ZipPicks Awards
Best Romantic Restaurants in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best Italian in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best Trendy Restaurants in Gold Coast & Old Town
Master Critic Review
Orso's
7.9
Orso's Italian Restaurant has served Old Town for decades with a long menu of pastas, chicken dishes, and pizzas in a classic dining room and grapevine-covered patio. Regulars lean on familiar standards and relaxed, slightly nostalgic energy more than chef-driven reinvention.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Parmesan, Salmon Vesuvio
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Long-running Old Town stalwart with a leafy patio and crowd-pleasing classics.
Who should go: Families and friends wanting roomy, old-school Italian comfort meals.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for a buzzy patio or earlier weeknights for calm.
What to order: Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Parmesan, Salmon Vesuvio.
Insider tip: Reserve the back patio in season; it’s the most atmospheric seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town can be limited, especially weekends; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — generally conversational indoors, livelier on busy weekends and the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on weather and patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; same-day reservations are easy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several pastas, salads, and appetizers can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications (sauces, cheese removal), but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be adapted; notify staff for gluten-sensitive needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy dining room and leafy patio give it a romantic, classic feel, especially in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect waits on warm-weather weekends when the patio is popular. Booking ahead is recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families, especially earlier in the evening. The menu is approachable and staff are accommodating, though it skews more adult-friendly later at night.
Best For
Better for: Classic, nostalgic Italian comfort dishes in a charming Old Town setting — especially celebrations and outdoor dinners.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge Italian or chef-driven tasting menus with modern techniques.