Nick's Italian Cafe
Business Information
RestaurantsFamily Style Dining
Message from the Business
Nick's Italian Cafe opened in 1977 in historic downtown McMinnville, which is now the heart of the Oregon wine country. Nick's grew up with the wine industry, quickly becoming a favorite gathering place for many of area winemakers. Nick's wine list reflects this friendship.
The format of a multi-course, fixed-menu dinner was borrowed from many fine restaurants in the North Beach section of San Francisco, where Nick and his family often dined. This concept was novel here at the time, but news of the restaurant spread, and soon diners were coming from Salem, Portland, and beyond.
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Customer Reviews (20 reviews)
chuck_in_salem
on Citysearch May 23, 2009I must admit, I was a bit out of sorts when we walked in having been not greeted for several minutes and then treated rather shabily at the Bistro Maison just down the street. (see review). All in all I thought Nick's was... (more)
soulpatch
on Citysearch Aug 04, 2008My wife and I have been to Nick's on several occasions over the years. Although the menu is limited, it seems like they usually have something that is edible and tasty. The soup is very good although I have noticed that... (more)
porque
on Citysearch Jul 12, 2008Nick's has to be one of the best kept secrets in the Willamette Valley, and we were quite happy to discover it. I was a little shocked to read some of the negative reviews. I think if you go in knowing what to expect from the... (more)
nancylewey
on Citysearch Apr 01, 2008This establishment has alway"s had a good food,but nothing oustanding.It's also very pricy for what you get. If you plan to eat here, you should plan to spend at least 2 hours.Service is at a snail"s pace, if your... (more)
marklehmann
on Citysearch Oct 14, 2007I've traveled through the beautiful Oregon Wine Country for many years and feel blessed to have come across Nick's. I've gone several times and my latest visit was exceptional. The rumors are true that Nick's... (more)
btm9661
on Citysearch Oct 06, 2007If you want to spend an exhorbitant amount on dinner, this is the place. The quantity of food is at best lunch size. The service was disappointing, ordering and getting the bill took over 30 minutes, way too long. The... (more)
jahdee
on Citysearch Jul 04, 2007I have heard rumors for years about Nick?s but was only recently able to make it in for dinner on my last trip to the Oregon wine country. All I can say is wow, the food was truly something special. Generally speaking I am... (more)
hkilber
on Citysearch Jul 03, 2007We made the trek out to McMinnville and what a surprise. Nick recently retired and his daughter Carmen and her fiance Eric have taken over. They're fresh from cooking at Quince in San Francisco - we tried to go there... (more)
vestelle
on Citysearch Aug 10, 2006The value of five courses for 42.00 is incredible, and you will not go home hungry. Try the Avocado with Bay Shrimp and Sauce Louis; it will blend a symphony in your mouth. In addition, don't pass on the pasta, its three... (more)
Contributor
on Citysearch Jul 10, 2006<b>In Short</b><br>Tucked into quaint downtown McMinnville, Nick's mixes rustic neighborhood charm with gourmet panache. Cozy booths, mismatched dinnerware and friendly servers make you feel right at home.... (more)