Mount Pleasant is a suburban town located just outside of Charleston, SC, and it is one of the fastest growing towns in the area. With a quick trip across The Ravenel Bridge you can be in the bustling downtown of Charleston where there are many renowned places to eat. However, Nico | Oysters + Seafood is the only reason you’ll need to stay in Mt. Pleasant for a night. The modern, French oyster bar is owned by Chef Nico Romo - the youngest ever US member of The French Culinary Academy and Master Chefs of France. At Nico, he creates beautiful french dishes cooked in a wood fired oven. One of the most unique things about the restaurant, though, is their open seating raw bar. There, you can enjoy your meal while watching the seafood magic behind the bar just like I did.
Brooklyn at work behind the raw bar.
I was lucky enough to have a connection with one of the servers at the restaurant, Nick Thompson. He took great care of us as we sat at the raw bar and enjoyed the view. Nick, as well as the whole staff, treat their guests like royalty at Nico - that was very clear during our dinner. Nick knew the menu like the back of his hand — he was able to describe each dish in great detail for us and make many suggestions catered toward what foods we liked. He started us off with a wonderful Amuse-bouche - a one biter hors d'oeuvre that originated in France, meant to cleanse your pallet before a rich meal. That was followed by an oyster platter curated to our liking, and a wonderful red wine butter escargot.
Amuse-bouche with crab and caviar
Oyster platter with oysters from; Lady Island, SC., James River, VA., and Harwich, MA.
With a multitude of high end, wood-fired seafood plates to choose from, choosing an entree was not easy (although a great problem to have at a restaurant). I went with a french-style gnocchi per Nick’s recommendation, complete with shrimp, calamari, broccolini, and merguez (a red, spicy sausage) in a wonderfully rich and creamy cheese sauce. Parker, my wonderful dinner date and boyfriend, went with the ever-so-classic, Maine-style, Lobster Roll. It was presented on brioche toast, with pommes frites and a camembert fondue dipping sauce. I know… my mouth is watering too as I write this. It was incredible. The food has the warmth and technique of an authentic french bistro, combined with the freshness of East Coast’s finest seafood. While this restaurant may not be greatly suited to eating on a budget, trust me, it’s worth the extra dollars on the bill. AND absolutely worth the experience of wonderful service in a nice, but casual, fine dining setting.
I’m not one that can usually afford to treat myself to a meal at this caliber, but I was lucky enough to do so on this trip. And, I would do it all over again without hesitation. I’m a big believer in making the most of your experiences where you travel, and my trip to Nico was well worth it. If you ever find yourself in the Charleston area, I encourage you to venture out to Mount Pleasant for a night and give Nico a go - you won’t be disappointed. (And be sure to say hi to Nick for me!).