NICO Hospitality, the group of restaurant concepts from Charleston-based French Master Chef Nico Romo (right), made an impressive and record-breaking mark this week in the Charleston City Paper's Best of 2023 nominations. Of the five nomination slots in the Best Restaurant category, three were given to Romo's restaurants, which the group says is the first time in the history of the “Charleston's Best Of” awards that every concept by one hospitality group was included in the category – NICO Oysters + Seafood, Bistronomy by Nico, and Laura.
“We have truly talented and dedicated teams at each restaurant that put their hearts into their work,” said Romo. “I'm so thankful for our staff and for our loyal guests that voted for us across the board. It's an amazing feeling to have just one nomination slot; it's indescribable to hold three slots, especially in a town with huge culinary talent like Charleston.”
Romo is the youngest chef to ever be awarded the French Master Chef title. The Lyon native first began cooking in Charleston in 2007. He went on to open his first restaurant concept, NICO Oysters + Seafood in 2017, followed by Bistronomy by Nico in 2020, and Laura in 2022.
In addition to Best Restaurant nominations, Romo's concepts were also nominated for Best Desserts at a Restaurant, Best Downtown Restaurant, Best French, Best Italian, Best Mount Pleasant Restaurant, Best Mount Pleasant Brunch, Best New Restaurant, Best Oysters, Best Pizza (Gourmet), Best Raw Bar, Best Romantic Restaurant, Best Seafood, Best Summerville Restaurant, Best Summerville Brunch, Best Sunday Brunch, and Best Wait Staff.
Chef Romo was also nominated for Best Restaurant Chef, a title which he won in 2021 and 2022.
Nominations for Charleston City Paper's 2023 Best of are open for voting until March 8th.