If you’re searching for a Torrisi review before dropping serious money on a reservation, you’re not alone. As one of New York City’s most talked-about restaurants, Torrisi has built a reputation for exclusivity, style, and a menu that blends upscale Italian-American comfort with fine dining ambition. But after securing a reservation through the Dorsia App and experiencing the full dinner firsthand, I walked away wondering if the hype — and the $500 price tag — was really justified.
Reservation Method: Dorsia App
Total Spend: $$$$
Experience Level: Disappointed but full
🍸 The Scene Score™ – 5/5
Torrisi is a visual stunner. From the moment you walk in, the design, lighting, and layout scream “high-end New York dining.” It feels like a place that should deliver a memorable meal. The room has that buzz — the kind that tells you you’re at one of the NYC restaurants of the moment. So yes, if you’re looking for an atmosphere-first experience, Torrisi delivers.
🍝 The Hype-to-Bite Ratio™ – 2/5
Let’s cut to it: Torrisi’s food didn’t live up to the hype. The meal started strong with one exceptional dish, but quickly slid into mediocrity. For a spot this hyped — and at this price — that’s a problem.
💸 ROI Review™ – 2/5
Add in the Dorsia-required minimum spend, the auto-included tip, and the inconsistent service, and the return on investment for this meal just isn’t there.
Full Review: My Honest Experience at Torrisi NYC via Dorsia
I recently used the Dorsia App to book a reservation at Torrisi in NYC, a restaurant that’s been all over Instagram and NYC food media. Getting a table at Torrisi without Dorsia is notoriously hard, so I figured it was a good use of the app. The way Dorsia works is that you guarantee a minimum amount of spend to lock a hard to get reservation. I booked a bar table for dinner, hit the required spend, and was ready to see what the hype was about.
We started the meal with high hopes.
🔥 Best Dish of the Night: Charred Clam Boule
This dish was the real deal. Smoky, perfectly seasoned, packed with umami — the Charred Clam Boule was genuinely one of the most delicious things I’ve had in NYC in a while. If the rest of the night matched this level? I’d be writing a very different review.
Unfortunately, it didn’t.
🥱 The Rest? A Letdown.
- Zeppole with American Ham: A creative twist that was… fine. Fun, but forgettable. The kind of thing you try once and never need again.
- Capelli Cantonese with Lobster: The lobster was good. But the noodles? Imagine buttered ramen with no depth. Rich, bland, and ultimately disappointing.
- Maccheroni: My wife’s dish. Solidly meh. Not bad, but you don’t drop $300+ to describe your main as “okay.”
And while the food was uneven, the service is where the night truly fell apart.
So… Is Dorsia Worth It for Torrisi?
In my experience? No.
Not even close.
While Dorsia can be a great way to score hard-to-get reservations, Torrisi is not the place to use it. Why?
- The restaurant knows you’re using Dorsia, which seems to disincentivize service.
- You’re locked into a high minimum spend that isn’t reflected in the quality of the food.
- Tip is auto-applied, so there’s no incentive for the staff to go the extra mile — and they don’t.
Final Thoughts: My Torrisi NYC Verdict
If Torrisi were half the price, I’d probably say it’s worth a visit. The room is beautiful. The Clam Boule is incredible. But the value simply isn’t there when the food is uneven and the service is careless.
Want a taste? Grab a cocktail and split an app at the bar. But if you’re thinking of going full-in with a guaranteed minimum to secure a reservation with Dorsia for a $500+ dinner at Torrisi, do yourself a favor: don’t.
Summary:
- Torrisi Review Overall: 2/5
- Is Dorsia Worth It at Torrisi? Not in my experience.
- Best Bet: Drinks at the bar. Skip the full prix-fixe disappointment.