There are very few things that shock me nowadays, but I didn't expect this place that looked like someone's home from the outside to have belly dancers and the owner himself balancing bottles of wine on his head. Somehow in the middle of my meal, I was pulled in the middle of the floor to do the Cupid Shuffle and all the other alternatives of the electric slide. It's definitely an experience and I would suggest everyone to support local businesses. The food was not the best in my opinion. I had the lamb shank and it was too oily. But what the food lacked was made up for in entertainment and good clean fun. You can get dressed or come casual. It is a very welcoming environment.. It's basically the first floor of a home converted into a restaurant. I won't be a regular, but I suggest that everyone should give it a try. Good suggestion for a unique date or family outgoing.
(3)
Caroline G.
This place has the old diner/rest feel but it's not bad. The service was solid, our server was polite and helpful with the menu. He even gave me a little ram of spices to take home when I asked about what went on the salad that made it taste different. I think Lebanese cuisine is similar to Greek in that a few basic spices/herbs are used and they are used in a variety of dishes. The food quality was good, salads were really fresh and on point, the appetizers were all good as well. The pita bread comes out warm but toughens up the longer it sits like any pita would/does as it cools, it's not Naan people. I'm not sure why the reviews on the pita bread were so bad. Store bought or homemade it all tastes and looks the exact same. Beer and wine selection is basic and limited, but who would go there to drink anyway. I would eat here again, but if you are looking to be wow'd by the cuisine then you will feel shorted. I am sure the belly dancing and atmosphere on the weekends more than makes up for the basic Lebanese fair.
(3)
Vivien P.
Hummus - a very ample amount of hummus for an appetizer. It was not one of the best hummus I've eaten but it was good. Tabbouleh- I loved it. The salad was very fresh and tangy. It is a meatless salad with a lot herbs, spices, and lemon juice. I ordered this as an entree for myself and was surprised at how filling it was. Nicola's Mediterranean Delight- This was a platter with various processed meats. My bf let me steal a a little bite from everything on this plate. There wasn't anything I didn't like. I think my favorite was the thick tomato sauce over rice. Service- Exceptional service here. Our server was very friendly and informative about the menu. We even received complimentary baklava for dessert (which my bf and I both agreed to be the best baklava we ever had). The atmosphere in this restaurant is very romantic. Dimly lit lights, soft music, and beverages served in wine glasses- very nice for a intimate dinner for a couple or a small group.
(4)
Lamia A.
All around excellent! AND, on Saturday nights, they have kibbeh nayyeh as a special. I was SO EXCITED, and it was pretty delicious. Not as good as my teta's, and it did not come with mint leaves, but still wonderful. And of course the atmosphere on Saturday nights is perfect for any group or pair.
(5)
Belle E.
Heard about this place from a friend and shortly after, without ever experiencing it myself, planned a friend's birthday dinner there for about 20 people. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous... But as soon as we arrived and got seated I began to relax. They didn't give us menus, and they only question asked was "Red or White?". There was also beer options, not sure about liquor. They served several dishes of Middle Eastern food which was all very delicious. The best part was the owner, a little stout man with AWESOME belly-dancing skills. Everyone that works there can dance! At the end, I was a little nervous bc I had no idea how much it was going to cost and was worried it might be more than people had planned on spending. Nope! My date and I got to the counter to pay and it was $40....For both of us, including wine. All in all a total success and amazing birthday for my friend.
(5)
Christina V.
Lots of entertainment... There were 4 bdays being celebrated so lots of dancing with cakes on Nicolas head! We enjoyed the tasty family style meal , I could go for more of their falafel!! If you want to do something different go here on a Friday night!
(4)
Amber W.
Three words for you. BEST. HUMMUS. EVER. I've been here a couple of times with different groups of friends, so each time it has been a huge family dining type of experience. Because of that I'm not sure how it works when there are just two or three people. However, the huge family dining thing is pretty awesome...with one exception, people eat all of the hummus!! Haha. But anyway, the food is great and the service is exceptional. It's always like a little family party with dancing and tons of laughs. I couldn't tell you all of the dishes I've enjoyed here, but I cannot think of anything that I did try that I disliked. And the owner...cutest little guy you've ever seen!! Go. Enjoy. Don't let anyone take the hummus plate away from you.
(5)
Michelle W.
I went here with a group of other couples to "try something new". We'd heard about the atmosphere and the belly dancing, but nothing about the food. That should have told me something, but I went anyway. The food was just ok, nothing special. We had the Mezza's to share. I would have made it better myself and I'm American! As far at the atmosphere, it was interesting to see the owner do a couple little dance tricks, but honestly it is nothing to go out of your way and do. Honestly, I would suggest saving your time and money.
(3)
Andy L.
Good food, not the best (see my review from Dublin, Ireland), but very entertaining, and the hummus saves this review. Some dishes were bland, but not all too bad. Definitely not what I was expecting. Again, the hummus w/ pita was fabulous and the tabouleh was good, but the babaganoush was average at best. The belly-dancing was a bit over-the-top, but nothing that would keep me from coming back. I want to try Nicolas again, for another shot before I completely wipe it off my list.
(3)
Ami S.
Nicola makes his restaurant very welcoming. It is a lively environment and he is a fantastic host. I brought my parents here for dinner tonight on a whim and they loved it. The place is totally casual. All the staff have special dancing talents and are constantly entertaining their guests. We loved it!
(5)
Gunn V.
Went for a dinner on last Friday. The food was good. The service was good and friendly. All in all, great place to be entertained and enjoy.
(4)
Will T.
If you can have more fun eating out in Atlanta, I don't know where it would be, at least not on the weekend when belly dancers entertain guests and Nicola himself is in rare form. This out-sized personality serves as owner, host, dee-jay, emcee and ringmaster of a night that will leave you smiling for days. That usually means everyone dancing and clapping and generally whooping it up in the middle of the room. Let's just say that if you're shy when you arrive, you won't be when you leave. It's a memorable night with a high entertainment quotient. The food almost takes a back seat to all the fun. The menu is stuffed with Mediterranean delights, homage to Nicola's Lebanese heritage. We always opt for the family style meal that comes with multiple dishes including four appetizers, a couple of salads and four entrees. An endless supply of pita bread, similar to store bought, accompanies plates of hommos, grape leaves, baba ghanoush and fried artichoke hearts. Salads add a light touch and include tabbouleh, plus a Mediterranean salad with olives, feta cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers tossed with a house dressing. Entrees include that night's special, almost always an eggplant dish, along with chicken Florentine, chicken ala beef and another eggplant dish cooked with beef, onion, cheese, garlic and tomato sauce and topped with pecans, walnuts and almonds. The chicken dishes are made with more of a cream sauce while the eggplant entrees are tomato based. But you could make a meal off the appetizers and they are the best part of the menu. If you're celebrating a birthday or other special occasion, Nicola himself will deliver your dessert to the table, shimmying to the table with the cake or dessert platter balanced on his head. He does the same trick with bottles and glasses of wine and ups the entertainment factor with his antics. Go, have fun, and enjoy decent, passable Mediterranean food in the process.
(4)
Marvin B.
Y girlfriend took me here for my birthday dinner. I have never had middle eastern food before but it wad fabulous! This place is awesome! Great food, atmosphere and people. The staff were great! Looking forward to returning with friends.
(5)
Bonnie S.
Words cannot describe how amazing this restaurant is. The food, the drinks, the service, the atmosphere....all so amazing! Came here tonight for the first time and they treated us like royalty! Tried the family special and ALL of the food was delicious...I couldn't even name a favorite. Worth your time and money no matter what!!!!!!
(5)
Mark F.
I love Middle Eastern food and have lived in the Middle East and know what properly prepared hummus etc should taste like. I really can't understand why this place is still open. The basics such as hummus and babaganouj are heavy and not particularly fresh. The pita is obviosuly store bought and often stale. If you want to try really fresh and authentic Lebanese food try Lawrence's Cafe or Mezze. You'll experience in either place the real deal.
(2)
Rob B.
I love this place. The Middle Eastern food is yummy, and the service is great. Nicola also does a lot of work with Project Open Hand here in Atlanta, and that is great. He is the main reason to come here, however. He is not a small man, but to see him dance with a wine bottle on his head is worth the price of dinner. The fact that you get great food with it is just icing on the cake. When we commented that we liked one dish in particular, he brought us out another serving of it on the house. Nicola's believes in giving service and quality above and beyond what they have to give, and for that reason, I will be back.
(5)
Ravi B.
My friend chose this place for a birthday dinner. It was awesome!! The food was great. There was a variety of everything mediterranean from kebobs to hummus! The belly dancer came out from time to time and did a great job.They have an area in the restaurant that every one dances and they put on a great diversity of music from merengue to moroccan and I wouldn't be surprised if they had some Indian bhangra music in their CD collection! The manager and all the staff were so much fun. They were all dancing and break dancing and getting everyone in our group to not be shy. Definitely a great birthday dinner place!
(5)
N K.
Awesome place.. Nicola lights up the place with his big smile and dances.. Got the entire place dancing.. (happens on fri/sat with a belly dancer) Service was a little slow, but the quality of food and attitude made up for the delay.. every thing was very fresh (home made falafel, fingerlickingly good baba g & hummus).. lamb & chicken were awesome!! Go there to celebrate..
(4)
Maria K.
This restaurant is incredible!! From the second you walk in, you feel so welcome and taken care of. Nicola, the owner, is constantly engaging everyone and creating such a loving atmosphere :). Aside from that, the food is DELICIOUS!! Tasty and authentic lebanese food! In a nutshell, this is how I would describe Nicola's Restaurant: laughter, warmth, amazing food, dabke ;) I HIGHLY recommend this place!!!
(5)
Zoona S.
I would give only one star for the friendly staff. the food was really embarrassing!!!! I took my family to celebrate my daughter's birthday and we have ordered four different dishes including the Award winner dish of the lamb! which was a pile of plane rice and unflavored boiled piece of lamb shank that even had a bad smell. we also ordered shawrma which was shredded boiled meat that has nothing with shawrma. the lemon chicken was a boiled piece of chicken breast that tasted really weird. I was shocked with the food and I bet the chief was not Lebanese, because Lebanese cooking is really the best in the middle east. we had tones of left over that we toss in the garbage because the smell was unbearable. really disappointing and expensive for such quality of food.
(1)
Yacin N.
Great, authentic middle eastern food. Nicola himself came out to ask us how our food was and when he found out we were students at Georgia Tech he gave us another serving of hummus. Wonderful little gem in the Druid Hills area.
(5)
Amy W.
Took my family here on Friday night after not visiting for many years. We moved back to the area so I was anxious to try the place again. Food is really very good, and plentiful. We did the family style, which is a great way to avoid having to make any real decisions, as you get to eat almost everything on the menu. The waiter let us sub out a few things too, which was awesome. They bring you more of anything you want. It was all seasoned and yummy. Baba ganouj (sp?) was hands down the best I've ever had. Baklava was outstanding, not overly sweet. Service was very warm and accommodating. Feels like you're dining in someone's home, in terms of both warmth and homey decor. Nicola, as others have mentioned, is as gracious and friendly and fun as a restaurant owner could be. Very good food,service and value. We were there too early for the belly dancers, which was fine as we were just looking for a quiet meal. But they add a lot of fun on more festive occasions. We'll be back for sure.
(4)
Katie A.
My boyfriend and I are headed to Nicola's now. The drive is so long I have time to write a review from the passenger's seat, and that's how good Nicola's is. It is so good that it's more than worth the near hour long drive from our home. I have never had a bad experience there or anything even close. The staff is friendly and kind. They are very attentive, also. Nicola himself greets everyone with a cheerful smile. The entertainment is awesome, spanning from belly dancers, to staff dancing, guests and Nicola joining in. The food. Oh the food! I don't know where to begin. It is phenomenal! I have tried nearly everything on the menu, all of which has been delicious. You absolutely must try their grape leaves and artichoke hearts. Over all, I simply love this place!
(5)
David B.
Mediterranean Food, the way Mom would do it! The first time we came here was for my birthday six years ago, and I've had every birthday here since. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. My favorite of the meza is Baba Ganoush, though John prefers the Hummus. If you enjoy meat, get the Mediterranean delight for the best kibbi in town. If you enjoy vegetarian, get Ana's delight with hummus, baba, artichokes and falafel. Nicola, the owner, makes you feel at home, and when you're done eating, he will prod you out of your chair to dance. The staff has not changed in all the six years I've been going there, and that should tell you something about the great management.
(5)
Damon L.
We went here to celebrate the 80th birthday of my wife's grandmother. We had a blast. Nicola is just a jolly fellow that makes sure everyone gets evolved in the activity. We laughed until our cheeks hurt. The food was excellent as well, and very reasonable. The service was fast and everyone was very attentive. This is a jewel of a restaurant and well worth the experience. Check out a few pictures at ledetfamily.com/pictures…
(5)
Myopinion S.
This is one of the BEST kept secrets in Atlanta. My whole family had a blast. It's affordable, tasty, entertaining, kid friendly, first date worthy and totally worth it!!! The belly dancing is nice but the gentleman (perhaps he's the owner) steals the show which his dancing.....this dude even did the Dougie!!! Highly recommended.
(5)
Rebecca K.
Nicola's Lebanese Restaurant, located near the corner of Briarcliff and LaVista, looks kind of seedy and run-down from the outside, and, to be honest, its interior charms are neither architechtural or decor-related. Dinner at Nicola's is, however, hands down the most affordable, best time you can have in Atlanta. First, the food. Nicola is an incredible chef, but don't expect anything fancy. It kind of feels like he's invited you over to his house for dinner. They serve all the middle eastern appetizers you can think of, and the entrees are all fabulous. The lamb shank is out of this world, and, at $12, the most expensive thing on the menu. It does come with what appear to be frozen mixed vegetables on the side, but who cares? It's delicious. Bottles of wine are also around $12-15. SERIOUSLY. Of course, the "wine list" involves a choice between white or red and between a small bottle or a big bottle, but, again, who cares? It's drinkable. Second, they have bellydancers -- great dancers with real women's bodies. None of that Imperial Showgirl shit. Third, they have Nicola. Nicola is freaking amazing. He is in his sixties, short and round, but DAMN can that man dance. I heard once that he was a member of the Lebanese national dance team in his youth. He is funny, sassy and a one-man show all by himself. But the best part is that he makes the entire crowd get up and dance with him and the professional dancers. He has a hilarious personal version of the Macarena that he leads everyone in, and as hokey as it sounds, I have never left Nicola's without having a rip-roaring good time. It's just so infectiously charming and wonderful and homey. If you haven't been, get a group together and go. I had my birthday party here last year, and *everyone* from my dad and my in-laws to my friends to a 2 year old had a fantastic time, all for like under $25 a person. Including wine. Lots and lots of wine. I think they have dancers on Thursday through Sundays, but I'm guessing that the other days of the week are pretty darn fun too. Web site: nicolas-restaurant.com
(5)
Andrew C.
Place is full of energy and can make for an interesting night with friends. There was some dancing going on. The owner is very nice and doesn't mind dancing as well (my friend jumped up danced with him, weird!). I just didn't enjoy the food that much, it was decent, but not anything special. Made for a fun night, but probably won't be going back.
(3)
Derek B.
My wife and I really didn't have any expectations going to Nicola's, but I have to say that this place was amazing! The food was incredible. Neither of us came in with much of an appetite since we pretty much have eaten our was across the city this weekend. We loved the food. Best hummus ever. Next time we are in Atlanta we'll be back for sure.
(5)
Alex H.
This is a fun restaurant. Nicola is a great guy, and he works hard to get everyone to enjoy the entire experience. However, be warned that if you are shy, you will either be drawn out or may be uncomfortable with his persistence. The food is excellent, but I will always be going back and searching for one dish. It was a special and I missed the name the first time (large group, family style serving) and have been searching ever since.
(3)
Jesse W.
Clearly I didn't eat at the same place all of you all did. We had a holiday party to go to last night and decided to find some place in the area to eat that had gotten some good reviews on Yelp. Shame on you all. What we got was a freezing cold restaurant, lackluster service, and a meal that we literally could have put together ourselves with a knife, a microwave, and a nearby Publix. We arrive and walk into an empty restaurant and are greeted by someone who immediately tries to stick us in the coldest place in the entire establishment, up front near the windows. We ask to be seated more towards the back and are immediately met with push-back and attitude. Fine, we sat up front. . . you want us to be cold while we eat, you're call I guess. Since there are only about 3 items on the menu, we quickly figure out what we wanted to eat and placed our order. We ordered some hummus, an order of falafel, and a Med salad for the two of us to split. Pretty standard fare, hard to screw up. Moments later, we have a basket delivered to our table. Baskets mean bread, and I looooooove bread. What was delivered was a stack of half-stale pita bread that they had very clearly just dumped right out of the plastic bag they picked up from the grocery store. It was at that moment we knew we had make a terrible mistake. Then came the hummus. It was essentially a plate of garlic paste with a pool of oil in the center. Any hint of chickpeas was not detectable. The falafel was also something they clearly bought frozen and tossed in a microwave to warm up for us. It was a travesty. The Med salad was the only dish they served us was half-way enjoyable, but not enough to make up for the rest of the meal. So why did I give it 2 stars? It was cheap. I got out of there having only paid about $20 for what we ordered. Now I'm not sure it was even worth the $20, but at least I didn't pay $40. Oh well, they can't all be homeruns I guess.
(2)
David S.
My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Nicola's. We met the man himself and told him that we were Emory students, and favorable reviews on this site had brought us in for dinner. This seemed to please him a lot, as he enthusiastically offered to give us discounts on the family-style dinner. My favorite items were the artichoke hearts and baba ganoush. The hummus, tabouleh, and falafel were quite good as well. The stuffed grape leaves were only okay, as were the chicken florentine and beef kaftah. The atmosphere at Nicola's was unlike anything that I had ever experienced. Nicola was making the rounds, checking on everyone's tables and making sure they were enjoying themselves. Then the belly dancer came out, and Nicola soon joined her in the center of the restaurant. Nicola then demanded that everyone get up and form a circle and dance, but my friends and I managed to scoot out while Nicola was occupied with mobilizing the crowd for a dance number. All in all, dinner was very fun, and I'd love to go back sometime.
(4)
C C.
Seriously a great place to eat and be entertained. I recommend going with a group of friends and having your meal "family style" so you can share & try different things on the menu. Great place and great service!
(5)
Lisa R.
My husband and I love Mediterranean food! So when we were in GA for a few days last week, I checked out Yelp reviews and decided Nicola's was our best option! We were tired when we arrived - after a long day driving through the Chattahoochee National Forest - and had an early flight home the next morning, so we did not get the enjoy the full experience of dining here...namely, the dancing that Nicola was so eager for us to participate in! As far as the building goes, it's bit off-putting (smells like an old building). But the food is great and Nicola gets at least 100 stars for being such a warm, hospitable and gracious host! He's a joyful man, who loves to dance and greet his customers. Frequent customers received hugs as they entered. Those who spoke Arabic received kisses and his grooviest hip movements. And you really do want to hug Nicola before you leave! I had the lamb shank, which was not gamey at all. My digestive track can't handle a lot of garlic, so it took me a few days to recover, but the flavor was great! I believe my husband had the Mediterranean Delight, which was also very good. We left very full and very happy!
(4)
Julia S.
Nicola is seriously one of the nicest people I've ever met. I haven't been to the restaurant until recently, but whenever my work has some sort of lunch/function, we almost always get our food from Nicola's. The salads are delicious, and the baba ganoush is seriously the best I've ever had. I wish I could find out their recipe! I can't speak on the meat dishes, but have never heard any complaints from my coworkers. On Friday, we had a big lunch with our board, and Nicola opened the restaurant for us, taught everyone his (amazing!) dance moves, and just made everyone leave with a big smile on their face. It was by far the best experience I've had in a restaurant in some time.
(5)
Rod M.
This is my favorite place to eat in all of Atlanta. Simply put, the food and the service are incredible. The price is unbeatable. The Decor... well, who cares about the decor! I highly reccomend the family style dinner. Its essentially a sampling of the menu and each time i came the staff offered more portions of any plate you liked. In fact gave my friend an extra serving of both baba ghanoush and hummus along with a bag of pitas to take home! No extra charge... Now that is how you earn repeat customers! The customer service of this place makes the Four Seasons look like arby's. Even if your looking for a date spot, this place serves as a "Mario test" for women, if they cant see past the shoddy buildout and modest attempt at decoration, and appreciate the awesome food and service here then you should kick em to the curb! This place is truly never let em see ya coming. And I love it!
(5)
Jodie B.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mediterranean food. This place is so awesome, I only wish I could go more often. I always get the vegetarian plate. the owner is the nicest man ever - you want to give him a big hug by the time your meal is over. its totally family owned and operated, and its great. sometimes they have really neat live music, and belly dancing - woohoo! try the rose water. yummo!
Talk about a hidden gem. Apparently this place has been around for quite a while, and numerous of my chef friends here in Atlanta once worked here as teenagers washing dishes and such... the food is fresh and bountiful.... which all makes me wonder why it is never busy. Nicholas has become part of my exercise-extravaganza days, theres nothing like a huge bowl of tabboule to perk you up. The way to go is to stick to the family style options, the first is a sampler of apps and salads (Mezze), where $28 gets you five apps and four salads, all FULL portions and plenty to feed four people. Another cool aspect is how everything is bottomless, they will literally keep bringing dishes out until you ask for the check - hard to find these days. For dessert we always end with the baklava, which is not to bad at $1.94 a person... if your lucky, request the Rose petal variety. The place heats up on Fridays and Saturdays with belly dancers and live music... and yes, Nicholas himself dances around the restaurant with a glass of water balanced on his head (if you celebrate a birthday here, this is how your cake is presented as well), but I prefer the joint on its off nights (Tuesday-Thursday), the service and quite atmosphere makes it feel like my own.
(5)
Sarah E.
My husband and I went to Nicola's with friends on a weekend night about a year ago. Somebody was having a birthday party there, and the place was PACKED. We ordered a hummus appetizer, which came out fairly quickly, but without any pita. Our server seemed a little rushed, which was understandable given the crowd. We weren't too perturbed about waiting for pita as there was a bellydancer performing and we were enjoying the boisterous, happy atmosphere. However, our pita problem was soon solved as a man (who I believe was the owner) marched up to our table, noticed the hummus sitting there, and yelled, "WHERE IS THE BREAD?" (Note: it was friendly yelling, not scary yelling.) We smiled (how do you NOT smile at that?) said that we didn't know. Pita was delivered to our table posthaste. We are still laughing at this story. And the hummus was delicious. The rest of our meal was good, and we really enjoyed the show (and watching the other customers make merry). Just a word of warning... if you don't like loud, clubby-feeling bellydance music, stop by on a weeknight instead.
(4)
Kathy H.
Wow, who would have thought that a squat building you could fly right past at the corner of Briarcliff and LaVista could hold that much taste and charm. We just went here for a friend's birthday party and I have so say, I will be back. They have so much going for them: 1. Nicola himself. That man can dance, can joke, can get you involved and let you make a fool out of yourself while having an incredibly good time. And he is a man...at 60 something he is allowed to flirt with the best of them, and get away with it too. Oh, did I mention...HE CAN COOK! 2. Veggiesaurases welcome here. I eat meat, on occasion. But I elected to eat the veggie meal at the function we were at, and it was phenomenal...best Spanakopita I have ever had. Be aware that he uses RAW garlic in his hummus. So you are safe from Vampires for at least 3 days. The Babbaganoush was so delicious. Ahhh eggplant. sigh...in memory heaven as I type. 3. Belly dancers. We were here for the Jahara Phoenix Spectacular, but they have dancers frequently. And definitely a good show, and as others have written...REAL SEXY WOMEN'S BODYS! Not fake. Thanks for a memorable evening
(4)
Kate P.
This is definitely one of Atlanta's hidden gems. I've lived in Atlanta all my life, and I've just made my first visit to Nicola's Restaurant. It's true that the decor of the restaurant is rather ordinary, but the food and the fun? Out of this world! We didn't even have water on our table before Nicola had me and my husband dancing like maniacs. Then Nicola danced over to us with my husband's open, full bottle of beer balanced perfectly on his head. He danced, he shimmied, and he didn't spill a drop! When we finally sat down to our meals, they were spectacularly savory and ample portions. And if the fun and food wasn't enough, our dinner for two with drinks and dessert was $38! Nicola's is--hands down--the most fun, most delicious, most affordable evening in Atlanta. TIP: Go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Arrive by 7:30 p.m. and eat before the dancing begins at 8 p.m. If you have a group of 5 or more, call ahead so they can reserve a table. Enjoy!
(5)
Summer M.
Seriously, there's not much more I could possibly ask for from a restaurant. The service went above and beyond as the warm and friendly staff were attentive and entertaining to our table. The food was excellent and the price was reasonable. A big win.
(5)
Rick D.
Went here for her birthday along with 18 of her closest friends and we all had a BLAST! I'm strictly going to review the restaurant though since I want to review the belly dancers separately so the review isn't lost on them as well! The place is small, squat and almost unnoticeable unless you know what you are looking for. We walked in and were some of the first people there. We got seated promptly (I had called ahead to make them aware we would be a party of 20) and the servers immediately came over to grab our dinner tickets and get our drink order. This is where things got a little hairy. The servers were overwhelmed. After we were seated is when the majority of the people for the show started showing up. There was mass chaos at the door and people were all crowded around and waiting on tickets and to be seated. This probably could have been handled better but in the end, everyone was seated and everyone (eventually) got their food. The waiters seemed a little rough around the edges with a large crowd but ultimately got the job done. Nicola, the owner, is a hoot! He ended up dragging her and one of the other party goes out on the floor and dancing with them. He was balancing all sorts of stuff on his head, dancing with all the women, and even took some of the little girls out on the dance floor and danced with them. It is a nice change to see an owner so involved in his business but having a good time and making sure his guests are well taken care of. We all had a blast and I would like to go back to try more of the cuisine since I'm sure what we were served was just a sampling. The babganoush and hummus were top notch! I ended up feasting on the leftovers of my sister and her husband since they didn't care much for it. Definitely, definitely, definitely try this place out! The dancing show by Jahara-Phoenix was the highlight of the evening but Im going to give them their own review since they were so good!
(4)
Jeff M.
This is a fun atmosphere, don't get me wrong. I'd recommend coming here at least once. For some reason though, when I order the food is good, but not quite great. It's that one thing: either it's a bit dry, not tender enough, or just a little bland. If it weren't for that, I'd give this place 4 stars. It's still good food though. But you forget that once the singing and dancing starts. That's what was the most memorable to me.
(3)
Michelle S.
OMG, what was that? Bread that came from Kroger then nuked before it was on our table, chicken that tasted like Tuna, and then belly dancing? YES, belly dancing. Now I love cheese as much as the next guy, but this is a joint that WISHES it was on Cheshire Bridge. Bottom line, nice, nice, nice, nice people who run it. Dismal atmosphere, mediocre food. Move it along folks . . .no need to stop here.
(2)
Peter L.
I've been eating here for years, and the food is consistently fantastic. The atmosphere is, well kind of lacking, but the service, the food, and Nick keep me coming back. Standouts - hummus, baba ganoush, florentine chicken.
(4)
Julie H.
Excellent food, flavor, and entertainment! We had a lot of fun!
(5)
Alison H.
My friend from Morocco wanted to have dinner at Nicola's to celebrate his 30th birthday. He and his wife frequent the restaurant and have always spoken highly of it. When I walked into the place I wasn't impressed, but as soon as 8:00 pm hit there was a straight up Lebanese house party in the middle of the restaurant. I'm not sure what the food arrangement was (never even saw a menu), but we had a steady stream of small plates of garlicy goodness coming to our table. We sampled all the appetizers and they were FABULOUS. All of the entrees were very tasty also. Perhaps the best part of the evening was Nicola himself. He danced around the restaurant for 2 solid hours with various things balanced on his head (including my friend's birthday cake). Nicola's is a great place that feels very homey. Learn how to belly dance before you go and score a couple of dollars tucked into your pants.
(5)
Ric T.
This is the best middle eastern food I have ever eaten, period!! Coming from NYC, land of the street meat and belligerent Zagat reading taxi drivers this place easily takes the cake. My brother and I opted for a family style meal, the hummus/babagadontcare to spellit are amazing.. Falafel wasnt too fried or greasy and had a light sauce that will make you order more. Salads here were good, definitely opting for the feta laced mediterranean Salad next time. Our three main entrees left us perfectly satifsied and not too full.The baklava was small, portion wise, not the best I have ever had but tasty and sweet. It was nice to know I didnt need a crane to carry me out of this place, after paying the bill. Speaking of which the family style meal ran 17 bucks per person including desert. The fact that they give your extra portions along with multiple refills make this a terrific bargain. Service here is impeccable, our waiter switched dishes to meet our needs, brought out extra hummus at no charge to have with our main entrees as well as refilling our drink close to 9 times. My brother and I are animals and certainly dont hand out free reviews on here. Honestly this was the best meal I had in a longtime. Yes the outside of this restaurant does resemble a trap house/high end meth lab.. You would pass it and not think twice. Except for the fact there are Zagat stickers all over the front door and usually a slew of high end luxury vehicles in the parking lot. Our waiter is extremely friendly, this dear Mexican gentleman helped make this a meal to remember. All the food was served hot and came in a timely manner. There was a chef/owner not sure who he was who seemed to know everyone in the joint who was eating on a first name basis. I will definitely go back to this place when I am back in Atlanta. El pollo in browntown, Strokers in Planet of the ape town & Nicola's in Harvey Milk town all make for the three must do's when in A-Town!
(5)
Robyn B.
It is one of the most pleasant dining experiences I have had in a very long time. The food was great and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
(5)
Mayas B.
We just went last night...and we had a blaaast! the food was amazing, we actually got several samplers and everything tasted fresh and delicious! we had fun dancing with the belly dancer and of course Nicola...he is hilarious!:))) we are going back again nezt week....yep...we are all addicted now:))
(5)
Megan R.
Best hummus in Atlanta. I also love the chicken florentine. Nicola often comes out to dance as entertainment. Love this place.
(4)
Barbara S.
I should be ashamed of myself for not writing a review of Nicola's yet, since I "work" there on occasion (as a belly dancer) and eat there frequently! So I'm a little biased because Nicola and the rest of the staff are kinda like family... but I want to encourage you Yelpers to go there. Food-wise, I prefer to stick with the appetizers or the vegetarian "dancer's plate" listed on the back of the menu (which is named after my teacher, Aya). Their hummus is great, fattoush salad can be lovely, the spinach pie is rich and buttery, the taboulleh is better than most, but my favorite thing is the fried artichoke hearts. I tend to skip the baba ghanoush -- it's very garlicky. But aside from the food, this is just a wonderful place to go. Nicola is absolutely committed to making sure each guest has a great time. On weekend nights, he'll get everyone in the restaurant up to dance. Sometimes it's like a high school dance party in your friend's basement... nothing ostentatious, no dance floor or fancy lights or stereo -- just all sorts of people dancing and having a great time. It's my happy place... and it could be yours too!
(5)
Lana E.
I have been a frequent visitor to this fantastic restaurant for over 7 years now. I would never had known about it if it wasn't for my former dance instructor. Its always a blast when you go on a performance night. Not only do you get to see the professional belly dancers, but you also get to see Nicola dance! As everyone has said, Nicola is pretty much the life of the party, and I cannot believe how much energy that little man has! Wow, is all I can say. The food is quite good, and the best Tabbouleh and hummus I've had anywhere. I highly recommend Nicola's.
(5)
Avid C.
It looks like a nondescript restaurant with a name that leads one to think that it's a typical American mom-and-pop diner, but oh how wrong you would be... Yes, it's Lebanese, which, for many, would mean a collective "huh"; however, one should really focus on the fact that it's Mediterranean. I base this on the fact that several of their main menu items are quite similar to that expected of Greek, Turkish and Serbo-Croatian food fare, and this is good. The people who served me were so friendly that I wished that they could package their skills onto a DVD, ready for distribution at the next chain restaurant that I visit. The bottom line: start with a salad (yum, yum), then order anything with lamb, beef, rice and/or potatoes, and you too will become a student of food dishes whose names I can only attempt to pronounce. I'm sold, and I'll see how hard I'll have to work to become an annoyance by my frequent visits. Thanks and cudos!
(5)
Carlos C.
There is a reason this place has been around for so long. Fresh, honest, tasty (the hummus/tabouleh are perfect) Lebanese food served by friendly staff at affordable prices. Given the shortage of Lebanese options in the Atlanta area, I am surprised that Nicola's almost always has a table open. The family style dinner is the way to go - for 15 bucks per, you get 4 apps, 2 salads and 2 entrees. A great way to sample much of the menu. Bonus points for being really nice to my 2 small children.
(4)
George G.
As a big fan of Lebanese food, I decided to give Nicola's a try while in Atlanta recently. I dragged 4 other friends with me and was worried they wouldn't enjoy it, as they preferred more upscale places. We got there and the interior was very plain looking with a few middle eastern touches. There was a belly dancer there, who put on a very nice show without being pushy. The owner, Nicola, was also there. He was a riot. The meze appetizer plates we got were delicious, worth at least the four star rating, but my main course wasn't nearly as good. Next time I go I will stick with the meze or order something else. That being said, the atmosphere of the place, thanks to Nicola and his staff, more than made up for it. Were it not for their attitudes, I would have probably rated the food alone 3 stars. Nicola was dancing around with full wine glasses, bottles of beer, and water goblets filled to the brim. He never spilled a drop and showed a level of energy that belied his ears. Everyone in our party was laughing and clapping and enjoying his antics, and by the end of the evening, we were up and dancing with him. One highlight of the night was when a customer, who could really dance, did some fancy moves, then a waiter took off his apron, and they had a dance off. It was straight out of the South Park dance off episode with shouts of "it's on!!" and "ooh you got served!!" They went back and forth for a while, each round outdoing the last, to great applause from the diners. It was like dinner, drinks, and a show for a very reasonable price of about $27 per person. I would happily return. (note: they only serve beer and wine)
(4)
Craig S.
You need to bring an appetite. The service was great and so was all of the food. We ordered the Skewered lamb, and three appetizers. They had to practically roll us out of there. The entertainment was also a great touch. If you're looking for a place to have some fun and great food, then look no further.
(5)
Carmen S.
It was a great family atmosphere and a lot of fun.
(4)
Tom K.
Absolutely our favorite restaurant in Atlanta! The food is fabulous! Very fresh and authentic Lebanese food! Nicola is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Fantastic service! We highly recommend trying it out. I'm sure it will be your favorite too! We drive here all the way from Greenville SC its that good!!!
(5)
Claire M.
My boyfriend and I tried Nicola's one night, because some of friends raved about this place. I personally was not a fan of the food, however Nicola's gets a 4 star due to their FANTASTIC service. We stumbled upon a night they do belly dancing...might I say such a fun sight to see! It was also a birthday, which I belive Nicola himself came out onto the floor with a cake atop his head and danced! This entertainment and quality service deserves to be recognized! Great job guys :)
(4)
Cindy L.
I came here with my boyfriend once and have never forgotten about it. Then I took my aunt here for her birthday and once again, never forgot about it. If you want a memorable dinner with laughter and good food, this is the place to go. The owner is the happiest man I have ever met. I think he is Santa Claus. Starting with the food. I've had their Hommos (Hummus). Very good. I liked their Grape Leaves. I really liked their Baba Ghanoush. I ordered the Meza so I was able to try a little bit of everything. My favorite entree is their Lamb Shank (won the Silver Medal at the USA Chef Open) and the Nicola's Mediterranean Delight. I have also done the Family Style Dinner, which is the best option if you are with one or two other people. You get 4 appetizers, 2 salads, 3 entrees and the special of the day. Their Lemon Chicken and Chicken Florentine are very good so you can try one of those (or both) with the Family Style Dinner. Good flavors on everything. Now for the entertainment. The first time I came, I was tired, half asleep. I just wanted to get some good food and call it a night. The second I walked in, everyone was smiling and laughing and in the middle of dinner, everyone was dancing. The owner dances with the glass on his head. It was SO fun. My second time was for my aunt's birthday. Everyone in the restaurant got up to dance. We all made a big circle. It felt like everyone in the restaurant were friends. I loved it. Every time I leave, I want to go back in. It's very hard to leave when everything inside is making you smile from ear to ear and making you laugh. The environment is just so...happy! Bring a friend here or a small group and you will all remember this place.
(5)
Dana L.
We brought a group of 20+ people here on a Saturday night! It was so much fun, wow! Nicola was an amazingly gracious host! Everyone had a wonderful time! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Ash B.
Great belly dancing and happy atmosphere! Ow ever is hilarious and attentive! Will get you out of your seat to dance. We came for apps and dessert! Mmmm Turkish coffee, rose water, baklava and hummus! Will try for dinner next time for sure!
(4)
Noor S.
As a Syrian/Lebanese person myself, I was expecting to eat amazing food here after reading the good reviews. But it was TERRIBLE. The only good thing was the hummus and baba ghanoush. The falafel wasn't bad but was very spicy which is unusual for falafel. The shawarma was NOT shawarma. Everything else we ordered was pretty much awful. The carpet in the restaurant was dirty, the plates and glasses were not very clean. It's is so old a dark. The waiter was nice at first but when we told him about the shawarma he said "this place has been open for a long time, if you don't like the food, others like it." Which was very rude. Overall, I do not recommend this place AT ALL. And we were the only people there, literally.
(1)
Kai S.
I think it is illegal to misguide people about a dish, and this place does it par excellence. The Shawerma, is not Shawerma. The hummus had so much garlic, which resulted into a beautiful sleepless night, which makes it not hummus. The "kibbi" is not Kebeh, and the delight dish (which i have no idea from what fairy tail is that) is absolutely not delighted. This place has nothing really to do with the Middle Eastern kitchen. I lived in Syria/Lebanon for 21 years, and my family owns restaurants that have been running there for over 50 years. (the waiter snapped at me when i told him this is not shawerma, and told me this place has been here for 20 years!) I find it disrespectful for someone to do what this restaurant does. the owner might be sweet, but it does not justify his reasoning to deceive people that this is an authentic Lebanese food. Especially not by presenting it through belly dancing. Our culture is sadly dying due to the stupid political/religious war in the region, and food is the only thing we can defend being thousands miles away from there, but clearly what this restaurant is doing, is the same that got the whole region into all this problems, and that is to lie. Call the dishes "inspired by Lebanese" but don't call them Lebanese. Shame on you.
(1)
David H.
Easily the best hummus and baba ghanoush in these United States. Also, the kibee and lamb shank are both worth several of your dining experiences. Nicola is probably the nicest, most upbeat person I know. The restaurant gets very crowded Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, but then is relatively empty the rest of the time. It's great for takeout, too. Don't forget the ridiculously low prices.
(5)
Andy S.
This is everything people have already described. The food is absolutely delicious and I recommend the sampler plate if you have never had Lebanese food. It will rock your world. The building is deceiving from the outside but once you go inside you are transferred to what seems like Nicolas' house as he immediately greets you and keeps you entertained the whole night. Although it can get busy, I recommend going on Friday or Saturday night when he brings in the belly dancer. We cannot wait to go back!
(5)
L B.
I was under the weather last week but had a craving for Nickola's Chicken Florentine (sp?). So roomie ran out and got carry out for us. So delicious, packaged up and it stayed warm for the 15 min drive. They sent plenty of pita just in case. Thanks you guys!
(5)
Amin R.
Nicola's Restaurant is one in a million. It's not just excellent Mediterranean food but excellent serviced rom the staff and the owner himself. Nicolas (the owner) has contagious energy and doesn't fail to involve the entire restaurant with dancing, laughing, and having a great time. Highly recommended!!
(5)
Wesley M.
This place is beyond amazing. Best atmosphere ever and the food is the delicious. Friday and Saturdays are my favorite!!! The belly dancers rock the music is a mix of American and lebanese. The owner will make you feel like family and the staff is always friendly. A MUST go for anyone coming to Atlanta for a visit an Atlantans a like. I bring everyone here with me when they visit and recommend it often to others I speak to!!!!
(5)
Regina Q.
So many days I drive by this place and never thought to try it. DO NOT let the outside apeparance of this restaruant fool you! I finally tried it after finding out their meat was halal, and this is one of the best restaruant discoveries I've had in atl! The ambiance is very basic; this place is all about food and making you feel welcome. This is some legit homestyle Lebenese food and one of the best lebenese restaurants I've had in atl. Nicola himself is soo welcoming and jolly, you can truly tell this restaurant is his passion. He loves making people smile and is excited that you're there. He does cool balancing tricks with the glasses at the restaurant and can even twerk. A reason alone enough to check this place out. I am so impressed with the food. I'm not really a fan of hummus, but I really love it here. Tasted super fresh. Our waiters were really friendly and tried to answer our questions about the food. They gave us complimentary hummus and baba ganoush, so nice of them! You can tell this is a family run business. I ordered the shawarma plate, a combo of sliced beef and shredded lamb. This isn't your typical pre-packaged shawarma or what you might ordinarily think of when you order shawarma, but it was really yummy. This is lebenese style swhwarma that's super tender and juicy! We also tried the chicken florentine. I LOVED this one and I highly recommend. The sauce was soo creamy and savory, total comfort food! The dishes came with a side of rice, garlic sauce, and cooked veggies in a tasty tomato sauce. The menu isn't huge without a whole lot of options, but I have a feeling all the items on the menu are all great. There's an eggplant dish i've been eyeing on the menu, excited to try that.Check this place out!
(4)
GiGi M.
Tried three different dishes, all were dry and bland. Terrible service. I don't know why it has such great reviews.
(1)
Andrea M.
I am literally addicted to The babhaganoush here!! And Nichola is literally one of the most kind, considerate and spirited people I have ever met :)
(5)
Washington I.
The food is great, authentic Lebanese confirmed by my Lebanese friends. family style dinner is a delicious deal. belly dancing with the owner is entertaining although the music can get a bit loud.
(4)
Pamela S.
Great hummus and delicious lamb shawarma. The complimentary baklava at the end of the meal was a nice touch. Waiter was friendly and accommodating.
(4)
Amanda S.
We tried this place out for my friend's birthday, since the reviews were good; we gave it a shot. Thank goodness we did! The food was amazing (like right out of Nana's kitchen), the staff was great, the belly dancing was incredible, and of course ... Nicola was SO great! He treats his restaurant patrons as if you are friends eating in his home. An experience that should not be passed up. I have not found many great Lebanese restaurants in town, and this place is to die for and very, very reasonable prices (possibly under priced!) I will certainly be back! Thanks for a great night out!
(5)
Lillian D.
I came here on a dinner date with my boyfriend, and everything was simply wonderful. We were seated immediately, and someone brought us water and warm pita with butter right away. We ordered the falafel and grape leaves as appetizers, and they were delicious! I have never had falafel that good before. It has such great flavor and comes with a creamy sauce on top, lettuce and tomatoes. The grape leaves were warm, filled with rice and meat, and came with a yogurt dipping sauce. I could have eaten more of both. For entrees we ordered the beef and lamb shawarma, and the lamb shank. Both plates came with rice, and veggies in a tomato sauce. The lamb was cooked to perfection and slid right off the bone. We were so stuffed that we had to box it up and take home. It reheats into a good snack the next day. Despite being full we ordered the rose petals for dessert with coffee. The rose petals weren't what we were expecting, but did not disappoint. They are a sweet, thinly fried pastry that pairs perfectly with the strong coffee. By the time received our check we realized we hadn't been there an hour, so it's very fast yet quality service. Nicola personally thanked us for dining, and wished us a good evening. There were 2 large parties celebrating birthdays, and Nicola played music and danced as celebration. Seeing him greet and interact with customers was really awesome. I would definitely recommend this place, and it's good for large parties because they have family style appetizers and platters for reasonable prices. The food is amazing quality for a great price - anywhere in Midtown you would pay double. Definitely recommend!
(5)
Tim K.
The family dinner is the way to go. An excellent sampler of some well prepared Lebanese dishes. Unassuming from the outside. Saturday nights the inside comes alive. Nicola engages the entire place with dancing and great times. Professional belly dancers preform to make this place a hidden gem. A great family place to have a dining experience like no other. A must if you've never been. Like coming home if you have
(5)
Shannon P.
Went here for my birthday party. The food was so fresh and delicious. Lamb shank to die for and Nicola was the best host ever! Belly dancer was great. You feel like your at someones home, very welcoming Definitely recommend.
(5)
Jackie V.
Wish I would have come here sooner - this place is great! The food is reasonably priced and delicious. I went with a group of 10 friends, we were able to make a reservation and sit down on time. Ordered the family style menu which offered us a way to taste a lot of the dishes - only $16 and so much food! The variety is great, service is great, and Nicola provides the entertainment. From his wine balancing to dancing to getting the crowd to dance - great time had by all. Nothing fancy inside, but who cares if you are having that much fun!
(5)
Robert S.
We have known Nick and his family since 1982. He is one of the sweetest men we've ever known and will do anything for anybody. He is one of the hardest working people we've ever known too. Several of you have mentioned about the "plain" outside and "undecorated" inside. This is because it needs a woman's touch, perhaps a redoing. His wife was my best friend and I miss her every day. I love the belly dancing and the tricks he does. My daughter was raised socializing there and now our grandson loves Nick too. He is genuine with children and wants everybody there. He is an awesome cook. I love the hummus, lemon chicken, salads, all the desserts. My husband eats the lamb shank and my daughter eats the meditterean delight plate. It is FUN and a place to spend a wonderful upbeat dinner evening. He welcomes children too. He has a private room for parties, receptions or whatever. We love all the waiters too. NOTE: Lebonese people eat late so if you go early and it s empty, rest assured that it is full of reservations later on. I hope you never quit Nick.....Luv U, Robert and Dora Cleveland, Georgia
(5)
Melissa B.
If there was an option to give this restaurant more stars I would! Excellent ambience, comfortable, warm and inviting. You definitely feel like part of the family. The food was incredible and dare I say inexpensive for the taste. Nicola is an amazing host and proprietor! My husband will definitely remember this birthday!!!
(5)
Morty H.
First off, I have taken 15+ people to Nicolas that have never tried Middle Eastern cuisine. Every single one of them thanked me and raved how wonderful the food is. Secondly, the atmosphere: Nicola is the atmosphere. This man is a showman and an absolute joy. Every person is treated like an old friend. Everyone leaves this place with a new positive view on "real" folks from the Middle East. Wonderful, caring, passionate people willing to open their arms and homes to any stranger and treat them like a king!
(5)
Deborah H.
We ordered food to serve 30 people and it was personally delivered by Nic and all were very vocal on their comments-they especially liked the baba ganoush (best they ever had most said and i agree) and the different meat dishes kibbi and another with bulger wheat were delicious. Highly recommended.
(4)
Anita C.
I have been here at least 5 times. Not only because I live less than a mile away, but because their food is delicious and very very inexpensive!! I always get the Nicola's Delight, which comes with a variety of things: hummus, baba ganoush, two different types of salads, and a few other meat items that I can't recall. In the evenings on Sundays there's a belly dancer, or two. It's always very entertaining. They also make some other tables dance in a circle with them! It's like dinner and a show!
(4)
Rick C.
The positives are that this place has been around for a very long time, and the owner (Nick) is an endearing man who still works at the restaurant, dances around, and chats with the customers. Their Mediterranean food is a bit simple but it's decent overall. Although the shawarma isn't really traditional shawarma, as others have pointed out, I found both the lamb and beef to be tasty. The pita bread served with meals is very ordinary and similar to what you get from a package of plain, thin pita at Kroger. The potatoes in a tomato based sauce, served with combination plates, are excellent. The baba ganoush was fair; it was not nearly as good as that served at nearby Ameer's or even Mediterranean Grill. Tabouli was decent; nothing special. Falafel was fair; not nearly as good as either of the aforementioned two restaurants. Lastly, we had some baklava, which seemed rather dry. I'm not sure if it had been sitting around for awhile but we were not at all impressed. I have to think that many of the raving reviews for this restaurant are from long-time fans and "friends" of the restaurant and owner. I'm sure he is a wonderful person but realistically, this place is very dated both in appearance and food. It's rather dark and dingy inside; if you order a soda, you are brought a 12 ounce can and glass - no fountain drinks (or free refills of course). The plates are cheap, clear plastic. And whover is commenting about the unbelievably low prices...don't believe. Don't get me wrong; it's not expensive. But there is no difference in price between this place and most of the casual Mediterranean places in the area. Two adults and one child, no alcoholic beverages: total was $60 with tip and tax. Expensive? No. Cheap or incredible value? No - not for what it is. We did visit on a Friday night about 8 p.m. and it might have been an off night, but it was at about half-capacity. Overall, we would maybe consider trying it again, but the reality is that there are several options nearby that are simply better Mediterranean food...and even in some cases, a better value, too. I guess if you want the belly dancing, that would be the difference!
(3)
Cameron G.
Be sure you know what you're getting yourself into before you go to Nicola's on a Friday or Saturday. There will be dancing, and Nicola himself will almost insist that you join in on the dancing, even if you don't want to. If you easily feel embarrassed or really don't like slightly awkward situations, go on a down night. Otherwise, go and a Friday/Saturday, and be ready for some fun. Nicola will make it rain; he'll dance like crazy; he'll balance things on his head (e.g., lit cakes, wine, glasses) while dancing; he'll have you poor wine into a glass that's balanced on his head; he'll try to get you to play the drums; he'll put sparkling dance skirts on girls; he'll randomly shout "10% off and free dessert for everyone"; and much much more. The whole experience is even better if you come with a big group. O yea, and there's good food. He has lots of Mediterranean options (including vegetarian meals), and everything tastes great. I recommend the vegetarian plate on the back of the menu. It comes with a little bit of almost everything (except meat).
(5)
Mary S.
Great Entertainment! Nicholas is a show man and party man. As for the food, I recommend sticking to drinks and eating at Ameer's Mediterranean Grill instead which is at walking distance.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Loren B.
There are very few things that shock me nowadays, but I didn't expect this place that looked like someone's home from the outside to have belly dancers and the owner himself balancing bottles of wine on his head. Somehow in the middle of my meal, I was pulled in the middle of the floor to do the Cupid Shuffle and all the other alternatives of the electric slide. It's definitely an experience and I would suggest everyone to support local businesses. The food was not the best in my opinion. I had the lamb shank and it was too oily. But what the food lacked was made up for in entertainment and good clean fun. You can get dressed or come casual. It is a very welcoming environment.. It's basically the first floor of a home converted into a restaurant. I won't be a regular, but I suggest that everyone should give it a try. Good suggestion for a unique date or family outgoing.
(3)Caroline G.
This place has the old diner/rest feel but it's not bad. The service was solid, our server was polite and helpful with the menu. He even gave me a little ram of spices to take home when I asked about what went on the salad that made it taste different. I think Lebanese cuisine is similar to Greek in that a few basic spices/herbs are used and they are used in a variety of dishes. The food quality was good, salads were really fresh and on point, the appetizers were all good as well. The pita bread comes out warm but toughens up the longer it sits like any pita would/does as it cools, it's not Naan people. I'm not sure why the reviews on the pita bread were so bad. Store bought or homemade it all tastes and looks the exact same. Beer and wine selection is basic and limited, but who would go there to drink anyway. I would eat here again, but if you are looking to be wow'd by the cuisine then you will feel shorted. I am sure the belly dancing and atmosphere on the weekends more than makes up for the basic Lebanese fair.
(3)Vivien P.
Hummus - a very ample amount of hummus for an appetizer. It was not one of the best hummus I've eaten but it was good. Tabbouleh- I loved it. The salad was very fresh and tangy. It is a meatless salad with a lot herbs, spices, and lemon juice. I ordered this as an entree for myself and was surprised at how filling it was. Nicola's Mediterranean Delight- This was a platter with various processed meats. My bf let me steal a a little bite from everything on this plate. There wasn't anything I didn't like. I think my favorite was the thick tomato sauce over rice. Service- Exceptional service here. Our server was very friendly and informative about the menu. We even received complimentary baklava for dessert (which my bf and I both agreed to be the best baklava we ever had). The atmosphere in this restaurant is very romantic. Dimly lit lights, soft music, and beverages served in wine glasses- very nice for a intimate dinner for a couple or a small group.
(4)Lamia A.
All around excellent! AND, on Saturday nights, they have kibbeh nayyeh as a special. I was SO EXCITED, and it was pretty delicious. Not as good as my teta's, and it did not come with mint leaves, but still wonderful. And of course the atmosphere on Saturday nights is perfect for any group or pair.
(5)Belle E.
Heard about this place from a friend and shortly after, without ever experiencing it myself, planned a friend's birthday dinner there for about 20 people. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous... But as soon as we arrived and got seated I began to relax. They didn't give us menus, and they only question asked was "Red or White?". There was also beer options, not sure about liquor. They served several dishes of Middle Eastern food which was all very delicious. The best part was the owner, a little stout man with AWESOME belly-dancing skills. Everyone that works there can dance! At the end, I was a little nervous bc I had no idea how much it was going to cost and was worried it might be more than people had planned on spending. Nope! My date and I got to the counter to pay and it was $40....For both of us, including wine. All in all a total success and amazing birthday for my friend.
(5)Christina V.
Lots of entertainment... There were 4 bdays being celebrated so lots of dancing with cakes on Nicolas head! We enjoyed the tasty family style meal , I could go for more of their falafel!! If you want to do something different go here on a Friday night!
(4)Amber W.
Three words for you. BEST. HUMMUS. EVER. I've been here a couple of times with different groups of friends, so each time it has been a huge family dining type of experience. Because of that I'm not sure how it works when there are just two or three people. However, the huge family dining thing is pretty awesome...with one exception, people eat all of the hummus!! Haha. But anyway, the food is great and the service is exceptional. It's always like a little family party with dancing and tons of laughs. I couldn't tell you all of the dishes I've enjoyed here, but I cannot think of anything that I did try that I disliked. And the owner...cutest little guy you've ever seen!! Go. Enjoy. Don't let anyone take the hummus plate away from you.
(5)Michelle W.
I went here with a group of other couples to "try something new". We'd heard about the atmosphere and the belly dancing, but nothing about the food. That should have told me something, but I went anyway. The food was just ok, nothing special. We had the Mezza's to share. I would have made it better myself and I'm American! As far at the atmosphere, it was interesting to see the owner do a couple little dance tricks, but honestly it is nothing to go out of your way and do. Honestly, I would suggest saving your time and money.
(3)Andy L.
Good food, not the best (see my review from Dublin, Ireland), but very entertaining, and the hummus saves this review. Some dishes were bland, but not all too bad. Definitely not what I was expecting. Again, the hummus w/ pita was fabulous and the tabouleh was good, but the babaganoush was average at best. The belly-dancing was a bit over-the-top, but nothing that would keep me from coming back. I want to try Nicolas again, for another shot before I completely wipe it off my list.
(3)Ami S.
Nicola makes his restaurant very welcoming. It is a lively environment and he is a fantastic host. I brought my parents here for dinner tonight on a whim and they loved it. The place is totally casual. All the staff have special dancing talents and are constantly entertaining their guests. We loved it!
(5)Gunn V.
Went for a dinner on last Friday. The food was good. The service was good and friendly. All in all, great place to be entertained and enjoy.
(4)Will T.
If you can have more fun eating out in Atlanta, I don't know where it would be, at least not on the weekend when belly dancers entertain guests and Nicola himself is in rare form. This out-sized personality serves as owner, host, dee-jay, emcee and ringmaster of a night that will leave you smiling for days. That usually means everyone dancing and clapping and generally whooping it up in the middle of the room. Let's just say that if you're shy when you arrive, you won't be when you leave. It's a memorable night with a high entertainment quotient. The food almost takes a back seat to all the fun. The menu is stuffed with Mediterranean delights, homage to Nicola's Lebanese heritage. We always opt for the family style meal that comes with multiple dishes including four appetizers, a couple of salads and four entrees. An endless supply of pita bread, similar to store bought, accompanies plates of hommos, grape leaves, baba ghanoush and fried artichoke hearts. Salads add a light touch and include tabbouleh, plus a Mediterranean salad with olives, feta cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers tossed with a house dressing. Entrees include that night's special, almost always an eggplant dish, along with chicken Florentine, chicken ala beef and another eggplant dish cooked with beef, onion, cheese, garlic and tomato sauce and topped with pecans, walnuts and almonds. The chicken dishes are made with more of a cream sauce while the eggplant entrees are tomato based. But you could make a meal off the appetizers and they are the best part of the menu. If you're celebrating a birthday or other special occasion, Nicola himself will deliver your dessert to the table, shimmying to the table with the cake or dessert platter balanced on his head. He does the same trick with bottles and glasses of wine and ups the entertainment factor with his antics. Go, have fun, and enjoy decent, passable Mediterranean food in the process.
(4)Marvin B.
Y girlfriend took me here for my birthday dinner. I have never had middle eastern food before but it wad fabulous! This place is awesome! Great food, atmosphere and people. The staff were great! Looking forward to returning with friends.
(5)Bonnie S.
Words cannot describe how amazing this restaurant is. The food, the drinks, the service, the atmosphere....all so amazing! Came here tonight for the first time and they treated us like royalty! Tried the family special and ALL of the food was delicious...I couldn't even name a favorite. Worth your time and money no matter what!!!!!!
(5)Mark F.
I love Middle Eastern food and have lived in the Middle East and know what properly prepared hummus etc should taste like. I really can't understand why this place is still open. The basics such as hummus and babaganouj are heavy and not particularly fresh. The pita is obviosuly store bought and often stale. If you want to try really fresh and authentic Lebanese food try Lawrence's Cafe or Mezze. You'll experience in either place the real deal.
(2)Rob B.
I love this place. The Middle Eastern food is yummy, and the service is great. Nicola also does a lot of work with Project Open Hand here in Atlanta, and that is great. He is the main reason to come here, however. He is not a small man, but to see him dance with a wine bottle on his head is worth the price of dinner. The fact that you get great food with it is just icing on the cake. When we commented that we liked one dish in particular, he brought us out another serving of it on the house. Nicola's believes in giving service and quality above and beyond what they have to give, and for that reason, I will be back.
(5)Ravi B.
My friend chose this place for a birthday dinner. It was awesome!! The food was great. There was a variety of everything mediterranean from kebobs to hummus! The belly dancer came out from time to time and did a great job.They have an area in the restaurant that every one dances and they put on a great diversity of music from merengue to moroccan and I wouldn't be surprised if they had some Indian bhangra music in their CD collection! The manager and all the staff were so much fun. They were all dancing and break dancing and getting everyone in our group to not be shy. Definitely a great birthday dinner place!
(5)N K.
Awesome place.. Nicola lights up the place with his big smile and dances.. Got the entire place dancing.. (happens on fri/sat with a belly dancer) Service was a little slow, but the quality of food and attitude made up for the delay.. every thing was very fresh (home made falafel, fingerlickingly good baba g & hummus).. lamb & chicken were awesome!! Go there to celebrate..
(4)Maria K.
This restaurant is incredible!! From the second you walk in, you feel so welcome and taken care of. Nicola, the owner, is constantly engaging everyone and creating such a loving atmosphere :). Aside from that, the food is DELICIOUS!! Tasty and authentic lebanese food! In a nutshell, this is how I would describe Nicola's Restaurant: laughter, warmth, amazing food, dabke ;) I HIGHLY recommend this place!!!
(5)Zoona S.
I would give only one star for the friendly staff. the food was really embarrassing!!!! I took my family to celebrate my daughter's birthday and we have ordered four different dishes including the Award winner dish of the lamb! which was a pile of plane rice and unflavored boiled piece of lamb shank that even had a bad smell. we also ordered shawrma which was shredded boiled meat that has nothing with shawrma. the lemon chicken was a boiled piece of chicken breast that tasted really weird. I was shocked with the food and I bet the chief was not Lebanese, because Lebanese cooking is really the best in the middle east. we had tones of left over that we toss in the garbage because the smell was unbearable. really disappointing and expensive for such quality of food.
(1)Yacin N.
Great, authentic middle eastern food. Nicola himself came out to ask us how our food was and when he found out we were students at Georgia Tech he gave us another serving of hummus. Wonderful little gem in the Druid Hills area.
(5)Amy W.
Took my family here on Friday night after not visiting for many years. We moved back to the area so I was anxious to try the place again. Food is really very good, and plentiful. We did the family style, which is a great way to avoid having to make any real decisions, as you get to eat almost everything on the menu. The waiter let us sub out a few things too, which was awesome. They bring you more of anything you want. It was all seasoned and yummy. Baba ganouj (sp?) was hands down the best I've ever had. Baklava was outstanding, not overly sweet. Service was very warm and accommodating. Feels like you're dining in someone's home, in terms of both warmth and homey decor. Nicola, as others have mentioned, is as gracious and friendly and fun as a restaurant owner could be. Very good food,service and value. We were there too early for the belly dancers, which was fine as we were just looking for a quiet meal. But they add a lot of fun on more festive occasions. We'll be back for sure.
(4)Katie A.
My boyfriend and I are headed to Nicola's now. The drive is so long I have time to write a review from the passenger's seat, and that's how good Nicola's is. It is so good that it's more than worth the near hour long drive from our home. I have never had a bad experience there or anything even close. The staff is friendly and kind. They are very attentive, also. Nicola himself greets everyone with a cheerful smile. The entertainment is awesome, spanning from belly dancers, to staff dancing, guests and Nicola joining in. The food. Oh the food! I don't know where to begin. It is phenomenal! I have tried nearly everything on the menu, all of which has been delicious. You absolutely must try their grape leaves and artichoke hearts. Over all, I simply love this place!
(5)David B.
Mediterranean Food, the way Mom would do it! The first time we came here was for my birthday six years ago, and I've had every birthday here since. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. My favorite of the meza is Baba Ganoush, though John prefers the Hummus. If you enjoy meat, get the Mediterranean delight for the best kibbi in town. If you enjoy vegetarian, get Ana's delight with hummus, baba, artichokes and falafel. Nicola, the owner, makes you feel at home, and when you're done eating, he will prod you out of your chair to dance. The staff has not changed in all the six years I've been going there, and that should tell you something about the great management.
(5)Damon L.
We went here to celebrate the 80th birthday of my wife's grandmother. We had a blast. Nicola is just a jolly fellow that makes sure everyone gets evolved in the activity. We laughed until our cheeks hurt. The food was excellent as well, and very reasonable. The service was fast and everyone was very attentive. This is a jewel of a restaurant and well worth the experience. Check out a few pictures at ledetfamily.com/pictures…
(5)Myopinion S.
This is one of the BEST kept secrets in Atlanta. My whole family had a blast. It's affordable, tasty, entertaining, kid friendly, first date worthy and totally worth it!!! The belly dancing is nice but the gentleman (perhaps he's the owner) steals the show which his dancing.....this dude even did the Dougie!!! Highly recommended.
(5)Rebecca K.
Nicola's Lebanese Restaurant, located near the corner of Briarcliff and LaVista, looks kind of seedy and run-down from the outside, and, to be honest, its interior charms are neither architechtural or decor-related. Dinner at Nicola's is, however, hands down the most affordable, best time you can have in Atlanta. First, the food. Nicola is an incredible chef, but don't expect anything fancy. It kind of feels like he's invited you over to his house for dinner. They serve all the middle eastern appetizers you can think of, and the entrees are all fabulous. The lamb shank is out of this world, and, at $12, the most expensive thing on the menu. It does come with what appear to be frozen mixed vegetables on the side, but who cares? It's delicious. Bottles of wine are also around $12-15. SERIOUSLY. Of course, the "wine list" involves a choice between white or red and between a small bottle or a big bottle, but, again, who cares? It's drinkable. Second, they have bellydancers -- great dancers with real women's bodies. None of that Imperial Showgirl shit. Third, they have Nicola. Nicola is freaking amazing. He is in his sixties, short and round, but DAMN can that man dance. I heard once that he was a member of the Lebanese national dance team in his youth. He is funny, sassy and a one-man show all by himself. But the best part is that he makes the entire crowd get up and dance with him and the professional dancers. He has a hilarious personal version of the Macarena that he leads everyone in, and as hokey as it sounds, I have never left Nicola's without having a rip-roaring good time. It's just so infectiously charming and wonderful and homey. If you haven't been, get a group together and go. I had my birthday party here last year, and *everyone* from my dad and my in-laws to my friends to a 2 year old had a fantastic time, all for like under $25 a person. Including wine. Lots and lots of wine. I think they have dancers on Thursday through Sundays, but I'm guessing that the other days of the week are pretty darn fun too. Web site: nicolas-restaurant.com
(5)Andrew C.
Place is full of energy and can make for an interesting night with friends. There was some dancing going on. The owner is very nice and doesn't mind dancing as well (my friend jumped up danced with him, weird!). I just didn't enjoy the food that much, it was decent, but not anything special. Made for a fun night, but probably won't be going back.
(3)Derek B.
My wife and I really didn't have any expectations going to Nicola's, but I have to say that this place was amazing! The food was incredible. Neither of us came in with much of an appetite since we pretty much have eaten our was across the city this weekend. We loved the food. Best hummus ever. Next time we are in Atlanta we'll be back for sure.
(5)Alex H.
This is a fun restaurant. Nicola is a great guy, and he works hard to get everyone to enjoy the entire experience. However, be warned that if you are shy, you will either be drawn out or may be uncomfortable with his persistence. The food is excellent, but I will always be going back and searching for one dish. It was a special and I missed the name the first time (large group, family style serving) and have been searching ever since.
(3)Jesse W.
Clearly I didn't eat at the same place all of you all did. We had a holiday party to go to last night and decided to find some place in the area to eat that had gotten some good reviews on Yelp. Shame on you all. What we got was a freezing cold restaurant, lackluster service, and a meal that we literally could have put together ourselves with a knife, a microwave, and a nearby Publix. We arrive and walk into an empty restaurant and are greeted by someone who immediately tries to stick us in the coldest place in the entire establishment, up front near the windows. We ask to be seated more towards the back and are immediately met with push-back and attitude. Fine, we sat up front. . . you want us to be cold while we eat, you're call I guess. Since there are only about 3 items on the menu, we quickly figure out what we wanted to eat and placed our order. We ordered some hummus, an order of falafel, and a Med salad for the two of us to split. Pretty standard fare, hard to screw up. Moments later, we have a basket delivered to our table. Baskets mean bread, and I looooooove bread. What was delivered was a stack of half-stale pita bread that they had very clearly just dumped right out of the plastic bag they picked up from the grocery store. It was at that moment we knew we had make a terrible mistake. Then came the hummus. It was essentially a plate of garlic paste with a pool of oil in the center. Any hint of chickpeas was not detectable. The falafel was also something they clearly bought frozen and tossed in a microwave to warm up for us. It was a travesty. The Med salad was the only dish they served us was half-way enjoyable, but not enough to make up for the rest of the meal. So why did I give it 2 stars? It was cheap. I got out of there having only paid about $20 for what we ordered. Now I'm not sure it was even worth the $20, but at least I didn't pay $40. Oh well, they can't all be homeruns I guess.
(2)David S.
My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Nicola's. We met the man himself and told him that we were Emory students, and favorable reviews on this site had brought us in for dinner. This seemed to please him a lot, as he enthusiastically offered to give us discounts on the family-style dinner. My favorite items were the artichoke hearts and baba ganoush. The hummus, tabouleh, and falafel were quite good as well. The stuffed grape leaves were only okay, as were the chicken florentine and beef kaftah. The atmosphere at Nicola's was unlike anything that I had ever experienced. Nicola was making the rounds, checking on everyone's tables and making sure they were enjoying themselves. Then the belly dancer came out, and Nicola soon joined her in the center of the restaurant. Nicola then demanded that everyone get up and form a circle and dance, but my friends and I managed to scoot out while Nicola was occupied with mobilizing the crowd for a dance number. All in all, dinner was very fun, and I'd love to go back sometime.
(4)C C.
Seriously a great place to eat and be entertained. I recommend going with a group of friends and having your meal "family style" so you can share & try different things on the menu. Great place and great service!
(5)Lisa R.
My husband and I love Mediterranean food! So when we were in GA for a few days last week, I checked out Yelp reviews and decided Nicola's was our best option! We were tired when we arrived - after a long day driving through the Chattahoochee National Forest - and had an early flight home the next morning, so we did not get the enjoy the full experience of dining here...namely, the dancing that Nicola was so eager for us to participate in! As far as the building goes, it's bit off-putting (smells like an old building). But the food is great and Nicola gets at least 100 stars for being such a warm, hospitable and gracious host! He's a joyful man, who loves to dance and greet his customers. Frequent customers received hugs as they entered. Those who spoke Arabic received kisses and his grooviest hip movements. And you really do want to hug Nicola before you leave! I had the lamb shank, which was not gamey at all. My digestive track can't handle a lot of garlic, so it took me a few days to recover, but the flavor was great! I believe my husband had the Mediterranean Delight, which was also very good. We left very full and very happy!
(4)Julia S.
Nicola is seriously one of the nicest people I've ever met. I haven't been to the restaurant until recently, but whenever my work has some sort of lunch/function, we almost always get our food from Nicola's. The salads are delicious, and the baba ganoush is seriously the best I've ever had. I wish I could find out their recipe! I can't speak on the meat dishes, but have never heard any complaints from my coworkers. On Friday, we had a big lunch with our board, and Nicola opened the restaurant for us, taught everyone his (amazing!) dance moves, and just made everyone leave with a big smile on their face. It was by far the best experience I've had in a restaurant in some time.
(5)Rod M.
This is my favorite place to eat in all of Atlanta. Simply put, the food and the service are incredible. The price is unbeatable. The Decor... well, who cares about the decor! I highly reccomend the family style dinner. Its essentially a sampling of the menu and each time i came the staff offered more portions of any plate you liked. In fact gave my friend an extra serving of both baba ghanoush and hummus along with a bag of pitas to take home! No extra charge... Now that is how you earn repeat customers! The customer service of this place makes the Four Seasons look like arby's. Even if your looking for a date spot, this place serves as a "Mario test" for women, if they cant see past the shoddy buildout and modest attempt at decoration, and appreciate the awesome food and service here then you should kick em to the curb! This place is truly never let em see ya coming. And I love it!
(5)Jodie B.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mediterranean food. This place is so awesome, I only wish I could go more often. I always get the vegetarian plate. the owner is the nicest man ever - you want to give him a big hug by the time your meal is over. its totally family owned and operated, and its great. sometimes they have really neat live music, and belly dancing - woohoo! try the rose water. yummo!
(5)Ed S.
We had family style dinner, so we can try a little bit of almost everything. Family style dinner consist of four appetizers (Hommos, Grape leaves, Artichoke hearts, Baba Ghanoush), two salads (Tabbouleh and The Mediterranean), and three entrées (Eggplant, Chicken a la beef, and Chicken Florentine). It's definitely worth every penny. An excellent food was ruined by unpleasant smell of the restaurant, otherwise I would gave 5-stars. Nicola should spend some $$ renovating his restaurant or at least getting rid of the smell. Nicola is very entertaining and funny. We had a great time watching belly dancing and learning circle dancing.
(4)Nicholas b.
Talk about a hidden gem. Apparently this place has been around for quite a while, and numerous of my chef friends here in Atlanta once worked here as teenagers washing dishes and such... the food is fresh and bountiful.... which all makes me wonder why it is never busy. Nicholas has become part of my exercise-extravaganza days, theres nothing like a huge bowl of tabboule to perk you up. The way to go is to stick to the family style options, the first is a sampler of apps and salads (Mezze), where $28 gets you five apps and four salads, all FULL portions and plenty to feed four people. Another cool aspect is how everything is bottomless, they will literally keep bringing dishes out until you ask for the check - hard to find these days. For dessert we always end with the baklava, which is not to bad at $1.94 a person... if your lucky, request the Rose petal variety. The place heats up on Fridays and Saturdays with belly dancers and live music... and yes, Nicholas himself dances around the restaurant with a glass of water balanced on his head (if you celebrate a birthday here, this is how your cake is presented as well), but I prefer the joint on its off nights (Tuesday-Thursday), the service and quite atmosphere makes it feel like my own.
(5)Sarah E.
My husband and I went to Nicola's with friends on a weekend night about a year ago. Somebody was having a birthday party there, and the place was PACKED. We ordered a hummus appetizer, which came out fairly quickly, but without any pita. Our server seemed a little rushed, which was understandable given the crowd. We weren't too perturbed about waiting for pita as there was a bellydancer performing and we were enjoying the boisterous, happy atmosphere. However, our pita problem was soon solved as a man (who I believe was the owner) marched up to our table, noticed the hummus sitting there, and yelled, "WHERE IS THE BREAD?" (Note: it was friendly yelling, not scary yelling.) We smiled (how do you NOT smile at that?) said that we didn't know. Pita was delivered to our table posthaste. We are still laughing at this story. And the hummus was delicious. The rest of our meal was good, and we really enjoyed the show (and watching the other customers make merry). Just a word of warning... if you don't like loud, clubby-feeling bellydance music, stop by on a weeknight instead.
(4)Kathy H.
Wow, who would have thought that a squat building you could fly right past at the corner of Briarcliff and LaVista could hold that much taste and charm. We just went here for a friend's birthday party and I have so say, I will be back. They have so much going for them: 1. Nicola himself. That man can dance, can joke, can get you involved and let you make a fool out of yourself while having an incredibly good time. And he is a man...at 60 something he is allowed to flirt with the best of them, and get away with it too. Oh, did I mention...HE CAN COOK! 2. Veggiesaurases welcome here. I eat meat, on occasion. But I elected to eat the veggie meal at the function we were at, and it was phenomenal...best Spanakopita I have ever had. Be aware that he uses RAW garlic in his hummus. So you are safe from Vampires for at least 3 days. The Babbaganoush was so delicious. Ahhh eggplant. sigh...in memory heaven as I type. 3. Belly dancers. We were here for the Jahara Phoenix Spectacular, but they have dancers frequently. And definitely a good show, and as others have written...REAL SEXY WOMEN'S BODYS! Not fake. Thanks for a memorable evening
(4)Kate P.
This is definitely one of Atlanta's hidden gems. I've lived in Atlanta all my life, and I've just made my first visit to Nicola's Restaurant. It's true that the decor of the restaurant is rather ordinary, but the food and the fun? Out of this world! We didn't even have water on our table before Nicola had me and my husband dancing like maniacs. Then Nicola danced over to us with my husband's open, full bottle of beer balanced perfectly on his head. He danced, he shimmied, and he didn't spill a drop! When we finally sat down to our meals, they were spectacularly savory and ample portions. And if the fun and food wasn't enough, our dinner for two with drinks and dessert was $38! Nicola's is--hands down--the most fun, most delicious, most affordable evening in Atlanta. TIP: Go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Arrive by 7:30 p.m. and eat before the dancing begins at 8 p.m. If you have a group of 5 or more, call ahead so they can reserve a table. Enjoy!
(5)Summer M.
Seriously, there's not much more I could possibly ask for from a restaurant. The service went above and beyond as the warm and friendly staff were attentive and entertaining to our table. The food was excellent and the price was reasonable. A big win.
(5)Rick D.
Went here for her birthday along with 18 of her closest friends and we all had a BLAST! I'm strictly going to review the restaurant though since I want to review the belly dancers separately so the review isn't lost on them as well! The place is small, squat and almost unnoticeable unless you know what you are looking for. We walked in and were some of the first people there. We got seated promptly (I had called ahead to make them aware we would be a party of 20) and the servers immediately came over to grab our dinner tickets and get our drink order. This is where things got a little hairy. The servers were overwhelmed. After we were seated is when the majority of the people for the show started showing up. There was mass chaos at the door and people were all crowded around and waiting on tickets and to be seated. This probably could have been handled better but in the end, everyone was seated and everyone (eventually) got their food. The waiters seemed a little rough around the edges with a large crowd but ultimately got the job done. Nicola, the owner, is a hoot! He ended up dragging her and one of the other party goes out on the floor and dancing with them. He was balancing all sorts of stuff on his head, dancing with all the women, and even took some of the little girls out on the dance floor and danced with them. It is a nice change to see an owner so involved in his business but having a good time and making sure his guests are well taken care of. We all had a blast and I would like to go back to try more of the cuisine since I'm sure what we were served was just a sampling. The babganoush and hummus were top notch! I ended up feasting on the leftovers of my sister and her husband since they didn't care much for it. Definitely, definitely, definitely try this place out! The dancing show by Jahara-Phoenix was the highlight of the evening but Im going to give them their own review since they were so good!
(4)Jeff M.
This is a fun atmosphere, don't get me wrong. I'd recommend coming here at least once. For some reason though, when I order the food is good, but not quite great. It's that one thing: either it's a bit dry, not tender enough, or just a little bland. If it weren't for that, I'd give this place 4 stars. It's still good food though. But you forget that once the singing and dancing starts. That's what was the most memorable to me.
(3)Michelle S.
OMG, what was that? Bread that came from Kroger then nuked before it was on our table, chicken that tasted like Tuna, and then belly dancing? YES, belly dancing. Now I love cheese as much as the next guy, but this is a joint that WISHES it was on Cheshire Bridge. Bottom line, nice, nice, nice, nice people who run it. Dismal atmosphere, mediocre food. Move it along folks . . .no need to stop here.
(2)Peter L.
I've been eating here for years, and the food is consistently fantastic. The atmosphere is, well kind of lacking, but the service, the food, and Nick keep me coming back. Standouts - hummus, baba ganoush, florentine chicken.
(4)Julie H.
Excellent food, flavor, and entertainment! We had a lot of fun!
(5)Alison H.
My friend from Morocco wanted to have dinner at Nicola's to celebrate his 30th birthday. He and his wife frequent the restaurant and have always spoken highly of it. When I walked into the place I wasn't impressed, but as soon as 8:00 pm hit there was a straight up Lebanese house party in the middle of the restaurant. I'm not sure what the food arrangement was (never even saw a menu), but we had a steady stream of small plates of garlicy goodness coming to our table. We sampled all the appetizers and they were FABULOUS. All of the entrees were very tasty also. Perhaps the best part of the evening was Nicola himself. He danced around the restaurant for 2 solid hours with various things balanced on his head (including my friend's birthday cake). Nicola's is a great place that feels very homey. Learn how to belly dance before you go and score a couple of dollars tucked into your pants.
(5)Ric T.
This is the best middle eastern food I have ever eaten, period!! Coming from NYC, land of the street meat and belligerent Zagat reading taxi drivers this place easily takes the cake. My brother and I opted for a family style meal, the hummus/babagadontcare to spellit are amazing.. Falafel wasnt too fried or greasy and had a light sauce that will make you order more. Salads here were good, definitely opting for the feta laced mediterranean Salad next time. Our three main entrees left us perfectly satifsied and not too full.The baklava was small, portion wise, not the best I have ever had but tasty and sweet. It was nice to know I didnt need a crane to carry me out of this place, after paying the bill. Speaking of which the family style meal ran 17 bucks per person including desert. The fact that they give your extra portions along with multiple refills make this a terrific bargain. Service here is impeccable, our waiter switched dishes to meet our needs, brought out extra hummus at no charge to have with our main entrees as well as refilling our drink close to 9 times. My brother and I are animals and certainly dont hand out free reviews on here. Honestly this was the best meal I had in a longtime. Yes the outside of this restaurant does resemble a trap house/high end meth lab.. You would pass it and not think twice. Except for the fact there are Zagat stickers all over the front door and usually a slew of high end luxury vehicles in the parking lot. Our waiter is extremely friendly, this dear Mexican gentleman helped make this a meal to remember. All the food was served hot and came in a timely manner. There was a chef/owner not sure who he was who seemed to know everyone in the joint who was eating on a first name basis. I will definitely go back to this place when I am back in Atlanta. El pollo in browntown, Strokers in Planet of the ape town & Nicola's in Harvey Milk town all make for the three must do's when in A-Town!
(5)Robyn B.
It is one of the most pleasant dining experiences I have had in a very long time. The food was great and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
(5)Mayas B.
We just went last night...and we had a blaaast! the food was amazing, we actually got several samplers and everything tasted fresh and delicious! we had fun dancing with the belly dancer and of course Nicola...he is hilarious!:))) we are going back again nezt week....yep...we are all addicted now:))
(5)Megan R.
Best hummus in Atlanta. I also love the chicken florentine. Nicola often comes out to dance as entertainment. Love this place.
(4)Barbara S.
I should be ashamed of myself for not writing a review of Nicola's yet, since I "work" there on occasion (as a belly dancer) and eat there frequently! So I'm a little biased because Nicola and the rest of the staff are kinda like family... but I want to encourage you Yelpers to go there. Food-wise, I prefer to stick with the appetizers or the vegetarian "dancer's plate" listed on the back of the menu (which is named after my teacher, Aya). Their hummus is great, fattoush salad can be lovely, the spinach pie is rich and buttery, the taboulleh is better than most, but my favorite thing is the fried artichoke hearts. I tend to skip the baba ghanoush -- it's very garlicky. But aside from the food, this is just a wonderful place to go. Nicola is absolutely committed to making sure each guest has a great time. On weekend nights, he'll get everyone in the restaurant up to dance. Sometimes it's like a high school dance party in your friend's basement... nothing ostentatious, no dance floor or fancy lights or stereo -- just all sorts of people dancing and having a great time. It's my happy place... and it could be yours too!
(5)Lana E.
I have been a frequent visitor to this fantastic restaurant for over 7 years now. I would never had known about it if it wasn't for my former dance instructor. Its always a blast when you go on a performance night. Not only do you get to see the professional belly dancers, but you also get to see Nicola dance! As everyone has said, Nicola is pretty much the life of the party, and I cannot believe how much energy that little man has! Wow, is all I can say. The food is quite good, and the best Tabbouleh and hummus I've had anywhere. I highly recommend Nicola's.
(5)Avid C.
It looks like a nondescript restaurant with a name that leads one to think that it's a typical American mom-and-pop diner, but oh how wrong you would be... Yes, it's Lebanese, which, for many, would mean a collective "huh"; however, one should really focus on the fact that it's Mediterranean. I base this on the fact that several of their main menu items are quite similar to that expected of Greek, Turkish and Serbo-Croatian food fare, and this is good. The people who served me were so friendly that I wished that they could package their skills onto a DVD, ready for distribution at the next chain restaurant that I visit. The bottom line: start with a salad (yum, yum), then order anything with lamb, beef, rice and/or potatoes, and you too will become a student of food dishes whose names I can only attempt to pronounce. I'm sold, and I'll see how hard I'll have to work to become an annoyance by my frequent visits. Thanks and cudos!
(5)Carlos C.
There is a reason this place has been around for so long. Fresh, honest, tasty (the hummus/tabouleh are perfect) Lebanese food served by friendly staff at affordable prices. Given the shortage of Lebanese options in the Atlanta area, I am surprised that Nicola's almost always has a table open. The family style dinner is the way to go - for 15 bucks per, you get 4 apps, 2 salads and 2 entrees. A great way to sample much of the menu. Bonus points for being really nice to my 2 small children.
(4)George G.
As a big fan of Lebanese food, I decided to give Nicola's a try while in Atlanta recently. I dragged 4 other friends with me and was worried they wouldn't enjoy it, as they preferred more upscale places. We got there and the interior was very plain looking with a few middle eastern touches. There was a belly dancer there, who put on a very nice show without being pushy. The owner, Nicola, was also there. He was a riot. The meze appetizer plates we got were delicious, worth at least the four star rating, but my main course wasn't nearly as good. Next time I go I will stick with the meze or order something else. That being said, the atmosphere of the place, thanks to Nicola and his staff, more than made up for it. Were it not for their attitudes, I would have probably rated the food alone 3 stars. Nicola was dancing around with full wine glasses, bottles of beer, and water goblets filled to the brim. He never spilled a drop and showed a level of energy that belied his ears. Everyone in our party was laughing and clapping and enjoying his antics, and by the end of the evening, we were up and dancing with him. One highlight of the night was when a customer, who could really dance, did some fancy moves, then a waiter took off his apron, and they had a dance off. It was straight out of the South Park dance off episode with shouts of "it's on!!" and "ooh you got served!!" They went back and forth for a while, each round outdoing the last, to great applause from the diners. It was like dinner, drinks, and a show for a very reasonable price of about $27 per person. I would happily return. (note: they only serve beer and wine)
(4)Craig S.
You need to bring an appetite. The service was great and so was all of the food. We ordered the Skewered lamb, and three appetizers. They had to practically roll us out of there. The entertainment was also a great touch. If you're looking for a place to have some fun and great food, then look no further.
(5)Carmen S.
It was a great family atmosphere and a lot of fun.
(4)Tom K.
Absolutely our favorite restaurant in Atlanta! The food is fabulous! Very fresh and authentic Lebanese food! Nicola is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Fantastic service! We highly recommend trying it out. I'm sure it will be your favorite too! We drive here all the way from Greenville SC its that good!!!
(5)Claire M.
My boyfriend and I tried Nicola's one night, because some of friends raved about this place. I personally was not a fan of the food, however Nicola's gets a 4 star due to their FANTASTIC service. We stumbled upon a night they do belly dancing...might I say such a fun sight to see! It was also a birthday, which I belive Nicola himself came out onto the floor with a cake atop his head and danced! This entertainment and quality service deserves to be recognized! Great job guys :)
(4)Cindy L.
I came here with my boyfriend once and have never forgotten about it. Then I took my aunt here for her birthday and once again, never forgot about it. If you want a memorable dinner with laughter and good food, this is the place to go. The owner is the happiest man I have ever met. I think he is Santa Claus. Starting with the food. I've had their Hommos (Hummus). Very good. I liked their Grape Leaves. I really liked their Baba Ghanoush. I ordered the Meza so I was able to try a little bit of everything. My favorite entree is their Lamb Shank (won the Silver Medal at the USA Chef Open) and the Nicola's Mediterranean Delight. I have also done the Family Style Dinner, which is the best option if you are with one or two other people. You get 4 appetizers, 2 salads, 3 entrees and the special of the day. Their Lemon Chicken and Chicken Florentine are very good so you can try one of those (or both) with the Family Style Dinner. Good flavors on everything. Now for the entertainment. The first time I came, I was tired, half asleep. I just wanted to get some good food and call it a night. The second I walked in, everyone was smiling and laughing and in the middle of dinner, everyone was dancing. The owner dances with the glass on his head. It was SO fun. My second time was for my aunt's birthday. Everyone in the restaurant got up to dance. We all made a big circle. It felt like everyone in the restaurant were friends. I loved it. Every time I leave, I want to go back in. It's very hard to leave when everything inside is making you smile from ear to ear and making you laugh. The environment is just so...happy! Bring a friend here or a small group and you will all remember this place.
(5)Dana L.
We brought a group of 20+ people here on a Saturday night! It was so much fun, wow! Nicola was an amazingly gracious host! Everyone had a wonderful time! We will definitely be back!
(5)Ash B.
Great belly dancing and happy atmosphere! Ow ever is hilarious and attentive! Will get you out of your seat to dance. We came for apps and dessert! Mmmm Turkish coffee, rose water, baklava and hummus! Will try for dinner next time for sure!
(4)Noor S.
As a Syrian/Lebanese person myself, I was expecting to eat amazing food here after reading the good reviews. But it was TERRIBLE. The only good thing was the hummus and baba ghanoush. The falafel wasn't bad but was very spicy which is unusual for falafel. The shawarma was NOT shawarma. Everything else we ordered was pretty much awful. The carpet in the restaurant was dirty, the plates and glasses were not very clean. It's is so old a dark. The waiter was nice at first but when we told him about the shawarma he said "this place has been open for a long time, if you don't like the food, others like it." Which was very rude. Overall, I do not recommend this place AT ALL. And we were the only people there, literally.
(1)Kai S.
I think it is illegal to misguide people about a dish, and this place does it par excellence. The Shawerma, is not Shawerma. The hummus had so much garlic, which resulted into a beautiful sleepless night, which makes it not hummus. The "kibbi" is not Kebeh, and the delight dish (which i have no idea from what fairy tail is that) is absolutely not delighted. This place has nothing really to do with the Middle Eastern kitchen. I lived in Syria/Lebanon for 21 years, and my family owns restaurants that have been running there for over 50 years. (the waiter snapped at me when i told him this is not shawerma, and told me this place has been here for 20 years!) I find it disrespectful for someone to do what this restaurant does. the owner might be sweet, but it does not justify his reasoning to deceive people that this is an authentic Lebanese food. Especially not by presenting it through belly dancing. Our culture is sadly dying due to the stupid political/religious war in the region, and food is the only thing we can defend being thousands miles away from there, but clearly what this restaurant is doing, is the same that got the whole region into all this problems, and that is to lie. Call the dishes "inspired by Lebanese" but don't call them Lebanese. Shame on you.
(1)David H.
Easily the best hummus and baba ghanoush in these United States. Also, the kibee and lamb shank are both worth several of your dining experiences. Nicola is probably the nicest, most upbeat person I know. The restaurant gets very crowded Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, but then is relatively empty the rest of the time. It's great for takeout, too. Don't forget the ridiculously low prices.
(5)Andy S.
This is everything people have already described. The food is absolutely delicious and I recommend the sampler plate if you have never had Lebanese food. It will rock your world. The building is deceiving from the outside but once you go inside you are transferred to what seems like Nicolas' house as he immediately greets you and keeps you entertained the whole night. Although it can get busy, I recommend going on Friday or Saturday night when he brings in the belly dancer. We cannot wait to go back!
(5)L B.
I was under the weather last week but had a craving for Nickola's Chicken Florentine (sp?). So roomie ran out and got carry out for us. So delicious, packaged up and it stayed warm for the 15 min drive. They sent plenty of pita just in case. Thanks you guys!
(5)Amin R.
Nicola's Restaurant is one in a million. It's not just excellent Mediterranean food but excellent serviced rom the staff and the owner himself. Nicolas (the owner) has contagious energy and doesn't fail to involve the entire restaurant with dancing, laughing, and having a great time. Highly recommended!!
(5)Wesley M.
This place is beyond amazing. Best atmosphere ever and the food is the delicious. Friday and Saturdays are my favorite!!! The belly dancers rock the music is a mix of American and lebanese. The owner will make you feel like family and the staff is always friendly. A MUST go for anyone coming to Atlanta for a visit an Atlantans a like. I bring everyone here with me when they visit and recommend it often to others I speak to!!!!
(5)Regina Q.
So many days I drive by this place and never thought to try it. DO NOT let the outside apeparance of this restaruant fool you! I finally tried it after finding out their meat was halal, and this is one of the best restaruant discoveries I've had in atl! The ambiance is very basic; this place is all about food and making you feel welcome. This is some legit homestyle Lebenese food and one of the best lebenese restaurants I've had in atl. Nicola himself is soo welcoming and jolly, you can truly tell this restaurant is his passion. He loves making people smile and is excited that you're there. He does cool balancing tricks with the glasses at the restaurant and can even twerk. A reason alone enough to check this place out. I am so impressed with the food. I'm not really a fan of hummus, but I really love it here. Tasted super fresh. Our waiters were really friendly and tried to answer our questions about the food. They gave us complimentary hummus and baba ganoush, so nice of them! You can tell this is a family run business. I ordered the shawarma plate, a combo of sliced beef and shredded lamb. This isn't your typical pre-packaged shawarma or what you might ordinarily think of when you order shawarma, but it was really yummy. This is lebenese style swhwarma that's super tender and juicy! We also tried the chicken florentine. I LOVED this one and I highly recommend. The sauce was soo creamy and savory, total comfort food! The dishes came with a side of rice, garlic sauce, and cooked veggies in a tasty tomato sauce. The menu isn't huge without a whole lot of options, but I have a feeling all the items on the menu are all great. There's an eggplant dish i've been eyeing on the menu, excited to try that.Check this place out!
(4)GiGi M.
Tried three different dishes, all were dry and bland. Terrible service. I don't know why it has such great reviews.
(1)Andrea M.
I am literally addicted to The babhaganoush here!! And Nichola is literally one of the most kind, considerate and spirited people I have ever met :)
(5)Washington I.
The food is great, authentic Lebanese confirmed by my Lebanese friends. family style dinner is a delicious deal. belly dancing with the owner is entertaining although the music can get a bit loud.
(4)Pamela S.
Great hummus and delicious lamb shawarma. The complimentary baklava at the end of the meal was a nice touch. Waiter was friendly and accommodating.
(4)Amanda S.
We tried this place out for my friend's birthday, since the reviews were good; we gave it a shot. Thank goodness we did! The food was amazing (like right out of Nana's kitchen), the staff was great, the belly dancing was incredible, and of course ... Nicola was SO great! He treats his restaurant patrons as if you are friends eating in his home. An experience that should not be passed up. I have not found many great Lebanese restaurants in town, and this place is to die for and very, very reasonable prices (possibly under priced!) I will certainly be back! Thanks for a great night out!
(5)Lillian D.
I came here on a dinner date with my boyfriend, and everything was simply wonderful. We were seated immediately, and someone brought us water and warm pita with butter right away. We ordered the falafel and grape leaves as appetizers, and they were delicious! I have never had falafel that good before. It has such great flavor and comes with a creamy sauce on top, lettuce and tomatoes. The grape leaves were warm, filled with rice and meat, and came with a yogurt dipping sauce. I could have eaten more of both. For entrees we ordered the beef and lamb shawarma, and the lamb shank. Both plates came with rice, and veggies in a tomato sauce. The lamb was cooked to perfection and slid right off the bone. We were so stuffed that we had to box it up and take home. It reheats into a good snack the next day. Despite being full we ordered the rose petals for dessert with coffee. The rose petals weren't what we were expecting, but did not disappoint. They are a sweet, thinly fried pastry that pairs perfectly with the strong coffee. By the time received our check we realized we hadn't been there an hour, so it's very fast yet quality service. Nicola personally thanked us for dining, and wished us a good evening. There were 2 large parties celebrating birthdays, and Nicola played music and danced as celebration. Seeing him greet and interact with customers was really awesome. I would definitely recommend this place, and it's good for large parties because they have family style appetizers and platters for reasonable prices. The food is amazing quality for a great price - anywhere in Midtown you would pay double. Definitely recommend!
(5)Tim K.
The family dinner is the way to go. An excellent sampler of some well prepared Lebanese dishes. Unassuming from the outside. Saturday nights the inside comes alive. Nicola engages the entire place with dancing and great times. Professional belly dancers preform to make this place a hidden gem. A great family place to have a dining experience like no other. A must if you've never been. Like coming home if you have
(5)Shannon P.
Went here for my birthday party. The food was so fresh and delicious. Lamb shank to die for and Nicola was the best host ever! Belly dancer was great. You feel like your at someones home, very welcoming Definitely recommend.
(5)Jackie V.
Wish I would have come here sooner - this place is great! The food is reasonably priced and delicious. I went with a group of 10 friends, we were able to make a reservation and sit down on time. Ordered the family style menu which offered us a way to taste a lot of the dishes - only $16 and so much food! The variety is great, service is great, and Nicola provides the entertainment. From his wine balancing to dancing to getting the crowd to dance - great time had by all. Nothing fancy inside, but who cares if you are having that much fun!
(5)Robert S.
We have known Nick and his family since 1982. He is one of the sweetest men we've ever known and will do anything for anybody. He is one of the hardest working people we've ever known too. Several of you have mentioned about the "plain" outside and "undecorated" inside. This is because it needs a woman's touch, perhaps a redoing. His wife was my best friend and I miss her every day. I love the belly dancing and the tricks he does. My daughter was raised socializing there and now our grandson loves Nick too. He is genuine with children and wants everybody there. He is an awesome cook. I love the hummus, lemon chicken, salads, all the desserts. My husband eats the lamb shank and my daughter eats the meditterean delight plate. It is FUN and a place to spend a wonderful upbeat dinner evening. He welcomes children too. He has a private room for parties, receptions or whatever. We love all the waiters too. NOTE: Lebonese people eat late so if you go early and it s empty, rest assured that it is full of reservations later on. I hope you never quit Nick.....Luv U, Robert and Dora Cleveland, Georgia
(5)Melissa B.
If there was an option to give this restaurant more stars I would! Excellent ambience, comfortable, warm and inviting. You definitely feel like part of the family. The food was incredible and dare I say inexpensive for the taste. Nicola is an amazing host and proprietor! My husband will definitely remember this birthday!!!
(5)Morty H.
First off, I have taken 15+ people to Nicolas that have never tried Middle Eastern cuisine. Every single one of them thanked me and raved how wonderful the food is. Secondly, the atmosphere: Nicola is the atmosphere. This man is a showman and an absolute joy. Every person is treated like an old friend. Everyone leaves this place with a new positive view on "real" folks from the Middle East. Wonderful, caring, passionate people willing to open their arms and homes to any stranger and treat them like a king!
(5)Deborah H.
We ordered food to serve 30 people and it was personally delivered by Nic and all were very vocal on their comments-they especially liked the baba ganoush (best they ever had most said and i agree) and the different meat dishes kibbi and another with bulger wheat were delicious. Highly recommended.
(4)Anita C.
I have been here at least 5 times. Not only because I live less than a mile away, but because their food is delicious and very very inexpensive!! I always get the Nicola's Delight, which comes with a variety of things: hummus, baba ganoush, two different types of salads, and a few other meat items that I can't recall. In the evenings on Sundays there's a belly dancer, or two. It's always very entertaining. They also make some other tables dance in a circle with them! It's like dinner and a show!
(4)Rick C.
The positives are that this place has been around for a very long time, and the owner (Nick) is an endearing man who still works at the restaurant, dances around, and chats with the customers. Their Mediterranean food is a bit simple but it's decent overall. Although the shawarma isn't really traditional shawarma, as others have pointed out, I found both the lamb and beef to be tasty. The pita bread served with meals is very ordinary and similar to what you get from a package of plain, thin pita at Kroger. The potatoes in a tomato based sauce, served with combination plates, are excellent. The baba ganoush was fair; it was not nearly as good as that served at nearby Ameer's or even Mediterranean Grill. Tabouli was decent; nothing special. Falafel was fair; not nearly as good as either of the aforementioned two restaurants. Lastly, we had some baklava, which seemed rather dry. I'm not sure if it had been sitting around for awhile but we were not at all impressed. I have to think that many of the raving reviews for this restaurant are from long-time fans and "friends" of the restaurant and owner. I'm sure he is a wonderful person but realistically, this place is very dated both in appearance and food. It's rather dark and dingy inside; if you order a soda, you are brought a 12 ounce can and glass - no fountain drinks (or free refills of course). The plates are cheap, clear plastic. And whover is commenting about the unbelievably low prices...don't believe. Don't get me wrong; it's not expensive. But there is no difference in price between this place and most of the casual Mediterranean places in the area. Two adults and one child, no alcoholic beverages: total was $60 with tip and tax. Expensive? No. Cheap or incredible value? No - not for what it is. We did visit on a Friday night about 8 p.m. and it might have been an off night, but it was at about half-capacity. Overall, we would maybe consider trying it again, but the reality is that there are several options nearby that are simply better Mediterranean food...and even in some cases, a better value, too. I guess if you want the belly dancing, that would be the difference!
(3)Cameron G.
Be sure you know what you're getting yourself into before you go to Nicola's on a Friday or Saturday. There will be dancing, and Nicola himself will almost insist that you join in on the dancing, even if you don't want to. If you easily feel embarrassed or really don't like slightly awkward situations, go on a down night. Otherwise, go and a Friday/Saturday, and be ready for some fun. Nicola will make it rain; he'll dance like crazy; he'll balance things on his head (e.g., lit cakes, wine, glasses) while dancing; he'll have you poor wine into a glass that's balanced on his head; he'll try to get you to play the drums; he'll put sparkling dance skirts on girls; he'll randomly shout "10% off and free dessert for everyone"; and much much more. The whole experience is even better if you come with a big group. O yea, and there's good food. He has lots of Mediterranean options (including vegetarian meals), and everything tastes great. I recommend the vegetarian plate on the back of the menu. It comes with a little bit of almost everything (except meat).
(5)Mary S.
Great Entertainment! Nicholas is a show man and party man. As for the food, I recommend sticking to drinks and eating at Ameer's Mediterranean Grill instead which is at walking distance.
(3)