Orso's Italian Restaurant Reviews

Maybe it's because it is located at the south end of North Wells Street, away from the hustle and bustle and hoopla and hysteria that surrounds Second City and Zanie's and the bars and restaurants near the intersection of Wells and North Avenue, that Orso's doesn't receive the notoriety that its food deserves. There are several quality restaurants on the North Wells Street strip but nobody cooks an Italian meal or offers old-time charm and such a fine dining experience as Orso's, lunch or dinner, inside or on the front patio or in the rear garden. Located at 1401 North Wells Street in the historic Old Town neighborhood, Orso's has been around longer than most of the bars and clubs and restaurants on the strip. You don't get food like this anywhere else. My wife and I have had lunch and dinner at Orso's, alone and with friends and family, just to have a good meal and for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. It's never disappointing. On our most recent visit, we started with Orso's cheese plate, minestrone, Caesar salad and Bruschetta. We have sampled Bruschetta at many restaurants and Orso's version is a topper, garlic toast topped with fresh diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and spices with Gorgonzola cheese. For entrees, we chose Veal Saltimbocca, veal medallions sauteed in a white wine sauce and topped with prosciutto, and Salmon Vesuvio, fresh Atlantic salmon seasoned with fresh garlic, herbs, olive oil and white wine served with Vesuvio style potatoes. For dessert, a light touch, tiramisu, an Italian tradition. Orso's is always on our "must go to" list.

Amazing restaurant! We had a great time. Super delicious food and great service! Our waiter Kyle was super nice and I think this is the best Italian restaurant in Chicago!

I threw my wife a surprise party for her 40th birthday. 10 adults and 15 kids. Could have been a nightmare, but no, it was awesome! We rented out the back room, which is covered and heated. Plenty of space for kids to run around. The pizza buffet and beer and wine package were perfect for this. Sienna Milito was our coordinator and she was excellent. Highly recommend this option for families, especially during the winter!

Visited today with a group of four. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. The outdoor garden area is perfect ... partly sunny, partly shady. The grilled calamari insalata was superb. Great service too.

Stopped for dessert In the outdoor patio in back. Atmosphere and wait staff very nice. Music good. Great Tartufo, espresso and Cappucinno. Have to come for dinner.

My first impression of the restaurant was that it looked tired and shabby. I noticed that the paint was peeling off the outdoor surfaces as we entered. We walked up a flight of stairs to an outdoor dining area. The floor slats were so far apart that women's heels fell through the cracks. It was difficult to walk in the area for anyone not wearing a wedge or flat shoe. The tables were set though not enough place settings were on the tables. It took some time to correct that. We had a set menu including bread, appetizers, entrees, and dessert all served family style. Some sat without water for about an hour before the waiter realized that. By the time the food arrived, it was barely warm but more importantly, except for the dessert, it wasn't very good.

When I am in Chicago, Orso's becomes my home away from home. The food, atmosphere, and friendly staff are second to none.

Loved the old school feel of this place. Great patio with grapevines and all. Fantastic italian food, had the meat ravioli which were excellent also had some pizza which was great. Really enjoyed the ambiance and the food.

We had a great thin crust pizza there the other day. Went back for dinner and the pizza was awful.. I think it came out of a box!

Great! We had so much fun sitting at the bar in the back having wine and a cheese board. The two bartenders on the evening of 6/20 were so nice and we received awesome service! We will be back for dinner now.

The thing about Orso's restaurant is, even before you begin to examine the menu, you are captivated by the old-time charm and decor of the rooms...high tin plate ceilings, Tiffany-like windows, baby grand piano in the bar, beautiful chandeliers, vintage photographs, murals, all surrounding cozy booths. In the spring and summer, the outdoor patio in the back or the patio in the front are very popular. On this occasion, we opted to celebrate my wife's birthday by having lunch with a friend. We started with bruschetta, well presented in a boat-like shaped piece of toast filled with tiny, fresh, delicious chunks of tomato. Don't forget to try the hot bread and olive oil. My wife chose the Farmer's salad, a huge portion of field greens, grape tomatoes, avocado, goat cheese, dried cranberries, almonds and croutons bathed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette. Our friend ordered the arugula and spinach salad with grilled chicken, shaved parmesan and cherry tomatoes in a lemon vinaigrette. I passed on the salads for an Italian beef sandwich (I never saw so much thin Italian beef stuffed between two pieces of fresh dough) and a cup of minestrone soup. For dessert, my wife and her friend sampled the special, pistachio ice cream, while I tried Tortoni ice cream for the first time. Lots of eggs and heavy cream. So who cares about calories? The lunch menu is heavy on salads, sandwiches and pasta. The dinner menu covers all bases from pasta to chicken to pizza to salads to veal to salmon to tenderloin. Orso's has been dispatching fine Italian food for more than 40 years at 1401 North Wells Street in the heart of the historic Old Town neighborhood. It is one of the originals

We had a great dinner before catching the comedy show at Second City. They offer a special menu for Second City customers, or you can order from their regular menu. Great service, wonderful food, good wine selection. Nice area to walk around, about 2 blocks from Second city...

So yummy. My veal was fantastic as was my boyfriend's alfredo dish. We visited on a Monday when they have half price bottles of wine, nice selection. The patio was lovely and comfortable for a delicious dinner. Not noisy at all.

Fun and funky traditional Italian place. Back patio looked nice but it was too hot out so sat inside Full of locals and I was made to feel like one. GREAT service. Good food and excellent wine fair prices. If I WAS local I'd be a regular

We went here for dinner prior to a night of laughs at second city, and it was fantastic all around. The staff couldn’t have been more kind, and they even had someone who shoveled the snow! Our waiter was fantastic and helped us with the menu and even made us laugh. We got some delicious pasta dishes for dinner that had huge portion sizes. It was a fantastic start to a fantastic evening!

We expected fabulous pizza but were disappointed. There was nothing special or distinctive about the crust and the toppings were just OK.

Orso's is one of my family's favorite Old Town dinner spots. It is some of the best Italian in the area, and everyone is always so friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended!

I was here for lunch, we very much enjoy the atmosphere, the food is amazing and we also got to meet the owner. it was great.

Orso's is what an old-time Italian ristorante is supposed to be, an atmosphere filled with old-world charm and a menu filled with traditional Italian delicacies. It's like Gramma Maria is cooking in the kitchen and Papa Alfredo is waiting on tables. Located at 1401 North Wells Street in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood, Orso's has been satisfying customers for as long as my wife and I can remember. We've been dining at Orso's since the 1980s and we've never been disappointed, brunch or lunch or dinner, inside or outside. My wife instantly fell in love with Orso's because its old-fashioned bar reminded of her late father, a bartender. In fact, the interior reminds of an antique shop. Ownership is proud of their restaurant and they want you to know it. In the end, of course, it's all about the food. Orso's has been in business for two generations because the food keeps bringing them back. Start with bruschetta. Every Italian restaurant offers bruschetta but Orso's version is truly special, garlic toast topped with fresh diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and spices with Gorgonzola cheese. The minestrone soup also is unique. Sure, every Italian restaurant offers minestrone. But Orso's version is truly special. Try it. You'll know what I mean. We shared a Caesar salad. For entrees, we chose Veal Saltimbocca, thinly sliced medallions of veal sauteed in a white wine sauce and topped with prosciutto, and spaghetti and meatballs. What can I say? I'm a sucker for spaghetti and meatballs and Orso's version hits the spot. For dessert, we shared a big plate of tiramisu. Is there any other dessert more suited for an Italian restaurant? I'm not Italian. My wife is half-Italian. We love to go to Italian restaurants, especially Orso's. In our view, there isn't a better one in Chicago for a fine dining experience.

We had passed by this place many times always thinking we would give it a try, and finally did so. What a nice place for lunch or dinner, The Calamari was excellent and we enjoyed the very thin crispy crust Pizza, the service was great! So we wee very happy we tried this place and will definetly return!

Tried calamari as appetizer, tough and no flavor. Tried pizza and crust was soggy and poor flavored. Service slow.

Huge portions but produce did not seem as fresh as I assumed based on the price. I had veal stuffed tortellini with cream sauce and prosciutto. It was delicious! My husbands meal had a tomato based sauce and tasted like it was from a can...the hard bread served when seated should have had some olive oil for dipping at least.

While visiting our granddaughter in Chicago we had dinner at the Orso’s Restaurant. What a great place to have dinner. The atmosphere was outstanding as was the food and service. If you are looking for a place for a great dinner this is the place.

wine selections were reasonable - not out to gouge you. we had the lasangna and tortellone. very tasty compare to other italian restaurants I've eaten at. portions are decent. the calamari was unusual (not fried) and well prepared (over basalmic vinegar sauce).

Great service. All food dishes are great except the lasagne was ok. Geeat atmosphere, beautiful old wood style. Highly recommend.

Beautiful setting for dinner with chandeliers, beautiful bar, tin ceilings, live piano music (Friday) - the feel that I would expect in Old Town. Wonderful Old Fashions. Great service. Very good value for dinner. We had 6pm reservations and got there a little early. Our dinner was perfectly timed for relaxed dinner and we had plenty of time to walk a few blocks to 2nd City for the 8pm show (arrived at 7:30). My husband had the filet which was perfectly done MR, served with fresh green beans and mashed potatoes for only $23. I had Chicken Vesuvio which was good but not the best meal I have ever had, I think it was $18 or $19. We had grilled calamari which was pretty good. I would definitely come back and try other Italian dishes. 5 stars for atmosphere, 5 stars for drinks, 4 stars for dinner - very good, but not exceptional.

Classic spot in Old Town that offers good food and good service. Great spot in the warmer months as their patio is large and even has an outdoor bar

If you are looking for Italian-inspired haute cuisine, keep going. If you want truly scrumptious lasagna, pasta bolognese, chicken marsala, etc., you've got to make a stop here. We dined with a large group, taking over the downstairs for a group of 30 or so. At our table was an adult daughter of the head chef/owner of a highly regarded Italian restaurant. She agreed with the rest of us who loved this food. (I believe she called it "the real thing.") As less informed fans of Italian food, we were in pasta heaven. And don't forget dessert! The tiramisu was phenomenal- moist but not soupy with distinct flavors of creamy filling and perky soaked ladyfingers. The cannolli were good with a tipping of pistachios on the edges of the sweet, balanced filling. Service was friendly and personable. In our service space we interacted mostly with one awesome young lady with support from two food runners. I wouldn't have believed that one person could stand all of us, but she did great. Regarding the ambiance, don't walk in thinking you will find Tuscan-inspired decor. This is a Chicago institution for decades, and the restaurant feels very "Chicago." You will be spending so much time delightedly focused on your plates that authentic Italian marble sculptures would probably elude you anyway. (I could identify the lasagna in a line-up of a hundred rival plates, but I don't recall the flooring.)

Special meal within walking distance of Second City. With a party of 14, they graciously put us upstairs on a rooftop bar. It was perfect with excellent service and delicious food. We ate early (5:30) so we could make it to Second City Show for the 8 p.m. show. I usually can't remember details of meals, but the Sangria was delicious and fruity, one of the best Sangria's I've ever had. Everyone at the table liked what they ate...with 14 people, that's saying something.

Great atmosphere and a really nice brunch menu. Food was very good and reasonably priced. Service was friendly but a bit slow. Valet parking available.

Orso’s is an off the beaten path, Old Town staple of Italian cuisine. I stumbled across this gem by happenstance many years ago on my move to Chicago. Now there are Italian restaurants that are more trendy, fancier and maybe even better (subjective) in the city of food. But few have the old town charm of Orso’s. And the pasta is delicious!!!! With a variety of old world offerings and an amazing vine covered outdoor dining area. There is a beautiful spot to sit, a smile and a full belly to be had here. There is something to be said about Frank and his team there. The service is exceptional. Old Town is fun and full of places to adventure for after dinner drinks or entertainment. With Second City, Zanies, Old Town Ale House and a variety of other clubs, bars, comedy dense and local drinking holes in close proximity. If you are spending some time on the north side... Don’t sleep on this 40 year veteran!

Had a great dinner with several friends. Great Italian menu at a reasonable price. Five people out for dinner for less than $200.00. We had a great time and I’d go back anytime.

The decor in the bar restaurant area is great, great old world dark wood and chandelier look. Seating is a bit crushed at tables here as waiters and other guests have to squeeze between bar seating and tables. The tables for two are pretty small and you struggle to fit everything on them during the meal. Food was good but not fantastic for the price and drinks were typically overpriced as they usually are in Italian restaurants. Wait staff were ok but had to chase up to get a second drink. Probably wouldnt eat here again as there is better within a few minutes walk but might have a drink at the bar. Good not great.

A perfect evening for dining alfresco in the garden. Well maybe not a garden atmosphere; the place was packed with Old Town locals so the volume was high. The long time wait staff ensures that the service rarely varies- its excellent as was the portions of the delicious Italian fare. The price is fair both in terms of spirits and Wine.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner here. We had several drinks prior to eating and our appetites were grand. The bartender was kind enough to prepare a girly drink I requested (and read to him from my pinterest page on my phone). I absolutely loved the jalapeno gnocchi...a must eat if you like gnocchi and a little spice!!! My husband also loved his food. We will definitely dine here again while staying in the city!

Looking for a place to grab lunch and cool off. Stumbled on this little gem. Full of charm! Beautiful lit large patio but was overheated to sit outside. Food was amazing I had penna alla vodka which was the best I ever had very authentic!!! Staff was top notch and very attentive! What a Great find, will be back!!

We were there for a wedding and were served family style. The beef filet was tender, juicy and cooked a perfect medium rare. The chicken limon was also melt-in-your-mouth with a fine mild flavor (this is not a regular menu item, however). Meatballs had a distinct veal taste and texture and were perfectly seasoned. Green beans were cooked firm and not overdone like we like them even though the addition of bacon is a give or take. The outdoor seating, though hot and requiring some air movement, was very scenic under an ivy-covered pergola. As the sun set, string lighting was turned on for a Tuscan patio feel. Very comfortable and homey.

This place was fantastic for our rehearsal dinner. The staff was so helpful and did so much to make it all a relaxing and enjoyable evening for the wedding party. I had to plan from out of town so most of our interactions were by phone and email but they fully grasped the atmosphere we wanted for the evening. We had 55 people and all were well tended to by the wait staff. Tina did the most amazing job on the flowers and I know a florist would not have done that good of a job. We had one extra vendor bring in special cupcakes for the bride and they had no problems with this. This place was not as expensive as some of the other places we looked at yet I felt like they did not nickel and dime us on each little extra - they helped with menus, suggestions for the food, layout of tables - a number of things that were very helpful. We are so glad we picked this restaurant for the dinner. It would be a great place to have anniversary parties, wedding parties, family reunion gatherings - anything. I highly recommend Orso's. Tina, Erich and Elizabeth went above and beyond to make our experience a good one.

Had lunch here with family friends. We ate outside in a lovely patio area. The service was very attentive. We all had salads with chicken, olives, tomatoes, lettuce and lots of Parmesan cheese :). We topped off the meal with a white pizza. A little pricey for lunch, but it is on the Gold Coast.

Ate there for a quick lunch. The food going by looked good, the menu looked good. We ordered pizza and both thought it was one of worst we ever had. The crust was very thin (which we usually like) but this one was tough, hard to chew, hard to cut and flavorless. I would describe it similar to cardboard. Service was fine.

Not a flashy place, Orso's is a traditional Italian restaurant with excellent food. Although the service was a little slow at times, it allowed us to leisurely savor the various dishes we sampled during an early dinner. The calamari Alla Griglia was an unique take on grilled calamari, featuring a vinegar balsamic sauce. Entrees such as veal piccate and chicken marsala were very copious plates that tasted heavenly. Finally the desserts we selected , spumoni and tartufo, the latter frozen zabaglione encrusted in chocolate, were delicious. We had the house Chianti with our dinner. It nicely complemented our main courses. Interestingly enough, the food was attractively priced, especially for a town like Chicago. Overall a superb experience. Orso's is to be commended for the quality of its fare in this pandemic area. A most definite place to patronize

We have been wanting to try this intimate, cozy Italian restaurant that has been around for ages. The ambiance didn’t disappoint. The wait staff good enough. The food, however, didn’t live up to its promise. The eggplant parmigiana was soggy; marinara sauce tasteless. Same with chicken parmigiana, and the risotto funghi adequate. We won’t be returning.

We were looking for a restaurant near the Second City Comedy Club and Orso's was recommended. What a great restaurant. Great service and food. They offer a fixed menu and an off the menu items. If they know you are going the Comedy Club, they'll make sure you get there in time for the performance.

After a long day of sightseeing and walking in the city, headed up to Old Town for a bite (or two) to eat. Passed many an establishment but sighted Orso, read their menu, and made a quick decision. This is the place! Even though we weren't "dressed' for dining, they found us a suitable table and we began! They were so very helpful in suggestions and "not on the menu" orders. I had the audacity to ask for a small "pasta" course of Fettucini Alfredo... They accommodated! Their Veal Milanese was superb! We had two vegetarians in the group Orso easily handled their requests. Very nice wine list. Service was attentive yet not intrusive. I'd suggest dining there for very good food, good service, and the piano!

We were so disappointed with the food! Grilled calamari was served as whole tubes of calamari with what tasted like a beef broth. Bolognese was watered down tomatoes with celery. Waitress was nice but was clueless about what dishes were gluten free. Crossing this place off our list!

What a spectacular evening! Orso’s was so much more than I expected. The patio proved to be the most beautiful venue that we could have imagined. Sienna was incredable creative and accommodating and helped to make the engagement party one to remember. The food was fantastic and the staff Impeccable. If you are looking for a place to dine or have a private party look no further. Orso’s is the place to be.

We ate at Orso's last week. I lived and worked in Perugia Italy for 2.5 years, my grandparents were off the boat at Ellis Island, and I was brought up on the east coast in New Jersey. Our friend in Chicago who has an apartment in Sorrento and has been there dozens of times over the years all agree......this is the REAL thing.....

I was dining with coworkers and I ordered the Spinach tortellini with Vodka sauce. Despite the large number of people, the wait staff knew who ordered what, and when this pasta got to me, I wiped it clean. Delicious, smooth, and filling. The interior also adds to the ambience. It's great for any occasion.

Great Italian spot in the heart of Old Town. The covered outdoor patio area has a great ambiance. Next time we’ll try the inside to see it. Great service. Offers authentic Italian fare. We tried the penne a la vodka and lasagne for dinner and enjoy wine too. Must try the tiramisu! Will return

Four of us stopped in the day after Thanksgiving and we all enjoyed it very much. Excellent bread and olive oil to start and the soup special -- clam chowder -- was exceptionally good. It has a friendly atmosphere and the wait staff really made us feel welcome and cared for.

We had a wonderful family Sunday Brunch at Orso's Italian Restaurant in historic Old Town Chicago! It was a lovely warm sunny day in Chicago so we chose to eat outside on Orso's delightful outdoor patio. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and service, a very nice breakfast menu, and the limitless brunch mimosas! Our daughter lives in Old Town and since this is one of her favorite neighborhood restaurants, we often dine here when visiting Chicago.

This was the perfect meal after our long day of travelling. We sat at the bar as the restaurant was full, and the bartender was extremely friendly and helpful. We ordered meat ravioli with vodka sauce and a pizza, both were delicious. We also had a pumpkin lager which was great. Would recommend!

Orso's was recommended by a friend and it certainly delivered! Moderately priced and a great atmosphere. Would recommend anytime!

Old time Chicago restaurant with beautiful chandeliers from the Playboy Mansion. Friendly service, but the food was disappointing. Menu proclaimed the "best pizza in Chicago", but the crust tasted like a frozen pizza, with a hard crust that was hard like it was heated on metal pizza box tray. Ravioli with meat sauce was OK. Minestrone was excellent.

We used to enjoy this Italian place when we lived in Chicago. We should have stayed with our memories. When we went back for dinner over Memorial Day The first hint was finding a table without a reservation on a Saturday night. On the outdoor patio! We took two of our old favourite dishes. What a disappointment The Marsala sauce was tasteless. The parmigiana cheese has been Replaced by some cheap American cheddar. And served with some very ordinary tomato sauce. Both dishes were okay but plain. It took an hour to be served We appreciate the nice gesture of the waiter but even then. Orso isn't what it used to be!

The food and wine is all delicious and very reasonably priced. During the summer, the patio is open. The ambiance is so wonderful. We really enjoyed our visit.

Orso's is in Old Town Chicago, a lively area of bars and restaurants. However, Orso's outside terrace is like a trip to the Italian countryside- quiet and peaceful. The food is excellent and the service was top flight. Well worth a try if you are in the area.

This is my first visit to Orso's and they didn't disappoint. We ordered Jalapeno Gnocchi, Spaghetti and meatballs, a Caesar salad with anchovies and roasted chicken, and Braised Short-Ribs with Potatoes. All very good with the exception of the chicken (very dry). Service very good. Orso's is a keeper!

We were there fot lunch... the lasagna was good and but tha alfredo spaguetti could be better... It is expensive instead of the flavor of the pasta... The lasagna of eggplant( moussaka) was good but the tomate sauce was not home made... very acid ..

We had dinner here on a Sunday evening and the place was hopping! We had drinks, salad and thin crust pizza. All was very good! The service was outstanding! Nice ambiance.

You can enter through the front of the restaurant on Wells or the side area for the patio. Be sure to see the desk for seating or take a seat at the bar. The garden area is special as it is airy, tables are spaced, and the atmosphere is open. The pizza is excellent as well as the Farmer's Salad. The waitress was very attentive. The bread, olive oil and cheese is outstanding! The is a frequent stop for the Chicago residents; not a tourist restaurant.

Excellent location, excellent food, excellent prices and super service! We sat out on their garden patio. Had bottomless mimosas and the food was great. What impressed me the most was the host who let us "hang out" for most of the afternoon. We were welcome to stay and felt like I was at home on my own patio.

This was a perfect place for my daughters wedding shower. The food was delicious the green eggs and ham and the nutella french toast were the perfect choices for our brunch, there was so much extra food included the breakfast potatoes and fruit were delicious. the patio was so warm and comfortable and the sun coming in was wonderful even thou the day was not very warm. The event planner Sienna was a great help she had all the answers and put me at ease with every silly question I had. Carlos the server who ran our day was very laid back and so helpful. He helped us with every thing we needed. You know the party was successful when no one wants leave. The staff was very patient and never gave us the rush. Cannot wait to go back for a quiet dinner on the patio this summer!!

Meal was family style with first course pizza tasteless with very hard crust, salad was iceberg with a few tomatoes, nothing special, mains included very dry chicken breast difficult to cut and soggy potato wedges. Only the salmon was special, perfectly cooked and tasteful. Would not return.

We had the special with the second city show and it was great. The service was awesome and the atmosphere on the back patio was just like being in old Italy. Food was good but not great but I would go again in a heartbeat. Great little place off the beaten path.

Liked eating here- not real Crowded, easy To converse. Risotto was quite well prepared, we actually split it. Wine nicely priced and very good. All in all a good choice for a straightforward Italian restaurant. Pizza oven was "broken", we were told, so no pizza when we were there.

Was recommended to come here and glad I did. A great welcome and was shown to our table which was on the heated and enclosed patio. Great service. Great food. I’ll be back.

8 of us came here. 8 of us were very happy with the food. For appetizers we had bruschetta, calamari and the cheese plate. YUM on all. Food was a mixture of lots of things and we were all pleased. Service was good. Very, very noisy in the outdoor garden room. Hard to have a conversation.

As part of a self-guided Chicago Architectural Foundation's annual open house, I walked past Orso's in Old Town and decided to eat lunch. When I arrived at 1:00pm Orso's was nearly empty, but the attractive decor and welcoming staff enticed me to stay. When I explained what I was looking for, the waitress suggested the $9.95 pasta side and $2.00 warm bread, and I added the $8.95 side of garlic sautéed green beans. I savored every bite from start to finish and then decided to write this Trip Advisor review. The food was very flavorful and it was fun to look at the crystal chandeliers, decorative tin ceilings, stained glass ornamintation, photography of famous past visitors, etc. When I return to Chicago, I will eat at Orso's again!

Popped into Orso's for dinner as the menu looked nice when walking past. Just had main courses (mushroom risotto, and tortellaci al prosciutto) and the food was pretty nice, but the service was quite patchy. When the main courses arrived, they were just put down on the table and the guy then walked off - no offer of black pepper or Parmesan etc. All in all, probably wouldn't bother going back, as food wasn't special enough to outweigh the poor customer service.

We ate here before a scheduled Second City performance. Had a reservation and were promptly seated at a table for 5 in the outdoor patio. Very nice atmosphere on a warm summer night. Many outdoor restaurant spots along Wells street, but most are in front of the establishment where you endure a lot of street and sidewalk traffic. Orso's outdoor dining is in the back of the restaurant, more secluded and quiet. Calamari is excellent, very lightly breaded and the pizza is a very thin yummy crust. You are able to customize your pizza order with unusual ingredients like sun dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, fresh basil etc.

We dined at Orso's on a Saturday night. The meal was delicious, but it was the atmosphere that made the evening memorable. The old school decor, live piano player, knowledgeable bar keep, all made the evening special. The food was generous in portion and I don't want to give the impression we weren't impressed with the cuisine. If you don't go for a meal, treat yourself to a cocktail and take it all in.

There are two really good Italian restaurants located in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood, on North Wells Street, about a half-block apart. Topo Gigio opened in 1958 and Orso's opened in 1970 at 1401 North Wells Street, at Schiller. Obviously, both have survived the test of time and have earned the support of their loyal customers. Topo Gigio, with its small but attractive bar, features the kind of atmosphere that you'd expect to find at a class reunion. Orso's is more intimate and romantic. Both are known for their spaghetti and meatballs. Orso's offers pizza, Topo Gigio doesn't. So our group had lunch at Topo Gigio a month ago and visited Orso's this month. No disappointments on either occasion. Which is best? Judge for yourself. Open from 11 to 9 Sunday through Wednesday, 11 to 10 on Thursday and 11 to 10:30 on Friday and Saturday, Orso's specializes in traditional Northern Italian food, including pasta, veal, chicken, fish and pizza. At Orso's, we started with bruschetta with garlic toast topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and spices, a bowl of minestrone, Caesar salad with Romaine lettuce tossed with croutons and parmigiano reggiano cheese with creamy Caesar dressing and sausage and peppers. For our entrees, we chose spaghetti and meatballs, meat ravioli with marinara sauce and garlic, lasagna layered with lean ground meat, ricotta and mozzarella and chicken breast with artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, onion and garlic sauteed with white wine. For dessert, we had chocolate chip cannoli, milk chocolate mousse, Basque cheesecake and tiramisu with home-made layers imported cheese and ladyfingers soaked in liquor.

We went for lunch. Menu is limited. Dirty silverware. Most absurd is that they do not provide bread even when having a salad which one of us did. The salad ingredients were fresh but a totally tasteless salad. Expensive for the little that is provided.

Stopped in on a Friday night, early enough to be seated immediately. Wonderful menu, daily specials. Black fettuccine with scallops, shrimp and fresh tomatoes was outstanding. My only negative is the number of tables they’ve crammed into the space....noise level is high because of the proximity to the surrounding diners.

Quaint restaurant with the Old Town charm... their neighborhood bar added to the great comfortable atmosphere. Meal was good and reasonably priced. Portions are generous with pure Italian flavor. The Pizza Bianco appetizer (it's so good) can easily be a meal.... we enjoyed wonderful Lasagna and the Rigatoni pasta(Chicken/Mushroom) with creamy tomato sauce was fabulous! Our server was very attentive to our Second City show schedule without feeling rushed. Not a five star restaurant by a cozy enjoyable scrumptious dining experience.

Orso's does Italian food well. I had the veal Marsala and my friend had chicken parmesan. We both cleaned our plates. The services was good, the food was tasty and well prepped, and the portions reasonable to fill without promoting overeating. This is a neighborhood favorite.

On May 02, 2014 at approximately 12:50PM est. I telephoned Orso's restaurants main published number to inquire about reservations for a birthday celebration for two on Saturday May 03, 2014. First the male that answered the telephone did not identify himself. Then I asked the question about securing reservations for dinner on May 03, 2014 for late evening(8:30-9:30PM). I was in told there was a wedding party taking place on that day and the restaurant was not taking reservations and it would be first come. Then the male hung up on me. This was the poorest display of customer service I have ever experienced. My shadow with not darken there door step ever.

My go to meal when I eat at an Italian restaurant for the first time is chicken parmesan. Orso's was outstanding!! My daughter had the gnocchi which she enjoyed very much. The server was excellent and the restaurant was decorated very nicely - vintage themed.

The staff was great. The food was average. The cocktails were weak. With all the amazing restaurants in Chicago we were very disappointed we went to Orso.

Cool looking inside - we sat out on the patio. Excellent food at a reasonable price - ample serving size. Recommend -

It was a cold and wet day in Chicago, yesterday, Father's Day. We wanted to eat outdoors, as usual, and we went to Orso's in Old Town. The Patio is very nice and heated for cold weather. We have been there before and like it very much. We started with the mussels in white wine sauce. They were great! My son couldn't stop dipping bread in the sauce and asked for more bread. He had the Nutella stuffed french toast, my wife had a bowl of minestrone soup, and I had the Veal Saltimbucca. I normally order a veal dish at Italian Restaurants because you don't normally cook veal at home. We all loved our food, the atmosphere, and the service from a young woman from Ireland, who is spending the Summer in Chicago. You must go to Orso's and eat in their patio. Great experience!

While I like hip trendy places as much as the next person, going to Orso's was a trip back in time. This little gem of a place is so pretty and posh one feels like they stepped into an earlier era - in a very good way. Two long narrow rooms, one anchored by the bar, the other set up for large groups are beautifully decorated with little lights and big chandeliers. We were there for a holiday family outing and so were seated in the back room. Our server, Lisa, was as delightful as they come. We opted for the pizza package, so had salads, pizza and tiramisu in advance of our reservations at The Second City comedy club. I highly recommend this place for a quiet romantic dinner, or, as we did, for a lovely group event.

My husband and I visit our dear friend in Chicago every year. Of course we have our favorite places we visit each time, but we always try to experience several different restaurants each visit. This year, one of those places was Orso's. We wanted to sit in their beautiful garden patio but the weather did not permit it; we were seated inside. Perhaps the interior is more suited for couples with its ambient lighting, dark paneling, etc., but it was still a good experience. We began with their fruit and cheese platter with a dry sparkling wine. Excellent variety but not over-filling. My husband and I shared a caesar salad and each, the spinach ravioli with three-cheese sauce---excellent---fresh and authentic. Our friend had the fresh fish of the day. The service (especially the busperson!) was exceptional---our courses were delivered in actual courses , not all at once (I absolutely hate that) and we were able to converse and truly enjoy each other and the meal. If you have never been to Old Town on North Wells, you really should make an event of it---great activities, awesome bars, and a-mazing restaurants! And Orso's? Definitely a place to put on our list of "returns".

This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Chicago area. It's close to downtown area. You can park your car over the street. Cocktails are very well prepare. They have a god selection of wine. Calamari as appetizer is good enough to share. Lasagna Bolognese or chicken Vesuvio are my favorites. Portions are good size. The back patio is really pleasant during summer time. Friday and Saturday they have live piano music.

This a great place for a family get together. We had eight in our party. We had an amazing server. I enjoyed my dish, Capellini Melissa and Linda had a stuffed ravioli that was outstanding. Wonderful ambiance and a good time was had by all. Highly recommend Orso's if you enjoy Italian food. Jim and Linda Munro Korner Kottage Bed & Breakfast Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Lunching on the outdoor patio was delightful. The space is secluded from the street and surrounded by the clean fragrance of plant life. The salad if greens and fruits was refreshing, but the homemade fettuccine al fredo was rich and satisfying. The portion was huge. Almost everyone in our group took some home for later. Orso's also has indoor dining--an intimate, romantic space.

Came here because of TA Had lunch Nice atmosphere. Friendly wait staff Had Cup of Minestrone - Average And Lasagna - Good Good wine list Pricing reasonable Will be back

My family and I came here for lunch on Black Friday and had a MOST delicious meal! The building and decor is classic and authentic. The meal was scrumptious and so reasonably priced! We will definitely be back.

We had just arrived in Chicago from California and were hungry. Orso's was across the street from our Air BnB loft, and we were starving. What a wonderful surprise. The place looks like its been there for 100 years--dark panelling, embossed metal ceiling, pictures of celebrities (none of whom we recognized) --very atmospheric. Friendly, unpretentious service, and great food. We each had a salad and split dish of ravioli with prosciutto in a cheesy white sauce. Not quite as good as the best Italian in my home town, but maybe I am biased. But a good value

Traditional great service at the bar, or tables including the patio. The bread brought to the table is fresh and warm. Soups of the day are tasty. The Calamari appetizer is generous enough for a whole meal! Not over breaded and seasoned perfectly. A menu that has something for many tastes! Terrific ambience, for lunch or dinner. The prices here are amazingly wallet friendly! Even the dessert menu has a variety of choices. When your done, stroll through Old Town for another view of Chicago first hand.

This place was so good. I had the spinach ravioli with 4 cheese sauce my friends got the filet and pasta. All the food was very good. The fresh bread and oil is always my favorite. Service was tremendous they got us out on time for our show. Will be back...

This is a great, local Italian place...been around forever. The food is really good and fresh and the patio is nice.

Great deals on weekdays too...1/2 price wine! Very nice atmosphere and great outdoor seating. Nice staff!

Great outdoor dining in the summer (under grape vines), reasonably priced for oldtown, and great house wine.

We went here with a travel zoo coupon for 2 included were 1 appetizer 2 glasses of wine & 2 entrees. I had eaten here twice previously, though it had been a few years. We were out for a nice relaxing dinner for 2. Sat in the patio area which is coverd by grape vines. I really think it was the waitresses first night as she was neither friendly or aware of wine selections. Almost like she was afraid of us..So in the spirit of giving her a break we tried to be gracious & extra friendly which did seem to make her smile mid through. The food was good we had agrula pizza for an appetizer which was different but good. My husband had jalpeno gnochi was was ok. I had the lasagna it was fab he left 1/2 of his gnochi & ate 1/2 of my lasagna which was a genrous portion. I would not rush back to this place but would again if given the opportunity return.

Orso's Italian restaurant has been a staple at the corner of 1401 North Wells Street in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood for more than 40 years. The family owned venue offers old school pastas, chicken and fresh fish and family recipes in a romantic setting that includes an outdoor patio and wedding facilities. Open for lunch from 11 to 4 Monday through Friday, dinner to 9 from Sunday to Wednesday, to 10 on Thursday and to 10:30 on Friday and Saturday and brunch from 11 to 3 on Saturday and Sunday, Orso's is what Italian cooking is all about. My wife, who is half-Italian, was impressed from the first time we dined there. On this occasion, we started with bruschetta with garlic toast topped with fresh diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and gorgonzola cheese, bowls of minestrone soup and Caesar salad with crispy Romaine lettuce tossed with croutons and parmigiano-reggiano cheese and house-made dressing. For her entree, my wife chose meat ravioli (which you can't get on many menus) with marinara sauce and green beans. I opted for Salmon Vesuvio, fresh Atlantic salmon with Vesuvio style potatoes and green beans. Dessert? Do you ever order anything but tiramisu (or maybe cannoli)? It's easy to see why Orso's has been a popular dining spot for so long.

Huge portions which I don't enjoy. Service was only ok but because we are in the US you still feel obliged to tip!!! No fresh pepper or freshly grated parmesan cheese. I would expect such in an Italian restaurant. Had to ask for everything a few times. The waitress came to our table at 10pm and explained that their permit meant no drinking after 10pm so we would need to move inside or to the back. I told her we would leave in a few mins as we had already paid the bill and she said NO we must leave or move now. Why didn't she tell us at 9.50pm so we could have decided to finish our drinks or move. Bad end to the night. Would not return here.

Stopped in and had the orso chicken With garlic mushrooms and artichokes quite nice It’s a very old classic restaurant that’s been around for numerous years and was quite a nice lunch to enjoy

The atmosphere in the restaurant was old school Italian and fit my mood. Unfortunately the quality of the food was uneven. The mussels were particularly disappointing. The quality of the pasta was fine but the sauces were a little heavy handed. We had a good time but not the best Italian I have eaten

Along with family members, I went to Orso's in downtown Chicago. The food was fantastic and the service was, too. I definitely will return on my next visit.

Orso's at 1401 North Wells Street has been serving wonderful Italian dishes for 40 years. It is one of the original restaurants in the historic Old Town neighborhood. It has a loyal following. The problem is, as we see it, is it is located at the south end of the North Wells Street corridor, away from the rival restaurants and busy buzz closer to North Avenue. Still, the family owned and operated Orso's oozes with charm and old world atmosphere. There is live piano music on Friday and Saturday nights, an outdoor patio in back and seating at the Wells Street entrance and Sunday brunch. Then there's the food. We love to go for lunch, especially in the summer. Start with bruschetta and minestrone soup. My wife always orders veal Saltimbocca or meat ravioli, neither of which is available on many other menus. I usually choose Lake Superior whitefish or spaghetti and meatballs. When you discover something really good, you stick with it.

Orsos is the perfect place to go if you are looking for good al fresco dining atmosphere. The inside is your typical Italian restaurant, but the outside patio is enclosed by a full trellis and strings of light which was beautiful and romantic at night. The food was average. I shared a family style meal with colleagues which consisted of: bruschetta (best dish of the night), Italian sausage and peppers, mushroom risotto, meatballs and penne pasta, salad and tiramisu. Nothing spectacular – just your typical Italian fare. However, I would come back just for drinks and bruschetta under the trellis.

We stayed in an Air B&B in Old Town. What a great location. Enjoyed a nice lunch at Orso's.. Others in the group enjoyed a great dinner. Nice ambiance, friendly staff.

Every year my husband and I travel to Chicago to visit friends. We were introduced to Orso's five years ago and it has become a "dining tradition" for us! I love their patio dining but at peak hours, there is a lengthy wait, and it is first-come, first-serve. So again this year, we were seated inside, this time in their back dining room. While of course the atmosphere is very different than the courtyard, the interior ambience is just as nice. Crystal chandeliers, dark paneling, linens, stained glass--what I would call "old world charm". The back room where we were seated would be great for large groups OR couples---but not both! The room's acoustics seem to magnify noise. The large tables were very loud and would have crushed any "romance" planned; but, since we were a small group, it was fine, fun! As creatures of habit, we began with a bottle of prosecco and their "fruit and cheese platter". A lovely variety of cheese types, sizes, and textures along with fresh strawberries, apple slices, and sweet, juicy grapes. This, with their fresh bread and olive oil was a perfect start. For our second course, the boys shared meatballs and each had minestrone. I had a fresh, HUGE Caesar salad. Because they were so busy (they always are) the kitchen got a little backed up after that and we had a bit of a wait. Fine for us because we didn't have a strict schedule and more prosecco; however, might have been a problem for those who were on limited time. Excellent food! My husband and our friend had salmon and Vesuvius potatoes (the largest portion I have ever seen!) and I ordered my usual spinach ravioli in a decadent four-cheese blend sauce. My order was incorrect when it arrived but our waiter, Scoot, immediately rectified the problem and my correct dish was soon brought out. Soooo good! Orso's, to me, is the "authentic" Italian experience in food and atmosphere! We have yet to have a disappointing experience---it's not only as good as our first experience there, it just keeps getting better!

Great Italian meal in an old time ristorante. The food was great. The decor was old Italian small time restaurant. Pasta and veal were great

The outdoor area is nice if you can get a table outside. Sunday nights are a bit quiet so you have a good chance to sit outside on that day. The sausage and peppers appetizer is very tasty. The lasagna entrée is also quite good. We had good service here and the wine by the glass options are plentiful to match your meal.

We had dinner here on their outdoor patio, was a very nice experience. The outdoor seating area has a great atmosphere, nice bar area and has a plant "ceiling" that provides shade. Our waitress was very pleasant and friendly and our food arrived in a timely fashion. The prices were reasonable for a Chicago restaurant. I would recommend this restaurant to others, it's great for special occasions or a nice dinner with friends.

Pizza so so. Gluten free pasta too cooked Service under the average. Super pushy. Nevertheless prices are correct. Nice patio

We ate at Orso's last night. Great food and atmosphere. All of our food was delicious and the portions were just right. We all left with a smile on our face

Great early dinner in the garden, my kids gobbled up the pizza so fast I didn't get one piece! The staff is amazing (Orlando) which always makes a great evening even better.

We stumbled across the back patio when we were looking for a place to take a break. Orso's back patio filled the bill. Peroni on tap was a treat. The pizza was not outstanding, but good enough. Pleasant and efficient service. I would go back for the beer and the atmosphere, but not for the pizza.

Orso's has a beautiful roof top deck setting for a warm summer night's dinner. Lovely quiet setting for conversation and al freco dining. Unfortunately when we met two other couples for dinner last Saturday night, the food let us down. The service was prompt and attentive at first. Then after placing our dinner order, it slowed down significantly. The food arrived and was cool and overcooked. It wasn't bad enough to send abck but very unsatisfactory for a place like Orso's that has been around a long time. On our way out, we discovered they were serving a wedding party of about 100. I guess we got the short shriff on food prep. Will try it one more time.

A fairly unassuming restaurant front and the a well appointed "lobby" and you begin your time travel back to the era of Sinatra and friends. If the interior decorating doesn't de-stress you and take you to mellower times.... HINT.... Check your pulse and see if you're alive. Crystal chandeliers, well placed mirrors, great great stained glass all around and a baby grand with a gorgeous bouquet with Frank serenading you as you're shown to your table all set the stage for a really really good dining experience. Even a quick trip to the bathroom past all the autographed photos and down a corridor out to a beautiful back patio won't prep you for your feast. Service is prompt and efficient and the courses magically appear just as your tummy begins to realize what delights it is in for. Soup of the day is spinach egg drop..... Fresh and healthy. Warm bread instantaneously pops up in the middle of your table. Yes there's Parmesan and olive oil. Then there's the calamari....overly generous portions fried to perfection. Several salads so that's hard to decide. As for the entree pasta of course.... But which one again? Dilemma, dilemma rigatoni with creamy tomato or fettuccine Alfredo. The protein add on's are a must. Alfredo with shrimp and you are whisked to Rome, it's 1970s aND Alfredo is making his specialty for you table side....bella, bella. Salmon grilled is next and you just have to "suffer" a doggy bag so you can repeat the experience tomorrow night at home! And dessert? IMPOSSIBLE to pick..... But the Lemoncello gelato and a Ruby port and the time trip is complete. As you walk to the front you promise yourself a few summer nights on the back patio with your sweetie or boisterous friends for a post Cubs win. Paradise awaits you at 1470 N. Wells. An easy uber from downtown or Wrigley and there's a choice in street parking or valet. "Chin Don" and ciao.

After spending 33 days in Florida and 10 days in Virginia and West Virginia, my wife and I were very pleased to return to a familiar neighborhood, Old Town, for some home cooking. That means several restaurants along North Wells Street that have become habit-forming for us. We have been sorry to see some go but we love the old standbys like Orso's. Located at 1401 North Wells, at the other end of the busy Wells and West North Avenue area, Orso's continues to thrive after 40 years. Family owned and operated, it offers lunch and dinner with Sunday brunch from 10 to 3 and live piano music by Nancy Barber-Kappel on Friday and Saturday nights. On warm summer days and nights, it's very comfortable to dine on the outside patio or on the roof top deck. But the decor of the interior and the active bar scene always entertains. But it's all about the food, right? You don't stay in business for 40 years if you can't make good lasagna or veal parmigiana or spaghetti and meatballs or pizza, right? Orso's always gets high marks in the kitchen, whether they are serving two or a wedding party of 100. It's a traditional Italian trattoria that dishes up old school pastas and other family recipes in a romantic setting. Start with bruschetta, minestrone and Caesar salad. Then choose lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs or meat ravioli or tortellini stuffed with veal. Or order a cheese and sausage pizza. Or veal parmigiana, veal marsala, veal Saltimbocca, Atlantic salmon or tenderloin filet. They taste good just talking about them. There is something about old Italian restaurants that we've noticed over the years--maybe because my wife if half-Italian--and that is they are always friendly, as if they are making a meal for relatives. That's the feel you get at Orso's.

A nice restaurant off the beaten path a bit....good food, not great and a decent wine list. The lasagna was tasty and the piza was good but way to much cheese and lacking sauce. Priced well for what you get. Not on my A LIst but I'm am glad I went. Overall atmosphere was nice with pleasant seating outside. Service was excellent and very attentive.

Went to Orso's as part of a dinner/show package at Second City. Service was fine. We had chicken marsala and lasagna. Portions were plenty, but flavor was VERY average. Expected a "fine Italian dining" experience but didn't get that. Learned that at least the House Salad menu item had been scaled back for the "Second City menu". Fewer ingredients; simplified, I guess, to meet a price point, but we still felt a little cheated by that. I should point out that the chocolate chip canoli we had for dessert was very good. Nonetheless, we won't be going back to Orso's.

Orso's is one of the original restaurants in the historic Old Town neighborhood. Family owned and operated, it is an Italian trattoria that oozes old-world charm and delights customers with old-fashioned pastas and family recipes in a romantic setting. Located at 1401 North Wells Street, Orso's is the perfect place to host a reunion of old friends, especially old friends who love Italian cooking. The four of us vowed not to order the same thing and were eager to sample as many house-made delicacies as possible. We started with Caesar salad, bruschetta with garlic toast topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and gorgonzola cheese, minestrone soup and pizza Bianco, Italian thin crust with a blend of fontina, mozzarella and goat cheese. That's like hitting a grand slam homer in the first inning. For entrees, we chose spaghetti bolognes and meatballs, lasagna layered with lean ground beef, fresh ricotta and mozzarella, seared tenderloin filet with green beans and potatoes and veal parmigiana with a rich marinara sauce. To the enjoyable sound of pianist Nancy Barber-Kappel, we shared tiramisu, cannoli, spumoni and lemon cake for dessert. The service was impeccable and the evening was divine. At Orso's, it's always an enjoyable dining experience.

I was visiting from California on business and this little gem happened to be next door to my Airbnb. Lucky Me! the atmosphere is warm., the garden is lovely, the food and wine are fabulous!!

Friendly, excellent service a real home away from home! Also great events e.g, wine tasting and special Holiday fare. Enjoy!

We stopped in on a Tuesday and really enjoyed our lunch. Prices were very reasonable and lunch was very tasty. We sat inside - but the majority of patrons sat in their outside patio area in the back. Service was also very friendly.

There is absolutely nothing not to love about this place. It has that old school, wood work feel to the front. Its cozy quarters are warm and inviting. In the back, from spring to fall, the garden is open in the back for great afternoons to evenings. The whole place has tremendous style. The food - you can't beat it. I cannot recommend the jalapeno gnocci in vodka sauce, the tortellacci, or any of the veal dishes enough. The service - you are greeted by a friendly host/hostess, the waitstaff is eager to assist you, and the bartenders don't just make a great cocktail but add value to your time at the bar

We decided since it was restaurant week in Chicago to try a new place, we were pleasantly surprised, food was excellent with an old world charm. We are definitely returning.

An Italian restaurant in Chicago's Old Town. Eating on the terrace felt good. The salad was pretty good. Pasta is also delicious. It's not that high considering the location.

We have been coming to Orso's for 8 years as a friend recommend it. During the outdoor weather months they have an outdoor patio that is simply amazing. It is a cobblestone patio with a trellis above that has fully mature grape vines which adds to the ambiance. The also have a old world charm bar with seating if you chose. It takes you away from the hustle and bustle and transforms you to a very romantic and family friendly atmosphere. The staff are amazing and a few menu options that need a shout out are the Sausage and Peppers, Brushcetta, the BEST Lasagna and their Lemoncello Sorbet which is to die for. We also have been in the restaurant that boast a bar and simply gorgeous Chandeliers! We loved it soooo much we had our wedding in the patio!

The patio is beautiful for a romantic night out, although, this is a good place for groups. The portions are HUGE. If you are going for pasta, be sure to split a plate between two people.

Walking by we spotted a table on the patio and were seated. There was a private party inside so we never saw the inside of the restaurant, but it was great weather so outside was fine--just can't speak to the atmosphere inside. First--one of the best wine by the glass menus we saw while in Chicago. Another plus is extra anchovies on the Caesar salad--yummy. Our entrees were good, but so large that neither of us could eat over half. That would have been fine if we lived near--but no refrig. in our hotel.

The food is fantastic. The ambience is classic from decoration to the music. It’s very private dining area.

We never received our food. After an eternal wait, we cancelled our order and left. I would nominate Orso's for the World'sworst service award. If you have an eternity to wait for your food, please tell me how it was.

Had dinner with friends on a weekend trip to Chicago. We were promptly seated but were not acknowleged for several minutes until we flagged down a busboy. This was a potential issue as we had tickets for a nearby show. Once we got the busboy's attention we were greeted very quickly and later the manager stopped by and told us our first round of drinks would be free. At least they handled the situation appropriately once they were made aware. I opted for the white fish (pesce bianco). It was a very generous portion and nicely flavored.

This was our third visit to Orso's and they never fail to disappoint. We had a great dinner and our server Ali was wonderful. This is a great Italian restaurant for a nice family meal

We chose this restaurant’s back patio for our daughter’s engagement party & it was an excellent choice! Lynette was easy & a pleasure to work with. We went wit 6 appetizers & different kinds of pizza. The food was all excellent & the servers were very attentive. I highly recommend this place for an upcoming events, it did not disappoint! Prices were also very reasonable. Can’t wait to go back for dinner!

Italian restaurant in old chicago. Nice terrace server not very nice. Hearty plastic rather good, excellent tiramiss not to be missed. Real espresso coffee changes American coffees.

After a horrible experience at Gibson's ( we walked out on our reservation because of the poor service from the bar staff ) , we had a disco rickshaw driver peddle us around downtown for awhile until he dropped us off here. GOOD CALL. Fantastic food and service, great, old school atmosphere, and from what we are used to $$$ wise for restaurants of the same quality in Grand Rapids, Mi = 100% a great value.

On the plus side the atmosphere was nice, one of the few places around you could sit and have a conversation. Waiters good, but food poor. Wife had pizza. Base was terrible. Hard , tasteless dough and not cheap as each topping a $ or so. My Cesar salad was ok. Bit slap dash, too much dressing and dull croutons. And the chicken was tough. Blimey at this rate I should give it 2 stars! Still the environment was nice enough and maybe the pastas better. $60 for pizza , salad and two glasses of average wine at $10 each.

Lucked out and got a seat on the patio- definitely worth it on a beautiful day. I got the bruschetta (good) and the capellini- the capellini with shrimp was fantastic. Reasonably proved especially the fixed pre-theatre prices. Call the Second City box office for reservations 😊

My husband and I and our good friend still love going to Orso's! I love the consistency in food quality, service, and atmosphere. We were able to get a table in the courtyard on the Fourth of July. Beautiful setting, lively but not overwhelming, and exceptional food. We began with our "traditional" bottle of prosecco and the cheese and fruit plate. We shared a Caesar salad---too much for one person if you have anything else. I had my "traditional" four-cheese spinach ravioli. I was not disappointed. The guys, however, tried "new" entrees. My husband ordered the "veal saltimbocca" and our friend had the "lasagna Bolognese". Both raved! The service was about the same. Took a while to be seated but the owner, a very sweet man, got us a lovely, perfect table. Our server, Jennifer, was fairly efficient and very personable. The busboy however, was spot-on, clearing dishes, bringing food, and filling glasses. Should have given him the tip! We savored our last bites, drank the prosecco, and watched the sunset. A truly lovely evening! Still a favorite!

The Veal Marsala is incredible. Start with the calamari and give the wine list a close read -- lots of solid options. The arugula salad was super fresh. Love this place.

Amidst the lively Old Town, we came across this Italian gem....from the moment we came into the restaurant it felt like walking into Italy. The staff was friendly, got a table for us while getting our drinks at the bar. The food was excellent, the service was super attentive and to top it all, it was well priced. When in Old Town, put Orso's on your list, you will love everything about this restaurant.

The restaurant and bar is very old and still has its old decoration. Its beautiful. A live pianist plays while you enjoy the rich flavoured italian food. We had a family reunion inside, and everything worked out perfect. Thank you Orso's. Definetely worth visiting. Reservation is recommended.

We had a relatively large group (6 people) we were walking around the Old Town area in the afternoon and liked the smells coming out of this place. We stopped in and asked for a reservation about one hour later. When we arrived we were guided directly to a table in the back garden area with a large "Reserved" sign. The service was great, excellent atmosphere, not particularly fast, but that wasn't what we were looking for. Everyone liked their food. Warning . . . If you sit in the back garden try to get a table under the plexiglass covering . . .because birds.

Especially enjoyed the salads and the chance to have fresh arugula on the pizza. They have a nice quiet back patio space, but I prefer the sidewalk dining just for the people watching.

Good italian food. Not quite up to the standard of some of the down town restaurants but pretty good. Based in the old town area with lots of local competition. Inside decor atmospheric and would be ideal for a longer romantic dinner. I was with a male business colleague and we ate in the rear outside area which was more matter of fact than atmospheric. Food and menu could do with a revamp I think they may be living on reputation and reputation and need to try harder with the cooking. All the sauces and extras seem to blend into one messy lump. Chef department needs an overall I think. But nice location if you are ok with average food.

We bought a Travelzoo voucher for Brunch which included two entrees valued at up to $16 each and two mimosas. My husband ordered the omelette and added feta cheese which was listed at a premium ingredient for an extra $1. Since the omelette was only $10 we were shocked to receive a bill for the $1.00. The menu listed three varieties of mimosas but they only had two on the day we visited. I had the steak and eggs with hollandaise sauce. The server was a bit slow w/very low energy. She didn't ask how I would like my steak and it arrived a bit too rare for my taste. Once the steak was cooked more it was delicious. The back patio is very nice looking because of the trellis covered in grape vines. This area is much nicer than the seating in the front right on Wells street w/no shade. However there were a lot of flies and bees in the back due to smashed grapes on the ground. I do not live in Old Town and I would not make a special trip to return to this restaurant.

My husband and I along with our son and his girlfriend went here for dinner on a Saturday night. They have a piano player and were were seated right by the piano. I was a little worried that we would not be able to have a conversation over the music but that was not the case. The piano player was wonderful and not too loud. We all loved our meal. I had the mushroom risotto and the others had pasta dishes. The portions were large and the service was top notch. Great spot for some old time Chicago atmosphere.

We went to Orso's before the late show at Second City. Even though it was a Friday night, we were able to get a table on the back patio. Great, lively atmosphere with vine covered trellises and candlelit tables. The grilled calamari appetizer was so tender and the balsamic reduction very flavorful. The seafood ravioli was good, but not necessarily spectacular. You could clearly taste the crab and shrimp. The cream sauce accented the seafood without overwhelming it. Decent wine selection at various price levels. The service was fast and friendly.

We love Italian food so always like trying new places in Chicago. The ambiance and service at this Old Town restaurant was charming and personable. However, we found the food to be average at best. Veal dishes are thicker than usual but tender and tasteful. The ravioli was not special at all. Pizza is OK but lacks the authentic Italian wood fired crispy crust. We may try it again but not in a hurry.

This restaurant reminded me of a family run cozy place we ate at a few years ago in Florence. It’s a toss up if the front section bar area and piano player are more enjoyable or the enclosed and heated patio. Both transport you to an Italian family meal experience. Staff were to a person knowledgeable, warm and kind. Our server, Nick knows his food and drink and has a welcoming and disarming way about him. The restaurant is deceivingly large but we encourage reservations especially on the weekends. To start we shared from an antipasto platter (the olives were really good) as was the bruschetta. The 4 of us were hungry and it was bitter cold evening so we all ordered pasta including the penne alla vodka, lasagna bolognese, spaghetti bolognese with meatballs and the fumigator. Sauces were clearly all homemade with distinct and complex flavor. We were too full for dessert but enjoyed our Chianti before heading to a show at Second City. Orso’s has it all, great food, kind and fun staff and a memorable setting that will keep us coming back. Pricing was quite reasonable for the Old Town area at ~ $50/person including the house Chianti before tip. Ciao for now!

Went to Oreo’s for dinner. We were in Chicago for a wedding so we thought we’d try it. Seated at 5:30 pm. The restaurant was about one quarter fill. Ordered a Cabernet and the others ordered Peroni on draft. Beers were brought to the table with at least a 3/4 inch gap….it was a short pour to say the least. It was not the usual 16 oz pour. Oh well…..we had our drinks and noticed others arriving after us had been served bread. We asked for bread and it arrived shortly after. It was a loaf of sliced Italian, a bit stale, but we ate it anyway. Ordered two chicken Parm dinners, spinach ravs, and spaghetti and meatballs. The parms were dry and overcooked, not cooked the traditional way. They were not pan fried….it was a dry thick chicken baked with Parmesan on top. It was very disappointing. Ravs were okay, as was the spaghetti. We passed on dessert, and when the bill came we were charged 2.00 for the bread. A bit surprising for an Italian restaurant. Overall a subpar Italian restaurant, definitely will not be back on our next Chicago trip.

This place will celebrate it's 55th year of business very soon and, you can see why it's been so successful. The place itself is worth a look - even before you order. The food is just great and the ambience superb. Obviously a favourite with locals, but, as tourists, we were made to feel very welcome and the service was friendly and attentive So, we had starters - just bruschetta for me and,whilst a simple starter, it was really flavoursome. We also ordered the sausage and peppers - lots of it and lovely. Then, pizza and a salad to follow - really, really good Just about managed a pudding which was divine - if you're in Chicago and, that end of town, a must do So good - would really recommend

We were just passing by when we decided to enter this place. It was the best decision we made! The food was great and it wasn’t expensive. I recommend their lasagna and a cannoli for dessert.

We ran in here on a whim...7 girls on a shopping weekend to Chicago got thirsty/hungry, saw this place and popped in. So glad we did! Very decorative in the OLD style from way back...tin plate ceilings, beautiful chandeliers, baby grand piano in main bar. The food was delicious, and very generous portions. Service was prompt, polite, and helpful with entrée selections. I would recommend this for lunch, and I'm thinking dinner would be a great time with an amazing menu! I want to go back with my husband to try dinner as it has a very intimate, cozy atmosphere. Try it...you'll like it I'm sure!

Orso's is definitely Old School Italian The food is good but nothing I crave. I do, however, go there just for their quaint outdoor patio behind the restaurant which makes you feel as though you're dining/drinking in Tuscany. This patio also has a bar area. The interior is typical old school with a dark, cavelike feel. There is also outdoor seating on Wells. Go on Sunday for brunch and sip bottomless Mimosas on the patio in the back!

My son's girlfriend recommended this restaurant because she has a gluten intolerance and really enjoys the food here. First of all, the atmosphere was wonderful; very old world. We had a chandelier over our table & a cozy corner to ourselves. The food was wonderful!!! The salads were chilled & well dressed. We all had different entrees: Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Parmigiana, Cheese Ravioli & Fumigato (gluten free). Clean plate club for everyone. The service was great, we never felt rushed, yet we were well taken care of; kudos, Scott. An added bonus was an excellent piano player. The perfect touch for a relaxed evening. We will definitely go back.

I have been to Orso's with groups several times over the past few years. My groups have always enjoyed the food (it is a good thing for a tour guide when the clients praise the choice of restaurant), and the setting is a delight. In cooler or inclement weather the restaurant offers a warm vintage feeling, but the outdoor patio is truly something special when the weather allows. My group this week had an absolutely delicious mixed greens salad and there were three options for entree. I had a delightful battered chicken breast with mushrooms. The other options were a whitefish with spinach or a fettucinni alfredo that came as a huge portion. There obviously is a good reason that Orso's has been around for decades.

Great little old-school Italian place near Second City. Gorgeous old bar. We attended this restaurant pre-show and had an excellent dinner. Prices were reasonable, food was very good and I was thrilled to find such great gluten free pasta. Wow. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a reasonably priced place in this area.

We had Sunday brunch here and it was very nice. Reasonably priced and tasty, fresh food. Friendly service. The patio is very quaint and it was a treat to sit outside on a warm early October day. We'll definitely return.

We walked in and was impressed with how classy it was. We were taken to a table. We had the crusty bread and oil. I had some decent coffee as we studied the menu. We decided to split an order of lasagna and I also had a sandwich with sweet potato fries. It has a comfortable atmosphere. The lasagna was generous and as good as we had expected. The sandwich was worthy but the fries were a real surprise. They were the best either of us had ever experienced. They were full flavored but not oily, greasy too moist or mushy. It is needless to say that meal was a big treat on a busy day.

We hosted a wedding rehearsal dinner at Orso’s for close to 30 people on the patio. It was warm and cozy even on a chilly night. We showed up earlier than our reservation and they took us right in to start our night. The staff & bartender were great, and our food was delicious. We had Calamari and Caprese salad appetizers, Salmon, Chicken Marsala and Eggplant parm entrees and cannolis for desert to top it off. Thanks to Sienna for helping us plan it from North Carolina.

This Italian fine dining spot has all the atmosphere you could want. Plus a lovely pianist playing every Saturday night. Service was attentive, great bread, nice wines. Unfortunately for my wife the chef left the Tuna steak on the grill until it was 100 % cooked! a big no-no. You have to leave Tuna raw in the middle or it resembles what comes out of the tuna fish can. I, on the other hand, chose a wonderful chicken and pasta dish and a scallop appetizer that were home runs. This is a nice place to dine before attending Second city which is 3 blocks up the street. Despite the Tuna problem, I recommend it.

The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful, with an outdoor seating area that is reminiscent of Tuscany with vines overhead and a warm atmosphere. The place wasn't too busy when we went on a Saturday night, which was surprising to us. The server was a bit cold, and we ended up kind of poking fun at his lack of Midwest charm and hospitality we've come to love about Chicago natives. The food was excellent. Big potions as well. Definitely give this place a try. The outdoor bar with TVs is a nice touch too if you're just looking for a quick cocktail of swanky night out on the town.

Our daughter lives in Chicago and found this restaurant with a friend. She suggested we go for dinner while in town. Wow...what a great little place! They didn't have my favorite wine, but most places don't, I can forgive that! They have a good selection of wines on their list and we were all able to find a good choice for our dinner. We tried the Sausage and Peppers for an appetizer...interesting. Very smooth taste sautéed green and red peppers with Italian sausage.(Which by the way, arrived with our meal...another faux pas by our server, see below). They also have my favorite Italian dish...Gnocchi! Everyone found something from the many choices on the menu. The Gnocchi....very different from the standard. Rather than dough dumplings, these were more like stuffed pillows, made from Gnocchi pasta. The center was soft, ricotta cheese laced with jalapenos...yes you read right, jalapenos. A very unusual rendition of an Italian staple. I ordered with Vodka sauce, a nice marry with the spicy Gnocchi. The others in our group had the Veal Tortellini and a Veal Parmesan. The Tortellini were huge! Very delicate taste with small pieces of veal included in the sauce. The Veal Parmesan was served over a bed of penne pasta with a tomato sauce and cheese. The food was great, and the portions, more than enough!! The bread was very good as well. Now for the service.... Our waiter should have stayed home! With the personality of a sponge, he did his job and nothing more. Pushed us to order- took our order, brought our appetizer and main at the same time, and then the bill. By the temp of the appetizer, I assume he missed it in the window, until our main was up. There was no interaction, no stop back to see if we needed anything, our bread was plopped on the table, without addition of dipping oil (which I saw other people with), we had olive oil on the table, but I saw others getting maybe balsamic or spices or something to turn the oil a different color and texture. We would have asked if he would have ever been seen again...literally set our food down and vanished before we could ask for anything additional...no offer of fresh ground cheese...what Italian restaurant doesn't do that??? The experience with the waiter actually bordered on weird! Maybe we are just used to our southern servers, that tend to interact with the customer a little more, offering suggestions and checking back periodically to see how the meal is going. I can get this level of service at the golden arches...maybe even better. Overall...I would love to go back, the place is tiny, or so it seems, a very popular stop in old town Chicago. I think the only stall was our server...others seemed to just fine and normal.

We decided to go to Old Town for our last lunch in Chicago. We had walked by Orso's the previous day and wanted to give it a try. We were not disappointed. There were four of us and we sat on the large patio at the back of the restaurant. Three of us had wine and each selection was excellent. I chose the lasagna, one of my daughters, the ravioli, and my other daughter, the rigatoni. My wife decided on an omelet. Each dish was excellent. Total bill with the wine and tip was under $120 which we felt was very reasonable given the quality of the food and the excellent service. Highly recommend this restaurant. In fact, there appeared to be a number of good restaurants in the Old Town area.

+JMJ+ Can't say enought good about the food and the service! Attended a bridal shower and was pleasantly pleased, even though we were moved inside because of the weather. A little tight in the room, but what a beautiful space. Our servers did an excellent job and when I first heard we were having "Green Eggs and Ham", I was leery. It was delicious and so was the rest of our meal. Anxious to return and try other things on the menu!

Over the years, Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood has lost some outstanding restaurants, including O'Briens, Bistro Margot and Old Town Pour House. But some of the originals still are thriving. Like Orso's, the classic Italian restaurant at 1401 North Wells Street, at Schiller, at the south end of Old Town's restaurant/bar/entertainment corridor. Opened in 1970, it is family owned and operated and serves lunch and dinner from 11 to 9 Sunday through Wednesday, 11 to 10 on Thursday and 11 to 10 on Friday and Saturday. It features outdoor seating, an indoor patio and a menu that covers all bases. I started with fresh baked bread, bruschetta with garlic toast topped with fresh diced tomatoes, garlic and gorgonzola cheese and a summer salad with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red and green bell peppers, corn and garbonzo beans tossed with feta cheese, parsley and Italian vinaigrette with grilled shrimp. For my entree, I chose lasagna bolognese with hand-made classic lasagna layered with lean ground beef and fresh ricotta and mozzarella. Dessert was a no-brainer. Tiramisu with home-made layers of imported cheese and ladyfingers soaked in liquor. More good news: Orso's is within walking distance of my home.