Nicola's Ristorante

Name: Nicola's Ristorante
Address: 1420 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH, United States, 45202
Telephone: (513) 721-6200
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.9

4.9 (2927)

$50 and over

Italian

1420 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 16, 2025

7:00 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
(513) 721-6200
Website
https://www.nicolasotr.com/
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

Location
1420 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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

Featured in

100 Cincinnati / Dayton Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

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.
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.
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.

Private dining

Insalata Siciliana$16.00
fennel / oranges / red endive / taggiasche olives / golden raisins / apple cider vinaigrette
Tuscan Salad$16.00
fresh fava bean / pecorino / Casa Cares extra virgin olive oil / house made croutons / Tuscan vinaigrette
Boucheron Goat Cheese$17.00
crushed pistachios / spring mix & live lettuces / apple-truffle vinaigrette
Roasted Mushroom Soup$16.00
porcini / morel mushroom / truffle shavings / puff pastry

Antipasti

Nicola’s Eggplant Parmigiana$19.00
circa 1998 – smokey pomodoro sauce / basil
Wagyu Beef Carpaccio “Harry’s Bar”, Venice$18.00
house mayonnaise / black garlic aioli / shallots / arugula
Nicola’s Baked Oysters
mortadella mousse / Parmigiano Reggiano / lemon juice / chives
Mussel Guazzetto$19.00
Italian parsley / shaved garlic / white wine / butter croutons
Grilled Octopus$26.00
“Bagna Cauda” dressing / Italian pickled giardiniera
Braised Berkshire Pork Belly$23.00
celeryia puree / chili roasted romanesco / 100 years old aged balsamic / basil oil

Caviar Experience

Esperienza di Caviale$55.00
Caviar Experience Calvisius Italian sturgeon caviar (10 grams) / buckwheat blini / creme fraiche / chives

Chef’s Tasting Menu

Uniquely Crafted 5 Course Dinner Experience$110.00
five-course tasting including Nicola’s selection of house made breads
- With sommelier pairings$160.00
Italian Cheese Board$18.00
selection of three Italian cheeses, aged balsamic “Villa Manodori”, fruit mostarda & lavender honey

Fresh Pasta Made in House

gluten free (pasta alternatives available) – Please notify your server

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese$30.00
classic veal and beef meat sauce
Crispy Potato Gnocchi$35.00
four cheese fondue / chives / Italian truffle shavings
Italian Pocini Risotto$35.00
Parmigiano Reggiano / porcini truffle / fine herbs
Malfatti “A True Love for Rome”$34.00
“cacio e pepe” / amatriciana / pancetta
Raviolone Lungo$29.00
florentine spinach / ricotta / Parmigiano Reggiano / brown butter / sage
Carrot Infused Pappardelle with Tuscan Rabbit Ragout$33.00
Taggiasche olives / “piccole verdure” / thyme

I Secondi Piatti

Prime Beef Filet “Salsa Pepe Verde”$72.00
white & green asparagus & potato millefoglie
Moulard Duck Breast$44.00
parsnip puree / carrot pearls / patate croccanti / cherry - duck jus
Pan Seared Halibut$46.00
saffrito / parsley-celery shaved fennel salad / Acquapazza of the Amalfi Coast
Lamb “Rossini in Crosta”$125.00
lamb strip steak / swiss chard / truffle pate / foie gras / pancetta / Jerusalem artichokes
Romanesco Cauliflower "Steak"$26.00
roasted yellow & red pepper sauce / Italian parsley-pine nut gremolata

Nicola's Classic Cocktails

Negroni Conte$17.00
Gin / Earl Grey infused Campari / Carpano Antico / Lemon
Espresso Nuovo Martini$16.00
Tito's / Cynar / Espresso
Orangecello Cosmopolitan$16.00
Absolut Mandarin / House Made Orangecello / Dry Curacao / Lime / Cranberry
Little Italy$17.00
Rittenhouse Rye / Cynar / See the Elephant Amaro / House Grenadine / Angostura

Zero Proof

Intro to (Na)perol$14.00
Lyre's Italian Spritz / Ritual Gin Alternative / Lemon Juice / Simple Syrup
Italian Mule$12.00
Ritual N/A Whiskey / Lyre's Italian Orange / Ginger / Lime / Blackberry
Fresca Superiore$10.00
Your Choice: Blackberry / Thyme / Chai / Vanilla Topped With: Lemon / Soda
NA Birra$7.00
Peroni 0.0
NA Wine
Waterbrook Clean Chardonnay / Copenhagen Sparkling Tea / Waterbrook Clean Cabernet
- Waterbrook Clean Chardonnay$40.00
- Copenhagen Sparkling Tea$65.00
- Waterbrook Clean Cabernet$40.00

Birra

Peroni$7.00
Lombardia, Italy
Birra Moretti$7.00
Udine, Italy
Miller Lite$6.00
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Strongbow Cider$7.00
Herefordshire, England
Avery White Rascal$7.00
Boulder, Colorado
Rhinegeist Truth IPA$7.00
Cincinnati, Ohio
Bell’s Two Hearted IPA$7.00
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Guinness Stout$8.00
Dublin, Ireland

Craft Cocktails

Smile & Wave$17.00
Knob Creek 9 Year / Amaro Nonino / Madagascar Vanilla
Saronno Classico$16.00
Disaronno / Campari / Chai / Lemon
Pisseli Martini$17.00
Pea Infused Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin / Italicus / Lemon
Hard Thymes$16.00
House Limoncello / Thyme / Prosecco / Lemon
Sergio Leone$16.00
El Jimador / Amaro Montenegro / Ilegal / Blackberry / Lime

Bourbon/Whiskey/Rye

Angel’s Envy Bourbon$21.00
Angel’s Envy Rye$36.00
Basil Hayden’s$20.00
Basil Hayden’s Rye$22.00
Buffalo Trace$20.00
Bulleit Bourbon$16.00
Bulleit Rye$16.00
Crown Royal$13.00
Elijah Craig$18.00
Elijah Craig Rye$17.00
Four Roses Small Batch$16.00
Four Roses S.B. Select$22.00
George Remus$20.00
Jack Daniels$13.00
Jameson$13.00
Knob Creek$16.00
Knob Creek Rye$16.00
Makers Mark$16.00
Makers Mark 46$20.00
Michter’s Rye$17.00
New Riff$20.00
New Riff Rye$21.00
Noah’s Mill$32.00
Weller Special Reserve$20.00
Weller Antique$23.00
Whistlepig 6 Year$16.00
Willett Pot Still$26.00
Willett Rye$33.00
Woodford Reserve$17.00

What 2,927 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
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

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 is a beloved Italian dining destination in Cincinnati, renowned for its "wonderful experience" and "creative food." With a warm, inviting ambiance and attentive service, guests rave about the "best gnocchi" and standout dishes like the Bolognese and tiramisu. The knowledgeable staff ensure a memorable dining experience.

2,927 Reviews

WH
WilliamH VIP
Cincinnati / Dayton11 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 24, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Had a new server. Did a lot of waiting. Table next to us had an experience server who described all the dishes when they were plated. I asked about the special and was told it was a “Tomahawk Steak with a bunch of other things in the plate for $170.” Not a description of a $170 dish in my opinion. Nevertheless, the food was outstanding.
Nicola's RistoranteResponded on October 28, 2019
We are sorry to hear that our server did not fully describe the Bistecca Dinner for Two Feature. However, we are very pleased that you enjoyed the meal. At Nicola's, we try our best to make sure every server is well versed on their menu. We will take this opportunity to be better in the future. Thank you.
Is this helpful?
N
Neal
Cincinnati / Dayton19 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 21, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service and food were both NYC first class experiences. Expensive and worth it ... so fairly priced. And all 4 entrees and appetizers were delicious and very well presented.
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara
Cincinnati / Dayton13 reviews
4.0
Dined on October 21, 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
My only criticism is that Nicola's serves unfiltered tap water. Small bottles of good water should be available. I love good sparkling (Pellegrino) water but a large bottle is just too much for one person.
Is this helpful?
G
jasonG
Cincinnati / Dayton1 review
5.0
Dined on October 20, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
One of the best places I have ever eaten, food was outstanding
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Columbus6 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 19, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding Italian restaurant, which is one Cincinnati's hidden gems in restaurants industry. Best italian food in the Tri-state area.
Is this helpful?
SA
SteveA
Cincinnati / Dayton4 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 18, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Pleasantly surprised at this gem of a restaurant! It was our 1st visit and was surprised just how pleasant it was.
Is this helpful?
TL
TomL
Cincinnati / Dayton2 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 18, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is creative and authentic. This is a gem.
Is this helpful?
MR
MrsRead
Cincinnati / Dayton7 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 18, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I did not know food could taste THIS good. Everything was so so so good. We are not foodies so we couldn’t identify half of what was on the menu, but everything we ordered was incredible. The 4 cheese gnocchi & the goat cheese salad were our favorites. Do not skip the bread basket either- amazing! Also our server, Sarahi, made the experience that much better. She was sweet & friendly, knowledgeable about the food & wine pairings, & seemed to genuinely enjoy her job. In short, this meal was worth every penny!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on October 18, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best meals I have ever had!! Amazing!
Is this helpful?
BW
BrandonW
Cincinnati / Dayton1 review
3.0
Dined on October 16, 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
My wife and I made Anniversary Reservations at this restaurant 48hrs in advance. We arrived 25 minutes early to check in, which we did successfully. However upon check in, the host told us that our table wasn’t ready yet. This is understandable considering we were 25 minutes early. We waited beyond 25 minutes and there were guest who’d came in after us that were seated immediately. Our wait time was 1hr15m including the 35 minute we should’ve waited due to being early. Food was mediocre, price wasn’t too expensive. We did request a bread basket that we never received. Very overrated.
Is this helpful?

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 2927 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 35 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Website
https://www.nicolasotr.com/
Phone number
(513) 721-6200
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

Featured in

100 Cincinnati / Dayton Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Nicola's Ristorante

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

100 Cincinnati / Dayton Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Cincinnati Opera Tasting Menu

Bolo-Monday

Chef's Grand Tasting Experience

Main Dining Room

Garden Patio

Mezzanine

Nicola's Riserva Room

Wine Room

Custom inquiry

Nicola's Bread Basket

Selection of House Made Breads$17.00

Insalate & Zuppa

Insalata Siciliana$16.00

Tuscan Salad$16.00

Boucheron Goat Cheese$17.00

Roasted Mushroom Soup$16.00

Antipasti

Nicola’s Eggplant Parmigiana$19.00

Wagyu Beef Carpaccio “Harry’s Bar”, Venice$18.00

Nicola’s Baked Oysters

Mussel Guazzetto$19.00

Grilled Octopus$26.00

Braised Berkshire Pork Belly$23.00

Caviar Experience

Esperienza di Caviale$55.00

Chef’s Tasting Menu

Uniquely Crafted 5 Course Dinner Experience$110.00

Italian Cheese Board$18.00

Fresh Pasta Made in House

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese$30.00

Crispy Potato Gnocchi$35.00

Italian Pocini Risotto$35.00

Malfatti “A True Love for Rome”$34.00

Raviolone Lungo$29.00

Carrot Infused Pappardelle with Tuscan Rabbit Ragout$33.00

I Secondi Piatti

Prime Beef Filet “Salsa Pepe Verde”$72.00

Moulard Duck Breast$44.00

Pan Seared Halibut$46.00

Lamb “Rossini in Crosta”$125.00

Romanesco Cauliflower "Steak"$26.00

Nicola's Classic Cocktails

Negroni Conte$17.00

Espresso Nuovo Martini$16.00

Orangecello Cosmopolitan$16.00

Little Italy$17.00

Zero Proof

Intro to (Na)perol$14.00

Italian Mule$12.00

Fresca Superiore$10.00

NA Birra$7.00

NA Wine

Birra

Peroni$7.00

Birra Moretti$7.00

Miller Lite$6.00

Strongbow Cider$7.00

Avery White Rascal$7.00

Rhinegeist Truth IPA$7.00

Bell’s Two Hearted IPA$7.00

Guinness Stout$8.00

Craft Cocktails

Smile & Wave$17.00

Saronno Classico$16.00

Pisseli Martini$17.00

Hard Thymes$16.00

Sergio Leone$16.00

Bourbon/Whiskey/Rye

Angel’s Envy Bourbon$21.00

Angel’s Envy Rye$36.00

Basil Hayden’s$20.00

Basil Hayden’s Rye$22.00

Buffalo Trace$20.00

Bulleit Bourbon$16.00