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Orso
Master Critic Review
Orso
8.4
Joe Allen's intimate Tuscan trattoria since 1983, a celebrity and Broadway regular favorite with golden walls and refined regional Italian cuisine. The 4.8 OpenTable rating from 2,500 reviews confirms consistent excellence in pre-theater dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Bolognese, Calf's Liver with Grilled Onions, Olive Oil Cake
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Broadway insider favorite with celebrity sightings and intimate atmosphere
Who should go: Theater industry insiders, couples, solo diners
When to visit: Pre-theater dinner or late post-show meal
What to order: Rigatoni Bolognese, any daily fish special
Insider tip: Half portions of pasta available—perfect for pre-theater pacing
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public lot immediately west of Orso on 46th Street. No valet. Street parking extremely difficult in Theater District after 5pm
Dress code: Casual but lean upscale - smart casual to dressy. White tablecloths and golden walls set an elegant tone without being stuffy
Noise level: Moderate to loud during pre-theater rush (5-7pm). Quieter and more intimate at 8pm+ when theater crowds depart for shows
Weekend wait: Pre-theater times book weeks ahead. Walk-ins very unlikely 5-7pm; better odds after 8pm or late post-show
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch. Dinner only Tuesday-Saturday starting at 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - daily menu includes vegetable-forward antipasti, salads, and pasta options. Menu changes daily so variety rotates
Vegan options: Limited - inform server in advance. Can accommodate with salads and vegetable dishes, but dairy and eggs feature prominently
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available upon request. Kitchen not allergen-free, so mention sensitivity when ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The intimate golden-walled setting is sophisticated without being pretentious, staff orchestrate timing gracefully, and the 8pm slot (post-theater rush) offers a quieter, more conversation-friendly atmosphere. Women-owned and LGBTQ+ friendly
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult pre-theater (5-7pm) - these slots book weeks out. Your best walk-in odds are late evening after 9:30pm when post-show crowds thin. For parties of 6+, calling is required. Bar seating may be available for spontaneous visits
Is it kid-friendly? Technically family-friendly but better suited for older children or special occasions. The intimate atmosphere and refined pacing cater more to adults. No children's menu - portions can be adjusted but expect grown-up Italian fare
Best For
Better for: Couples and solo diners seeking refined intimacy over volume, Broadway insiders who appreciate celebrity-watching without tourist chaos, anniversaries and special occasions requiring reliable pre-theater timing, wine enthusiasts exploring the quarter-liter Italian selections
Skip if: You want family-style abundance (try Carmine's instead), need Sunday/Monday availability, prefer trendy modern Italian over Tuscan classics, or want a raucous group celebration vibe