edhopper

We'll be in Providence for some R&R next weekend. Love to hear restaurant suggestions, We're not going cheap-cheap, but are on something of a budget (can't do $200 meals
We are at the Renaissance Hotel (priceline) Any good Breakfast/diner places nearby.
Federal Hill recs welcome to.

flep

Breakfast:
Nick's on broadway


Lunch:
Cheescake Factory, Nordstroms cafe, Eastside pocket, Fillini Pizza, venda ravioli, Parkside.

Dinner: Parkside, $15-$20, Cafe nuovo, Capriccio, Prime Steakhouse
$20-30

Tell me what type of foods u prefer

edhopper

Thanks. We like variety, so the more choices of restaurants the better. Don't like chains though, but like true "local" spots.
Is Al Forno worth the visit?
What's your fav Federal Hill place?

lvk

On the East Side (near Brown & RISD) Andreas is a good Greek place and Rue de L'Espoir is a nice bistro.

On Federal Hill, Mediterraneo Caffe: www.mediterraneocaffe.com/

Downtown - Pot au Feu (French) has a more casual bistro downstairs, and a more elegant salon upstairs.
Hemenway's is good for seafood.

flep

Actually its Il forno, and sorry I forgot to mention that one, I was distracted. OK Il Forno is definitely my favorite spot for dining. The entrees will run you between $20-30. But if you dont want to spend that, my favorite thing to do there is to get a salad and their grilled pizza, then the dessert. You cant eat there w/o trying the pizza. Word to the wise though they do not take reservations and they are always busy, so if u plan on dining there on the weekend u should definitely arrive there before 6 otherwise u are looking at an 1-2hr waiting. PS the dessert is made to order so u must order it with your dinner selection, my favorite is the cookie tray, unbelievable and plenty for two. Also the cosmo there is great its made with real lime juice. If u dont drink try the passion iced tea. Here is a run down to help u select.

Federall Hill:
Prime- steak-Fav great stk, try the smores for dessert/pome. martini
Oyster bar-seafood
Venda ravioli_lunch its an awesome authentic italian deli
Sienna- Itl fusion
Dessert-Pastiche

Nicks on broadway: breakfast-in federall hill area but not on fed. hill. weekends really busy go early.
On street parking always available.
Downtown:
Capriccio-itl
Cafe Nuovo-Mix upscale-dessert5star
Ten-sushi-try mojito
India
Cuban revolution-easy lunch

Benefit Street Area:
Parkside-Lunch/Dinner best rotis ck
Hemingway-Lobster
XO-Really funky
Il forno (some what in area )Fav
Barnsider: Prime rib and salad bar
Baccaro: Appetizer for dinner
Felliniizza

Thayer street:
East side pocket: Mid. eastern wraps lunch fav
Paragon: Amer sun brunch
lunch/dinner
Kartar Bar: Middle East
Tea luxe- cool teas

Outside Prov:5-10min drive
Spain-Cranston
Madiera-Portugese
All have parking
Music:
Camilles
Tazza-jazz
High hat-jazz
Kartar bar-dj late night

Over rated: L'Eppicurrio
Old canteen, Mediterraino, Mills tavern, Raphaels, Capital Grill.
PS I know nordstroms cafe sounds like a chain, but they have a good lunch selection and nice views of the state house.

Most of these places have valet parking if u dont want to walk w/ the exception of thayer st. You can also check out the menus on line to be sure it satisfies your palet. Let me know if u have more questions.

wyatt92

Actually, the OP was correct, it's Al Forno. And I do think it's worth a trip.

Liz5959

http://www.alforno.com/

Very good, very busy and more expensive than it really should be.

flep

sorry it is Alforno your right

edhopper

Thank you all. I will write this down for our trip. (well, copy and paste)
We also want to try any regional specialties of Providence and RI.

flep

Well there are mostly italian population so any thing italian. Things that people in ri love. First is the wimpy, u can get it at casearta on federal hill, its basically a spinach pie loaded with spinach and pepperoni and cheese if u wish. Second hot weiner (not my fav) Basically its a hotdog with seasoned meat and onions. U can find it and ny system or Heaven brothers ( but heaven brothers is a truck that sits outside city hall at 1am) But I dont no if thats your sort thing. Lastly is bakery pizza, its eaten cold and has no cheese on it, u can find it at any bakery on federall hill. Thats basically it, i know not that exciting or healthy.

edhopper

Thanks, that all looks worth a try, depending on where we find ourselves.
We also hear Cafe Pascal is good for their Bistro fare.

flep

Sorry, Ive never been there. Im always afraid to try french restuarants, I cant stand getting really small portions, and i always equate french cuisine with small portions. You could definitely give it a try, but u would definitely have to drive there since its on hope street. Another person mentioned Rue L'Espoir, for french food, i haven't tried it but I have heard alot of good things about it. I used to own a restuarant and one of my chef's works there now and he is very talented. Who knows it might be worth trying.

lvk

You should try a "stuffie" - a stuffed quahog. I'm not sure which restaurants in Providence serve them, but they are a RI specialty.