Orso's Chicago

Italian bistro in Old Town

Sophie from Chicago

"Orso’s in Old Town is a cozy, old-world Italian gem with house-made pasta, live piano, and a charming patio—perfect for date nights or celebrations."

Orso's in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood is a staple on Wells St. While this area is filled to the brim with new up-and-coming taverns, Orso's has been a family-owned Italian restaurant serving authentic dishes since the 1970s. Filled with "an old-world atmosphere", it's hard not to be charmed by the inside, complete with a tin ceiling, crystal chandeliers, and a grand piano to fill the atmosphere with music. This is a great date spot or a place to celebrate a special occasion.

If you're looking for some fresh air, they also have a patio with a retractable roof to attend to any unexpected weather. Although they have a delectable cheese plate and plenty of appetizers and salads to kick off a meal, I think they're best known and worth visiting for their pastas. Try their penne alla vodka or their rich tortellaci al prosciutto.

If you're near Old Town, come to Orso's hungry and leave feeling extra satisfied not only by their food but also by their staff and ambiance.

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Chicago Spotter Sophie

About me A proud Chicago native and past Fulbright scholar, I hold a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago. It was during graduate school I really started exploring many of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. I occasionally teach English classes but am primarily a copywriter. I also host an open-mic reading series in Lincoln Park (and on Zoom), write essays, and travel in my free time. I'm on the pursuit for the best cup of brew and have been to over 150 different coffee shops in Chicago. ...

About this spot

1401 N Wells St

Pasta entree:

USD

Website

3127876604

Social

Nov 18, 2025

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