Nicola's Introduce
Step into Nicola's, a celebrated Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side, and you’ll immediately feel the warmth and classic charm that have made it a New York staple. This is more than just a place to eat; it is a destination where the art of Italian dining is celebrated with every detail. Nicola’s offers an authentic and high-end experience, providing a cozy and romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a special evening out or a quiet, reflective solo meal. The restaurant has cultivated a reputation for serving delicious, authentic Italian food and making every guest feel truly special. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be enveloped in an ambiance that feels both elegant and welcoming, a testament to its commitment to timeless hospitality. With a menu featuring classic dishes and a great wine list, Nicola's is a true gem in the heart of Manhattan that promises a dining experience to remember.
Nicola's is ideally located in a charming and easily accessible part of the Upper East Side. You can find this exquisite restaurant at 146 E 84th St, New York, NY 10028. This address places it in a prime position within a vibrant, residential neighborhood, making it a convenient destination for locals and a noteworthy spot for visitors seeking an authentic New York experience. The location on a side street off Lexington Avenue gives it an intimate, neighborhood feel while still being well-connected to the rest of the city. For those utilizing public transportation, the restaurant is a short walk from major subway lines and bus routes, ensuring a smooth journey. The area is also well-serviced for various accessibility needs. Nicola's offers wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience for all diners. This blend of a central, yet quiet, location with excellent accessibility makes it a premier choice for dinner on the Upper East Side.
Nicola's offers a refined selection of services to enhance the dining experience, from the moment you make a reservation to the final sip of coffee.
Services offered include:
- Dine-in: The primary service at Nicola's is a full-service, dine-in experience. With its cozy and romantic atmosphere, it's the perfect setting for a leisurely dinner. The table service is a point of pride, with staff that are attentive, welcoming, and dedicated to making your meal feel special.
- Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy Nicola's delicious food at home, a takeout option is available. This allows you to bring the authentic flavors of the restaurant's Italian cuisine directly to your own dining table.
- Accepts Reservations: Given its popularity and the intimate nature of the dining room, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner. This service ensures that you have a confirmed table and a seamless start to your evening.
The unique attributes of Nicola’s are what truly set it apart and contribute to its status as a top-tier Italian restaurant in New York.
Features and highlights of the restaurant include:
- Great Dessert: The dessert menu is a major highlight, with a reputation for being phenomenal. A customer review specifically calls out the tiramisu as "just phenomenal," while other options like cheesecake and various coffees and espressos are also available, ensuring a perfect end to your meal.
- Great Wine List: For wine enthusiasts, Nicola's offers an exceptional wine list that complements the menu perfectly. The selection of wines is curated to pair beautifully with the classic Italian dishes, elevating the entire dining experience.
- Popular for Dinner and Solo Dining: The atmosphere and menu make Nicola's a popular choice for a variety of occasions. It is a go-to spot for a romantic or group dinner, but also a welcoming and comfortable place for those who enjoy dining alone.
- Comprehensive Offerings: The restaurant’s menu includes a wide variety of offerings, from a full bar with cocktails, beer, and hard liquor to a focus on comforting and high-quality Italian food. Dishes include Veal, Chicken, and Fish options, as well as an array of side dishes.
- Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The dimly lit room, cloth-covered tables, and overall decor create an ambiance that is both cozy and romantic, making it an ideal choice for a date night or an intimate celebration.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The restaurant provides wheelchair accessible restrooms and seating, ensuring that it is a welcoming place for all guests.
- Attention to Detail: The experience starts from the moment you walk in, with staff taking your coat at the door, a touch of elegance that feels rare in today's dining scene. This attention to detail extends to the bread basket, which includes a variety of breads and a block of butter.
For reservations, inquiries, or to find out more, you can contact Nicola’s using the information below.
- Address: 146 E 84th St, New York, NY 10028
- Phone: (212) 249-9850
- Mobile Phone: +1 212-249-9850
Choosing Nicola's for your next Italian meal in New York is an easy decision, as it consistently delivers an experience that is both premium and deeply satisfying. The customer reviews speak volumes about the quality and care you can expect. The food is consistently described as "the most delicious authentic italian food," with particular praise for the Veal Parmigiana and Tiramisu. This is a place where the classics are not just served but perfected. Beyond the food, the service is a major differentiator. Reviewers describe the staff as "incredibly welcoming," "attentive," and always ready to help with a smile. This level of hospitality makes every guest "feel so special," transforming a simple dinner into a truly memorable occasion. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance, feeling like a "local spot for regulars" while remaining "friendly for newcomers." The romantic and cozy setting, combined with thoughtful touches like coat service and a well-appointed bread basket, creates a dining environment that is both comfortable and elegant. While one review noted that the ricotta cheesecake was not their favorite, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the A+ service and high-quality main courses consistently exceeding expectations. Nicola's is worth choosing because it offers an authentic, delicious, and truly hospitable Italian dining experience that stands out even in a city full of great restaurants.
Nicola's Vibe
Veal
- Veal Scallopine Marsala $30.00
- Veal Scallopine Emiliana $30.00
- Veal Parmigiana $32.00
- Veal Chops $42.00
- Sirloin Steak $42.00
- Veal Scaloppine Piccata $28.00
- Veal Scaloppine Pizzaiola $32.00
- Veal Milanese $30.00
- Paillarde Of Veal $30.00
- Paillarde Of Beef $40.00
- Fresh Calf's Liver $30.00
Chicken
- Pollo Scarpara $25.00
- Pollo Limone Or Broiled $25.00
- Pollo Diavolo $25.00
- Pollo Parmigiana $26.00
Fish
*All entrees are served with vegetable of the day
- Shrimp Marinara $34.00
Shrimp sauteed with garlic, oregano and crushed red peppers in a tomato sauce
- Filet Of Boston Sole
According to market
- Dover Sole
- La Pescatora
Shrimps, mussels, clams and sea scallops sauteed in a garlic tomato sauce
- Broiled Sea Scallops
Shrimps, mussels, clams and sea scallops sauteed in a garlic tomato sauce
Side Order
- Fresh String Beans $11.00
- Fresh Spinach $11.00
- Eggplant Parmigiana $16.00
- Home Fried Potatoes $15.00
- Lyonnaise Potatoes $16.00
- Hash Brown Potatoes $15.00
- Fresh Asparagus $12.00
Desserts
- Cream Caramel $10.00
- Fresh Fruit In Season $12.00
- Coffee $3.00
- Cold Labaglione $10.00
- Tiramisu $12.00
- Expresso $4.00
- Cheese Cake $12.00
- Ice Cream $10.00
- Cappuccino $6.00
Nicola's Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Nicola's Photos










Nicola's Location
Nicola's Reviews
priceschoolvealglasschicken parmfountain sodadover solemaitrechopstable cloth
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The most delicious authentic italian food. All of the staff is incredibly welcoming and makes you feel so special. Incredibly nice place to go for an italian meal on the UES. Probably the best veal parmesan I’ve ever had and the tiramisu is just phenomenal.
July 28 · Jordan KVery premium experience. Feels like a local spot for regulars, as well as friendly for newcomers. The experience starts with them, taking your coat at the door, something you don’t see too often anymore.Upon sitting, there was a bread basket at my table, with a block of butter and a variety of breads and crackers. The table had a nice cloth, and the room was dimly lit, but bright enough to see who you are dining with.I always have to get the chicken parm! Definitely didn’t disappoint here. The chicken was a nice thickness with good coating. This sauce and cheese worked well. Above average overall. It doesn’t come with any pasta so I added some penne with an Arrabiata sauce. They brought out some green beans which may come with the entrée or just get served to everybody as a seasonal vegetable.For dessert I got the ricotta cheesecake. Unfortunately, this wasn’t amazing. A bit dry not a ton of flavor. Next time I would try something else.The service here was A+. People, attentive and filling waters, as well as getting anything that you would want or need within a few seconds. Always with a smile on their face.
January 12 · Cem UnsalNicola’s is close to Guggenheim museum that’s that’s the reason I discovered the place. It’s very cozy, beautiful and comfortable place where you can really feel that you are in the middle of Italy. Beside the fact that food we ordered was very delicious and fresh it was little overpriced
February 15 · Iana TchantchaleishviliWhat an amazing Upper East Side Italian restaurant Nicola's is. This establishment has been open for decades, and I see why. The whole experience from the food to the service to the atmosphere was amazing!
June 08 · A RHighly disappointed in this restaurant. Save your money (its way over priced) and spend it somewhere more welcoming and flavorful. We planned on having dinner across the street but it was closed for a private event, this restaurant looked like a promising staple in the neighborhood. We were a party of 8. From the moment we walked in, nothing but glaring looks and one waiter asking why so many people. After being sat and waiting a few minutes for the waiter, we asked him from menus and he rudely said we'd get menus after we order drinks. It seemed out of sorts but we were going w the flow as visitors. After getting drinks and menus we asked to.place an order for appetizers, nope...we couldn't order those until we were ready to order all our dinner entrees. The food was bland, warm - not hot, freshly made, and we didn't get any drink refills. The atmosphere was dark and moody for great conversation but the food and service was awful. This was our lowest restaurant experience in NYC. I'm so glad we didnt let this hinder our visit as we had a much better experience with warm hospitality and authentic food in Little Italy and at Mezzaluna.
December 02 · Veronica Morales
More restaurants near me

411 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

304 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

441 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

316 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

316 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

371 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

330 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

330 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

445 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

325 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001, USA

383 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001, USA

402 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





