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  • Nicola Restaurant and Bar

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Reserve at Nicola Restaurant and Bar

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Nicola Restaurant and Bar
Nicola Restaurant and Bar

Nicola Restaurant and Bar Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.nicolacolumbus.com
  • Phone: (614) 459-7000
  • Hours of Operation:


    Dinner:

    Monday - Thursday: 4:30pm - 9:00pm

    Friday-Saturday:4:30-10:00pm


    Closed Sundays



    Lunch:

    Monday-Friday:11:30am-2:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Executive Chef: Nicola
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Fireplace, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Smoking Area, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Catering: Full sevice catering is avaible. Call the restauranrt for details.
  • Private Party Facilities: Private dining area seates up to 90 and can be used as two beautiful private rooms that seats from 20-50 each
  • Private Party Contact: Speranza (614) 459-7000

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Henderson
  • Parking: Private Lot
  • Parking Details: Parking is available in front and behind the building
A word from Nicola Restaurant and Bar
Nicola Restaurant is dynamic, cultural, and fun with open doors for all who want a true taste of Italian authenticity. To say the least, the food will be a treasure for your senses. Nicola restaurant is for any person hungry for not just food and drink, but for the unique presence of beauty, joy,… and family which exists in every Italian family's home.

With chef Nicola's ability to bring together simple ingredients to create delicious dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, you are sure to have an enjoyable experience. Join us and taste Nicola's vision that greets the senses with the aroma, taste, and feel of a small town in Toscany.Continued
Foodspotting photos
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerItalian
  • Diners' Choice WinnerNeighborhood Gem
Diner Reviews
  • "We LOVE everything about Nicola Restaurant and so does everyone we take there!"
    Dined on 7/22/2014
  • "Their menu is so fab, during restaurant week I want to have the price fix menu but then their specials sound out of this world. That's exactly what happened. My two guests had the price fix but I had the special. Very fresh Lake Erie walleye with heirloom tomato ravioli. Outstanding as usual"
    Dined on 7/21/2014
  • "I'm italian and this is the better italian restaurant in Columbus-OH. The dishes are great. The wine list very good. I strongly advice to go there for having a real italian dinner!"
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "Nicola's has become our favorite restaurant and we take everyone there. The food is the best and we always feel very welcomed there. The back room could use a little work on making it look nice, but the main dining room and the outdoor patio are wonderful. We'll be back!"
    Dined on 7/16/2014
  • "This is the second time we've had a disappointing meal at Nicola. The time it took for our meal to be served was too long again (this happened last time we dined here). It wasn't that we were in a hurry, we were just hungry. The kitchen is consistently slow and the place wasn't packed. Also, I ordered the sea bass special, and it was served with the head on and was loaded with bones. If the fish is to be served this way, the waiter or someone should've prepared me for this. This was Nicola's chance to redeem themselves from the previous disappointing experience we had, and they failed to do so. We won't be back anytime soon."
    Dined on 7/11/2014
  • "Nicola is a great restaurant and never disappoints. Great food, great service, outdoor patio is sheltered from the parking lot and home grown herbs and some veggies. Love to go there and relax. And the music is a nice touch."
    Dined on 7/11/2014
  • "The menu at Nicola is extensive enough to please everyone! And don't be afraid to ask if there is something you would like different from what is listed as they will gladly accommodate your needs."
    Dined on 6/14/2014
  • "Our third visit to Nicola, it did not disappoint. We enjoyed dinner on the patio with our friends. Greeted warmly not overly fawning for a repeat visit.. Fare was delicious. Wine was wonderful. Highly recommend eating here."
    Dined on 6/14/2014
  • "The food at Nicola's is always delicious. The room and outdoor patio are great!"
    Dined on 6/13/2014
  • "We return to Nicola over and over for the consistently delicious food and good service. The eggplant lasagna is so tasty that it's hard to try something else. A sample of another diner's tenderloin with truffle oil and rosemary potatoes will move me to vary my selection next time. On this evening, the patio was almost full (with live music) and the inside dining room was blissfully cool and quiet. And, what fun to see the progress of their kitchen garden, along side the restaurant. That's fresh!"
    Dined on 5/30/2014
  • "Sitting on Nicola’s patio with my family was not only a great time for us all but relaxing and delicious! We like to try new places at least once a week, but now that we have found Nicola’s patio and all organic garden, we are set for the season! Everything was simply perfect, the food was fresh and amazing, with an exclusive wine list. Dessert was to die for! You can find us here on a nice sunny day enjoying Spritz Veneziano. Salute! "
    Dined on 5/21/2014
  • "We were looking for an authentic Italian restaurant for a great night out. A friend of mine had recommended Nicola. When we arrived we couldn't believe that we had missed this place before, it is right in the center of Upper Arlington, but there patio is sure to send you on a vacation to Italy! The ambiance and flavors were more than enough! The food was by far the best I have ever had in Columbus. What really blew us away was Chef Nicola coming by outside to have a glass of wine and also insure my friend, who has food allergies, what he could specially prepare for her. Our server was Dawn,seemed just like part of the family, and had a great outgoing smile on her face at all times! None of us wanted the night to end, simply perfect! "
    Dined on 5/21/2014
  • "Nicola and company presents a fabulous dinner that is always fun to eat and quite tasty. I have patronized this restaurant at least 6 times in the past year and a half. I can count on a fun evening with family and friends. "
    Dined on 5/17/2014
  • "We've dined at Nicola on several occasions, but unfortunately, this last experience was not one we wish to repeat. We were seated right away; however, because of two groups ahead of us, our food was not served for 35 minutes and our beverage service was also slow. In addition, I asked for my dish to be customized somewhat (no pancetta with the shrimp) and the waiter wouldn't accommodate this, so I ordered the dish anyway based on his recommendation. The shrimp was so salty from the pancetta and the pasta was under seasoned resulting in a subpar dish. I'm surprised that this restaurant wouldn't customize a dish based on the fact that their dishes/pastas are handmade. I was sorry I had to wait for this meal. "
    Dined on 5/15/2014
  • "I made a res for 12. Only 10 were able to come. We were charged $20/person that didn't show up. No one informed us ahead of time that this would happen or I would have invited 2 different people! I asked the owner or manager, for 2 to go boxes because we were charged $20/person. She told me that this wasn't something they do, touched my arm and said "it's only $20". That is inexcusable. If it's only $20, then don't charge it. I said "per person" and that no one informed us of the stipulations. If you want to own a restaurant, you need to plan for no shows, they are going to happen! She then told me that I could have the "to go" plates but that they "told everyone". Now she's claiming that I'm lying. Servers good but not going back."
    Dined on 5/11/2014
  • "Nicola is consistently excellent. The environment is perfect for special occasions and romantic date nights"
    Dined on 5/11/2014
  • "We reserved a table for a mother's day lunch. When we arrived we learned that it was buffet only so we decided to leave. The female owner was very nasty about us leaving and even mentioned she wish she had called for our credit card number before we arrived. She certainly burned the bridge with us."
    Dined on 5/11/2014
  • "We were excited about "trying" Nicola. Our friends had heard about it so I made the reservation. Being on a Wednesday evening, I thought we would have better service than on a weekend. I also knew that it had been in operation for a time so all the "kinks" would have been resolved. We were very disappointed...the first server seem very inexperienced..we were then given another server who was extremely knowledgeable and professional. When it came time for the "bills" we had to have them corrected 3 times before they were the exact total. We did appreciate the "Lemongello" that was given for the mistakes but by then the damage was done and our desire to return was gone."
    Dined on 5/7/2014
  • "It took a while for the server to come get our order, and when he did, the food came out quickly; however, the next time he came to check on us was to see if we needed our check."
    Dined on 5/3/2014
  • "Nicola's serves consistently delicious food. The calamari tastes fresh to start. The salads are huge (and also fresh/innovative). In my party of 4, three selected from among the evening specials and were delighted with the result. I was hankering for the scallops wrapped in proscuito over risotto. Tasty as it has been before. The server was friendly and attentive. The week night dining offered the possibility of a lower noise level, which was much appreciated. The timely service and excellent food quality were especially appreciated because there was a wine-tasting dinner going on in the adjacent dining room. Overall, a wonderful neighborhood--and special occasion--spot. I highly recommend it."
    Dined on 4/29/2014
  • "There were eight of us, ranging in ages 73 - 9. We were celebrating Easter. We came from several different states. Nicola's private little area worked well for us. Our waitress was fabulous, very friendly and attentive. The food was very tasty and presented in a pleasing manner. A very relaxing and enjoyable dining experience."
    Dined on 4/20/2014
  • "Very pleasant surprise. Our group of 8 enjoyed good food and excellent service. Can't wait to return for dinner."
    Dined on 4/20/2014
  • "We were delighted by our first experience at this restaurant. The food was served promptly and was at the perfect temperature, perfectly (and interestingly) seasoned and utterly delicious. I had the Vitello Nicola, which was the most tender, savory veal that I've ever had. We'll be going back!"
    Dined on 4/12/2014
  • "We always have a wonderful meal! The Shrimp Pasta was especially good along with the fish special of the night."
    Dined on 4/8/2014
  • "The best upscale Italian food in Columbus. Made with love by Cheh Nicola. He and his wife Speranza, visit each table. Food is perfect every time."
    Dined on 3/29/2014
  • "We had a group of seven for a special occasion celebration. The waitstaff was great and the co-owner (Speranza) stopped by several times to make sure everything was ok. Food was wonderful, pace of service perfect and we couldn't have had a better experience. This truly is a hidden gem as you might drive by without seeing it since it is not a stand-alone building. I have been to Nicola on several occasions and the service, food and warmth from the owners are always consistent."
    Dined on 3/29/2014
  • "Third visit to Nicola. Food is delizioso. Everything made from scratch and prepared to order. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Columbus.."
    Dined on 3/26/2014
  • "My mother and I enjoyed a really nice dinner on a Monday night. Food was tasty and service was good. We no longer live in Columbus but visit often and usually always make a trip here. "
    Dined on 3/24/2014
  • "We choose a different restaurant the third friday of each month. This month's choice of Nicola's wa soutstanding! From greeting to departure just a great time. Food perfect - best Italian in Columbus. Appetizers super, dessert perfect. Super service Great place to pratcice your Italiam with the owner hostess!"
    Dined on 3/21/2014
  • "We go to Nicola's looking for traditional Italian dishes, and Nicola's comes through. The lasagna is excellent, and the portions are generous. Shrimp and ravioli dishes have been very good, too, and the service is pleasant and attentive."
    Dined on 3/15/2014
  • "I have eaten at Nikola several times and it keeps getting better. The menu is diverse but staying with the Italian theme. The service is friendly but not over sophisticated. The ambiance is warm. The scallops ans pepperdelle pasta were fantastic!"
    Dined on 3/13/2014
  • "I thought the food was a bit bland, not too impressed with our server, so overall, I'd have to say it was just ok..."
    Dined on 3/8/2014
  • "My dad and his wife ordered a bottle of whine which they did not care for. The wine was good, just not what they liked. They asked them if they'd like to let it breathe, and when they said no and ordered something new, they graciously brought something new. Our waiter was not knowledgeable at all, however, in terms of wine and didn't remember specials. The food was great and the owner was very friendly and took the time to sit with us for a while. It's worth going back. It's a very cute venue."
    Dined on 3/7/2014
  • "My wife and I went there for a nice date. The breads and pastas are all made in house. We had a nice salad and a side of calamari which were refreshingly not greasy. However we ordered the plain mushroom pasta and were disappointed that it mostly tasted like noodles tossed in olive oil. Their was a pool of it at the bottom of the bowl. I believe well go back, but well stick to the classics and try the fresh homemade Bolognese."
    Dined on 2/25/2014
  • "Not many Italian restaurants are as authentic, most, any more are 'chain' restaurants trying to be so... It is apparent that the Chef here is the real deal- the food was fabulous! As an after dinner TREAT- order the creamy home made Lemoncello- Superb!"
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Born in the Italian Slow Food Movement, the infused herbs and spices make this restaurant's offerings wonderful. Their veal is hard to pass up, but their hand made pasta ravioli's are better than grandma's! Give it a try!"
    Dined on 2/20/2014
  • "My normal go-to restaurant disappointed for the second time. One diner had an allergy and asked to have the red pepper taken off his entre. It was, but his fist was still swimming in a red pepper sauce and the entree was cold. This is unusual for this restaurant. I hope that everyone was just busy and that this is not a sign of things to come."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "This was definitely a find. The veal was excellent and the calamari appetizer perfectly prepared."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Can't say enough about the staff at Nicola's, we called to say we would be late due to an accident on 270. And they said your table will be waiting! Everyone was wonderfully attentive and the food was delicious. Plan to return and recommend to friends! Thanks!"
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "I have never been disappointed at Nicola. The food is excellent and the wine list is perfect. I highly recommend!"
    Dined on 2/6/2014
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Columbus Winners
  • Italian
  • Neighborhood Gem
  • Columbus Winners
  • Italian
  • Neighborhood Gem
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