Loved everything about it! It's pricey but of worthy value for the quality of the food. Unique flavors that are delicious and beautifully presented. The service was great and the aesthetic/ambiance transports you to another dreamy place. Can't wait to return!
Nicole S.
Food was amazing and cocktails are next level. Staff is very attentive. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful, the bar has so many choices.
Michelle
Nicolas Concina is fastly joining its sister restaurant Villa Azteca in becoming a favorite given delish dishes -- from apps to dessert along with yummy drinks - as well as attentive but not obtrusive service and beautiful space and ambiance.
MorganLee Benton
What a breath of fresh air in Carmel. My husband and I went out on Friday for a date night and this restaurant checked all the boxes- service, atmosphere, and upscale dining. It’s hard to find a place in Carmel as a younger couple that has a great vibe and really makes you feel like you’re going out! I ordered their skinny marg which has strawberries and guava. I’m not a tequila fan so I was skeptical… I ordered 2, and have been craving them ever since. My husband got the chipotle marg- equally amazing. Started with the bone marrow topped with elote & birria taquitos- highly recommend. We got the crab chili relleno (highly recommend) and mocajete (was a little underwhelmed by the size, but it has high quality meat so I get it). Ended with another round of drinks, we both got skinny margaritas and shared a flan for dessert. Everything was above expectations- you should try this place out!
Beautiful environment, wonderful service and inventive food. We had a great time with our friends. We ordered the street corn and the taquitos to share which were both delicious and then individual entrees. I got the crab rellenos and loved every bite. We will definitely be back!
byron i.
Food has a lot of exploding flavor & presentation was amazing except the bone marrow was very salty and no marrow fat to pick & eat was disappointing. Wagyu beef is to die for it was tender & juicy a bit pricey but worth it.
Douglas Breschini
My wife & I went here for dinner, what a beautiful atmosphere, we got the Tetela Guacamole & Birria Queso Fundido for starters, WONDERFUL, then due to great starters ,we weren't as hungry so we split the carb chile relleno, was amazing, next time I am defiantly going to order the Molcajete. We will maybe only get 1 starter next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chile Relleno
The shrimp enchiladas and Lamb Chili Rellano were fantastic. Ambiance is great. Service was top notch. Multiple people check on us multiple times. It does get kinda loud but that's what happens when people are having a great time in a fantastic establishment.
Amy L.
Food: 5/5 Service: 3/5 Price: 4/5 Atmosphere: 4/5 TL;DR: We decided to try out this new Mexican restaurant during our trip to Carmel and we were not disappointed at all. One of the best Mexican food we've ever had. The restaurant itself is really pretty & aesthetic -- it's located in the back on the first floor of the plaza. The staff here are really nice; however, the service was super slow; we got our first apps and drinks before we were able to flag down the waiter for water. But, the restaurant was packed and it seemed like it was only one waiter for the entire restaurant so that's not his fault -- just have a little patience. Would definitely come back here another time to try their other dishes. Potato Spheres: *4/5*: Exactly what you'd imagine these to be -- well seasoned mash potato balls with chorizo and cheese. If you've ever had Porto's Bakery in SoCal, these are essentially the same thing but not as good. Wish it was a little crispier. But the green salsa was phenomenal; if you have some leftover, save it to add to other dishes. Guajillo Shrimp Bone Marrow: *5/5*: Show stopper of the dish & best thing there!! The bone marrow is obviously super fatty, buttery, and beefy and it's topped but big, tender shrimp & garlic butter. The entire dish is super decadent. They provide 3 fresh corn tortilla for you to make tacos with. The tortilla is soft & fluffy (if you run out, you can also order more -- 3 more tortillas for $2). They give you so much shrimp that even if the bone marrow runs out, you can make a decent amount of tacos & be quite full. Tetela Guacamole: *4/5*: Fried triangle folded tortilla pieces that were filled with some meat. The guacamole was delicious -- seasoned really well, light taste of lime, and I loved how chunky it was. You can big pieces of avocado as well as crunch of the onions and pistachio. We put the guac in other things we ordered and it was fire. Chicken Enchiladas: *5/5*: Best enchilada we've ever had. The chicken is well seasoned and tender; and the poblano cream sauce is to die for -- it's obv really fresh creamy and cheesy. This comes with a side of beans and cilantro rice.
Shareef Mahdavi - The PX Movement (Patient Experience - PXTV)
Folks, this place is off the charts great. We had a great Saturday evening experience with a unique menu that elevates Mexican cuisine to a new level. Even better than the food is the attentiveness of the staff, which flows right from the chef/owner and his family. The ambience and setting are nice and we will definitely be back next time we are in Carmel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Renee M.
Had the pleasure of trying this new place last weekend - in a word? WOW! The warmth from the moment we walked in was palpable. We were welcomed and seated within 2 minutes of our reservation. Though the restaurant was PACKED, every table somehow felt separate. The way they have them placed makes each space feel like it's own. Our server was attentive and the food was seriously 100/10. We ordered drinks and got the shrimp bone marrow and birio tacos for appetizers. We followed that with mole-negro and halibut on roasted red pepper puree... I woke up in the morning still thinking about that sauce - Can I just say that we are STILL talking about both of them!? The atmosphere was gorgeous and lively while feeling both elevated and relaxed. The bar was beautiful and flanked a painting of the family patriarch - and chef's grandfather. Speaking of the chef, Andres, he came out and personally greeted us inquiring about our meals... His father came out and beaming with pride thanked us for coming in. My only regret was that we didn't get pictures of the food as the presentation was perfection... I cannot say enough how much we LOVED our time at Nicolás - and already cannot wait to come back!
S M.
A unique dining experience and far from the typical Mexican menu. This is cuisine at its finest, accentuated by an attentive staff in a beautiful setting. We were visited by the owner as well as his Dad towards the end of our meal. They are passionate and humble about introducing the world to an elevated style of Mexican food. This is a place where you will definitely want to try something new... ENJOY!
Kate V.
Everything was delicious! Staff was so warm and welcoming. Spicy marg and Mexican Mule. Esquites+Guac (*ask for more chips) & Birria Taquitos were amazing! Split the steak and shrimp dish and it was the perfect amount of food for me and my friend!
Cody H.
When my wife and I heard that the family who owned Villa Azteca (located in Salinas) were opening up another restaurant in Carmel-By-The-Sea, we were beyond excited. We finally had the opportunity to have dinner here last night and it was incredible. I want to start off by saying that Nicolás itself is absolutely beautiful. There was so much attention to detail put into all aspects of this restaurant. Our waitress Paola did an amazing job. She was friendly, attentive, and was very informative with any questions we had about the menu and restaurant. We were also greeted by one of the owners Leo, who recognized us as patrons of Villa Azteca. He was very kind and welcoming and thanked us for coming. Now on to the food. All I can say is wow! My wife had the Mole Negro, the chicken was cooked to perfection, the mole sauce had so much flavor, and the green apple pico was refreshing and tasty! I had the Short Rib Mixteca and my goodness....I would get this time and time again. You could pull the short rib apart with a fork, and the xoconostle (sour prickly pear) glaze was a perfect touch on top of the short rib. But the star of the show for me was the mole blanco! I remember when they served this at Villa Azteca for a short time years back and I had been craving it ever since. When I saw they had it on their menu it was a must have, and of course, it was to die for! I can't say enough good things about Nicolás. We will definitely be coming back and look forward to exploring their delectable menu. Susana and Leo killed it with Nicolás and wish them the best with their new restaurant!
Loved everything about it! It's pricey but of worthy value for the quality of the food. Unique flavors that are delicious and beautifully presented. The service was great and the aesthetic/ambiance transports you to another dreamy place. Can't wait to return!
Food was amazing and cocktails are next level. Staff is very attentive. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful, the bar has so many choices.
Nicolas Concina is fastly joining its sister restaurant Villa Azteca in becoming a favorite given delish dishes -- from apps to dessert along with yummy drinks - as well as attentive but not obtrusive service and beautiful space and ambiance.
What a breath of fresh air in Carmel. My husband and I went out on Friday for a date night and this restaurant checked all the boxes- service, atmosphere, and upscale dining. It’s hard to find a place in Carmel as a younger couple that has a great vibe and really makes you feel like you’re going out! I ordered their skinny marg which has strawberries and guava. I’m not a tequila fan so I was skeptical… I ordered 2, and have been craving them ever since. My husband got the chipotle marg- equally amazing. Started with the bone marrow topped with elote & birria taquitos- highly recommend. We got the crab chili relleno (highly recommend) and mocajete (was a little underwhelmed by the size, but it has high quality meat so I get it). Ended with another round of drinks, we both got skinny margaritas and shared a flan for dessert. Everything was above expectations- you should try this place out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chile Relleno
Amazing food options and wonderful
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargot, Tomatillo Salsa, Chile Relleno
Beautiful environment, wonderful service and inventive food. We had a great time with our friends. We ordered the street corn and the taquitos to share which were both delicious and then individual entrees. I got the crab rellenos and loved every bite. We will definitely be back!
Food has a lot of exploding flavor & presentation was amazing except the bone marrow was very salty and no marrow fat to pick & eat was disappointing. Wagyu beef is to die for it was tender & juicy a bit pricey but worth it.
My wife & I went here for dinner, what a beautiful atmosphere, we got the Tetela Guacamole & Birria Queso Fundido for starters, WONDERFUL, then due to great starters ,we weren't as hungry so we split the carb chile relleno, was amazing, next time I am defiantly going to order the Molcajete. We will maybe only get 1 starter next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chile Relleno
The shrimp enchiladas and Lamb Chili Rellano were fantastic. Ambiance is great. Service was top notch. Multiple people check on us multiple times. It does get kinda loud but that's what happens when people are having a great time in a fantastic establishment.
Food: 5/5 Service: 3/5 Price: 4/5 Atmosphere: 4/5 TL;DR: We decided to try out this new Mexican restaurant during our trip to Carmel and we were not disappointed at all. One of the best Mexican food we've ever had. The restaurant itself is really pretty & aesthetic -- it's located in the back on the first floor of the plaza. The staff here are really nice; however, the service was super slow; we got our first apps and drinks before we were able to flag down the waiter for water. But, the restaurant was packed and it seemed like it was only one waiter for the entire restaurant so that's not his fault -- just have a little patience. Would definitely come back here another time to try their other dishes. Potato Spheres: *4/5*: Exactly what you'd imagine these to be -- well seasoned mash potato balls with chorizo and cheese. If you've ever had Porto's Bakery in SoCal, these are essentially the same thing but not as good. Wish it was a little crispier. But the green salsa was phenomenal; if you have some leftover, save it to add to other dishes. Guajillo Shrimp Bone Marrow: *5/5*: Show stopper of the dish & best thing there!! The bone marrow is obviously super fatty, buttery, and beefy and it's topped but big, tender shrimp & garlic butter. The entire dish is super decadent. They provide 3 fresh corn tortilla for you to make tacos with. The tortilla is soft & fluffy (if you run out, you can also order more -- 3 more tortillas for $2). They give you so much shrimp that even if the bone marrow runs out, you can make a decent amount of tacos & be quite full. Tetela Guacamole: *4/5*: Fried triangle folded tortilla pieces that were filled with some meat. The guacamole was delicious -- seasoned really well, light taste of lime, and I loved how chunky it was. You can big pieces of avocado as well as crunch of the onions and pistachio. We put the guac in other things we ordered and it was fire. Chicken Enchiladas: *5/5*: Best enchilada we've ever had. The chicken is well seasoned and tender; and the poblano cream sauce is to die for -- it's obv really fresh creamy and cheesy. This comes with a side of beans and cilantro rice.
Restaurantji Recommends
Folks, this place is off the charts great. We had a great Saturday evening experience with a unique menu that elevates Mexican cuisine to a new level. Even better than the food is the attentiveness of the staff, which flows right from the chef/owner and his family. The ambience and setting are nice and we will definitely be back next time we are in Carmel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had the pleasure of trying this new place last weekend - in a word? WOW! The warmth from the moment we walked in was palpable. We were welcomed and seated within 2 minutes of our reservation. Though the restaurant was PACKED, every table somehow felt separate. The way they have them placed makes each space feel like it's own. Our server was attentive and the food was seriously 100/10. We ordered drinks and got the shrimp bone marrow and birio tacos for appetizers. We followed that with mole-negro and halibut on roasted red pepper puree... I woke up in the morning still thinking about that sauce - Can I just say that we are STILL talking about both of them!? The atmosphere was gorgeous and lively while feeling both elevated and relaxed. The bar was beautiful and flanked a painting of the family patriarch - and chef's grandfather. Speaking of the chef, Andres, he came out and personally greeted us inquiring about our meals... His father came out and beaming with pride thanked us for coming in. My only regret was that we didn't get pictures of the food as the presentation was perfection... I cannot say enough how much we LOVED our time at Nicolás - and already cannot wait to come back!
A unique dining experience and far from the typical Mexican menu. This is cuisine at its finest, accentuated by an attentive staff in a beautiful setting. We were visited by the owner as well as his Dad towards the end of our meal. They are passionate and humble about introducing the world to an elevated style of Mexican food. This is a place where you will definitely want to try something new... ENJOY!
Everything was delicious! Staff was so warm and welcoming. Spicy marg and Mexican Mule. Esquites+Guac (*ask for more chips) & Birria Taquitos were amazing! Split the steak and shrimp dish and it was the perfect amount of food for me and my friend!
When my wife and I heard that the family who owned Villa Azteca (located in Salinas) were opening up another restaurant in Carmel-By-The-Sea, we were beyond excited. We finally had the opportunity to have dinner here last night and it was incredible. I want to start off by saying that Nicolás itself is absolutely beautiful. There was so much attention to detail put into all aspects of this restaurant. Our waitress Paola did an amazing job. She was friendly, attentive, and was very informative with any questions we had about the menu and restaurant. We were also greeted by one of the owners Leo, who recognized us as patrons of Villa Azteca. He was very kind and welcoming and thanked us for coming. Now on to the food. All I can say is wow! My wife had the Mole Negro, the chicken was cooked to perfection, the mole sauce had so much flavor, and the green apple pico was refreshing and tasty! I had the Short Rib Mixteca and my goodness....I would get this time and time again. You could pull the short rib apart with a fork, and the xoconostle (sour prickly pear) glaze was a perfect touch on top of the short rib. But the star of the show for me was the mole blanco! I remember when they served this at Villa Azteca for a short time years back and I had been craving it ever since. When I saw they had it on their menu it was a must have, and of course, it was to die for! I can't say enough good things about Nicolás. We will definitely be coming back and look forward to exploring their delectable menu. Susana and Leo killed it with Nicolás and wish them the best with their new restaurant!