Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Greater Boston
  4. Boston
  5. North End
Nico, Boston, MA
Nico, Boston, MA
Nico, Boston, MA
Nico, Boston, MA
Nico, Boston, MA

Nico

4.5
4.5
3657 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Nick Varano invites you to enjoy superlative and classic Italian fare in this boldly colored and romantic atmosphere. NICO’s friendly and enthusiastic staff set the bar for quality customer service. The kitchen is under the direction and expertise of celebrated Boston chef, Farouk Bazoune.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Thu–Sun 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (617) 742-0404
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Farouk Bazoune
  • Private party contact
    Fruittie: (617) 737-0290
  • Neighborhood
    North End
  • Cross street
    Between Harris St. and Hanover Ave.
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    MBTA Blue Line<br /><br />Aquarium, Government Center<br /><br />MBTA Orange Line<br /><br />Haymarket Station
  • Entertainment
    Join us on Tuesday nights for Street Magic!
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

What 3,657 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

3,657 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Food was not as advertised on Open table ( double the price + things missing ) and they also do not follow requests you put in the notes. There were us along with 3 other parties upstairs and we were all on top of eachother ( legit couldn't move our chair back without hitting others ) and the other guests noticed as well. Gnocchi was very chewy. The place didn't look as nice as it did online we litetally feel catfished lol

    Is this helpful?

  2. KarenK

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Prompt service and very enjoyable food. The big meatball with ricotta cheese so good and the pasta with broccoli rabe very nice! Won’t be the last visit for sure!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. KJNP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Overall, great food and service. Would come back! Calamari was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  4. MarkL

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall1food3service4ambience1
    The ambience was terrible with a UFC match on the tv ( srsly?) and diners wearing baseball hats. Not what you want for a cozy dinner for 2. The good news, these things can be fixed. ML

    Is this helpful?

  5. ChrisP

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, and phenomenal service. We will definitely be back

    Is this helpful?

  6. KenB

    Houston

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another great trip to Nico with the typical awesome service and delicious food. Calamari appetizer, Seafood Fra Diavoloand Cacio e Pepe entrees were so good.

    Is this helpful?

  7. BrooklineVC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience3
    The table side Caccio pepe was in fact pre-made in the kitchen, using cream as a thickener instead of how it should be. For such a claim to have table side it was in fact not true. Further the rest of the food was only so-so. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND.

    Is this helpful?

  8. GabrielaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was incredible. The service the best, they made my girlfriend feel more special on her birthday! ❤️

    Is this helpful?

  9. Doodlebug

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service! The mushroom ravioli is to die for!

    Is this helpful?

  10. TiffanyD

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the cacio e Pepe and rigatoni alla vodka. Both were outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Parmesan wheel pasta was life changing. We will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding, I can’t wait to go back! The food, the cocktails AND the service were all outstanding. It’s been a while since we have all 3 in one place. Well done, we will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  13. LizB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our meals. The Octopus App. was amazing! The Ceasar Salad was large enough for two people and the Porcini Ravioli and Short Rib were excellent! We will definitely be returning.

    Is this helpful?

  14. JORGER

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best , great service , good wine , the best meatball in US , period.

    Is this helpful?

  15. AngelaG

    Greater Boston

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and a good variety of options on the menu. My friend who was visiting town enjoyed it far more than another more highly touted restaurant (with a longer line out front) where she had dined the previous night.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Laurie

    Raleigh

    53 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience1
    We booked a table at 6:15 and were not seated till 7:15. Hostess offered us to sit at bar and wait. When table became available we headed downstairs to a small, stuffy and loud table. Told we had 90 minutes to finish. Area needs improved ventilation. CO2 meter measured 1,970. (Good is below 1,000) Saw server in the beginning and then the end. The food was very good. The cacio e pepe was excellent. We enjoyed the meatball, arugula salad and fusilli with sausage...burrata was excellent. The restaurant was good. Experience was strange. I wouldn't sit downstairs again. One bathroom for entire restaurant

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    42 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best meatballs in the North End! Pollo dish was fantastic! Great vibe! Overall wonderful dinning experience.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    They don’t do cacio e pepe table-side anymore, even though it’s still on their website and printed menus that we were given when we sat down. They also forgot to bring us our appetizer. We drove over a half hour to celebrate our engagement here and it was huge letdown.

    Is this helpful?

  19. DebbieMP

    Greater Boston

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never disappoints!! Still as good as when they opened.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    Wish your had some sort of seeets. You need to update the web site. It shows sweets

    Is this helpful?

  21. ChristineM

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall2food4service3ambience1
    The food was good, as always, but they seated us downstairs next to the bathroom and advised we had a 90 minute time limit. The room was so noisy we couldn’t hear each other talk. I have recommended Nico in the past, but would not do so any more

    Is this helpful?

  22. SusanS

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    I’ve dined at both Strega and Nico several times. Last night will be my last. Food is good but think there are other restaurants in the North End that are better Too overpriced for what it is and hostess/waiter very snobby toward all?

    Is this helpful?

  23. AnneS

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great location, ambiance and food. they were accommodating as we ended up with 4 vs the reservation for 2

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great and the staff were super accommodating! We had a large group and a time change and they were so flexible! Food and drinks amazing! Staff was awesome! Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  25. MikeY

    New York Area

    67 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Food was outstanding- we were sat in the worst seat in the restaurant. Even having made specific reservation request 45 days in advance. Lobster Fra Diavolo was really good but had to take apart the entire lobster covered in very hot red sauce.

    Is this helpful?

  26. CDMatthew

    Greater Boston

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    This was our first time at Nico, and we’ll certainly be back! This is a small and bustling place, but the food and service were excellent for brunch…we can’t wait to go back for an evening meal. The brunch menu has some out-of-the-ordinary items, or creative twists on familiar dishes…certainly be sure to get a side of their house-made sausage! I also can’t say enough good things about our server Treisi…who struck just the right balance efficiency and warm hospitality. I don’t know why why we hadn’t tried out Nico before, but I’m so glad we did!

    Is this helpful?

  27. Bill

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience2
    We had a reservation and still had to wait an additional 40 minutes due to a group not getting up from their table once finished.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Restaurant is super small and tight. Great atmosphere! Our server made recommendations when we were torn between what to order. Food was delicious!!

    Is this helpful?

  29. LeslieD

    Naples

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We had THE best meal at Nico! The server was busy but we felt attended to and valued. Our food was outstanding! This is a hidden gem in North End!

    Is this helpful?

  30. Sean

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    The meatball parmigiana was excellent. However my wife and daughter were really disappointed with quality of their pasta dishes. The calamari appetiser was so so. Not really fresh. Overall disappointing experience after reading about the good reviews

    Is this helpful?

  31. Tawny

    Phoenix

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience2
    Food was good but service was lacking. Sat downstairs and it was crowded and hot. Note that if you want the cheese bowl (I guess they are known for that) you can’t have that table side downstairs, only upstairs. Again, food was good but service was slow. I think they were just super busy.

    Is this helpful?

  32. MichaelD

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    Had a reservation, table wasn’t ready so they sat us at the bar , half hour later still no drink, bartender didn’t even acknowledge we were there. Got our table and order drinks (excellent). Ordered appetizer ( excellent ) ordered dinner , one excellent , one not so much, I make better eggplant Parm at home. Had to keep waiting for a drinks , waiter was clearly overwhelmed . Overall I wasn’t impressed , but I would give them a second try .

    Is this helpful?

  33. EricO

    Orange County

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    The act that we had a reservation and requested an inside table either upstairs or downstairs, they put us out on there patio which was on the street. Not a way to experience a celebratory dinner with a loved one. Be warned.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and great food! Will definitely be back

    Is this helpful?

  35. KevinM

    Naples

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat outside and sat right near an Italian festival that was taking place, thus the high noise review. Otherwise, it was great.

    Is this helpful?

  36. Taranichelson

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    What a wonderful night out. I took my family here for dinner and it did not disappoint. We had a reservation and they were running a few minutes behind but the gentleman at the door was lovely and kept us informed. Everything we ordered was delicious and obviously made with quality and care. We are still talking about it! I highly recommend it.

    Is this helpful?

  37. RobertM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Our waiter disappeared and it was nearing the 90 minute time and we flagged down another waiter to get our bill who then were asked if we wanted dessert! Food was very good! Had reservations no waiting! 1 Bathroom downstairs and not good for handicap people. Overall 4 stars!

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ever makes my experience at Nico’s 10/10 every time!!! Food is absolutely amazing - my fav spot in the north end

    Is this helpful?

  39. DarnishaT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a beautiful space for date night. We richly enjoyed the salad and the “North End Only” special. We wish we had more of the pasta because it was so tasty!

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food. Service was awesome. Had a resv and sat us right on time.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Nico offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 742-0404.

Nico is rated 4.5 stars by 3657 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Nico

417 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Between Harris St. and Hanover Ave.
  • Neighborhood
    North End
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Thu–Sun 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    MBTA Blue LineAquarium, Government CenterMBTA Orange LineHaymarket Station
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Farouk Bazoune
  • Entertainment
    Join us on Tuesday nights for Street Magic!
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo