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I'm a NYC almost-native by now after all these years :-), and WANT YOU TO KNOW that Orso is the best place to go for pre-theater dinner. It's old-fashioned and old-worldy, and neither Times Square trendy nor touristy tacky. Get over the lack of bread plates, whomever posted about that below -- they frequently never appear on the chic-est dinner tables in Paris, Rome and Milan, either. The food is delightful, they graciously accommodate you if you're a finicky eater (I'm one of those classic order-off-the-menu'ers, and they go to great lengths to accommodate my nonsense, which I love), and you will get in, dine splendiferously, and make it to your theater seats on time. There are always bold-faced names discreetly dining somewhere in the room, if you know whom to look for. And one last caveat for the traveler: Gentlemen, PLEASE don't show up in shorts and or sweats -- it's not that kind of restaurant . . . and I'm glad.

This restaurant had been highly recommended, so imagine my disappointment. Although we were there for lunch on a rainy day with very few other people, the service was etremely slow. After waiting over 25 minutes for lunch, I asked our server (who was very busy chatting with another server) to please check on our order. She was certainly put out by my request but did comply. The food was okay but very overpriced for the quality. The host was not friendly or inviting, because we were obviously not "regulars". Save your money.

I have been going to Orso for the past six or so years , each time I am in NYC. The food and atmosphere are always consitent and delicious. This past visit, 8/20, the service was terrible. We sat and had to ask for a second round of drinks. Our waitress never came over to inquire about the food, or if we needed anything. I was really disapointed, especially since I had raved to my guests about Orso. I will definately think twice upon my return to NYC about visitint my once favorite eatery.

You really have to look for this place. The facade doesn't scream out at you, like most of the restaurants on this block. The food was absolutely amazing, the service stellar. We never had to ask for more wine, bread or anything because our waiter was extremely attentive, but not pushy or overbearing at all. I had no idea this place was owned by Joe Allen until I came to this site. Now I understand why everything was perfection, because Joe Allen is one of my favorite restaurants on "the row". Again, the food is awesome and the atmosphere is super friendly. I will definitely return.

I thought Orso was mediocre. The food was decent, but overpriced. I recommend the other Italian restaurants on Restaurant Row.

They do things differently here. And if you're willing to play along with what the place has to offer, you could be in for a fantastic dining experience. When I go into a restaurant, I want to see what the place has to offer. I'm not going to try and rewrite the menu to my preference. And what this restaurant has to offer is delicious food. Our waiter had great recommendations for everyone in my party. The staff is warm and kind when you show them the respect they deserve. I was amazed to read some of the other poor reviews of this restaurant, when i had such a great experience.

I've been dining at Orso for almost 10 years, and either you get what Orso is about or you just don't - and probably never will. My advice for the latter - go somewhere else. For the former - keep the magic of Orso to yourself and to the adults that understand and are willing to try something different and unique. Orso is informal, nonfussy, don't make a scene, eat good food and move on kind of place. It is based on some of Joe Allen's favorite places in Italy. Yes, next door is Joe Allen and he owns Orso. More trattoria style. The menu is as is - no substitutions. Its not an Italian buffet. There are no bread plates - go ahead and make a mess. They do not split food, but you can share. Pour your own wine at your own pace. If you need something just ask. The restaurant is small, and yes, can be crowded. With only 19 tables it fills up fast. Arrive with a smile and an open mind, you will have a great time. Sit and sip wine, talk with your dining companion, star-gaze. Come with attitude and you'll probably get attitude back. - You probably deserve it. I LOVE THIS PLACE! The style/service of Orso is exactly the same as 10 years ago. What has changed? The faces of some of the staff. Great dining, great food, great staff.