Nios Restaurant
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Nios is a very pretty restaurant in a great location, and perhaps it is not fair to judge it solely on this unfortunate pre-theatre experience. However, first impressions are first impressions. The food was mediocre and the service scattered, the portions were miniscule. On the other hand, the space was not cramp like most NYC restaurants, and the drink was pretty good, though just a bourbon. Bottom line: go for the cocktails and elbow room. Great for a romantic, quiet, and spacious rendezvous. Try the Persimmon carpaccio, chocolate ice cream, and bourbon.
Atmosphere
Located within the Muse Hotel, Nios is beautifully-appointed with dark floors, lush leather benches, and loads of candlelight, giving it a both modern and romantic air. The space is divided into two areas, the front being mostly a bar with a few tables for dining, and the back a small dining room with maybe 6 tables. The design is quite beautiful, although maybe a little cave-like in the back, but the ebony wood tables are large and widely-spaced, a rarity in even the best restaurants in NYC, and the fact that we actually had elbow room and were not sitting two inches away from another couple made me feel like we were somewhere other than NYC. Nice.
Service
Because we were there in the pre-theatre rush, our service was hurried and harried. Our server was too busy to barely look at us, and once he took our order we never saw him again until it was time for the check. It would have been nice if he had checked on us at least once during our meal. On the other hand, the manager who seated us, came by a few times and seemed generally concerned with our experience. Much appreciated.
Food
We were there specifically for the pre-theatre menu, at $35 for 3 courses, it seemed a great value, especially before a show. Perhaps the fact that we could get a last minute reservation, or that the place was still not very crowded at 6:30, should have prepared us for a mediocre meal. Still, we were optimistic.
The menu in person was a little more anemic than the very full pre-theatre menu online, not that I expect them to be exactly the same, but this menu offers very little choice. Also worth mentioning, 3 of the 5 entree choices have $5 supplements, taking the price to $40 instead of $35. We both chose $40 options.
To start, a persimmon carpaccio, shaved very thin with shrimp, and goat cheese, that tasted nicely sweet and spicy. Also, a romaine salad with a parmesan dressing that tasted like a very weak Cesar salad. Next, very overdone diver scallops served with a dry lobster rice with crispy pieces of fried ginger that were delicious. They also served a rib eye steak that was nicely cooked but a little too fatty, served with bland, but homemade, mashed potatoes. For dessert a selection of ice cream, peanut butter, vanilla, and chocolate, of which the chocolate only was worth remembering, and a semi-warm, dry bread pudding with caramel sauce that was only OK.
Also with our meal was a cone of good bread and sweet butter. A bourbon on the rocks was a nice hefty pour ($10).
Besides being a truly unforgettable meal was the fact that the portions were so small that halfway through the first act of the show my stomach started growling. Three small scallops and a few slices of persimmon were not enough to fill me up. I know, some pre-theatre menus are indeed more tasting portions than regular sized meals, though some are not. Best to inquire beforehand, or bring a snack for the show! Or, better yet, plan ahead and go to a better pre-theatre restaurant for a few dollars extra.
The menu in person was a little more anemic than the very full pre-theatre menu online, not that I expect them to be exactly the same, but this menu offers very little choice. Also worth mentioning, 3 of the 5 entree choices have $5 supplements, taking the price to $40 instead of $35. We both chose $40 options.
To start, a persimmon carpaccio, shaved very thin with shrimp, and goat cheese, that tasted nicely sweet and spicy. Also, a romaine salad with a parmesan dressing that tasted like a very weak Cesar salad. Next, very overdone diver scallops served with a dry lobster rice with crispy pieces of fried ginger that were delicious. They also served a rib eye steak that was nicely cooked but a little too fatty, served with bland, but homemade, mashed potatoes. For dessert a selection of ice cream, peanut butter, vanilla, and chocolate, of which the chocolate only was worth remembering, and a semi-warm, dry bread pudding with caramel sauce that was only OK.
Also with our meal was a cone of good bread and sweet butter. A bourbon on the rocks was a nice hefty pour ($10).
Besides being a truly unforgettable meal was the fact that the portions were so small that halfway through the first act of the show my stomach started growling. Three small scallops and a few slices of persimmon were not enough to fill me up. I know, some pre-theatre menus are indeed more tasting portions than regular sized meals, though some are not. Best to inquire beforehand, or bring a snack for the show! Or, better yet, plan ahead and go to a better pre-theatre restaurant for a few dollars extra.
Cleanliness
Nios is both very pretty and very clean. The bathrooms were especially nice, all black tile and also candle-lit, with several individual stalls with their own sinks. On the stall doors are signs that say things like 'envy', 'rebel', and 'macho'. Just a word of warning, though, the bathrooms are coed.
Pros
Beautiful restaurant, lots of space. Nice liquor pour.
Cons
Service was lacking, food mediocre, portions too small.
