Nicola's Introduce
Nestled on a charming street on the Upper East Side, Nicola's is more than just a restaurant; it’s a timeless New York City institution. For decades, it has been a go-to spot for those seeking an authentic and elegant Italian dining experience. The moment you step through the doors, you are transported to a place of classic refinement and old-world charm. The dimly lit, intimate setting, complete with crisp white tablecloths and a warm, welcoming staff, creates an atmosphere that feels both special and familiar. It’s a place where regulars are greeted like family, and newcomers are made to feel right at home. Nicola's is the perfect destination for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or simply an evening dedicated to enjoying classic Italian comfort food at its finest.
Nicola's is conveniently located at 146 E 84th St, New York, NY 10028, USA, placing it in a prime spot on the Upper East Side. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful brownstones and sophisticated ambiance, making it a great area for a stroll before or after your meal. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines and various bus routes serving the area. While street parking can be a challenge in this residential neighborhood, the location is ideal for those who live or work nearby. The restaurant is also designed to be inclusive, with wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms available for all guests.
Nicola's is dedicated to providing a high-quality dining experience through its service offerings.
Dine-in: The main service offered, inviting guests to enjoy the full, romantic, and cozy atmosphere. The attention to detail, from taking coats at the door to attentive table service, makes dining here a truly premium experience.
Takeout: For those who wish to enjoy Nicola’s delicious food at home, a takeout option is available.
Reservations: Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, especially for dinner, ensuring you get a table at this popular spot.
Several key features and highlights make Nicola’s a standout on the New York City dining scene.
Impeccable Service: The staff at Nicola’s consistently receives high praise for their warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism. They are known for making every guest feel special, whether they are a first-timer or a long-time regular. The practice of taking coats at the door is a simple yet elegant touch that sets the tone for a truly premium experience.
Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The dimly lit dining room, with its elegant table settings and classic decor, creates a perfect setting for a special evening. It’s a place that feels intimate and exclusive, while still being welcoming to all. The ambiance is highly rated for both romantic dates and group dinners.
Great Wine List: Nicola's boasts an extensive wine list, with a variety of options that beautifully complement the menu. The bar onsite also offers a selection of cocktails and hard liquor, making it a great place to start or end your meal.
Comfort Food with a Premium Touch: The menu focuses on authentic, classic Italian dishes. Reviews consistently highlight the food as being delicious and of high quality, a true taste of old-school Italian cuisine.
Timeless Elegance: In a city where dining trends come and go, Nicola's maintains a classic and timeless appeal. It's a place that feels authentic and steeped in tradition, a rarity that locals cherish.
For reservations or inquiries, you can contact Nicola’s directly.
Contact Information:
Address: 146 E 84th St, New York, NY 10028, USA
Phone: (212) 249-9850
When you visit Nicola's, there are certain dishes that are truly worth choosing to experience the best the restaurant has to offer. The Veal and Chicken sections of the menu are particularly celebrated. The Veal Parmigiana is a standout, with one reviewer calling it "probably the best I've ever had." It's known for its perfect thickness, excellent coating, and a delicious combination of sauce and cheese. The Veal Milanese and Paillarde of Veal are also popular choices, with the paillard being a classic thin, pounded cutlet that cooks up beautifully. For chicken, the Pollo Parmigiana and Pollo Diavolo are excellent comfort food choices that are sure to please.
While the main courses are a highlight, don't forget the other courses. The sides, such as the Fresh Asparagus and Fresh String Beans, are simple yet perfectly prepared to complement your entree. The menu also offers a variety of fish dishes, including classics like Shrimp Marinara and Filet of Boston Sole, providing great alternatives for non-meat eaters.
For dessert, the Tiramisu is a phenomenal choice and a must-try, with patrons consistently raving about its light and flavorful qualities. While one review noted that the ricotta cheesecake was a bit dry, the Tiramisu is a clear winner and a perfect way to conclude your meal.
The experience at Nicola’s begins the moment you arrive, with a professional and welcoming staff that adds to the overall premium feel. The warm bread basket with butter and the choice of different breads are delightful touches that show the restaurant's commitment to a high-quality experience. The attentiveness of the staff, who are always ready to refill water and assist with any needs, makes the dining experience seamless and enjoyable. Overall, Nicola's is a true gem for anyone in New York looking for an authentic, high-end Italian meal in a timeless and romantic setting. It is a place that values tradition, excellent service, and delicious, authentic food.
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
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★ 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
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