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Orso's
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Orso's
7.9
Orso's Italian Restaurant has served Old Town for decades with a long menu of pastas, chicken dishes, and pizzas in a classic dining room and grapevine-covered patio. Regulars lean on familiar standards and relaxed, slightly nostalgic energy more than chef-driven reinvention.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Parmesan, Salmon Vesuvio
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Long-running Old Town stalwart with a leafy patio and crowd-pleasing classics.
Who should go: Families and friends wanting roomy, old-school Italian comfort meals.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for a buzzy patio or earlier weeknights for calm.
What to order: Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Parmesan, Salmon Vesuvio.
Insider tip: Reserve the back patio in season; it’s the most atmospheric seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town can be limited, especially weekends; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — generally conversational indoors, livelier on busy weekends and the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on weather and patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; same-day reservations are easy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several pastas, salads, and appetizers can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications (sauces, cheese removal), but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be adapted; notify staff for gluten-sensitive needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy dining room and leafy patio give it a romantic, classic feel, especially in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect waits on warm-weather weekends when the patio is popular. Booking ahead is recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families, especially earlier in the evening. The menu is approachable and staff are accommodating, though it skews more adult-friendly later at night.
Best For
Better for: Classic, nostalgic Italian comfort dishes in a charming Old Town setting — especially celebrations and outdoor dinners.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge Italian or chef-driven tasting menus with modern techniques.
Orso's
7.9
An old-school red-sauce room that can still feel like a proper night out when you keep the order tight and lean into the patio or bar energy. Treat it as a classic-Italian comfort play: one signature pasta, one straightforward entrée, and dessert to close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jalapeño gnocchi, Penne alla vodka, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A classic Old Town Italian room with a garden-patio lane that elevates the night.
Who should go: Casual dates who want pasta
When to visit: Early dinner for the smoothest flow
What to order: Jalapeño gnocchi, penne alla vodka, tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask for the patio or garden room—avoid basement seating if possible.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking around Old Town; limited after 6pm. Nearby paid garages on Wells St and LaSalle are the most reliable backup. No regular valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but a collared shirt or simple dress fits the room better at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate. The main dining rooms stay conversational; the bar and patio skew livelier.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for patio seating in warm months
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pasta and antipasti options that work well meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a core strength of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free dishes; confirm pasta substitutions and prep with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and classic. It’s less flashy than newer spots, but the patio or bar seating gives it an easy, comfortable date-night feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early in the evening or on weeknights. Patio tables and peak weekend times are the hardest to snag without planning ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes earlier in the evening. The menu is approachable, but later dinners skew more adult and date-focused.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian comfort, old-school ambiance, and a slower, sit-down dinner rhythm that still feels like a night out.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian, lighter plates, or a trend-driven dining room—newer Gold Coast spots will feel fresher and more polished.
Orso's
7.9
An Old Town Italian institution that’s most compelling when you lean into the cozy patio/garden-room lane and order classic red-sauce comfort without menu sprawl. Keep it to one pasta, one straightforward entrée, and dessert so the night stays smooth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jalapeño gnocchi, Penne alla vodka, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Old-school Italian with a garden-room/patio lane that elevates it.
Who should go: Casual dates and milestone family dinners
When to visit: Early dinner for the cleanest pacing
What to order: Jalapeño gnocchi, penne alla vodka, tiramisu
Insider tip: Request the patio or garden room when booking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Old Town, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but a slightly dressed-up look fits the room and date-night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—generally good for conversation, especially in the garden room or patio.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak patio season.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and vegetable-forward dishes can be ordered comfortably.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some sauces and proteins work, but pasta options are restricted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for low-pressure dates. The cozy, familiar Italian setting keeps things comfortable and conversation-friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but it’s risky on weekends. Early dinners or weekday visits give you the best shot; otherwise, book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pasta and classic Italian dishes; it’s calmer earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed, classic Italian nights with a patio payoff and zero pretense.
Skip if: You want modern Italian, chef-driven creativity, or a high-energy scene—newer Old Town spots may suit you better.