Nieto's

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  Mother's Day dinner was a bummer. Our slight wait for a table, despite a reservation, was no big deal on a busy night but was a harbinger of a bad dining experience. We were seated in a corner of an upstairs room filled with families (again not surprising on Mother's Day). Unfortunately, no one knows how to behave in public anymore. One table had screaming (literally screaming) small children and the other was populated with diners loudly discussing the lurid details of the Jody Arias murder trial (fun for mom). I have three children ages 8 - 15, so I know dining out is a challenge sometimes. I also know a complete abdication of parenting when I see it.
  
  The restaurant was ceratinly not to blame for the utter lack of decorum from our neighboring diners. The establishment was, however, responsible for the extremely poor service and uneven food quality. Our server took 15 minutes to acknowledge us after being seated. Drink orders were rushed in. He politely and profusely apologized and promised to make it up to us. How it was to be made up to us, we never discovered. The whole griiled artichokes were not trimmed properly and the remoulade sauce was awful. The entrees were a mixed bag. The grilled Salmon was good as was the burger, but the chicken was served room-temperature and was DRY. The wait for desert was another exercise in patience. It was served without spoons (problematic when its a sundae). We were told they were cleaning the spoons and they would be out shortly. Really? No clean spoons? The dinner was so long, we joked that we would be celebrating Mother's Day 2014 there by the time we got the check. No complimentary glass of wine or coffee or desert to "make up" for the long waits. Poorly execcuted and poorly handled.
  
  This is an established restaurant run by seasoned owners. News Flash: Mother's Day is a busy night in the restaurant Biz. Try staffing appropriately and treating guests like they matter. These gaffes were ridiculous. That was the second and last time we eat at Nieto's.

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  Posted on 05.13.13 Scott M.

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  Highland Park Restaurant Week 2013 experience:
  As we walk into the restaurant, 20 minutes late, the hostess, who I believe is Mrs. Nieto herself, exclaims, "Oh! You came after all! I was getting worried....you are Sofia, right? Come right this way". The rest of our experience was just as personal, from the waiter to Mrs. Nieto's farewell.
  
  Pre-fixe menu was good - we enjoyed our salad (beet/pear/brie w/pomegranate vinaigrette salad and soup combo. Halibut and lamb chops were both delicious and come with intriguing sides (the halibut had a garnish of swirly wonton sticks layered with nori). For dessert, they ran out of one of the pre-fixe options, so we got to try a few delicious sweets - tres leches cake, cappuccino chip ice cream, and chocolate molten cake. At $30 per 3-course menu, a great value!
  
  Finally, tasty drinks - blood orange margh-tini and the berry fiz drink on the rocks. Cheers!
  
  P.S. For a more private experience, ask for the booths tucked into the side of the restaurant.

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  Posted on 04.27.13 Sofia J.

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  For transparency sake, I must declare that my husband I tried Nieto's for the first time the other during restaurant week.  The restaurant week special was a three course tasting menu for $30 - a great deal!
  
  We were very warmly greeted at the door by Debbie, the owner.  Then, the staff was so friendly and even enjoyed a small toast with us.  I already liked it so much better than the stuffiness of the former Carlos' restaurant.
  
  I began my meal with a blood orange margh - tini.  Highly recommended!  So yummy.
  The three course tasting menu began with a soup and salad combo.  The soup was a corn and shrimp bisque.  It was creamy, warm and delicious and on top of that it was really pretty.  The salad was a beet and brie salad.  This too was extremely tasty.  For our entrees we had the choice of lamb chops, fish or duck.  I had the lamb chops and I am only slightly ashamed to say that they were so good that I had to pick them up and make sure that I got every delicious morsel off the bone.  The chops were accompanied by spinach, a crispy polenta and a piece of  vegetable terrine.  The crispy polenta was only okay but the other sides were outstanding.  My husband had the fish and it was being touted through out the restaurant as the outstanding item of the night.  (I don't know because I didn't even taste it because mine was so good)  For dessert I think it was tiramisu but they didn't say for sure - anyway it tasted good!
  
  We learned that when it's not restaurant week they offer a four course tasting menu for $48.  We will certainly be back for that!

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  Posted on 04.24.13 Elaine M.

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  If I could give Nieto's 10 stars I would. Not only is the food delicious and made with the highest quality ingredients. Carlos and Debbie make you feel as if you are sitting in your dining room.  I adore them and Nietos!  If I could eat out 7 nights a week this would be the place. I recommend this place for any and all occasions.

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  Posted on 02.23.13 Penny M.

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  We made reservations for Nieto's on a Friday night. Upon arrival, we were told by the hostess that we could either go upstairs or outside. Note, no one was upstairs, we would have been the only table...and as far as outside, our table was nearly in the street and there is no music or ambiance...not a good option.
  
  I noted that we had a reservation that *should* have seated us in the main room. I didn't request to sit outside. The hostess didn't have time for my complaint..she told me we would have to wait 40 minutes or take the seats they had available (upstairs or outside). Wow, rude..there wasn't a "let me see what I can do," but more of the attitude that they accommodate people on a first come first serve basis with seats..so walk-ins will get a main dining room seat...my reservation didn't mean anything.
  
  Thankfully our first waiter (when we chose to go outside, begrudgingly) knew we were unhappy and told us he would get us inside...and he did. I'm not sure how this all happened, but I wish I would have gotten his name, because he totally redeemed this restaurants service, since the hostess was so unprofessional and unpleasant.
  
  Judging on the food and space alone, I would give Nieto's 4 stars. The food presentation was beautiful, the portions were great, and our waiter was polite and attentive. The hostess dropped it down to 3 stars. She gave us a nasty  first impression of the restaurant..

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  Posted on 09.18.12 Amy A.

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  This place is a gem. Everything from the appetizers (guacamole) to the deserts (chocolate lava cake topped with Homer's ice cream) was fantastic. The special miso hailibut was incredible and my husbands burger with homeade chips was just a sit should be. In addition to EXCEPTIONAL food this place is a standout for great service. When my husband's burger arrvied a bit undercooked he actually had NO intention of sending it back but the waiter insisted on putting it back on the grill. Then minutes later the owner was at our table insisting on getting him a new burger and buying us desert  (so unecessary but much appreciated). We overheard folks all around us raving about their meals too. So if you are looking for an amazing meal, in a warm and lovely atmosphere with first class service you MUST check this place out.

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  Posted on 07.14.12 Larr r.

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  Burgers excellent. Guacamole great. Very casual but good place.  Try it, you will like it

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  Posted on 07.07.12 J K.

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  I, my wife and Boomer-age daughter liked Nieto's. After drinks I had delicious guacamole and chips with cilantro and other ingredients prepared tableside, so good I licked the spoon. My wife liked her artichoke and spinach dip and our daughter enjoyed a large Cecy's tacquitos (with gueso fresco, red onion, crema, lettuce and tomato). We all liked the risotto special of the day which had tiger shrimp, corn and peas in a mild cheese sauce. For dessert I had Homer's cappucino chip ice cream and my wife said the flan was especially good. Our waiter was most attentive and explained everything. Though the place is moderately noisy, we could hear each other easily. it was Saturday night; the place was jammed but seated at a rear table, we found the experience energizing. Wikthout drinks, tax and tip: $28.00 a person.

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  Posted on 06.24.12 Justin F.

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  Children Carded!  We took my 10 and 4 year old there for dinner as well as a friend of my oldest daughter. We were met by the owner and she asked how many?  2 adults and 3 children was the answer.  Immediately, she obnoxiously said, wait a minute how old are you she asked the kids.  My daughters friend said 11.  The owner rudely said "no childrens menu for you glaring at my daughters friend."  We said whatever and stayed for dinner.  
  
  The waitress obviously recognized 3 children and they ordered 3 Chicken Fingers which are childrens menu items.  After awhile the owner came by and in a very phoney way...this is no Nortons, interacted with some of the dinners.  She came by our table looked and scoffed as she shook her head and huffed off.
  
  When the bill came there was an additional $4.00 charge!  Are you kidding me?  I would have gladly paid if she handled it up front in a professional manner.  Our family will NEVER return!

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  Posted on 05.22.12 Forest B.

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  Ignore the 2 star reviews.  I'm sure Steve R and Jessie K are nice people, but they have no clue what they're talking about when it comes to this restaurant.  
  
  I went to Nieto's tonight for Mothers Day, and I was flat out not looking forward to it due to the lackluster reviews.  I even tried to talk my mother into going some place else.  When you walk into Carlos, I mean Nieto's, you are greeted by a cozy, classy warm environment.  We sat down in a corner booth, and while it was loud (lots of young kids celebrating mothers day) it was certainly not as overwhelming as many places in the city are.  
  
  To cut to the chase:  The food was excellent.  We ordered guacamole as an appetizer, and I have to be honest, I was still skeptical.  It was delicious.  The chips were some of the best tortilla chips I've ever had, and the guacamole was smooth, and delicious.  We even opted out of the red onions and cilantro (my parents aren't fans) and it still had considerable flavor and just enough spice to not be overwhelming.  
  
  I was going to go with a build your own burger for my meal, but I decided the guacamole was enough fat for the evening, so I went with the salmon.  My mother ordered the tilapia, and my father the chopped salad.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals.  The salmon was a heaping portion, and cooked almost to perfection.  Unfortunately, I didn't love the guajillo sauce that came with it, but the fish alone with some salt and pepper I added, was enough.  My mothers tilapia was cooked to perfection, and the sauce on top was extremely tasty and.  My fathers chopped salad was the winner though; spectacular.  The horseradish dressing made it, without a doubt, but it was fresh, filled with the good stuff (lobster, egg, etc).  
  
  All 3 of us ordered a dessert, and again, we were all impressed.  The lava cake was delicious, as was the cookie sunday, and I had the trio of Homers Ice Creams (always a winner).  With 3 drinks, an appetizer, 3 main courses and 3 desserts, dinner came to around $100, which is beyond reasonable for a restaurant of this caliber.
  
  The staff was delightful- warm, friendly, attentive and accommodating, even with a packed dinner service.  I wish I knew our waiters name to single him out, but as he said to us, it's a family there, and I get the feeling he's representative of everyone.
  
  All in all, it's totally worth a visit.  Why not 5 stars?  That's reserved for truly mind blowing, I'd-drive-50-miles to eat here meals.  
  
  I would go back, without a doubt.  It's a great place to have dinner with your parents, or your significant other, or just to catch up with old friends.  It certainly is NOT over priced, especially when you compare it to a place like Yard House, which easily compares in terms of cost, and doesn't deliver the same service or quality of food.

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  Posted on 05.13.12 Andrew S.

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  Had Nieto's last night for first.  Atmosphere was good, food was good, and service was attentive although a bit hectic.  I would definitely recommend trying this place.  A great addition to Highwood restaurants.  Carlos was for special occasions while Nieto's is now much more casual.  
  
  We had table side guacamole, ceviche of the day which was very fresh and refreshing, and some oysters which were fresh but small.  For entrees we had short rib and shake and bake pork chop which were both very good.  We also tried fish special which was good.  Didn't try dessert.
  
  Good experience overall.

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  Posted on 04.08.12 Ilya B.

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  2  1/2 stars (the extra  1/2 star based on the possibility of improvement and the knowledge of the abilities of the owners)
  
  After 30 years of providing haute cuisine for the North Shore, Carlos, Debbie and Carlos Nieto's fine food palace closed at the end of 2011.  Certainly, in this economic climate, a restaurant that had a la carte prices for entrees in the high $30 range becomes harder to sustain, no matter what the quality of service and gustatory experience.  After a redecoration and concept change, Nieto's uses the same space and some of the same chefs and servers.
  
  Located at 429 Temple in Highland Park just adjacent to Highwood, there is very limited parking on the street, and the free valet now costs $5.00. The fine white napery is replaced by dark tablecloths and brown butcher paper.  The tables are close together, the booths a tight fit for 4 people, and the elegance of the room with dome servers for the entrees are no more.
  
  The menu tries to be at a much more friendly price point, but there are problems.  Two of the appetizers are $11.95, a price point notably higher than the rest, and they were just shrimp, not an unusual item.  In fact, the menu lists them as jumbo shrimp, and they were certainly not 10-15 shrimp, but probably 21-25.  For the "jumbo" shrimp cocktail, the service was very similar to that of Di Pescara's, in a galvanized bucket lying on its side filled with ice.  The difference is Di Pescara's shrimp were definitely larger, and with a more interesting cocktail sauce.  There was not enough horseradish in the "ketchup", and no hint of hot sauce, nor was any offered.  A bowl (not much larger than a cup) of the soup of the day was a pleasant mushroom soup, but with cremini as the most exotic mushroom.  Oysters on the half shell were offered at $2.00 per oyster, but as they were Pacific coast product, I said pass ( I have never been a fan of the small and relatively less flavorful Pacific varieties).  Fitting with the "bistro" concept, a prime hamburger was offered at $10.95,  but all add ons (everything with the exception of red onion, lettuce and tomato) were extra.  There is a definite dis-connect with the entrees and their pricing.  Salads are not included with the entrees.  Ok, if the whitefish is exceptional, it might be worth $19.95,   but it wasn't.  $23.95 for a piece of salmon?  Or $25.95 for a piece of sirloin steak with a gorganzola butter sauce.  I had the $33.95 "Grilled Australian Beef Tenderloin," an 8 ounce piece of somewhat tough beef sitting on a tablespoon streak of whipped potatoes, with uninspired roasted vegetables.  
  
  Desserts were very ordinary.  You can do a lot better for $6.95 than a chocolate chip cookie with one scoop of Homer's vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate!
  
  I think that Carlos and Debbie Nieto need to rethink, and continue the adjustment of pricing to a more appropriate level.  The people that experienced the glory days of Carlos will be disappointed with the ordinary offerings, and new people will judge Nieto's against all of the other bistros nearby. No one expects Carlos type of food and service, but just because you are now a bistro, remember, there is a lot of competition that is doing the job better for less money, with more inspiration in the appetizers, entrees and desserts for a lot less money.  Use the expertise that you have, and create something better.

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  Posted on 03.30.12 Steve R.

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  I'm not trying to be a mean person just giving an honest opinion from a person that eats in restaurants a lot. Some thing I was very disappointed about that could be easily fixed is that they did not put any vegetables, green or otherwise, on the plate. Also, they seated us at a folding table. The chicken was terrible- super dry, the fish was bad (throw it back in the water) and the short ribs were fatty (best thing of everything) but tasted good. Vegetarian options were available, however. The veggie burger was decent. Food came out luke warm at best, nothing tasted fresh or exciting.
  
  Expectation was high as this space, formerly Carlos, was one of our family favorites. The wine was delicious and the owners are sweet as ever. Sadly, this restaurant simply did not deliver as we had hoped. Still love Cafe Central, not enthralled with Nieto's.

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  Posted on 03.09.12 Jessie K.

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