Nick & Toni’s Cafe

I stopped by for something light after a day of doctor’s appointments and strolling around the city, just before catching a tediously long bus ride back upstate. Even though, as a classical musician, I’ve eaten alone or with fellow musicians in dozens of upper west side restaurants before or after a show, I’m not usually very happy with the ambience or the food. This was perfect. Of course, I stopped by at an odd hour and was the only patron in the place. I was looking tired and not the least bit stylish, but was made to feel welcome. Even though the staff was having their own dinner at the time, my waiter couldn’t have been more attentive, without any of the snottiness that sometimes mars the experience of an older woman dining alone. The background music was both good music and played at an acceptable sound level, the murals were pretty without being intrusive, and there was nothing jarring to a musician’s ear – no banging from the kitchen, no tv at the bar, no maitre’d shouting to be heard on the phone. I had a couple of the small plates and was delighted by what I got. Fried artichokes were described as being «with lemon.» When they came without a wedge of lemon, and I asked, the waiter promptly brought me two wedges, although after tasting, they had been perfectly seasoned before arriving and I left the wedges untouched. I had been dubious about ordering anything fried at the beginning of service because that often results in greasy fried stuff cooked in oil that isn’t hot enough, but these came out absolutely perfect. The bruschetta was on a perfect slice of the kind of crusty bread that made me question why I had moved to the country, where such bread can’t be found. It was topped with poached pears, toasted walnuts and a runny ricotta that were delicious together, The entire thing was loosely bound and a bit difficult to eat without making a mess, so I made a mess and licked my fingers. I left feeling refreshed and well fed, without being stuffed, soothed, and generally pampered. Thank you.

This is the place I go for great food and intimate, pre-​opera dinning. I have been eating here for over 15 years and the cuisine has always been delicious, the service friendly and fast (in keeping with Lincoln Center schedules) and reasonably priced. On my recent visit I had the Pork Cheeks with polenta. The cheeks were extremely tender and only subtlety seasoned allowing full appreciation of their own deliciousness. The polenta was creamy with luscious flavor.
My only grouse is that the bar doesn’t keep Plymouth Gin.

Whenever I am in the area, I usually eat here. However, although we made brunch reservations for a Sunday, we were treated in a very denigrating manner. The other door, screened, was locked although it was actually 11:38pm. I knocked softly on the window to get the attention of the manager who glanced over and then just continued with whatever he was doing. A few minutes later, he opened the screened door, let it slam and walked back into the restaurant. As the first ones in and with an Open Table reservation for a window seat, the manager with a rather nasty tone to him said we could only sit at a window near the front of the house (we wanted to sit near the back). When we asked why we couldn’t sit in the other area, he said we weren’t the only reservations that day. While this explanation would have ordinarily satisfied me, I was appalled at his tone of voice. As a 66 year old woman, I wouldn’t let my children speak to me that way, let alone someone who deals with the public.
I told my partner that I would never eat there again and we walked out. We subsequently went to La Boîte en Bois, a block away and not only was that meal spectacular but we were treated so courteously that I left a 25% tip.
Shame on you N & T.

Amazing. If you come here you must get the!!! BRICK OVEN CHICKEN!!!, it will blow your mind. The service is amazing, and the décor, even the water. Amazing. Will come back for many more experiences! ALSO! This place is so calm at night, it’s like a spa for dinner, it’s very soothing and peaceful.+ So quiet!!!

Best fried zucchini I’ve ever had.
The rest of the food was also good. The lighting can be a bit dark, but otherwise a comforting place with good food.

My friend and I dined here and the food was really below par. It was heavy and unsophisticated, lacked any aroma and was very old school in its preparation. The greens were over cooked, the garlic was over browned and bitter and in general the food was very uninspiring and we left totally disappointed. I’d say it’s back to the drawing board for this place and a new chef is definitely order.

This is where I go when I want a perfect unfussy dinner. Christian makes the most delicious cocktails on this coast. The ingredients used in the dishes are mostly locally sourced and are showcased in a menu which reflects the changing crops and seasons. I love sitting at the bar to take in the energy of the room. Great food, consistent, intimate setting and attentive staff.

Came over after being in Central Park. pleasantly surprised! incredible staff, food was impeccable highly recommend.

Excellent food and gracious service. Comfortable noise level despite a full house.

Appalling customer service.
I planned to meet my friend at the bar for dinner and drinks. I arrived first and sat at one of the bar tables. I sat down and moved the table three inches to give me more space. The bartender came over and without comment, moved the table back towards me. Again, I moved the table out. Again he came, no comment, and moved it back in. At this point I am annoyed. I moved it out again, again, no comment he moved it back!!!
I finally commented that I am uncomfortable and need a few inches. He shot back with rude comments then stormed back to the bar without talking. Reminiscent of a child not a professional.
I got up and informed the manager. He was nice but made no assurance that he would correct the situation, and that «we might be more comfortable eating someplace else». And the bartender chimed in that «I am over reacting.»
WOW!!! So we walked out an enjoyed our dinner at the Art Café instead.
I should note that I found the Nick and Tony’s in East Hampton customer service lacking as well.
Good bye to Nick and Tony. New Yorkers will not tolerate this for long. And I should note that the restaurant was 25% full on a Friday night at 8.

We came after a movie and had the two course pre fix. We were pleasantly surprised. The bread has a terrific crust served with olive oil and olives. The chicken livers with sautéed onions was crispy and tasty. The Arctic char was prepared with beets that were crisps and tasted very fresh. I ordered the fish rare and it was cooked perfectly. The service was not perfect but she said that they were shot handed. She was sweet and accompanying. I will return.

The atmosphere here is great. Warm, inviting, cozy. And while much of the food is good, some of it is a bit bland or tastes like it comes from a chain restaurant. I’m not a huge fan of pizza… and I’m certainly not a pizza expert. But I would give the pizza here a B.
This is not an inexpensive place and, for the price, I think you can do a little better in the food department. If atmosphere is more important, then this is your place.

I love Nick and Tonis and its the perfect place to go before going to the lincoln center!
they have a great menu for both lunch and dinner — and also have excellent service!
those zucchini chips and pastas keep making me go back!

Tonight was my 5^th and last time here. The food and service has declined so rapidly I can only think there must have been a change in management. We were a party of 6 who’ve meet many times there for supper and all agreed it was the worst meal we’d had.

It’s a must do in the neighborhood!!! Staff is awesome. Food is delicious! Al Uovo Pizza is amazing! Caesar salad!!!
Christian at the bar is the BEST!!! Great wine list! It’s inviting, cozy and so NYC efficient!

Manager, George, is the consummate host! Tables are neat and clean, wait staff is friendly and very professional. There are specials for dinner and a movie as well as prix fixe options. Very creative menu with locally produced/​caught items expertly prepared!

Don’t place an order for delivery. It will take forever. And when it arrives the food will be cold, leaky, and strewn all over like it’s been through a hurricane. If you call to complain they will invite you to come eat at their restaurant, which is baffling. Terrible. Steer clear.

I visited Nick & Toni’s with my mom for lunch. Waiter was friendly and attentive, space was fine, menu seemed promising– the only thing lacking was the food. I ordered a Turkey Burger & my mom got a Chicken Panini, both of which are pretty tricky to mess up (???). Neither of us liked our meals.
I hate hatin’ on a restaurant like this, but in NYC where you have approximately 39 549 358 amazing options, I say try dining somewhere else.

I used to really enjoy this place, but things have gone downhill.
Last night we went in for dinner and the menu selections were so unappealing, it was hard to choose from the price fixe. Not to mention, the bartender was speaking so loudly about the woes of her personal life, I couldn’t even hear my date! I ordered the risotto thinking it would be safe, but it arrived looking like slop on a flat plate! No presentation at all. I ate it thinking «this is just rice and squash. How bad could it be?» Bad! Too sweet and gelatinous. But the worst part lay ahead. I started to feel bloated and ill at the restaurant. I went home and to bed. Woke up at 4am with intense cramping and food poisoning!
Never again.

The perfect meal for ending the night right after seeing Das Rheingold opera at Lincoln Center! The wait staff was efficient, attentive, and friendly, making sure to spark light yet witty conversation as we waited for our entrees, and giving us honest opinions and suggestions for dessert.
Everything we ordered was delicious. I highly recommend the beef tripe appetizer that’s made with tomato base, making the tripe soft, savory, and full of flavor. I had the steak for my entrée and it was grilled perfectly although there was nothing particularly special about the seasoning. For the dessert, I tried the Lemon Almond Torta and Tartufo. The almond torta was delicious with a strong citrus flavor, but my favorite is definitely the tartufo with it’s unique, thick, creamy texture and thick cocoa flavor.
I had a great meal here and would definitely love to come back! Especially since they do have a grand prix fixe menu!