Nico Osteria

Nico Osteria Restaurant Review:

Paul Kahan’s seafood-centric Italian hot-spot is situated in the Thompson Chicago. Start with the octopus carpaccio with fennel and preserved Meyer lemon, or bruschetta, and these are not your ordinary tomato-basil-Parm version --- think sweet and savory Brussels sprouts with stracciatella cheese, lemon-infused honey and toasted hazelnuts. Next, consider shrimp tortelloni, salt-crusted branzino or the Wagyu rib-eye. Wash it all down with a wine from the restaurant’s thoughtful list, with many unique and small batch finds. Desserts do not disappoint. There’s an elevated tiramisu, tortes and cakes made with local produce and homemade gelatos, plus a signature affogato, a luxurious, drinkable treat with Intelligentsia espresso and vanilla gelato. Right next door is Salone Nico, the restaurant’s airy and inviting cocktail bar with casual yet refined lounge seating and a snack menu, making it a popular place for hotel guests, tourists and Chicagoans alike.