Providence Dining for Waterfire

[JoeM]

Hi- I'm coming in for Waterfire with some friends and was looking for some good dinner recommendations within walking distance. I was thinking somewhere trendy-casual (nice jeans w/ a sport jacket) with a good bar. We like all sorts of food and had a price point of $20-30 for entrees in mind. We could go more casual/inexpensive if there's somewhere that we should not miss.

Thanks in advance

[snl1129]

Just an FYI...if you are heading to waterfire for this Memorial Day weekend...the city is going to be PACKED! It is Brown Univ graduation this weekend, and mos tof the restaurants are already booked up. But I would second the rec on XO steakhouse, or try Siena on Federal Hill.

[Nanay]

I know Citron has had some bad reviews on this board in the past but has anyone been recently. I know the Providence Journal just did a review on it, but I can give or take those reviews. They also reccomend it as a waterfire restaurant. Any new opinions?

[sarabean]

Make reservations and give yourself TONS of extra time. Not this weekend, not for me! I'm gettin the heck outta dodge!

[jmac42]

10 steak and sushi...I love the steaks and there is no question about its trendiness/bar scene

[JaneRI]

I was forgetting the newish Pinelli's at Waterplace. I had the most amazing pasta dish there last week.....carbonara style mac & cheese, just out of this world. Lots of little mix & match plates. We also got a meze sort of plate....hummus, homemade whole wheat pita, a few other goodies. It was all surprisingly good and you won't get a better view of the water than on one of their outdoor patios.

[Alica]

What was that before? Is it where that restaurant Bella's (I think) was?

[JaneRI]

Bella Vista I think? There have been discussions on here before about how the Pinelli's places aren't exactly chowish...but I really enjoyed my meal.

I'm not a fan of Ruth's Chris, I find it very sterile and the prices give it an "Emperor has no clothes" feel to me.

[Alica]

Didn't I hear rumors that they (Ruth Chris) were going out of business?

[snl1129]

The Waterplace restaurant used to be Bella Vista. hubby and I were married there just over 5 years ago. Pinelli's is a good choice for basic italian. I wouldn't necessarily go for the food on waterfire night, but more for the atmosphere. I used to love the Pinelli's cafe at night in Warwick...BYOB, then they changed their pasta :(

[JaneRI]

snl, have you been to any of the newer Pinelli's, either of the 2 Twist locations, or this new Waterplace? It's not basic Italian the way the old byob Pinelli's cafe was, or like North End in N.Prov. Not basic at all, and while I felt the same way heading there 2 wks ago (going for atmosphere not food) I changed my tune when the food came.

[Sap115]

Are there going to be tables outside at Ruth's Chris this year? I think they have a great view of the fires, even if you sit inside. They have a 2 for $89 promotion going on now that is worth checking out.

[basachs]

Yes, they have had tables outside for a few weeks now.

[jmac42]

what is the deal with the 2 for $89 promotion? I checked their website and didn't see anything there. thanks in advance

[Sap115]

2 Appetizers, 2 entrees, and a shared dessert. I asked how long the promotion would last, and they said "until the recession ends."

[Frobisher]

While not really my favorites, you also have Ruth's Chris and Flemings. For a local steakhouse, XO is just around the corner from 3 Steeple. XO and its neighbor Chinese Laundry fit the bill in terms of price point and trendy.

While I like 3 Steeple alot, I wound't describe it as trendy/casual, more intimate/romantic casual. It is the kind of place I can safely take my in-laws or grandparents.

[invinotheresverde]

I've always hads great dinners at Cafe Nuovo, with wonderful service. The only negative is that it's VERY easy to spend there, and my bill always ends up much, much higher than anticipated. If you go fairly easy on the cocktails and stick to reasonably priced wine (they have a heavy markup), you can have a fantastic, almost reasonable dinner. I recommend it.

[JaneRI]

In between 3 Steeple St and Cafe Nuovo (pricewise) is Parkside. I have good things to say about all 3.

[Alica]

Cafe Nuovo. The food is always great, very nice place, you are right in the center of the action, on a nice night you can dine outside right by the river and Waterfire.

[Sean]

3 Steeple Street, right on the canal, you can actually watch Waterfire from the dining room.

http://www.3steeplestreet.com/