Orso

My friend and I were going to be in town for one night only to see Hell's Kitchen. I had searched on the net prior for what I hoped to be a non touristy trap type, quality food, but within a manageable walking distance spot. I have standards for food and drink. I wasn't looking for a life changing dining experience but something solid. They start you with bread and a white bean dip. The bread was AMAZING. It tasted like Balthazar's. We had no bread plates. I saw none on other tables either. It was messy and I did not like that. My girlfriend ordered Rigatoni Bolognese and a Kir. She asked for a Riesling which they did not have. The Kir was recommended. I personally did not understand that recommendation, but, she accepted it. I don't think she enjoyed it. She barely drank any of it. She loved her Rigatoni though. I ordered the Risotto Gambero - arborio rice, shrimp, tomato, zucchini, lemon zest, parmesan. The shrimp were cut into small pieces, the rice was a touch too al dente for my taste. The dish overall didn't wow me but flavor was ok. I tasted no lemon zest. I expected whole shrimp perhaps with a grill crust on them. I don't like diced shrimp in a dish because I am not a child. That just sends a message they are trying to hide the quantity of the protein. Servings were on the petite side but I did not take issue with that because I felt full when done. I did not want to have leftovers given we were headed to the theater. The interior was petite. We were seated in the middle of the room at a four top sandwiched up against at least three other tables. Our table had to be slid out so we could sit in the seats for the table to be slid back. I felt like I was in the lap of the people behind us. We were near a stairwell that went to the basement that I assumed led to restrooms as diners were going down there. There was a faint septic smell that wafted at me several times during dinner. That was off putting. Our server was there at the beginning and our entrees came out efficiently. We didn't see her after that and had a time lag with getting dessert ordered. We started dinner at 5:15 and almost didn't make our show start of 7pm. Theater was a 5 minute walk away. We literally sat in our theater seats five minutes before curtain having no time to hit the bar or the ladies room. Entrees range @ $30 each. I did notice there was a four top in the corner near the half wall to the bar that remained open our entire time there. I would have much preferred to be sat there and be tucked away rather than out in the middle of traffic with the back of my chair slapped up against the table behind me.This was a special birthday in the city night for me. I feel I could have made a better decision. I don't feel the need to do a repeat.

I walked pass this restaurant many times when I go to restaurant on 46 street I have been to the one in London and I've been to it many years ago but I must say it was beyond my expectations. Small restaurant small menu but the food was delicious. I had the salmon. We also had a pasta dish and we had the softshell crab. Excellent. Waite Remember staff was excellent. Everybody was well trained, professional, and helpful. They brought us a little ice cream with a candle on it make us feel special for our birthday !!moderate price New York standards I will definitely return !!!It been way too long and now I know the reason it's been in business since 1983 is because it's a little gem of a restaurant

It's a cute family spot for Italian food on a street packed with tourist traps, a recommended place if you're thinking about going to a show nearby.The restaurant is small and cozy, nothing splashy and the service is very attentive and friendly.The menu is extremely small and limited, so make sure you check it before you go so you have options. The food is nothing to write home about but it's okay, you will most likely enjoy it, just won't be impressed. I have to highlight the mussels appetizer, they were juicy and the sauce was absolutely tasty (I mopped it out with the bread). The bolognese pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and the sauce is also pretty good. If you're a fan of calf liver (like I am) I can assure you you'll like this flavorful and tender one (it's hard to find a place that does it justice).In an area that is flocked with tourists and people going to theaters, it's a place good enough to have an okay dinner at a reasonable price.

Great pre Broadway spot to grab some Italian food. Delicious wine menu and fantastic dishes. We enjoyed everything we ate!Our server was friendly, knowledgeable and left us to ourselves to enjoy a private dinner as a family.Quaint atmosphere with good music and Italian vibe decor. We enjoyed our meal!

Charming, cozy spot for a pre-theater meal ... this is a lovely (throw back -- in a good way!!) restaurant ... excellent, thoughtful, and personable service will make you feel very well-cared for before your show (and no worries about making your theater time) ... the food is delicious -- all serviced on whimsical Italian pottery -- the black sea bass and penne bolognese were particular standouts ... as well as the house-made white bean dip they serve with warm crusty bread. Great reasonable wine choices and elegant cocktails...Can't wait to go back!!

Great ambiance, service, and food. They have pre-theater dining down to a science. Would also be a great spot for special occasion dining.

A little background: before 2016, I worked in Manhattan most days and loved eating out and going to Broadway plays. Then I retired and continued to go "into town" until the pandemic. Well, I rediscovered two facts that I had forgotten - 1) Restaurant food is better in Manhattan and 2) Entree prices are less in Manhattan.My meal at Orso proved these two facts. This charming nicely decorated professionally run friendly restaurant delivers a single page of "hit" apps and entrees. The dishes presented here may sound like suburban descriptions of bolognese on homemade pasta - but trust me they are better,We started with the Cozze fra diavolo ($22)- a truely spicy red sauce over the most tender mussels with grilled garlic bread. This dish was the best mussel dish I've ever eaten and I've eaten dozens of them. Fettuccine Romana ($28)- pancetta, chicory, pepper, fried egg and parm - a great simple dish made perfect with the fried egg. It was twice as good as the recent Westchester version I tried. The Pollo Rosmarino ($33) - a half free range roasted chicken which I had with duck fat roasted potatoes (substitute) - it was tender, crisp, buttery skin done perfectly. Melt in your mouth potatoes.Great fresh taranova bread for dipping. Professional service by Elise. At $108 total bill for two drinks and two entrees and one appetizer.Highly recommended.

A friend recommended this restaurant to us and Joe Allen. We dined here first and the host was so incredible nice. He was telling us that people were leaving soon and our table would be ready soon. The lady bartender was amazing. We got a glass of champagne. Once we got to our table, we were greeted by a really nice waiter. We loved our different animal plates (kids loved it too). We ordered the following:Burrata - Delicious.Tuna tartare - DeliciousLamb chops - exceptionalBranzino alla piastra - Yummy. Great flavors. Crispy skin and moist fish. Rigatoni alla Bolognese - kids ate this entire dish up!!! My daughter's favorite food is Bolognese and you guys nailed it!Pistachio biscotti - crunchy and deliciousOverall, the service was amazing and the food was exceptional. I would highly recommend this restaurant. We're so glad we tried this restaurant on our first night in NYC

The food is wonderful and fresh at Orso. The service is friendly as is the whole vibe. I can't say enough about this elegant restaurant.I have risotto often and the dish at Orso's is the best I ever had. The wine is always good and I think the pricing is really reasonable.

Orso is a GREAT Pre-Theatre SpotWe were Orso "regulars" pre-pandemic, but with much more limited hours (no more pre matinee lunches, now closed on Sundays, etc.) it's now even MORE difficult tosnag a last minute reservation than it once was. Plan WELL ahead if you wish to dine at Orso, as it's well worth it. While the menu is quite limited, there are appealing gluten free, vegetarian and healthy options. We enjoyed a mixed salad (fresh, crispy, well dressed) and rosemary bread to start. (The house bread with dip is also yummy). We then enjoyed the penne pasta in a delicious tomato cream sauce and the fettuccine in a tasty pomodoro sauce. The salmon with mushrooms was delectable and perfectly prepared. We were satiated from dinner so just had cappuccino and cafe americanos and skipped the very appealing looking desserts. (We all wished they had dairy free milk for the Cappucinos). Toadd to the truly good food and civilized ambiance, our server, James, was so attentive, professional and lovely. The host was also charming and accommodating. Orso, we have missed you SO, and can't wait to dine with you again SOON!