When Nicco’s owner Jimmy Goletsos opened the venue more than five years ago, he brought to Jersey City’s downtown New York City style in dining with moderate prices. Nicco’s is conveniently located near the waterfront by the financial center on the corner of Washington and York streets and carries an extensive selection of red and white wines. The setup inside is elegant; with a bar in the front near the entrance. There’s also a lounge where patrons enjoy their favorite sports game on TV while relaxing on the comfortable couches. The dining room is next to the lounge and it seats more than 40 people. The walls are finely decorated with artworks by local residents, and the wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable of the menu.
“We aim for SoHo sophistication, and eclectic cuisine,” said genera manager Jay DiDomenico. “If you left New York City, you don’t have to pay New York City prices.”
The menu has a French foundation with Mediterranean and Asian accents. Main entrees include chicken Romagna ($10), chicken breast, fresh mozzarella and tomato cream; stuffed veal scaloppini ($22), sweet sausage, prosciutto, spinach, sage ricotta; roasted duck ($23), served with berries and Grand Marnier glace; baked Chilean sea bass ($19), served with garlic horseradish crust, and oven-roasted tomatoes; and farfalle Mediterranean ($10), served with chicken, garlic, tomato, scallion, feta cheese and white wine.
“We offer a traditional menu but we still keep hip with the culinary world,” DiDomenico said.
The wine list is impressive as well. In addition to the reserved deluxe champagnes like Moet & Chandon and Louis Roederer, Nicco’s offers more than 30 chardonnays, Pinot Grigios and Noirs, merlots, zinfandel, sauvignons, and cabernets ranging from $19 to $40. DiDomenico explained that his staff orders fine wines for all occasions. They also sell premium wines and champagnes by the glass.
Swordfish
During a recent visit to the restaurant for lunch, I enjoyed the terrific crab cakes ($12), and a risotto croquette ($8). The cakes are tasty and crispy. With a mild sauce on the side, they are fresh and an ideal way to start a Mediterranean evening. Also, the risotto, stuffed with mozzarella cheese and served on a bed of tasty vodka sauce, was delicious.
Other appetizers include the calamari, filet mignon bruschetta, shrimp portabello, and lobster quesadillas. I followed the appetizers a serving of spicy swordfish sandwich ($13), and a seafood crepes ($13), served with shrimp, scallops and lobster sauce. The swordfish was served with an herb-based mayonnaise sauce and a side of mesclun salad with honey balsamic vinaigrette. The fish was a bit spicy and fresh. And the crepes, which DiDomenico said were very popular about two decades ago, were in a thick sauce base and with large shrimp chunks. Overall, it was an ideal business lunch experience.
Nicco’s is at 247 Washington St. in Jersey City. They serve lunch and dinner daily, and offer happy hour drink specials. For information call (201) 332-8433.
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“We aim for SoHo sophistication, and eclectic cuisine.” – Jay DiDomenico
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