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    Orso's

    3.7 (724 reviews)
    ModerateItalian
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    ORSO'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Orso's

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    Bruschetta
    Amelia B.

    Right on par with its description, Orso's is indeed a charming family-owned Italian restaurant serving a variety of dishes to suit even the pickiest of palates. Had the pleasure of dining on the back patio which one might call a "little slice of heaven." The dishes ordered were all delicious. The favorite of the night was the prosciutto pasta!

    Jalapeno Gnocchi
    Amisha R.

    A classic Italian spot with comforting pasta, pizza and entrees. The tiramisu was also delicious. I ordered the famous jalapeno gnocchi which is flavorful and a bit spicy, and comes with the option of olive and garlic sauce or vodka sauce. The bruschetta is a bit messy. The service was chaotic, with the server completely missing one of our appetizers. A bit of a disappointment, but the food was great and the ambiance romantic.

    Inside
    Mary R.

    Love this place . It made me feel my heritage . The food was amazing . The house salad had many olives and cheese. It is beautiful with many dining rooms. The dining room were in is standard and European beauty. Our server victor was excellent. I will most definitely come here again .

    Jalapeno Gnocchi
    Ali B.

    I ordered through uber eats so I can only speak to the food and that the food was ready on time! They did well on making sure they got everything ready on time and it arrived fresh! I couldn't say no to jalepeno gnocchi, two of my favorite things together, and my dad got a bruschetta panini, also two of his favorite things together! I got the the oil and garlic as my sauce and I think it was maybe too much oil and garlic like I should've had a different sauce. I also added mozzerella which was a good choice! I had a bunch left over. My dad said his bruschetta sandwich was delicious and he had leftovers. He had sweet potato fries as his side and shared them, yum! Pricing was very reasonable given the large portion size. Glad we ordered from here.

    Calamari Fritti
    Erica B.

    Cute Italian spot in Old Town though I wish we had been seated inside instead of out back. They had table bread, but it was just plain bread with oil. For apps, the Caesar salad was amazing; so good we ordered a second with dinner. The bruschetta was decent. I'm not a big calamari fan and this was no different. The burrata caprese was also just fine. For mains, the Tortellacci was reallllly good - between the sauce and they gave a lot of prosciutto. I also really enjoyed the tomato-ness of the penne Alla vodka. The mushroom risotto was also really good, but could've been a little cheesier. We got the special rosemary chicken and the chicken Marsala and both were pretty good, but the broccoli that was with it was boring. I wasn't a big fan of the pizza bianco. Too much arugula and barely any cheese.

    16 inch Thin Crust Pizza with green peppers, mushroom, and sausage
    Andrew D.

    Whoever said a "third times a charm" never ate at Orso's. My wife and I returned for a third time last night to celebrate her birthday. We thought we would try the pizza this time. Honestly, we were hoping to enjoy some beer and pizza. Unfortunately, strike three. I really want to love Orso's. The location and interior decor are sublime. However, all that is lost on the first, second, and last bite of their food. I'm certain that I am not the only one who struggles to eat and digest the food. Service is good, but not great. Our waiter came to the table to take our drink orders. He looked at us and stated "I think I've served you before". He was our server on our last two visits. His name is Scott and he was surprised that I remembered. The problem isn't the service it's the food. We decided since we were having pizza we would start our meal with a beer. I ordered the Crispy Beer for Pizza which was described as a light IPA. My wife ordered a Peroni Draft. Both drinks were draft beers and served warm. Not a good start. Draft beers should always be served in a chilled glass with a slight head of foam. Scott returned to the table and took our pizza order. We opted for a 16 inch thin crust with sausage, green pepper, and mushroom. The pizza came to the table and the first bite was dry, yet crispy. The pizza had a scant covering of sauce and the toppings (if you could find them) were practically nonexistent on the pie. The pieces on the edges were crispy; however, as we ate the center pieces the pizza was greasy, soggy, and flavorless. I mentioned during our meal, and when making the reservation, that we would be celebrating my wife's birthday. I ordered the Tiramisu and my wife ordered a pistachio gelato. Scott brought the gelato to the table with a candle and sang happy birthday with me to my wife. Thank you Scott. I appreciated the gesture. The tiramisu was melted and warm. It looked and tasted like it had been sitting out defrosting before being served. It definitely was not fresh. Again, I really want to love Orso's. I just can't until they improve upon the disaster that is going on in their kitchen. It's a shame because the location, interior decor, and patio are stunning. I could sit in Orso's dining room all day and be happy, as long as I'm not eating. "I am a sucker for those old traditional places, and [Orso's] is as good as it gets"; however, the food needs to match the magnificence of the decor. It does not.

    Lisa L.

    We made reservations and were seated immediately. We sat in a large area and in the back that was an open concept. The pasta ala vodka was great and the calamari was very good. The drinks were on the strong side and our server was attentive.

    Chicken, Bacon, Sun Dried Tomato, Spinach Pizza
    Anastasiya K.

    Went to Orso's for the first time today for their Wednesday buy one get one free pizza deal. We sat outside on the patio. The ambiance was nice and the NA Aperol Spritz was good, but the food was bad. The pizza used frozen crust and the toppings were flavorless and felt thrown together from random items in the kitchen. Would not recommend and will not be returning. If you're looking for a good Italian meal, look elsewhere.

    Jalapeno Gnocchi Thin Crust pizza  Penne alla Vodka
    Rahima J.

    Orso's went above and beyond with its service. They accommodated a group of 20 people an hour before closing, got all of the food right and out on time, and were very gracious with the party the entire time. The jalepeno gnocchi is to die for and I think about it at least once a day. I will be coming back for that.

    Calamari alla Griglia
    Ernie H.

    Let me start with the positives, cordial staff and host, fair pricing for old town, large portions, excellent bread and good food. Shout out to the clams casino and tortellaci al prosciutto. You can skip the grilled calamari and portobello mushrooms. Why 3 stars? It's because we were seated in the Tiffany room otherwise known as the basement. Granted we're not the only ones there. I ask for outdoor seating up front which was all taken-fine. But I later discovered they have a huge beautiful patio outback. IDK maybe that was full too this Saturday night but that doesn't negate my feeling like a second class citizen in the basement.

    Chicken Verdino
    Anirudh J.

    I came here with a group of friends and it's the perfect spot for a get together! The ambiance felt like being in a little town in Italy, it was cute! We could hear the live music playing too! The waiters were great and quick with service. I ordered the chicken verdino! It was a juicy chicken and the mushrooms were beautifully sautéed! I just didn't understand the use of potatoes. They weren't bad or anything, but I wasn't expecting it. One doesn't expect potato wedges with their Italian food, and it wasn't on the menu. It stuck out like a sore thumb. Overall, the ambiance and service exceeded my expectations, but the food could be more cohesive with a traditional Italian dining experience that is advertised.

    Bat gluten-free pizza and regular pizza in the city so far! AND a place in Chicago that actually still makes chocolate martinis and they are delicious! Thank you! We searched all over Chicago and have only found one other place that makes a legit one. I've had many gluten free pizzas around the city. This one actually tastes like regular pizza, even my boyfriend likes it and he's usually not a fan of GF anything. Their regular pizzas are what a pizza should look and taste like as well! Great sauce flavor, sausage was excellent, veggies were cooked just right, a good amount of ingredients all over and all the way to the edge, perfectly cooked! So good! We actually worsened twice from there bc it's legit. Our new fave pizza spot. Outdoor atmosphere was cozy. Server was excellent!

    Sample menu made by cousins family featuring meal items for the family style dinner

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    Page 1 of 19

    Orso's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Orso's

    Is the spinach ravioli vegan? I can't find if its only spinach or if it also has cheese in it.

    If I had to guess, probably not. Most raviolis have egg in the dough if they make it fresh so I would inquire with the resteraunt!

    What is their current happy hours?

    Here you are my friend, only took 3 seconds in google to help you out! Monday Specials 1/2 Off Wine… Read more

    Do they allow dogs on their patio?

    No they do not. Just checked today and they turned us away

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Peanut Park Trattoria

    Peanut Park Trattoria

    4.1
    (164 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    This is such a cool spot. I wouldn't have even known about it, if it weren't for a local friend…read more Where to start? We came in with a group of about 20! Normally I hate those kinds of large group dinners, but this was the perfect spot for it. The service was absolutely wonderful. I don't know how our server stayed so cool and calm with a group that size. We got a variety of things. EVERYTHING was amazing. If you have seen any of my other reviews, I always get a meatball when I'm at a place that has them. They almost never live up to my expectation. But this place has the new gold standard for a meatball. It was everything you want. It is fork tender, full of flavor, no chewy ground up bits. The pizzas were authentic and thin. With fabulous house made red sauce that wasn't too thick and overwhelming. The flavor was A+ The cocktails were so good! All made from scratch with love. The ambiance was cozy and comfortable. Perfect for a group or a date. They have a full bar, and also great seating with perfect lighting. This is a new favorite for me in the city.

    Our server was super friendly and we never had a shortage of water…read more The restaurant had a nice vibe, with a cool deconstructed Vespa on the wall. Lots of open air flowing into the space. The asparagus in my pasta was well grilled, some of the best asparagus I've had. The pasta was also very flavorful as well.

    Photos
    Peanut Park Trattoria
    Tender piping-hot light crispy calamari fritti, with deep lightly-spiced tomato pomodoro and bright golden Calabrian aioli
    Tender piping-hot light crispy calamari fritti, with deep lightly-spiced tomato pomodoro and bright golden Calabrian aioli
    Outside

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    Outside
    Il Porcellino

    Il Porcellino

    4.4
    (1.8k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Every time we make a trip to Chicago, Il Porcellino is a mandatory stop. We've eaten at a lot of…read moreItalian restaurants over the years, and this one keeps us coming back again and again. It's one of those places that you find yourself talking about long after the meal is over. The garlic bread alone is worth the visit. They pour what feels like a gallon of garlic butter over it, and somehow it's still never enough. It's rich, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. We order it every single time and would probably be disappointed if we didn't. The real star of the show, though, is the lasagna. Between the two of us, we've had lasagna at countless restaurants, and nothing has come close to this one. It's hands down the best lasagna we've ever had. Perfect layers, incredible flavor, and the kind of comfort food that makes you want to savor every bite. Their Grey Goose espresso martini is also unmatched. We've tried espresso martinis all over Chicago, and this one is still our favorite. It's smooth, perfectly balanced, and the ideal way to start or end the meal. The atmosphere is another reason we love coming here. The restaurant is gorgeous inside, with a dark, moody vibe that makes it feel special without being stuffy. It's the perfect date night spot whether you're celebrating something or just looking for a great night out together. If you're visiting Chicago and love Italian food, Il Porcellino is a must. Great food, amazing drinks, beautiful ambiance, and a meal you'll be thinking about long after you've left. We make a point to visit every time we're in town, and it never disappoints.

    First time visiting the Windy City, we came to the city for the great eats! I'll Porcellino…read morecertainly did not disappoint! For appetizers, we ordered the While Garlic Loaf Focaccia and the Stuffed mushrooms. I wished I took a video when the focaccia arrived. The waiter, holding a plate with a round and fluffy focaccia and proceeded to pour the garlic et al on top of the bread! Very freshly-made and fabulous! The stuffed mushrooms were also cute delicious! This is a rare time where the stuffing had spinach below the stuffing - excellent! I remember seeing (and enjoying) this while I visited Italy. Delightful! The main courses we ordered were the Gnocchi Bolognese, the Baked Burrata Lasagna and the Barolo Braised Short Rib. The Gnocchi meat sauce was the standout here, being very flavorful, but not as heavy as some other restaurants. The Gnocchi were dense - not fluffy as I had expected. But the sauce flavor was vivid. The Baked Burrata Lasagna was oh, so perfect! Many layers of al dente pasta separates with a tasty meat sauce. Many times I have had lasagna that was either over-baked, or had limp pasta. Here, the lasagna shined! So large of a serving that my wife could not finish it, much to her dismay . . . I had the Barolo Braised Short Rib - oh my living god! - so tender, so complete a dish, with the fork tender meat that melts in your mouth, complimented by a light polenta (I must emphasize the lightness here, as many restaurants serve polenta that is heavy and too rich. This did not compete with the short rib, rather it seamlessly became the foundation on which the richness of the meat was enhanced. I was blown away! But, the most amazing, and probably the most delectable part of the evening was finishing off with a luscious Chocolate Cake! OH, WOW!!! The cake was certainly moist and smooth. Yes, smooth! I could not tell there was cake at all, so smooth it was! And surprisingly (not surprising given the quality of this establishment) it wasn't too sweet, rather just enough to bring out the chocolatey goodness! I only wished that I ordered some hot coffee - the cake would have gone well with a great cup of coffee! Overall, I was very impressed with this restaurant! The old-town decor, the dim lights, the fantastic food (just like of the Italy of old!)- all contributing to a wonderful experience! Highly recommended!

    Photos
    Wall decor
    Wall decor
    Grilled Calamari
    Grilled Calamari
    Burrata Lasagna

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    Burrata Lasagna
    Ciccio Mio

    Ciccio Mio

    4.7
    (638 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Truly one of the most enjoyable Italian food experiences in Chicago. It's worth the effort to plan…read moreahead and make a reservation. Reservations are released 21 days ahead of time, which I personally find impossible to make. Every time I've checked over the last several years there have been no availability. Yesterday I decided to pop on their website again and was delighted to find that they had released same day dinner reservations for patio only dining. The weather was perfect for outdoor dining so I went ahead and booked a table for Friday night. I felt like I won the dinner lottery. Service was wonderful and I didn't mind sitting outside at all next to the road with cars. I actually never stepped foot in the restaurant so cannot comment on what it's like inside. But do not give up that patio dining reservation if it's available. All of our dishes were delicious. I was really impressed by the meatball appetizers, chicken vesuvio (the potatoes are a must get as a side if you skip this dish), and branzino. The meats and sauces were wonderfully balanced and tender. Nothing tasted overly salted. Ironically, the pasta felt less of a star compared to the other dishes. And of course I had to get the gelato, which was so aesthetically presented and the taste just reminded me of an Italian summer vacation.

    Checked this spot off my list while celebrating a special occasion. They had a card waiting at our…read moretable, which was such a thoughtful touch. The vibe is dark, moody, and perfect for an intimate night out. Service was excellent. The chicken Parmesan was the star of the meal, huge portion and absolutely worth ordering. We also tried the Caesar salad, short rib, carbonara , potatoes, and tiramisu that were all delicious. My only feedback is that the wait between courses felt a bit long, and some of the ladyfingers in the tiramisu weren't fully soaked so it was a bit dry. Overall, a great experience with a beautiful atmosphere and generous portions.

    Photos
    Espresso machine
    Espresso machine
    Lasagna Bolognese
    Lasagna Bolognese
    Toasted Almond Gelato

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    Toasted Almond Gelato
    Volare Ristorante Italiano

    Volare Ristorante Italiano

    4.3
    (3.3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    I was in Chicago recently. I'm from there. Volare was one of my go-to spots when I worked at the…read moreInterContinental. It was like going home. The restaurant was remodeled and yet the same. Benny the owner greeted me warmly. My glass of wine turned into appetizers and a main. I had a Caprese to start. Everything was fresh, the plate was chilled and the tomato was somehow in season. I then enjoyed one of their classics, Linguini and clams with lemon zest and bottarga. Sometimes it's good going home.

    It's not often to find a place that delivers 100% on everything - the food, the ambiance, and the…read moreservice! We chanced upon Volare while making our way to another restaurant but were too hungry/tired to keep searching as we were with our toddler. Also luckily it was not too busy when we got there as it was early -6pm. As soon as we walked in, a high chair was offered for the baby, and our stroller taken away to safety. A welcome water drink with an orange slice arrived, without request, and the bread basket saved the day for the hungry toddler. Our waiter was extremely helpful and nice and suggested something not entirely on the menu for the toddler which we appreciated so much. When I got up to find the bathroom, before I even had the chance to ask, one of the waiters just told me where to go, anticipating my need. When it was time to go, they boxed up our foods and gave us extra bread because our toddler loved it. Also - food wise - we tried the basics - the lasagna and a clam linguini - delicious. Wine was delicious. Prices were very reasonable, portions were pretty big. Overall 100% recommend this place.

    Photos
    Decadent Chocolate Cake my friend ordered. She ate it all. Saud it was insanely yummy.  This is not part of Restaurant Week 2023.
    Decadent Chocolate Cake my friend ordered. She ate it all. Saud it was insanely yummy. This is not part of Restaurant Week 2023.
    Gnocchi alla Vodka
    Gnocchi alla Vodka
    Perfect cup of coffee!

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    Perfect cup of coffee!

    Orso's - italian - Updated June 2026

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