Had Brunch here today. Service is great, food is delicious too!Highly recommend the meatball pasta and the pastries. Excellent experience overall.
We went as a party of 6, for a birthday celebration. Food was okay, service was bad (tip was included in the bill as usual for party of 6 or more but the server we had definitely did not deserve that tip). Restaurant was pretty empty. Overall we had a bad experience. Also keep in my they charge for the birthday desert (tiny squares of some sort of marshmallow desert that doesn’t taste good at all) they bring out even though we ordered two other deserts for the table which just doesn’t seem right to charge for a birthday desert ( which was really bad).
Watch Bourdain's episode before you go, wish I did, you'll appreciate it way more. The owners are also very present, and warm. Portions are also generous, so don't be bashful about sharing in a group.
So, the food here is okay, but the quality of service was inconsistent. When we walked in the host greeted us with a casual "What's Up?" Not exactly starting on the right foot. While our server was friendly, he did not set out items like bread and olive oil, and the necessary fork for the oysters I ordered, even though I saw the tables around us had them. The scallops we ordered were a very small portion, and the potatoes served with them were under cooked. We also waited almost an hour for our entrees, and while a restaurant manager came over to apologize, he didn't exactly give us confidence that everything would turn out smoothly. When they did arrive, the rigatoni was not seasoned properly, and the arctic char, while tasty, was simply a small piece of fish with a mussel or two, and nothing else. Our server comp'd our glasses of wine because of the delay of the entrees, and honestly I'm glad they did because both were the most awful I've ever ordered in a restaurant, oxidized and completely past their prime. I cannot in good confidence recommend anyone visit Nico Osteria. There are so many other great places with better service, food and drink, even in the neighborhood. Don't waste your time and money.
The location, service, and food were all excellent—especially for a hotel restaurant. The chef was attentive and came out frequently to ask about the food. He made the best French toast I’ve ever had, and that is a dish I order a lot in the morning. The bread was soft, almost creamy in texture, stacked high and layered with a delicious stew of peach sauce, pecans, and a light warm cream on top rather than any maple syrup. It was just the right balance of moderate sweetness and texture—but very filling so you might want to share a serving. The prices are also reasonable for the high caliber of the food. As a side, I ordered a tasty fruit salad of raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, and green melon—well balanced and, like the French toast, artfully presented. Separately, at lunch, I had a nice vegan Reuben sandwich on fresh rye with oyster mushrooms instead of corn beef. For dinner I had a tasty Bronzino fish with a skilful layout and combination of sauces. The chef is happy to accommodate different tastes and to adjust a dish as requested so I asked not to have the prosciutto sauce. Both types of foccacia and ciabatta bread were also warm and fresh with excellent texture. The restaurant is also well suited for meetings as it is quiet, with nice street level views.
I ate here during my stay at the Thompson Hotel. I was the guest of a "globalist" member, so this may have affected my experience. I had breakfast thrice, choosing the halibut and ocean trout halibut sausage benedict, roasted short rib breakfast sandwich, and bagel and cured salmon lox. The fish sausage benedict was my favorite, but the short rib sandwich did not disappoint. The bagel and lox was competent, but felt like it was missing something. The breakfast pastries were also delicious. For lunch I had the Italian "Cubano", which was tasty and quite reasonably priced. For dinner I had the rigatoni, which was amazing. The staff was attentive and professional, and it's the best experience I have ever had in a hotel restaurant.
Came here for drinks before eating across the street. Some of the best cocktails I've had while in Chicago. Highly recommend. The service was also very attentive
Tasty Italian fare. As well as tasty burger and oysters on the half shell.
Very calm and relaxed atmosphere. Food is okay but dumplings are so good you gotta try ? one of the staff crashed the glass cup behind me where they had a table to prep however they didn't apologize or care me that much even glass chips on my clothes. Is this a chicago people personality or just this restaurant? For the drinks,I ordered nice to Maycha which I finished. I don't drink often and I'm not that strong either. I'd like to try again. I guess this restaurant is good for drinks. Oh also food arrived later than usual time I wait at other restaurants even they are not busybusy
What an incredible find! Staying at Thompson hotel where the restaurant is located, I just came downstairs for dinner not having any expectations. Was I in for a treat! Impeccable service, amazing food, excellent experience. Amy Rose, the server extraordinaire guiding me through the meal, was simply the best service professional I came across in a while. Knowledgeable, engaging, welcoming. Their amuse bouche was delectable and simple, their coconut mussels were very good and the lobster ravioli was cooked perfectly and with a little spice that was a very welcome experience. Wine list is carefully curated and their wines by the glass have some very interesting choices available. I will be back!