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Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

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Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
About
Serving the Willamette Valley since 1977. A favorite among the locals and visitors from abroad. Nick's Italian Cafe serves traditional fare passed down generations, as well as original dishes, created by our Chef. Trained in classic Italian cuisine in Italy, Eric Ferguson & Carmen Peirano strive to make every plate a special and unique experience.
PRICE RANGE
$10 - $28
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner, Late Night
CUISINES
Italian
FEATURES
Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Seating, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Reviews (575)
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572 results
Traveler rating
263
164
85
31
29
Traveler type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
Traveler rating
263
164
85
31
29
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Reviewed October 16, 2022 via mobile

Went for dinner. The service was amazing. They were very accommodating considering we messed up our reservation but they still found a spot for us. Ratings below. Ceaser Salad- 6.1 Margarita Pizza-8.0

Date of visit: October 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed September 30, 2022

We really were anxious to try this restaurant as we love Italian food. Our server was great as was ambiance. Only disappointment was main meals were appetizer size. It was all good just never seen smaller portions for the prices of entree

Date of visit: September 2022
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed August 24, 2022

My wife, I and another couple stopped into Nick’s during a stroll through McMinnville. We didn’t have a reservation, but they were able to seat us nonetheless. They had a nice selection of various Italian dishes, but whe we heard good old spaghetti and meatballs...was the special, we all ordered it. And it was exceptional. The presentation of the pasta stacked is a square surrounded was pretty neat, and the sauce was delicious. Sometime red sauces are too acidic and cause me stomach problems, it not this sauce. We noticed a gigantic hamburger being served that we didn’t see on the menu. Apparently it is a well known secret in McMinnville that the ‘Nick’s Hamburger’ is available if you ask for it. We both split perfect Crème Brûlées for desert. An enjoyable time! One last thing… at least while we were there, on weekends McMinnville shuts off traffic to 3rd Street and all the restaurants set up for outdoor dining in addition to indoor. 3rd Street is tree lined and the trees are lit up at night.More

Date of visit: August 2022
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed May 15, 2022 via mobile

Bread was delicious, pizza was above average. Everything else was just ok. Friendly service. Would visit again if I’m ever back in the area.

Date of visit: May 2022
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Reviewed February 27, 2022

Italian food; what is there more to say. However, the food was excellent. We had meatballs for appetizers and that was unusual. The highlight was the Dungeness crab lasagna. Our only disappointment was the rush. The server agreed to "course" out the meal but didn't....When the entree was served, I still had my cocktail to finish and that is not "coursing" out the dinner for me. Best to order when you are ready.More

Date of visit: February 2022
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Reviewed January 15, 2022

We will have to come again on another visit. My daughter is longing to try the crab lasagna that, alas, was not available the night we dined. No matter, we had a fabulous dinner of ravioli and pear/gorgonzola pizza. Our excellent waiter suggested a great...bottle Italian wine for us and our hostess was lovely.More

Date of visit: January 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed October 27, 2021

I must admit, when we came here I wasn't expecting the food to be so good and authentic. The pastas were made in house and everything was delicious. I had the puttanesca and may have been even better than my mother's puttanesca. The ravioli, tagliatelle...and pizzas were also good. I also liked the wine list.More

Date of visit: October 2021
Helpful?3  
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Reviewed October 20, 2021

I really like Nick's. We visited in 2016 and had pizza in the back pool room. We called for reservations on a Friday night, but the limited "white table cloth" seating was full. We were told that the bar area next door in Peirano Daughters...has limited open seating on a first come first serve basis for dinner. We arrived at 5:00 and were seated right away in the side room. The next hour was so enjoyable. The bartender was our server. The employee of Peirano was closing up shop. The two of them were a hoot. We enjoyed the fun banter, great service and wonderful food. The gorgonzola and pear thin crust pizza was so good. The sausage lasagna portion was just right and tasted great. Thanks to the bartender for going the extra step to ensure the bar had a bottle of Blanton's! So hard to find.More

Date of visit: October 2021
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed September 14, 2021

We almost did not go to Nick’s but it was so cute and quaint that we decided to try it regardless of any negative reviews. It was wonderful! Yes the pasta portions are small but they are truly not to be considered the main course....Having traveled to Italy in 2019, we learned this. The flavors were amazing and very much reminded us of the unique flavors we experienced in Italy. Don’t miss the sage and brown butter ravioli. Be sure to reserve in advance. We are more than happy that we had dinner there and it was the best dinner we had in all of Oregon. The wait staff was friendly and attentive and this is a genuine Italian experience. Our compliments to the Chef!More

Date of visit: September 2021
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Reviewed August 5, 2021 via mobile

We stopped at Nick’s on the advice of a friend as we were heading from Portland to Eugene. It was somewhat out of our way but are we glad we made the detour! Dinner was excellent! Our waitress, Rebecca, was a delight and so helpful...with suggestions. We had the mussels to start and they were amazing! The broth was rich with a bit of spice and the mussels were plump and juicy. On her suggestion, we also tried the minestrone soup. The broth was slightly thicker than a normal broth, very flavorful and packed with veggies. Our entrees were the ravioli, lasagna and the pasta puttanesca. All were delicious. My cousin got the puttanesca with gluten free pasta and it was truly one of the best gluten free pastas we have tasted. If you are in McMinnville or contemplating a side trip there, go here for dinner. You won’t be sorry!More

Date of visit: August 2021
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Reviewed January 14, 2021 via mobile

I feel so bad for the restaurants in Oregon. Outside dining only. It's not Florida. I did carryout, the food was ready and hot when I picked it up. And delicious.

Date of visit: January 2021
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Reviewed November 3, 2020

Although we had heard great things, Nick’s was a wonderful surprise in the style and execution of the menu. Each plate presented interesting flavors and thoughtful presentation. In addition, the service was wonderful- attentive and timely. Their wine list had a strong selection of Oregon...offerings, all at very reasonable prices. This is a must visit if near McMinville!More

Date of visit: October 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed October 20, 2020 via mobile

This James Beard awarded cafe was recommended to us by foodie friends, and it did not disappoint. It is so inconspicuous that we would have strolled right by it if we had not had the address. It’s an easy walk down Third Street from the...Third Street Flats or Atticus Hôtel. The cuisine is inspired, creative, light, delicious, and made from local ingredients. My husband and I had two outstanding courses, split a dessert, two excellent coffees and a bottle of local Pinot Gris for less than $100. We were expecting Napa Valley prices given the quality of the food and service, so we were very pleasantly surprised.More

Date of visit: September 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed September 29, 2020

McMinnville closed down its main drag on weekend nights allowing for street dining reminiscent of the country where this place extracts its name. Good pasta, good wine, good service, good prices. You can't go wrong.

Date of visit: September 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed August 25, 2020

the food was very good and the wait staff helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Will eat there again when we return to the area.

Date of visit: August 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Questions & Answers
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345gulzarh
August 8, 2015|
AnswerShow all 3 answers
Response from Dennis L | Reviewed this property |
Have only eaten there one time, but they did have the freshly baked bread and a couple of fresh entrees like a seafood entre or as I recall a lamb shank. Both looked pretty good. Sounds like there are similarities to what... More
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Frank M
July 22, 2015|
AnswerShow all 9 answers
Response from 710lynnt | Reviewed this property |
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NICK'S ITALIAN CAFE, McMinnville - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Nick's Italian Cafe

Yes, Nick's Italian Cafe offers takeout services.

Nick's Italian Cafe is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 3.5
  • Atmosphere: 4