Nico Osteria

My husband and I were looking forward to our dinner at Nico Osteria, especially after seeing its great reviews! Unfortunately, our expectations fell short of the reality. We were seated at the somewhat communal table. The people are sitting so close that it’s impossible to not hear their entire conversations. It’s awkward. We requested to move but they said there wasn’t anything available even though there was a table nearby that sat empty the entire time we were there. I could go on and on but the bottom line is that the food was mediocre, the service was sub par and for the price there are much better options around.

This is a convenient place in the neighborhood. The food and service are usually better than they were this night. It was Monday so top chef must have been off for the evening. Also, the wine list is severely limited as are the top shelf spirits. My husband wanted Bombay Saphire and our friend wanted Tanguray and neither was a choice. They need to step up their game a bit.

Great food !! Pasta was fresh. They didnt have a kids menu but they made simple butter noodles for our daughter. She loved it.

Nico Osteria was delightful! Loved the ambiance and decor and the food was outstanding! Yes it was a little pricey but it was well worth it! Definitely recommend

Chef Tim came out to make sure everything was great. Our waitstaff was awesome.

Fantastic service at the counter by Alex and his teammates. Everything was delicious. Wish the dishes had a tad less oil but still good. Tiramisu was unimpressive, too many things happening at once.

Nice atmosphere and very friendly staff. Had one of the specialty drinks that was too sour for my taste. Strands of saffron on the top of drink did not mix well with the drink itself.
Our salads presented very well but taste was average. Mustard of bottom of pear endive salad did not mix well with bitterness of endive. Perhaps, if pears were more sweet, it would have been better.
Butternut squash ravioli was good.

Second time eating here. The first time was phenomenal, hence wanting to dine again. It was incredibly slow for a Friday night which was concerning. Staff was great. Menu was okay, food was nothing earth shattering and quite small portions. Bread was served cold, with cold butter. Would have much preferred it be even slightly warm. We both had pasta, but were disappointed that there wasn’t anything written on the menu about adding a protein.

We have enjoyed dining at Nico many times but this time was special as we had my 5.5mo puppy and a friend's 4 year old with us and they could not have been more welcoming or accommodating. We also had fabulous tuna salads that were tasty and nutritious and their brussel sprout straticella which is incredibly unique and delicious- best in Chicago for sure. I can't recommend this restaurant enough for lunch or dinner.

Great food really enjoyed it. Cool focused wine list perfect for wine geeks

Outstanding!

always great food & service - one of my favorite restaurants in the city!

Fantastic wine list and sommolier!

oysters the best!

Not as good as it used to be.

Not the "Italian experience" we were hoping for. Mostly a bunch of new twists on the classics that didn't hit the mark for us. The Cacio de Pepe had a distinct lemon flavor that was unexpected and not well-received. The Mushroom Alfredo Papardelle was more of a mushroom broth than creamy and Alfredo-y.

Very comfortable atmosphere - relaxed yet intimate. Our server Derek is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful in both food and wine selections. We sampled the three varieties of oysters and all lived up to their description. We ordered pasta. The rigatoni bolognese was the best tasting we ever had. Their take on the gnocchi is excellent with a beet sauce delight. We can't wait to go back to try their fish and to eat the rigatoni bolognese.

Awesome experience as always. Lindsey our server was phenomenal as always. She always knows what I like and her recommendations are top notch. This is my go-to spot..

Always great

It was a terrible experience. We waited 30 minutes after the appetizers to get the soup. They forgot to place the order. Then everything came at one time.
The valet crew parked my car and I got a parking ticket.
Disaster for what was supposed to be a special date night.

We live in the neighborhood and have been missing Bistro Zinc. We thought we would try Nico in hopes that it might be our go to place now. The food was great and location perfect for us! Also it has a pleasant atmosphere. However the wine list was too expensive. There should be great options under $50. There are many value wines today especially Italian.

Everything was incredible about the experience. They were very accomodating to us with our infant, and the servers were all so kind to us and the baby. The food and cocktails were incredible, with very unique flavors. Our server also gave us a list of some great places to eat in the city for the rest of our stay. Overall, they made our anniversary great!!

Very good food. On the rich side, but nice on a cold night.

The menu is very good , presentation excellent , however the food is too spicy. They should ask about dietary restrictions or at least make it clear on the menu

I would give Nico 10 stars if it was possible! They couldn’t seat us at our res time, so bought all 3 of us a drink while we waited in the lounge area. Never had that happen at any other restaurant! Food and service were truly exceptional. We sat at the chef’s counter and got attention from several of the chefs and wait staff, all just making sure we had everything we wanted, answering all questions and offering suggestions. Oysters with caviar, Brussels sprouts bruschetta and the lobster Amatriciana were our faves. This is by far my favorite restaurant in Chicago!

Wonderful dinner at the chefs counter!

Amazing food, but get a booth if you can as the tables in the middle are a bit on top of each other. Good accomodations on Gluten-free. Excellent spot, will definitely be back!

Horrible experience - will not go back!

My husband and I came here upon the recommendation of a friend. We both felt like the food was fine, but nothing that we ate that night left us wanting more. We didn’t have a bad experience, it was just wasn’t very memorable. We were seated at the first table in front the entrance, so I really didn’t get a feel for the restaurant. Our server wasn’t bad, she just wasn’t overly friendly. She did what was necessary, but I wouldn’t say she positively contributed to the dining experience. We don’t get away every week, so I was hoping for a great meal and this just didn’t deliver. At this price point, I think there are places that would leave you wanting to return. We won’t be coming back

Came in with 8 people for a work lunch. Meal was efficient and not too rushed.

Interesting menu, terrific flavors, extensive and unique wine list friendly and gracious service: we’ll be back! The meatballs deserve a special shout out.

It was our second evening eating at Nico’s. My daughter and I enjoyed it so much last night that we decided to return this evening. The manager noticed and gave us a free dessert :). We visit from Cincinnati about three times a year and ALWAYS visit Nico’s. The food never, ever disappoints. Bon Appetite!

Very poor experience. Tried to put us in a very terrible table without any light in a corner. Took 15 minutes before anyone served us. Waitress did not help us with menu. Food was cold and had to be sent back. Asked to see manager who never came by. Nothing was offered to apologize for poor experience.

Have been here a few times but won’t be coming back.

Made a reservation and noted my friend's birthday. The waiter, kind of rushed us through lunch and it was not event packed. There were several booths/tables open. He didn't offer us dessert, just felt really rushed. Placed the check down on the table. It wasn't the usual service we get. We've been there for several birthdays and all have been so great and our guest has felt special. It wasn't like that this time. I did make a note on the check, it was unfortunate. Food was great as always! I was looking for the broth which is always delicious. But overall the food was great!
Thanks

Excellent service.
Food is amazing and would definitely visit Nico's again.

Maybe for dinner but definitely not lunch. The food was mediocre; presentation was average

Overall a wonderful experience

My husband and I went out for a date night for the first time in a while; we have two kids at home so it’s hard to get out by ourselves. As soon as we walked in, we were well received and treated like guests of honor. We immediately got seated and had our first drinks. The Gorgonzola cheesecake we had as an appetizer was phenomenal, we almost licked the plate clean! For our main course, my husband had the King crab cioppino, while I had the mushroom gnocchi and a side of roasted beets. Both dishes and the side were so good, I tried to finish my beets but couldn’t! My husband absolutely loved the cioppino; it is definitely something worth getting again. We barely had room for dessert, but I went for the chocolate gelato, which was very good. All in all, we had an amazing experience and we will most likely be back again when we can get another night to ourselves!

With the exception of having to request alternative seating, which the host staff readily arranged, our exceptional dining experience led us to return for save the palate dining on our evening departure Via train home the next day. Each of our four courses was remarkable. We savored every bite. Special mention is required of the meat balls, the poached Alaskan Halibut, the beet salad, the pan seared gnocchi, the pasture raised chicken with green farro, and roasted stone fruits (taken on the train) and the amazing breads. We would without hesitation return the next time we are in Chicago!

Food was great. Service was very attentive! Sat at bar overlooking kitchen...fun experience!

I ordered the charred green beans but was brought the endive salad and the waiter insisted on bringing me that but I’m super indecisive so decided to give it a try instead. It was delicious and glad I stuck with it. The Nebbiolo wine was also great!