Nico Restaurant

My husband and I enjoy eating out at nice restaurants when we're on vacation. We chose Nico's for dinner after walking past it and smelling the wafting garlic (I also read a few reviews online). It took 40 minutes to get our first appetizer (bread with roasted garlic), and our waiter disappeared for long periods of time during the rest of the meal. When he did appear, he was contemptuous and curt. The couple next to us, with 2 hungry children in tow, waited similar times for their food and were treated to the same degree of arrogance by the same waiter. The food was not remarkable unfortunately, which might have made up for the indifferent service. The wine list is very limited, which seems strange for a restaurant located in Carmel. It took us 40 minutes to get our check in the end, underscoring the overall underwhelming experience of the restaurant. more

Within a two block wander from my motel in downtown Carmel I found this gem of a restaurant. The owner invited me in from my perusal of the menu displayed on the door. From the first taste of homemade bread dipped in a wondrous concoction of sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil with a hint of anchovy, to the seared halibut in lemon-butter sauce to perfectly cooked vegetables, topped with a wonderfully palatable house Chardonnay, my dining experience was the most memorable of my week on the California coast. The personal and friendly service was a perfect complement to the food. I only regret that I didn't have room for desert. I will definitely make Nico's a planned stop the next time I'm in the area. Pros: Food, service, location, ambience more

I do not have a single negative thing to say about this gem of a restaurant. I remember going to Nico like it was yesterday: Located on a side street of Carmel by the sea, Nico is the perfect restaurant for anyone who appreciates the simple, yet complex art of Mediterranean cooking. Pros: Everything. Cons: Nothing. more