Marina Domingues
Google
I tried to go to this bar many times and could not enter due to the huge waiting line (something like 30 tables before my call) and I think that this might have influenced my high expectations for the place.
The main problem with Nicolau is the excessive noise. I went there with some friends and we couldn't hear each other. There is a lot of loud voices sound and you and barely hear the music. The open kitchen concept contributes to the problem.
Related to the open kitchen, as the restaurant serves many fried or fatty dishes, you get this very strong smell of fat all over your clothing and hair. I personally hate this smell. I recommend closing the kitchen with a glass wall so you keep the open concept without compromising the environment of the bar.
Related to the food, I was expecting more. The portions are good sized and the taste is above average, however, I was expecting more mixture of tastes and textures. It might have been a bit too fatty as well, but I think this belongs to the type of cousin.
The drinks were undersized and below the expectations as well. They were either too sweet, or not at the balanced point between the spirit and the other ingredients.
Service is fine. Good suggestions and good timing. Could offer a more digital ordering service (such as tablets with the menu) so the waiters could be more careful with the clients. For example, there was a drink that we order that we didn't like. We tried to talk to the waiter about it but he didn't seem to care..
I believe that many of the problems described are just a matter of taste, but others I would recommend the bar to work a bit more to improve the costumer experience.
