How is Nico Osteria restaurant rated?

Name: Nico Osteria
Address: 1015 N Rush St, Chicago, IL, United States, 60611
Telephone: (312) 994-7100
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

Nico Osteria

4.5

2558 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

A staple in Chicago's Gold Coast Neighborhood, Nico Osteria offers authentic Italian dining, curated into seasonally-inspired menus showcasing both classic favorites and regionally-inspired dishes, thanks to the creative approach of award-winning Executive Chef Jacob Veerstegen. Nestled inside Thompson Chicago, Nico Osteria delivers an approachable and welcoming experience for traveling foodies, locals and hotel guests alike. The dining room lends a warm backdrop for a menu of house-made pasta and impeccable seafood, Bar Nico (temporarily suspended operations)provides a casual, yet refined, bar setting for rustic fare, and the patio is the prime destination to enjoy Italian small plates and an Afternoon Aperitivo in warmer months.

We invite guests to contact us by phone for last-minute reservations.

Reservations are limited to 2 hours.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 994-7100
Website
http://www.nicoosteria.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Jacob Verstegen
Private party facilities
Nico Osteria's private dining space, located on the second floor of the restaurant, is composed of three private dining rooms & a semi-private bar & lounge area. With floating walls, we can accommodate 100 guests for a seated breakfast, lunch, or dinner & 150 guests for a reception-style events
Private party contact
Private Events Team: (312) 994-7103

Location
1015 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Cross street
Rush and Bellevue
Parking details
Nico Osteria offers valet parking at the intersection of State St. and Bellevue Place
Public transit
The closest red line stops are at either Clark/Division or Chicago Avenue. The closest bus route, number 151, stops at Division and inner Lake Shore Drive.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Oysters on the Half Shell
Cherry Mignonette, Giardiniera
- per$3.50
Kampachi Crudo$18.00
Salmon Roe, Agromato, White Soy, Grapes, Sunflower Milk
Roasted Shellfish$17.00
Scallop, Sweet Corn, Manilla Clam, Mussels, Pecorino, Lemon Miso
Crispy Lamb Ribs$26.00
Marcona Almond, Agrodolce, Mint
Ocean Trout Nduja Bruschetta$15.00
Taleggio, Heirloom Cherry Tomato, Farm Greens
Brussels Sprout Bruschetta$13.00
Stracciatella, Hazelnuts, Lemon Honey

Insalata

Nichols Farm Tomato Salad$14.00
Stracciatella, Charred Scallion Tapenade, Pink Peppercorn
Werp Farm's Salad$13.00
Mixed Greens, Radish, Cucumber, Goat Cheese, Espelette Vinaigrette
Paolo's Burrata$17.00
Pistachio Pistou, Ground Cherries, Saba, Primolio, Focaccia

Contorni

Smashed Carrot Amandine$14.00
Brown Butter Carrots, Almonds, Roasted Russet Potato
Truffled Rutabaga Dumpling$16.00
Foraged Maitake Mushroom, local rutabaga
Hot Confit Potato Salad$12.00
Citrus Aioli, Sesame Seed, Crunchy Black Rice

Secondi

Gemelli Primavera$19.00
Cherry Tomatoes, Broccoli, Kale, Goat Cheese, White Wine
Mushroom Ragu$24.00
Pappardelle, Goat Cheese, Basil Gremolata
Rigatoni$21.00
Lamb Bolognese, Parmigiano Reggiano, Brown Butter Breadcrumbs
Smash Burger$18.00
Harissa Aioli, Pickles, Taleggio, Caramelized Onion
Salt-Roasted Celery Root$26.00
Dill Cream, Pecan, Pecorino, Celery Root Rice
Pan Seared Arctic Char$31.00
PEI Mussels, Cauliflower, Pears, Dill, Cream
Roasted Half-Chicken$28.00
Yogurt & Calabrian Chili Marinade, Farmer Greens, Sweet Corn, Berry Vinaigrette
Whole Grilled Branzino$45.00
Padron Giardiniera, Dolce Olio
Line Caught Seabass$45.00
Brussels Sprouts, Black Garlic, Mascarpone, Calabrian Chili
16oz Dry Aged Bone-In New York Strip Loin$62.00
Beef Jus, Sel de Gris

What 2,558 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

2,557 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 27, 2021
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
It was closed I had out of town guests and was so excited to go to the restaurant and got the evening I was not notified at all. Very disappointed
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LH
LindaH
Chicago
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2021
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
0n Dec 24, I got a reminder email for my reservation on 12/25. When we arrived, the restaurant was closed due to COVID-19. I don't have a problem with them closing for that reason, but I should have been notified. According to their FB page, they had been closed since 12/21. It was not fun to arrive with my family to find the place closed. Otherwise, I love Nico Osteria and would give it 5 stars. Thank you to Carmines who found a table for us despite not having a reservation.
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B
Boxhead1
Chicago
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2021
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
24hr notification on reservations closing for holiday weekend.
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S
Stew
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2021
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
The restaurant was closed. I wanted to confirm my reservation with the restaurant and when I called there was a recording that said due to the rising cases the restaurant would be closed beginning 12/21. The restaurant didn’t even have the courtesy of calling me, or emailing me to let me know. Very poor customer service. I will never dine there as a result.
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ML
MartyL
Chicago
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2021
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
So, the food here is okay, but the quality of service was inconsistent. When we walked in the host greeted us with a casual "What's Up?" Not exactly starting on the right foot. While our server was friendly, he did not set out items like bread and olive oil, and the necessary fork for the oysters I ordered, even though I saw the tables around us had them. The scallops we ordered were a very small portion, and the potatoes served with them were under cooked. We also waited almost an hour for our entrees, and while a restaurant manager came over to apologize, he didn't exactly give us confidence that everything would turn out smoothly. When they did arrive, the rigatoni was not seasoned properly, and the arctic char, while tasty, was simply a small piece of fish with a mussel or two, and nothing else. Our server comp'd our glasses of wine because of the delay of the entrees, and honestly I'm glad they did because both were the most awful I've ever ordered in a restaurant, oxidized and completely past their prime. I cannot in good confidence recommend anyone visit Nico Osteria. There are so many other great places with better service, food and drink, even in the neighborhood. Don't waste your time and money.
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JL
JuliusL
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great pasta!!!! Great food overall, but the pasta is fhe best anywhere!
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V
Vieva
Chicago
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We all had the pastas and they were delish. Nice atmosphere too.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Thanksgiving
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LY
LocalYokel
Chicago
9 reviews
vip
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2021
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
oh how I wish this neighborhood spot would make it. The food is excellent if you can get it. The poor host called on Thanksgiving morning to say we would not be having the turkey special menu because our reservation was for the lunch menu (no mention of that on Open Table). Turkey was only on the dinner menu. If we'd known, we'd have gone to Francesca's but it was too late to make a reservation. Our reservation was at 2:30 and we were told to order soon because the kitchen closed at 3:00. We felt rushed. The menu is very limited and they were out of our favorite dishes. This has happened on other occasions at Nico. Some of the menu items on Open Table are not on the real menu when you get there. Who is advising them? There are seven restaurants at Rush & Bellevue and not one of them closes the kitchen between lunch & dinner, nor does the Pancake House close between breakfast and lunch. These are some of the many reasons Nico is empty, showing us once again that chefs do not make good managers.
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a
artsnminds
Chicago
65 reviews
vip
3.0
65 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2021
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Nico Osteria is a fine hotel restaurant. The food was very tasty and the service friendly and warm. There was a sigificant lag between delivery of our salad and our entrees (about 25 - 30 minutes). Our charming waitress came by 2x in this window to let us know she'd check on it. The food and plates were hot when they arrived, indcating heat lamp use perhaps. The food was tasty, but the ambiance compromised. I'm not sure I'll return when there are many other options.
1 person found this helpful
SH
ScottH
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our favorite restaurants in Chicago. Great food, great drinks, great service. Always reliable.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always great to visit this place. Great food, service and ambiance!
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c
cityplace
Chicago
306 reviews
vip
2.0
306 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2021
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
New owner and new chef. Sad Used to be so good. I had a lamb rigatoni which had a huge amount of lamb which overwhelmed the pasta. Not subtle at all. I left a huge amount of lamb. Also no bread service anymore. They used to have delicious bread. Won't be returning.
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AD
AntoniosD
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food, drinks and service! Will definitely be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food = AMAZING AND EVERYONE WAS VERY FRIENDLY LOVE IT
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r
reviewer
Chicago
141 reviews
vip
5.0
141 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So nice to have Nico open again--we really missed this neighborhood gem while they were closed during the pandemic. Menu is nicely curated--enough choices and variety to be really interesting, and the chefs obviously have quality top of mind. Always like their cocktails--inventive twists on classics. Great wine offerings--again, nice selection that is not overwhelming--emphasis on quality wines. We had the bruschetta--very good. All the salads were tried and were excellent. Selection of entrees from veggie to fish and chicken and pasta. Everyone loved their choice. We'll definitely be back!
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CH
CHIRunner
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2021
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Let me start with the ambience — great lighting, gorgeous decor and decent service. The food was tragic. I have been coming to Nico for years and it has since sold 2 months ago with a new menu and new chef. Poorly cooked steak, tough like shoe leather and a frozen piece of fish that was the equivalent of a filet of fish from McD. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2021
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
I’ve been to Nico several times and always love the food - but was very underwhelmed with the food (oysters and Arctic char) and the service was poor. Perhaps just an off night, but I will think twice before going back.
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LG
LagunaGypsy
Denver
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2021
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Server did not know how to describe the food. One appetizer came with a beautiful side of lettuce. It was well dressed. However, it wasn't washed properly and was sandy and gritty. Overall a poor experience.
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w
williamb
Chicago
20 reviews
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Slow service. Above average starchy menu
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c
christina
Milwaukee
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 6, 2021
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Service was EXTREMELY poor and disappointing as it was a special birthday celebration and the server only came to the table twice--to take the order and deliver the check.....no birthday dessert was offered and was told "we don't do that here"...not a place to take anyone for a special occasion....which is unfortunate as the food and ambience are extremely nice but the server ruined it for our party :(
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The appetizer of hummus/tapenade was tasty. The chopped salad was disappointing.; romaine lettuce with a small amount of Avocado, pancetta, cheese. I think they can do better. Very good service though.
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g
geoffh
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
2.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2021
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The soup and dessert were very good; the past entries just so-so. The latter were rather bland and unimaginative. The coffee was Luke-warm. The greeter and waiter were both excellent. Great place for lunch given its size and relatively modest patronage on the day we visited - possible to have a pleasant conversation.
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S
Stephanie
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 1, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was incredible, the atmosphere was relaxing and quiet, and the service was stellar. Would definitely come back!
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LE
LizE
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 1, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love it - super food! Highly recommend this place
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 31, 2021
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Food and service do not match the price point.
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j
jandk
Chicago
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent and creative dishes. Service was impeccable and attentive. All around a memorable experience. We will be back!
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k
katieg
Chicago
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is superb and the service is outstanding. One of my very favorite restaurants, always!
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NU
NUFAN
Chicago
97 reviews
vip
4.0
97 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Not our first visit and we would plan on returning. Enjoyed. Convenient for Porchlight Theater productions and a great area to walk around before a performance.
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FV
FazilaV
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 30, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food. Incredibly patient and nice staff. I would definitely recommend it. I loved the ambience and felt safe bc the tables were very spaced out. Wait staff wore masks the whole time.
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l
luv2dineoutworldwide
Chicago
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Your wait staff were not familiar with the menu and gave the wrong information. We asked if one of your burrata appetizer had tomatoes. The wait staff said no, they had cherries. We thought that was an odd ingredient. It turned out that the appetizer had cherry tomatoes. He never offered to check. He was also uncertain about other items on the menu. I'm not sure that I would recommend Nico Osteria again to a friend.
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f
foodforthought
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2021
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Limited lunch menu. Looking for Italian specialties
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S
Snarklet
Chicago
48 reviews
vip
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server was delightful- so very helpful with pairing the wine.
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AS
AngelaS
Minneapolis
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2021
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Breakfast here was amazing so we went back for dinner and was less impressed with the food.
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SW
ScottW
Cleveland
20 reviews
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Nico was exactly what we were looking for. I wanted an upscale Italian restaurant which serves in a classic Italian format. Each plate was wonderful. The mixed seafood appetizer was served broiled in a scallop shell for great presentation. The salads and mains were outstanding. The only downside was a server who seemed tired and uninterested. She did the job but little else. I get it that times are tough and everyone had the COVID blues but I still think you need to make an effort. But overall an amazing restaurant with a fabulous food execution.
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JG
JohnG
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2021
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
We just returned to Nico for the first time since pre-pandemic and were celebrating two couple wedding anniversaries. Our server (blonde) was excellent and so nice and kind. The food was not good at all, and we were totally shocked and a bit embarrassed we recommended Nico. We did end up having to take our order to go because my sister-in-law felt really sick after she ate the lamb rib appetizers. All four entrees that we took home were basically inedible. Sadly, we had to tossed the meals and ordered a pizza. What happened? We can't figure out why the food was so delicious pre-pandemic and last night's meal was really poor?
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US
UmairS
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The experience was great! I came after proposing to my now Fiancé and Bidkar took care of us. Wonderful guy and great service. The food was great, however, it was on the pricier side.
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s
susans
Chicago
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food andsuper attentive staff!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2021
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Great location, friendly staff but the food was underwhelming.
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K
Kevin
Chicago
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2021
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
Unfortunately we had a bad experience. Service and food were not close to the level of what we expected from past visits.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Nico Osteria is rated 4.5 stars by 2558 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

1015 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Additional information

Cross street
Rush and Bellevue
Neighborhood
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Hours of operation
Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Nico Osteria offers valet parking at the intersection of State St. and Bellevue Place
Public transit
The closest red line stops are at either Clark/Division or Chicago Avenue. The closest bus route, number 151, stops at Division and inner Lake Shore Drive.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jacob Verstegen
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.nicoosteria.com/
Phone number
(312) 994-7100
Private party facilities
Nico Osteria's private dining space, located on the second floor of the restaurant, is composed of three private dining rooms & a semi-private bar & lounge area. With floating walls, we can accommodate 100 guests for a seated breakfast, lunch, or dinner & 150 guests for a reception-style events
Private party contact
Private Events Team: (312) 994-7103

Nico Osteria

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Primi

Oysters on the Half Shell

Kampachi Crudo$18.00

Roasted Shellfish$17.00

Crispy Lamb Ribs$26.00

Ocean Trout Nduja Bruschetta$15.00

Brussels Sprout Bruschetta$13.00

Insalata

Nichols Farm Tomato Salad$14.00

Werp Farm's Salad$13.00

Paolo's Burrata$17.00

Contorni

Smashed Carrot Amandine$14.00

Truffled Rutabaga Dumpling$16.00

Hot Confit Potato Salad$12.00

Secondi

Gemelli Primavera$19.00

Mushroom Ragu$24.00

Rigatoni$21.00

Smash Burger$18.00

Salt-Roasted Celery Root$26.00

Pan Seared Arctic Char$31.00

Roasted Half-Chicken$28.00

Whole Grilled Branzino$45.00

Line Caught Seabass$45.00

16oz Dry Aged Bone-In New York Strip Loin$62.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is Nico Osteria restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information