Nico Osteria

Nico Osteria in the Gold coast is golden! This was my first time here and they hit it out of the park! The service was good, the place looks amazing but the true star here was the food. Ever dish from the crudo, lobster spaghetti, smoke whitefish traiangolini to even the brussel sprouts were simply delicious. They call themselves a Italian Seafood restaurant but the Nico Ribeye was as good as any big name Chicago steakhouse can deliver. My only complaint was that the booth style tables along the windows are cramped. We had to request a different table to fit our group better. We watched several other customers sit at the booths than ask to be seated at a table were they could sit comfortably. I hope they can fix this problem soon but in the meant time I would recommend requesting a table on your reservation. I also love the seat at the bar that overlooks the open kitchen but was told they are sometimes reserved and sometimes first come first serve. I feel they should just make them first come first serve and avoid any potential confusion. I look forward to our next visit and I am still thinking about the lobster spaghetti!

Finally, a One Off Hospitality Group restaurant exists in the Gold Coast. From the minute I called on the phone for a reservation to the minute you get your coat on the way out the door, everything at Nico is perfection. The bar scene is fun with great cocktails. Although the food never misses, the service is the real standout here. Friendly, accommodating and spot on. The olive focaccia is so crispy and perfectly flavored with olive oil. The pastas are all house made. The squid ink pasta is a unique presentation,with bread crumbs, mint and anchovies. Amanda Rockman's dessert menu is bright with flavor. She recommended a Affogato with apricot sorbet, burnt honey gelato and prosecco, that she aptly described as a "girl's best friend." I love my new neighborhood spot.