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  5. Gold Coast / Streeterville
Nico Osteria, Chicago, IL

Nico Osteria

4.5
4.5
2559 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
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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Claim this listing

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Popular dishes

What 2,559 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5
4.5 based on all time ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    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
  2. LindaH

    Chicago

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    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.
  3. Boxhead1

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    24hr notification on reservations closing for holiday weekend.
  4. Stew

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    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.
  5. MartyL

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    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.
  6. JuliusL

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great pasta!!!! Great food overall, but the pasta is fhe best anywhere!
  7. Vieva

    Chicago

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We all had the pastas and they were delish. Nice atmosphere too.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving
  9. LocalYokel

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2021

    overall2food3service2ambience5
    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.
  10. artsnminds

    Chicago

    63 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2021

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    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.
  11. ScottH

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite restaurants in Chicago. Great food, great drinks, great service. Always reliable.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great to visit this place. Great food, service and ambiance!
  13. GinaT

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was friendly, approachable, helpful but not intrusive. Food was excellent- can’t wait to go back!
  14. cityplace

    Chicago

    306 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    306 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2021

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    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.
  15. AntoniosD

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, drinks and service! Will definitely be back!
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food = AMAZING AND EVERYONE WAS VERY FRIENDLY LOVE IT
  17. reviewer

    Chicago

    137 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    137 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    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!
  18. CHIRunner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2021

    overall1food1service2ambience4
    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.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2021

    overall3food3service1ambience4
    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.
  20. LagunaGypsy

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2021

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    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.
  21. williamb

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2021

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Slow service. Above average starchy menu
  22. christina

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2021

    overall2food5service1ambience4
    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 :(
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2021

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    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.
  24. geoffh

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2021

    overall2food2service5ambience4
    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.
  25. Stephanie

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was incredible, the atmosphere was relaxing and quiet, and the service was stellar. Would definitely come back!
  26. LizE

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love it - super food! Highly recommend this place
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2021

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Food and service do not match the price point.
  28. jandk

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent and creative dishes. Service was impeccable and attentive. All around a memorable experience. We will be back!
  29. katieg

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is superb and the service is outstanding. One of my very favorite restaurants, always!
  30. NUFAN

    Chicago

    97 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    97 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    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.
  31. FazilaV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    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.
  32. luv2dineoutworldwide

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2021

    overall4food3service3ambience3
    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.
  33. foodforthought

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2021

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Limited lunch menu. Looking for Italian specialties
  34. Snarklet

    Chicago

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was delightful- so very helpful with pairing the wine.
  35. AngelaS

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2021

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Breakfast here was amazing so we went back for dinner and was less impressed with the food.
  36. ScottW

    Cleveland

    19 reviews

    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2021

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    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.
  37. JohnG

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2021

    overall2food1service4ambience1
    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?
  38. UmairS

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    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.
  39. susans

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food andsuper attentive staff!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2021

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Great location, friendly staff but the food was underwhelming.

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 2559 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
Google Map for Nico Osteria

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
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