Great experience. Small intimate setting. Large portions. Our waitress warned us when we were…read moreattempting to put to many apps in. 6 people split 2 apps. Everyone took leftovers home. Great wine selection as well

I was expecting to be blown away considering all the amazing things I have heard about spaghetti…read morelane.. here's why I just couldn't give 5 stars.. We had a reservation for 5pm.. we arrived around 440.. to find out we couldn't sit in the "restaurant side" meanwhile there were vacant tables. We asked politely if we could just stay in that room considering it was our first time there, we were clearly for our res and didn't plan staying too long (just a quick early dinner) .. we were told no and next time to "request" that room.. oh well.. so we sat in the "cafe".. definitely not the vibe we wanted for our dinner but we still had high hopes.. it was awkward- people in and out.. standing around us getting coffee/pastries etc while we are "having dinner" however, our waitress was great, very polite, knowledgeable about their menu.. the food wasn't anything special but it was delicious!! I really wanted to LOVE this place so I will be coming back to give it another shot!

I recently went to an event at Sienna in Smithfield. This was my second event at this location and…read moreboth times were excellent. I have also eaten at their location on Atwell Avenue in Providence. It's one of my favorites on Federal Hill. The restaurant is warm and comfortable despite being in the strip mall location. The wait staff was superb and attentive and were able to keep everything straight with close to 100 people in attendance. The food served was fried calamari, which is good. It was not greasy at all, and it was crispy. A cheese pizza appetizer pizza is tasty but not really my favorite. For dinner I selected the filet mignon, which was perfection and the dessert was a tiramisu that was outstanding. I highly recommend sienna.

Items listed on website do not reflect actual restaurant menu. Service was poor from time of…read morearrival (with reservations) and wait staff. Drink order took 20+ mins, drink order took another 15 mins. Dinner ordering took another 15 min. Once good arrived any special request ( extra sauce on side) not done. Wanted to order glass of wine and 20 mins later and no wine so canceled order. Server now clearly avoiding us. Huge disappointment with this dining experience. Entrance of restaurant has no overflow to make customers feel welcome.

Absolutely fantastic experience. I lived four years in Spain and they have really nailed it. Felt…read moreat home. Did the calamari and the croquetas to start which was perfect then a paella. The croquetas were the right amount of crispy and came with really good homemade sauces. The paella was absolutely cooked to perfection. The wine menu had a great range and variety between Spanish and Portuguese wines, they really nail that. Matthew was our server, and he was awesome. He gave me and my date plenty of space but always checked in on us and made sure to give us a time check on the paella since good paella is a slow cook. We didnt have space for dessert but the dessert menu looked really good. If we didn't do the croquetas and the calamari then we could have probably done a dessert but no regrets at all. Fantastic job, OTRA!

We were in town for an event and were excited to try Otra as people who travel a lot and love…read moreSpanish food and tapas. The tapas appetizers were just ok. Everything was very plain, poorly plated, lacking in flavor and creativity. While the description sounded good, the dish itself just didn't deliver on the promise. The timing of everything throughout was also really off. We were offered complimentary bread while already eating our tapas (some of which had bread). The busser came to take one of our appetizers before we clearly were done with it. He was also often seen lost not knowing where to take food. The really disappointing part came when our entrees took 40 minutes to arrive. About 30 minutes in, I nicely explained to our waiter that we'd been waiting for a while and had an event to get to for which we needed to leave in 15 minutes. He seemed surprised and said the timing wasn't abnormal for them. He said he would see what he could do. Ten minutes later they appeared so we asked them to wrap it up to go. When our waiter brought the check instead of apologizing or having the owner/manager come over, he said "I'm sorry the timing didn't work for you." as if it were our fault. I'm sorry but waiting 40 minutes for entrees is entirely unacceptable. In fact, the large group behind us waited a very long time for the entrees and had to leave before they arrived. The owner/manager apologized to them and comped their food, but we didn't get that courtesy. When we had our entrees the next night, we hoped they would be worth the hassle, but everything was the same as the apps--bland, flavorless food that I could have easily made at home. The whole night just seemed off as the cook near the bar was often seen standing around with nothing to do and there was often very little food coming out of the kitchen. To pay over $200 for what we received was a huge disappointment and waste of money.

I attended Dolce & Salato's Coffee Day Party on May 24th. This is the incomparable chef and…read morerestauranteur Armando Bisceglia's latest venture and it hit all the right notes. The Biscotti flavored iced coffee was excellent. I was also introduced to Cornetto pastry (thank you, Lupe Aguilar). It was my first time trying the cream filled croissant and it was insanely delicious. I had the pistachio but many different flavors are available. It's located in the totally revamped Brooklyn Coffee Tea House on Douglas Avenue in Providence. I'm excited to return to this cozy cafe to try their full menu. Everything looks wonderful!

We were the first to arrive at this small, off-the-beaten-track restaurant. We found it on Yelp, it…read morehad great reviews, and an interesting menu. It's a little over a mile from Down City Providence and about the same distance from Federal Hill. It's located in a quiet neighborhood and has a small parking lot on the side of the restaurant and plenty of street parking. The restaurant has a local family feel to it; we liked the atmosphere. We were greeted by Armando, the owner and chef. He provided background information about his new restaurant and his experience as a chef in the Providence area. He also explained that the Porchetta was homemade and that he'd cook anything on the menu to our exact specifications. He'd create a dish, sandwich, combine different plates, etc. Our party of four ordered: * Porchetta & Eggs with Breakfast Potatoes $15 * French Toast with Strawberries and Whipped Cream $12 * Omelet with Breakfast Potatoes $10 * Chicken Cutlet Sandwich $16 I ordered the Porchetta & Eggs, and requested the eggs be prepared as an omelet. This dish was very tasty and nicely prepared. I also tried the fried chicken cutlet, which was hot, tasty and nicely executed. All plates were completely consumed, and all diners agreed the food was excellent. Our brunch was only $78 with tip, we thought the prices were very reasonable and the meal a great value. We look forward to our return!

This dish of pasta healed me. I was having a bad day and all I wanted was some comforting pasta. I…read morefound that at Bacaro. A friend of mine from RI told me that RI does Italian well so I came here. It was a bit loud inside so I asked to be seated outside. I enjoyed the plant enclosed outdoor section I was seated at. My server was kind and took my order quickly. I really enjoyed the fresh pasta in my pasta con i funghi. It was comforting and yummy. That is all I tried here, but I enjoyed it.

Unable to get a reservation at the legendary Al Forno, this nearby Italian restaurant was alright…read more Wood-Grilled Crispy Baby Octopus: Apparently their signature dish. The octopus body was grilled to a tender tenderness, though the tentacles were slightly charred and bitter, which is normal, but the sauce was far superior. The kale was cooked until smooth and thick, with a distinct sweetness that completely eliminated any strange vegetable taste; the white beans were also soft and creamy, adding thickness and aroma to the sauce. This sauce paired perfectly with the bread served before the meal. Pizza with Sweet Corn & Spicy Oil: In Providence, you absolutely must try grilled pizza. The waiter recommended this one, saying it was his favorite. It was the first time I'd ever had a pizza like this. The crust was thin and light, with noticeable charring, and a slightly crispy texture, which inexplicably reminded me of the Indian roti that I always had at Cantonese restaurants when I was a child. The tomatoes and corn were in season, and a touch of chili oil brought out a lively blend of sour and sweet flavors. Delicious. Bacaro's "Farmer's Salad": This was the first time I'd had a salad with snow peas, and it had a raw taste. I also tasted a hint of minty, refreshing herbal flavor, which was interesting. I searched for the ingredients but couldn't find the source, and the waiter couldn't explain it either.

you really get what you pay for here. this is a "once a year if youre lucky" kind of establishment…read more the kind you default to when its your anniversary and you really love your spouse lol. points of interest: -2 drinks got me pleasantly drunk, but not hammered. the perfect balance. -the arancini was flawless. we both marveled over how it managed to maintain its structural integrity despite being a pile of wet rice in a breaded coating. -husband completely cleared his squid ink seafood dish, leaving only soupy remains. i should have asked to take it home so i could dip a loaf of bread in it. -my pasta was crazy good. ive had so many "just ok" pasta dishes in restaurants using the same damn sysco sauce that i forgot that you can get something novel and fresh. -we both split a cheesecake at the end. perfect meal. service was awesome, as it always is. everyone is so polite and (seemingly?) unstressed to work there despite being slammed for dinner. see you next year, hopefully, pan e vino!

We recently visited Pane e Vino in Providence Rhode Island to celebrate my fiancé's father's 85th…read morebirthday, and unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing. Our server, Dwight, seemed rushed and inattentive throughout the evening. From the start, we felt like an inconvenience rather than welcomed guests. We asked if we could move to a nearby table that was already set for eight, as our current table was cramped and located in a very tight walkway where people constantly brushed past us. We were told the table was reserved, yet from the time we arrived just before 6:00 PM until we left at 8:45 PM, no one was ever seated there. It was frustrating, especially since the cramped space made our dining experience uncomfortable. Service overall was lacking. Dwight rarely checked on us, and when we tried to get his attention for drinks or assistance, he would quickly pass by before we had the chance to ask. It often felt like we were bothering him. We were not offered water, and getting additional beverages was unnecessarily difficult. The food itself was just okay, nothing memorable. When we ordered dessert and cappuccino, the cappuccino tasted like it was made with spoiled milk, but again, no one came back to check on us, so we had no opportunity to address it. The most disappointing moment was the birthday acknowledgment. We asked for a dessert with a candle to celebrate an 85th birthday, and instead received a plate with "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate, a small amount of whipped cream, and a candle. It was underwhelming and, honestly, a bit embarrassing. We would have gladly paid for a proper dessert. Jacob the busser was the only attentive one there. We have come to Pane e Vino every year for family birthdays because we've always enjoyed the atmosphere, but after this experience, we will not be returning.

Stopped in at TR Ginger / Trattoria Express for a quick lunch while craving a good salad, and they…read moredefinitely delivered with a great selection. As with any trattoria, the bread and olive oil are a must--and it was absolutely heavenly. Honestly, I could've made a meal out of just that. I ordered the chef salad, which was exactly as described: generous in size and loaded with meats and cheese. It was fresh, filling, and hit the spot. The bartender was friendly and attentive, and the space itself is bright and open--making it a really pleasant place for lunch. A great option when you want something quick but still satisfying.

We live close to Trattoria Express so I've been here a few times now. Each time I feel as though…read moreit's been just okay. The restaurant itself is beautiful. I love the decor, deli, and the bar. It's a nice addition but I feel as though it does make the restaurant a little cramped. I stopped in last night with my partner and my dad. We had Ryan for a waiter and I think he was spread a little too thin as I had seen him behind the bar the whole night. He was by no means rude and clearly busy but it definitely seemed as though he didn't check in as much as he could have. As for the food itself it's always been nice. Not stellar and by far not my favorite Italian places but serviceable. The prices are borderline reasonable to pricey, with my meal being $25. I would say $25 is a little steep for two pieces of chicken. However, the portions are gracious enough to leave you full but not bursting and the food always does taste fresh. My Chicken Sorrentino was good but I didn't get a lot of prosciutto which was disappointing. I'll keep coming here because it's close but if you want amazing Italian food try Federal Hill in Providence.

This place is an absolute GEM! You sense that the owners give their hearts, blood and tears for…read morethis business. The sandwiches are perfection- amazing bread, quality ingredients, perfectly dressed! I would have lunch here every day if I could. Run. Dont walk. wow

The first thing you notice about the pizza at Il Fico is that it makes noise…read more A lot of noise. The kind of crunch that makes you stop chewing, look at the slice in your hand, and wonder how something so crispy on the outside can be so impossibly tender and chewy on the inside. The second thing you need to know is that it took Lauren and me three visits to actually get some of it. Apparently, great pizza has a waiting period. Nobody told us. Giovanni and Jenny Marzano opened Il Fico on Atwood Avenue in Johnston this April. Jenny wanted to recreate the feeling of a café she knew in Rome, while Giovanni brought his passion for bread and Roman-style pizza, making the dough himself and giving it 24 hours to rise. Opening an Italian place in Johnston is a little like opening a seafood restaurant in Galilee. You'd better know what you're doing. The locals have been eating the good stuff for generations, and they're not easily impressed. The first time we went, they were closed. The second time, they were open but out of pizza. That second one isn't carelessness. Giovanni makes only so much each day, and when it's gone, it's gone. The menu actually asks for your understanding. We'd already been understanding twice. I appreciate a man who knows that good dough doesn't care about your schedule. Even when it's mine. Tonight, the pizza was there. So were we. And what a place to finally get it. On the wall, a glowing sign reads: "You may have the universe if I may have Italy." After spending some time here, I can understand the argument. Il Fico is modeled on the neighborhood markets of Italy, where getting something to eat doesn't necessarily mean sitting down for a full meal. Stop for an espresso. Pick up something for dinner. Have a glass of wine. Browse the imported treats. Stay awhile. Or, for those of us whose priorities are arranged correctly, eat some tremendous pizza. And this pizza deserves your attention. It's Roman-style, rectangular, five dollars a slice. We ordered the tomato pie, the cheese, and the pepperoni. They arrived on a wooden board looking like they'd just survived a serious argument with a very hot oven. Bright red sauce. Pools of melted mozzarella. Pepperoni curled into little cups. And char. Plenty of char. Before taking a bite, turn a slice over. The underside is gorgeous. Golden brown deepening into mahogany, with an even, beautifully toasted surface that looks almost too gorgeous to be hiding underneath everything. Then bite. CRUNCH. Not a crackle. Not a polite suggestion of crispiness that some pizzas offer before surrendering immediately. A serious, audible, glorious crunch. And then the crust does something wonderful. It gives you an astonishing amount of chew, just enough to remind you that you're eating real bread. But inside, it's extraordinarily soft and light, with big, irregular pockets of air separated by delicate strands of dough. There's a remarkable amount of structure holding up something that feels almost weightless. Crunchy. Chewy. Soft. Light. All in the same bite. That is not an easy trick. The sauce is just as impressive. Rich tomato flavor, with oregano stepping forward and knowing exactly when to stop. The cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, the char adds a little depth, and every component seems to know its place. Nobody's fighting for the spotlight. The pepperoni was delicious, with those curled cups holding their own pools of orange oil. But here's the interesting part. My favorites were the tomato pie and the cheese. And I think that's about the highest compliment you can pay a pizzamaker. Giovanni doesn't need anywhere to hide. The simplest slices were the ones I kept coming back to. When the foundation is this, you don't need much else. And, Il Fico is considerably more than pizza. The rest of the menu deserves its own visit. Sandwiches come on house-baked bread, with combinations like mortadella, burrata, and pistachio pesto, or porchetta with smoked mozzarella and Calabrian chili. All twelve sandwiches are named for women. I don't know who they are yet. That's a question for next time. I had a bottle of MoleCola, an Italian cola in a distinctive black glass bottle, because apparently even my soda wanted to be part of the bit. The sign out front lists six things Il Fico does: pizza, deli, kitchen, café, bar, gelato. Six good reasons to visit. But the pizza is the one we drove back for. Some pizzas make an impression before you taste them. This one makes noise. And what follows is even better. If you haven't been to Il Fico yet, put it on your list. There's a really wonderful little slice of Italy waiting for you on Atwood Avenue.