Orso is a unique Italian-inspired restaurant located in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, right across the street from the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
What Makes it Unique: Orso, which means “bear” in Italian, sets itself apart by reinterpreting classic Italian culinary traditions with a distinct Alaskan twist. This fusion focuses on:
- Alaska Meets Italy: The menu combines inventive Italian-inspired dishes with the fresh, local flavors and natural abundance of Alaska.
- Local Ingredients: The chefs utilize locally sourced ingredients when available, including fresh pasta made in Anchorage, and showcases local seafood.
- Ambiance: The decor has been described as resembling a Tuscan villa or cozy chalet, providing a warm, inviting dining atmosphere in contrast to more typical Anchorage bistros.
History: Orso has been a fixture on Fifth Avenue in downtown Anchorage for over two decades. A notable recent event in its history is its temporary closure in March 2020 and subsequent return to life after nearly two years, when Chef Eric DuBey, McCormick, and manager Robson Abbott retooled the menu to bring back original “Italian-inspired” dishes and focus even more on local suppliers. The original concept was for an upscale date place with an Alaskan flair, contrasting with the more casual Glacier BrewHouse.
Customer Feedback: Customer feedback highlights a few points:
- Atmosphere and Service: Reviewers often praise the great atmosphere, beautiful restaurant, warm ambiance, attentive service, and knowledgeable staff.
- Menu Items: Many guests recommend trying the Alaskan seafood specialties like the Parmesan-crusted halibut and king salmon, or other favorites like the bread pudding. Some reviews have mentioned mixed experiences on food quality or expressed disappointment with non-seafood dishes like the chicken parmesan, suggesting visitors focus on the Alaskan specialties.
- Other Notes: Some comments mention the restaurant can be loud in the summer and that prices are a little high, a common observation for Alaska dining.
Highlight Menu Items: The menu features a diverse array of proteins and freshly crafted pastas, incorporating Alaskan seafood and seasonal ingredients. Highlighted dishes mentioned in the context include:
- Signature Dishes: Tender, slow-cooked Osso Buco and impeccably prepared Alaska Salmon.
- Italian-Inspired: Chicken Parmesan “Orso Style,” handcrafted pastas, and Insalata Orso with salami and candied pecans.
- Seafood Favorites: Spicy Calamari, Calamari Misto with thin slices of deep-fried lemon, King Crab Corn Dogs, Seafood Deviled Eggs, Chilled Seafood Verde, Crab Stuffed Rockfish, Fresh Wild Alaskan Halibut, and Scallop and Prawn Scampi.
Significant Events: Recent significant events at Orso include:
- The restaurant’s return to service after its closure in March 2020.
- Seasonal and limited-time features like participation in Anchorage Restaurant Week, where a portion of every dessert sold was donated to the Food Bank of Alaska.
- Hosting special events, such as a Meet & Greet with Del Rio Vineyards on October 2nd.
Contact and Location Information:
- Address: 737 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
- Phone Number (Front Desk): 907-222-3232
- Website:
http://www.orsoalaska.com/
