Kim G.
Yelp
It's impossible to review Nicoletta's without mentioned the lack of of a proper and welcoming greeting. Heck, I'll take even an acknowledgment or at least eye contact.
We had reservations for 6:30 and when I approached the hostess station, the woman could barely lift her head from the computer screen to acknowledge me. it actually took several minutes. When she finally did, it was as if I was bothering her. She told me my table for two would be available soon, to "stand over there" pointing to a space between the market shelves. I explained that I'm using a cane, and it's difficult to stand, and asked if there was somewhere to sit while we waited. She once again told me to stand "over there" and she would be with me in a minute. Her head remained glued to the computer screen, and even as other customers arrived, she never greeted anyone with a smile or friendly hello. She was consistent in one thing, all customers received the same dismissing attitude and the "wait over there" direction. No one understanding where "there" was.
Well, 15 minutes later, with more and more people now waiting between the various shelves of market pantry items, squeezed between the market and dining area and in the way of the wait staff, constantly stepping aside to let them through, maneuvering with my cane, we were finally brought to our table. One they had shoved in front of the pizza oven bar, with no other tables near us or in the vicinuty, and just an inch from the doorway to one of the dining areavicinity, was sitting at the bar, which was roped off. It was an awkward seating arrangement to say the least. Not comfortable and it felt like we were an afterthought sitting in a random spot, not part of either of the two dining rooms or the bar area. Plus, the table had no room for the food we were ordering, which arrived on ginormous platters and dishes. I was constantly flagging down random servers and handing them dishes so we had room on the table. Either use smaller dishes or invest in larger tables!
For appetizers, we selected the arancini, usually a favorite of mine. While their's was crispy on the outside and did have cheese oozing inside amongst the rice, there was little flavor. Just tasted fried. Needed salt or parmigiana inside to give it flavor. We also ordered their "famous" meatballs which were hard and dense. Meatballs should be tender and flavorful. I didn't eat more than a bite.
A basket of focaccia and thin crispy bread was served, both so over salted we told them to take it away.
We wanted the fresh spring pea salad, but at 6:30pm, they were already sold out. So we split the basic Italian salad which was very good. It had radicchio and some olives with shavings of parmigiana and a nice kick from the pepperoncini and vinegar.
For the main, we both chose the carbonara, my friend had the gluten free pasta. It's great that they provide this option. The pasta is made fresh and you can tell. We both really like the flavor profile of the Carnonara, made the classic way with eggs, cheese, guancale and pasta water, no cream. There was plenty of the rich sauce, creamy from the technique, and coated the perfectly al dente spaghetti. Definitely a delicious dinner.
In addition to the dining options, they have a marketplace where you can buy premade items like Caprese salad, pasta salad, the meatballs, arancini, pizza by the slice, Italian deli meats and cheeses. There were no prices, which is a pet peeve of mine. Maybe those in Lake Oswego don't need to worry about prices, but the rest of us do.
The shelves of pantry items, olive oil, fig jam, olive oils, Prosecco and wine were a foodies dream! Yes, I'm speaking for myself! Would be a great place to make a gift basket or pick up something special for yourself or a friend.
Food was inconsistent and ranges from 2 - 4 stars.
Hostess was consistent, there was zero service for anyone, so earned 0 stars.
Servers were young and learning, but trying hard. 4 stars.