Niki's Italian Bistro and Piano Bar — Restaurant in North Richland Hills

Let me start by saying that everyone is really nice. The staff is friendly. Some of the food is good, while some dishes are underwhelming. But they are not equipped for large crowds. Went on the Saturday night band event. We got there early so we could get a table, was not told when we called to find out about the band that tables are reserved. What ensued was a chaotic and unpleasant evening. Apparently there was a table for 15-20 people but somehow when the party arrived the table wasn’t big enough. This led this party to grab other tables and block the aisles which only grew louder and more difficult to pass with each alcoholic beverage. They are regular customers. The overbooking of tables made it a hazard, claustrophobic and overwhelming. We waited 45 minutes for food while bigger parties that arrived later were taken care of and served. We waited for bread and drinks that only arrived after our meal was no longer hot. We received items that we didn’t order. The bathrooms were a mess and there was no toilet paper. And there was a surcharge on our bill , which for our large check was noticeable. I have no idea what for? But someone should tell you or have it posted. My fault is not with the servers. They were clearly in the weeds with little help from management or the front of the house. A little bit of organization, not overbooking tables, communication with staff and customers, and pitching in and running food and drinks to assist their staff to make it a pleasant experience for everyone would go a long way. Where was management?? I’d like to come back and listen to the band again, they were excellent! Very much a studio band! And really should be in tour! Excellent professional sound! But if I do come back, I’ll come early, get my drink (if I drink) at the bar, and maybe have an appetizer. Not food that’s going to show up an hour later and will be warm, not hot. I’d like to go back, but will I run there anytime soon?...

This place does not even deserve a one star. As much as a dish costs and tastes as nasty as it did is one thing, but when the manager who is also the cook and makes you feel like you're being attacked and threatened because you complain that the create-your-own dish was not made right, is far greater another thing. We were demanded by the owner/cook to pay the bill or the cops would be called. The owner said he lost money on us by us splitting the meal and to cook the meal over and allow us not to pay would be like double losing. And he went on to say how he works seven days a week and works hard for his money. The owner made a complete scene in front of all the customers and didn't even care. I don't even know how he had as many customers as he did but I know I will never step foot in this restaurant on Davis Boulevard in North Richland Hills. It started out with an unfriendly, very rushed, dismissing waitress in the bar who did not make you feel welcome. The bad dish added to the ordeal. But the angered manager who refused to make the dish over after we had already been told by the waitress a new dish would be on its way, was all we could deal with and get out of there as quick as we could. I was so angered about the experience and felt so threatened to pay the entire bill, that I felt my heart racing. There are far too many Italian places within a15 mile radius to go to that would never, ever think about treating their customer this way. They may have a band in the bar and they may have a piano in the dining area, but when you have this bad of an experience none of that matters. Your whole...

My recent visit to Niki's Italian was extremely disappointing, despite a few redeeming qualities.

The service was poor from the outset. We waited five minutes to be acknowledged and had to ask twice just to receive water. Alcoholic drinks took 10 minutes to arrive, while soda took 15 minutes.

After placing our order, we waited over 30 minutes for the food. When it finally arrived, one dish was incorrect. Instead of handling the situation professionally, I was questioned about what I had ordered. To make matters worse, we were informed that the incorrect dish was thrown in the trash, which I found appalling and wasteful.

A second round of drinks was never brought to our table. When we asked about it, we were questioned as if we had already consumed them--despite the fact that the table had not been cleared and there was clear evidence we hadn't.

Speaking to the owner about the issues didn't improve the situation. While he comped two drinks, his attitude was rude and dismissive.

The food didn't make up for the poor service. The chicken piccata was overly creamy and far from the traditional preparation I expected.

The environment itself was also lacking. The restaurant was uncomfortably warm, which made the long waits even more frustrating. However, I will say the piano player was wonderful and added a festive touch with great Christmas music.

While the live music was enjoyable, it wasn't enough to make up for the overall poor experience. I cannot recommend Niki's Italian based...