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Nicola's Ristorante, Cincinnati, OH

Nicola's Ristorante

4.9 (2934)
$50 and over
Italian
1420 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for fine wines
  • Romantic
Nicola's Ristorante is a fine-dining Italian restaurant in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, serving guests for almost 30 years. Step inside to experience a warm ambiance and the delightful aroma of freshly prepared dishes. Our extensive menu features housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and a rotating 5-Course Chef Crafted Grand Tasting Experience. Complement your meal with selections from our exceptional wine list, featuring Italian and international options, selected by our in-house Sommelier. We have private dining rooms available for parties of up to 80 guests. Sourcing only the freshest ingredients, both locally and imported, Nicola's Ristorante is the perfect destination for your next business dinner, date night, celebration, or excuse to get out of the house! Our warm and welcoming team is excited to take you on a culinary journey through Italy, without ever having to get on a plane!

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Modern Tuscan, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Cristian Pietoso
  • Catering
    For Catering, please reach out to Daniel Dicks at events@viaviterestaurant.com for detailed information.
  • Private party facilities
    Our award-winning food, wine, unique private & semi-private dining spaces, and professional service combine to create truly memorable experiences for business meetings, social celebrations, weddings, and rehearsal dinners. We can tailor the event to your individual needs.
  • Private party contact
    Daniel Dicks: (513) 721-8480
  • Neighborhood
    Over the Rhine
  • Cross street
    Liberty & Sycamore Street; Sycamore & Orchad Street.<br />
  • Parking details
    Street parking and valet parking Monday through Saturday.
  • Public transit
    Walking Distance from Cincinnati Metro Bus Stops, Cincinnati Bell Street Car- 12th Street & Main Free Parking available on Liberty street; Paid Public Parking availble on Sycamore Street & 14th Street. Valet- $10 Monday-Thursday $15 Friday/Saturday Cash or Venmo Only.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Cincinnati Opera Tasting Menu

    $85.00 per person

    Jun 12, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
    An exclusive opera tasting menu experience combines authentic Italian cuisine with the drama and elegance of the Cincinnati Opera. Available only on nights in which the opera is performing. Enjoy a 3 course pre-fixe menu, with the option to choose from some of Nicola's classic dishes. *Menu is subject to change. Please note any allergens or dietary restrictions upon booking. Taxes and Gratuity not included in menu price.
    Cincinnati Opera Tasting Menu Photo
  • Bolo-Monday

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy our Signature Tagliatelle Bolognese and a refreshing field green salad at a discounted price, only on Mondays! Made in the traditional Bologna style with Beef & Veal and housemade tagliatelle pasta. Tagliatelle Bolognese with Nicola's House Salad for $17.00 FULL A LA CATE MENU IS ALSO AVAILABLE.
    Bolo-Monday Photo
  • Chef's Grand Tasting Experience

    Multiple dates available
    -Uniquely Crafted 5 Course Tasting Experience- Five-course Tasting Experience, including Nicola’s selection of house-made breads $110 Per Experience; $160 with Sommelier Selected Wine Pairings *Optional cheese course with a selection of three Italian cheeses, aged balsamic, fruit mostarda, and lavender honey for $19 *Rotates Weekly. Taxes and Gratuity not included in menu price.
    Chef's Grand Tasting Experience Photo

Private dining

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What 2,934 people are saying

Nicola's Ristorante reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Cincinnati / Dayton

    Great for fine wines

  • Cincinnati / Dayton

    Romantic

  • Cincinnati / Dayton

    Good for special occasions

  • Cincinnati / Dayton

    Italian

  • Cincinnati

    Great for fine wines

  • Cincinnati

    Romantic

  • Cincinnati

    Good for special occasions

  • Cincinnati

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Nicola's Ristorante in Cincinnati is a standout Italian dining destination, praised for its exquisite flavor combinations and seasonal ingredients. The service is consistently "attentive, friendly, and informative," enhancing a memorable dining experience. Guests rave about the "best gnocchi" and "amazing bolognese." The ambiance is warm and welcoming, promising a delightful evening.
2,934 Reviews
  1. Doug and Dawn

    Cincinnati / Dayton2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We dined here for a Cincinnati Opera prix-fixe dinner and it was wonderful! The food was absolutely delicious and the service was the best I have experienced at a Cincinnati restaurant in years! We felt like we had truly had a fine dining "experience" and will definitely be back in the future!
    Nicola's RistoranteResponded 1 day ago
    Hi, Doug and Dawn! Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Cincinnati Opera prix-fixe dinner with us. Knowing that the food and service stood out and created a true fine dining experience means the world to our team. We’re grateful you chose to spend your evening with us and look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

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  2. Tracy

    Cincinnati / Dayton8 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Haven’t been to Nicola for a year or so…service has declined. We had a dirty martini that none of us could even finish due to the taste. The cost doesn’t match the experience or the food.

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  3. amy VIP

    Cincinnati / Dayton2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a great anniversary dinner. Food was delicious
    Nicola's RistoranteResponded 7 days ago
    Hi, Amy! Thanks so much for joining us for such a special occasion. We’re so glad you enjoyed your time with us and we hope you join us again soon.

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  4. Mark VIP

    Chicago / Illinois79 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    My wife and I have eaten at Nicola's a handful of times in the past, usually for special events, but this anniversary meal surpassed those previous experiences and, for that matter, any recent restaurant meal we've had in southwest Ohio. The service was attentive, friendly, and informative, particularly from Mattie and Michael. We chose the "Grand Tasting" prix fixe menu with wine pairings. Each step of the way the exquisite wines perfectly matched the equally exquisite food. The steak tartare first course, the fava bean salad second course, the agnolotti with ricotta and spinach with veal glace third course, the scallop fourth course, and the strawberry-rhubarb final course were all superb. Even the sorbetto intermezzo and the add-on cheese course were wonderfully tasty. All in all, we had a superlative dining experience not to be soon forgotten!

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  5. Joshua

    Cincinnati / Dayton1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    25th Anniversary dinner! Daniel went above and beyond to make our dining experience fantastic! Nicola’s is our favorite Italian restaurant in Cincinnati. The flavor combinations are exquisite and delicious. I am already looking forward to our next meal at Nicola’s.
    Nicola's RistoranteResponded on June 19, 2025
    Hi, Joshua! Happy 25th Anniversary, and thank you for celebrating such a special occasion with us! We're honored to be your favorite Italian restaurant in Cincinnati, and we're so glad Daniel helped make the evening truly memorable. It means the world to hear that the flavors and experience left such a lasting impression. We can’t wait to welcome you back for your next visit — here’s to many more celebrations ahead!

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  6. Judy VIP

    Cincinnati / Dayton25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything - the valet, the menu selection, the ambiance, our server (Daniel), the floor manager - made for a perfect dining experience. And that is what we look for when we go to a place like this. An experience. Daniel was exceptional. He explained the menu which helped us make our decisions, pointing out things that we would not know by just reading the menu on our own. Highest recommendation!!!!!!
    Nicola's RistoranteResponded on June 19, 2025
    Hi, Judy! Thank you so much for this glowing review! We’re truly honored that your entire experience — from the valet to the final course — delivered exactly what you were hoping for. Daniel will be thrilled to hear your kind words; he takes great pride in guiding guests through the menu to ensure a memorable evening. We’ll also pass along your compliments to our manager and team. Thank you again for the highest recommendation — we can’t wait to welcome you back for your next visit!

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  7. Louis VIP

    Cincinnati / Dayton116 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Bolo Monday is the best deal. Wonderful Ceasar and Pasta with a glass of Super Tuscan. Delightful
    Nicola's RistoranteResponded on June 19, 2025
    Hi, Louis! Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed Bolo Monday — it’s one of our favorite ways to start the week too. A classic Caesar, house-made pasta, and a glass of Super Tuscan truly make for a perfect trio. We appreciate you joining us and look forward to welcoming you back soon!

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  8. Ryan

    Cincinnati / Dayton7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was an excellent experience to celebrate a new job. The food was excellent the ambiance was amazing and the wine was spectacular. The service was great and we felt special that night.
    Nicola's RistoranteResponded on June 16, 2025
    Hi, Ryan! Thank you for celebrating such a special milestone with us—congratulations on the new job! We’re so glad the food, wine, ambiance, and service helped make the evening memorable. It means a lot to know you felt special, and we look forward to celebrating many more moments with you in the future!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Olivia

    Cincinnati / Dayton1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic from start to finish. Every detail. Food was phenomenal
    Nicola's RistoranteResponded on June 16, 2025
    Hi, Olivia! Thank you! We’re so glad to hear everything was fantastic from start to finish. It means the world to know the details and food stood out—we look forward to welcoming you back soon for another phenomenal experience!

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  10. Joe VIP

    Cincinnati / Dayton22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a wonderful Italian restaurant. Beautiful main dining room. Wonderful food with attention to seasonal ingredients. Current Tuscan salad with fresh favs beans is an example. Just warm and welcoming with no loud music! A wonderful experience!
    Nicola's RistoranteResponded on June 16, 2025
    Hi, Joe! Thank you so much for your thoughtful words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the atmosphere, seasonal touches, and especially the Tuscan salad! Creating a welcoming, relaxed environment is so important to us, and we're glad that came through. We look forward to having you back for another wonderful experience soon!

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FAQs

Nicola's Ristorante offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (513) 721-6200.

Nicola's Ristorante is rated 4.9 stars by 2934 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Cincinnati / Dayton
  4. Cincinnati
  5. Over the Rhine

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Nicola's Ristorante

1420 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Liberty & Sycamore Street; Sycamore & Orchad Street.<br />
  • Neighborhood
    Over the Rhine
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Modern Tuscan, Contemporary Italian
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street parking and valet parking Monday through Saturday.
  • Public transit
    Walking Distance from Cincinnati Metro Bus Stops, Cincinnati Bell Street Car- 12th Street & Main Free Parking available on Liberty street; Paid Public Parking availble on Sycamore Street & 14th Street. Valet- $10 Monday-Thursday $15 Friday/Saturday Cash or Venmo Only.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Cristian Pietoso
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    For Catering, please reach out to Daniel Dicks at events@viaviterestaurant.com for detailed information.
  • Private party facilities
    Our award-winning food, wine, unique private & semi-private dining spaces, and professional service combine to create truly memorable experiences for business meetings, social celebrations, weddings, and rehearsal dinners. We can tailor the event to your individual needs.
  • Private party contact
    Daniel Dicks: (513) 721-8480
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