Nicola’s
521 S 13th St, Omaha, NE, 68102
Nicola’s Menu
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Soup & Salads
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Pasta Della Nicola's
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Panini Della Nicola's
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Pizzas Della Nicola's
Healthy Meal suggestions for Nicola’s
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Soup & Salads
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Pasta Della Nicola's
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Panini Della Nicola's
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Pizzas Della Nicola's
Visit below restaurant in Omaha for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Omaha for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
521 S 13th St
Omaha, NE, 68102 - Phone (402) 345-8466
- Website https://www.nicolasintheoldmarket.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Sherri P.
All around fantastic. Looking forward to dinning here again next time in Omaha. Family flew in late, we had heard from a local that Nicola's was a good place to dine. Without reservations we arrived at 9:05pm from the airport, asked if we still could be seated. Yes!!! Graciously we were seated and we proceeded to have a delicious family celebration dinner. Food and servious was outstanding. Thank you
(5)Joseph N.
I and three companions had dinner at Nicola's one evening while passing through the area - we make a point of finding local places for meals while traveling whenever possible. The service was good - not incredible but very good. Things moved a little slow, but it was a busy night. The bruschetta was nice, if a little dry. They were glad to provide a small container of olive oil to help with that, though. I had the chicken fettucine and was absolutely blown away. It was incredible. A very rich and garlicky cream sauce. The chicken could have been a bit more tender, but did not detract from the dish. What sealed the fifth star, though, was the dessert. A gigantic, warm, just half-baked brownie with house-made ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. Almost hated to eat the last bite, it was so amazing. As others have mentioned, the patio is very nice. The chairs are a little on the uncomfortable side, and the mosquitos were terrible on this particular night, but the staff was happy to move us inside for dessert. Be HUNGRY when you come to Nicola's. You'll need the space.
(5)billy c.
My favorite Italian in the Old Market. Small, simple, restaurant, with great patio; perfect for Sunday evening meals outside. Food never fails - nor does the service.
(4)Ryan t.
I've gotten to a point where if I haven't heard a lot of hype about a restaurant in Omaha, I wonder if there's a serious problem with it, particularly if it's downtown. I had never heard of Nicola's, no one had ever recommended it to me even though most of my friends know that I like Greek food. Needless to say, I had my guard up when my wife suggested we eat dinner here. I was pleasantly surprised. I had fettuchine topped with a large piece of salmon and lobster ravioli, which was all very good. I usually eat one bite of a house salad before pushing it aside and ordering another cocktail, but the house salad here is incredible. I ate the entire plate, which I think might be a first. The wine list is also worth mentioning, just because of the quality. I wouldn't call the wine list extensive, but what is available is fantastic. The dining area is small, so definitely call for reservations regardless of your party's size. The good news is that you're in Omaha, and no one eats dinner after 7:30 pm anyway, so you'll never have a problem getting a table after that time. I would like to come back in warmer months and sit outside.
(4)Rosalina R.
I don't know why but I have always been sketch to try this place out-wellI finalyl did one night and actually had a pretty good experience. I had a salmon and veg dish with a side salad while myhusband had soem tortellini with procuitto...The appetizer, bruschetta, was weak, that being said skip the app and just get a side salad...but our dinners were both pretty savory and well prepared. Service was how I like it- prompt and firendly without being overbearing. I'll go back- when it warms up- seems likea nice place to overindulge in my favorite vino...
(4)Tim H.
We have since been back to Nicola's on a few occasions and consider it to be some of the better Italian food in Omaha. Nicola's is a very quaint restaurant and off the main Old Market "drag". For the price you get great portions and great food. When thinking Italian food, Nicola's should be at the top of the list.
(4)sydney w.
only come thru Omaha once a year... always have dinner here. fab food & staff!
(5)jessica j.
Fantastic people, wonderful food, and an amazing atmosphere. Some of the best Italian I've ever had
(5)Heather A.
I would love to be giving a complete review for this restaurant, but our experience did not allow for that opportunity. My husband and I were searching for something new to us on a Saturday evening to celebrate a birthday. Husband called in advance to see if there was availability and make a reservation. The waitstaff assured us that they were wide open early in the evening and took our reservation. We arrived before our reservation time and were greeted by an unorganized staff. They remembered taking our phone call but had forgotten to request our name and therefore did not hold our reservation. We were offered seats at the bar that were less than ideal, right next to the door on a cold night. Staff did not seem apologetic and tried to blame us for the error. Not the best first impression...
(2)S F.
I've been to this little restaurant 3 times now with really good results. The pasta has always be beautifully prepared and the sauces are very flavorful. The antipasto plate is very nice with a good selection of meats and cheeses. Sandwiches are excellent as well. The only downside in my opinin is the house salad. They use mesclun then they top it with a sweet house dressing. Not really to my liking.
(4)Melanie S.
This place is wicked awesome. The first time I ate their meatballs, had s flashback to a earlier time in my life of complete bliss, basically like the food critic from the movie Ratatouille. The entree was amazing, I tried their lasagna, which is their signature dish. Best Italian food ever! The staff was friendly as well.
(5)Katie R.
We are 160 miles from home. Stopped in for lunch with our daughter who had surgery and had not had real food for 2 weeks. The food was amazing. Her Alfredo was so creamy. The penne was delish I picked the 3 for spice level was perfect for me. My husband had the spaghetti special level 4 spicy. It was great The salad had a sweet dressing...very good. The lemon cake was to die for!
(5)Jackie F.
This is my absolutely favorite Italian place in all of Omaha. Perfect date night location. I met my boyfriend's parents here. I took my Dad here. I can't say enough good stuff about this place. The portions are generous. The pesto will fill you up for a day. There are a few seafood raviolis that are also spectacular and despite only coming with about a dozen raviolis or tortilinis will definitely leave you feeling full. The salads are always good and pretty unique; I really appreciate that it isn't just some limp iceberg that's been sitting in dressing all day. I love bruschetta and theirs is some of the best. The service is great. The place does get busy so you'll probably need a reservation on Friday or Saturday night, especially during the colder months when the patio isn't open. My favorite Italian place in Omaha, hands down the best. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
(5)Royal B.
Cleanliness 4 Service 3 Food 5 Likelihood 4 1-5 (5 Best!) 4.0 Late lunch for two please. We choose the patio, the temperature inside was unbearable. Service was off to a slow start, and we DID end on a good note. This was my first try. I think that Malara's is the best piece of lasagna in this area, and have thought so for ten years. I will say that THIS piece of lasagna is now my 2nd favorite. It was a great sauce! It is not a sweat sauce, it is flavorful and full. A nice portion, and just perfect. Not too much of anything. VERY well done, thank you. I loved my fresh salad that was NOT iceberg lettuce. THANK YOU, again. We were offered a piece of lemon cake and we gladly accepted, it was INCREDIBLE. I would have the same thing again. THIS is one of the places that I would drive even an hour for. GOOD stuff!!! Must return again soon.
(4)Carrie M.
Mama Mia let's MANGA (Italian for EAT). This may be the closest real Italian I have had anywhere in the US. My husband and I split a Portabella Mushroom Ravioli and the lemon cake. The entree came with salad and bruschetta. It was plenty for two. The staff was fantastic and you could tell by their warmth to most guests that there are a TON of regulars. My biggest suggestion, book a reservation and come hungry. Fantastico!
(5)Vick A.
THE BEST Italian dining downtown. Wonderful people, great atmosphere with a chicken marsala to write home about.
(5)Adam J.
Wife and I went for our 5 month anniversary (cheesy, I know) so I wanted to take her to something special. I read some of the reviews and thought I'd try it. I got reservations for 8 pm which was fine and when I got there it was quite busy. We were seated outside and waited ten minutes until the server even greeted us. We split a bottle of wine and ordered our entrees. My wife is a diet coke addict so she got that as well. Fifteen minutes later a couple sat down near us and were greeted almost immediately. We got our salads a little bit later and waited almost half an hour after we ordered until our entrees arrived. We were at the point where we weren't even hungry anymore but she managed to eat all of hers, I only had half of mine. She never received a refill of her diet coke even though it was empty twenty minutes after we sat down. Server (Adam) never told us how much longer the food was going to take during that cruel half hour. The couple next to us who arrived fifteen minutes later had an appetizer, entree and dessert and were still paying before us when we only had drinks and an entree. Food was great but the service was poor. I'll go back but just wish I have a different server when I go back.
(3)Rob L.
Stopped in on a Sunday night looking for good food and a relaxing atmoshere. Was not disappointed. Older building with lots of charm. Outside patio was not too busy and very comfortable. The food was surburb. Service was good, even though the waiter was a bit forgetful. Quality food and service at resonable prices. Will stop in again, next time in Omaha.
(5)Heather M.
My husband and I were looking for a quaint romantic place to go for our 1st anniversary. Not only did it fit the bill, but the food was heavenly. I've havent had Italian food so fresh since living in NY. We started with cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto that was outstanding and the perfect way to start our meals. We then had our main course I had the Shrimp Scampi Ravioli complete mouthgasm. The sauce was not heavy, the flavors were like a symphony in your mouth. My husband had the Penne al Ragu that he said the sauce tasted like it came straight from the garden. I've never seen my husband so excited about a meal. For dessert I had the Lemon cream cake that was very moist and full of flavor the perfect dessert to finish my meal. My husband had the tiramisu that was as he said the best he's ever had. Finally the service was the best we've ever had anywhere in the Omaha/Lincoln area. We can't wait to return!!!
(5)Levinia T.
Here it is folks...first 5 in Omaha! a few friends and I were deciding on what to have for lunch this weekend, and Nicola's was on the list. Unfortunately we decided we would meet elsewhere, so I took it upon myself to walk the 2.5 blocks from my hotel to Nicola's for dinner tonight! Boy, was I pleased! Nichola's has a warm, inviting atmosphere and is extremely cozy and charming. I sat at the bar and was immediately served. I ordered the spaghetti bolognese and it came with two slices of bruschetta and a house salad. The house salad caught me off guard with the subtle sweet taste in the dressing. It tasted fresh, and of course the server couldn't give me the recipe, which I can appreciate. The pasta was cooked perfect! Slightly al dente, just the way I like it...and the bolognese was some of the best I have ever tasted. It was buttery, packed with tomato flavor, and the perfect creaminess. The server warned me about the portion size...go hungry!! At the beginning of the meal, she also enlightened me by telling me about dessert...so I knew to save room. I ordered the italian lemon cake. It was so light and fresh. There was a vanilla bean crumble on top of the decadent frosting..making every bite perfect. I fully intend on becoming a regular at this tiny italian restaurant...
(5)Nathan C.
Everything tasted freshly made. They keep the place a bit chilly. If you're skinny ask for a place in back.
(4)David C.
I'm not much on Italian food but this place rocks. I had lobster ravioli that hit my tastebuds slap-dad in the middle! The flavored of the ragu was fantastic! You can't go wrong.
(5)Jon N.
Locally owned with the owners a part of the action. My wife and I were told to try here for a date night and obliged. The patio on a summer night makes this a great atmosphere with the instrumental music in the background. Be warned, as it sits on the corner you will hear all the hot rodders and crotch rockets that drive by that get stopped at 13th. We started the night with a couple drinks, a glass of Moscato and a Bellini (you get your choice of Peach or Strawberry). The Bellini is marketed well, as most of the menu, but nothing to write home about. Get a drink you like that you know or drill the server so you know what you're getting. For our appetizer, we selected the Antipasto Italiano. Its what you would expect from the description, prepared in 4 servings. The only disappointment was the description of "bruschetta." With this establishment, I think its fair to day there are two standards or levels of interpretation. The appetizer bruschetta is what most other areas serve, diced tomato and care put into the dish, while what's included with this dish is a slice of bread, with sliced tomato and grated Parmesan cheese. The menu also makes mention of the bread being toasted on a panini press. This might be true for the appetizer but not for what's served with the appetizer or your meal. The meals came with a complimentary Italian salad. The dressing that is include is sweeter than tangy and was done quite well. If you're the type that likes fresh cracked pepper with your salad, keep dreaming. As for the meal, I had the Tortellini al Formaggio & Prosciutto (14.95). The description that they provide and is spot on. it was full of flavor, but not overbearing. The sauce is rich but not heavy. For me, this was a total slam dunk and very much worth the price you were paying for. My wife had the Spaghetti Aglio & Olio and added the shrimp. The add on price might feel excessive, but these are butterflied shrimp and are far from wimpy. This dish is also true to the description. For the lighter eater or more calorie conscious, this is a great go to. If we were to do it again, I think both of us would have switched dishes, say chicken breast instead of shrimp. We ended the night with dessert, a favorite of ours is a cannoli. For a Saturday night, I was very disappointed to hear that the vanilla was out so we had to settle for chocolate. It was rich and large in serving size. After having a meal like this, one is plenty to share between two adults. Service is the other component that made this such a mediocre experience. The only positive was the attitude of our server and that was even at half effort. When asking for food quality, it was after a bite in and he was never to be seen again. I really think the pitfall is due to the management or leadership of the restaurant. They deliver high quality food, but getting people through is another opportunity. Granted it is said labeled as a "leisurely" experience, I felt this was a cover for pitfalls. Seating for this establishment is 1/3 inside and 2/3 outside. One of the owners was serving tables while the other was manning the register. I was initially offended when the male owner, I say that because he introduced himself as Nicola's husband to another party, checked in with another table to clear the table of dirty trays, that he didn't have the courtesy to see how my meal was or how my wife and I were doing considering he was serving the table next to us until I realized he had his own bank of patrons to take care of. Maybe it was a staffing emergency or unforeseen call-ins that created this shortage, one can only know. I'd be more willing to accept that, but when there are 6 servers/runners standing around and a guy wearing a chef's coat, in plain sight as you walk in the front door, eating a popsicle, I think there's room for improvement. All in all, the food is as competitive as any other in the market, but I think a lot of that credit goes to a strong team in the back of the house, which definitely makes this worthy of trying. This is especially true if you're the type that isn't fond of getting a highly priced dish only to be able to eat half of it or less and take the rest room, which we all know doesn't taste as good as it did when you were at the restaurant. The front of the house is what will keep me avoiding this place for awhile.
(3)Christina S.
Meals are a little slow but so so good!!!! Had the lasagna and husband had lobster ravioli and we both were more than pleased! So good!
(5)Mike S.
Great spot to have some wine and sit on the patio in the good months. Not my favorite when I have to sit inside, but that is just me. You can get a great gift basket and the food always looks good. I, however, just get wine. Give them a shot and you won't be saddened by it
(4)Kathy D.
I enjoyed my dinner here at Nicola. The foods were great. The reason why I gave this place a four star is because of the parkings. They don't have their own parkings so you have to park on the street and it can be a hassle especially over the weekend. They also don't give you all you can eat breads. Each entree comes with two tiny bruschetta unlike any other Italian restaurant. Their chiclet fettuccine Alfredo was delicious and I highly recommend it!
(4)Adam H.
Yikes, my second and last awful Nicola's experience. The first time I was served a chicken sandwich instead of the chicken pizza that I was told to stop in and order specifically by the owner himself - we experienced a rude server also IMO who blamed the mess up on me and gave no apology or care. The second and recent trip we were told to pick a table outside on the patio and we would be served right away. It was not a particularly full patio for Saturday lunch. We sat and had no water or menus for 23 minutes after sitting down and checking in on Yelp. Two couples were walked and seated with waters and menus as we sat empty tables. We finally got 2 waters from the older server lady. No menus. Then our actual server came up to us with 2 more waters to put next to the waters we had already and still no menu was given to us. This is okay because we know EXACTLY what we came for: their"famous" Italian cream cake. The first thing we told our server immediately on her late arrival was how we waited months to get it together on a date downtown. We split fettuccine pasta although we really just wanted cake and ate light save room for it. It costs $4 or so to share an entree with your date FYI. We ate the side salad and pasta which was actually pretty good. Our server came up to us and took our empty plates and told us they had NO CAKE left for us! They gave away our slice of cake... can you believe it?? Boo! We were massively bummed. 1.5 hours later after 4 waters, a decent plate of fettuccine tortellini, two small side salads, two Moretti beers for our nerves, no cake = $40.00 with tip. To think we could've went to Buvette, Market House or Pizza King really is the tough part to swallow. Have your cake and eat it too Nicola's. We won't be back- too risky.
(1)Tobias H.
Great little restaurant hidden right behind the Hyatt. Most of the restaurants in Old Market as busy and noisey but this one was a bit quieter - mostly due to its small size. We ate outside on the patio while it was raining but the trees above us served as an umbrella. The food was great, as was the selection of liquors and beers. Definitely will come back if I am ever in Omaha again.
(5)Rustin L.
So we went here based on the recommendations of Yelp and apparently came on the wrong day. We were seated within minutes of arriving, which indicates that it wasn't packed or beyond capacity. It took 10 minutes to get orders in--thank goodness we ordered both the appetizer and meals at the same time--but no silverware or plates. After another 15 minutes, we finally got the appetizer... and had to ask for silverware. So now, nearly a half hour after arriving we're left to hang out on the patio with nary an explanation of where are entrees were. Then, 50 minutes after arriving, we finally get our order: 2 sandwiches, a salad with chicken, and beef raviolis. Nothing complicated and certainly not worth that much of a wait, even if it is "made fresh to order." I'd like to say the food was worth the time, but it wasn't anything special. Very disappointed and zero effort by the staff to express regret or make our stay bearable just means we'll probably not ever come here again.
(2)Katelyn E.
I came for lunch with some coworkers the other day and we all really enjoyed it. Tucked away from the Old Market, Nicola's is located on a corner, and has a patio that spreads out along Jackson Street. While the inside is pretty tight and can maybe only hold 15 people. The outside is much larger, so try and visit here during nice weather. The food was good - very authentic tasting. One of my coworkers actually went to college with Nicola and while I didn't actually meet the owner, my coworker had nice things to say about her. Moderately priced and conveniently located, this is a great hidden gem. It's not crawling with lots of people, like other restaurants in the Old Market, but it's just as good, if not better.
(4)Mel M.
I am so pleased with my decision to try Nicola's for my birthday dinner. After looking at reviews and a suggestion from a friend, I was most satisfied by my experience from start to finish. Great service, delicious meal and mouthwatering dessert. I can't wait to go back. Tips: Try the lasagna, lemon cake, and cannoli!!
(5)Debra K.
This was our 28th anniversary and we were looking for a new Italian to try. Food is good - not exceptional. It's understaffed and crowded. We felt we were in the middle of chaos. I called on a Mon for a Sat reservation and asked to please give us a more private table. We arrived and at first they tried to put us at a table in the line of traffic and practically with the couple at the next table. Saw an empty table a bit more secluded and they wouldn't give it to us. It stayed empty for another 40 minutes. Did move us one table over where a waiter ( not ours ) kept having to excuse himself to me so he could grab more glasses. Too chaotic. We won't be back until they can provide a calmer atmosphere. Whole staff seemed stressed out.
(3)Jon P.
The only reason I won't give 1 star is because the food was good. Service was TERRIBLE. We were told table would be ready 30 minutes before we were seated. Apparently all the glasses were dirty because we ended up with snifters of water with nothing else offered and the glasses were never refilled. Waiter never even checked back at our table. If you plan to eat here call ahead for reservation or plan on waiting till eternity and then some. The food is fresh and tastes authentic which is only redeeming quality of this place.
(2)Mindy M.
The owner of Nicola messaged me, after reading this review, to apologize. She had a catering event and was not there tonight. She said she would send a gift certificate for another meal. I am sorry she wasn't there because we chose this restaurant because of all the good reviews. So I am here to amend my review to be fair to what is obviously a business owner that works hard and treasures her namesake's reputation and integrity. The food was good and fresh. If the service and atmosphere were better when we visited I would have rated it higher. I respect that Nicola read my first review and responded so fast. SHE gets 5 stars!! We will give it another try. Thank you Nicola.
(5)Heather S.
Love Nicola's! It is one of my most favorite Omaha restaurants. Tonight I had the fettuccini with salmon - it was perfect with a light garlic lemon cream sauce. My favorite thing about Nicola's is the little bistro feel of it. It is authentic, small, everything is cooked to order. Plus you can't beat the patio in the summer time!
(5)Paul C.
Time to get started again on my "new to the city" reviews of places everyone else in town has likely tried. I first saw this restaurant when I was walking around going to sushi downtown and thought what a quaint little place it looked like from outside Then I saw the outside seating and realized it wasn't that little. I arrived right as they were opening on Saturday and was immediately greeted by the entire staff (almost overkill but still nice). I chose to sit inside due to the heat but this looks like a GREAT spring/fall place for outside seating. The menu wasn't overly extensive but most of the menu was very appealing to me. I was ultimately torn between the crab ravioli and the lasagna. I rarely order lasagna when I go out since most recipes are the same from one place to another and not overly appealing to me. This time, however, the description was different from the norm and I decided to give it a try. I was brought a house salad for starters and the dressing was quite good and not overly tart. THEN, the main course, The lasagna came with 2 meatballs and a healthy helping of marinara. I am normally not a big fan of ether but the meatballs were nice and moist plus they were perfectly seasoned. The marinara had a great flavor but, more important to me, had a little "kick" on the spicy side! The lasagna itself was nicely prepared and had a great flavor. I was too full for dessert (well, at least for here) but the waitress did offer (bonus) and the staff all thanked me for coming in on my way out (although there were many more patrons in). I will definitely find my way back here and highly recommend it if you are in the market area.
(4)Michele R.
Overall good experience. The terrace was nice, and service was decent. Main courses were very flavorful and not overly done. Their tiramisu is however the worst I have ever had. It's my husband's favorite dessert so we get it a lot and truly it taste awful. They were out of other desserts because apparently they are brought by around 7 pm daily.
(4)Lori H.
Delicious traditional Italian. Crab and lobster ravioli has a spicy tomato sauce with capers for a fresh red sauce. The traditional red sauce served on most of the meat dishes is amazing and highly recommended. All entrees come with a house salad. Also had the Italian appetizer and cannoli. Honestly, everything was great!
(5)Teddy W.
Very eloquent, and original with a romantic feel. I was pleasantly surprised with the Italiano appetizer our waiter suggested. Our dinner came out looking like something from the pages of a magazine, and tasted even better. We finished our meal with a lemon cake dessert that was heavenly. If your looking for a quick Italian meal in under 30 minutes go to Fazolis. If you want to have a beautiful meal, and be able to enjoy conversation while you eat in the historic Old Market than go to Nicolas. 5 stars, very impressed. Teddy
(5)Leslie C.
Oh my god. I live in Denver and came here while on business. Penne di Ragu to die for! Wine list had Banfi Centine, my favorite, for a fair price. Server slash bartender went above and beyond for our merry band of misfits seeking a casual meal and a good bottle of wine. LOVE! You can't get a meal this good and service this attentive for this price in Denver.
(5)Ed B.
Once again, another pleasant surprise in Omaha. Tonight finds me in the downtown part, enjoying the fare of a quaint little place which, like the Italian language, is one of nuance and subtlety. This little place is located just north of 13th and Jackson...and if you are not looking, you will miss it. If that happens, I weep for you. When I entered, my first though was of a 'fusion' of sorts between Italian and western decor...a small quaint place with a patio (which I initially missed...)but a nice little bar when you enter, with soft music, concrete floors, but wood paneling...a bit of everything. The menu was varied, with a little bit of everything...all reasonably priced...I had the lasagna with meatballs (pictured) with a salad and, for dessert, a slice of lemon cake...nice....very nice. The portions were generous, the sauce fantastic, and it made me vow to live another day so that I can return. Now...let's get to the best part...the staff. From the moment I entered, I felt welcomed and relaxed...located on the edge of the downtown restaurant district (its only flaw..) the folks here made their efforts second nature...I was greeted warmly, invited to partake in their conversations, and discussed the menu with the owner as she prepared a dessert offering before sending it off to the kitchen to be finished. I was uncertain about my choice for dinner, (as this would be my only visit...for now), so she put together ' a bit of everything' to satisfy my curiosity... For dessert, I was going to have tiramisu until I was corrected...while not normally a fan, I had lemon cake and LOVED IT!!! It has been said that the kitchens in restaurants wash lots of plates...in good ones, the plates are cleaned up by the customers so they only need to be rinsed...Here, I would not be surprised if many plates were never returned.!!! If you are looking for ordinary, run of the mill, and loud, keep moving...if you want something good, quaint, and worthy of your business, call ahead for a reservation and be prepared for a wonderful time!
(4)Mikala H.
I don't know how many times I must have walked past this place and never noticed it, but this hidden gem is definitely worth a try. With some nice outdoor seating, it's great for lunch in the summertime or an affordable, nice business lunch. I had the fettuccine alfredo pasta with the salmon upgrade. It was FABULOUS. Plenty of quality food that is reasonably priced. The service was very friendly and prompt. We sat outside, and it was a lovely lunch on a lovely day.
(4)Matt M.
I know I have reviewed Nicola's before but it seems to have vanished so here's a new one. This is a great little locally owned italian place in the Old Market. The staff is accommodating and the food never fails to please. I have had many items here over the years but the most recent visit was the lasagna with meatballs and it was great. My gf ordered the pasta carbonara and loved it also. If you are looking for a charming little spot in the market you have found it here.
(4)Mary K.
I'm giving this place 3 stars because the food was pretty good. I was with 3 other people and they liked their food. I got the lobster ravioli and it arrived with a bunch of diced tomatoes on top. I've ordered it before at other places and it always came with a tomato cream sauce. This was not a good sauce at all. The raviolis were pretty good but the sauce ruined the dish. I feel like a can of diced tomatoes was dumped on top. It was also not hot. The real problem was the service. We sat at least 10 minutes , maybe longer, without anyone even acknowledging we were there. At this time there was only 1 other table with people. I finally got up and asked if we could get a waiter. From that point on our service was horrible. We were completely ignored. He never came back to refill our waters, to see if we wanted another glass of wine and we had to ask him to take our dirty plates away. The place was completely full with people waiting when we left. Yes the food was good but the service was horrible. I did leave 15% but only because my son has been a waiter and he told me I should. There are many good restaurants in Omaha that have good service AND good food. I doubt I will ever go back and we were very disappointed. If you read the other reviews you'll see that others have also complained about poor service.
(3)Matt B.
Great food. Bruschetta was. Excellent. Great house salad dressing. My fav. Omaha Italian place
(5)Mark G.
Food was great! Had lasagne and loved it! Large enough portion to spit. They serve two meatballs, and a salad with the entree. Service was lacking. Not very attentive. Water was never refilled though my glass was empty. We got there at 8:55 and were told the kitchen was closing in 5 minutes.
(4)Sara K.
Oh it saddens me to write this review. I wanted to love Nicola's, but just couldn't. My parents and I went for a meal before they moved away. It was all of our first times...we had made a reservation for 7pm early in the day, but then still had to wait for about 15 minutes to be seated. I get that the place is small, but it is OK to tell someone calling for a reservation that you cannot get them in until 7:15 or 7:30. We ordered the rustico antipasto and it was delicious! I have never thought to put sundried tomatoes on my bruchetta, but it has become a must! For our entrees, I got the Creamy Marsala, which was good. It was very sweet though. So just remember that before you order. My father ordered the lasgane which he enjoyed. My mother ordered the lobster ravioli which was very fishy. I always thought it was pretty hard to get fishy lobster, even in Omaha, but that is not the case here. The saddest part of the meal though, was finding out the pasta is not made fresh in house. I was very disappointed to learn this as they boast "making everything fresh in their tiny kitchen, just as it was done in Italy." Although this didn't ruin the meal, as I did enjoy mine & my father seemed happy, it did put a damper on the meal. For dessert, we had a cannoli- half chocolate, half vanilly. These were not authentic cannoli. They were not filled all the way and in my opinion were a too crunchy--maybe these are also not made fresh? I may go back for a redemption try, but I won't be in a rush.
(2)Simon D.
The worst thing I have to say about the place is that once I ordered the Moretti la Rossa and got a Moretti Lager. The food is phenominal and the owner is very nice. The place itself has a great selection of dishes, wine, beer and cocktails. I always get the tortelinni with proschutto and cheese. ((check Tayler T's review for a shot of it) and a patch of my shirt) The tiramisu is also amazing! It is a pretty small spot. In the summer they have a large patio that helps to accomodate more people but if you want to go in the winter months get a reservation!
(5)T H.
Horrific table in the bathrooms.. Made a RSVP a week in advance, showed up on time, and get seated in the worst table in the place, I smelled and stared at both bathrooms for 2 hours, owner magr had no solution other than for us return at 9pm for a better table, terrible customer service. And the food was mediocre at best, we should have walked...sad.
(1)Ashley H.
Worst experience thus far. We have been to Nicolas multiple times and have waited upwards of 30-45 minutes for reservations we already made. Tonight, we were told while we were still finishing our dinner and drinks that "their 9 o'clock reservation is here" even though it was only 15 minutes past 9 o'clock. So inappropriate for a waiter to come up to the table and tell us their reservation is here when we were spending over $200 as a table. Will definitely not return, thanks for screwing us over when we have been loyal customers for over 2 years.
(2)Wil G.
Il cibo era meraviglioso! We had the Antipasto Formaggio appetizer. An amazing flavorful yet light way to start the meal. The Artichoke Hearts were very tender and tasted wonderful. The Lobster Ravioli is equally wonderful. I think I could have made a meal of just the Bruschetta and salad. Both sides accompany pasta dishes and they do not disappoint. Even though it was busy the service was prompt and very friendly. By the end of the evening I had no problem tipping the server more than 20%. Some servers are worth more. Definitely a place to keep coming back to.
(5)Chad J.
Started with antipatsa Italiano which was a delicious appetizer. My main dish was the lasagna. This thing was out of control with the portion size. It had a side of two large meatballs! My wife had the salmon fettuccine. It was an alfredo with a large piece of salmon on the side. I would skip this dish since I think the salmon was farm raised and didn't taste that great.
(4)Shaynna G.
Great little Italian restaurant. I really liked that the owner and his wife were both there working all night. The food was phenomenal and the outside patio had the perfect ambiance. The only issue we had was the wait, we waited an hour and a half for our food. There was however a dinner rush before so it was understand able. They even gave us free bruchetta to compensate for our wait, and it was totally worth it. I will recommend this place to others and would return.
(4)Teri C.
I love this place. Great Italian food. Pasta tastes homemade. Small place so make reservations. So worth the wait if you don't though. Carbonara was delicious.
(4)Audrey C.
Finally got my panini! It was everything, and more. Service was super fast, I was in and out in 40 minutes. Perfect for lunch. So glad all is right in the world again.
(5)Lee F.
Fantastic! My co-worker and I travel the country and this is by far one of the best restaurants that we have been to during our travels. The food, the service, the environment, all top notch. The lasagna is truly wonderful just as they recommend. The ravioli is really great too. The deserts are made in house and are phenomenal! I truly recommend the lemon cake and the tiramisu. The staff was super friendly. Our waiter was Kevin and he was great. The owner John was awesome as well. It's totally a place where you can come in, pull up a chair, and feel as if you are eating dinner with the family! Love it!
(5)Tayler T.
Excellent creamy chicken Marsala!! My boyfriend had the lobster ravioli and said it was okay, I think I liked his dish more than he did. We love sitting on the patio during the summer. A great little place with amazing food!
(5)Chad G.
So, so, so yummy good. Great service, great food. Make your taste buds happy and go eat here now. Hhhmmmm....
(5)Kat N.
The lasagna is a specialty and is amazing - a must order. The tomato basil soup was delicious and the house salad that comes with every entree was also delicious - one of the people with me bought the dressing they sell in jars. The dessert we got was the cheesecake brownie and that was also delicious
(5)John C.
Very nice experience. Great outdoor seating area but very limited indoor seating. Great food and attentive staff. Order a bottle of the house Chianti, very reasonable and decent wine. True Old Market jem. Try it when you can sit outside. Oh, and the food is good too, try the portobello ravioli or one of the seafood specials.
(5)Lane S.
2nd time at nicola's- great little place. Pesto Alfredo is awesome, relaxed atmosphere. If you want some good pasta check it out!
(5)Mark F.
Pretty good italian. The salad was a little small. The dressing was good. I had cheese ravioli with meatballs. The homage red sauce was outstanding. The meatballs and ravioli were very good.
(4)Jessica D.
If your looking for Italian food in the old market and out off all the Italian place in the old market... I highly recommend going here because they have great food ( that actually has taste,compared to other Italian places in the old market that don't have much) The staff is very friendly! It's a family owned place, what more do I have to say!
(5)Jertez H.
If you aren't in a rush this is a solid spot for Italian. The herbs really pop in these dishes. The kitchen probably isn't large enough to accommodate a full restaurant so make sure you are having dinner with someone you actually enjoy spending time with.
(4)Jim M.
Walk into a small eatery in Rome, smell the spice from the kitchen, the just sliced bread, and feel the friendly atmosphere...Open your eyes...you're in Nicola's in the Old Market, Omaha, Nebraska . The lasagna is out of this world and served with a meatball or two on the side. Salads are fresh and bright with excellent homemade house dressing or your choice of course. Every entre I have eaten there has been outstanding. And the help? Wonderful...Nicole, the owner, has been there in the kitchen or checking my satisfaction with the food each visit. It can't get better than this. Everything is put together in a small kitchen, just like home, and has an authentic look, smell and taste. There are many fine Italian restaurants in Omaha but for me; Nicolas is the BEST.
(5)Unknown P.
Amazing. I went two nights in a row because it was so good. First night, I got the lobster ravioli. I was scared that it was a tomato type sauce, but it was great. I couldn't tell if the lobster on the inside was fake or not, so it didn't really bother me. For dinner, I had them lemon cake. It was very good also except it was a stronger type of lemon taste, but it wasn't bad. It just wasn't something I normally am into. The second night, I had half of aglio pasta and half of the bolognese. They were both very, very good. The waiters were all nice. Everything was great and I highly recommend sitting outside of the patio. Bugs were not even a problem for me. Indoor was a little cramped, but it wasn't their fault. Update: I met the owner a few nights ago. Very kind. His wife Nicola bakes all the deserts in the back. I had the lobster ravioli again, and it seemed even better than the previous times. The salad that the serve before every meal is amazing. It is light on the dressing, but in a good way. If you are in Old Market Downtown Omaha, I highly recommend for you to go there, because that is the only restaurant we will visit now.
(5)Morten A.
I was in Omaha for a biz trip. I found Nicola's on Yelp I couldn't have been more pleased. The food is excellent, great ambiance and very friendly service. Had today's soup which was tomato soup, the lasagna which was one of the best I ever had (except for my mom's of course) and then finished with the homemade Tiramisu. A+++
(5)D Z.
Home cooked Italian food that is basic but amazing. Deserts are great. Service is ok but not amazing.
(4)Jeff P.
Nice Place small dining room. I couldn't tell if there was an upstairs so reservations are highly recommended. Even without reservations we were able to sit outside immediately but we were there at 5:30PM. Very helpful staff and delicious food. It's more expensive than Olive Garden and the food is definitely higher scale and well worth it.
(4)Danielle T.
Great find in the Old Market! Excellent food and great service. Everyone was so friendly. Enjoyed the wonderful prosciutto and melon appetizer and the amazing cheese tortellini. The outdoor seating was a perfect atmosphere for a gorgeous Omaha summer evening. Perfect date night!
(5)Shelby S.
Great atmosphere. Get a table on the patio and order a glass of wine. The portobello ravioli is delicious. Creamy pesto is a good choice as well. I have always had great service.
(4)titus d.
DISGUSTING! Worst Italian restaurant I've ever been to. This disgusting place served us food that was way off. My friend and I suffered from food poisoning for a week after eating there. Nothing looks fresh or homemade as they claim. Everything is frozen although they say it is freshly made from scratch on the menu. Even the panchetta dishes are served with some cheap bacon instead. The pasta is awful and served with some pathetic greasy tomato sauce from a can. The food is overpriced, tasteless and will make you sick. We also waited for two and a half hours for the rude staff of tattooed men with beards and dirty clothes who could care less. I notified the health authorities already to open a case and was informed that there are numerous reports regarding different food safety violations issues with this place. Avoid at all cost.
(1)He And She I.
Patio seating on a lovely Friday night, watching foot traffic and enjoying a leisurely meal...and the service was even better than the meal. You, too, can enjoy this little interlude, if you're lucky enough.
(5)Pankaj A.
Food was bland and sweet - Italian food? Made us wait 30 minutes inspite of many empty tables. Why?
(1)Dana L.
Have been here several times and have never been disappointed. Lots of options, friendly service, and a great wine selection. Their outdoor patio is also a wonderful spot to sit on a nice night!
(5)s l.
Best Italian I've had in Omaha in the 25 years I've lived here. We go for the pasta dishes of all types and they never disappoint. Some of the specials they come up with are creative beyond belief. Do yourself a favor and get downtown to enjoy this place.
(5)Catherine C.
Great experience, great staff, and awesome ambiance. Owner was very friendly. I will always come back when I travel to Omaha. I highly recommend the portabello mushroom ravioli.
(5)Corey K.
After reviewing Nicola's from an experience I had some time ago; I was asked by Nicola to come back and give it a 2nd chance. I was told that the restaurant had taken measures to ensure that situations like what happened during my first visit would not happen to another customer. This showed me that this restaurant is willing to accept responsibility for mistakes they've made and is striving to improve. Nicola's is a nice/upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of the old market. The ambiance is warm and cozy. When I looked around the restaurant, everyone seemed to have a smile on their faces and appeared content. For dinner, my wife ordered the Ravioli di Spinaci and I had the Portobello Ravioli. Both meals were very high quality. I don't particularly care for mushrooms, but I found the entree to be very well put together. Any mushroom lover would enjoy this meal. For dessert I had the tiramisu. An extremely generous portion even by Nebraskan standards. This is so big I would recommend sharing. It was a great way to end a tasty meal. Because there are so many restaurants in Omaha, I don't typically give restaurants a 2nd chance after a negative experience. Nicola was insistent and I am glad I gave in. I have told numerous friends and family about our experience and Nicola's persistence in making everything right. I highly recommend this restaurant because it is evident that Nicola has created culture of dedication to the customer and to excellence.
(5)Jim S.
A solid 4 stars here. Food is always great along with the atmosphere of the Old Market. Nicola has always worked hard to serve a great meal.
(4)Elise S.
I wrote a belated review awhile ago about the amazing meal my sister brought to me in the hospital after having had my daughter. I came back around on valentine's day (my daughter is now 15 months old) and ordered the same exact meal as carry out (cause, you know..baby at home). Spaghetti bolognese (which comes with bruschetta and a salad) and a slice of lemon cake. I was curious to see if it was going to be as awesome as I remembered it being. Sometimes restaurants make one great meal, and then you go back and whoever is working makes it differently- well this is not one of those places! The meal was extra awesome and consistent with the first time I'd had it. My three year wedding anniversary is coming up..guess what we're getting?
(5)Matt G.
I've been to Nicola's twice. The service has always been attentive, professional, and generally very accommodating (check splitting). The decor is nice and the space is very intimate so it would probably be a nice choice for a date. The price is very very reasonable and this can be a great place for a moderately priced lunch with great portion sizes. What kind of knocks this place down a bit is the food. I liked their meatballs. they were definitely delicious. But their ragu, to me, kind of lacked depth. It seemed might I say like it was out of a can and straight tomatoes. I think next time I'd opt for a different type of sauce (and it was definitely good enough for a next time). I hear their carbonara is good.
(4)Angela W.
My dining companion made reservations for 7pm last night. I had never been before. I have to admit I was surprised at how small the interior was... but that could be because the patio was closed. Still; it was cozy... the lighting and ambiance was nice. And, crowded. At first, they tried to seat us at the Table No One Wanted... we played along; when a table next to us emptied 5 minutes later, they agreed to let us move. So, I can say that the service was accommodating. I overheard how some of the nearby tables were being attended to, and it seemed like the staff was doing a good job. My companion is in love with the Chicken Marsala, and has it every time they come into town. I tried the Portobello Ravioli (vegetarian version). I had a bite of the Marsala; tasty. I preferred my ravioli, though. I liked the fact that the portions were not over-sized. Had we not already made dessert plans, I would have been curious to try the Lemon Cake my companion raved about. There are lots of tiny reasons why I only gave three stars... tiny tables... crowded... the food was tasty, but didn't blow me away. I did think the pacing of the dishes was spot-on, though; we weren't rushed into leaving half of the salad once the entree arrived. And we didn't have to sit there and wait, either. Perfect timing. I think, for the price, it's worth a try over say, Olive Garden, etc. I think for some, parking in the Old Market, etc, can be a bit daunting. Make reservations. It is right next to the new Hyatt hotel, by the way. Very convenient.
(3)Nicholas H.
Love this place. Small hole in the wall place. Make sure to make a reservation as its always packed. Great service. It takes awhile to get your food, but they're very up front about that. Well worth the wait!
(5)Alisa T.
Nicola's is pretty good. I really like their bolognese. The pasta always comes out al dente and not mushy which is lovely. The house salad is also great with fresh parmesan. The service could definitely use some work though. It really seems like the people that work there have not been trained properly. I'm definitely not dying to go back.
(3)Heather T.
The lasagna. Just...the lasagna. SO GOOD. Also, the tiramasu is amazing. I've also tried the tortellini alfredo and that was pretty good, too. The sauce wasn't too heavy, which seems difficult for italian restaurants to accomplish around here. I don't want to be full after two bites! I've never dined in, so I can't comment on the service, but when I pick up, the employees are always very pleasant.
(5)Alicia H.
On our tour of the Old Market, we stopped for a drink and appetizer. The wine list was extensive, and lots of people eating out on the patio. My date ordered a mojito, which was heavy on the rough rum and light on the mint and simple syrup. My glass of house chianti was fine. We ordered the bruschetta for an appetizer and could not have been more disappointed. It consisted of toasted baguette with poor quality tomatoes and shake parmesan cheese. For all the great reviews, and the fact the farmers market is 3 blocks away, I would have expected something a little more authentic. Perhaps the entrees...
(2)Christine B.
A cozy little restaurant with delightful patio, I had high expectations of Nicola's. The lunch menu has a selection of three pasta entrees, a salad and a variety of paninis under $10. If nothing appeals to you, flip the menu over to see an extensive array of dinner entrees priced in the $10-15 range. Overall the food was just ok. Eggplant panini, salad with shrimp, penne al ragu - all palatable, but nothing stood out. The raviolis are decent. Avoid the spaghetti carbonara. What makes this place special is their patio - sitting outside, people watching, enjoying a glass of wine with your meal. A little bit of sunshine always make your food taste a little bit better.
(3)Bukowski J.
Is what it is. Feel like it could, and want it to be so much more. Staff average, food average. Menu is thick, needs to be sheared down. Price to food quality is off. Not bad, not great.
(3)Amanda R.
Ugh. We were in from out of town and the reviews were pretty decent, so we decided to try it out for dinner. When we walked in the place was packed, good sign. We were seated on the patio and ordered cocktails which ended up being the best part of our meal. I ordered fettuccine salmon. It was so horrible. The sauce tasted like it was out of a jar. The piece of Salmon I received was of a good size and cooked well but had no seasoning or flavor. They put two pieces of 'bruschetta' on the plate. Bruschetta is not a piece of toast with a thin slice of tomato and a sliver of Parmesan. It's just not. Lastly, we ordered a piece of dark chocolate cake with a cream cheese peanut butter filling and ganache on top. The cake wasn't bad but it didn't live up to its description. The ganache was a quarter of an inch thick layer on top. It was more of a dark chocolate icing than a ganache. So I spent $70 to just enjoy a martini and half a piece of cake as I couldn't eat my dinner for the lack of flavor it had. It really blew my mind that THIS restaurant was SO busy. People of Omaha: do yourselves a favor and seek out great italian. P.S. I'm giving this place two stars instead of one because our waiter had a table next to us that pissed and moaned about how many meat balls they were given the entire time and he remained poised and respectful toward them. They have a good wait staff.
(2)Jake S.
Busy Friday night, still got great service. They made me a custom dish to match a special they had a few years ago and it was perfect. My wife would probably leave me for their tiramisu recipe. Great meal, highly recommend it.
(5)Doug W.
Great food, great location, spotty service...That's the thing with Omaha. So many restaurants, not enough great service. I travel a lot and constantly am searching for the place that has everything together consistently. Will be back to try again.
(4)Matt W.
5 stars for food taste and plating. 3 stars for amount of food you get on the plate. I had the lobster ravioli and it was delicious. The down side is that it was about $1 per bite. I left hungry even after spending $28 for food, iced tea, and tip for 1 person. Good place if you need to impress your date or boss, not if you are traveling on per diem.
(3)Sean B.
A great spot with really good food made with quality ingredients. Atmosphere was good as well as the service. The ragu and the cream sauces were extraordinary. For foodies visiting the Old Market this is the spot. You really must try the Lemon cake for dessert. It's not on the menu but it's great!
(5)Mandy F.
This is probably one of my favorite restaurants....ever! I live in Kansas but whenever I'm in town, I try to visit! The first time I went here was with a group of friends. I recommend calling in ahead of time because it's quite small, but that adds to the charm! We met Nicola, the owner, and she went over her favorite dishes with us and said she makes a homemade lemon cake every day that isn't on the menu, you have to ask for it special. It's totally worth the calories! I had the lasagna, from her recommendation, and it was to die for! All homemade! The bread it comes with is a little disappointing. It's a crisp little baguette of sorts. Not overly tasty or memorable, but the rest of the food was wonderful! Prices were reasonable too and they had delicious and creative martinis!
(5)Erica H.
I enjoyed Nicola's - we had reservations for 8pm on a Friday night, and were seated right away. We had a table on the patio (great patio, complete with fairy lights strung in trees). Our waiter, from the beginning, was less than attentive - I don't know if we were one table too many for him, or what - but our drinks took a while to come out (just coffee and a bottle of San Pellegrino). Then it took even longer to come take our order. And longer still to get our food. It wasn't terrible, and this isn't a "fast dining" type place - but even in our easy-going frame of mind, we still noticed and felt everything took too long. I think this could have been remedied if our server was more attentive, checked in on us, let us know how things were coming, or even just was a bit friendlier when he did stop by. I had the lobster bisque, followed by a small side salad and the portabello ravioli. The bisque was not good, unfortunately. It tasted very "fishy", and I wasn't able to finish it. The ravioli was quite tasty, with a creamy sauce - I would eat that again! Overally, not a bad a experience - I would give it another go. The prices were about the same as a mid-range chain restaurant, and I would 100% rather support a locally-owned restaurant. I think with slightly better service and avoiding a shellfish dish (when you're more than 1000 miles from any ocean), the visit could earn 4 stars or more.
(3)Barbara J.
Nicola's is a wonderful Old Market Italian restaurant. Great home cooking. I have been quit a few times and will keep returning.
(5)WAJ W.
It was a busy Saturday evening, very early at the start of Nicola's night at 5pm. Even so, it shouldn't take 15 minutes to pour two glasses of wine--but it did. That's the only thing we can say wasn't perfect about our first visit to Nicola's. A tiny space in a cramped, old building and unblinkingly honest Italian food. We loved it. We shared the Antipasti Rustico and seriously considered ordering a second. Buffalo mozzarrella, fresh basil, artichoke hearts...sundried and fresh tomatoes...Kalamata olives, olive oil and crunchy toast. Delicious. She had simple spaghetti and meatballs and devoured it. Thick noodles, hearty sauce and a couple of tasty meatballs. She privately noted her meatballs are better though. I had a sublime lasagne unlike any other. Prosciutto, chopped hardboiled egg, buffalo mozzarrella, lasagne noodles and a delightful tomato sauce. Heavenly. We topped it off with cannoli, the first good cannoli we've found after almost 20 years in Omaha. We just might stop importing them from New York.
(5)Lee S.
Love this place. Great food. Service is decent, but, they need to do some cleaning and turn the music up and the lights down to get 5 stars.
(4)Nicholas M.
Seriously, the best Italian food you can find in Omaha and I would challenge you anywhere. It is a whole in the wall establishment and an awesome environment. The staff is always friendly and the food is truly phenomenal. It is tough to outdo this quaint little spot in Omaha, NE.
(5)George W.
Small but cosy. Excellent service. Phenomenal lasagna served pipping hot with a sweet sauce and two small meatballs. Definitely a high point and very reasonably priced.
(5)Jred T.
We were two guys traveling from Southern California to Minnesota. We consider ourselves good cooks with many years experience in cooking and growing vegetables. The waitress was very nice, attentive, and graceful. She offered us one of the house specialties, the Lobster Ravioli. We decided to both have this plate. We generally have different palates, however we decided we should both go with the house recommendation. The ravioli was defrosted in a microwave oven, completely ruining the texture and flavor of the cheese. For me the flavor of the lobster was very fishy and reminded me of the tide pools. For my compatriot, he couldn't even taste the lobster. The plate came with two slices of hard French bread with a couple of flavorless slices of tomato fresh out of the fridge (i.e. not toasted and with no olive oil). We have both traveled the world and have had Italian food including in Italy. Unfortunately this plate had nothing to offer to bring satisfaction to cravings of any Italian dish. The waitress was great. We recommend finding a good chef.
(1)Brandon M.
I am not one of those folks that considers places like Olive Garden or Carrabba's to be "great" Italian food. I will humor my friends and join them at such places when they want to dine there, but it would not be my first choice...probably not my second choice either. Being new to Omaha and of course the Old Market, I have been looking for places to eat. Luckily for me there are a lot of places within walking distance of my condo. One of those places is Nicola's in the Market. It is directly across the street from my condo...meaning I can stand on my balcony and watch customers go in and out...that sounds more creepy than I meant it to! :P Anyway, I decided one night that I was in the mood for some Italian food and so far I have heard nothing but good stuff about Nicola's. Well, with all the good reviews I figured I might as well try it out. Walking up to and into the building, it doesn't look like much. It's right on the corner and is not the biggest place I've ever eaten. But it was very nice and cozy and I think the place would be good for an intimate dinner for two. It was a nice evening so I opted to sit outside on the patio. The table was a bit dirty but nothing I couldn't just wipe off myself. The waiter was friendly and was pretty quick to bring me a glass of water and take my drink order. **Let me take this oppurtunity now to say that the establishments of Omaha really NEED to start serving sweet tea...just saying!** Looking at the menu I felt the selection was just enough to have a decent amount to choose from but not so overwhelming that I had no clue what to order. Although I must say that everything sounded so yummy that it still made it difficult for me to order my main course. So, for starters I ordered the bruschetta. There were eight pieces of bread with tomato so it would have been enough for two or three people...naturally, I ate every last piece on my own!! I could have eaten more if the server had brought it out. Deciding on my entree was not as easy as my starter. But it was getting late so after an intense debate (with myself) I decided on the Lasagna Mediterranian with meatballs. When my meal arrived I was so hungry and it looked so good! There was so much sauce and cheese that I wasn't sure if the lasagna was actually on the plate. Now, I must say that the meatballs were a little odd. They tasted great, but I've just never had them served with lasagna before. Of course I ate those first!! Then I cut into the lasagna and oh my goodness...it was like Heaven in my mouth!! The cheese was so creamy and the tomato sauce had just the right amount of seasoning and spices. I think after my huge dinner debate, I made the right choice for my entree. For dessert I ordered the tiramisu. It was not exactly what I expected it to be. I was expecting some lady fingers dipped in coffee with some mascarpone, etc... However, what I got was a little different. Instead of the lady fingers or biscuits, it was actually Italian cake with the mascarpone layered between the cakes and topped with a whipcream (I think). No matter, it was divine! When I got the chance I asked my waiter if everything was made fresh each day or if the dishes came premade. OK, maybe not the best thing to ask but I just had to know. And thankfully he informed me that everything was made fresh each day. The food was simply amazing at Nicola's. With each bite of lasagna I thought I might actually cry. I tried to savour each bite and enjoy each flavor that the food had to offer. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be coming back here to eat.
(5)Sarah G.
My recent dining experience at Nicola's left me with mixed emotions. I can't think of another Italian restaurant I like more... some equally, but as far as a stand out place for Italian in Omaha, I'm not sure this is it. All the items we ordered definitely met my expectations, but nothing exceeded them or surprised me. Everything was fresh and delicious, but as I write this I don't feel the immediate urge to go back. Interpret that as you will. I can't necessarily recommend the dirty martini, but the wine selection (which we moved on to later) is very reasonably priced. Skipped dessert in favor of walking over to Delice but now I wish I would have tried the tiramisu. I'll definitely be back to eat here again, I'm just not necessarily in a rush.
(3)Sharon S.
Excellent wine, salad, pizza and service.
(5)Amy C.
We stopped by here for a quick snack and had the Italian wedding soup and a house salad. The service was fast and the ambiance was nice and cozy. I'm giving this a 5 star because that was the best italian soup I've ever had, and I'm expecting the other food to be as good. I seriously wanted to lick the bowl! (Note it was a snack so I wasn't starving either)
(5)Josh C.
The good: tasty Italian fare (had apps, salad, dinner and dessert and enjoyed it all); decent drink list and a full bar to complement; nice patio; desserts to die for. The bad: prices are just a touch high (mostly for drinks); atmosphere isn't as intimate as it could be. Overall: definitely worth a look for those seeking good Italian downtown.
(4)Dave M.
Delightful little Italian restaurant with an inviting outdoor space. We both ordered ravioli dishes; they were prepared perfectly and included a salad and bruschetta for less than $14. The service was equally perfect making a great experience. Open for dinner only, on weekdays.
(4)Randall R.
Ordered carry out of several pasta orders. Bolognaise (sp), chicken Marsala, fettuccini with a pink sauce with shrimp. Butternut squash soup, salads. All were excellent, on time, and we will be back next time in Omaha. I tell you, we have been to Omaha 4 times to visit family who moved there over the summer and have not had a bad meal. Becoming one of my favorite food cities.
(4)J C.
My wife, kids and I really enjoyed this place. Great outdoor seating area and everyones dishes were delicious
(4)Ashley D.
For me, this is officially the best restaurant in Omaha - and definitely in my Top 5 of restaurants anywhere. Nicola's is everything I love in a restaurant: the space is small and quaint, the music and lighting are perfect, the wine menu offers a variety at fair prices, the staff is friendly, and most importantly - the food is extraordinary. It's a great stop for a glass of wine and an appetizer OR the perfect date night, outside under the summer lights or in the cozy indoors hiding from snow. I really feel like they offer gourmet meals at a more than reasonable price. We like to get an antipasto plate to share and then try different meals, but I struggle with trying something new each time because the lobster ravioli is so delicious. For first-time visitors, I'd recommend that meal with a glass of the house red. I can't think of anything better.
(5)Kim J.
We had tried to eat here several times. We were always turned away with possibly a 2 hour wait (i know, we should have called for a reservation-i sometimes TRY to be spontaneous!). We decided to try lunch, which was much easier, we came in at about 12:05 and were seated immediately. There were several other tables and it was very loud. Like previous reviewers have said, this place is small and intimate, but we also found it to be very noisy. Our waitron, Lizzie greeted us immediately, and brought us drinks soon after. We ordered the bruschetta as an appetizer. I wish I could find their menu online to quote the description but it included "FRESH BASIL". When I think of fresh basil, I think of the green leafy stuff. This bruschetta was $4.95 and definately NOT worth it. The bruschetta came out, 4 small pieces of toast with a pinkish tomato slice and some dried herb on it. Very disappointing. I said to my husband, didn't this say "fresh basil". I really think they should have asked us if we still wanted it without the basil. When our lunch came, it was very good. The wierd thing is the meals come with a piece of bruschetta, this time it had the fresh basil. I asked the waitron, and she said "oh yeah--they thought we were out but we're not" I explained how disappointing the initial bruschetta was, she was not fazed and just looked at me. My entree was the lunch special, it was a sausage raviola with sauteed zucchini, red pepper and mushrooms in a red sauce. Delish! My husband had the lasagna. I had a small taste and it was good as well. The house salad that came with the meal was good. The house dressing is a bit sweet for my liking. We'll probably be back--even with the bruschetta incident. The dinner menu appears to be much more diverse. And yes, we'll make reservations!
(4)Larry A.
This place is AWESOME!! I have never had a bad meal or bad service.. I always get the lasagna with the pink sauce. AMAZING!!
(5)Melanie K.
Very polite staff, as well as delicious and unique food! Their outdoor patio is chic, and the indoors is a little cramped but also very stylish as well. I have been there twice with my parents, it is one of their favorite places to eat. If you want some unique Italian cuisine (I recommend their Bruschetta and their Alfredo sauce, yuuuum!), go there for sure! Their lemon cake dessert is rumored to be amazing, I have never had it. The pricing is reasonable as well. Check it out!
(4)Cory K.
My wife is 100% Italian. I love Italian food, namely lasagna. Nicola's lasagna is the best I have ever tasted. Stop by for lunch, you can't beat it for the price. The atmosphere is great, and I would highly recommend it for date night.
(5)Dan B.
This is some of best Italian food I've ever had --- presentation, taste, ambiance, they have it ALL here! Their sauce is AMAZING, bursting with flavor. They squeezed us in on a busy Sat night & we sat at the bar where a nice lady was sitting behind it. Later on we found out it was Nicola the owner, and she talked to us for almost 20 minutes, recommending other places to eat while we were in town. Extremely friendly staff, incredible food, intimate atmosphere --- what more could one want in a restaurant?!??
(5)Jim F.
We ate here a month ago while we were apartment hunting before we actually moved. Being new to the city we took a chance. It was a littel hole in the wall that you would probably need reservations, but they fit us in because we didn't mind sitting at the bar. Our food was delicious! The portion were a little smaller, maybe I thought this because I wanted more!!! Our server was very friendly. OK, so here comes some criticsm...There was a party of 6-8 sitting behind us that was in a hurry to see a show. They were very unhappy because the food wasn't coming out. The eventually left with only paying for the drinks. Where was the manager/owner? Someone could have diffused the situation for them. I also didn't really want to be subjected to someone else's bad experience. The staff in general seemed to be in disarray. Why does each single server need to go behind the bar? They were constantly bumping into each other, it seemed very kaotic. If the kitchen was like this, I can imagine what the problems would be in getting a larger party out. There needs to be some leadership and organization. Another suggestion is to hide the dish area from the customers. I saw the dish person using the hand sink as a soaking area for dishes. This is a critical violation of the Health Code. Also, we could see just the corner of the kitchen from where we sat. We saw the staff boiling pasta in silverware cones. What the heck? This can not be an approved cooking device!! Despite these areas, like I said, the food was delicious and the service was good!
(4)Patrick W.
an outstanding experience. the food was excellent, of course--as one would expect for a niche restaurant in the old market. plump, tender shrimp. delicate pasta. all seasoned to perfection. but the staff, starting with nicola herself, was just a delight. friendly, down-to-earth, funny and, above all, helpful. they made it a memorable evening. it was like being at a great cocktail party full of top-shelf raconteurs. and the lemon cake... my god, the lemon cake. so good it's not even on the menu. i hate cake, and i would drown my grandmother for a slice of this stuff. it's otherworldly. so do yourself a favor and give nicola's a try. better yet, eschew the reservation (which is required if you want a table) and belly up to the bar, where you can interact with her lovely staff.
(5)Katrina B.
Nicola's was a good choice for an outdoor, later evening dinner last night. Their kitchen is only open until 10 and the patio was pretty full, but the four of us arrived around 9:15 and were seated immediately. The patio is nice, but the street noise is bothersome. We had a bottle of pinot grigio that was recommended by the waiter. It was nice and moderately priced, but I did not see the rest of the menu (due to circumstances, not because the waiter has control issues). Our waiter was very kind and pretty helpful. We had entrees with the standard salad and bruschetta accompaniment with our pastas. Each dish we ate had good, bright flavors. I think that the wait staff was concerned with doing end of the night chores, so they were invisible most of the time after we received our meals. I would definitely go again and try other dishes, but I don't think it's a "special occasion" kind of place. The food and service are solid, but not great.
(3)Dave N.
My favorite Italian restaurant. The lasagna and the lobster ravioli is amazing. The owners are incredibly nice as well.
(5)George W.
Nice decor for starters - you walk in, and get the feel that you are in a cozy restaurant. The bar is well-stocked with a wide variety. Like most Old Market locations, it is loud inside. Some sound baffles along the walls and ceilings would be helpful to quiet things down - all those hard surfaces reflect noise around. I started out with a glass of Malbec which was fresh. The salad was actually above average, with fresh greens and good presentation. The house vinaigrette had a good taste, with a slightly sweet overtone that complimented the greens. As far as the Italian fare, it was very good. I ordered the "spinache" ravioli, which came with a white sauce, with olives and sun-dried tomatoes, which worked well together. The staff was pleasant and attentive. My water stayed filled, and there was polite banter. They did their job, and were polite about it. Recommend reservations at the peak dining times. The average wait on a Wednesday night was 10 to 15 minutes with a full house, and the staff was able to gauge well when the next table would open up (within 5 minutes). If you don't want to wait, phone first and make the reservation.
(4)Scott E.
I had an excelled Italian dinner on the outdoor patio. One of my top choices for an Italian meal. Food was very well prepared and included unique elements that made it stand apart from other area Italian eateries. Outdoor dinning in summer completed the experience.
(4)Mac M.
Enjoyed dinner with another couple on Saturday evening. The weather was as close to perfect as one can get in Omaha in July so we were outside and yes it was so pleasant my opinion of the meal was enhanced. My three dinner companions were all Italian and even they agreed the food was outstanding. The lemon cake put it all over the top.
(5)Patrick W.
This is the sort of place that my wife and I had walked passed a thousand times and never stopped in. She loves Italian food and asked to go a few times and I eventuallyt gave in. I'm not real sure what my objection was but I always noticed that the outdoor seating area looked pretty cool at night with the lights. The one night that we finally dropped in, we opted to sit outside. It is very nice but it was a bit chilly that night and we moved inside. The indoor seating area is small but very well maintained. What I remember most is the bruschetta. It was, by far, the best bruschetta that I've ever had. It was fantastic. I also had the ravioli and it was good but the portion was kind of small. It's a good place for a nice meal in a cozy environment. Definitely a place to take your date. Enjoy.
(4)Kacee M.
I can't wait to come back to Omaha next weekend for NYE and have dinner at Nicola's! I love this place and moved some time back so now whenever I am in town you know where to find me! Great food, Great service, Great desserts! what more can you ask for! I was reading some of the other comments on here and do you people realize when you make a reservation that the restaurant can't kick people out of their seats if they take longer than expected right? lol and the comments on the brochette are funny to me! I could eat that up like no other! I don't think I will eat for the next week and half to prepare myself for a face full of food and a night of Lasagna coma after! OMG and no one mentioned my Brownie and ice cream! people you can stay away from it because I could eat the whole pan! wonder if when I make reservations if I can reserve my brownie!? good thinking huh?! Happy New Years people! I'm headed to Nicola's!
(5)Downtown J.
Nicola's is an intimate and inviting place with unique charm and incredible food. I enjoyed a recent trip to Nicola's with a couple of close friends and found the food to be tasty and the service was very friendly. We visited on a Tuesday so it was really easy to get a table and we had our server's full attention. The appetizer was simple but delicious. The entree's were all well-prepared and the portions were just right. I love Lo Sole Mio but I always end up with waaay too much food and I don't like leftovers so Nicola's offers enough food but it doesn't seem wasteful. We also tried a couple bottles of wine and they were solid recommendations. I'm really looking forward to patio season at Nicola's. This is a great place to relax and enjoy really good, reasonably priced, Italian cuisine in a comfortable, locally owned establishment.
(5)Mateo Q.
The serves was friendly and the food was tasty. I look forward to returning and exploring the rest of the menu.
(4)Elizabeth J.
Loved the cozy, old world atmosphere. Hated the fishy taste of the lobster ravioli. Lobster should not taste fishy. I should have gotten the lasagna.
(2)Liz T.
I love Italian food but my boyfriend loathes it, so as an unspoken compromise we had dinner here and I got the tab. Conveniently located in Old Market, Nicola's is a very minimalist, very rustic trattoria. We began with Italian cream sodas (mmmmm) and the prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe. Although the appetizer was good, it wasn't great for $8.95. A few slices of dry-cured ham and orange melon shouldn't cost this much uncooked. The meat lasagna and lobster ravioli were both velvety and flavorful--they definitely satiated my Italian craving. Although we were so full we didn't know how we would get home by now, we had to taste the tiramisu. It was pretty good, but it didn't teleport me to Venice or anything (where I had the most amazing piece in my life). While Nicola's is not a bad Italian restaurant in Omaha, I don't know if it could complete with the big boys in ristorante-saturated cities like Boston or NYC. 3.5 stars.
(3)