Niko’s Bistro - Calgary, Alberta

Niko has been running this place in Kensington for more than a decade. No small feat. He hasn’t survived this long by listening to uninformed reviews by people who can’t cook - that’s for sure. Having worked in a kitchen before, I think I can make some fair observations. I ... came here to meet up with an old friend and had a Caesar and veal parm. The Caesar salad was slightly disappointing for the price and portion. A bit bland as some pieces just tasted like lettuce. I wouldn’t recommend it. However the veal parm did make up for the salad. It was properly cooked, well plated, and the flavors were there. I could tell it was made with a lot more attention. Great saucing that’s made in house, blanketed with mozza and Parmesan, perfectly seasoned enough but not enough to override the parm. The vegetable sides were nicely blanched and salted. Service was really good. I’d recommend Nikos if you are in Kensington. Definitely get any pasta dish, frutti de mare is a favorite, or a veal dish. Read more

Came to this little Bistro for a birthday. The calamari was delicious. I ordered the seafood pasta and was a little underwhelmed by the seafood, Otherwise delicious. Our waitress was less than amused by our presence from the second we walked in. Very little interaction and as if almost painful ... for her to speak with us. Cute little place, I would recommend. Great food, clean place, good atmosphere. Read more

I had dinner here for the first time last night and I wish I could give more stars! The food was amazing- my Italian hubby said it was the best calamari he’s ever had! But the service was truly exceptional. I feel like customer service has waned quite a bit ... in recent years, however you can tell the staff at Niko’s really care about your experience. The owners daughter was our server and she was phenomenal. She was friendly, attentive, and so gracious. We will definitely return and as I work in the area and am constantly asked for restaurant recommendations- I will send everyone to Niko’s! Read more

I was craving Italian cuisine, so I asked my boyfriend to find an Italian restaurant, and we decided to try Niko's Bistro. We ordered spaghettini carbonara, penne calabrese, bruschetta, and cream caramel for dessert. The food completely satisfied my craving! It was my first authentic Italian experience here in Calgary, ... and the staff was very friendly too! I'm definitely planning to bring my friends next time! Read more

Service and atmosphere are great. Prices are average. The food was super salty. I dine out often and this is the saltiest food I have eaten at a restaurant ever. Ordered the lamb shank, which came with a salty tomato sauce and overcooked extra salty "risotto". Honestly the risotto was ... more like mashed rice with chicken soup seasoning. Maybe it was an off night, will never know. I won't be going back. Read more