Nero — Restaurant in Washington

Disappointing Return Visit to Nero

We visited Nero a couple of months ago and absolutely loved the experience, which is why we were excited to return. My original review was 5, updating it to just 2 now since unfortunately, this visit was far from what we expected.

Despite having a reservation for a group of four, we were told upon arrival that there were no tables available. Initially, we were offered seats at the bar—which is hardly ideal for a group—before being shown to their downstairs speakeasy. While the space had a unique vibe, the tiny tables and dark atmosphere didn’t match the comfort of the main dining area. We agreed to stay only because we were assured the full menu would still be available.

To be fair, the food and drinks were once again very good. However, the service left a lot to be desired. We were overcharged for an extra dish (we ordered two, were charged for three), and while they corrected the bill when we pointed it out, they did so without an apology or even basic acknowledgment.

The most frustrating part was the unexpected 1.5-hour time limit on the table—something we were never informed of. We were ordering another round of drinks just 10 minutes before our time was up and still received no warning. Being abruptly told our time was up without any heads-up felt rushed and disrespectful.

Overall, I left feeling disappointed and undervalued as a returning customer. While the food was still strong, the service and overall experience were lacking to the point that I’m not...

This review is for Sabina - the speakeasy located on the lower level of Nero and it gets 5 stars from me mostly because I LOVED the ambiance - the drinks were good too!!

When you step inside, you're greeted to a very dimly lit space with low lights and candles all around, creating a warm glow that adds to the cozy atmosphere. I loved the reddish hue from the candles that added to the intimate and welcoming vibe. The space feels exclusive and personal with very limited seating so make sure to book your reservations in advance!

I loved the whole vibe - it's perfect for date nights or a small intimate birthday celebration or get together with friends.

The drinks were creative and delicious. I had a few of one particularly cocktail called the Ignis which had a mix of bourbon, black cardamom, demerara, peat, sandalwood, smoke and gold - yes gold. It was really good. While it's on the pricier side, I think it's worth it especially for a special night out. Just be mindful if you're watching your budget. I wasn't the biggest fan of the truffle fries but my friends devoured them. haha.

Overall, I loved Sabina. It's ambiance and unique atmosphere made it stand out to me. I'll definitely be returning - add it to the...

This review is for Sabina, the delightful little speakeasy / cocktail bar with fantastic drinks, friendly service, and a lovely ambiance -- truly the signs of a great night out. I visited Nero with a friend for a lowkey Friday evening. The entrance is slightly hidden (in true speakeasy fashion) as a nondescript black door nearly indiscernible under the shadow of the stairs leading up to the main restaurant. Once you make your way through the hidden door, you're immediately transported into a completely new environment; Sabina is delightfully cozy and warm, and the exposed brick walls, ample candles, and dim lighting make it feel like a hidden den or cabin on a cold winter day. We took a seat on the couches in the back, right next to a giant mirror and a little awning filled with candles. We decided to get two of their signature cocktails, the blood orange margarita and the fig whiskey sour. The margarita was delightful; it was quite sweet and had a great orange flavor. I also loved the fig whiskey sour, which was sweet but not overly so, and quite refreshing. If you're looking for a cute spot for a chill night out or a spot to just catch up with friends, Sabina is...