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Niche Restaurant Reviews List
Niche Restaurant
Niche opened in August of 2006 with the goal of creating the best possible dining experience. We provide quality food, wine and service in an elegant, yet comfortable setting.
Chef Serena Perdue creates American Contemporary cuisine influenced by her traditional French training. She believes that good food takes time, and great food takes work. Niche fosters relationships with local growers and suppliers in order to highlight the freshest Midwestern produce and products.
General Manager and Wine Director Vince Balistreri has created an award winning all-American wine list featuring mostly limited production, boutique and cult wines that highlight the best American has to offer. Niche Restaurant was recently rewarded the prestigious "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine in 2010.
While food and wine are the focal points of the Niche dining experience, we also strive to give our guests flawless service. Our servers are knowledgeable, accommodating, and genuine.
See more Niche Restaurant details
80 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 80 reviews
5 stars
(55)
4 stars
(22)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(62)
- fit for foodies(59)
- romantic(49)
- notable wine list(45)
- neighborhood gem(41)
- good for groups(6)
Niche Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another great dining experience!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This restaurant is very upscale and the food, service and drinks are all superb. It is a fun night out and very relaxing."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
3 Course Divine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is always over the top. Every bite is an explosion of flavors. We love going here"
Dined on 6/11/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fine dining in Geneva
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"From the moment we were treated to a pour of champagne until we savored the last bit of dessert, we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Niche last Friday. Wine recommendations were spot-on, and we loved each morsel of our appetizers, salad, and main course. Highlights were the sweet bread app and lamb two ways, though we loved everything. Highly recommended!!!"
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our food was fabulous and the service was outstanding. Our server recommended some great dishes ~ we can't wait to visit again!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great butter!...and cheese
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I loved their butter and the cheese plate is to die for! Service with a smile, but a little slow."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely fabulous!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We celebrated our anniversary. From the complimentary sparkling wine to the smoking egg appetizer, main course and dessert everything was wonderful. Jeffery, our server, was attentive, spot on with his wine and food recommendations. This was our first visit to Niche, but will not be our last!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 7 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful, if pricey
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Niche is a great restaurant for people looking to celebrate a special occasion or experience the fine dining that you can usually only find in downtown Chicago. The food is of the highest quality, and their selection of alcohol of all types: wine, beer, cocktails, and a vast array of bourbon and scotch is unmatched. Service is very good as well.
But you do pay for the experience. Expect an absolute minimum of $100 for a dinner for 2. I don't think a group of more than 4 would feel comfortable there, and there are only a few seats at the bar. But if you live in or are visiting the tri-cities and want to experience a romantic dinner, I can't recommend Niche highly enough."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice Niche
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Slightly pricey, but food is excellent. Somewhat eclectic menu. Great beer list!
This was our third visit in 3 months and we will eat here again soon."
This was our third visit in 3 months and we will eat here again soon."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
What happened to Niche?
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Niche had long been one of our favorite restaurants. We would not only go there to celebrate special occasions but it was an amazing place to enjoy a loveley meal, wine and great service anytime. It had been some time since our last visit and decided to go for Mother's Day Brunch. The service was off from the beginning. Long waits for beverages, wrong utensils for the first course and having to flag down another server to get the correct utensils. When the entree arrived my Mother and Daughter ordered the the smoked salmon benedict on rye toast with capers and dill. The bread was so stale they could not cut through it. Part of my daughters ended up on the floor. The chef was rude and unapologetic. I will not return! Goodbye Niche"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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-4points
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Review 10 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our second visit to Niche. The service is fabulous, and the food was excellent with one exception - the desserts were a little bit disappointing. Otherwise, we were extremely happy with the meal. We will return there for another special occasion."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our experiences at Niche have been wonderful . . . preparations were beautiful and delicious. Service was attentive without being overbearing. Definately recommend . . ."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 12 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding as usual! Try
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Outstanding as usual! Try the smoked egg appetizer. Really interesting presentation. Geoffrey is the consummate professional waiter!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Top notch service at Niche.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Top notch service at Niche. It is one of the main reasons we continue to go. Interesting preparation of seasonal ingredients. The sweet onion soup was wonderful."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very creative and excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very creative and excellent food. Thye best around!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 15 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful Evening!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We celebrated my husband's birthday at Niche. They handled our food allergies without a problem. Steve (our server) is a gem! We had the beet salad, fois gras creme brulee, lamb, and scallops. All were wonderful! Dessert was a cheese course and an apple trio. Both were surperb!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Talented Chef
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The menu selections were very appealing and interesting, it was challenging to settle on one dish. We were are party of four and each of us enjoyed our selections VERY much. Our waiter was not attentive and arrogant on the occasions he graced us with his presence at our table."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 17 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for a special birthday
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As always, the menu was excellent and preparation was elegant. Jeffrey was our server again, and once again, not only did he have an immediate and colorful description of any item about which we had questions, but was attentive without hovering."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We'll definitely be back.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We'll definitely be back. Fantastic wine list, wonderful menu and unique/delicious desserts."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic food! Really different
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fantastic food! Really different items on the menu, for all you foodies, out there. The wine list is quite extensive and the bar is top notch (the hubs was most impressed with their stable of scotch). The service, though, is impeccable. When making our reservations via Open Table, I mentioned it was a special occasion with friends visiting from out of town. Upon our arrival, they brought us toasting glasses of Champagne (unsolicited). Nice touch! Our server, Jeffrey, was a real gem! So knowledgeable about not only the menu, but describes the flavors and spices which highlight each dish and he does so with such verve! This was our 2nd visit, both special occasions, and we will be back."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The portions were a little
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The portions were a little small, even for a small-portion restaurant. But the bread, food and service were outstanding."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 21 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Simply exceptional. An experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Simply exceptional. An experience that would stand shoulder to shoulder with any high end restaurant anywhere. An hour before arriving, we were given an unsolicited thumbs up for Niche as a place for foodies. That assessment was spot on.
We walked into a nice cozy atmosphere. Lively conversations all around, not overwhelming though.
Wait staff was there to assist , not rush . Our server was new to the restaurant, but not to the business. Every and all question answered. Plenty of suggestions when asked. Once the entrees were served, she walked us through our meal nearly to the individual ingredients, per our request. Wine suggestions were on the mark.
The meal was wonderful. It is simple, you have go."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love that Chef Serena has
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love that Chef Serena has a hand in everything, from greeting us at the door, to being the creative genius in her kitchen. This is what makes part of this experience so special. The food is beautiful to look at, and the drink options are endless. My hungry husband had the reasonably-priced 5-course tasting menu and did not need a drive-thru meal on the way home--very generous portions. We are consistently treated like friends, whether just at the bar or in the formal dining area. Sidenote: You do not have to spend your fortunes if you go for the small plate menu at a high-top table in the bar area. I love supporting the cause of this "niche" of an establishment!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 23 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very nice atmosphere, attentive
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very nice atmosphere, attentive weight staff and delicious food."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have been to Niche many
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"I have been to Niche many times. It was very good this time. I would recommend it
to anyone"
to anyone"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 25 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
amazing but small
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Niche is one of our favorite restaurants and we are defanetely foodies. My dish was a little small this time...could have had a little more there as I was still a little hungry for more. I had the scallops. I've never felt that way before at niche. The food was amazing as usual, just would have picked one of the other selections next time. Steak tartar and foie grae appetizers were wonderful and highly recommend. Always look forward to going back."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Niche was a delight from beginning
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Niche was a delight from beginning to end. It is a quiet room (even with a full house) and that in itself is rare. Service was impeccable and the food was beautifully prepared and delicious. The recommended bottle of wine which accompanied the meal was perfect. A solid five stars in every respect. Well done Niche! Cannot wait to see you again."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband and I love this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I love this place. The food is fantastic. The atmosphere is quiet, warm and romantic. It is a tiny place so I would not recommend this location to families with small children. If you are looking for excellent food and wine this is the place to go. No one compares in the Geneva area."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service by Jeffrey
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food and service by Jeffrey was impeccable! Food offerings consistently i press us. We LOVE Niche and would highly recommend."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best food and service in the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best food and service in the Fox Valley"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 30 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful experience. Our waiter, Jeffrey, was superb. Having at least 2 or 3 bottles of wine under $50.00 would be appreicated."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2003
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing as always. Jeffery
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Amazing as always. Jeffery is the best server... Everything is just SPOT on!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food and service were excellent!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 33 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great! Wow was it the perfect
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great! Wow was it the perfect romantic spot"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 34 for Niche Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Every time I leave Niche,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Every time I leave Niche, I am always struck with the same question. It is why I ever bother to dine anywhere else. Niche is that wonderful, each and every time."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Niche Restaurant
Based on the average of (46) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
8 out of 8 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate