Orso

Orso Restaurant Review:

Orso is set in a basement in the heart of theatreland. The team who runs it has understood the point that many people would rather return again and again to an establishment which offers no great changes, than experiment with new ones. It may have the feel that its heyday is over (it opened in 1985), but it’s well run and popular, and with its tiled floor and vibrantly coloured crockery, evokes all the warmth of a Mediterranean trattoria. It attracts a theatrical crowd, both audiences and actors. Try green minestrone with pesto to start, then a good pasta or roast Tuscan sausages with braised black cabbage and mashed potatoes. It’s particularly popular for post-theatre eating with a menu from 10:30pm. Good Italian wine list plus Champagnes. Set 2-course pre-theatre meal £17, 3 courses £19 including coffee; post-theater 2 courses £20, 3 courses £22.50. Sat.-Sun. brunch menu 2 courses £20.50, 3 courses £22.50.