One night for dinner - Providence or Newport?

[itryalot]

We were going to go to go to Providence from Wrentham for one night based on this post and were going to eat at Red Stripe. Do a little walking, shopping and people watching.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7082...

However, we are willing to drive about an hour and 15 mins ea way; and open to Newport. Open to other suggestions in Sern New England.
Love the idea of French bistro or brasserie, or a fish shack if we go somwhere else. My work traveling companions love the idea of Red Stripe but are thinking Newport or another coastal town might be nicer.

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Red Stripe
465 Angell St, Providence, RI 02906

[invinotheresverde]

Red Stripe is meh. If you're looking for French, it's Chez Pascal all the way. It's upbeat abd bustling, and the food is easily, easily the best in the city.

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Chez Pascal Restaurant
960 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906

Red Stripe
465 Angell St, Providence, RI 02906

[Mrs Carroll]

Agreed, Chez Pascal is by far my favorite. Food is amazing and service has always been top notch. Not stuffy either.

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Chez Pascal Restaurant
960 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906

[Gin n Tonic]

Driving from Wrentham to Newport and back just for dinner is a bit much, IMO. Try to make at least a half-day out of it, so you get some daylight for strolling, either in town or along the Cliff Walk. If the weather's nice, you can't beat it. There are plenty of good places to eat on the water side (west) of America's Cup Ave - 22 Bowen, The Mooring, Clark Cooke - search this board for "Newport" and you'll get a range of opinions; or treat yourselves by heading out to Castle Hill. But really, if it's just dinner and back, go to Providence.

[itryalot]

Let's close this topic; we are going to stick with Providence. Will make another trip to Newport and the Cape.

[Cucina Italiana]

I haven't dined at Red Stripe in some time(about 2 years). Last time the place was packed and the food was acceptable. The place is very loud. Nice decor. Good place for fish and chips. Newport has "22 Bowen" that is excellent - basically American Cuisine. Bristol has a great restaurant called "Persimmon" - very small - you'll need reservations well in advance, but well worth the visit. The food and the presentation are impeccable. Persimmon has French-Italian overtones, but I wouldn't call it either. IN town, the best is "Al Forno" - unfortunately, reservations are not taken, so if you're going on a weekend get there early.

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Red Stripe
465 Angell St, Providence, RI 02906

[Gin n Tonic]

Al Forno hasn't been "the best in town" for at least a decade.

[Cucina Italiana]

For the quality and preparation of food, variety of the menu, and the wine list , Al Forno still beats the overwhelming majority of restaurants in Prov.

[invinotheresverde]

Of course it's subjective, but boy do I disagree! Al Forno cruises by on a ten year old reputation.