Need a Rec for business dinner in Providence on Wed. night.

[RoyRon]

I am entertaining several business clients from Japan this Wednesday (Nov. 7) in Providence. I need a few recommendations on very good places. Prices are not a problem as these are some very important clients. I thought about Al Forno because it is so well known but they don't take reservations for less than 6 people so I am reluctant to go there. Any Hounds have any good suggestions? I would prefer Italian, New American or others but not Asian.

Thanks in advance.

[Moonpie1]

Capriccio! It's old school, it's still good, it's a popular place for business entertaining.

[Garris]

I think Capriccio could be fine as long as you know absolutely knew your guests would be into its old school, Sinatra-esque feel... At this point, Capriccio almost strikes me as a "theme" restaurant its ambiance is so authentically retro...

- Garris

[JaneRI]

CAV could be a good choice - relaxed & pretty. Not loud.

[winochick]

100% agree w/ Garris's comment about the noise at Ten. Also agree about the "cheese" factor of the Providence Prime...but it is a step above a Capital Grill, and many of our New York clients come in to town and RAVE about it. If your clients are high-end, with a little bit of corporate cheesiness to them, they will love Providence Prime. I would recommend requesting the "larger booth". They have 2 that are good for business meetings.

[jmac42]

I would recommend Ten...great steaks and sushi (I don't eat sushi but heard it was good), very cool atmosphere.

[Garris]

Wow, I would have to disagree here... For a business meeting, Ten (one of my favorites) would be WAY too loud... One of my coworkers made this mistake for a visiting VIP last year for a party of four, and all of us were yelling at each other... Not a way to make a good first impression.

I 100% agree with Gracies. L'Epicureo would be fine, but I'm personally not a fan. Mill's Tavern would probably be good too. Providence Prime is probably fine, but I personally think there's the slightest hint of a "cheesy" factor to them, like they're trying too hard.

Gracies, Mill's, and L'Epicureo all effortlessly feel like the real deal. They'll all impress.

- Garris

[jimmiah]

What do you not like about L'Epicureo?

[JaneRI]

Yes, 10 is loud - obnoxious bar crowd and the noise is heard throughout the entire place.

[dagwood]

Also....clients from Japan might find sushi served at a steakhouse a little unsettling....in Japan, any sushi outside of a strictly sushi-restaurant is not to be trusted.

[JaneRI]

Oh my goodness, good point!

[winochick]

We entertain many high-end clients. For an upscale steak house, I would choose the Providence Prime. Everyone is usually impressed by the food and service. They also have some seafood options on the menu. Cafe Nuovo is also a solid choice.

[sk3]

alternative to al forno = bacaro.

[winedude]

I'd suggest L'Epicureo or Gracie's, both "downcity" Providence, with many recs on this Board.

[cajuntoast]

I would second Gracie's because both the service and food are exceptional and it's quiet enough to chat as well. (I would probably be seconding L'Epicureo too, but I haven't been there...yet).