Orso

Orso is a renowned Italian restaurant in the heart of Anchorage, masterfully blending Mediterranean culinary traditions with the natural bounty of Alaska in the USA. The name translates from Italian as "bear," highlighting its close connection to the local northern spirit.

Orso. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Classic recipes find new life here through the use of the freshest local ingredients: from wild salmon to locally sourced meats. Orso is famous for its handmade pasta and creative approach to seafood, making it one of the city's most sought-after dining destinations.

The restaurant's interior creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a celebratory dinner or a quiet evening in good company. Its proximity to the city's major cultural venues adds to its popularity among art lovers and those seeking quality service.

For your convenience, we have gathered up-to-date contact information for Orso, so you can easily book a table or check the menu details before your visit.

A visit to Orso is, above all, an opportunity to embark on an exciting gastronomic journey. We recommend starting your menu exploration with local delicacies: king crab, halibut, or rockfish, prepared with Italian flair. Be sure to try the fresh handmade pasta or a classic like chicken parmesan with a signature twist.

For beverage enthusiasts, the restaurant boasts an impressive wine list featuring both classic Italian wines and the best selections from the Pacific Northwest. Experienced bartenders will be happy to mix the perfect Old-Fashioned for you or offer a craft beer from a nearby brewery.

The atmosphere encourages long conversations and the celebration of important milestones. After dinner, you can take a stroll through downtown Anchorage, enjoying the quiet and the lights of the northern city, or visit one of the neighboring art galleries.

Finding Orso is easy: it is located in the heart of downtown Anchorage at 737 W 5th Ave. If you are staying at one of the central city hotels, the restaurant is just a few minutes' walk away. It is situated directly across from the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, making it a recognizable landmark.

For travelers arriving from Ted Stevens International Airport, a taxi or Uber/Lyft ride will take about 20–30 minutes. In the city center, it is also convenient to use the People Mover public transit system—bus stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the restaurant entrance.

A visit can easily be combined with a cultural program. For example, the Anchorage Museum is a 15-minute walk from Orso, allowing you to view city murals and stop by local souvenir shops and galleries along the way.

Orso has been a staple of the culinary landscape on 5th Avenue for over 22 years. It was originally established as an elegant and high-status venue with Alaskan flair, intended as a more refined alternative to neighboring brewpubs.

In March 2020, the restaurant faced challenging times and was closed for nearly two years. However, in 2022, the project gained a second wind: Chef Eric Dubay and Managing Partner Robert McCormick completely updated the team and equipment while preserving the atmosphere and high quality standards beloved by locals.

Interestingly, for many residents, Orso has become a site of family traditions. Some regulars have been coming here for dates for decades, noting the continuity of taste and hospitality. The restaurant continues to emphasize working with local farmers, bringing back legendary hits like the cashew-crusted rockfish and the signature insalata Orso.

To fully enjoy the exquisite dishes and cozy atmosphere at Orso, we recommend planning a visit of 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is plenty of time to choose from the diverse menu, enjoy a leisurely meal with an entree and dessert, and sample cocktails or wines.

If you plan to stop by before a performance at the nearby concert hall, a light dinner might take about an hour. Additionally, allow 30–40 minutes for a stroll through downtown Anchorage to see the nearby art installations.

Orso welcomes guests daily, offering convenient times for lunch and dinner. The restaurant's schedule is stable, allowing you to plan your visit in advance, even on weekends.

Opening Hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM;
• Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM;
• Sunday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Exploring the surroundings after a delicious lunch or dinner will help you get a better feel for the downtown atmosphere. Many monuments and historical sites are located near Orso, making them worth including in your walking route.