Nicosi

Finally getting around to my review of Nicosi- it took this long to craft the review because of how great the experience was! When I heard about an restaurant with an 8-course dessert menu, I had to say yes and am so glad I did!! No pics are allowed during the dinner which helps you be present. Shoutout to Ben, Katelynn, and Delissa! You all made this such a wonderful evening!! Being an Emmer & Rye concept, I knew it was going to be excellent. I won’t give much more about the food because you need to experience it for yourself and the menu may have changed by the time you get to go.

Experienced Nicosi on 02/08/2025. Menu 002 Methodically curated, Michelin recommended dining experience. To respect the chefs desire for mystery, I must omit speaking of the flavors of the dishes themselves. Nicosi seats a max of 20 guests in a horseshoe shaped seating arrangement with the kitchen located in the center. This allows for each diner to observe the chefs as they plate the dishes. The dessert focused tasting menu has the option of an alcoholic or non alcoholic drink pairing. I enjoyed the experience. The chefs were personable and full of knowledge, clearly showcasing their passion. Service was great. Up to par with fine dining experiences. The techniques used to curate the courses exemplified the creativity the chefs have to offer. There was certainly no lack of distinct flavors. Albeit to say, I was not quite wowed by any dish in this particular menu set - taste wise. Which is just to say, another person may have felt completely opposite. I did have a couple favorites but … I’m always on the hunt for my next euphoric bite. @bellatastes :IG

Great experience! Brought my wife here for her birthday, she loved it. I'm not one for dessert, but they are very innovative in the flavors they choose such as salty, bitter, savory and sweet, so its not gonna be just a sugar bomb of food. The drink pairings are perfect. The ambiance is very personal, the chefs are your waiters and explain every tasting and drink as they are serving you. Not cheap by no means about $300 for 2 but definitely a worthwhile experience everyone should try at least once. No pictures, no phones allowed, be present is their theme and you know what, it's lovely. I didn't know how much we would be eating but I can say for big eaters you won't be stuffed when you leave. So having an appetizer before or after like we did is okay. The creativeness in the bites and plates they make is mind blowing at times and the upscale relaxed feel once you are sitting is great. It was a very memorable experience, in my opinion- very worth it. Thank you Nicosi!

Bottom Line Up Front: Don't walk, run to get reservations here. Now that we've covered that, let's get into the details. Nicosi sits next to Isidore in Pullman Market. It is reservation only and for good reason. The place sits 20 people at a bar for a full on immersion experience. It's eight courses. At the first bite, me and the two ladies I was with all agreed: we have to come back here again. Don't be put off by the "dessert" designation. They earned it, put it on its head, spun it and hit the damn jackpot. The menu changes every couple months and they are very accommodating to allergies (when sent with ample time to prepare alternative yet still tasty dishes). The drinks whether alcoholic or non alcoholic went with every single dish. The inspiration for each dish is explained and the cozy feel is just amazing. If in San Antonio and you want to try something different, something off the beaten path, don't look any further. This is your spot. No pictures are allowed but that adds to the mystery of the food. The entire space is mysterious yet upscale and comfy. I can only give it 5 stars but the innovation, the design, the prep and knowledge is definitely worthy of another star. Factor in the taste of the food. Oh my 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🤩.

Such a great experience!! My sister brought us here for my birthday and it was perfect. They serve an innovative 8-course dessert tasting menu that in some cases challenge one’s views on dessert progressing from savory to bitter to sweet. All were delicious though and beautifully presented while in several cases showcasing local Texas ingredients. The atmosphere is somewhat similar to an intimate omakase while being very interactive with the head chef introducing each dessert to the group while taking questions. I also really enjoyed the drinks all of which paired wonderfully with the dishes. All in all a great new addition to San Antonio’s dining scene!

Notice: This review is intentionally done with minimal photos of the food. Read on to understand why. A couple of weeks ago, we visited the Pullman Market and dined at Fife and Farro. I noticed the sign for @nicosi_satx and looked it up. I was fascinated reading the photoless reviews (because you’re encouraged to be present and not take photos). I made reservations through Open Table for our date night and also saw Nicosi mentioned as a recommended restaurant by Michelin. Upon arriving, the maitre d’ welcomed us with a fruity drink to cleanse our palate. We were ushered in and there was another couple with us. Nicosi is the middle name of Tavel, the main chef and there was a team dedicated to ensure we have a great experience. This dessert omakase is Tavel’s creative journey come to life. Each omakase menu take 3 months to create and for our 5:30pm seating, the team started preparing at 12noon. So much love and dedication are poured into this tasting journey. The tasting journey starts with 2 of each flavor profiles: acid, continues to umami, then bitter, and ends with sweet. There are 4 alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings with the food for a slight upcharge. This delectable menu had my palate dancing with different notes. What you see may not be what it seems and reminded me of our molecular gastronomy experience in Cancun for our 5th year wedding anniversary. There were a couple of tastings that were unexpectedly cold. Zaatar which is an herb used in Lebanese food was used in one of our cocktails with apple brandy. How versatile! I discovered that I didn’t mind the beans with the caladerata cheese in the bomba. I think my favorite was the bees nest, which was a meringue filled with apples, pears, and calvados brandy. I took notes as I wanted to remember the details of the experience but wanted to leave a little mystery for you all to check out for yourself. At the end of the evening, the whole crew was introduced and we were gifted a large chocolate fortune cookie with our personalized fortune. That's the only item we could take a photo and share. The tasting menu changes every 3 months and they do check if anyone in your party might have allergies. This unique experience is best suited for those open to an adventure.

This was an experience I suggest everyone try. Before you even walk in the front door you get a taste of what’s to come. The food is innovative, delicious and just fun. Without giving too much away, the fat washed cocktail is something I can’t get out of my mind. The homemade yogurt… WOW. This felt like a very upscale farm to table experience. The team was incredibly warm making this upscale experience feel inviting and not too serious. Can’t wait to come back! Thank you, Nicosi.

Genuinely one of the best culinary experiences I have ever had. You are first welcomed with a palate cleansing drink. Then seated around the preparation area. The room was dark, and a bit chilly at first but honestly that’s welcome since it’s so hot here during the summer. Once the lights turn on, you are taken on a full thoughtfully crafted journey through different takes on desserts. I am a sweets lover and this is not an experience where you are just stuffed with sugar for 90 minutes. Each course is based on a different flavor profile with a certain ingredient serving as the inspiration for the dish. They are also very intentional about creating an intimate and personal experience for everyone. You are given a camera cover for your phone prior to going in, because they want to cultivate almost a level of exclusivity(but not in a pretentious way) and also encourage people to interact with each other. Everything was delicious and it’s clear how much thought and care the pastry chefs have put into this place and the menu. I’ve honestly never seen so much artistry and chemistry to balance flavors put into a meal. You also have a drink pairing (they have nonalcoholic options too) with each course. This was such a unique and special experience. One of the head pastry chefs was describing his vision to me, and how this is something he has been dreaming of since he was a teenager. It’s incredible seeing his dream come to life. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in the future!

Experienced Nicosi on 02/08/2025. Menu 002 Methodically curated, Michelin recommended dining experience. To respect the chefs desire for mystery, I must omit speaking of the flavors of the dishes themselves. Nicosi seats a max of 20 guests in a horseshoe shaped seating arrangement with the kitchen located in the center. This allows for each diner to observe the chefs as they plate the dishes. The dessert focused tasting menu has the option of an alcoholic or non alcoholic drink pairing. I enjoyed the experience. The chefs were personable and full of knowledge, clearly showcasing their passion. Service was great. Up to par with fine dining experiences. The techniques used to curate the courses exemplified the creativity the chefs have to offer. There was certainly no lack of distinct flavors. Albeit to say, I was not quite wowed by any dish in this particular menu set - taste wise. Which is just to say, another person may have felt completely opposite. I did have a couple favorites but ... I'm always on the hunt for my next euphoric bite. @bellatastes :IG

It was a unique adventure. No menu, no camera allowed. Sat around the prep area and RnD chef explained each course while the chef walked around and visited with us. Surprisingly I was filled after the 7 courses. Very interesting concept. If you are looking for an adventure into a culinary art form I would recommend this place.

I would love to share with you all the great items we tried but cell phones are not allowed. From the moment we were greeted outside we felt welcomed . We entered and the show began . I was excited about the interaction with the chefs enjoyed how he took his time to explain what was being presented to us . I took a group of 8 as a thank you gift and we all left excited. We talked about textures, flavors, smells, bitter flavors , sweet notes we shared and shared how it made us feel The dessert were paired with a cocktail and the first one was my favorite . Thank you chef

Nicosi offers one of the most unique dining experiences I've ever had. This desert bar takes you through several courses, each showcasing different taste profiles--sour, umami, bitter, and sweet--paired with drinks that complement each flavor perfectly. The chef and team members were incredibly nice and took the time to explain not only the dishes but also the inspiration behind them. Given that it's a desert bar, I wasn't sure if I should eat beforehand. However, everything was surprisingly filling, and I left completely satisfied. As someone who studies the menu before visiting any restaurant, I was initially skeptical about dining here. As Yelpers, we usually say, "the camera eats first," but at Nicosi, the camera doesn't even get a taste! They provide a cozy little cover for your lens, ensuring that the only thing savoring the flavors is you. All of the dishes were presented beautifully, almost too pretty to eat. This made for a refreshing experience, allowing me to be fully present and enjoy the moment without distractions. I plan to return when they change the menu for the fall season. I think everyone should try Nicosi at least once. It was a joy to meet other fellow foodies and be in the moment, savoring each course without our phones.

Notice: This review is intentionally done with minimal photos of the food. Read on to understand why. A couple of weeks ago, we visited the Pullman Market and dined at Fife and Farro. I noticed the sign for @nicosi_satx and looked it up. I was fascinated reading the photoless reviews (because you're encouraged to be present and not take photos). I made reservations through Open Table for our date night and also saw Nicosi mentioned as a recommended restaurant by Michelin. Upon arriving, the maitre d' welcomed us with a fruity drink to cleanse our palate. We were ushered in and there was another couple with us. Nicosi is the middle name of Tavel, the main chef and there was a team dedicated to ensure we have a great experience. This dessert omakase is Tavel's creative journey come to life. Each omakase menu take 3 months to create and for our 5:30pm seating, the team started preparing at 12noon. So much love and dedication are poured into this tasting journey. The tasting journey starts with 2 of each flavor profiles: acid, continues to umami, then bitter, and ends with sweet. There are 4 alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings with the food for a slight upcharge. This delectable menu had my palate dancing with different notes. What you see may not be what it seems and reminded me of our molecular gastronomy experience in Cancun for our 5th year wedding anniversary. There were a couple of tastings that were unexpectedly cold. Zaatar which is an herb used in Lebanese food was used in one of our cocktails with apple brandy. How versatile! I discovered that I didn't mind the beans with the caladerata cheese in the bomba. I think my favorite was the bees nest, which was a meringue filled with apples, pears, and calvados brandy. I took notes as I wanted to remember the details of the experience but wanted to leave a little mystery for you all to check out for yourself.  At the end of the evening, the whole crew was introduced and we were gifted a large chocolate fortune cookie with our personalized fortune. That's the only item we could take a photo and share. The tasting menu changes every 3 months and they do check if anyone in your party might have allergies. This unique experience is best suited for those open to an adventure.

It was a great experience and very well presented. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere had a nice vibe. However, some of the desserts were hard to eat. That said, it's a unique experience, but it did not meet expectations.

As a lacto-ovo vegetarian, it is often hard to find Michelin restaurants to dine at. I first heard about this restaurant via Michelin and didn't have any expectations coming in. It was my husband's and I two year anniversary and we wanted to do something special. Nicosi blew our minds - from the creative food, to impeccable intimate service, and ambiance everything has been thoughtfully curated. I have dined at other Michelin star restaurants, and this is easily one of my favorites. First off I will be honest I actually don't have that much of a sweet tooth- my husband does hence why we chose this! Ice cream is my main weakness, but outside of that I am very picky about desserts because I often find them too sweet/fatty/heavy. Though this is a dessert bar, the chefs do such a great job curating the dishes so that you don't have flavor fatigue and even at 8 courses, I was able to enjoy each and everyone. I don't want to go into too much detail about the dishes as the element of the dining experience is surprise and not having a menu nor taking pictures. I will say our 8 courses marched through different flavor profiles of dessert - acid, umami, bitter, and sweet. Ironically bitter the one I was least looking forward to actually turned out quite nice. The dishes do edge on the savory/sweet but for me it was the perfect balance. Not so sweet your whole palate is blown out, and not too savory where you questioned if the dish was a dessert. We also loved the drinks that were paired with dishes - they were generous pours and brought out the notes of the dessert. I had the non alcoholic and loved the drinks served including non alcoholic mulled wine, honey elderflower sparkling drink. We didn't walk out hungry, but if you have a bigger appetite you may still need a very light snack after. As vegetarian, my dishes weren't much different from my husband except some elements where gelatin was included in which case that portion was taken out for me. The staff is very thoughtful about accommodating restrictions and even taste preference! One of the diners didn't like coffee so they had created an entirely different dessert for him. The space itself is located at Pullman Market near the courtyard. The inside is a big shape U with all diners facing in the middle where the chefs prepare the meal. You are surrounded by black curtains behind you with brighter lighting in the middle so you can see the chefs prepare your dish and converse and ask questions. This is a fantastic place for date night, anniversary and celebration. It is a very interactive experience with the chefs, so if you're wanting an experience where you can have intimate conversation may not be the place. We talked to those sitting around us and the chefs the whole time. Time of the experience was about an hour and 20 minutes for us. Parking is validated for 2 hours and 59 minutes!

This was a great experience but definitely underwhelming for the price that was paid. Service and ambiance was great, food was OK. I would have expected a little more for the amount that was paid.

If you're a dessert lover or someone who enjoys unique, high-end culinary experiences, Nicosi is an absolute must visit. From start to finish, the experience is nothing short of magical. This isn't just a place to satisfy a sweet tooth- it's a curated dessert tasting adventure that showcases the artistry of flavor. Each dessert is carefully crafted based on each season and flavor palette. Every bite was bursting with creativity and flavor. I was blown away by the innovative combinations of textures and flavors. They also pair the dishes with thoughtfully chosen drinks which add another layer of complexity and enhancement of the experience. It's clear that the team behind Nicosi is passionate about pushing the boundaries of dessert and they've truly mastered the art of balancing sweetness with savory, sour, and bitter elements in the most delightful way. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for something truly unique, Nicosi is a dessert experience unlike any other in San Antonio!

This is a dessert bar, as mentioned in the name. You really do just get desserts. 4 small bites 2 transition palate cleansers, and 4 main dessert dishes. Honestly super filling to my surprise, but leaves you craving a heartier main course, so good to have a big lunch or a small dinner prior! Overall, it was very interesting. They feature a sour, a savory umami, a bitter, and a sweet dish. They all have sweetness to them, so don't worry. Some dishes are a bit odd, but you can see they really tested out the flavors and took a lot of effort to create the dishes. Definitely not half-assed things anyone can cook, and great flavor combos. However, for the ingredients used, I do think it should have been slightly cheaper

Nicosi was a small single room with a rather secretive location. Its door is easy to miss since it's on a far end of a patio outside of the Pullman Market. Inside, it's looks like a single bar with seating all around 3 square edges. After we were let in, they close up the door and you're inside a fully cloaked room: all the walls have these long black curtains, even covering the entrance to the hidden bathroom. The desserts were very artistic! As well as the plates, spoon, and serving dishes. Some looked so pretty it's like you didn't want to mess them up. Most of the desserts tasted dazzling. Everyone agreed that the "Savory" one was a favorite, since it was the only one that didn't seem dessert, and made it a bit more satiating. It was like a bean and cheese inside a hot bread roll thing. The drinks were excellent too, even the non-alcoholic ones.

Nicosi at the Pullman Market is a unique experience that I have only seen a handful of times in my travels as a recipe developer/James Beard Award judge/reviewer. I don't say that to brag; I say it because it is relevant to how I view a dining experience. The concept of Nicosi is a journey through desserts. You think "Oh! Dessert bar," your mind immediately going to a tasting course of spongey cakes and layered puddings. But Nicosi is so much more because they take you from sweet to savory through the lens of dessert. You'll only leave without feeling full if you refuse to eat. I spied more than one diner lean back and tug at their waistband. If you need more protein in your meals, snag a sangweeech at the Pullman Market just a few steps away. Nicosi becomes exclusive because phones are barred (they ask you to put a sticker on the phone). So the only people "in the know" are the ones who attend. It also forces you to channel your compulsion to doomscroll into the experience you've paid for. You commune with your fellow diners to decipher what you're putting in your mouth before the chef can describe it, only to find you are completely lost on the map. Your tastebuds search for more surprises. You say F- the phone even before the second course is laid. There's an all-women staff, and the entire experience is like watching a ballet being performed. While tweezing some rare flower stamen onto our next course, they peek up at you to watch you take a bite. You meet their eyes, and she gives you the "I know, right?" nod. Engagement is real. I would drop pics of my visit, but that's not what we do here.

Took advice from previous reviewer and had a meal before going - absolutely bad idea. Better to go hungry, imo. Got there early (17:00). Wore slacks and blazer. Was hot. Not comfortable. I waited outside until doors opened at 17:30. Was grouchy. But the dining experience more than made up for my irritable mood. Comparable to Michelin-rated dessert courses in Miami. I was so full by the end of the experience I was uncomfortable. I should have attended this on an empty stomach. Courses change once every 3 to 4 months. Looking forward to a return visit in the winter. The non-alcoholic parings were perfect. At other establishments, my wife and I were left feeling out-of-place (drinks were obviously different from the rest of the party; felt a little ostracized, as if we had cool-aid while the cool patrons drank mixers). At Nicosi, the non-alcoholic drinks appeared indistinguishable from the alcoholic drinks, and they tasted fantastic. Chef Espinoza and team were great.

This was an experience I suggest everyone try. Before you even walk in the front door you get a taste of what's to come. The food is innovative, delicious and just fun. Without giving too much away, the fat washed cocktail is something I can't get out of my mind. The homemade yogurt... WOW. This felt like a very upscale farm to table experience. The team was incredibly warm making this upscale experience feel inviting and not too serious. Can't wait to come back! Thank you, Nicosi.

The experience of eating at Nicosi was exciting, mysterious and satisfying. Each course was really beyond a dessert; but a work of art and science merged. The chefs are the artists and we, the tasters were their audience. Like theatre that can be tasted. That being said, I wanted more time to savor my food... I felt slightly rushed, and that is tough when you are sipping brandy . As an art and food enthusiast, I wanted to enjoy the full ninety minutes as advertised. Granted we are not in Europe and we are in the US where everything is moving at break neck speed, but they should have slowed their roll and let us linger a bit longer with each course.

I don't even know how to write this review but just know that this was such an amazing interesting experience! I felt like I was a judge on top chef or something lol receiving course after course to taste and savor, along with the drink pairings, was all in all the best eating experience I've had, ever! Beautiful and intimate too. A must try!

A very unique experience. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the food and the hospitality. These folks are passionate about the food and it shows.

This place has wonderful food, service and ambiance. You enter when it is dark and are seated in comfortable chairs surrounding a square bar/kitchen area. The lights come on and you watch as 8-10 courses are prepared one by one over the course of 90 minutes and placed in front of you to sample. The chef explains the ingredients and inspiration for each dish. Some courses are sweet, others are savory or deliberately sour. A plethora of new flavors for your palette to enjoy. Each dish is accompanied by an alcoholic or non alcoholic drink designed to complement the food. An evening at Nicosi is a show, a culinary adventure and a special occasion all rolled into one.

My boyfriend and I had incredibly high hopes for Nicosi given its reputation and elegant atmosphere, but unfortunately, our experience was far from satisfying. From the outset, the ambiance and service were promising, but sadly, the quality of the food did not live up to the hype. The first bite you took was interesting but by your fifth bite, it was hard to swallow. Definitely not worth the money we paid. The total was $320 for 2 people and we stopped by HEB for sushi after because we were still hungry and it's not because we are big eaters. I consider us very adventurous eaters and neither one of us hardly liked any course they served. The sweets portion was really the only one we enjoyed. That being said the service and atmosphere were great, but the food was incredibly disappointing. It was also freezing cold in there, so bring a jacket if you decide to go. I would add photos but they do not allow you to take them.

The actual setting was very nice, and service was top notch, but I don't think anyone ever asked the question, does this actually taste good? This place was made for instagram and hype. 2 of the courses are things you can pick up at the Pullman market, nothing done to them at all, and those were the best bites. They just need someone from the outside to be honest about if the flavors actually work.