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Orsa & Winston
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Orsa & Winston
9.1
Josef Centeno’s tasting-counter destination blends Italian structure with Japanese precision, delivering a paced, quietly inventive menu. The room is intimate and minimalist, letting the multi-course progression do the talking. Its current one-star Michelin status marks it as the ZIP’s true special-occasion Italian-leaning anchor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni Pasta / Sea Urchin Course, Seasonal Pasta Flight, Sake-Paired Dessert Course
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred Italian-Japanese tasting menu led by Josef Centeno.
Who should go: Special-occasion diners who want a chef-paced experience.
When to visit: A booked-ahead evening when you can take your time.
What to order: Full tasting, pasta courses, optional pairing.
Insider tip: Let them know food preferences early—menu is tightly curated.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Historic Core; nearby paid structures on 4th and Main usually have space and run $8–$15 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning elevated; dark denim is fine but most guests opt for dress shirts, blouses, or minimalist eveningwear.
Noise level: Low to moderate; the room is intimate and intentionally quiet, making conversation easy even during peak pacing.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability; reservations are required and seatings run on a fixed schedule.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not offered; tasting menus run exclusively during dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—advance notice allows the kitchen to build a full vegetarian progression.
Vegan options: Very limited; the kitchen can sometimes adapt a portion of the menu but cannot guarantee a full vegan tasting.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most courses can be adapted with advance notice, including pasta substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a quiet, intentional meal that naturally creates conversation. The pacing and intimacy work well for a first date as long as both guests enjoy long-format tasting menus.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—this is a reservation-only tasting menu. Same-day seats occasionally appear online from cancellations, but walk-ins are not accommodated.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal; the menu is long, quiet, and structured, without kid-friendly options or space for strollers. Best for adults and older teens accustomed to tasting menus.
Best For
Better for: A structured, chef-led tasting with Italian-Japanese finesse and pacing that outclasses broader à la carte competitors in the ZIP.
Skip if: You want a flexible menu, shorter meal, or something more casual—this is fully prix-fixe and designed for diners ready to commit to a full multi-course progression.
Orsa & Winston
8.7
Orsa & Winston is an intimate tasting-menu restaurant in the Historic Core, blending Japanese and Italian influences into multi-course dinners that feel quietly celebratory. The small dining room, focused service, and Michelin recognition make it one of downtown’s most serious romantic commitments.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Chef’s Tasting Menu, Uni Chawanmushi Course, Handmade Pasta Course
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin-level, Japanese-Italian tasting menus in a tiny, softly lit room.
Who should go: Serious diners ready to commit to a long, quiet meal.
When to visit: Later seatings for slower pacing and a more intimate feel.
What to order: Chef’s tasting, any uni course, handmade pasta of the night.
Insider tip: Mention dietary preferences early; the kitchen customizes courses surprisingly well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th Street is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages on Spring and Main offer the most reliable option. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual. Most guests lean dressy—button-downs, dresses, or elevated eveningwear. Jeans acceptable if paired with polished footwear.
Noise level: Low. The room is intentionally quiet, making it easy to hold intimate conversation throughout the meal.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated. Without a reservation, expect to be turned away.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; the restaurant typically operates dinner-only tasting menus.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong accommodation—Chef can build a full vegetarian tasting menu with notice.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—vegan tasting adjustments can be made with advance communication.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many courses can be adapted, and the kitchen is highly attentive to gluten-free needs when notified early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a serious, multi-course commitment. The quiet room and extended pacing are great for deep conversation, but it may feel too formal for a casual first meet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely. The dining room is very small and fully reserved most nights. Book at least a week in advance for prime weekend slots.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The long tasting format and hushed environment are not suited for children; this is an adults-focused dining room.
Best For
Better for: One of the best choices downtown for quiet, Michelin-recognized tasting menus where service feels tailored and pacing is precise.
Skip if: Choose elsewhere if you want à la carte flexibility, faster meals, or a more energetic scene—Orsa & Winston is intentionally slow, refined, and intimate.
Orsa & Winston
8.7
Orsa & Winston is Josef Centeno’s intimate tasting-menu restaurant in the Historic Core, where Japanese and Italian influences shape quietly intricate courses. Since 2013 it has evolved into one of downtown’s most serious fine-dining rooms, best suited to long, celebratory dinners rather than quick pre-theater stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal multi-course chef’s tasting menu, Signature rice porridge with changing toppings, House-baked milk bread with cultured butter
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Precision tasting menus blending Japanese and Italian ideas in a tiny, focused room.
Who should go: Serious diners planning a long, unrushed fine-dining night.
When to visit: Later seatings for slower pacing and a quieter dining room.
What to order: Chef’s tasting, any rice porridge course, seasonal pasta course.
Insider tip: Note dietary preferences when booking; the kitchen customizes courses thoughtfully.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th Street and nearby blocks is limited, especially after 6pm; paid garages within a 2–3 minute walk are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; button-downs, dresses, and elevated outfits fit the room, though polished jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Low to moderate — the space is intimate and designed for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are unlikely and waits can exceed 60 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically offered; early-week dinner slots tend to be calmer but still require reservations.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the tasting menu can be adapted with advance notice, and vegetable-focused courses are handled with care.
Vegan options: Limited — the kitchen can accommodate some modifications but a full vegan tasting may not always be possible; notify them early.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free adjustments are commonly made, especially for pasta and bread courses, with advance notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a quiet, intimate environment and a multi-course meal that encourages deep conversation. It’s more suited to milestone or intentional dates rather than casual first meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The dining room is extremely small, and most nights book out. Always reserve; last-minute walk-ins are rare.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The space is intimate, the pacing is slow, and the tasting menu format is better suited to adults and older teens comfortable with long meals.
Best For
Better for: Highly curated tasting menus with Japanese-Italian finesse in one of Downtown’s quietest fine-dining rooms; ideal for special occasions that require focus and subtlety rather than spectacle.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte flexibility, faster pacing, louder rooms, or more casual pre-theater options; nearby restaurants with broader menus may be a better fit.
Orsa & Winston
8.7
Orsa & Winston is Josef Centeno’s intimate Michelin-starred tasting-menu restaurant in the Historic Core, blending Japanese and Italian influences into long, quietly intricate dinners. The small, softly lit room and precise service make it one of downtown’s most focused options for serious special-occasion nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s seasonal tasting menu, Rice porridge course with Japanese accents, Handmade pasta course of the evening
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Michelin-level tasting menus in a tiny room that feels like a quiet commitment.
Who should go: Diners who want a slow, multi-course fine-dining experience.
When to visit: Later seatings for the most relaxed pacing and intimacy.
What to order: Chef’s tasting, any uni course, nightly pasta preparation.
Insider tip: Note dietary preferences when booking; the kitchen customizes the menu thoughtfully.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th Street and adjacent blocks is limited in the evening; several paid garages are within a 2–3 minute walk (expect $8–$15). No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual. Jackets not required, but polished attire fits the room. Avoid overly casual pieces like athletic wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The room is intentionally quiet, making it easy to hold intimate, unrushed conversations.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated due to the intimate room.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not offered; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the kitchen can thoughtfully adapt tasting courses with advance notice.
Vegan options: Very limited — vegan tasting adaptations may not be possible; inquire directly before booking.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free substitutions are handled carefully and often include custom course adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a very quiet, serious experience. The multi-course pacing and intimate room are ideal for milestone moments, but may feel too formal or slow for casual first-date energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The space is tiny and operates almost entirely on pre-booked tasting menus. Always reserve in advance, especially for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended. The long, structured tasting format and quiet dining room are best suited to adults who can commit to a multi-course experience.
Best For
Better for: One of the best choices downtown for intimate, chef-driven tasting menus that blend Japanese and Italian precision in a room designed for focus and connection.
Skip if: Skip if you want à la carte flexibility, a lively atmosphere, quicker pacing, or a menu that can accommodate strict vegan needs.
Orsa & Winston
8.4
Orsa & Winston is Josef Centeno’s long-running tasting-menu restaurant blending Japanese and Italian influences in a small Historic Core dining room. The menu shifts often, moving from crudos to composed pastas and seafood-focused mains with a calm, quietly serious feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood porridge with pecorino cream, Seasonal tasting-menu pasta course, Milk bread with cultured butter
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A tasting-menu format that weaves Japanese and Italian ideas into a single narrative.
Who should go: Guests who enjoy extended, chef-driven tasting menus.
When to visit: Midweek dinners for a quieter, more focused experience.
What to order: Current tasting menu, with optional beverage pairing.
Insider tip: Note dietary restrictions when booking; the kitchen tailors courses thoughtfully.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Historic Core; aim for nearby paid garages on 4th or Spring Street. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale; polished outfits fit the tasting-menu format. Dark denim acceptable if styled neatly.
Noise level: Low to moderate — calm room with easy conversation even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability; reservations required. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — the restaurant operates dinner-only tasting menus.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Possible with advance notice; the kitchen can craft a thoughtful vegetarian progression.
Vegan options: Generally not available — dishes rely heavily on dairy, seafood, and broths.
Gluten-free options: Yes with advance notice; many courses can be adapted, though some substitutions may be required.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for a refined first date if both guests enjoy long-format tasting menus. The quiet room and pacing create an intimate, focused setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The dining room is very small and tasting-menu only; book ahead online and note any dietary needs in the reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The multi-course format and calm atmosphere suit adults; older teens with adventurous palates may enjoy it, but younger children will not.
Best For
Better for: Serious, chef-driven tasting menus with Japanese–Italian finesse and a serene, intimate room.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte flexibility, fast pacing, louder dining rooms, or casual group meals.
Orsa & Winston
8.7
Orsa & Winston is Josef Centeno’s intimate Historic Core dining room built around evolving tasting menus that weave Japanese and Italian influences. Since opening in 2013, it has become a downtown destination for precise, narrative-driven courses that feel both refined and quietly personal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood porridge with citrus and herbs, Miso-glazed black cod with seasonal vegetables, Handmade pasta course with seasonal ragù
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A quietly serious tasting-menu room from chef Josef Centeno.
Who should go: Tasting-menu fans who like intimate, chef-driven dining.
When to visit: Midweek evenings for the most relaxed pacing.
What to order: Current tasting menu, beverage pairing, any supplemental pasta.
Insider tip: Note preferences and dietary needs early; the kitchen adjusts courses thoughtfully.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Historic Core, especially after 6pm. Several paid garages sit within a 1–2 block radius, typically $8–$15 for evening service. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; elevated denim is fine, but most guests opt for dress shirts, blouses, or understated eveningwear.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The room is intentionally calm, making it easy to hold a quiet conversation throughout the tasting menu.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated. Without a reservation, expect to be turned away.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically offered; for weekday dinner service, early seatings sometimes have limited same-day availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. The kitchen can adjust the tasting menu with advance notice; several courses can be reworked with seasonal produce.
Vegan options: Limited. Vegan adaptations are possible but require noting at booking; expect a curated but shorter set of adjusted courses.
Gluten-free options: Yes. Most courses can be modified, and gluten-free adjustments are common for pasta or bread components.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a refined, intimate first date. The calm room and paced tasting menu encourage conversation, though the experience is more serious than playful.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The dining room is small and tasting-menu only, so reservations are strongly recommended. Same-day slots may appear early in the week.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The quiet room and multi-course tasting format suit adults; older teens interested in dining may enjoy it, but young children are not recommended.
Best For
Better for: A cohesive, Japanese–Italian tasting narrative with meticulous pacing and intimate service that feels more personal than larger-format tasting rooms.
Skip if: You prefer a la carte flexibility, louder social energy, or want a quicker, more casual dinner; the structured menu and calm tone aren’t a fit for those moods.
Orsa & Winston
8.2
Orsa & Winston is Josef Centeno’s long-running Historic Core tasting-menu restaurant, built around a nightly progression that blends Japanese and Italian ideas. With only a small dining room and a focused team, the experience feels like a quiet chef’s table, especially at the counter where courses arrive with detailed context.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood porridge, Seasonal crudo course, Milk bread with cultured butter
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred, Japanese-Italian tasting menu where Chef Josef Centeno’s narrative cooking unfolds course by course.
Who should go: Tasting-menu devotees who enjoy intimate, chef-driven dining.
When to visit: Midweek evenings for the most relaxed pacing and attention.
What to order: Current tasting menu, seafood porridge, any supplemental pasta course.
Insider tip: Note detailed preferences when booking; the team quietly customizes courses around them.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Historic Core can be limited; several paid lots sit within a 1–3 minute walk. No valet offered.
Dress code: Smart casual that leans polished. Nice jeans are fine, but most guests opt for elevated tops, dresses, or button-downs.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The room stays calm, and conversation is easy even during peak seatings.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not offered; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the kitchen can shape a full tasting progression with advance notice.
Vegan options: Limited — substitutions are possible, but a full vegan tasting may not always be available.
Gluten-free options: Yes — most courses can be adapted; notify the team when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the quiet room, attentive pacing, and elegant tasting progression make it ideal for thoughtful conversation without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. With a very small dining room and a tasting-only format, nearly all seats are booked in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The multi-course tasting and serene atmosphere suit adults; older teens with patience for long meals may fit, but younger children will not.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, narrative-driven tasting menus with a Japanese-Italian sensibility that’s softer and more personal than many downtown fine-dining rooms.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte flexibility, louder social energy, or quicker meals; the experience is structured, quiet, and designed for guests who enjoy extended tastings.