20 New Restaurants from ’10 Worth the Buzz
January 3, 2011
Compiled by: Nicole Pearo, Eli Center, Alex Benedetto, Kay Boatner, Jessica Strelitz
Pizzeria Orso
The best pizza in DC is not actually in DC; pie perfection is just outside of the District, in nearby Falls Church. Passersby are unlikely to recognize that they are in the vicinity of cheesy deliciousness that they've never known—-from the outside, the pizza parlor looks like all the others sprinkled through the Northern Virginia 'burbs. But venture inside long enough to inhale, and you'll fall under Orso's spell. Neapolitan is the name of chef/owner Edan MacQuaid's game—-and his Forno Napoletano oven, custom-made in Italy, elevates him to all-star status. Crunchy, crispy sourdough crust complements the tomato, buffalo mozzarella and olive oil-topped pies; margherita, crudo and romano are just several of the pizzeria's impressive picks. Fortunately, the quality of the food—-pizza, or otherwise —- has remained top-notch since Orso's opening last summer. While pasta still hasn't made its way onto the menu, other Italian options abound—-the new panini's in particular are worth sampling. The cavernous space is as busy as it was during our first visit in July, so we suggest coming late afternoon, early evening to avoid the kiddie lunch crowd or the evening onslaught of dinner dates. But crowds aside, our memory served us correctly—- Orso is as awesome as it ever was. Pizzeria Orso: 400 South Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA; 703-226-3460; www.pizzeriaorso.com.
