NicoWonderfulI cannot say enough about our recent experience at Nico. The food was outstanding, the service could not have been better. Added bonus of having a full bar in a North End restaurant. I cannot wait to bring family and friends back here.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, Outstanding Staff!My family, including a two and six year old went to celebrate my oldest daughters 19th birthday; we usually go to Strega but decided to try another Varano spot. The food was really good but the service was outstanding. They were extremely attentive and professional. This is a great spot; I will be coming back with just the wife. The bar looked like it was a great place to relax and have a drink and catch the game. Nick Varano continues to impress!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous CioppinoWent for dinner on a Saturday night. We were sat upstairs at a great table by the open front by the street/sidewalk. The food was amazing. The server disappeared several times for long periods. There were usually other servers or employees to help if we needed anything. Next time we will try Strega but I liked the atmosphere here very much.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMHuge portions for hungry soulsGreat, hearty Italian food. Recommend the burrata, fried calamari and cioppino. Restaurant was too noisy for a decent conversation though. Oh, reservations are definitely essential if you don't want to wait for a table.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMVery niceNico's is a small restaurant in the North End. The food was fantastic and the servers attentive.
This would have been a five star rating however it was very hot in the restaurant on the main floor where we were sitting. If you want a cool spot ask for a table downstairs.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat service , very attentivegreat service , very attentive in all aspects. food came right on time, delicious appetizers , entrees and desserts.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Italian food in the North EndMy wife had the chicken Marsala and I had the veal parmesean and they were both excellent. Great service and friendly staff. We had our one and half year old daughter with us and they took good care of her too. They gave her a pasta dish on the house! Overall great experience!5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMLunchDined here on a Saturday at noon. It was very quiet...I don't think people are aware that the restaurant is open on Saturday for lunch. The pasta with sausage and artichokes was tasty and al dente...a simple dish you'd find in Italy. The veal chop was extremely tender and beautifully presented. Our server, Bruno was very knowledgeable about the food and wine and also very pleasant. All in all a great North End experience.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMTo paraphrase the Dos EquisTo paraphrase the Dos Equis man: I don't usually like to have Italian food when I dine out, but when I do, I prefer Nico. Nico is a hip, modern restaurant with the friendly, attentive staff that traditional Italian dining is known for. Our waiter Tyler made us feel like he wanted nothing more than to ensure that our dining experience was life-changing. As for the food, their burrata was sublime, as were their lobster, crab, and mussels. However, I hate to say it, but the fettucine was overcooked and rubbery, which was surprising given how great everything else was. Also, my wife thought everything was a tad too salty. I think salty food is a problem with dining out in general, though...5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMNot as fancy as it tried to beI got the distinct impression that Nico is billed as a fancy place -- diners wore nicer clothing than you'd normally see at a North End hole-in-the-wall. But the atmosphere did not live up, as the crowded tables and high noise level ruined it. As for the food, the appetizers were amazing but the chef's use of frozen and pre-made ingredients disappointed.
Burrata - delightful but at $19.95 for an appetizer, I hoped they made the cheese there. Waiter told me it was not.
Fried eggplant appetizer - OK, but d the oil and sauce poured on it made it soggy
Gnocci - a bargain entree at $13.95 and wonderful
Mushroom ravioli - at $18.95 for 6 it should be homemade. But it's the frozen raviolis with brown stripes you see everywhere.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWe arrived early for our reservatioWe arrived early for our reservation and were offered a table downstairs which we took. We had the whole room to ourselves for almost the whole meal. The food was very good, we enjoyed it greatly. It is a small place not uncommon for the North End. I'm sure it gets quite loud when full and the wine cellar and bathroom also located downstairs. If you want a semi casual restaurant with great friendly service and great food it's perfect!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for the baked stuffedWent for the baked stuffed lobster
(expensive) but worth it for my husband
fusilli delicious5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMNico is fabulous!We went to Nico to celebrate my daughter's graduation this past weekend. The concierge at our hotel had said it was her favorite restaurant in the North End. I now know why! We arrived quite a bit earlier than our reservation time and although the restaurant is tiny and it was very busy, Gianna managed to find a table for us within a few minutes. The service, food and wine list were outstanding. It was our best meal in Boston. Don't miss it!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMpriceyFood and service very good, but it was very expensive. When the waiter recommended the special, he did not give the price which would be helpful. We shared a special of veal chop and salad and a half-bottle of wine. Before tip it was 150.00 for 2. We spent 190 with tip. Very pricey.The food was really good and so was the service.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was absolutely incredible,Food was absolutely incredible, portions were huge, service was very professional and cordial, a little bit on the slow side. Highly recommended!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMMeatballs - The best EverI must say that when you first walk in you see the dining area as being quite small but there is nothing average about this place!! Incredible meatballs with red gravy to die for!!! I could of just eaten that but we decided on the caprese salad, and the lobster risotto. The meatballs were so tender and full of complex flavors. Look to have that recipe to try at home in Chicago!!! I would definitely come back to this wonderful, intimate spot.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experience. PerfectGreat experience. Perfect if you love Boston's North End5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding food and serviceGreat ambience upstairs - playing the godfather
Movies...5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBetter late than never....We weren't seated until 7:45 PM for out 7 PM reservation. The hostess did keep us up to date as to the "progress" of our table, but nonetheless that is pretty late. They made it up to us by giving us a free appetizer and then lemoncello at the end of our meals. The food is always good so we will go back again just with a smaller party so we are more likely to be seated nearer to our reservation time.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular quality and service.Nico is a smaller sized restaurant which creates an immediate welcoming feel. The staff is super helpful and diligent in all respects. We had fried calamari for an appetizer that was outstanding. Lobster ravioli and chicken parmigiana were the entrees. The chicken was the most tender and juicy piece I've ever had and I have never experienced as much lobster than in these ravioli. Portions were just right.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic Celebration DinnerFantastic meal at Nico! We came here to celebrate my graduation and had an exceptional dinner! All 8 of us ordered something different and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals! The service was great and exceptionally accommodating of our large party (including a toddler). Server was both friendly and helpful, and the service was prompt. We loved the delicious bread and olives in oil while we waited for our meals. Everything was delicious and we would absolutely visit again!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMHaving read such great reviewsHaving read such great reviews I was looking forward to our experience. I have to say that I was not disappointed. The service was excellent. The menu is a good size- not too small nor too large. The old favorites are there but a few twists to keep it intersting. My veal Saltmibocca was very tender and flavorful but the sauce was a bit too heavy. The highlight was the 'specials' salad - Roasted artichoke, arugula and burrata...what a great expereince. The fire grilled artichokes were such a juxtapositon to the creamy warm burrata with the peppery arugula. Plenty of food for two people. My only criticism is that you don't know the cost of the specials until you get your bill. Poor form. I will return.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWe got a reasonable reservation,We got a reasonable reservation, were seated promptly, and everyone was very friendly. It's a fairly small restaurant, but it's very nice inside - I would definitely enjoy coming on a date here (even though they have sports on TV). Our server, Hakim, was very nice and helpful in suggesting what to order. We started with the eggplant (something I never try to make at home) which wasn't over oiled, and was delicious! I had the lobster crepes, which were literally bursting with lobster, and had an amazing sauce to go with the homemade crepes. I was also amazed at the portion size - I had a good amount left over, and despite my hesitation on warming up seafood leftovers on the 2nd day, were excellent still!
We'll be back!5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMone of the best restaurantone of the best restaurant experiences I've had in a long time. food was awesome but also the entire staff was so friendly from the host to the bartender to the servers.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMVery NiceThe food was excellent The waiter was very attentive and informative Would recommend this to anyone5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMNorthend restaurant fit for a dateA lovely and moderately priced restaurant for a relaxing time with someone special who cares about how the food tastes. The ambiance is fine, but nothing special. The lobster dishes (we tried two) with tomatoe based sauces were excellent. the fried calamari just so-so. I wouldn't call the location a 'gem' but it is authentic and very good. (This coming from an Italian who is quite picky).5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of, if not my most favoriteOne of, if not my most favorite restaurants to go to in Boston.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial SpotThis was a wonderful spot for friends to gather. We shared salads and entrees and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Our wait staff was very helpful with his recommendations and allowed us time to talk and linger over each course. We really enjoyed our time at Nicos and will be back!!! Great food at a very special spot in the North End.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner @ Nico'sMy wife and I had an outstanding dinner @ Nico's recently. The veal dishes we had we as good as it gets and the service was outstanding as well. The desserts were just the right size and the coffee was strong and a good finish to the meal.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good dining experienceHad reservations, table was waiting on us when I came in. Waiter did not initial ask if wanted drinks or apps, but I got his attention after he took order from another table, he was very good from that point on. Food was excellent. Portions were plentiful. It was a very good dinining experience and I would definitely go back again.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding!Our group was a party of 11, and were there for a special occasion. We were sat promptly and from that moment on received exceptional service. I highly recommend requesting Tyler as your waiter, his knowledge of the menu was superb! He displayed a promptness and attention to our needs without being over bearing.
The food was amazing, all cooked as requested, a few dietary needs were met without issue. We were able to bring in a cake for our celebration without any extra charge. We highly recommend this restaurant, it is bringing true Italian cuisine back to the North End!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat late-night diningGreat menu, fun wait staff, nice drink selection. It's a little further down on Hanover away from all the crowds and chaos of a Saturday night in the North End. Definitely plan on going back.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent, Friendly waitersYou almost can't go wrong in the North End and Nico is no exception. The wait staff is exceptional, as is the calamari. The pasta -- yum. My only complaint is the noise level -- it was a Saturday night, but you can barely hear the person sitting across from you. Maybe it was our table -- not a great spot -- downstairs near the exit door. Be specific with your table request -- ask to sit on the first floor -- you'll love the food and the service. Oh -- one more thing - I am not a wine drinker so I ordered a cape codder -- yes, probably a faux pas in an italian restaurant -- but this was a lowlight of the night -- it tasted watered down and the vodka was obviously poor quality -- go italian -- stick with the wine!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMNorth End GemI took a group of 9 visiting colleagues from around the world to Nico. After a brief wait to clear a prior diner, we were seated right against the window overlooking Hanover Street. Too bad it was a cold evening. Our waiter Bruno was fantastic. Attentive, yet not hovering. He helped one guest with a menu change because of dietary restrictions, and made sure everyone was taken care of. The food was fantastic, with everyone raving about their meal. The special that night, supper di pesce, was out of this world. I highly recommend Nico for great Italian food, and great service.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMBest North End Italian restaurantCame to Nico for dinner last night. The Crespelle All'aragosta was great with chunks of lobster meat inside a light crepe with a creamy red sauce. The fresh mozzarella was to die for. The services was exceptional. I just wish I live closer to come here over and over again.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was delicious. The LobsterFood was delicious. The Lobster Ravioli was amazing. Service was good as well.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMBack at the North EndWhich restaurant to choose. We settled on either Strega or Nico's and Nico's won out. We felt welcome from the moment we walked in to the point at which we had to leave. Four of us arrived a half hour early but were seated immediately. The waiter was well-informed, funny and unobtrusive in this smallish dining room. The food was exceptional and reasonably paced allowing us to enjoy every morsel. Every reason to go back for lunch or dinner, special occasion or not.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOur experience at Nico wasOur experience at Nico was great. We got there an hour ahead of our reservation and they gladly worked us in and seated us early. The server was very friendly and personable and very attentive to making sure we were doing ok. The food was outstanding! The lobster ravioli was the best. Three of us had that and I had the mushroom ravioli. Both were excellent. I would definitely recommend. Great food and great staff.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMLarge food portions, wouldLarge food portions, would recommend sharing. The Sea Bass was great4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMA great mealEverything about Nico was superb and accommodating. The food, service and beverage selection. Hakim was exceptional. The appetizers were large enough to share. The prices were comparable to restaurants in the area.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMService was a 10, Karim wasService was a 10, Karim was our waiter and was outstanding. The pasta was homemade and delicious. I recommend getting the rigatoni al Sal.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe thoroughly enjoyed ourWe thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Nico's. Will certainly go there again. Food was delicious, and prepared with the eye and palette in mind! Our waiter was very helpful, friendly, and attentive.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a great experienceWe had a great experience at Nico. Tyler, our server was awesome, very knowledgable. The olives are to die for!! We will return again.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMReservations are definitelyReservations are definitely recommended, most people that show up without one usually get turned away4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time at this restaurant.First time at this restaurant. Food was exceptional. Comparable to what we had in Rome. Would definitely go back.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, small, intimateGreat food, small, intimate atmosphere. Dim lighting and romantic.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMAlex Was Fabulous !We loved our dinner and evening at NICO - the best part was Alex our Waiter.
He was fabulous and the food was excellent.
We will be back ! With more people !4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWaitstaff was awesome!FoodWaitstaff was awesome!Food was plentiful and tremendous! Would definitely come back again!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat findThis was my first time to Nico's and I was very pleased. They sat us at a table for 2 right in the window, which was awesome. I would recommend reservations, which we had, thankfully. I had the seafood special and there was no shortage of seafood. Delicious! The service was spot on. Looking forward to going back.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat times at NicoGreat little place, a little pricey but worth it for the quality and fun.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AM