Six By Nico, Leeds – Restaurant Review
By Kirsty Reid, September 2024
Like most foodies, I have my go-to restaurant. One I’ll revisit at every given opportunity. The downside? The menu almost never changes.
So, imagine my excitement when I came across Six by Nico, which offers a brand-new six-course tasting menu every six weeks.
Situated on East Parade, Six by Nico’s rotating menus are cleverly and carefully concocted by chef Nico Simeone. Having checked out the restaurant’s socials, I was eager to see if the Instagrammable dishes taste as good as they look.
From the moment my partner and I step inside Six by Nico, friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide us through our culinary experience.
“Perfect backdrop”
The interior is uber-stylish, blending casual comfort with sophistication. Dark wooden paneling pairs seamlessly with sleek, minimalist furnishings, creating a perfect backdrop for the vibrant greenery and contemporary art dotted throughout.
The layout is well thought out, balancing intimacy and openness, making it perfect for both romantic dinners and gatherings with friends or family.
Six by Nico oozes elegance but is free of any pretension. The buzz of conversation and excitement from fellow diners creates a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Despite being almost fully booked, we are lucky enough to secure a table directly opposite the open kitchen – much to my delight!
Now usually, Six by Nico rolls out a new six-course tasting menu every six weeks. But this time, they’re offering a ‘versus’ series with two menus, Guilty Pleasures and Tokyo, each running for three weeks.
We are here to try the Guilty Pleasures menu (£42pp) and, if it tastes as good as it sounds, we’re in for a treat!
As we’re both driving, I opt for a glass of sauvignon blanc and Kyle orders an orange juice, rather than the wine pairing (£33pp). Supping our drinks, our attention returns to the open kitchen, where we witness the meticulous preparation of each dish.
As well as the six-course menu, diners can purchase snacks if they wish. A carb lover, I can’t resist ordering the baked sourdough (£5). Light and airy, it pairs perfectly with the salted whipped butter. We’re off to a good start…
“Visual masterpiece”
The first course is a playful twist on the breakfast muffin. Salsiccia bon bon and hash brown are served with a cream truffle emulsion and egg yolk jam. The presentation is elegant, with each component placed thoughtfully to create a visual feast before the first bite.
Sitting near the open kitchen, we’ve already had a sneak preview of the dishes being prepared. But up close, the artistry and precision are even more impressive. Each dish is meticulously plated, making every course not only a culinary delight but a visual masterpiece.
Staff take time to guide us through each course, offering detailed explanations of the ingredients and preparation.
Next up is the loaded potato skin. Nico’s innovative dish takes the humble potato to gourmet heights. Layered Lyonnaise potato terrine is served with whipped crème fraiche. The accompanying bacon jam is delicious – smoky yet a little sweet.
Two courses down and we’re already blown away. This is fast becoming my new favourite restaurant.
Each course arrives in a timely manner. We’re not waiting long, but neither do we feel rushed. The staff here have the timings down to a tee.
For course three, there are two options – cheeseburger or mac and cheese. Kyle settles on the burger, and I opt for the latter.
Now when I say burger, this looks nothing like the American staple. Forget a burger, bun, and a slab of cheddar. Instead, Kyle tucks into a perfectly presented, deconstructed burger of aged beef tartare. The tender and flavoursome beef comes paired with dill pickle, parmesan, and beer-battered cornichon (gherkin).
“Beautifully presented”
I’m a big lover of mac and cheese, and Nico’s take doesn’t disappoint. The crunchy cauliflower couscous is an unexpected delight. While the jalapeno gherkin ketchup offers a delightfully tangy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
For course four, we have the fish finger butty. I’m not typically a fan of fish dishes, but it’s so beautifully presented that I can’t resist a bite.
Flaky coalfish is paired with a salt and vinegar hash brown, while the smoked tomato caviar brings a delectable elegance to the dish.
Our final savoury course is Nico’s fried chicken. Coated in a crispy crumb, the tender chicken thigh dish is faultless. Charred corn is sweet on the palate and pairs perfectly with the black garlic emulsion.
Equally tasty is the buffalo fried chicken add-on (£9). Accompanied by a hot sauce and pickled celery.
It’s worth noting that Six by Nico’s ever-evolving menu always offers a vegetarian alternative, ensuring there is something to please all palates.
Last, but by no means least, comes dessert. Warm, gooey cookie dough is topped with crunchy hazelnuts, tart raspberries, and velvety caramel. A silky vanilla espuma complements the heavenly dessert.
Six by Nico is the most memorable dining experience I’ve ever had. As we devour the last mouthfuls of our dessert, we’re already planning a return visit.
The Guilty Pleasures menu is £42pp
Six By Nico, 9 E Parade, Leeds LS1 2AJ
Mon 4:30pm – 11:45pm
Tue Closed
Wed & Thu: 4:30pm – 11:45pm
Fri – Sun: 12pm – 11:45pm
sixbynico.co.uk
T: 0113 340 6666
