Providence RI recommendations

[DaveCan]

Heading to Providence this Saturday night with the wife and staying at the Hilton on Atwells.

Looking for recommendations for cocktails - high end, great views, dark and quiet (romantic) and dinner - Italian preferred, cost not an issue, romantic setting preferred.

Also looking for lunch and breakfast recommendations, piano bar, shopping, fresh pasta.

[DaveCan]

Thank you everyone, heading down this morning.

[Gin n Tonic]

Nobody has yet given you breakfast recs. If the weather is nice, walk to Nick's on Broadway for a great breakfast/brunch. It's just about a mile from the hotel. If that's too far, Julian's is a little closer -- it's funkier than Nick's, but creative and interesting breakfasts.

For fresh pasta and other food shopping, walk west on Atwells. Plenty of options.

[OOliver]

Save room for coffee and dessert at Pastiche on Spruce Street, which runs parallel to Atwells. About five minutes from your hotel.

[Bluebird]

Head to De Pasquale Square on Atwells for lunch. There are several places with nice outdoor seating. You can visit Venda Ravioli and Tony's Colonial (down a block) for pasta and other Italian groceries. Stop in at Pastiche, Scialo Brothers or Palmieri's Bakery for some dessert.

Some non-Italian options:
Gracie's
New Rivers
La Laiterie
Chez Pascal

I can't think of a piano bar in Providence.

[DaveCan]

BB, your a mind reader, I was thinking about bakeries but forgot to ask.

[dagwood]

There is a small piano bar that opened within the last year in the Pawtuxet Village neighborhood of Cranston, which is just south of Providence. I recently heard one of the best non-professional vocalists I've ever heard there. Great drinks, lovely little place. http://www.powerspub.com/index.html

[DaveCan]

Bluebird,

We want to stay within walking distance of the Hilton so CP is out. Which of the remaining three is the best in terms of atmosphere / food?

[celeriac]

That's a long walk to La Laiterie too, I imagine that's not realistic unless you're up for a hike.

New RIvers is very small, intimate and lovely but unpretentious. The food is similar, as it's very simple, clean and ingredient-focused. They were big on local way before local was hip. I will say that the prices can seem high for the simplicity, but the quality is just so high that I've rarely been disappointed (especially since Beau Vestal took the reigns in the kitchen a couple years back).

I haven't been to Gracie's, so I can't compare, but my impression is that it's a bit more elaborate and complex, a bit fancier, and more driven by technique (although I know they source high-quality ingredients as well). Not a comment on the quality, since I haven't been, but just on the style.

[Bluebird]

La Laiterie is out if you want to walk.
New Rivers and Gracies are both within walking distance. Both are different. Celeriac summed up the differences nicely. It really just depends on your personal preference. Both have good food and good service. The atmosphere (New Rivers is more bistro and Gracies is more fine dining) and food "stylings" are different.

http://www.graciesprov.com/site/
http://www.newriversrestaurant.com/

[Sean]

Baccaro's is awesome. As far as Castle Hill, I recommend it for any time, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also, Chez Pascal on the East Side is my favorite in Providence. Baccaro is Italain though, and that is what you are looking for...

[invinotheresverde]

OP, in case you try to find it online, it's Bacaro, not Baccaro's.

[Frank Terranova]

Best Bet. Newport the Inn at Castle Hill. Providence has nothing that is more of a romantic place than this place and its High End. Food,View, Cocktails also the Spiced Pear in Newport

[OOliver]

If you want to stay in the city, head over to Baccaro's on South Water Street which is about five minutes from where you are staying. The views are quite nice, overlooking the city skyline as well as the Providence River waterfront. Most tables give you the romantic setting you are looking for (just ask for a window table) . The atmosphere is very high end (which is reflected in the prices). They also just opened an outdoor patio this past week.

The food is very good (Northern Italian), the service has improved since they opened 2 years ago. I think you'll enjoy it.

[DaveCan]

OO,

The patio is facing the water, correct? BTW, the food pics on the website look incredible!

[OOliver]

Yes, the patio is facing the water. The food tastes incredible as well. I would call for reservations.

It's about a fifteen-twenty minute walk from your hotel. About a five minute drive/cab ride.

[DaveCan]

Frank,

I'll probably want to stay in Providence Saturday night and avoid driving. Would you recommend Castle Hill for Lunch?