a long table !The service was professional, warm, and helpful ! The group had the artichokes, Buffalo mozzarella and calamari as appetizers which were all very delicious followed by such entrees as scallops, skirt steak, pasta , again much enjoyed! Desserts again were thoroughly enjoyed....chocolate expresso cake, peach tart, tartufo and an amazing parfait of gelato,expresso and a liquor named affogato....out of this world...all members of group well satisfied with all aspects of the dining experience at Orso! We all loved the wine carafes and especially the rustic dinnerware!

Enjoyed their wine selection. The white bean spread served with the bread was very good. Found the apple ginger vinaigrette salad to be delicate and tasty. The flank steak.and papardelle (beef bourginon) was very good.

We enjoyed a great meal, including desert. Good wine. A very nice atmosphere before a show. We would definitely go back when we're in the city again.

Third time here. I always like to eat at least 3 times before reviewing. Always spot on. Service, food, atmosphere are great. In the city but a small city feel inside. Friendly. Food always great. Staff great. A must if looking for good food before the show. Menu always changes but if they have the grilled octopus. Get it.

We are in NYC for 5 day trip, it is our last night and it was a lovely way to finish our stay. I had grilled lobster and my husband had buffalo milk mozzarella both of which were delicious, this was followed by clam linguine which was so gorgeous, my husband said his rigatoni was the best he had ever tasted. I loved the smooth bean dip we had with bread when we arrived, I will try to replicate this at home but I am not sure it will be the same. I would definitely recommend this lovely restaurant, it was a lovely way to finish a great trip to NYC.

Arrived at 5:10 for a 7pm show and almost did not make it! One of the few times in my life I left a bad tip: waiter ignored direct questions, was talking to himself, and claimed they were “working on appetizer” after we waited at least 30 minutes. It was a cold dish. I would not go back.

We hopped in for a quick lunch before a Saturday matinee. The food was delicious and the staff was very welcoming. A few issues -- it was cold and several tables had space heaters set up next to them to keep the diners warm. In retrospect I should have asked for one as well. Finally we got our first course very quickly and our main meal was somewhat delayed. We made the performance but there was too much time between courses. I would definitely go back there.

Went to dinner at Orso with my best friend prior to seeing a Broadway Show. The food was delicious & the waiter was aware of our time constraints. Highly recommend this wonderful restaurant!

A wonderful find in the theater district. To be honest, the reason I wanted to eat here is because I'd seen a very brief news item stating that 2 high profile women that I respect had been seen eating at Orso. I'm not one to be star struck, but I was this time and I knew I had to eat there! I'm so glad that we did! The service, first and foremost, was fantastic! The server did everything for us with a smile from the moment we sat down until we left. The food was wonderful. Definitely try the Yellow Tomato Gazpacho! The menu has wonderful choices and is not too big. And don't miss out on the dessert. I recommend the dark chocolate and vanilla ice cream covered with chocolate sauce... big enough to split but not so big that one person can't finish it. We made reservations for a Sunday evening after a show. I definitely recommend doing that as almost every table was occupied. We are looking forward to having dinner there again and will bring friends with us! Oh, and the two women I had read about that were eating at Orso: Hillary Clinton and Kate McKinnon. They obviously have great taste!

Warm, welcome! Friendly staff that made us feel special, wanted and recognized. Outstanding flavors and variety of foods. We eat here every trip to the City. A fun tradition we build our NYC stay around!

Here's a cute little Italian restaurant, with some very nice terraced tables on the street, to eat a little bit away from the crowds of time square and Broadway and that still accepts to serve late Awards are cheaper than on the streets near the theaters Nice card, we take what we want to share so we can even go out with a tiny Rating Italian beers, warm welcome

Well done! Great on all fronts. Attentive friendly efficient service and amazing food. Not to be missed! If you're considering before a show call weeks in advance to reserve to not be disappointed. Can't wait to return.

They were very friendly, time sensitive helpful and attentive. A member of our party dropped a knife and someone was there with a new one before we blinked.the mushroom risotto was delicious. The salad with the white anchovies was outstanding. Would return in a heartbeat.

We were invited to this restaurant by friends. Went on a busy Saturday night before going to a show. Although the place was completely full we still were able to have a relaxed meal. Every dish was very good and looked fantastic when it came to the table. There were some very good Italian beers. I have to mention dessert. Tartufo, my spelling is probably not correct. Ice cream and chocolate center wrapped in a cocoa shell and chocolate sauce. Awesome. The atmosphere and service were both at high levels. For a non-New Yorker it seemed pricey but in comparison with other NY restaurants of similar quality the prices were typical. We would definitely recommend.

This charming little restaurant was a short walk from our hotel. We were served by the lovely Kayla who ensured our visit would be a memorable one. The food was absolutely first class. The taste, the presentation and the sensible portion sizes ensured a 3 course meal could be enjoyed by all. The restaurant was spotless clean, had a great atmosphere and the service was excellent as alluded to above. For a Wednesday evening in the heart of an area with many restaurants to choose from, it was at least 3/4 full at all times which somewhat tells its own story. All members of my family in attendance cannot speak highly enough of this place - we would all recommend it.

We went here late on a Sunday night for dinner, and the waiter gave us a table even though we soon found out, that they were practically closed for the night, and really didn't want to serve us. We were only and extra earning on that night. We were seated close to the entrance, and there was a terrible and freezing cold draft. We kept our coats on. When the food came it was nothing out of the ordinary, and we really don't understand the good reviews this restaurant has. We waited a long time for our waiter, who was chatting with the rest of the staff instead of paying attention to us. Some of the food was cold when served. Value for money was low.

Disappointing. It felt like my entree was taking forever. My guest and I had finished our appetizers well before… empty plates. When I tracked down my waiter asking if it was almost ready, he asked if I wanted him “to speed it up.” About ten minutes later, it arrived nuclear hot… clearly from a microwave. Pasta well overcooked. Oh, and that waiter never came back to our table. We had to ask another waiter for the check. That waiter brought us the check, took my card, and brought it back. That original waiter just abandoned us.

My sister and I brought our daughters for dinner after seeing Frozen. As soon as you entered the restaurant you felt more relaxed and welcomed. Our server was perfectly attentive and gave good advice on any questions we had. We started with the artichoke and mussels appetizers and they were both delicious. The bread they give every table was also excellent crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside. They serve bread with a white bean dip but gave us (unsalted) butter when we asked. Dipping the bread in the mussels broth was wonderful, too. For entrees the table had half portions of linguine with white clam sauce, rigatoni with meat sauce and pasta in a cream sauce. All were good with the pasta just cooked exactly right - al dente. I think my favorite was rigatoni’s with meat sauce. Dessert was yummy too - we had sorbet, ice cream, tiramisu and tartufo. At the end felt refreshed and ready again to tackle Times Square. A great intimate atmosphere and dinner!

The cauliflower raisin salad was a hit, quite delicious, healthy appetizers. The thin pizza options are quite different than what you would expect (we loved them) -- very thin, nearly cracker weight, with plenty of taste. Try a moscato with biscotti for your dessert. Very accommodating wait staff.

We ate there on Valentine's day. It is not a folksy restaurant; the decor is refined and the staff are formal, but very friendly and helpful. There was a prix fixe menu, but you could order the items on it separately, as well as off the regular menu. So there were a lot of options. It isn't cheap, but then nothing in NYC is. There was a good selection of wine and a full bar. Being in the theater district, it's fairly easy to get a table at 8:00 or so. We'd go back.

Third visit, and great to be back for punchy, delicious Italian home cooking. To start, roasted artichoke hearts with lemon and Parmesan (stunning, fresh) and then short rib pasta. Service speedy but spot on, flavours to die for, and amazing value.

This is where you want to go pre theater Or when you are on the West Side. The whole experience of being in a cozy little restaurant with fabulous Italian food can not be beat. I am wild about their calves liver!

Had the rigatoni pasta and pepperoni pizza. Both really nice. Nice service and environment. Complimentary bread was also provided. It was a little more expensive than other restaurants near by but was worth it.

Truly a gem that cannot be missed when visiting New York City! Tucked away in the theater district with an ambiance for a romantic dinner, a family destination, or a girlfriends weekend, one is assured of impeccable service, incredible food, and the perk of having a meal steps away from any Broadway show! The Mushroom Risotto was outstanding in a blend of fontina and herbs and the raspberry sorbet for dessert was a delicious way to end this gourmet experience. Our server was quietly present throughout and cared for us as if we were the only ones in the place. Please note: You must make a reservation as this is a full hot spot attracting an eclectic crowd! You will not be disappointed!

Orso is a small Italian restaurant in the middle of the theater district. The menu is small, but we enjoyed what we ordered. Not “to die for” (the bread pudding was close), more “this is really good for the theater district”. Service was friendly, efficient and attentive. The ambiance is refined but not stuffy. Unlike many NYC restaurants, the tables are spaced well apart and you can actually have a conversation! Overall, an excellent choice in this area. I’d go back.

My friend, who works in Midtown, met me here for dinner, and the waiter was thoughtful to ask if we were on our way to a show so that he could help manage our time. We were not, so we didn’t have to rush. I had the pappardelle with tomato sauce, and she had the lamb chops – and outordered me. While the pasta was delicious, the sauce was so simple (I get it – it’s supposed to be a simple Pomodoro sauce), while the lamb was seasoned so nicely and served with a gorgeous veggie side. We each enjoyed the house wine, which was a great $ deal as well. Overall a nice dinner in a lovely spot!

This restaurant was a lovely find. We didn’t have theater plans and because many customers rush off to the theater, we were able to enjoy a relaxed meal with lots of attention from the staff. Everything we ordered was delicious and impeccably prepared. My husband had the chicken and I had a pasta. We shared the dishes and enjoyed both. The artichoke appetizer was the best I have had. The reason for four stars instead of five is the fact that the menu is limited, with few of the typical dishes that one usually finds in a traditional Italian restaurant. Still, excellent choice and serene setting in a very busy area of Times Square.

Nothing other than excellent applies. From being greeted at the door, the wait staff and the food. An incredible experience that I highly recommend!

Small restaurant with Good Italian food, traditional Italian wine list and pleasant service. Ambiance is nice and food was served on s timely basis which is important if you’re going to the theatre with no late seating.

This was our first meal in NYC. It set the bar very high. We went with the Monday Menu. The brussles sprouts were amazing. I normally do not like any kind of pasta, but the ravioli was the best dish I had during the entire trip. Would absolutely return to Orso. Quiet environment great for dates, businesses lunches, & dinner before/after Broadway.

The atmosphere was pleasant and the service was good, but the food didn't bowl me over. The pan fried artichokes were underdone and roast pork tenderloin was unremarkable. Comes under the heading of glad I tried it, won't be back.

Rush, rush, rush. Three words that sum up the insanity and the magic of New York. But when you enter Orso, which is a block or so from the heart of the theatre district, you feel a calmness that makes you wonder, “Can I get a good Italian dinner here and still make curtain time at the play we have tickets for?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!” How do they do it? With flawlessly, outstanding service and a kitchen that performs culinary magic. There were six people in our party and no sooner did we sit down when the maitre’d or a manager ask if we were going to the theater that night. I said, Yes. And a waiter appeared almost instantly. Each dish we ordered arrived perfectly prepared and enticingly presented. Pasta cooked al dente, fish broiled medium, just the way I like it, veal and chicken parmigiana cheesy and delicious, Caesar salads, cool and crunchy arrived for me with anchovies, everyone else’s without. Just the way we ordered it. Service was friendly and prompt. Giving me time for a second double espresso. I love this place and my feelings for it are reinforced every time we eat there. Try it and even when you’re NOT going to the theater you’ll want to go back. Often!

This is what I would call a Pearl in the city center of New York. Very nice and delicate food in a warm romantic ambiance, 2 blocks away from Times Square. And very affordable too! Maybe not all the food would be classified Italian to visitors from Europe, yet everything g you eat is nicely balanced, delicate and the wine is great value as well. In Monday’s there is a very nice Menu that combines great food with ditto pricing. Cheers!

Slightly out of the way but not hard to find, this small restaurant offers a nice-sized menu from which anyone should be able to find a favorite. My order was the roasted beet and grilled pear salad with pistachios, goat cheese and a balsamic reduction. It was a standout well-balanced in offering a range of flavors savory/sweet/crunchy. I wished there were a few more pistachios and that the pear had been more room-temperature (it was cold) but I loved it and would definitely order it again. For pasta I ordered the Orecchiette with a sausage ragu, which was also quite good. One very nice thing about the pastas, they offer two serving sizes are available. For dessert, tiramisu which was delicious as well. My waiter was helpful in selecting a wine to fit my desires. The restaurant is small but cozy. You should have reservations. This is not an accessible location as you must go down 3 or 4 stairs to enter the restaurant and there are two more stairs inside towards the rear dining room. Two items that as a solo traveler, I find fairly often. Even with a reservation, I often get seated "out of the way" or by the kitchen. It always feels like a slight to me. The other is that service can sometimes tend to be not as attentive. I found these two things to be true at Orso. While I enjoyed my food and I would definitely go back, I found the attention of my waiter wane severely over the course of my dinner. I just caution restaurants that solo diners are paying customers as anyone else and ask them not to push us to the back or forget about us. All in all I enjoyed my dinner, the experience could have been stellar if I had gotten a little better service.

Nice Italian restaurant. Good atmosphere and very good food. Prices consistent with New York City. No one rushed us. Big shrimp, chicken and roasted vegetables. Great service

Having eaten here before we were shocked at the simple mistakes and lock of follow through to fix them. We did not have a reservation, and arrived moments after the doors opened for the evening. We were seated near the kitchen, normally not a problem, except that my chair was bumped three times (twice by our waitress) with nary a word or apology. Our drinks took a very long time, none were complicated, yet we watched as other tables were served their drinks and even their food before ours arrived. My wife ordered a pizza, my daughter ordered a risotto dish. And I ordered the salmon, but was delivered a meat dish instead. There was a short apology, and my daughter watched as the waitress THEN put my salmon order in! When it arrived (after I had picked at everyone else’s food), it was undercooked to the point where the middle could have passed for sushi! I called the waitress over and she offered to make it again (everyone else was done by now). I said no, and she disappeared. No offer of anything else. Not a drink. Not a dessert. Nothing. We just sat there another 15 minutes until finally asking for the check, which was delivered with a short “sorry about the confusion.”

With all of the restaurants in New York City, anyone can feel overwhelmed and at a loss when trying to decide where to go for a special dinner. In New York for my son's wedding, I wanted to give them a special dinner. All three of us live in Texas, but he and his fiancée have traveled extensively and have eaten at hundreds of restaurants, so I knew the bar was set high. I chose Orso because of the excellent reviews, the very friendly maître d', its late closing time, and the fact that it wasn't far from our hotels (although most things aren't too far in NYC). Orso did not disappoint. My son and his fiancée arrived first and were seated right away. The server explained that the dishes changed daily, and a new menu was printed every day. The bread and white bean dip was good, as other reviewers have said. The wine choices were limited but very good. We chose the sweetmeats as an appetizer, and they were excellent in both presentation AND taste. For our entrées, we chose the calf's liver, clam linguine, and halibut. The calf's liver portion so large that my son (a strapping 6'4") only finished it because he shared some with the rest of the table. It was the best liver I had ever tasted. His fiancée loved the linguine. I only tried the pasta because I'm not a fan of clams, and it was excellent. The halibut, however, was incredible. Being from the Gulf Coast, and having traveled to many coastal regions, I've had a lot of seafood. Orso's halibut was perfection. I have never had fish of any kind cooked to a perfect texture, but this was. Texture, taste, presentation - it was the best seafood entrée I have ever tasted. I may never be able to eat fish anywhere else. 😢Everyone at the table agreed, even the 12-year-old sister of the bride, who is not that keen on trying new foods. She had the small-portion-size of the spaghetti, which was more than she could finish, but she said it was good. The bride's mother ordered an appetizer salad as her main course, and it was twice as much as she could eat. With all this wonderful food, we would have been satisfied. However, because I had read the reviews about the tartufo, we ordered it. There really are no words. It was scrumptious - a softball-sized ball of hazelnut & dark chocolate gelato dusted in a perfect coating of rich cocoa with a small hidden core of fudge or sauce or other chocolate deliciousness - perfection! Ice cream is my favorite dessert, anyway, but this took ice cream to a stellar level. All in all, in other words, we made the right decision in choosing Orso last night. (My only mistake was in taking a taxi from the hotel. It's true what they say about taxis: a 15 minute walk usually turns into a 30 minute taxi ride. At 7 pm. And it was near the theater district. My son and his fiancée took the subway from farther way and got there in 10 minutes.) The restaurant is small, but we did not feel crowded at our table for five. When I made the reservation, the maître d' had asked if we were going to the theater, and I told him no. He must have made a note of that because absolutely neither our wonderful server or anyone rushed us through our meal or made us feel at all like we were taking too long. And we were there 2 1/2 hours. Maybe more. (We did take a taxi back, and it only took 10 minutes. It was almost 10 o'clock.) I would definitely eat at Orso again, but I doubt that we will have the chance because there are so many other places we want to try.

My husband and I visited Orso on our last night of a long weekend in NYC, and we're so glad we did! The food was outstanding, from appetizers to the dessert you will definitely want to have, and the space felt cozy and welcoming. The staff was terrific - very friendly and knowledgable. We told them we were in no hurry and would like to have a leisurely meal - they were attentive without being obtrusive and paced our meal perfectly. We wish we lived closer so we could visit more often!

First time we dined here we hadn't booked but we were greated with a smile and a promise they could squeeze us in in a few minutes. Shown to a bar table and given a menu to look at while we waited. It was packed as just before the shows were due to start. We were in no hurry and quickly were shown to a table and emjoyed a quieter restaurant, but by no menas empty one. Food was fantastic. Enough choice to find something you like but not overwhelming. I had pear salad to start followed by prawn risotto. Both were delicious. The dressing on the salad was superb. We had such lovely service we decided to book to come back for our final night and we had an equally lovely service the second time. I had charred cauliflower starter - gorgous flavours and the risotto again as I loved it so much the second time. This time I had learnt to leave space for dessert, managing to squeeze in a devine olive oil cake. First time I had tried olive oil cake - what a find! Cannot recommend this place enough - but book if you a show time dependent to avoid disappointment.

The pasta was superb with vodka sauce! They had issues with their pizza oven so no pizza for several days. Our waiter was at best just ok—we got the feeling he just didn’t care thus 4 vs 5 stars. Other waiters were friendly! Great place for after the shows! We will go again when in NYC!

Still one of our favorite dining spots for more than 20 years near Times Square. Noise level just right so you can easily talk to your table mates. Excellent service, good food. About $225.00 for 2 appetizers, 2 mains, 2 desserts, 1 pizza bread, 1 bottle of wine. Liver was good! Making a dinner reservation around 7:00 or 7:30 makes it easy as the place clears out for a moment when the play crowd leaves. A really nice touch was the heating of our coats in the cloak room so they were warm when we put them on.

We ate at Orso before going to a show. The meal was wonderful and our server was great. The only complaint is overhearing one server (not ours) constantly talk about politics and dropping the occasional f-bomb. Other than having to block him out, everything else was great.

after a long day and lots of walking we had some delicious pasta and desert in a wonderful atmosphere. The Service was great as well, perfect dinner!

My wife and I spent a week in NYC and found this little gem just west of Times Square. Actually we came back for another dinner a few days later as we loved the good food and the informal atmosphere. We highly recommend Orso and in fact I intend to be back with a client of mine also from Denmark in November.

Went there after the theater without reservations and had really good pasta (hand made) and fantastic sauce. Very reasonably priced and a relatively small, not too noisy place.

I had stopped by one day recently to look over their menu and was intrigued by their fig pizza. I couldn't stop that day but went a few days later. It was after the matinee but before the evening rush. I didn't think it would be a problem to get a table at that time but despite the fact that they were expecting a large crowd, they were able to seat me. I received a glass of tap water, Italian bread and a delicious white bean spread. After checking the menu, I ordered the fichi pizza, a decent sized pizza with black mission figs, gorgonzola cheese, arugula, prosciutto and walnuts. It was very good and filling. At the end of my meal, I ordered a double espresso which was also great. The restroom was well maintained and not neglected. The waitress was accommodating and attentive. I would recommend and return.

This my wife's very favorite dining place in the center of NYC's Theater District. Last night before Groundhog Day's performance we went with our son and were delighted again. Cozy feel, welcoming staff, super service by wait staff. Started with artichokes and gazpacho. I then had pasta with red meat sauce (big portion had to share wonderful dish), our son had hanger steak (tender and perfectly done) my wile just gushed over her scollops. Shared a desert. Arrived 90 minutes before our curtain went up and were accommodated to wrap up and stroll to theater easily post-meal. Another great dining evening.

Excellent food and nice atmosphere that is very convenient to Broadway. They have free coat check and excellent customer service. Food was fabulous. We got 1/2 portions and felt they were sufficient. Bread and a delicious bean dip was served prior to the meal. The linguine with crab had tons of crab meat in it and the eggplant pasta was delicious. Chocolate cake was super! They have a Sunday brunch menu. Bathroom is downstairs and not handicap accessible. Entry is also down a few stairs.

We have pizza two different kind of pasta , sea scallop, wine and dessert. Everything was good, the atmosphere is cosy and people treat you really well. Absolutely suggested and recommended. Kevin at the entrance will take care of view 5 starts!

We went here before the theater. It was perfectly OK, but nothing special. Menu seemed pretty limited and fairly standard. Service was adequate but no more. The room seemed a little charmless. But they did their job and got us our in time for the theater...but the next time I'll go to Joe Allen's.

Orso was fantastic. This was our favorite restaurant throughout our 3 night stay. The wonderful Italian food was delicious and our server, Tracy, was a delight. We look forward to returning sooner than later!

After enjoying theatre, we decided to have dinner here, and it exceeded our expectations. The ambiance was clean and tastefully elegant. The service was spot-on—attentive without being overbearing. The food was not only delicious but also artfully presented. We’re looking forward to our next visit!