When Executive Chef Justin Melnick joined Ristorante Nicola he knew exactly what he wanted to do – change the menu to have less options and to be able to focus on amazing specials each night. Chef Justin Melnick has been with Ristorante Nicola for a few months and has already done amazing things. I stopped in to give his menu a try and I was completely blown away. If you’re looking for the Perfect Date Night Restaurant, look no further.
Before Chef Melnick came on, the menu at Ristorante Nicola was large – maybe too large. Have you ever been to a restaurant and the menu went on for DAYS (ahem, Cheesecake Factory)? The menu has been minimalized and focuses on some of the best Italian dishes rather than offering way too many options. Many of Justin’s inspirations for creating the new menu comes from his travels to Italy and it truly comes out in his plates. He utilizes local, organic products and makes everything from scratch.
To start the our dinner, Chef Melnick brought out a beautiful Antipasti Plate that included multiple cheese, two types of cured meats, olive salad, marinated artichoke hearts, and vegetables. Keep in mind that everything is made in house and bought from local markets. Other popular starters include Bruschetta and Calamari Fritti.
This plate alone filled me up. Justin came to the table and served a spread of entrees to taste including Spaghetti Al Pomodoro (spaghetti with homemade sauce), Sun dried Tomato Ravioli (sun dried tomato and goat cheese ravioli, burro fuso sauce and mixed herbs), Cinghiale (wood roasted wild boar chop with warm fruit mostarda and fingerling potatoes) and Wood Oven Roasted Chicken (free range chicken roasted mushrooms and fava beans). Each entree was full of flavor and presented beautifully.
I would recommend coming hungry, because the portions are large. If you aren’t hungry yet after work, stop by for their happy hour. Happy hour is from 4-7pm on weekdays. Enjoy $5 wells, $7 wines, $7 martini & specialty drinks as well as food specials.
Ristorante Nicola is an absolutely gorgeous restaurant, jaw dropping to say the least. The restaurant is huge and goes on and on. No matter how busy it is, there is tons of space and you never feel like you’re intruding on other’s company. Give Ristorante Nicola a try, they’re located one block south of Preston Center on the west side of Preston. To see their complete menu, go to their official site.
To see more pictures of Ristorante Nicole, check our Facebook Page.
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