On our way home toward San Diego from San Pedro I went on yelp looking for a good place to stop for lunch in Long Beach. I saw the reviews and menu for Sunday brunch and lunch and decided Nico's was the spot. Thanks to Yelpers! The food was fantastic! My husband had the steak & eggs. I tasted it. Yummy! I had the lemon chocolate chicken with asparagus. Cooked perfectly, seasoned to perfection. I will come back for a romantic date night. Loved it! read more

If you are wearing t-shirt and jeans do NOT go in this place because they dont want that kind of business in their restaurant or bar area. What was so strange about this place is some our friends knew the owner/manager and he bought us a round of shots. Which I appreciated greatly! So I decided to go over and thank the owner/manager with a handshake for his hospitality. After that I went back to where our group was sitting at the bar, not far from the owner/manager. As we sat there I could clearly hear the pissant owner/manager make fun of the handshake I gave him to the group he was sitting with loud and clear(must be because of his lil girl hands)?!? Or maybe he thought I was not being sincere in my gratitude?!? Needless to say I was extremely mad and could not believe how unprofessional the owner/manger was towards me after I thanked him for the shot! While this was going on he kept starring at my girlfriend which creeped her out . So we decided to call it a night and closed our tab out. I have never been so insulted at a restaurant/bar in my life and wont ever go back to this establishment. I would of given this place one star if the sleazy pissant owner didnt buy us a round of shots. Maybe if I was wearing a sport coat and an oxford shirt then maybe the lil guy would of not insulted me and my girlfriend?? I highly doubt it though! read more

Food was good enough but not outstanding. You're paying for the atmosphere which still is ok but not comparable to other cities. If you really wanna feel bad and boujee in long beach I guess you can spend your money here. Presentation is great but I'm all about the flavor but if you like flowers in your food you'll be in edible floral Paradise. Expect to pay at least 60 per person. read more

Nico's - New American Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Came here for date night with the husband and to celebrate his birthday (belated). I easily made reservations a couple days before that Friday night. We walked right in and were seated right away. We ordered the burrata salad (Wild arugula, baby heirloom tomato, fresh basil, white balsamic vinaigrette), which was pretty good. I've had better though. We also had the New Zealand Sea Bass (Oven roasted with lemon, fennel and olives over saffron risotto with caper beurre blanc), which was excellent! The fish was perfectly cooked. Everything was seasoned nicely. The risotto was perfect! We ended the meal with free cheesecake since we were there celebrating his birthday. We had a really great night with excellent food, delicious cocktails, and wonderful service. read more

Valet only places are annoying...But surprisingly the valet was the only good thing about this place. The food is so-so. Not worth the prices though. Between four of us we had ordered the bison ribs, sea bass, scallops, and surf and turf. All were mediocre. The steak tartare app was the only flavorful item worth ordering. Our server was super nice but the hostesses and other waiters we're total fake snobs. We brought a cake since it was a birthday and they charged us a $10 PER PERSON plate fee. That was totally bogus. In addition, the lighting is horrible. We could barely see anything on the table. But they are evidently aware of it since their menus come with attached flashlights. This place is ridiculously expensive for what you get. Don't waste your time. I will never return and would never wish such an unfortunate dining experience on anyone else. read more

A little bit more of a "neighborhood" place than I expected. We sat between two tables where the men were talking between themselves ( right over us 3 women). That's Ok at a burger joint but when the bill and tip exceeds $300 for 3 it really ruined my experience. We asked to be seated at another table but we were told it was reserved. The reservation party showed up 2 hours later at 9:15 when there were lots of other seats. The wait staff was attentive and knowledgable. Nice cocktails. Loved the artichoke and tartare. The seafood risotto was just Ok and not as hot as I would have expected it to be served. The chicken dish was good and hot as was the pasta special. I'm disappointed, but expect one day to try again and hope for better. read more

This past weekend our group made dining at new restaurants our goal. Friday and Saturday we ventured through Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach, thereafter to choose Naples in Long Beach as our final destination - WHAT A WISE choice we made! Nico's Restaurant it was, and it was splendid. One in our group had experienced Nico's a number of times apparently as was the advocate for the choice. To start with, supposedly there is a new valet provider, and they STOOD OUT!! David so he said his name was, looked quite dashing, very formal, and even before we stepped out of the car gave us clear direction as to where to go (hospitality is my love). The overall presentation was very different that we've experiences at not all but most other restaurants, and that did make us feel better about who, where, and how our prized possession would be care for. Oh, and how often does someone ask "what did you like inside"? From the valet - that was a surprise. Thank you David! The food presented to us was delicious, well arranged, and VERY timely. The wait staff - impeccable from start to finish. It's clear that there is a reason why locals frequent Nico's. We were hoping to meet the owner but he understandable takes Sunday's off. Don't plan on self parking on Naples. For one, it's combined with local residential street parking (limited), and two...it's NAPLES ISALND = a fantastic experience, so indulge in not having to circle, and walk to your destination. A small valet fee = great convenience especially when you're going to invest in excellent food & wine inside. Atmosphere was a warm Mediterranean feel, with a private rear room for either parties, business meetings, or lounging (nice touch to this special place). Thank you for be our last experience this weekend! read more

Nico's! You made up for your past mistakes last night. The food has always been good, but we were so put out by the lack of customer service during our first visit. HOWEVER, last night....we stopped in the bar for a few drinks before heading over to Fora's. When we asked for the bill, the bartender told us that, "This one was taken care of by George." The fact that the manager remembered us and then did such a nice thing was a great way to start our anniversary night. THANKS!! read more

This is the place to be for a contemporary dining experience. Locally owned and operated, the food, drink and vibe will have you back for more. read more

Nico's is an amazing gem you're more than likely missing out on. The owner does a fantastic job keeping the menu fresh, trendy and top quality. Wine list is epic and bartender Tracy makes awesome craft cocktails. Ambiance is to die for. Definitely a new favorite date spot. read more

Nico's is one of my favorite restaurants not only for the food and the good pours, but for the friendly atmosphere. As a woman I feel comfortable walking in by myself and eating at the bar knowing that I will feel welcomed and will always have someone interesting to talk to. Their bar menu offers many inexpensive choices (my two favorites, Lowell's Chicken and the fish tacos.) I recently went there to try their $10 lunch items. I chose the burger and it was big, cooked just right and delicious - almost more than I could eat! If you don't like eating at the bar you can always dine at one of their many tables or you can hangout in the back lounge area with your friends. Been going here for years and continue to enjoy great food and cocktails plus a lot of fun too! read more

Great Bar! The martini's are excellent. I give them a four. The salads were awesome. Just what I was craving. The Calamari and crab cakes were not worth the $$$. Where was the seasoning? Too bland for me. Service was great. Atmosphere nice but loud so don't ask your date any important questions! I'll come back but only for a martini. read more

Nico's is absolutely amazing! Great food, wine and craft cocktails. Red Night Special Martini! read more

Nico's - Red Night Special Martini! - New American Near Me - Long Beach, California

Nico's is located on 2nd Street on Naples Island. I recommend to valet, since self parking in the area can be problematic due to lack of street parking. If you're looking for a romantic date place in Long Beach, look no more. This is the place. But warning, it's a bit on the pricey side but so worth it, if your date is worth it! This was once owned by Christy Bono (as in Sonny) - not sure if she still does or not. She also owns Christy's on Broadway and Bono's on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore. There's a main dining area and also an upstairs area as well. The ambiance is dimly lit and romantic. I've been here a few times on special occasions or on dates. The service is always exceptional and friendly. For appetizers I've had the ahi tuna tar tar - highly recommended for the ahi tuna lovers, and crab cakes. The calamari is also an excellent choice too! For salads, I've had the seared ahi salad, another winner. And they also have a great Caesar. Although I'm a big fan of Ruths Chris' rib eye, Nico's has a great rib eye steak with gorgonzolla sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes and brocolini. It's as good as it sounds! I've also had the spicy shrimp pasta....which is excellent for you spicy shrimp lovers. Nico's also makes a mean Grey Goose extra dry double olive martini! And also has a great wine list. This place definitely deserves 5 stars....excellent service, excellent food, excellent drinks and wine list and excellent ambiance. Be sure to make reservations for Friday and weekend evenings. I'm glad that Long Beach has a fine dining place like Nico's! read more

My husband and I ate here by accident, but we are glad we did. I loved the ambiance and look of the restaurant. Its very romantic and dark (dimly lit) and classy. The wine was great as was the service and menu. The appetizers and salads were fabulous, and for dinner I had the scallops- they were delicious. Everyone in our party of 6 was happy with their entree and the restaurant- among those were pasta, fish, and steak. I would recommend this restaurant for a romantic date or special occasion- like a birthday or anniversary. It was lovely. read more

I've always loved Nico's, but lately they've stepped up their game even more. With a recent renovation, the space is super inviting. The food is seriously outstanding. In typical fashion, we went a little overboard with the ordering. Everything was incredibly flavorful, innovative and perfectly prepared. We started with the gnocchi with cremini & porchini mushrooms, smoked motz and truffle oil - a MUST get! We also ordered a couple of salads; the slow roasted yellow and red beets with arugula, candied walnuts and goat cheese and the watermelon with field greens, pickled red onion, feta, pine nut and the real kicker of a habanero balsamic dressing. Wow! Just wow! The venison strip loin is perfection. I love a chef who knows how to prepare venison and they nailed it here. With a blueberry demi-glace and pearl couscous, it was one of the stars of the night. My friend got the Osso Bucco and I was grateful she was willing to share with me. It was SO flavorful... THE most incredible veal braised in white wine and herbs. They have an excellent wine list and their cocktails are extremely well crafted with fresh ingredients. I recommend having a specialty cocktail in the bar before you sit down. I love the bar here and you're sure to find plenty of locals having a drink or two. The service is always very good and people are on their game. It's an excellent place for date night or just when you're feeling like a classy, cozy environment. An extra nice touch is the jazz music playing in the background. read more

Went there with a bunch of friends, reserved a room upstairs a month ahead......servers gave us bar menu...wtth...until I had to go downstairs to get the dine in menus for ALL of us. Never got the free bread...until we almost finished dinner and I asked for it, here it comes bread with a tiny amount of butter. I thought I came to Italian restaurant...why aren't they serving bread without olive oil or vinegar ?? I don't get it. I had crab cakes...a medium size for 24.- and gave me stomach ached all night.....my gf ordered crab cakes as well she ate one bite and returned it. Never go back !! read more

I came here for a friend's birthday dinner. No, it's not the biggest restaurant but that wasn't a big deal like some of the other reviews noted. For me it's all about the food & service. I agree that it is a romantic atmosphere. The service was very good. We had the following: Crab Cake Beet Salad Filet Mignon Seafood Risotto Pasta with meat sauce Banana dessert The crab cake is one huge cake-pretty good. The beet salad was really good I would definitely order it again. I tried the filet which was very flavorful & cooked to perfection. My seafood risotto was the best dish on the table. I would go there again just for that. The dessert was just ok. Yes, it's pricey but get your date to pay for it! read more

The first time I went to Nico's, we went with a large group and definitely did not have a good time. I would had agreed with the previous poster that the food was salty, expensive and not that special. More recently, however, we went for an intimate dinner and basically had a large booth all to ourselves. The food was more balanced, and the service was excellent. Also, they had an extensive wine list that was minimally marked up. It didn't seem that expensive this time around either. The one other plus is that they had valet service. read more

OK, I now know why this is called "Cheers of Naples". Lot of great regulars and locals. Fun place to be around the bar. Started with valet parking, no reservations but got one of the rounds by the bar, then...magic happened. Corey was our waiter. He is fantastic and definitely knows how to "work the crowd". He is sincere in how he treats everyone. Great food, great wine list, and the bartenders are amazing. Make reservations and GO! read more

I haven't been here for years and at that time, I was unimpressed. But we went with friends this week and boy have I been missing out. The food and service were amazing. The rest of our party started with poke and said it was delicious. I don't do raw fish so didn't try it but from the way it disappeared off the plate, I could tell they loved it. We followed with salads, which were crisp and tasty. And then our party had rib-eye steak, filet mignon and lobster linguini. I had the filet and it was incredibly tender, perfectly cooked and flavorful. The ribeye got rave reviews, as did the lobster. And by the way, that's a whole lobster! The drinks here were also great. I had the best vodka gimlet I've ever had anywhere. And then for dessert, an espresso martini. Honestly, as good as everything else was, I would go back just for the espresso martini. And I will be going back. read more

First let me say that the service was great. We had a great waiter. The bar area is comfortable and cozy. The issue is the food. It's barely mediocre, at best, because Nico's uses cheap ingredients. The goat cheese and garlic, tomato and grape platter was well presented but the food was not flavorful. The tomatos were soggy and the goat cheese is what you'd get at Ralph's. The steaks too were acceptable, but nothing special. This restaurant is a decent neighborhood restaurant, but it's nothing more than that. You'd be better off at Michaels which is a few doors down. My wife and I wont be returning. read more

Great atmosphere. Many locals hang out here, and enjoy their time socializing. Service is perfect, dim lights, art on walls - this all works for me. I have been here four times and food is an adventure in a good sense. Sea bass is my fav. Go n enjoy. Special place on lovely Naples. read more

Absolutely amazing dinner for our 25th anniversary dinner! Tomahawk steak was amazing and Bolognese was off the chart! Taylor was our server and she was a 10+. Amazing dinner tonight!! Just wow!! read more

Awesome service and food. I get my car for a wash next to this place every week, and i guess i found my waiting spot read more

So good. The atmosphere is cool and kind of romantic. The wine is good. The seafood rositto is freaking amazing. read more

Nico's - Major yum. Seafood rositto. - New American Near Me - Long Beach, California

It is more like 4.5 stars because I think some items are a touch pricey but I always round up unlike other assholes on yelp. This place is such a hidden gem. I'm surprised it doesn't have more reviews but then again the clientele in here is a little more mature and I doubt they yelp. I usually belly up to the bar but have enjoyed a meal here with friends and drinks/meal in the back lounge area. Service at the bar is always on par. The blondie ladies bartending are always friendly. Service at the tables has been good as well. Food is top notch. I do think some of their items are a little pricey but appreciate the portion size, quality and offerings. Bar menu is great, happy hour is decent. Cocktails are made well. Wine list has a little of everything and I think it is ok-priced. read more

One phrase: Filet Mignon. DONE RIGHT. (Okay, that was two phrases) Their Filet Mignon was salivatingly good. After recent disappointment at a few other local establishments, I decided to give Nico's a try, I am so glad I did! I was getting a little worried that the place might be a little too uppity up, BUT not at all! Our waitress was incredibly nice and super knowledgeable about the menu and the wines. Which made way for a perfect dinner with two good friends. I cannot say enough good things about my experience at Nico's. Great food, drinks and service. A++ I will be back read more

Nico's has been a favorite of ours for many years. Always at the top of the list for our anniversay or other special occassion. The food is always wonderful. I quite often have the lamb as it is so good there. And the service is very good. One thing I really enjoy is the ambience. It is very romantic. Low lighting and great dinner jazz playing. Most all of the tables are roomy booths so you're not on top of the other diners. Very comfortable place to enjoy a romantic dinner. read more

Once again, Nico's has made my taste buds orgasm! My fiance and I decided to celebrate 2011 Valentine's day at Nico's. Made our reservations a week in advance. And I'm glad we did make those reservations, because those who did not, ended up waiting nearly 1-2hours to finally be seated at a table. (yes, they are that good!!) We ordered the Filet Mignion and the Lobster Stuffed Fliet Mignion, and appetizers we had that Crab Cake over avocado puree. Let me start by saying that the Crab Cake already put me over the top. There are no words to describe this appetizer... and this is ONLY for the appetizer ... I wanted 50 more of these to take home. When we received our main course, it not only looked delish, it actually tasted delish. If I could lick my plate, I would have...but with this type of restaurant, I think they have a no-lick policy. The Chef, Jason Thomas, is THE best... I originally booked the reservation for Sunday, 02/13/11, but when I found out Jason was not going to be cooking, I rescheduled it to Sat. 12th. If I am paying for a $50/plate main course, I need to have the best chef creating his master piece. Thank you again for a fabulous meal, Nico's! -Annie C. read more

There is something to be said about a restaurant when you feel like you are dining in someone's home and being doted on by friendly and attentive staff. This is how I feel when I visit. You can go for a fine dining experience, sit in a family style bar or relax in a living room like setting in the back room. Dress up or don't dress up but receive top notch service food and drink. There are steady favorites along with creative nightly specials. You can't go wrong by starting off with the Roasted Garlic dish that includes goat cheese, grapes and toast or the Steak Tartare. My recent favorite special was Stuffed Fresno Chilies with ground lamb, rice, feta cheese and wonderful spices. Home away from home. read more

George, I'm so impressed with Nico's. Just wow. Your restaurant is an absolute gem. Thank you. When I walk into this place it brings me home. The ambiance reminds me of being in one of the cozy, family-run restaurants in the famous North End of Boston where I hail from. One of my offices is just down 2nd Street and I frequent Nico's for lunch and early dinners -- sometimes a few times a week. On Friday evenings, you'll often find me sipping a Tito's martini with bleu cheese stuffed olives. It is hands down the best martini in town. Not too mention, Nico's has the best wine list on the street. I usually eat at the bar so I'm more familiar with the bar/lunch menu. The sliders are off the chart. If you get one thing here, get them. The smoked gouda and caramelized onions make them mini, gastropub-esque gourmet burgers. Seriously good eats. The short rib sandwich is another piece of art. I'm getting hungry just typing this review. I usually pair this with the beet salad because I'm a sucker for a good beet salad, and you guessed it, Nico's delivers on that one too. The entire staff is warm, inviting, and attentive. I would say, overall, it is the one of the best run restaurant teams that I've come across. The food, the people, and the good company all receive 5 stars in my book. You have a new regular for life. read more

I rarely submit reviews on Yelp, but after reading the reviews here about the poor service at Nico's I felt obligated to share my experience. I was taken to Nico's for a 2nd date on a Tuesday evening. I arrived early and had a very yummy cocktail made by a cute and attentive bartender. Added bonus is that it was on the tail end of their great happy hour so my martini was only $8! Once my date arrived, we weren't rushed to our seat, instead we enjoyed a drink at the bar and went to our table when ready. "Chris" was our waiter, and he was amazing. He took his time in sharing his insights on the menu and offered a great wine recommendation. Our service was great. In fact, I would say it was a highlight. Chris even encouraged us to take our time and not feel rushed despite the restaurant being empty and passed closing time. I thought the food was great with amazing presentation. My date had the rigatoni and I had the cod...both were very tasty! I would definitely return for a date and even with a pack of girlfriends for a happy hour! Great spot! read more

We love coming here. we need to come more, we have been trying to branch out and test new places but this is a consistent restaurant and bar that always deliver' and never disappoints. love it here read more

Nico's - New American Near Me - Long Beach, California

I wasn't too impressed, expensive. The food is just average. Place is darker than expected. I won't be returning.

Very yummy. My girlfriend and I met here for dinner on a Friday night. We got a great booth for over 2.5 hours and the service was great. We tried the house salad (awesome) and the shrimp on risotto dinner (again awesome). We finished it off with a creme brule (following the trend... it was awesome). The atmosphere is relaxed with dim lighting. The service is attentive. I was really pleased! read more

I was taken here by a vendor recently for dinner. She ordered the Surf 'n' Turf - pan roasted Kurobuta pork rib chop, sautéed jumbo tiger shrimp, piccata sauce, parmesan risotto, jumbo asparagus I ordered the Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop - pineapple curry sauce, potato puree, jumbo asparagus. We were both very happy. The service was very good and the waitress very knowledgeable and friendly. It is very intimate, upscale and candle light/dim lighting. A romantic place, ideal for special date with a significant other. read more

Loved getting my favorite foods. A lemon drop, garlic, goat cheese and bruschetta and grapes. I also had the lobster linguine and lemon cheesecake. I had another lemon drop as my dinner progressed. read more

Always fantastic here. Enjoying short rib with eggs and crab cake eggs Benedict. Mimosas of course! read more

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Took my husband to Nico's last night to surprise him with some baby news. From the moment I called ahead to the alert the staff I had a surprise I was given 5 star attention and service. Everyone worked so hard to keep my secret until dessert time came. Nico's created the cutest dessert announcement. Everything was absolutely Perfect! The food is amazing and the staff is outstanding. If you are looking for a nice restaurant for a special occasion and want 5 star service go straight to nicos! read more

Nico's - Brownie was delicious! - New American Near Me - Long Beach, California

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