Nick's CoveWonderful SpotVentured to Nick's from Napa Valley and worth the trip. Beautiful location and the staff there is super friendly and make your dining experience special.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMA REAL GEMWe found Nick's Cove up near Tomale's CA. Situated on a beautiful shoreline with amazing views of the bay and the mountains, it could not have been a more beautiful spot. We had lunch there on the last day of our trip to Northern CA. I wish we had gone sooner, because we would have gone back there more than once during our stay. The wine and beer were great, the food was amazing, (fresh oysters, dungeness crab risotto with pine nuts, and a fire grilled steak sandwich for my hubby). We had dessert, as well, which was amazing! Homemade Lemon Sorbet with limoncello, and a little tart something like a cheesecake but lighter, with fresh bluberries. I can't tell you how good it was, and I can't wait to go back to CA to go there again.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMFood + Service -We went in spite of bad review in Chronicle last week. Have had wonderful experiences before and couldn't believe things could be that bad. The service was non-existent.....the food was great! We ordered the local oysters, which were perfect, my martini was the best,coldest I have ever had. The veal sliders were tender and juicy, the fish and chips and crab cakes delicious.
Once seated, greeted we waited 15 minutes to see waiter again, 20 minutes later he took our order, next time we saw him he was asking about dessert..................needs training, lunch waiters can make or break returning customers.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe enjoyed delicious localWe enjoyed delicious local Drake's Bay oysters, while watching the sun set over the calm waters. Good food, wine. Then we returned to our lovely little cottage on site. Nick's is an outstanding destination on all counts.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMDespite a recent low ratingDespite a recent low rating by the S.F. Chronicle food editor, we found the food at Nick's Cove to be delicious and nicely presented.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMamazing food & serviceI wish i could remember the name of our waiter, he was impeccable, smart, fun and excellent with recommendations for wine and food. We absolutely loved Nick's Cove.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMEven better after 30 yearsI have been going to Nick's cove since the 1980s when it was known mostly for bbq oysters on the weekends. Food is much better now. Had a great Saturday sunset dinner with out of town friends and was not in the least disappointed. Tasting menu items - dungeness crab mac & cheese and scallops ceviche - were excellent and provided ample tasting opportunity for four people. Rabbit was an excellent choice as was the freshly harvested house grown lettuces in the salads. Great selection of local wines priced about 2x retail. Service was pleasant and not rushed. We will be back.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOut of the way delight!We enjoy going by ourselves or taking other with us...always coming from Dillon Beach...an easy drive.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat foodDined there on a Tuesday, which is local 's night, meaning they feature a $25 meal of salad, entree and glass of wine, a good deal. We ordered from the regular menu and loved everything, especially the halibut and the crab mac -and -cheese. Highest recommendation.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful BrunchWe had a wonderful Brunch and excellent service. The Barbecued Oysters were out of this world. My halibut on chard was as good as it gets. The Crab Benedict was outstanding. The view perfect and service excellent. I would highly recommend the beautiful drive and outing to Nick's Cove. About an hour and 45 minutes from Oakland. Worth the drive!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't wait! Get to Nick's Cove.We'd heard about Nick's but not been there since it was renovated. What a mistake! We'd heard from friends who love Nick's that we has to try it. And we did and we'll certainy be back!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMJust a great placeWe love the ride out to Nick's and when we get there, we're treated like family. We enjoy the simplicity of the spot. It's not for people with their nose in the air...it's just very nice.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, but not a lot of itWe thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the view. Our waiters were gracious, but not terribly well informed about the offerings on the menu. This shouldn't have been very difficult because there were only around five entrees on the menu. Between us we shared the salmon and the halibut. Both were delicious, but portions were very small and didn't come with any add-ons like vegetable, starch, or salad. We recommend Nick's for a great meal in a lovely ambiance if you're interested in having a large sized snack, and calling it a meal.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMLOVED IT!!!We'd heard from friends and from restaurant reviews about Nick's for a few years but never found our way there.... just lazy I suppose. We finally decided to go out there on a whim as we were leaving town for the weeeknd and our son was staying home for his prom... thought we'd take him out and talk about prom fun (at the dance and not in the house) and enjoy a good dinner at the same time.
Everything we've heard was spot on! The food was great, the view was stunning *sunset alert* and the wine and service top notch. We will be going back for sure...5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything I hoped it would be.We had a delightful evening of great food served by the friendly, personable and professional staff. Mom and our friend had clam chowder and they said there were ample clams. Three of us shared Butter roasted Alaskan Halibut with sunchokes & fava beans, the warm cauliflower salad, the crab cakes and the truffle garlic fries. The Halibut was delicious and buttery and was perfectly complimented by the fava beans. Even though the cauliflower salad sounded good, when put into your mouth, the mustard vinaigrette enhanced the cauliflower to a new level and was a perfect accompaniment to the halibut. Crab cakes were really crab cakes and were spiced beautifully. I will return to this restaurant again. BTW, the views are incredible and romantic.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMToo expensiveLocation was great room was cozy. Food was very pricy for quantity
We had crab rissotto. The crab was shreaded so that u could not see chunks of crab. I could not taste it with the cheese.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMPaying Extra for the ViewThe food here is fantastic but pricey. Understandably food transportation costs to this location can add to the cost but overall you're paying for great food and the location. Service is good, but not particularly personable or friendly. The staff is knowledgeable but stuffy.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat view on Tamales Bay!Wonderful restaurant and experience at Nick's. After a few days of wine tasting we were ready for something different, drove to the coast and had a long lunch at Nick's - oysters and food were outstanding, as was the view and the ambience. When we strolled out down the dock to the boathouse there was an old piano that my husband played, super fun day!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a wonderful tasty mealI have been to Nicks Cove over the decades and this place has not changed much in the atmosphere even after millions were put into this place when Pat Colleto did all the upgrades years ago. I think that is a good thing since this is such a gem from the past. The funkiness and styling of this place is great and you can't beat the view. Our meal was delicious from the first bite of oysters Nickerfeller. We had great service and both of our entrees were just wonderful. The staff was very attentive and nothing was left for us to do but enjoy our experience there. After dinner we walked on the pier out to the boathouse. That too was adorable and the folks there were having a great time. We will come back again for sure.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth the driveDrove 1.5 hours from Walnut Creek to have lunch. We luckily called for a reservation since the place was jammed on a Saturday afternoon. We got there early so we had delicious oysters on the patio followed by a delicious meal, well served. And the french fries are delicious too!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMA charming escape from The CityWant to get out of The City for a few hours on a weekend afternoon? Take a drive on HWY 1 to Nick's Cove for lunch.
A great little spot with waters-edge views and huge local food!
Go get some Oysters before our wonderful gov't shuts the oyster farms down.
KD5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMbest on the coastAs always Nick's Cove was superb. The food is outstanding, as is the service. Terrapin Creek up in Bodega Bay has a Michelin star, and I would rate Nick's Cove just as good with even a broader menu selection of fresh fish.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial spot.Setting is unbeatable. Friendly service. Food wonderful - ate the 3 times in a 3 night stay at the cottages.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMNot our first meal at Nicks.Not our first meal at Nicks. Normally we come here for snacks on the weekend, this was our first dinner experience.
A huge difference as it wasn't crowded and best of all not noisy. We watched the tide roll in, it was lovely.
Halibut was amazing as the leek butter and fava beans really were great. There was a surprise burger that wasn't on the menu and also was really good. Should you decide to order this, get ready for the MOUNTAIN of fries.......better yet bring some friends.
Go to the coast for oysters, these too were delicious!5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMStayed at the Inn for oneStayed at the Inn for one night and had a delicious dinner. Excellent Oysters. Too bad its 7000 miles away from our home....4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my first time atThis was my first time at Nick's cove and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The menu was simple and unfussy, but our food (and wine and cocktails) were divine! Our server made it even more enjoyable. I had the crab benedict which was wonderful, but the stand outs were the warm cauliflower salad and the Cassata torte (huge- and so rich it is big enough for more than 2.) I won't discribe it - you'll just have to go there yourself to find out!
What a great place to hang out on a sunny, or in our case not so sunny, afternoon.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMIt's been a while since we'dIt's been a while since we'd been out to Nick's. I knew of mgmt/ownership changes, and we were very pleasantly surprised. Everyone was so friendly. We'd ridden our motorcycle out and people even offered to take our helmets. Great staff, food and ambiance. We'll be back!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThis destination locationThis destination location was well worth the four hour round trip drive. Two of us had the crab roll sandwich (they smoke the crab) which was excellent, and you can really taste the smokey flavor. My friend had the fish & chips and I got to take a little bite, very good, not greasy. It's a cute little place on the water. After lunch we walked out on the pier to the former bait shack and found that you could actually call the restaurant from the phone on the wall and order food to be delivered to your table at the end of the pier - which seems very romantic. Maybe next time.... My husband played the piano that's in the bait shack so that made for a nice ending of our time at Nick's Cove.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMSusan DuratThe oysters are amazing and the service was great! Bartender was very personable and informative. All around always a fun and great experience.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWe just love this funky restaurant,We just love this funky restaurant, and have been coming here since it was first opened by the former owner. You can always get great oysters, including Drakes Bay, chowder, seafood entrees and the wonderful mac and crab! We had a great young female waitperson who had moved here from the east coast - she was a joy! If you like something different, casual and a bit funky with great food, you cannot go wrong with Nick's Cove.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat food and service...lovelygreat food and service...lovely view..
very happy we drove all the way to get there...
enjoy a walk on the dock and waters edge..
eat early enough to enjoy the early evening ride home...
or better yet stay the night at one of the ocean side cabins..4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGood, expensive, somewhatGood, expensive, somewhat salty fare. Excellent service, apprropriate ambience (yarrr), fabulous location. Really lovable.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food there was great,The food there was great, but service was slow. We had reservations for 6:45 and walked out at 8:45. It was very expensive, $32.00 for 10 tiny oysters on the half shell, but I must say that the food was exceptional and I don't mind paying for great food.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWe thoroughly enjoyed everythingWe thoroughly enjoyed everything about our visit!!! Our server was sweet as could be and so very accomodating, and the food was outstanding! The view was gorgeous and it was perfect for our "date night". Can't wait to go back!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had the Chef's TastingWe had the Chef's Tasting - everything was phenomenal!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved walking out on the pierLoved walking out on the pier at sunset together with martinis!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWe love Nicks Cove! GreatWe love Nicks Cove! Great food and service every time! Highly recommend!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMOur meal tasted fantastic.Our meal tasted fantastic. The oysters, crab cakes and salmon were cooked and presented with perfection. We were there for an early dinner, so there was only one other table seated with people. The bread and oysters came quickly, but the rest of the meal took a long time to get to us (the waiter did come over twice to say it wouldn't be much longer). The salmon did not fill up my husband (salmon size smaller and minimal vegetables). My husband said he should have order a side dish. The ambiance is great and quite romantic with a fantastic view!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMSecond time here, first timeSecond time here, first time was for lunch. Our dinner was exceptional! And we kept saying that during the meal. The crab cake is all crab, no fillers and rolled in Panko -best crab cake ever. We both had salmon which may seem boring to some but it had a wonderful sear, crisp edge and the set up was amazing (parsnip puree, blood orange beurre blanc). Our waiter was very helpful in recommending a great wine to compliment the meal. He also recommend 3 different price points which was the way it should be, well constructed wine list. The view at sunset was stunning - just fantastic. The only thing that was not great was the front door. They were a mess, really didn't know what they were doing.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMI would say, this is indeedI would say, this is indeed a great place. I am looking to my next visit.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experince with foodGreat experince with food and service. One minor issue - turn down the manic jazz music playing (for the staff?)3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely a little gem alongAbsolutely a little gem along the coast. A bit of a drive to get there, but certainly worth it. Food amazing, service fantastic and the view unbelievable. Take the time to visit Nick's Cove.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFresh seafood & local ingredientsFresh seafood & local ingredients from Petaluma to Tomales Bay makes the food. The wine list represents some the best wines of Mendocino, Sonoma and beyond. And the staff feels like your neighborhood folks working together, providing professional service amidst picturesque setting.3/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing, magical experience!Nick's Cove is amazing! The restaurant, and the cottages, are a magical treat.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways enjoyable-prepare to spend!Always a favorite with us as the water-front location is fabulous and the food delicious. The menu is mostly locally sourced, but somewhat limited if you don't eat meat. Fabulous casual elegance people come dressed down or dressed up; it's all welcome here! Great drinks - check out their cocktails and bloody Marys. Pricey! My fish entree was $26 and an order of garlic fries was $11.3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMCrab to die forNick's cove is a gem!! We stayed in the area during our honeymoon three years ago and we returned to the eat at nick's again. The food is excellent and the food is excellent. Their crab dishes and BBQ oysters are fantastic! A must for foodies!3/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFood, service and view great.Food, service and view great. Katie was a great server and really knew the menu.2/24/2013 12:00:00 AMIts been years since I haveIts been years since I have been to Nicks Cove, and then it was the old Nicks. It has been redone for many years now and I have to say my experiance was wonderful. The service was as good as it gets IMO, and the Sturgeon I had was fantastic! You have to have their Clam Chowder, I am sure its made fresh and definatly not the normal canned stuff your used to.1/1/0001 4:00:00 PM