This food is sooooo good! Must try the mushroom tart! Seafood cooked to perfection! Great service! We will be back!

I have been meaning to write a review for a while now. Let me say that when Ni Fen was on Warren Street years ago, it was much better. I am however happy that Shelby has a fairly upscale place you can go without having to go to Charlotte or Asheville. My first experience there (about 1.5 years ago) was definitely 2 stars. Our waitress was young (too young to drink - she said "I don't drink wine") and had no recommendations on what wine to order. It was awkward. She also began to have an attitude when we didn't want to order meals but wanted to taste wines and order several appetizers. The portions on what we got were laughably small for the price. The prosciutto crudo on one platter was shiny and didn't look appealing. Anyway, we ended up going across the street to Pleasant City, as we were starved. My second experience was slightly better. We went on Valentine's this year. They had a decent prix fixe menu. The tables were really crammed in together. We came early. We didn't like where we were being seated (keep in mind it's 5:15 PM and the restaurant is virtually empty) so we asked the hostess (very young AA female) to please seat us somewhere else. She said and I quote that " if she asked, he would say no" and pointed to a very young Cauc male at the seating podium. I almost got up and left but my wife said to forget about it. Others proceeded to come in for seating and asked for different seats and they were accommodated with different seats. That only irked me more. At least we had a nice/decent waitress with some experience. The baked brie in filo with honey and almonds was great. The shrimp cocktail was just okay and only had 3 insulting shrimp as a portion. The chicken pasta dish was solid. The first plate of prime rib they sent was well done. The second plate which had the medium rare (almost an inch thick) slice I had ordered was very good and made up for the first one. The flourless chocolate cake was the best part. Very nicely done with great texture. The creme brulee was good but I think a blueberry accidentally fell on top of it. Just kidding - again the portion issue, put three on so it seems intentional. Coffee was good and waitress again kept us happy. They also get points for OMB on tap. The live music was also a nice touch. I think this place has the potential to be an awesome place. The food selections/menu items seem solid and vary nicely. Pump up the portions of certain items a bit and improve some of the presentations. The staff is where the primary shortfall lies; if you hire young people/high schoolers, train them properly to respectfully interact with patrons. Don't make your diner feel snubbed or disrespected or they may not come back... I have eaten at places ranging from Windows on the World to Le Cirque to the Shelby Cafe. One thing for sure if that even average food can taste so much better when the service is excellent. Try Ni Fen at least once for yourself and form your own opinion. read more

Another great find in "downtown" Shelby. We got there early and that allowed us to eat the early bird special 20 bucks for three courses. We started with a salad I got ranch and a creamy balsamic dressing. Both on the side so I was able to try them both. They both were very good, to good to ever chose one over the other. The main course that we both chose was beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Plate presentation was beautiful. Everything was prepared to perfection. The last course was dessert was divine. I had the bananas ni fen and my husband had the chocolate cake. While both are very good I recommend the bananas ni fen. This was so sinful and heavenly at the same time. Just take my word for it and get it. The decor is lovely and the music playing is very elegant. And my husband discovered that the water glasses could be played. So while I was enjoying my dessert he was serenading me with his water glass. Will definitely be returning and can't wait to take our out of town guest to this awesome restaurant. read more

Awesome small intimate bistro. Never disappointed. Wish we had discovered it during my daughters freshman year

Went to Ni Fen last night and sadly, it was terrible. We had reservations at 6:30 and once seated, we were told that their wine selection was low because of a crowd the previous two nights. What wine was left was limited and only US vineyard selections by glass. While this should not spell disaster by any means (US vineyards can be excellent), my Malbec was barely drinkable. It actually tasted like it came from a long opened bottle and had "turned." On to the food, service and ambiance: the restaurant was attractive but unbearably hot and humid. We were told the air conditioning was broken and that they were cutting the AC off and on. Our table of four ordered pimento cheese toast, which arrived after a 30-minute wait and was cold and greasy. The top had a skim on it from sitting out awhile, and the toast was soggy. We then waited an additional hour to get brown lettuce in our salads, a shrimp swimming in a mayonnaise glop, overcooked dry fish, rice that was ice-cream scoop shaped, and out-of-the bag shoestring potatoes. In fairness, the hamburger meat was tasty though small, and mashed potatoes were good though served lukewarm. We waited over an hour for our main courses. By the time it arrived at 8 pm, we were all starving. Our server was kind but bumbling. She did not appear to know her menu or wine list. I never write reviews, but wanted to advise prospective diners that this venue needs major work in every area. I also hope that the restaurant itself will take this review to heart and up its game. There is no excuse for this level of bad food. We were so disappointed, as we had hoped to have a pleasant evening with friends we hadn't seen for awhile. We don't eat at McDaonalds but it would have been an improvement over Ni Fen. read more

I don't recommend this "upscale" restaurant. It is supposed to be the nicest eatery in Shelby, however, the food is bland. I could have had a better salad and entree at a chain restaurant at a much better price. Very disappointing. read more

Overpriced, service was horrible and don't ever order the airplane chicken, unless you just want a tiny chicken wing!!! Made Valentines a bust for sure. read more

Tried based on a recommendation. Starting with the positive...mussels were tasty, bread and oil good, greens and mashed sweet potatoes good. Service not good. Took a long time for waitress to take drink order. Waitress must have been having rough night, not friendly. Caeser salad not great but cost $6.99. Husband ordered burger came with fries and chose to order additional salad. Salad cans with burger, not as first course and fries didn't come until half way done with burger. Overall disappointed. Will not return in near future. read more

My husband and I were staying at a nearby B&B (Inn of the Patriots) and were meeting friends at Ni Fen Bistro that live in Charlotte and whom we originally met on a cruise. The restaurant was very nice, our waitress was wonderful and the food was excellent. We had a nice surprise in that we were there on a Wednesday evening when wines were half price for the evening! It is a hidden gem in a small town! read more

Came here with Mom for a Christmas Eve brunch, and they were serving the Sunday brunch menu. This place is wonderful -- the food of the highest quality, plentiful, and service very nice. Varied menu. And a beautiful space in the middle of downtown Shelby. Downtown Shelby is getting a nice selection of innovative restaurants downtown, but Ni Fen definitely stands out. Beautiful bar space as well, with a terrific (though a bit pricey, especially for Shelby) wine list. Very glad to have this great restaurant in my hometown when I come to visit. read more

The food was really really good. The service was even better. Every wait person where helping each other out to take care of the guest. Highly recommend this for upscale dinning with a moderately priced menu. read more

If you find yourself in downtown Shelby, give this place a try. The menu is clever. The service is attentive. The food is well done.

I travel and have dinner in some top rated restaurants. None compare to the fine dinning you will get from Ni Fen. The best dinner and service that can be found in North Carolina. read more

Such a great little find in Shelby.. while working in the area I've had dinner here twice.. great wine selection, had the braised short rib.. so yummy. husband had the beef shoulder.. All was tender, flavorful. Great setting and excellent service.. Love Suzie! will plan to go back many times! TY for such a lovely relaxing evening with great food and service. read more

I was at Ni Fen Bistro on a Wednesday evening. Was pleasently greated and immediately seated in a not very busy restaurant. Over an hour afrer placing my order and three questions of the wait staff and hostess I still did not have my dinner. A kitchen failure and I left. I will not go back. Yes - I was offered "compensation" in the form of a gift certificate. I declined. read more

My mother and I ate Mother's Day brunch at Ni Fen today. I had the chicken and mushroom crepes with pesto cream sauce and my mother had the waffles. The food was wonderful the atmosphere is lovely and the service was great even on such a busy day. This place never disappoints whether it's for a special occasion or lunch with a friend. read more

I wish we had a place like this in Indianapolis. The food was fresh, high quality, and carefully prepared. Everything tasted amazing! The sommelier was quite helpful in helping us choose a wine we would enjoy (and the wine selection was excellent). The ambience was perfect... The service was professional. I would come here every week, if I lived here! read more

I consider this the nicest restaurant in Shelby. Delicious food and nice ambiance. Wonderful to have a big city hip restaurant in "small town" Shelby. read more

I cannot begin to tell you just how amazing this place is! Their food is really out of this world and you will always find something you like. My wife always gets the blue cheese chicken wrap. I get the fried oysters salad and the Banana Ni Fen for desert. Soooo amazing! read more

This bistro is a gem worth a visit if you are in Shelby or a drive from elsewhere. The decor is tasteful and the settings elegant. The service was impeccable. A talented young musician played a guitar throughout the evening setting an ambiance. The menu is inspired and well-constructed. We shared the dumplings with the house sauce as an appetizer. It's a great signature plate to share. I followed the dumplings with a Caesar salad that had the right hint of sardine. For dinner, I had the special of trout with bok choy on a sweet potato purée. Wonderful! The fish was cooked and flavored perfectly. The skin had that right texture. The purée--wow. I wish that I had that recipe. There's a balance of spices that must include nutmeg. Bok choy was equally delicious. The portions are enormous and I ended up boxing half the dish. It wasn't for a lack of enjoying it. Everyone that evening enjoyed their meals. You can also buy the dumpling sauce to take home. read more

I love their lunches! I am addicted to the blue cheese chicken salad!!!! I love their citrus dressing!!!! YUM!!! You won't be disappointed! read more

Great place, very nice menu with something for everyone, and the best wine list in the area.

Wow... how can I say do not eat here kindly. Haha My boyfriend had taken me to Shelby, NC for a fun Valentine weekend getaway. To make a long story as short as possible- we ate at the Ni Fen Kitchen for lunch- that was an even worse experience. Well, here goes dinner. My boyfriend originally had a reservation for 6pm and we called and changed the reservation for later to around 7:30pm. We were sat at our table and no one waited on us for a good 10 minutes. Finally, the owner came rushing to our table because she saw my boyfriend had the free appetizer card that was given to us by the bed and breakfast we were staying at down the road. Appetizer comes out- bang bang shrimp- average- per my boyfriend- I don't eat them due to food allergies. Once our waitress comes over he repeatedly asked her to describe the pasta- to confirm it was like a cream sauce which she confirms each time. The pasta comes out with chunks of vegetables that are in a water sauce- no cream to be found. The sauce has absolutely no flavor! He had shrimp added to the pasta at an additional charge. I ordered the salmon and it is more than well done. Not to mention that the salmon plate has been dusted- more like poured- in paprika all the way around- CHEAP and Double YUCK!!!!! The waitresses NEVER asks if the food tasted good or was to our liking. She only asks if we would like a box for our food. You can tell by the look on her face that she does not want to ask about our food nor does she care. She proceeds to ask if we want desert- ummm NO! If I could give this place a negative number I would. Oh yeah, and at Ni Fen Kitchen where we went for lunch- it was great listening to the waitresses bicker about how people don't leave large enough tips and there were 4 people in the restaurant and it took 30 minutes to get the worst hamburger of my life- absolutely disgusting. read more

I had not tried Ni Fen Bistro but decided to because it is supposedly one of Shelby's top upscale restaurants. What a disappointment. The service was good but not the food. The New York Strip was one of the worst steaks I've had. My wife had Stuffed Chicken and it was dry as a desert. With only a handful of items on the menu I would expect all of them to be quite good, especially considering the price and the image the restaurant seems to try to present. I will not return. In fact, I agree with reviewer "Big D." who wrote "I'd rather have McDonalds". read more

Had the NC Trout and it was great. My wife had early bird beef shoulder. Warm bread is awesome. Very nice place. We will be back. read more

Bistro 214 - NC Trout - New American Near Me - Shelby, North Carolina

Came here on advice of a friend. Could not have been more satisfied. The warm inviting atmosphere and the impeccable service was only topped by one thing. The food! It was delicious. Amazingly fresh salads, outstanding sweet tea, and both entrees were served ontime and exactly how we ordered. The New York Strip was perfectly prepared. My wife had Grilled Chicken over linguini with a roasted red pepper sauce (sorry, forgot the name), last bite as good as first! Hawaiian Sunset for dessert was nearly sinful! Highly reccomended. Well worth a drive to Shelby! We will be back for sure!!! read more

We ate here last night. Ordered pasta with chicken added. The chicken was rancid. One bite and had to spit it out. Definitely spoiled. We politely sent it back and reordered a steak. The steak was very good. When the bill came we requested a discount due to being served bad chicken and the amount of time it took to finally get our food - going on 1 1/2 hours! The manager/owner came out and was hostile insisting that she didn't charge us for the chicken and the steak was fine. We paid the bill and left. Won't return because of the management's attitude. Bad chicken is one thing, but bad management is another! read more

Visited for the first time on 9/20/14. The decor was nice though it was very loud. Our server was very friendly and knowledgable. Everything from the bread to the cocktails was perfect. The restaurant offers a fixed price menu from 5pm- until 6:24pm which is a great deal. However they should update their website to reflect the choices because, when we arrived, the options were not the same as the website stated. Also it was $2 to substitute a soup on the fixed price menu which seems a bit steep. The pot roast and tuna were tasty and the portions were large. Both the banana dessert and pumpkin bread pudding were yummy as well. Though we were in Shelby for a concert, we agreed that we would drive from the Charlotte area again to have dinner here. I highly recommend it!! read more

After our dinner plans were canceled we ended up walking in Ni Fen in search of a good meal. The staff treated us all exceptionally, especially our two year old son. I highly recommend the Brie appetizer. My husband had the salmon which was melt-in-your-mouth amazing, and I enjoyed a perfectly cooked beef filet. The food is incredible, but what makes Ni Fen so special is how they treat their customers. The welcoming, family atmosphere with first-class dining will bring us back again. read more

You won't be disappointed.This restaurant is everything you would find in a large metropolitan area but nestled in the quaint uptown of Shelby NC. Try the Bananas Ni Fen for dessert. read more

The food is very mediocre, id rather have McDonalds then spend 50 dollars on some shitty salmon there are better places to eat in uptown

The service was great, even though there was a large group there. The food was impeccable and remarkably tasty and the atmosphere was upscale yet not snobby, instead much-like what you'd expect in a big city like what I've experienced in San Francisco or New York. This is definitely a restaurant that should be enjoyed along with a glass of their wine (or beer) from their great selection! read more

My wife, daughter, and I ate here on Wednesday night (6/19/13) and it was AWESOME. My wife had a business meeting in the area and we were driving through at the end of the day. We wanted to find a nice place to eat so we did a Yelp search, which showed Ni Fen as a 5 star restaurant with 6 reviews. The atmosphere is great, as we love old refurbished buildings. The service was outstanding, and the food was perfect. We have never been to Shelby before and this made for a great stop. We would definitely eat her again. read more

I would like to give this place more stars but I can't. Today was the second time I tried it. I primarily went here today to stay on target for my diet. Last week I tried the salad with the berry dressing and fried goat cheese. I left most of the goat cheese to stay within diet. The salad was tasty. It has Granny Smith sliced apples and really was very good. Today I got the blue chicken salad spinach wrap and tomato basil soup. The soup was OK but I really didn't want pieces of chicken in my soup. I'm thinking that the soup should be vegetable. The chicken salad was OK; nothing special. The Resturant is really cute and upscale. They have white tablecloth on the tables. It's a really neat place for a meeting. Now why three stars: I feel the service needs to improve. I was checked on one time. I sat for around 20 minutes waiting on my check. It's a small place. I asked a waiter if he could tell my waitress that I was ready. He said he would. If he did; I was ignored a great deal longer. Very frustrating I finally got the manager, I think. I was offered a tea to go but I was very frustrated and just wanted to get out. I will try another cute resturant when I come back into town. The menu is pretty limited here but is a nice lunch place if you have time. read more

This is a delightful restaurant!!! We were visiting the area for a baseball tournament and had an amazing dinner. The atmosphere is open and airy but has historical charm. The service is very attentive and the sommelier is brilliant! The food is fresh, creative and perfectly cooked!!! My fillet melted in your mouth it was so tender! The salmon was beautifully seasoned. The beef tenderloin was substantial and flavorful. What a treasure for Shelby!!!! read more

We were in town on business and decided to try it here. Absolutely everything was amazing from the wine, the Brie, pot stickers, grouper and the steak just melted in my mouth! The service was great! I hope to make it back there if we come back in town but it is highly recommended! read more

I went there for dinner i order chicken Marsala And my friend order Spinash salad .My chicken came with no mushroom. This is the time i order chicken marsala and i had with no mushroom.My find order Spinach Salad and all she got was Spinach with a few red onion,bacon and no pecans eventhough, the menu state that.Bad food.ok service,and over price .Next time i will be going to the Sub station a few blocks a way. read more

food wasn't good at all, pricey for very small portion. service was poor and unattentive. try elsewhere