met my Godson here for a quick dinner. passed this place for years . parking easy right at the door. met with a really bubbly friendly waitress. started with clam casino. tiny clams with huge piece of bacon. not the best i ordered chicken marsala with side of ziti. chicken was fresh and tender. mushrooms good. sauce was ok. alcohol wasn't burnt out. godson ordered zuppe Di Pesce and i was pleasantly surprised. huge portion and looked great wife had a pasta. it was ok. but was fresh Great old school spot with solid food great waitstaff nice family vibe.prices are very reasonable. read more

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Attended a BDay celebration here today & was very pleased. Old school, family vibe atmosphere - perfect for toddlers & teens - but high quality food. Waitress (Lily) was friendly, efficient & professional. I personally had the Chicken Scarp special entree that came with salad & pasta (all delish). Listed prices seemed reasonable, so all in all it was a great celebration dinner. Surely will be back again. read more

A local treasure with delicious food and superb service. If you hit a night when they serve duck a l'orange you are in luck! read more

We were just driving and stumbled across this restaurant and decided to give it a try! They warmly greeted us and served warm freshly toasted bread and garlic knots as a free appetizer. We order the fried calamari and it's one the BEST I've had (beats everything in little italy). We ordered the Filet Of Sole Francese and Veal Cutlet Parmigiana. The fish was AMAZING and tender. I would definitely order it again, the sauce was delicately flavored and felt very fresh. The veal was soft and not chewy or overdone. The service was absolutely fabulous. Our waitress was so kind and regularly checked if needed more bread or refills. We met the owner's daughter, Lily, and she was genuine. We talked to them both for so long and even showed her our dog's pictures. I understand why they have so many regulars and we might become regulars soon too! Counting down days till our next visit! read more

Wife and I went tonight. We hade a reservation and arrived a few minutes early. Hostess greeted us right away and with a warm manner. Seated us at a very comfortable table for 4. Waitress (Susan) was an absolute delight. Warm, friendly, and caring. Spoke to and took a genuine interest in my wife's shellfish allergy. Started off with a martini and glass of Cabernet. I had the clams casino appetizer which was outstanding. Next was the salad, Bread and garlic knots were placed on the table with olive oil. My wife had the chicken/bow tie pasta in a pesto sauce special and I had the veal & chicken alla Debbie (with red peppers, eggplant, ham, and mozzarella). Outstanding! 2 large medallions of each! Had 2 Peroni beers with dinner. For dessert: I had the Pistachio tortuffo (a sort of an Italian baked Alaska), cappuccino, and a Sambuca with coffee beans. The bill was less than $110. (You decide if it was worth it.) The food was outstanding and the service impeccable. We will be returning without doubt. The only complaint (minor): the gravy (no self-respecting Italian calls it "sauce" unless it's on a pizza) on my side dish was a bit on the sweet side. Not the end on the world. The atmosphere was comfortable and the noise level was minimum. The décor was modern but very old-school Italian. We live in Westchester but this place was well worth the ride. Can't wait to go back. When in Cold Spring or Garrison, stop in and give it a try. Very highly recommended. read more

Had a Christmas Party last night, we had our own private room3 tables of 10. A pre set menu with a choice of 5 entres, soup or salad, desert and coffee at a very very reasonable price. Excellent bread and garlic knots... Service was impeccable, professional yet friendly. Portions were copious. Sorry I didn't take any pictures. Everyone was served at the same time and the dishes came pipping hot. They really were on top of things, replacing the bread basket, refilling water glasses. Family run restaurant, they really aim to please. I gave 4 stars just to be fair to the decor that was not upscale.... but who cares???? The food was great and that's what's important. I would recommend them if what you want is a good home cooked meal. Try them read more

Our server Lily went out of her way to make us feel comfortable. She moved us from a noisy middle room table to a cozy private side room table. The menu is expansive, and the food was delicious. They even serve whole wheat pasta as an option. We will be back. Chris & Ana Pinker read more

Great food excellent atmosphere and phenomenal service. For appetizer we had calamari that was perfectly fried, light and tasty. Following out appetizer we enjoyed soup that was fresh and flavorful. The main course consisted of chicken parmigiana, a plentiful helping of thin chicken topped with a nice Mariana sauce and a nice helping of melted cheese. Desert consisted of tiramisu (properly made traditionally with egg) and toasted almond tortoni Would recommend for a nice romantic dinner for two or weekly dinner with the family price is very fair. read more

Love Nicola's. Used to be called Angela's. Same owner. Excellent food and service. Nice and casual atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit. We go there frequently. read more

ANTI-MASKERS---this establishment deserves negative stars, due to their irresponsible handling of COVID precautions. This past Saturday at 5:35pm, I came by to pick up a takeout order I'd placed. I came inside to a small, packed bar where NO ONE WAS WEARING MASKS, INCLUDING THE BARTENDER. Lest you think, ok, people are sitting at different tables and there's enough space for them all to be together and not wearing masks---you'd be completely wrong! This is a small space, the bar is maybe 8 ft across and there were 3 patrons there, not even a foot apart, being served by maskless bartender (not even a mask hanging off this ear, not even one in sight). There were 5 other people in the bar area sitting at two tops---it appeared as if everyone knew everyone else, a real "locals" joint. But again, they weren't in the same party, they're sitting too close together, and NO ONE IS WEARING MASKS. Lest you think, ok, why go in that space? Well, when I flagged down the elderly waitress in the dining room (the only other person wearing a mask aside from me), she tells me that takeout orders have to be picked up in the bar. I stand at the back of the room and kinda shout out my name. But there's no separate table/register where they bring your food and you pay; I have to go to bar to get it and to pay, which results in me squeezing between two maskless ladies to get my food. And the kitchen staff is clearly visible here, and guess what? STAFF IS NOT WEARING MASKS back where they prepare your food. All the patrons acted very uncomfortable and weird around me---as they should since COVID cases are skyrocketing in our area---and this is partially the reason why. I'm all for supporting local establishments and I've been to several restaurants since our area started opening up again in June. But I've never seen such blatant non-compliance and irresponsible behavior anywhere. I was so shocked I actually took my order & got out of there as fast as I could. I wish I would have left it behind, along with all the bad juju from this place. Save yourself: don't go. read more

The food was excellent every time we had Dinner at Nicola's. Service is excellent also friendly staff and the owner comes by the table to check that you are enjoying your food. read more

Nicola's is just a sweet family run restaurant with GREAT food! I have been countless times now over the years and have never been disappointed in a meal. Even with a few "mishaps" that others would rate poorly for (forgotten side pasta/salad is the worst that's happened) they ALWAYS fix it and have even offered to drop off the missing items to our house! OH and the house made balsamic dressing is the best dressing I've ever had. COVID or not, this is the place to go if you're looking for a great Italian meal. The prices are great, food's even better. Do yourself a favor and stop by... you won't be disappointed!! read more

We were there following a funeral, and had probably 80 people. The staff was awesome. The owner's daughter kept it all moving, and was as pleasant and accommodating as I've seen in any restaurant ever. Food was top notch. Appetizers included calamari that was tender and delicious. Chicken Parm was huge, and equally delicious. Obviously very freshly breaded and cooked. I've not been there for a regular dinner service, but based on this visit I'd say it's worth the trip if just for the great service! read more

Nicola's was a wonderful choice for our large group of athletes and parents who were attending an event nearby. We are from Pittsburgh and didn't know the area well. Joe assured us that everything would be ready for us when we arrived -- and it was. Joe was extremely accommodating, and the food and service were excellent. The wait staff were friendly and very professional. For us, a bonus was that the restaurant atmosphere is warm and charming. We are thankful that Nicola's took great care of us! read more

This is a must try. It's a small "hole in the wall" restaurant with authentic quality food. The sauce is perfect and there is no such thing as too much! :) read more

Service was good and had a friendly waitstaff and for these reason it gets two stars. The food though was subpar. I don't get why people think this is good Italian food. I guess if you like the typical jarred and canned stuff and you don't know any better you would think this place is great and 5 stars. However I grew up in Queens where the Italian food it authentic. People up here are easily satisfied with flavorless food because of big portions. I don't get it. read more

I've been going here for a long time. The food is standard - no thrills - just good service that will keep you coming back. It's quick & easy. You feel like family here but this ain't olive garden - its real Italian food so you'll be leaving with some extra food 'to go' after your meal. Pros: I love that Fra Diavolo sauce Pizza is so good. MmmmMMm read more

Terribly unimpressed! Their veal was previously frozen and the masala sauce was congealing. Their chicken was fresh but the marina was just ok. Their salad was boring romaine lettuce-nothing special, but the chicken soup was homemade and enjoyable. Their clam's casino appetizer was very good with crisp bacon on top and their seasoned oil and garlic knots were also good. Luckily we filled up on bread and appetizers so we didn't starve when we received or disappointing entrees. The meals were all more expensive than Brothers in Beacon but the food and atmosphere was nowhere close! Lots of kids and very noisy. The alarm bell steadily ringing to announce new guests. Not sure if the dead bouquets of flowers on the window sills were a statement or just neglected. The waiter was very efficient. This was our first visit and we won't be back. read more

Delicious Italian food and wonderful service! They put real fresh Parmesan cheese on the table and everything from the bread to the white napkins add to the nice atmosphere and the good food here. read more

Nicola's - a sign for a italian restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cold Spring, New York

I've been twice and I can't post a comprehensive review, because I loved the Chicken Parmigiana so much I had it both times. I know, I know, not a sophisticated dish, but it is one of my favorites and I've had it many places. Nicola's is the best in the area! My dining companion had ravioli and loved them, as well, saying that they were tremendously creamy. Reasonable prices (salad included with entrees) and really good reliable comfort food make Nicola's one of my "go-to's". The only downside I've noticed is that it can get a little loud, but not enough to deter me. Go! Enjoy! read more

First off, let me tell you that my 5 star rating is not because this is 5 star cuisine. It's an overall rating for food quality, freshness, portions, value, and service. I've been here a handful of times over the past few years, and each time I am impressed by the consistency. Nicola's reminds me of the Italian restaurants I used to know back in my childhood during the 70s. And there's a good reason for that. This place has stood the test of time. It's no wonder, because they make you feel right at home. On this occasion, we had a party of four on a Sunday afternoon. It wasn't very crowded, but there were other people seated. Nicola's has certain aspects that might turn off the snobby diner, such as using butter packets for the table and parmesan cheese in a shaker. But that doesn't bother me. The menu sticks closely to tried and true Italian favorites. Although none of our party was drinking today, they have wine for the ridiculously low price of $5 per glass or $15 for a full carafe. Mind you, these are not upper-echelon wines, but they are quite serviceable. The bread and garlic knots laid out with a plate of olive oil for dipping were hot and fresh. We only ordered one appetizer, fresh mozzarella with tomatoes and peppers. It was indeed fresh and delicious, although we weren't too thrilled with the capers that were also added to the plate. No big deal, as we simply did not partake. Two of us ordered shrimp scampi, which included twelve (!) big shrimp each, and was delightfully fresh, for only $16.95. The other two, included me, had the pork cutlet stuffed with prosciutto and provolone in a marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, which was one of the daily specials. The sauce was okay, but the real star of the dish was the cutlet itself, very succulent and tender. Coffee and cappuccino were both very good, and the Napoleon that two of us shared was outstanding. Many times, this is a dessert that is way too sweet, but theirs had just the right touch of sweetness. The owner, as always, came over to see how we were doing, and engaged us in conversation. It's a cliche, but they do make you feel like family (in a good way). If you like tasty and impressive portions of good Italian food, served by a friendly staff, in an atmosphere straight out of the era of leisure suits, and you enjoy the idea of not breaking the bank, this is the place for you, because you will not be disappointed. read more

For the Poughkeepsie region, this was amazing food. We were celebrating a birthday with a party of 15- including a very energetic two year old. The big Italian family had very high standards for Italian food, but Nicola's surpassed expectations. The waiter was able to handle everyone's requests and managed the large group with ease. The food was delicious- we ordered the shrimp parmesan and angel hair pasta. The red sauce was top notch, and the shrimp was done beautifully. However, the shells were left on half of them - a not so lovely surprise under all the cheese. However, that was the only blemish on an otherwise amazing meal. The fried calamari were divine, and the mozzarella sticks fresh and wonderful. In summary- this is a hidden gem in the duchess county region. Four stars because of not cleaning the shrimp, but I will definitely be back to try again. read more

"A hidden gem"... recently discovered while driving on Rte. 9. My husband and I dined there for the third time last night and look forward to enjoying a meal there every couple of weeks. The marinara sauce is the real "Italian" homemade sauce and most Italian restaurants in this area cannot compete. The owner, Joe is not only friendly and interested in making your evening pleasant ensuring that customers are satisfied, but he went to great lengths to purchase eggplant when I ordered parm. and cooked it perfectly!!! My husband devoured the steak. There are so many choices. The waitstaff aims to please and does! read more

BEST RESTAURANT I'VE EVER BEEN TO. That's it right there best chicken parmigiana I've ever had and best cannoli I've ever had I recommend this place if you want real Italian food read more

This place just opened up a week ago, so I understand there are growing pains and I definetly will try it again in a few months! I went into Nicola's with a lot of optimism and hope. The restaurant was fairly crowded for a Saturday night but we got a seat right away. Our waiter came over and brought us bread with olive oil and basil dip. He took our drink order and left. First problem, while there is a full bar, the beer and wine menu seem very limited. Second problem came when our food arrived, I got served the wrong entree! Not a big deal because I enjoyed what I got, but still not a good sign. As I said before, hopefully Nicola's improves with time. read more

I actually ended up at Nicola's by accident by hiking down the wrong side of Mt. Beacon, but I'm so happy I ended up at Nicola's. We walked into Nicola's to wait for a cab to pick us up and bring us back to Beacon and we were immediately greeted with an open door and a smile by the staff. They sat us immediately and asked us how we were doing and how we ended up there (which sounds like is not an uncommon occurrence). The service we found at Nicola's is unmatched and very prompt. We told the staff that our cab would be there within a half hour and they responded by getting us our food and check in an expedited fashion, for which we were very appreciative. The pizza we ordered was fantastic and our server was very gracious and even offered her car for us to get back to Beacon! I cannot recommend Nicola's highly enough and we will most definitely be back next time we are in the area! Thank you to the staff! Keep doing what you're doing! read more

I planned a party here and was not disappointed. The food was delicious and the staff was efficient and personable, working with Joe was simply a pleasure and I plan to recommend this restaurant to everyone. Thanks Joe!! read more

The best dining experience I've had in a long time!! Everyone was super friendly and the food?! Amazing!!!!!

Great place!!! The chicken parmigiana is fantastic...... There's nothing better then a family run restaurant. Thanks Joe and the rest of the staff. read more

Such a great meal and experience! We saw this restaurant when driving down to West Point for a Spartan Race. It looked like a nice place so we checked it out on Yelp. After seeing the reviews and pictures we decided to give it a try for dinner on the way back home. We were so glad we did! The food was fantastic from the fresh bread and mini garlic knots that greeted us to tasty salads and delicious entrees. We enjoyed chicken parm, a margarita pizza, and linguini with meatballs. On top of the great food, service was fantastic. This is a family owned and run restaurant that made us feel right at home and we left feeling like we were part of the family. Even though we live more than 90 minutes away, we are already looking forward to the next time we can visit! Highly recommend stopping in if you have the opportunity! read more

My favorite Italian Restaurant. Love the olive oil and spices dipping oil for bread they bring to the table. The menu has all the favorite appetizers and entrees on it. Something for everyone, including kids. The shrimp parmigiana is my all time favorite. We drive twenty miles to come here. Family owned for many years. They know what they're doing ! Remember to try the shrimp parmigiana! read more

First time there. Service was erratic. Not all dinners served at the same time. Clams oreganto were Dried bread crumbs. Sauted broccoli was steamed. Won't be back. read more

Good food and nice little place. Inexpensive meal. Will plan to go back sometime in the near future. read more

We went on a Friday night. It was crowded but we immediately got a seat. The food was great! The staff was extremely friendly and the service was excellent. read more

Nothing spectacular. Met friends on a Tuesday at 6 pm so not too busy. The food was quite good and portions were generous. Skip the bread basket as bread was stale grocery store Italian bread. I would have given four stars if it were not for service. When we gave our drink order, the waitress wanted our dinner order. We literally had not had a moment to open our menus. Service was a bit rushed which was a shame otherwise good standard Italian food read more

We were with a very large party for a class reunion. From the minute we walked in the door we were warmly vreeted and welcomed as family. Our server was EXCELLENT!!! Separate checks for each couple can be confusing to some. She immediately got the names of each couple and where we were seated. We all ordered off the menu with many great choices. When the food came there was no confusion. Every person spoke about how great their food was. My wife had one of the special salmon dishes and loved it the person next to me had eggplant parm and the serving was delicious and huge. I finished my meal with a big piece of homemade Italian cheesecake which was one of the best I have ever had. Looking forward to returning read more

Great family place! Their gluten free pizza is great. There regular pies are just as good. Eaten there over a dozen times and always happy! Good pasta dishes and the scungelli salad is awesome. read more

We have been here twice. I enjoy coming down here..about 40-45 minutes from our house but well worth it. The food is one of my favorites, everyone in our party enjoyed what they ordered. Also the owner and staff are exceptionally pleasant to deal with. The portion size is great and prices are very fair! read more

All around good meal. I had shrimp and scallops in a tomato Cream sauce and my wife had chicken francese. This restaurant has reinvented itself many times and this latest incarnation is well worth a try. read more

We love this place and we go quite often...the food is real Italian and real good! Its a family run restaurant and they are very friendly and down-to-earth. I hope they never close! We went Christmas Eve 2011 and they had a singer and at one point the whole place broke out in song...laughter, etc. read more