Dinner in Providence

[cdivad1963]

I'm looking for a restaurant that would be suitable for a 13 yr old, a 23 yr old and me (48), so not a dive, but not too upscale. I see lots of Italian and seafood, but are there any decent Asian or Indian places? Anything else worth checking out? We're coming from the Boston area, so for any of you who are familiar with Boston restaurants, I'm thinking some place like Shabu-Zen or All seasons Table or Fugakyu or Elephant Walk. If Asian's not an option, anything else beyond the mainstream places? Thanks.

[Frobisher]

A few thoughts:

Rasoi on the Providence/Pawtucket line does higher end Indian. Only been once but had a great meal.

Abyssinia is an Ethopian place on the East Side.

Angkor is a Cambodian place also on the East Side. Not a dive, but not nearly as dressy as Elephant Walk.

Mosaic Latin American Bistro does up-scale Latin food in the Valley neighborhood. On our visit my wife's entree was outstanding, mine was merely ok. We went because of a groupon, not sure if we would go back without.

Ten Prime Steak and Sushi is downcity. Not in my regular rotation, but it might match your needs.

The Fez could fit the bill depending on whats on the menu at the moment. Mix of comfort food, along with some Asian and Latin inspired dishes that change regularly. Search the boards it gets mentioned a lot. Sadly their wonderful grilled cheese is now only available upstairs in the bar area.

[Garris]

A comment on the above options: Definitely consider Rasoi. It might not impress on the outside with its strip plaza location, but it's great upscale Indian-fusion food and service. Abyssinia Ethiopian is worth considering as well, but I don't think it's better than the two Boston-area options, and these individuals are coming from Boston. Mosaic is worth considering but is, as you point out, inconsistent. It's not the best location at night for someone who might not know the area as well. I would also think twice about Angkor. The food is great, but their new location off Wickenden is very small and more take-out than eat in. Ten Prime is very slick and "downtown" in style, a bit overpriced, but is upscale and may fit the OP's critieria very well. Same for the Red Fez, but I don't consider it "upscale."

Others to consider:
For sushi, consider Haruki East in Wayland Square. While not quite Fugakyu (which itself I don't think is as good as the hype), it's very solid and a decent upscale atmosphere. For Pan-Asian, very strongly consider Jackie's in downtown Providence. With its amazing skyline views and slick interior furnishings, it's one of the best atmospheres in town and its Asian cuisine is very solid, if a bit overpriced. It'll definitely appeal to all ages.

So, to summarize: Strongly consider Jackie's and Ten Prime Steak and Sushi downtown, as well as Haruki East in Wayland Square and Rasoi in Pawtucket.

[Gin n Tonic]

Not to hijack the thread, but how does the downtown Jackie's compare to the other locations in terms of quality/price? I've been to others plenty of times, as a couple are convenient locations, but it's really never anything to write home about.

To the OP, Ten Prime is expensive, and always struck me as more of a drinking scene, so I don't know how suitable it is for a 13-y.o.

[Frobisher]

Totally agree about Ten Prime - but with a drinking scene comes eye candy, which I thought might appeal to the young man.

[cdivad1963]

Thanks for all the recommendations. We ended up going to Jackie's. Food was excellent and the service was good. Was a tiny bit out of the way for January, but I would imagine in the nice weather, it would be an easy walk from the area hotels, etc. Will definitely go back next time we are in town. We also went to Red Stripe. Very different than Jackies (loud, bustling place), but had a very nice meal as well.