Orso Restaurant

Doesn't Recommend

Julia C.

Joined 9 months ago

Typical theater district pretentious. A lettuce leaf will cost you about $20. When the waiter brings the check, look at it, hand it back to him and say "Ridiculous. I wouldn't pay it if I were you." (Groucho Marx)

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A Theater District diva still draws a crowd, even if the show is a little tired.. The Scene
Toss a roll across Orso's bustling dining room and chances are it will bounce off the noggin of someone in show business. There's a palpable electricity in the air of this histrionic hangout, heightened by the close confines of the understated main space.

The Food
Unfortunately, the food is less animated; the kitchen seems to be reading the right lines, but with the wrong attitude. Signature thin pizzas are oily and dull, and starters like baked artichoke filled with white bean salad are a yawn. You can still find some compelling pastas, like pappardelle with earthy lamb stew and zesty perciatelle alla matriciana (with pancetta, tomatoes and hot pepper). Seafood entrees are well executed, but poultry is a roll of the dice. Desserts are okay, nothing more.