Sixbynico Reviews 207

Im starving.

Today was my first time at this establishment, as per my girlfriends constant requests (her parents paid, thankfully).

The food actually tasted very nice and I understand the concept of the theme, however I still needed to visit my local maccies afterwords due to the small portions.

Very poor service and extremely rude staff at Six by Nico Cardiff, afternoon of 28th September 2024.

We arrived 10 minutes early for our booking to celebrate a birthday, and thankfully we're taken to our table right away. After sitting down it took around 20 minutes to be brought a drinks menu, and following this around another 15 minutes to take our drinks order. Obviously the menu is quiet self explanatory- aside from allergies and vegetarian options, there was nothing much else to consider - although it took around 40 minutes to bring our first dish. The couple sat next to us, that arrived after us were on thier second course before we received our first. We completely understand in busier periods it can be challenging to manage table's BUT being as mostly everyone was eating the same is difficult to understand why the delay! When our course finally arrived there were extremely long gaps between couses to follow - We sat down just gone 5pm and by gone 7pm were not even half way through - with no updates, explanations or a little service (check ins to see if we were ok) to fill the gaps! We had food delivered by multiple staff so not one particular person to blame .... just general poor service from everyone! We even had to call staff to request another drink when empty. Then on course 5 - we opted for the additional dish as we wanted to enjoy the full experience, which we were informed would arrive with course 5 (that cost us an extra £9 per person) but it didn't - we enquired where it was and the waitress said that she would find out where it was .... although 10 minutes later we still had no word! Up until now I feel we had been extremely patient, but thought it was the appropriate time to mention the issues - finally flagged the waiter down and ask them to take off the additional dish we ordered off our bill because it had not arrived - no apology or explanation just 'ok', which was then the point we highlighted that the service was much poorer than in chains perceived in a much lower category! The waiter then said he would tell his manager .... we watched as the waiter told his manager and the both laughed about by the booking in desk, furthermore the manager did not come to see us at all to offer any apology or even just to listen to us and difuse the situation. It did not stop here!! Word then got around the restaurant with a very apparent awareness we had raised a concern, with a female & male waiter standing by the kitchen laughing and staring at us. We were still awaiting our final course, and could see that nobody wanted to serve us, and were deciding ammoungst the staff who would deliver our final dish. Finally after a lengthy wait the boy that was laughing and staring from the kitchen boldly brought our food across, although I felt so upset and embarrassed I could not eat it - An excitedly anticipated birthday meal ruined by poor service!

We felt it important to share our experience for staff to learn from it. We were not unreasonable, only escalating concerns following patiently waiting over two hours for the service to improve. Although to be embarrassed and made feel uncomfortable on an evening we booked with you to host host our birthday celebration, was definitely not what we expect for a £173 bill!

Copy of our Email sent to customerrelations @ sixbynico.co.uk

Good evening.


We attended our reservation on 14 September 2024 at 4.30pm, Spring Gardens, Manchester.

As you will also be aware, this was following a change of menu from Shanghai to Tokyo, which was entirely understandable.

Having wished to visit your restaurant for a considerable amount of time, we were excited to attend, and we had very much looked forward to it.

Unfortunately, throughout our reservation, the experience was ruined.

We must state that, upon arrival, we were met by a welcoming member of staff who offered to take our coats and escorted us to our table promptly. Sadly, the experience but more importantly the service deteriorated from there.

Before enquiring about the wine pairing menu, my partner and I were discussing whether we should go for that option, or just order a glass. Your waiter overheard our private conversation, and interjected his advice with regards to the wine pairing option. This started out a fairly pleasant conversation only to have him abruptly suggest "if you cannot wait for alcohol then order a glass now as the wine does not start until the second course". We were both quite taken aback by his words and after he left with our order, we chatted together with regards to his attitude towards alcohol. It goes without saying that we are paying customers, both adult, and should we wish to discuss whether to opt for a pre meal drink, we should be completely at ease and at our liberty to do so.

Your waiter also offered advice during the third course wine selection. This advice was we could use it as if we were washing machines to remove particles of food from our teeth. I’m sure the vineyard that produced your chosen wine would be happy to know the fruits of their labour were seemingly regarded to be akin to Listerine.

During his attempt to enlighten us about the wines and their paired courses, your waiter found it totally necessary to stand towering over us, and direct what came across as very pretentious and insincere conversation at only one of us at a time, consequently leaving my partner and I to exchange garbled notes once he departed our table as to what the pairing may be.

During the fifth course, your waiter again visited our table. He engaged in a totally off topic performance in relation to the enzymes and lost his own train of thought, but did apologise for it. In his own words "I appear to be going around in circles". He was quite correct. We were none the wiser as to the reason for the wine pairing or how it may complement the course we were being served.

When we reached the dessert course, it felt as though this had been forgotten. The wine pairing was delivered to the table but there was a significant delay in bringing the dessert itself. In that time, we were happy and relieved to think your waiter was not coming back with anymore performances of character, but nearly ten minutes passed before the dessert appeared.

In addition to the above, there were elements of the menu that were disappointing, inadequate and lacking in taste.

During the full evening, we could not hear one another due to the canteen like atmosphere. Please understand, we have been looking forward to visiting Six by Nico for some time and our expectations were high. Unfortunately, Six by Nico’s standards are not on par with the styling it is attempting to portray.

Upon hastily paying and leaving, we had to rummage within your patrons' coats to find ours as there was no attendee.

Your concept is relatively easy but your delivery is poor. Why offer a Tokyo experience with European cutlery? Surely chopsticks would maketh the menu, accompanied by authentic flavours and front of house staff who are not rude and know what they are talking about when serving the dishes and the paired wine?

Regards,

Lovely experience.
Visited with a person with a diary intolerance all taken care of, nice to have this dealt with and not having to worry. Staff are so knowledgeable- thank you!

We had a wonderful evening. We came across Six by Nico in lockdown, and had three different boxes which were all interesting and excellent value. This was the first time in a restaurant. The food, I believe, is a nod to Tokyo, an interpretation. And the food was just this! It was a fabulous tasting menu, with real variety. I particularly loved the sea bass, and the kimchi pancake, where as my son and husband preferred the pork belly and the dessert. And we were stuffed at the end!
My son had the wine pairings which were interesting, cleverly chosen, and delicious, and worked brilliantly with the food. (I had a sip of each). And I had a lychee cocktail which was divine.
The restaurant was buzzing, but didn’t feel overfacing. It had a great vibe. And the staff were attentive, friendly, knowledgeable and kind. We travelled up from Staffordshire for the evening as it was a special occasion and it really was worth it. Looking forward to our next experience.

The Tokyo menu couldn’t have been more disappointing. Flavours were confused, dishes often left unseasoned, and don’t get me started on that mushroom dish that tastes like a cat ate soil and pooped it on the plate. There were long waits in between dishes, the longest wait being 35minutes to only be served a deconstructed ramen with about 10noodles in a tasteless broth full of oil.

Any Japanese citizen would have wept at the inequality of this menu, but no dish offended me more than that ramen dish, it was as if Nico had never been to Japan at all.

The only redeeming dish was probably the desert, but we were left hungry and dissatisfied.

SixbyNico is the food equivalent of money doesn't buy taste.

I may be the only one thinking this, but I highly disliked the Tokyo menu. Some dishes were so spicy that resembled indian food, the reason why I love japanese cousine is that is rarely spicy. I spent 2 weeks in japan and I loved everything I ate. Obviously, I wasn't expecting to get the same food you would get in there, but I just don't understand this choice of revisiting japanese food this way. I really liked the 5th dish, the one with pork, and the dessert was nice too, everything else unfortunately didn't match my taste. Service was great, very fast and our waitress (Gwen I think?) was lovely, so this is a review purely based on the food.

Please please do not buy vouchers from this company. They put arbitrary dates on them and they vary according to the type of voucher. So if like me you imagine the industry standard of 12 months apply you’d be wrong. The voucher I received as a gift had THREE MONTHS validity. They had the nerve to tell me this was clear to both purchaser and recipient. The date was in tiny letters at the back of a credit card sized voucher which was presented in a gift box. I didn’t even take the thing out of the box until I was on my way to the restaurant.
Having emailed their General Manager directly I have not even had the courtesy of an acknowledgment. No respect for their customers - and we have been repeat visitors in the past. They’re never seeing another penny of my money. There are plenty of other places out there- go elsewhere

Thank you to the Oxford branch who went over and above to make our evening special after a back experience at another restaurant that evening.

Staff went the extra mile, some complementary bubbles, service was second to none.

Our party had different dietary requirements, these were catered for with no fuss.

Enjoyed the food, and the details along with each one, the plates are small, but they keep coming, Fab.

Will be back

Great evening, Thank you.

Booked an early bird offer for free snacks and fizz on arrival. This was not applied until I checked with them. Booked the table for 6pm, got a message saying due to some random pathetic reason my time was changed to 4:45pm. Then received a confirmation message the week before to confirm my table for 6:45pm. Utter shambles, especially when you have to organise kids transport etc.

After visiting a few months ago and being disappointed, returned today & had one of the most enjoyable meals ..!
Staff were fantastic.
Wine was good.
Food was amazing.
I would highly recommend the restaurant..
I even preferred it than my fab Resturante which is Tattu ..
Thank again

Front of house staff came across as extremely bullying towards other staff on observation A young lady named Alexandra appeared very pleasant and curious. Food was bland and almost of same texture. Not somewhere to recommend many more places in Dublin to visit.

Trust was good, however I’ve no idea what the mush of the puddings was all about & the fruit fly’s (in Leeds) were extremely annoying. Went to Amalfi coast in Leeds last month & just visited Manchester Deansgate for Greek Isles. Overall food was good, but very overrated. Chose wine pairing with each course, but the server brought the food out twice before we received our drinks, both food & wine descriptions very rushed & the server seemed extremely inexperienced with our questions about each. The toilets in both locations leave a lot to be desired, which is disappointing as these were always spotless six months ago. For the price you’re charging with the aperitif, snacks & add on (which we always have) it should be so much better than this substandard food, rushed service & unhygienic bathroom

Absolutely appalled at the service from here! Unfortunately my husband fell poorly on the day I was supposed to attend.
We received a voucher for our wedding although upon booking you have to put your card details in, I did this as I had no plans to cancel.
Unfortunately as stated above my husband fell poorly and we had to cancel, I rang both resteraunts and cancelled and was reassured my card wouldn’t be charged as I had cancelled via the phone , they also told me they didn’t even have my booking on the system anyway…..so not to worry!
BEWARE! As if you do have to cancel in an emergency the company will proceed to take £45.00 per person, a total of £90.00 from my card even though I was reassured nothing would be taken.

Now I would understand if it was a small cancellation fee, but the whole bill? And to be previously told I wouldn’t be charged, it’s appalling!

The company have been nothing but rude, they have told me they will reimburse me with a voucher, why would I want a voucher when I already have a gifted voucher from my wedding? I just want my hard earned money back.

I would understand if it was a small fee but the total bill, it’s daylight robbery.

Do not enter your card details into their system!!!!!!! As if you do have a family emergency or unfortunate situation they WILL take a huge amount of money from your bank account!!!!

Disgusting

Do not recommend and will not be visiting!

On the whole the food was very good although we found a couple of dishes were nearly cold and they had run out of focaccia bread. Very helpful with wine choice however we felt extremely rushed, each dish seemed to be delivered at speed with a very quick description of what it was and as soon as the last remnant of dessert was eaten then bill was delivered and we were asked to vacate the table. There was no one in the bar waiting to take our table. Such a shame to be rushed, it really spoilt the experience and our celebration.

I went with my mum to the most recent Amalfi Coast menu (Greek) at the Canary Wharf branch of Six by Nico.

We were greeted by the most amazing host, Jasim, who stayed with us the whole menu.

He explained in great detail, every course and wine pairing, and was extremely helpful throughout.

The food was incredible, the experience even more so.

Thank you Jasim for your kind attention to detail!

The first 3 courses were a little underwhelming however, the second 3 and the optional extra arancini more than made up for it. Especially the trio of pork course. The wine pairings were great and our waiter Jordan was amazing, very down to earth and helpful.

Just had a great meal from the Amalfi menu at Six By Nico in Leeds. Service was very good - our waitress Liv was fantastic. For me the gnocchi was particularly good with so many flavours, but we enjoyed every course. I would agree that the portions are not huge but the food is rich and tasty and we did not leave feeling hungry. Perhaps some people prefer quantity over quality

We went out for an anniversary celebration in Six by Nico in Oxford. Nice restaurant and we felt welcome.
We had the Amalfi Experience taster menu which was reasonable but not inspiring.
Unfortunately, we missed a lot of the information on the dishes because we just could not understand the servers - enthusiastic but rushed delivery and even with repetition, difficult to hear.
Obviously this is a taster menu so there will be different things to try, not all of which will be to your taste. Even for a fussy eater like me, lots to have a go at but overall, nothing really stands out as a memorable dish.
My wife is the foodie but having requested the extra prawn course, it turned out to be heavily encased in batter and very greasy. Once the batter was removed, much nicer - but that misses the point. Not a well-made dish.
The comments we made were responded to and the prawns were removed from the bill, so well done for this.
Our major gripe is the final cost. When we booked - a few days before the meal - the price on the web was shown as £42 (and still is - just checked). When we sat at the table, the menu showed £50 which is disingenuous at best.
Perhaps we should have challenged this but when you're out for a celebration meal, that is the last thing on your mind.
Overall, on the disappointing side and more expensive than expected. Would we do this again? Probably not.