Dinner for Eight Providence For Graduation Celebration- Please help

[sherry f]

I am looking for a restaurant in Providence for two families to celebrate college graduation. There are eight people, four of whom will not eat shellfish or meat/poultry. Al Forno had been suggested, but it is booked and frankly it is panned on this board.

Our own family our going to Ten Prime the night before which I know my two boys and husband really love . I have been to Broadway Bistro and Nicks on Broadway and loved them both but would like to step it up in terms of atmosphere etc as it is a celebratory dinner. La Laiterie is great, but too casual and I found Waterplace just so so. There seems to be a lot of love on Chowhound for Gracies and New Rivers- just not sure how they will jive with the dietery requirements. Italian may be a good choice... We are staying at the Hilton but have a car. I have never eaten on Attwells and it may be nice to walk somewhere. Any recs/ help are most appreciated. hope I am not too late in the game. Many thanks.

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La Laiterie
184-188 Wayland Avenue, Providence, RI 02906

Broadway Bistro
205 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903

[GSM]

The top three most consistently recommended higher-end restaurants in Providence are Chez Pascal, Gracie's and New Rivers. All three offer vegetarian options.

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Chez Pascal Restaurant
960 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906

[OOliver]

My suggestion would be to stay away from Fedearl Hill (Atwells Ave), Downtown, and the East Side restaurants because they will all be booked for the graduations in town, which means service will be rushed (and not enjoyable)- as they try to turn over their tables quickly. If you don't have reservations, the wait time will be forever.

That said, there are some great places to go to which are a short drive from your hotel, and easy to get to, and worth the trip...

My first choice would be "d.carlo trattoria" on Rte 7 in Smithfield, RI. It is an Italian restaurant with impeccable service and excellent food. The atmosphere is top-notch, and the prices are moderate. It rivals any place on Federal Hill. They usually accomodate larger parties in the back of the restaurant, giving you much privacy. http://www.dcarlotrattoria.net/

About ten minutes from your hotel is Spain restaurant in Cranston RI (I-95 to Rte. 10). The menu is rather "eclectic/Mediterranean" and I know in the past they are very good about making a dinner for you if you request something specific (vegetarian). Again, the atmosphere is beautiful, food and service is excellent.
http://www.spainrestaurantri.com/

Again, I always suggest these 'out of the way places' to those visiting the area on busy weekends in Providence. It should be more relaxing, and much more enjoyable.

(Check out their websites, and call them with what you have in mind. I'm sure they can be of help, or even prepare a menu with you. ).

Good luck!

[sherry f]

I appreciate your suggestion to go off the beaten track. Because of graduation activities (yes we will be contributing to the crowds), we need to stay in town. Thank so much- maybe for another time!

[invinotheresverde]

I think anywhere good is booked at this point (my restaurant has been booked for over six months). OOliver's suggestions really might be your best bet, although I'd throw Caffe Itri (Cranston) into the mix, especially if you like Italian.

I'd try Chez Pascal anyhow, just because it's so darned good. Maybe because it's kind of away from where the hub bub will be, it's not fully booked yet.

Good luck!

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Chez Pascal Restaurant
960 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906

Caffe Itri
1686 Cranston St, Cranston, RI 02920

[sherry f]

Well, I managed to get first on the waiting list for Chez Pascal. I understand many people double book which isn't nice, but it happens. New Rivers said they would never be able to accommodate eight people at any time. By the way, Invinothersverde what is your retaurant?

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Chez Pascal Restaurant
960 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906

[OOliver]

Cafe Itri (in Cranston) is a very good restaurants, however it is very small inside and very loud. If there's eight of you, it won't be intimate at all and you won't have any privacy.

However, next door is Antonio's, which is also very good with a better atmosphere than Itri. I would still consider d.carlo's over these two, though.

Good luck, and let us know what happens!

[dagwood]

I really love Antonio's. But I also really love Spain. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the state.

[invinotheresverde]

I dined there with a good sized group once without any problems.