Nicola's Ristorante Restaurant
A sophisticated Italian eatery known for family-style meals, traditional recipes, and a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Nicola's Ristorante Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sophisticated Italian eatery known for family-style meals, traditional recipes, and a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
"The classiest Italian restaurant in the region with terrific atmosphere and chef-prepared food."
Ask for Server Ella
Request server Ella for exemplary service and a personalized dining experience. Highly recommended by guests.
Heat the Bread
The bread is a must-try! Ask for it to be heated for an even more delicious experience. It's worth the slight upcharge.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
(417) 886-3700
Address
3631 E Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65809, USA
Website
nicolasristorante.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Italian Family-Style Meals
Savor traditional Italian recipes passed down through generations in a warm, sophisticated atmosphere. Perfect for any occasion.
Signature Meatball Appetizer
Don't miss the incredible meatballs, a must-try starter that guests rave about. Perfectly seasoned and expertly prepared.
Exceptional Pork Shank
The pork shank is a standout dish, incredibly tender and falling off the bone with ease. A true culinary delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ask for Server Ella
Request server Ella for exemplary service and a personalized dining experience. Highly recommended by guests.
Heat the Bread
The bread is a must-try! Ask for it to be heated for an even more delicious experience. It's worth the slight upcharge.
Unique Butter Pie
Don't skip dessert! Try the unique butter pie with blueberries for a sweet and memorable end to your meal.
Off-Menu Specials
Inquire about off-menu specials, such as the unique chicken curry, for a surprise culinary adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask for Server Ella
Request server Ella for exemplary service and a personalized dining experience. Highly recommended by guests.
Heat the Bread
The bread is a must-try! Ask for it to be heated for an even more delicious experience. It's worth the slight upcharge.
Unique Butter Pie
Don't skip dessert! Try the unique butter pie with blueberries for a sweet and memorable end to your meal.
Off-Menu Specials
Inquire about off-menu specials, such as the unique chicken curry, for a surprise culinary adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nicola's Ristorante offers a sophisticated Italian dining experience with a warm atmosphere, praised for its family-style meals and classic dishes like the pork shank and meatballs. While many highlight the excellent service and ambiance, some find the prices high and portion sizes small, with occasional criticisms of specific dishes being over-salted or overly rich.
"A fine dining experience with great Italian food. I got the pork shank it was very tender and the server was correct. It definitely fell off the bone with ease. Also got to try the butter pie with blueberries and it was amazing!
Will definitely be coming back to try more of the menu. The service was top notch and the vibe of the staff was so pleasant. Tonight I was reminded that flavor chasing can be fun and rewarding."
Reviewer 101
"Great place. Had my 8th old daughter with me and she wanted spaghetti…. I just looked for it and went. I would say it’s a date night kind of place and atmosphere. She loved it even though I had no idea and we walked in after just getting out of a pool…"
D Calhoun
"This is the classiest Italian restaurant in the region. The food is chef-prepared and you can tell. The atmosphere is terrific for a normal date night or a special occasion. I highly recommend it."
Dr. Richard B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Nicola's is known for its family-style Italian meals, traditional recipes, and a warm, sophisticated atmosphere suitable for special occasions.
Yes, custom-made delicious vegan dinners are available upon request.
Absolutely! The classy ambiance is highly recommended for date nights and special occasions.
Guests highly recommend the meatball appetizer, the pork shank, and the gnocchi with cream sauce. The butter pie with blueberries is a great dessert option.
Yes, for a more personalized experience, you can request dishes cooked rare or medium-rare.
The bread is highly praised, and guests suggest asking for it to be heated for an even better experience.
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Smooth, buttery yellowfin tuna—be sure to ask for the steaks to be cooked to either rare or medium-rare to preserve that luscious texture—is beautifully balanced by the tangy, citrusy lemon-and-caper sauce it’s paired with at Nicola’s Ristorante (3631 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-886-3700). The zingy sauce and rich grilled fish shine alongside the simple sides they’re paired with, which include fresh seasonal vegetables and basmati rice.
These salads will up your lunch game in Springfield, Missouri
When you name a salad after your wife, you’re telling customers that it’s truly special. Years ago, Nicola Gilardi, owner of Nicola’s Ristorante, and his wife, Monica, were putting together a cooking class when they created a unique, Italian-inspired wedge salad. Class participants raved about it, so the couple put it on the restaurant’s menu, where it remains a customer favorite.
Best 10 Italian Restaurants in Springfield Mo
Nicola’s Italian Ristorante is a family-friendly restaurant and one of the finest Italian restaurants in Springfield MO known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their strength lies in their traditional Italian recipes, passed down through generations. Nicola’s offers a variety of dishes, including their mouthwatering spaghetti Bolognese and veal piccata.
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Nicola’s Ristorante is a must-try restaurant in South Springfield, MO, for those craving authentic Italian cuisine. Known for its inviting atmosphere, this bar and eatery offers family-style meals, perfect for sharing with loved ones. This kid-friendly restaurant welcomes families, ensuring that even the youngest guests are catered to.
7 places to eat fall-inspired dishes right now in Springfield
Thirty years ago, Nicola Gilardi was working as a chef in Barbuda when customers from New York asked him to make pumpkin ravioli. He had never heard of it, but whipped up a batch and they declared it “unbelievably delicious,” Gilardi said. Now that pumpkin ravioli is a seasonal favorite at Nicola’s Ristorante.
Highest-rated Italian restaurants in Springfield by diners
Close-up of a traditional lasagna made with minced beef bolognese sauce topped with basil leafs served on a white plate. – Rating: 4.5/5 (92 reviews)– Price level: $$– Address: 3631 East Sunshine St. Springfield, Missouri– Categories: Italian– Read more on Yelp
Highest-rated Italian Restaurants in Springfield, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (75 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 3631 E Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65809-2821- Read more on Tripadvisor
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