Nico was my favorite place on the North End. The food, service, and atmosphere were always fantastic. I finally made it back after avoiding indoor dining due to the pandemic and things have sure changed. The music was so loud I couldn’t hear people talking to me at the other end of the table, my lobster ravioli filling was dry (the lobster itself overcooked) and the food, overall, was lower in quality compared to my previous visits, and the service was disappointing. After being seated for our reservation I had to ask to order drinks after waiting for 20 minutes. The time between ordering drinks and our food was also weirdly long. Then we waited for over an hour and twenty minutes for our food to arrive. We also ordered pretty basic pasta dishes, nothing that one would expect to take that long. Only once during that time did someone check on us and get us more drinks. On a very busy night, I get that things take a while and there can be a chain reaction of delays (I’ve been a server), but at the very least someone should say “Sorry things are backed up tonight, would you like some more bread etc.” An acknowledgment that eating two hours after being seated (for a one-course meal) is not okay can go a long way. It seemed like there were plenty of waitstaff, so I assume the kitchen was in the weeds for a long time. Maybe the kitchen capacity at Nico can’t also handle the addition of outdoor tables? Regardless of why things were off during my visit, I was across the board dissatisfied. I so looked forward to finally visiting a favorite place only to wait hours for subpar food, have a difficult time even talking with my table while waiting, and then miss my train home. I hope my visit wasn’t a sign of how things at...
Read moreOur impromptu visit to Nico Ristorante in Boston turned out to be a delightful surprise. Despite not having a reservation, the staff promptly accommodated us and seated us at a table, which was a pleasant start to our evening. Our waitress, Treisi Q, provided adequate service throughout the meal. While she may not have stood out as exceptional, she ensured that our needs were met and our dining experience remained smooth. However, it was the food at Nico Ristorante that truly stole the show. The combination of flavors and the attention to detail in each dish were simply outstanding. I started with the Arugula Salad, which was fresh, vibrant, and perfectly dressed. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the signature pasta dish. The chef's expertise shone through as the pasta was cooked to perfection, and the flavors were nothing short of exceptional. Kudos to the chef for creating such a memorable culinary experience. Although the restaurant itself is small and the tables are close together, it did not detract from our overall enjoyment of the evening. In fact, the intimate setting added to the cozy ambiance and created a sense of warmth that complemented the delicious food. If you're searching for a remarkable dining experience in Boston, I highly recommend Nico Ristorante. The amazing food, attentive service, and charming atmosphere make it a standout choice. Whether you have a reservation or decide to drop by spontaneously like we did, you're in for a treat. Prepare your taste buds for an adventure and indulge in the culinary delights that Nico Ristorante...
Read moreThe best restaurant I’ve been to hands down. My boyfriend and I just went last night for our anniversary and right when we walked in we were greeted and seated (we did have a reservation!) our first impression was it was very small but then they brought us to the quieter dining area downstairs and it was beautiful. The lighting, the tables, the atmosphere. The service was just perfect, we had at least three people always checking on us and our waiter was very patient as we were looking at the menu deciding. There was one guy that seemed like the owner that made us feel so welcome and comfortable just by checking in with us and also saying goodbye to us when we left. The food came SO fast! We arrived around 6:20 and left at 7:20. I’ve never had faster service! And to add to that, as we looked around when people were leaving, the staff was right on top of setting up a new table cloth and getting it ready for the next customers, it was fascinating.
Lastly, the food! You could tell it was homemade/ fresh. I’ve never had pasta that tasted so good, and my boyfriend felt the same way. I highly recommend the lobster ravioli. I can’t speak too much on the cocktails since I only had one but not even exaggerating when I say this — that was the best espresso martini I’ve ever had. And I’ve had espresso martinis from many many places. It tasted more like coffee and not too strong but it also snuck up on me so it was just the perfect balance.
I don’t usually write reviews unless the place really deserves it. Overall 11/10 experience. Thank...
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