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  4. Columbus
  5. Upper Arlington

Nicola Restaurant and Bar

4.6
4.6
1550 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
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 Tuscany.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 12 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Hours of operation

    Happy Hour Bar Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–6:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (614) 459-7000

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Nicola

  • 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

  • Neighborhood

    Upper Arlington

  • Cross street

    Henderson

  • Parking details

    Parking is available in front and behind the building

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

Gift card

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Popular dishes

What 1,550 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Columbus

    Great for fine wines

  • Columbus

    Italian

  • Columbus

    Great for fine wines

  • Columbus

    Italian

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food is excellent. Service this night was really slow but we we’re enjoying the company so it was okay
  2. Tommy

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service is great the entrees are outstanding ! We enjoy the atmosphere
  3. CelesteD

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommend as the food is authentic Italian and the service was wonderful by Austin and the owner came out to check on everyone.
  4. NancyM

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat on the patio for Mother’s Day. The weather and meal were perfect. The homemade pasta was delicious. We will definitely return soon.
  5. WildBill

    Columbus

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nicola’s has become our favorite Italian restaurant in the Central Ohio area.
  6. JulieR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Elizabeth, was fantastic. The food was phenomenal. We will definitely be back!
  7. Always

    Washington DC

    65 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The Raviolo is a must! Cappaciao was excellent. The waiter was superb. All in all it is just a very nice place to enjoy
  8. WorthTheMoney

    Columbus

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Very nice place to visit and dine. My wife and I were a little early so we sat at the bar got a couple if drinks and an appetizer. The Eggplant Rollatini was great. Both our meals were very tasty, but this time the pork chop and grouper were slightly over cooked. The service is always great and the owners make a point to greet everyone. Very pleasant place to have dinner.
  9. JulieM

    Columbus

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was as always excellent; beautiful patio with separation of tables by potted plants. Esperanza is a fantastic hostess.
  10. Mike

    Columbus

    139 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    139 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service, and now with nice weather add a nice patio seating - consistently great dining experience.
  11. Helly

    Columbus

    14 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    We went on OSU's graduation weekend after having made a reservation. I was pleased to have a phone call from them to check my reservation. I was disappointed to learn upon arrival that there was a limited menu that evening due to the graduation. I had already looked online and picked out something that was not being offered that evening. The food was tasty, but I feel it was slightly overpriced for the size of the portions. There were no leftovers. I will admit that this was mentioned to my by others so that that seed may have been planted. Pasta is cheep and so I expect heaping bowls. That was not the case here. Everyone at my party enjoyed their meals. The service was good. NO one wanted for anything during our meal.
  12. JamesW

    Columbus

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great dining experience, we always choose Nicola's when we want an excellent meal. Wait staff is top-notch and the food is amazing.
  13. KarenH

    Columbus

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great, attentive service with knowledgeable waitstaff. We had a party of 5 and were able to have great dinner conversation at a leisurely pace which made for a lovely evening.
  14. CorryS

    Columbus

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome meal as always. Food and service were excellent.
  15. DebbieJ

    Columbus

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our Server, Alex, was excellent. His knowledge of the menu is incredible and our food never disappoints!! Thank you for a wonderful dinner.
  16. MarkS

    Columbus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Veal Marsala is my favorite. Wifey loved the Beef Wellington. Esperansa is so friendly, and Nicola still rocking the kitchen. Austin as waiter was super.
  17. AmandaR

    Columbus

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our 65th Anniversary dinner for our parents was top notch! We loved every dish and the space we were given to celebrate. My father-in-law especially enjoyed his Italian conversation with the house manager.
  18. FrankyB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    the food was ... fine. The PAPPARDELLE CON CINGHIALE didn't really have anything interesting going on about it. The handmade TUSCAN NIDO was acceptable, but for the price ... Both of our entrees and the apps seem overpriced for the middling quality
  19. Leeann

    Columbus

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food is usually great but sometimes a bit salty for me.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for a great experience as usual. Everything was perfect.
  21. barbh

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Paid a lot of money for sea bass that was oily and underseasoned.
  22. RayburnN

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love everything about the owners, their employees, their cooks, their restaurant! Truly a special place ran by special people.
  23. McBean

    Columbus

    128 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    128 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Our only suggestion would be that the server offer cracked pepper or red pepper flakes rather than having the diner request same. The food was excellent and we will be back.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Nicola's was outstanding. Service was excellent. We sat outside on a beautiful evening and things couldn't have been better. Will plan another evening at Nicolas with friends of family.
  25. JohnW

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The menu changes periodically- love it! Has a wide variety of options. Although we have our favorites, we have never been disappointed by any entree we've tried. The salads and apps are special too. We tend to eat late, and sometimes miss the nightly specials because they sell out- that's a positive testimonial in itself.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, it was a wonderful experience. Great food and great service. It is our favorite spot for a nice quiet dinner with authentic Italian food! Kudos to Chef Nicola for another outstanding meal!
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always accommodate our special needs child. Great service and amazing food!
  28. KJMM

    Columbus

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love Nicola. The fresh pasta is so good. The staff is amazing. Always a guaranteed great meal and overall experience.
  29. LindaV

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great. Ambience was nice, not too stuffy but darkened room and relaxed. Service fantastic. We’ll definitely return!
  30. BobJen

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time at Nicola's, really just a lucky reservation. We hope to go back often as the service and food were top notch.
  31. PattiS

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Party of 5. I got chef special with a$39 chicken dish and fettuccine. Thought price was was too high for a Chicken but waitress raved about it. It was awful. My noodles were cold and the chicken was tough and has such a slim piece of meat and cheese in it that I couldn’t taste it. I’ve had better fried chicken at Canes. I didn’t want to complain because I don’t want waitress to think I wanted a free Meal but it was terrible. My husband loved his seafood spaghetti tho. Said his drink was wimpy for $13.
  32. DougT

    Columbus

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Everyone was knowledgeable about the menu and the specials. I will certainly go back.
  33. bc73

    Columbus

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    The server was very friendly and the food is fantastic. I did, however, feel very rushed. Several times, workers tried to take plates from the table before we were done.
  34. NanB

    Columbus

    57 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Wine Night with “the girls”. Service was good. Food was not hot. Prices are approaching excessive. Have always loved this place, but feel it was not as good as in the past. Menu is not as diverse as it once was.
  35. BobK

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience5
    Honestly we were very disappointed with our experience this time. We’ve had great meals many times in the past but the food this time was sub par. Caeser salads were hardly dressed, lots of white lettuce, and pretty bland. The lasagna has been excellent in the past but not this time. Tasted more like Stouffers than a high end Italian restaurant. The special that night was Bracoile - it was tough, overcooked and not very flavorful. I was also disappointed that a hefty service charge was automatically added to our bill - seemed inappropriate given we had a party of 6 with one check for 4 and mine for 2 guests. For the price - not really worth it. Sorry
  36. ToHo

    Columbus

    92 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    92 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Chef Nicola, Esperanza, and their staff make for a lovely, delicious meal in a relaxed, family atmosphere. Such a difference from the typical restaurant these days. We enjoy trying different things from the menu and the specials as everything is always so good. Highly recommended!
  37. stevec

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    Food was cold when it came to our table. Very disappointed
  38. George

    Chicago

    121 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    121 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The shrimp cocktail was excellent, especially the cocktail sauce, which was zesty without being overly "hot." And I loved the yellowing tuna steak. Carolyn, my server, made me feel like royalty.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very enjoyable. Waitress was amazing and the owner checked with us. A nice touch!
  40. TomH

    Toledo

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service

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
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

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

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Nicola Restaurant and Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (614) 459-7000.

Nicola Restaurant and Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 1550 OpenTable diners.

Nicola Restaurant and Bar does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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 12 times today
Google Map for Nicola Restaurant and Bar

4740 Reed Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Henderson

  • Neighborhood

    Upper Arlington

  • Hours of operation

    Happy Hour Bar Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–6:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Parking is available in front and behind the building

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Nicola

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (614) 459-7000

  • 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

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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