OrsoPerfect start to a special nightWe thought the food was fantastic, the service very friendly and the ambience transported us to our favourite restaurant in Greve, unfortunately without the views.10/05/2013 00:00:00Great friendly relaxed atmosphereAte here after a matinee performance and thought they may want table back for second later sitting but absolutely not. they were friendly relaxed, helpful, really accommodating. Food excellent, maybe if there was a criticism, it could have been slightly hotter but other than that it was excellent.25/04/2013 00:00:00Of all the restaurants aroundOf all the restaurants around Covent Garden with a theatre menu, we find Orso has the most interesting and delicious food. We've been before and we'll go again.22/04/2013 00:00:00Orso diningGreat service and lovely relaxing atmosphere.
Grilled sea bass on fennel was excellent.
Would definitely go back.11/04/2013 00:00:00Great foodEnjoyed a lovely meal at Orso before the theatre, great set menu with mussell to start and pork cooked to perfection for main, my wife had the cod main which was also most enjoyable all wash down with the house wine which was excellent value. My nine year old was well catered for with a choice of pasta's and pizza followed by a mix of sorbet.
Leo.10/04/2013 00:00:00Lynn's BirthdayWe both enjoyed our time at Orso's and will keep it in mine for a place to go back to.
A bit pricey but you are in the centre of London and I suppose you have to except that. But it was a special occasion and if you can afford to treat yourselves once in a while, it doesn't hurt.
We were made to feel very welcome and comfortable, was not pressured and made to feel relaxed. The staff were very pleasent and helpful.
The occasion was for Lynn's birthday and was topped off with a visit to the theatre which completed the days enjoyment for her.
Well done Orso you helped made her day10/04/2013 00:00:00Birthday celebreationLovely atmosphere, friendly staff, excellent food, interesting menu05/04/2013 00:00:00Really enjoyed the meal. FoodReally enjoyed the meal. Food and service was very good.26/03/2013 00:00:00Angels dancing on my tongue... or as it is called on the menu, rasperry and Valrhona chocolate sorbet. Delicious! And don't get me started on the carta de musica, the melting liver.19/03/2013 00:00:00Enjoyable group lunchExcellent friendly staff, we had booked the set menu offer for group of 7 hungry adults. Choices were limited so went for the regular menu instead: starter of mussels very good, chicken/tarragon was great also recommend pear tart. Green olives were yummy as were the flatbreads.
Reasonable value for 3 course lunch approx £39 p/p with numerous beers and coffees etc, plus two bottles of decent wine £55 for the two. .17/03/2013 00:00:00Always a pleasureA friend of mine introduced me to Orsos a few years ago and I have frequently been back. Everything is understated and wonderful and staff are always very helpful. Above all the food is fantastic. I always look forward to going to Orsos.12/03/2013 00:00:00There are many restaurantsThere are many restaurants in London's Covent Garden offering theatre menus at a reasonable price but none in our experience where the food is so imaginative and tasty.09/03/2013 00:00:00Lovely Italian restaurantFirst time at this restaurant and we will definitely return. Took advantage of the pre-theatre special 2 courses @ £17.50 which was very good, also perused the al-la-carte menu which looked good. Layout inside is very nice with tables arranged not too close. Well position for theatres and also easy to get to the Southbank via Waterloo bridge. Staff were very nice with good service.08/03/2013 00:00:00A reliable favouriteI have been eating at this restaurant for 15 years. It never disappoints. Food is always good and the service friendly.02/03/2013 00:00:00Thanks OrsoOrso has been around for a while but this was our first visit and definitely will not be our last! Great Italian food, reasonably priced in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Definitely a favourite for trips to London
Thanks Orso!02/03/2013 00:00:00We had a great meal, my wifeWe had a great meal, my wife Kate is coeliac and I had rung ahead to let them know, our waiter immediately discussed Kate's options and they even had gluten free pasta, unheard of in most restaurants.
All in all fantastic.01/03/2013 00:00:00Pre-Theatre DinnerMy husband and I dined at Orso before going to the theatre next door. We were met by a friendly hostess who offered to take our coats. Service was great and the waitress provided us with excellent menu recommendations. Worth mentioning is the cauliflower fritters and the flourless chocolate cake is to die for! Decor was lovel, very initimate and cosy.01/03/2013 00:00:00This was our second visitThis was our second visit to Orso; we again loved the food and the service was perfect. A great place to dine pre-theatre, lots of atmosphere.23/02/2013 00:00:00Always specialWent to "ORSO" for our anniversary dinner,having been there mainly for pre theatre eating,as always it was perfection itself. Thank you to all the very hard working staff.21/02/2013 00:00:00Relaxed dining, great foodWhilst I agree with some other reviews that the lighting could be a little better, the friendly service and great food more than make up for it.
The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. We received a warm welcome from the friendly staff and were promptly greeted and seated. The menu is varied with something for everyone.
The crab linguine is delicious and although it was a little unconventionally served the calves liver was fantastic. Coupled with some excellent Pinot Grigio we all enjoyed a lovely meal in great surroundings and will definitely go again.16/02/2013 00:00:00Enjoyable and EasyUnpretentious, relaxed and enjoyable venue. Reliable food and very friendly staff. My current favourite for Saturday lunch.09/02/2013 00:00:00Pre theatre lunch- again!!We tend to gravitate to this old favourite. It has a nice friendly ambience and staff. the food is good and good value for London. this time service was a bit slow- but I forgot to say we were going to a matinee. Once told they moved fast so perhaps my fault. have been there 3 times in last year and enjoyed it. it is a perfect location for quite a few theatres and our staion home!09/02/2013 00:00:00Reliable excellenceOrso's never let's you down. The menu is varied and variable but always reliable in its quality. The ambience is classy and persuasively subdued without being staid. It's just a great place to eat!09/02/2013 00:00:00dining in styleevery visit to orso is a remarkable cullinary experience enhanced by the ever pleasant and helpful staff.30/01/2013 16:00:00Good placeVery good place to go and eat, nice food and friendly staff. Would recommend to friends and family.28/01/2013 16:00:00nice little spotWent in before going to lion king and was very surprised. We were greeted with a warm hello and and asked if we wanted to put our coats/bag s in the cloakroom.
The food came out promptly,was very good quality, the dessert was fantastic and the waiter was only happy to recommend a dish.
We would definitely return even if we weren't visiting the theatre, all in all a good find.24/01/2013 16:00:00A London gemOrso provides a very relaxed atmosphere where the staff are attentive without being overbearing. The food is of the highest quality with a good variety to suit all tastes. In a very central location but the discreet entrance and downstairs venue make it feel like a London secret, well worth trying.23/01/2013 16:00:00Good, apart from porkI loved everything about the place, except that my Partner ate the pork and was up all night being ill! Is a shame since everything else was so nice. Would probably go again, since I was fine sticking to Pizza!18/01/2013 16:00:00Dining in an individual ambienceHaving more than my fill of chain type restaurants and French imitation brasseries I am always more than happy to go to Orso which to some people might appear old-fashioned. The tables mostly round which invites good conversation are well spaced. You do not sit on top of each other. Aperitifs are authentic Italian, so is the food. Wines are also served in 50 l carafes and the service is discreet and efficient. Hope it stays as it is.14/01/2013 16:00:00Perfect for pre-theatre mealPerfect for pre-theatre meal before show at Savoy. Three courses nicely cooked & presented, and served with aplomb.06/01/2013 16:00:00Dinner at Orso'sThis was my umpteenth visit to Orso's and the food and service were as good as ever. The choice on the pre-theatre menu is not as good as it used to be but with such a wide choice on the a la carte menu without it being ruinously expensive who cares? I have been eating at Orso's for many years and hope to do so for many more.05/01/2013 00:00:00Orso a reliable and nice placeWe have been to Orso many times over the years. This time, we went and had their 17 pound for 2 couses or 19 for 3 pre theatre menu. It was excellent and the service was perfect as well. Great pre theatre or post theatre venue.25/12/2012 16:00:00As good as everI always enjoy the atmosphere of this restaurant
The range and quality of dishes is good
Helpful service with a relaxed and professional approach20/12/2012 00:00:00Pre theatre dinner. Good valuePre theatre dinner. Good value menu and so helpful, we had shopping and they offered to keep it until after the theatre, also ordered us a taxi, it is an excellent spot for close to the Aldwych theatres and I recommend it unreservedly.18/12/2012 16:00:00Buried TereasureAn excellent pre-Christmas lunch with an old friend. It's great when you go through an unremarkable door and climb down stairs into what might be a musty wine cellar, to find yourself, Narnia-like, in a very smart dining room. Beautiful food and my garlic allergy was dealt with without any fuss. The wines might have been considered a tad expensive but Orso is authentically Italian so they reflected this, and they were very good. The service was faultless. We must have overstayed our welcome, given the time we finally left, but there was not a hint of irritation or impatience. Loved it, and yes, I'll be back.16/12/2012 16:00:00Good food, good valueAte off the pre-theatre menu at £19 for 3 course. Limited choice, but lovely food - the 3 of us had steamed mussels to start - plump and sweet and a good sized portion. Meatballs (2 big 'uns) with mash were flavourful and tender. House wine is available by the glass or carafe...other wines from about £8 per 250ml glass, which will add to your bill. Overall good food, and buzzy atmosphere in a restaurant that has clung on through good times and credit crunches! Will return again.20/10/2012 00:00:00I've always loved Orso andI've always loved Orso and am always delighted to go back!18/10/2012 16:00:00ORSO has been one fo my favoriteORSO has been one fo my favorite restaurants for years. I love how it works for a business lunch as well as with friends or a quick pre theatre dinner. Liek that they serve puntarelle wehn in season and love their pizza bread which is not really anything to do with pizza or bread but is more like carta di musica from the pizza oven - delicious. As are the bella di cerignola olives. Good service and affordable, well sought out wines.31/01/2012 16:00:00Orso offers all that is ItalianOrso offers all that is Italian superb pasta, carne and wines. Well worth a lunch time visit or dinner (set pre-theatre menu). Top Table need to get them do feature set deals!24/01/2012 16:00:00