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Nico Osteria

Italian Restaurant$$$$
Gold Coast, Chicago
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8.7/10
362
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Time Out Chicago and Eater recommend this place
    • Time Out Chicago
    • Eater
  • Tips
    Stephen G.
    "Lobster Spaghetti is fantastic, as are the crudos."(7 Tips)
    ISC C.
    "White Tuna Crudo, Asparagus, Cherry Tomato, Almond, Cherry Bomb Oil"(8 Tips)
    Albert C.
    "Brussel sprout bruschetta was awesome, great starters in general"(4 Tips)
    Kirstjen L.
    "Branzino was good."(4 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon87 Tips and reviews
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  • good for dates
  • brussel sprout bruschetta
  • trendy
  • thompson hotel
  • chef erling
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  • Eater
    EaterJanuary 3, 2014
    Nico Osteria is drawing the bulk of the who's who of the dining scene back to the Gold Coast. Italian seafood dishes, sophisticated cocktails, and creative desserts make it more than just a big name.
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoAugust 2, 2014
    Cocktails, like the chestnut bourbon concoction and the Villa, with vermouth, cherry brandy and myrtle liqueur, are perfectly pleasant and easy to drink. Read more
  • Stephen G.heart icon on user image
    Stephen GarveyDecember 5, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    It's fun to sit at the dining counter and be able to watch the chefs work. It will also give you the chance to pick out what you think looks best. Lobster Spaghetti is fantastic, as are the crudos.
  • Eater
    EaterMay 31, 2016
    2014 Riecine Rosé ($13). "Sean O'Callaghan's farming is strictly organic and he doesn’t blend. This is one of the best rosés I’ve tasted from Italy,” says wine director Bret Heiar. Read more
  • Sinaida K.heart icon on user image
    Sinaida K.August 21, 2017
    The owner named the place after Velvet Underground and Nico, there is a cocktail Venus in Furs. Can't love a place more, the owner has great taste in music, which is very rare these days ❤️🎼🎸
  • Selina A.heart icon on user image
    Selina AngFebruary 4, 2015
    Creative Italian seafood with flair, but not in a distasteful manner. Kept classy and done well. Amazing pasta served at the proper portions. Wine selection amazing if you know your vini rossi.
  • Michelle S.heart icon on user image
    Michelle StarkeyFebruary 24, 2016
    Amazing experience, Patrick (our server) was absolutely fantastic. I had crispy heritage chicken & bruschetta - phenomenal. Crudo platter is a must-have --particularly the blue Marlin and tuna!
  • Stephanie M.
    Stephanie McAlaineJune 26, 2014
    You MUST try the Brussel sprouts - simply amazing, bright, surprising combo of flavors! One of the best dishes I've had anywhere.
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoAugust 2, 2014
    The breakfast menu is similar to the dinner menu in spirit, so going in the morning will help you understand what Nico is trying to do. Read more
  • Kirstjen L.
    Kirstjen LorenzDecember 26, 2013
    I loved the crab legs with pesto from the antipasto menu. I also had the best old fashioned (with Old Forester bourbon) of my life. Branzino was good. Squid ink pasta was good.
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneJune 5, 2015
    Pastry chef Amanda Rockman’s imaginative interpretation — “Marsala zabaglione, aged ladyfinger crunch, white coffee” — of tiramisu ($12) is extraordinary. Read more
  • Stefanie
    StefanieJanuary 10, 2015
    The crudo is quite good but portion incredibly small. We had the hamachi and loved. The red snapper is superb. Very upscale bar scene in the attached Thompson Hotel.
  • Bitches Who Brunch
    Bitches Who BrunchApril 29, 2015
    Whether you start your day with a porchetta sandwich or a bowl of rigatoni, you will be sure to enjoy authentic Italian dishes at this chic venue in the Thompson Hotel. Read more
  • Martin S.heart icon on user image
    Martin SlusarzMay 1, 2016
    Fantastic bar! Bar tenders all social and very knowledgeable. Regular specialty cocktails. Lots of comfy seating and you can always feel the energy!
  • Tony B.heart icon on user image
    Tony BielMay 26, 2014
    Amazing food, great service. Top notch Chicago dining experience. Try the Garganelli and the Lamb Shoulder.
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneFebruary 11, 2015
    Lunch menu available Monday-Friday, includes cheese-potato frico, Friulian ravioli with smoked arctic char, PQM panettone. Discounted wine by the glass options. Read more
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoJune 13, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Three Tastes of Crudo (tuna, snapper, striped jack) was a perfect way to start a summer lunch
  • Paulo S.
    Paulo SantosSeptember 18, 2014
    Excellent service, great Italian breakfasts.. Need to come back here for dinner and that lobster spaghetti!
  • Molly E.heart icon on user image
    Molly EJune 14, 2015
    Great energy and food. I love the prosciutto & goat cheese, Brussel sprouts & straciatella toast. Branzino is a must.
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneJanuary 6, 2017
    Chef Erling Wu-Bower’s menu is rustic Italian, which doesn’t prevent him from using Hawaiian madai or Dungeness crab as the market permits. Read more
  • Robyn G.heart icon on user image
    Robyn GrossbergJune 29, 2016
    The Brussels sprouts bruschetta is out of this world (and I dislike Brussels sprouts!). Ditto the beet salad.
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoJune 13, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Orecchiette (bigeye tuna, broccoli rabe, chile, pecorino romano): looks heavy but it's actually quite light
  • Ian P.
    Ian PoynterFebruary 23, 2018
    Sit at the bar and be pampered by excellent bartenders (with the full menu available).
  • Natalie C.heart icon on user image
    Natalie Cotto CastroNovember 16, 2014
    Baccala is great! Staff is very friendly... Lobster spaghetti = dissapointment!
  • Steve S.heart icon on user image
    Steve SoleimaniNovember 16, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Everything is amazing. The food and the atmosphere is top notch.
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoSeptember 24, 2021
    Been here 5+ times
    Whole Grilled Branzino (Padron Giardiniera, Dolce Olio)
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoJuly 13, 2020
    Been here 5+ times
    White Tuna Crudo, Asparagus, Cherry Tomato, Almond, Cherry Bomb Oil
  • Nomnomnom C.heart icon on user image
    Nomnomnom CepadApril 9, 2017
    Good mojitos and gin cocktails Lemon dessert not so good
  • Albert C.heart icon on user image
    Albert ChenOctober 23, 2018
    Brussel sprout bruschetta was awesome, great starters in general
  • Zeke F.heart icon on user image
    Zeke FrancoAugust 10, 2014
    On a date? You two should save room for two desserts, because they are amazing!
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoSeptember 23, 2021
    Been here 5+ times
    A Dozen of Oysters on the Half Shell (Cherry Mignonette, Giardiniera)
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoJuly 13, 2020
    Been here 5+ times
    Gemelli, Squash, Zucchini, Mushroom, Pesto Sauce
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoJuly 13, 2020
    Been here 5+ times
    Olive Oil Cake, Honeyed Ricotta, Strawberries
  • Andrea A.heart icon on user image
    Andrea AJuly 9, 2017
    Brussel sprout bruschetta is out of this world!
  • Arleenn D.
    Arleenn DavoMarch 11, 2014
    Great atmosphere and the food is delicious. It could become one of my favorites!
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoDecember 28, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Make reservations, or you might have to wait for a couple if hours!
  • Josephine P.
    Josephine ParrilliApril 28, 2014
    The lobster spaghetti was fantastic! Can't wait to go back.
  • Brad N.
    Brad NolanDecember 6, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Baccala mantecto is amazing. Lobster spaghetti? YES PLEASE.
  • Steph
    StephAugust 7, 2014
    Everything is amazing and beautiful
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoAugust 2, 2014
    The lack of space makes things tough for servers. Our presence started to feel like an inconvenience. Read more
  • Gary S.heart icon on user image
    Gary SheynkmanNovember 8, 2015
    65 day aged dead cow and the pistachio profiteroles are fucking legendary.
  • Joseph B.
    Joseph B.May 11, 2019
    Sipping wine on their patio on a warm day is really excellent!
  • Lorenzo M.
    Lorenzo MartinezDecember 28, 2013
    Try the Crudo. Super fresh and perfect texture.
  • Juliannaheart icon on user image
    JuliannaAugust 16, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Love their brunch, cocktails, and patio.
  • Bob S.heart icon on user image
    Bob St ClaireJuly 18, 2015
    Don't get me wrong...this place is terrific. But it's still a notch behind Cafe Spiaggia.
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoJuly 13, 2020
    Been here 5+ times
    Meatballs, Snap Pea, Radish, Pickled Spring Onion
  • Valentin G.heart icon on user image
    Valentin GuerinJuly 2, 2015
    Brunch or dinner on the terrasse, perfect combo!
  • Mike L.heart icon on user image
    Mike LillisSeptember 29, 2017
    Uni Tagliolini Santa Barbara uni, chive need I say more
  • Mariela G.
    Mariela GormanDecember 19, 2013
    The otoro tuna appetizer is a waste of money. They give a big story on how rare it is, charge you $30 and then give you a portion that you literally can't get a taste because the slices are so small
  • Daisy Z.
    Daisy ZookJanuary 25, 2023
    Ordered the French toast. It tasted more like bread pudding. Worst French toast ever. Very mushy. I don’t recommend this. Get the pastries. They are delicious
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