Nicola's Restaurant

Detail: Nicola's serves cutting-edge Italian-based cuisine that can't be found anywhere else in the city. If you can see the beauty in a little oxtail, try the exquisite Carnaroli Risotto with spring onions, red endive and vaccinara sauce (a flavorful, tomato-based sauce made with oxtail stew.) If seafood is more palatable, try the Alaskan halibut with hen of the woods mushrooms, crispy potatoes and cream of artichokes. You can also indulge in Chef Cristian Pietoso's Grand Tasting menu Monday through Thursday. Quite simply art on a plate. Pietoso uses the plate like a canvas. Such a shame to ruin his masterpiece, but hey, once you start you won't stop until you've licked the canvas clean. Entrees: $23-$35.