Nica Trattoria — Restaurant in New York

December 22, 2018

Last night it was time to get our “fix” of traditional Sicilian food from our dear friend Giuseppe at Nica Trattoria at 354 west 84th street in NYC. You know as soon as you walk in the door the Bono Sera is going to hit you like a ton of bricks after kisses on both cheeks. That’s truly a European custom when greeting good friends and family, far different than what we get in a lot of places in the states today.

We brought a dear friend with us to dinner and being that my wife and I are what you call regulars we wanted to give our friend the opportunity to try some of the wonderful creations that come out of the tiny kitchen.

The easiest part of the night was deciding on the wines, we started with a 2007 Cerbaiona and by mid-course we were drinking a 2006 Gaja – Pieve Santa Restituta Sugarville. If I must say they could both age a little longer but once they opened they were fabulous.

For the appetizers we couldn’t order them all, which has happened before, so we ordered Heart Shaped Polenta with sautéed mushrooms, next came the cauliflower tartin which was creamy goodness, this was followed by artichoke which was perfectly seasoned and expertly cooked, and each bite was chocked full of flavor, before it was finished Giuseppe came over to do his thing by surgically removing the heart! It’s always a show stopper. The last appetizer was the classic Caesar salad with extra anchovies which was the same as it always is, excellent.

While sitting sipping our wines waiting for the entrée, I noticed 2 lovely young ladies sitting next to us and they said that they started a tradition of coming to Nica about 8 years for that special holiday treat, (I told you I’d include you,) From what I could observe they had a great time!

Now was time for piece de resistance, my wife and our friend had veal chop Milanese pounded thin and topped with Nico’s special blend of tomatoes, string beans, and other little surprises. I really had no idea on what to have last night so I opted for the Braised Lamb Shank with risotto which was cooked perfectly and was fall off the bone soft.

For desert the traditional Sicilian cannoli with pine nuts which is always out or the world. If you’ve never been to Sicily and like cannoli, you must go every village makes it differently which is a real treat. The food was wonderful, the company was great, the 2 girls were sweet, and Giuseppe was Giuseppe working the crowd, carrying on with friends and making everyone feel good.

If you’re interested in ambience, decor etc, this isn’t for you, however if what you care about is only good food this is the place to go, they only seat 26 so you absolutely need a reservation and bring cash, that’s all they...

Walking into Nica Trattoria is like going to a favorite uncle's home for a special dinner! Warmly met at the door by the owner and Chef Pippo (as he's know to friends and most customers) you find yourself in a small, cozy but elegant dining space containing 8 or so table for 4. Pippo very much enjoys entertaining his guests with a personal recounting of the menu starting with the appetizers. When he lovingly describes each of these offerings, you find yourself hard pressed to not order all of it! But, in the interest of trying some other courses, we ordered only the Shaved Fennel Salad served with citrus supremes, red onion, anchovies and a drizzle of olive oil. It was incredibly fresh and bright with great balance. We also ordered the Roasted Artichoke, rich and delicious with touches of garlic, brioche bread crumbs and parmesan. For the entree, we had to go witht the Grilled Lamb Chops. They were perfectly grilled to a perfect rare, seasoned deliciously. A generous enough portion that we were able to share them. A side to that, we ordered Pippo's famous Gnocchi with Gorgonzola also known by those that have enjoyed it "Clouds from the sky". This dish was so good that I could have been satified eating that and only that! Incredible. At this point, we came to dessert. We had been careful to save a little space for it and were not disappointed that we did. The Cannoli for me and the Chocolate Mousse for my friend. The perfect way to conclude a perfect meal. This is the kind of place I would love to eat at EVERY night. I have no doubt that it would never get old! One thing to keep in mind is that Pippo does not take credit cards. This is a cash only business, Pippo gets the best and freshest ingrediants by dealing in cash with his own vendors so...

An Italian Gem That Feels Like Home

Walking into this restaurant is like stepping straight into your Italian grandma’s kitchen — pure warmth, incredible aromas, and an immediate sense of comfort that wraps around you the moment you enter. The atmosphere is cozy, welcoming, and filled with that unmistakable fragrance of simmering sauces and fresh herbs that says, “You’re in good hands.”

Chef Guisipi, the owner and heart of the restaurant, is genuinely friendly, deeply passionate, and always ready with a smile. He moves through the dining room like a host welcoming old friends, making every guest feel like family. His love for cooking and hospitality shines through in every dish.

And the food? Exceptional doesn’t even begin to describe it.

The fava bean and sausage appetizer is rustic, hearty, and packed with flavor — the perfect start. The grilled veal chop comes out tender, juicy, and charred to perfection, a true showcase of Chef Guisipi’s mastery. The gnocchi is as light as a cloud, so delicate and airy it practically dissolves on your tongue.

And then there’s the Chicken Scarpariello — an absolute must-try. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, it’s tossed with garlic, sausage, and sweet peppers, creating that perfect balance of savory richness and bright, vibrant flavor. It’s one of those dishes you think about long after the meal is over.

The daily specials are impressively extensive, each one more tempting than the last. It’s clear Chef Guisipi pours passion and creativity into every plate.

From start to finish, this restaurant offers an unforgettable Italian dining experience — warm, soulful, and utterly delicious. A true treasure where every meal feels like...