Nicola's Ristorante

Excellent service. Entire meal was delicious, from wine (Soave) to appetizer (salad) to dinner (bolognese) to dessert (sorbet). Dined alone, but would take an out of town guest here in a heartbeat to show off this place!

If I had to die drowning, I could only hope it would be in the cheese sauce all of those Crispy gnocchi are floating in. Likewise, if I had to choose a meal before I die, it might be that dish. I felt dirty thinking thoughts of ordering a breadbasket to go. I kept thinking, 'Be refined, control yourself. Stop trying to think about squirreling the bread home in your clutch'. Can you do that kind of thing here? The next time I go I will remind myself that salad and dessert are mere distractions from the gnocchi and bread. Bring a knapsack for the bread, tell the waiter someone keeps stealing it when you look away.

Meh.

At the bar, I sat for a good 10 minutes while the bartender chatted with a group that were obviously regulars. I get that regulars get more attention, but really? I had to ask for a drink after sitting there way too long. Then the tonic in my G&T was totally flat. Just weird for a high-end place.

Dinner was passable. I agree with other posters, it's overpriced for what you get. I am from NYC, so I won't balk at spending $100 for a great dinner & drinks. I ordered a steak - the meat was tough and gnarly, though I ordered it med rare. It was served with a sauce and brussels sprouts that just clashed. Again, not bad, but seriously NOT a $40 cut of meat. Kinda grosses me out thinking about it.

The wine the server recommended was really really good, and expensive but worth it.

I might go back. I am crushed that this is considered one of the best in Cinci. C'mon now, where's the GOOD FOOD?????