We recently fell upon Nicos 1508, which is a stone’s throw from downtown Berkeley. One Sunday in February, we decided to head over the East Bay Bridge from San Francisco and review this cute little eatery. Nestled into a little courtyard along Walnut Street in North Berkeley California, Nicos 1508 makes a fun choice for a Sunday brunch.
Nicos 1508 in Berkeley
House cocktails included creative concoctions like Shannon’s Shifty Sidecar (cognac, lemon, cambier and a lemon twist), The Italian Job (gin, combier pamplemousse rose and lemon), the Mad Martini (vodka, lemon and blackberry puree) and the ever so colorful Naughty Girl, which they serve with vodka, lemon and strawberry puree. Apparently the latter is a popular among locals.
The Bourbon Swizzle and Charlie’s Apartment on the right (gin, Ginger pok pok and Grapefruit)
We opted for Charlie’s Apartment (my fave), which is made with gin, Ginger pok pok and Grapefruit and Anthony went for the Bourbon Swizzle, which is made with bourbon, lemon, St. Germain, candied ginger and Angastora Bitters. Both were crisp, refreshing and delicious, a perfect addition to any brunch item on the menu.
Nicos 1508 has an open kitchen model so you can peer inside and see other dishes coming out, which is always fun.
The kitchen at Nicos 1508
Classic appetizers included Ah Tuna Poke which they prepared with Truffle Cream, Seaweed salad, cilantro and a side crispy papadum (my favorite app on the menu btw — shown below), healthy kale caesar or house greens for salads, house pate, steamed mussels, Shishito Peppers, Angus Chuck sliders, Pork Belly Tacos, Buratta and Crispy Brussel Sprouts.
Ahi Tuna Poke at Nicos 1508 (above and below)
Ahi Tuna Poke at Nicos 1508
A few words about their Brussel Sprouts — first of all, whether you’re a sprouts fan or not, this dish is a must order. It is filling enough to serve as a main if you get a salad or some sliders to start.
What makes this dish such a standout is that they reduce the Balsamic ever so perfectly. The result is a sweetness that will make your tongue beg for more. And, best of all, it was beautifully balanced by the Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts which were tossed into the mix. We were in heaven from the moment we took our first bite.
Crispy Brussel Sprouts at Nicos 1508 (above and below)
Mains included options from the Sky, Land and Sea. I thought about going for the Crab Benedict, but wanted to keep things a little lighter so opted for the salmon platter, which they serve on a board — carrots, peppers, bread, garlic and greens accompany it. This dish is great to share as an appetizer or you could order it as your main if you have a heartier starter.
The salmon platter at Nicos 1508 above and below.
There were a ton of more classic brunch options on the menu like Roasted Corn Beef Hash, Breakfast Burritos, a few omelet options, Egg White Frittata, Buttermilk Pancakes (with maple butter, bourbon and Pecan Butter — yum, right?), Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, Egg Blackstone (they prepare with grilled tomatoes, bacon, muffin, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce), Croissant Sandwich, Pork Belly Benedict and Ribeye Steak and Eggs.
In other words, if you want to stick to classic brunch items, they’ve got you covered with plenty of choices. That said, if you want something a little lighter, they have a Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich or you can go with Mussels and a salad.
If healthy and light isn’t a consideration for you, I’d strongly recommend the Fried Chicken and Waffle – OMG!!! They make it with Bourbon Caramelized Plantains (wow, right?), Pecan Butter and Maple Syrup. Don’t even hesitate – just go for it as your palette will be thanking you for days later.
Anthony wanted to try the Papardelle Pasta with Braised Lamb and frankly, the lamb was so moist and tender, I was eating off his plate more than my own. They make this heavenly pasta dish with Shallots, Garlic, and Tomatoes in a Red Wine Bone Marrow Reduction. This scrumptious dish both had us at hello.
The Papardella Pasta with Braised Lamb at Nicos 1508 (above and below)
Behind the culinary magic is Executive Sous Chef Luis Gregor and Sous Chef Kyle Hall. We loved the menu so much, we hope to return for dinner at a later date. There are plenty of great cocktail offerings as mentioned above, and a nice selection of beer and wine as well.
For dessert, they offer a cheesecake, a Creme Brulee and a Chocolate Mousse, the latter two both housemade. The chocolate mousse was absolutely heavenly and worth trying, especially with a nice strong coffee to accompany.
Creme Brulee at Nicos 1508
The Chocolate Mousse at Nicos 1508
Inside, the ambiance combines funky with rustic and quaint. If you go here as a couple, be sure to ask for one of their three booths towards the front of the restaurant. Get there early, have a drink at the bar and then head to your cute little booth where you’ll feel a little secluded from the other tables. They’re both romantic and fun!
Inside decor and behind the scenes at Nicos 1508
Outside, old country meets Italian — you can sit outside as well with hot lamps depending on the season you’re visiting. Cute, right?
Outside Nicos 1508 along Walnut Street in Berkeley
For more information including their latest menu, visit their website. Also be sure to visit We Blog the World’s Food/Wine section, our foodie guides as well as our section dedicated to Restaurant Reviews.
DETAILS
NICOS 1508
1508 Walnut Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
510.280.5920
http://nicos1508.net/
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Note: we were hosted by the restaurant but all opinions expressed are entirely our own.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
