Nicolino Ristorante Italiano

Doesn't Recommend

0rca

Joined 4 years ago

Good food, a little pricey, slow service. We made it pretty clear at the start that we didn't want to wait around (we had a small child in our party). Not only did the appetizer take a while, but the mains took forever. Other tables, who had arrived after us, were served before we were.

Only when the food finally arrived did the owner(?) bother to come to talk to us about it. By this time, I was not interested in any reason why. Too late.

Did he offer some wine? No. When clearing the table, the waitress offered a free dessert, but we were in no mood. And no, the owner did not take anything off our bill. Amateur.

Doesn't Recommend

markd1961

Joined 4 years ago

Will Not Return - Not Recommended. Very disappointed with this restaurant. Promised twenty minute wait, after thirty minutes I asked for update, and was told our table (for five) was being set - finally seated ten minutes later. Small, busy restaurant, and number of staff seemed easily sufficient to provide high level of service, but was very slow at every step. When you can look around the room at ten full tables at one point, and only one of them has dinner plates, it seems the place has a problem. We were also appalled that for a party of five, they could not provide separate checks, offering the very lame excuse that the checks were hand-written - c'mon, are you kidding me? The dining room was so loud, it was very difficult to have a conversation with my dining partners sitting right next to me, and impossible to have one with anyone else at the table with nearly shouting. Our party of five could only get the bread six small, appetizer slices at a time, though the infused olive oil was very good. Our appetizer of vine-ripe tomatoes with mozzarella, anchovies and olives with balsamic vinegar was also very good, but again - the deal with the bread was very frustrating. When our entrees finally arrived, they were very good as well, and fairly priced. Because of the frustrating policies, snail's pace service, and horribly loud dining room though - I would advise potential patrons to look elsewhere.

Recommends

puckeredlips

Joined 5 years ago

Nice menu, above average service, a bit cramped. This place has a very nice menu that is executed well. We have been here a few times, tried many pastas and meat dishes and have been pleased every time. They have a nice wine list. There can be a wait so make reservations as they only have a few tabloes. Is it worth waiting for a table? I would have to say yes. The staff is very friendly and the experience has always been pleasant. Well priced delivers great value.

Recommends

nihonjindesuka

Joined 5 years ago

Exceptional food, nice wine list, friendly service. This is a very charming neighborhood restaurant. It resonates with character. The menu offers great variety and the wine list complements the fare nicely. The staff is meticulous and friendly. All in all this is a very nice dining experience and we recommend you give them a try.

Doesn't Recommend

estaggs79

Joined 6 years ago

Very Loud. Nicolio's was recommended to me by several people as being great. I went and found that the staff was charming and quite friendly. However, the service was slow and it was so loud that I found myself yelling to my other dining companions. We ordered the mussels and they were horrible, inedible after returning home that evening I was ill and my guess is that it was from the mussels. I ordered the Chicken e risotto is was good. My husband ordered the lasagna and thought it was fine. We ordered desert and coffee and again had to wait over 20 minutes to receive it. Although the two main courses were fine the mussels for appetizers, loud atmosphere and slow service left a lot to be desired. I would not recommend this place and do not plan on returning there myself.

Recommends

aninam

Joined 9 years ago

Great service, great food. We've been to Nicolino's quite a few times and have always left planning our next visit. The atmosphere is cozy, the service is great, and the food is the best part! The specials are always something you want to give serious consideration to. From the regular menu try the Fettucine con Salmone - fettucine in a creamy sauce with smoked salmon pieces, lots of them. Yum! For dessert, the sorbet of the day is always a good bet.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review by Glendy Hoang. Italian bistro in Issaquah serving antipasti, salads, soups, pasta and appetizers.

Recommends

tygirljojo

Joined 9 years ago

Fantastic Italian - if you don't mind waiting. LOVE this place. We tried it for the first time a couple months ago and just went back for the second time yesterday.

Their olive oil dipping sauce is very flavorful, as is the italian dressing they put on their house green salad. My boyfriend once ordered the gorgonzola pork chop and raved about it (but I will warn some that it is rich in flavor). Oh and since I do have a sweet tooth I will say: I LOVE their spumoni!

Ambience is lovely (although a touch on the crowded side) the down side to this place is the lack of seating which when added to the fact that they don't take reservations - you may be waiting for around an hour on busy (usually weekend) nights to get a table. Service has been very good on both occasions with the staff addressing issues as needed but without bothering you constantly.

Overall, if you arrive before 6:30pm on a weekend night you should be fine with wait time, and the food is certainly worth a bit of a wait.

Recommends

irie51

Joined 8 years ago

Authentic and loving it!. Ive been to Nicolinos several times, and each time has been excellent.

The restaurant is small and quaint with a flair. Though small, the summer time offers out door seating.

The staff is friendly and prompt, the food is excellent and prices are reasonable.

If you enjoy true Italian food, then this is a place you need to try.

Recommends

jmazur

Joined 9 years ago

There is no Better. Incredible food. Just like Little Italy in NYC. If you think the food is bad then you don't know good food. Or , it was a bad night. I have been 13 times and have yet to be disappointed. Everyone has a bad day.. Ambiance is that of a small Mom and Pop Restaurant in Brooklyn. Decent selection of Wines at all times. You wont be disappointed if you go.. It's a small place as it should be. Manga! Enjoy!