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 (2942)

$50 and over

Italian

1420 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 12, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 36 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

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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 2,942 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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Cincinnati / Dayton
Great for fine wines
Cincinnati / Dayton
Romantic
Cincinnati / Dayton
Italian
Cincinnati
Great for fine wines
Cincinnati
Romantic
Cincinnati
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Nicola's Ristorante offers an exceptional dining experience with "wonderful food and experience." Guests consistently praise the "outstanding experience" and "the best gnocchi" they've ever tasted. The attentive, knowledgeable staff ensures a memorable visit, making it a "favorite fine dining restaurant" where "service is always stellar." A delightful choice for special occasions.

2,942 Reviews

T
Timothy VIP
Cincinnati / Dayton30 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great Food and Service! Best Potato Gnocchi in the US!
Nicola's RistoranteResponded 1 day ago
Hi, Timothy! Thank you for the fantastic review! We're honored by your praise—and calling our gnocchi the best in the U.S. means the world to us! We're so glad you enjoyed the food and service, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable meal.
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Z
Zach VIP
Indiana12 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service! The food was excellent! We had 3 appetizers - octopus, carpaccio and the eggplant parm, and it was all excellent! We had a good sized group and the service was on the spot, everyone enjoyed entees (duck, scallops, pasta - all really good!) Nicola’s continues to a key Italian destination in Cincinnati
Nicola's RistoranteResponded 2 days ago
Hi, Zach! Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We're so glad you and your group had a great experience with us. It’s great to hear the appetizers and entrées were all a hit. Our team takes pride in delivering attentive service, and we're happy that showed throughout your evening. We truly appreciate your kind words and are honored to be considered a key Italian destination in Cincinnati. Looking forward to your next visit!
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L
Lisa VIP
Cincinnati / Dayton26 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Daniel who was our server was outstanding! We will make sure to ask for him the next visit! We celebrated my husbands Birthday and Daniel went above & beyond to make the evening special!
Nicola's RistoranteResponded 4 days ago
Hi, Lisa! Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Daniel helped make your husband's birthday celebration so memorable. He truly goes above and beyond, and we’ll be sure to pass along your compliments. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
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C
Caelen
Cincinnati / Dayton1 review
5.0
Dined on July 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful food and experience. It was a special dinner as I took my three years old daughter for her first “big girl” dinner. The staff was so kind and the food was truly some of the best I’ve had.
Nicola's RistoranteResponded 7 days ago
Hi, Caelen! Thank you for choosing Nicola’s for such a memorable occasion! We’re honored to have been part of your daughter’s first “big girl” dinner. It means so much to hear that our team made you feel welcome and that the food made a lasting impression. We hope to see you both again soon for more special moments!
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M
Mary
Cincinnati / Dayton1 review
5.0
Dined on June 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Whenever we have business people from out of town we want to impress or need to celebrate with family and friends, we know we can count on Nicolas to deliver an outstanding experience.
Nicola's RistoranteResponded 7 days ago
Hi, Mary! Thank you so much for your continued trust and support! We’re truly honored to be your go-to spot for both professional and personal celebrations. It’s always our goal to deliver an exceptional experience, and we look forward to welcoming you and your guests back again soon!
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G
Georgia
Cincinnati / Dayton1 review
5.0
Dined on June 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love Nicola’s. The service is wonderful. The food is always top notch. A great experience!
Nicola's RistoranteResponded on July 3, 2025
Hi, Georgia! Thank you so much for the kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you consistently enjoy your experiences at Nicola’s. It means a lot to know that both our service and food continue to impress. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
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D
Doug and Dawn
Cincinnati / Dayton3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 28, 2025
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 on June 30, 2025
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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A
Annabelle
Cincinnati / Dayton5 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cindy was the best!!! We had the best time. Everything was delicious!
Nicola's RistoranteResponded 1 day ago
Hi, Annabelle! Thank you so much for the kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great time and that everything was delicious. Cindy will be so happy to know she made your experience extra special—we’ll be sure to pass along your praise! We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon.
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T
Tracy
Cincinnati / Dayton9 reviews
2.0
Dined on June 27, 2025
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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a
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 on June 24, 2025
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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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 2942 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 12, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 36 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