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Nicholas James Bistro Reviews List
Nicholas James Bistro
Nicholas James Bistro has brought the taste and culinary adventure of Manhattan to Merrick since late 1996. Offering a contemporary and seasonal American approach to food has achieved us an enthusiastic and loyal following in the community. Executive chef, Kevin Liebov"s imaginative menus, together with his careful preparation, exquisite presentation of dishes,and exceptional wines & spirits, make dining here a delicious adventure!
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71 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 71 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(44)
- fit for foodies(31)
- special occasion(20)
- romantic(14)
- good for groups(13)
- notable wine list(11)
Nicholas James Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
If you want the bes t go here
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"If you want a dinning experience that you can alway s count on then this is the place to go. Great food, friendly staff, an elegance that you can not always find in a neighborhood establishment. Kevin consistently outdoes himself."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant was just ok. We'd never been before and decided to try it. We met a group early to have a drink at the bar first. The bar was very small, sat just six people and was in the dining area. There was live music which was nice. The food was fine, the snapper was overcooked and a bit rubbery but flavorful. My husband said his veal dish was good. The waitress was nice and the service was good. Not sure if i would go again but overall not a bad experience."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 3 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Resturant Week Failure
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went here for Resturant Week 2013 and was very disappointed. First off the appetizer was awesome a Seafood stew, that is when I said to my wife were in trouble if the appetizer is this good the main course will be a zero and a zero it was. Before my main course came out the couple sitting next to us sent both dishes back for being cold. When our main course came out I had the Hanger Steak and it had no flavor and no presentation. I ordered mine medium and came out well done, all in response I suppose to the the other couple sending back their Hanger Steak for being to cold.
I will not be ever going back again.
P.S. I chose this restaurant from the online menu showing Mahi-Mahi on the menu and when we got there they didn't have any."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 4 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great for Foodies
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place has been consistently good for fresh fish, salads, and healthy choices. . Salmon dishes are flavorful and unique with the vegetables they offer.
They take reservations which is great for a Friday or Saturday night.
Great for couples ..Good for lunch too!"
They take reservations which is great for a Friday or Saturday night.
Great for couples ..Good for lunch too!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, but the place was tiny and soooo crowded, our service suffered a bit because of it."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list
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Review 6 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Restaurant was a little small and too dark for my taste. Food was tasy I had the skirt steak."
Dined on 4/05/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Reservations are not a guarantee
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"We had confirmed 4pm reservations which was not honored because they had a party that was in extended time. There was no compensation offered to they classified as a "glitch" leaving us to find another restaurant."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2011
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Review 8 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
food and service is always
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"food and service is always fabulous."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
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Review 9 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Very expensive even with groupon.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very expensive even with groupon."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
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Review 10 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was good, atmosphere
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was good, atmosphere nice, especially with the good acoustic guitar. Would recommend to others."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good neighborhood restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A very good restaurant. The only suggestion would be to serve veal parmigiana on a plate and not in a bowl. It would make cutting it easier and the sauce was a little thick. The server was very attentive."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
5 of us went for my mother-in-law's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"5 of us went for my mother-in-law's birthday. As always it was fantastic. I've discovered the pineapple martini and I don't think I'll ever go back! I tried something new and had the seafood paella, my husband had the steak, and everyone else had the special of the night which was a pork chop that almost didn't fit on the plate - I didn't know there were pork chops that big. I sampled everything because I like to eat off of everyone's plate and it was all amazing. Our waitress was attentive and very nice. I will go back again :)"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Love Nicholas James but it's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love Nicholas James but it's always a bit too noisy and crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. We HATED the location of our table and they did accommodate us by switching us to a different spot, although not much better. In fact, two people that arrived after us without a reservation were seated simultaneously with us at a table for four that while we were given a table for two in the middle of the floor -- very uncomfortable especially given the fact that we had white wine and they put the ice bucket ON our already painfully small table. As much as I enjoy the food, will probably not be returning any time soon."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a winner!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fresh delicious food and excellent service. The special appetizer, lettuce wrap with shrimp, was outstanding. Perfect corner table for our group of six. Love this restaurant!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 15 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The place was a little pricey
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The place was a little pricey and my boyfriend and I didn't enjoy our main course (we both ordered duck). I just was a little disappointed because I think if you pay $29 for a meal it should be "out of this world." On the other hand, appetizers, drinks and desserts were great, and our waitress was very attentive, so I guess we will eventually try this place again."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
excellent idea for dinner..creative
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"excellent idea for dinner..creative dishes"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, notable wine list
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Review 17 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Unique Menu. Food is always
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Unique Menu. Food is always consisently good. Salads are excellent. Fish is always fresh."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love the food, great menu.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Love the food, great menu. I never had a bad meal in all the years I have been there."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
mixed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We made a reservation and had to wait 25 minutes before our party of 4 could be seated. The waitress never came back to see if we wanted more coffee.
Go during the week, the food is delicious and well prepared."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A Diamond in the Rough
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"From the moment we arrived I knew we had made the right choice. The ambience was inviting, thought we was dining in NYC. Great food,attentive staff,excellent wine selection. Live acoustical music was a big plus! The evening specials presented by our waiter left our mouths watering before the food even hit the table. Every morsel was delicious. Appetizers including lightly dusted & fried Calamari, Mussels in Garlic/Wine and Lump Crabcakes preceeded entrees of Veal Barola & Honey Salmon. Portions were large. A+ on presentation. Of course there's always room for dessert, the Creme'Brulee & Carrot Cake were big hits(and they make a mean Cappuccino). An excellent evening & we were never rushed to leave. A little pricey but well worth it. GO!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Valentine's Day choice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I went to Nicholas James with my husband for Valentine's Day. Aside from a reservation mixup (my Open Table confirmation said 8:00, the restaurant had us down for 8:30), everything was great. They had a limited menu for the holiday, but everything we ate was fantastic. I'd love to go back on a regular night and try some other options."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food and service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food and service. Very convenient to the Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts where we were going following dinner. The short ribs were excellent. Another in our party had the oysters rockefeller and loved them. The wine list is OK, but not great. Live music on Saturday night."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious neighborhood restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food is excellent...had the grilled shrimp which were grilled beautifully - juicy and delicious . It's a great neighborhood restaurant. The owner, Kevin, is friendly and willing to prepare your dish any way you desire."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We ate there for the first
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We ate there for the first time on February 16th, Going back this weekend.
Try the infused martinis."
Try the infused martinis."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great dining. Casual enough
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Great dining. Casual enough to be comfortable and sophisticated enough to know you can bring the more discriminating/quality demanding types. Great food and service"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
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Review 26 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was fine, overpriced
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was fine, overpriced for how basic it was. Tables super cramped. Service was terrible."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
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Review 27 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place...great food....will
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place...great food....will def go back"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was amazing and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was amazing and the porter house steak was cooked to perfection. The ambiance was festive and the service was impeccable. At the end of the meal we opted not to have dessert, yet they handed us a bag with a linzer tart. I would highly recommend and look forward to enjoying another wonderful meal there."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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Review 29 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Hard to judge-TV show taping
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was there for a pilot shoot for a FoodTV television show, so I really can't judge fairly. My salad was awful, lettuce was beyond wilted-it was nasty and old. Shrimp were overly salty and over cooked. I sent it back and got a new one that was better, but still nothing remarkable for a salad that pricey.
I felt bad sending it back..the owner seemed very overwhelmed by the situation, but was very sweet."
Dined on 01/17/2013
2010
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Review 30 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Used a groupon deal. Geat
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Used a groupon deal. Geat value."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 31 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great local gem!! Very consistent,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great local gem!! Very consistent, excellent food!!!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for Nicholas James Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We did not stay for dinner.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"We did not stay for dinner. The night we went they were filming a pilot for the Food Network. Although we were very excited to try the restaurant we chose not the stay. The atmosphere was not what we wanted due to the lighting and film crew. We do plan on going back to try this restaurant."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2011
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Nicholas James Bistro
Based on the average of (39) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic