4 /5 Leah Lesh: Nostro is in the top 5 places to eat in Utica, and for numerous reasons. It was once a bank that has since been turned into a restaurant, but has kept much of the beautiful architecture and charm of its previous occupation. It has a large seating area, bar, and lounge area with very high ceilings, free of excess walls and constraints, and is furnished with a blend of mid-century modern designs and contemporary accents. It’s quite versatile for a restaurant and it makes for a very nice atmosphere to grab a drink with a friend or settle down for an enjoyable meal with family.
I have tasted most of the dishes at this restaurant and have liked all of it, and absolutely loved a couple specific ones which I tend to order often. Those loved dishes include: calamari, white truffle garlic bread, Sunday salad, Burro E Oro, pistachio gelato (seasonal), beef tenderloin, and Graminga Alla Salsiccia. I did once order a pasta dish that was quite too salty for my taste - Rigatoni Al Tre Funghi - but it was still delicious and I was still able to finish it.
Their service is great - I have never waited more than 10-15 minutes to be seated on busy nights. They have high table top seating, bar seating, lounge seating, a more private area seating option and standard table seating. This is one thing that is quite appealing about this restaurant. You can easily go out to dinner here with a group of your coworkers, or a choose a more private area to have a 1-1 date night. The lighting is dimmer and moody and that is something I enjoy as well, as I do not enjoy overly bright and overstimulating lighting in restaurants. Their utensils, plates, napkins and cups are always very clean and they take extra care to make sure they are. The waiters, waitresses and hostesses are very friendly and kind and have no problems answering questions or giving recommendations.
Nostro leans toward the pricier end. If you order a drink, an appetizer (to share) and a simple entree, you will be paying about $50ish for yourself. If you order a pricier protein entree, an app, dessert, and a drink, expect to pay closer to $100. Again, it really depends on your selection and whether you choose to split dishes with the rest of your company.
Upon its grand opening, Nostro has been famous for its “Arsenale” which was an ordering option where you were able to taste a variety of items on the menu, on small, shareable plates, for 1 standard price: appetizers, salads, entrees, pastas and desserts, for the price of ~$65.
Since they have now taken that option off of their menu, I have not been too tempted to visit Nostro frequently, as I am someone who enjoys trying several small dishes and share them with whomever I am eating with, rather than purchase 1 entree and split an appetizer for the same price (or more!). I do believe it was well worth the price and it is a real shame and disappointment that it was taken off the menu! I hope they bring The Arsenale back soon!!
I also wish they were open on Sundays, as this is a day most people tend to be free to socialize over food or drinks and Nostro would be an ideal spot for a nice Sunday evening.
Overall, the atmosphere, great service and diverting food selection, makes Nostro a star of Utica.
