Cafe Nuovo is such a nice restaurant in PVD, but our recent experience was disappointing. We had a reservation on Sat, June 20th at 7:15 PM and were seated outside, great views of the water and warm weather. Our server was friendly and took our drink order right away. Unfortunately, the service quickly started to dissipate. We were told another server would also be helping but we didn't see anyone else for quite some time. It took about 15 minutes just to receive food menus. After ordering appetizers, the bread and olive oil arrived first, but no plates were provided for us to use. We had to ask for them, and even then it took a while before they arrived and only came out because the appetizers were coming out. The biggest issue was the wait for our food. We placed our dinner order around 7:45 PM and didn't receive our food until after 9:00 PM. By then, we weren't even that hungry anymore. We were considering canceling our order and leaving because we had planned our evening around attending PVD Pride festivities and ended up missing the parade entirely due to the delay from the kitchen. To our server's credit she did apologize and explain that the kitchen was backed up, possibly due to a private event that night. However, it would have been nice to know that info earlier. Knowing there would be such a delay would have allowed us to make an informed decision rather than spending over an hour waiting. The food was good when it finally arrived, but at that point we had to rush through dinner to salvage the rest of our evening. What was most disappointing was that no one from management stopped by to acknowledge the delay or offer any gesture of apology for the inconvenience. Cafe Nuovo has always been a favorite of ours but this visit was frustrating from start to finish and fell below the level of service we're used to there. read more

Cafe Nuovo - Boneless Short Rib - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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I had a great experience at Café Nuovo in Providence with my friend. Pee usual, I began with a classic Old Fashioned, which was well balanced and a great way to start the evening. It was followed by the shrimp cocktail, which was fresh, chilled perfectly, and exactly what you hope for from a classic appetizer. For the entrée, I ordered the filet mignon, and it was excellent. Cooked perfectly and incredibly tender, it was a simple dish done really well, letting the quality of the steak speak for itself. Overall, the experience at Café Nuovo was smooth, enjoyable, and well paced. Great food, a refined atmosphere, and the kind of place that makes for a really nice night out in Providence. read more

Cafe Nuovo - Filet Mignon* - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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We had an incredible meal during restaurant week at Cafe Nuovo. From the moment we walked in the ambiance was lovely and every staff member was overly attentive to our table and needs! I ordered the tomato soup and to no surprise it was 10/10 with the goat cheese crostini. Main meals were also good and large portions for a pre fix restaurant week menu. I'll dream about the beef tenderloin for months to come. My sister enjoyed her cacio e Pepe as well but the tenderloin was the star. No one can go wrong with a personal and delicious lava cake. We will absolutely be back. read more

Cafe Nuovo - Lava cake - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Cafe Nuovo has always been a favorite. However, it is deserving of a truly phenomenal compliment to everyone there for the fantastic service, menu, and food quality during restaurant week. Why? Short and to the point: the service - 5 stars the Caesar Salad - 5 stars; the creamy tomato soup - 5 stars; the salmon entree with a honey butternut puree, crispy fingerlings, braised swiss chard with pancetta, and chili crisp- 5 stars; the pot of mousse and the chocolate lava cake desserts - 5 stars. It just could not get any better than that level of perfection. read more

My first visit to Cafe Nuovo was mostly a very positive, posh feeling experience with a couple small disappointments. I was told valet would be available but they were nowhere to be found. Our server, Leo, was friendly and pitched the specials in such an upbeat and interesting way. He was phenomenally attentive and I swear he had ears everywhere - when I got up for the restroom, I came back to my napkin folded, my water glass was always being refilled (and I drink a lot of water with dinner), and at one point I was saying I wish he hadn't taken my appetizer plate away because I would've nibbled on the remaining apps....before I knew it, a clean appetizer plate was in front of me - seriously, what!? Insane level of attention, and he seemed to genuinely enjoy his job! (Sorry about the plate comment ) 10/5 stars for service!! I was surprised to see such a short cocktail list (only 4 or 5 options). My sangria-esque drink was tasty but didn't seem too boozy. Only taking off 1 star because I had been looking forward to the cacio e pepe for a full 24 hours, and I really hardly ever dislike a pasta dish, but this one was just overly cheesy and way too salty, it was hard to eat more than a few bites (this is shocking coming from this Mac n cheese addict!) Very disappointed in the entree but the apps were great (roasted peanuts with fried cauliflower is genius!), and desserts were unique and tasty and presented beautifully. Worth a trip, but maybe more of an apps/drinks/desserts spot for me personally. I'd be interested to see the river view in the summer or in daylight, for a winter dinner it was still great to gaze out the window at the lights on the river but I suspect it does not give the full incredible effect! High end location and service, entrees need a little less sodium to be pleasant. read more

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Trendy, fashionable, and contemporary setting and vibe. Service is very nice and the food is well-executed. I was there for a company function and enjoyed excellent canapés of crispy tuna maki rolls, shrimp tempura, and veal pot stickers; as well as a raw bar of oysters, and clams on the half-shell; and shrimp cocktail. For the sit-down portion of the event, I had: a pleasant Bibb lettuce salad with sliced apples, walnuts, and a mild Gorgonzola; and a roasted chicken with roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, carrots, potatoes) - very nice, chicken skin crispy and flavorful pan gravy, though a touch on the salty side. For dessert I had a sorbet with fresh berries with an excellent cup of coffee. I will plan on returning with my family! read more

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My husband and I went to dinner here while visiting Providence and can't say enough about it. We both had fish - coming from CO, we always get fish when we can get it fresh! I got the Sea Bass and may have been the best Sea Bass I've ever had! Flaky, tender, perfectly cooked and the sides complimented and made the fish shine! The wine we had to accompany the meal was amazing and then, of course, there was dessert. We had the house made sorbet. The atmosphere was elegant and not stuffy, the staff was super friendly and willing to make suggestions (and they were right on the money). Quiet, beautiful and delicious - a perfect date night! read more

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Went to Cafe Nuovo in Providence back in September 2024 with a few colleagues and wow it did not disappoint (it was sooo delicious.) We sat outside along the river and the fall weather made it a magical Providence kind of meal. The service was fantastic, and the food was next-level. Two of my colleagues are vegan and the chef went above and beyond by preparing them a special aglio e olio (I think that's what it was?) ... simple, elegant, and apparently amazing because my buddy Tom wouldn't stop talking about it for the rest of the week. I had the most delicious scallops perfectly seared and served over a rich pumpkin puree with a corn and tomato salsa... Pic attached! Cafe Nuovo nails that upscale but not stuffy vibe and it's definitely a spot I'll keep coming back to for special dinners or whenever I want to impress someone with Providence's food scene. read more

Cafe Nuovo - Scallops with pumpkin puree and tomato/corn salsa - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Very busy restaurant, although tables are too close and waiters had difficulty maneuvering around our table of 8, especially if customers were coming in and out. Hard working staff, very friendly, but a little slow especially when we first sat down waiting for a server. Ordered the short rib and let's talk about the creative presentation, although it was delicious with a fair serving. A lil' pricey and good for a special occasion. Would be awesome view if you can get a reservation when there's a Waterfire. read more

Cafe Nuovo - Short rib, carrots and whipped potatoes? - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

This is a long review, but that's because this was a true dining experience from beginning to end and I genuinely felt it deserved the detail. There were simply too many thoughtful touches and standout moments not to mention. We recently celebrated my wife's birthday with family at this restaurant, and the entire experience was first class from beginning to end. Originally, I made the reservation through their website/OpenTable integration, but because we had multiple family dinners planned over several days for her birthday weekend, I had to change the reservation more than once. Each time I called directly, the staff could not have been more accommodating. No attitude, no hassle -- just "no problem" and they took care of it immediately. When we arrived, the manager, Vincent, greeted me by name at the door and welcomed us in personally. That level of attention immediately stood out. He seated us at a beautiful table overlooking the canal. Even without WaterFire that evening, the view against the window was absolutely stunning. I also want to mention that they offer valet service. We didn't use it during this visit, but with the seasons changing and plans to return, we will definitely be taking advantage of it next time. Our server, Tyroll, was exceptional. He greeted us immediately, offered still or sparkling water, and brought out a chilled bottle of sparkling water along with fresh bread without us even asking. The focaccia was outstanding. He guided us through the menu perfectly -- making recommendations, answering questions, and pacing everything beautifully. For appetizers we had: * Two orders of Clams Casino * Two arugula salads with pine nuts, currants, shaved parmesan, and an incredible dressing * Shrimp & Chorizo, which was absolutely outstanding Honestly, everything was outstanding from the start. All you could hear at our table were the "ohs" and "ahs" as everyone tasted each dish. After the appetizers, they even brought warm lemon water with towels so we could clean our hands -- another classy touch. For dinner: * Chilean Sea Bass with miso beurre blanc, bok choy, Peruvian peppers & cucumber chutney * Braised short rib with smashed creamer potatoes, parmesan garlic broccoli, carrots, braising jus, and a side of risotto * Grilled salmon with haricots verts, dill buttermilk potatoes, lemon garlic oil, and caper onion agrodolce * Filet mignon over creamy scalloped potatoes and sautéed spinach with bordelaise sauce served around the plate exactly as requested Every single entrée was cooked perfectly and beautifully presented. Dessert somehow elevated the evening even further. My wife had the crème brûlée, which was phenomenal. I ordered a special blueberry muffin-style dessert with mousse and ice cream that was incredible. Then, for her birthday, they brought out a Pot de Mousse dessert featuring dark and white chocolate mousse, raspberry and mango coulis, and cappuccino tartufo. Nobody planned on ordering it, but once it hit the table my aunt and I completely devoured it. What impressed me most was that nothing felt forced or overly scripted. The service felt genuine, polished, and thoughtful throughout the entire evening. This wasn't just a great dinner -- it was an experience. Thank you to Vincent, Tyroll, and the entire staff for making my wife's birthday truly memorable. We will absolutely be back. read more

Make reservations for prime dining dates and times. No complaints from anyone in our party of 9 about food, service, etc. Seating at the restaurant was tight and meals are pricey. read more

Cafe Nuovo - sea bass - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The food and service were fantastic! I highly recommend the lamb shank. The Winter Prix Fix is a bargin

Food was high quality, however slightly overvalued from a price perspective. Great service. read more

To start I will say I had probably the best fish dish I have ever eaten full stop at Cafe Nuovo. It was their Chilean Sea Bass prepared with coconut scented jasmine rice, bok choy, citrus segments, and yuzu-miso beurre blanc. It was so delicious, the seasoning was perfect, the exterior was crispy, and the interior was flaky and cooked perfectly. I'm still dreaming about it. I also tried the duck pappardelle which was delicious as well. While the food was outstanding the service was a total hot mess. Long story short it took about 45 minutes to place an order for drinks and food, then the order was lost and we got a new waiter, and all said and done we got our entrees over an hour and a half after sitting down. I am a firm believer though in chatting with the manager while you are there vs just leaving a review afterwards when the manager can't do anything about it. The manager did stop by our table to ask how things were going and we explained the situation to him. He said he'd take care of it. I honestly just felt better to be heard, but he comped all of our entrees. Which was totally above and beyond what I would have expected. It shows how much they care here about making things right. For this reason I look forward to visiting here again instead of writing them off. Another big plus is that they offer a complimentary valet service so you don't have to worry about finding a parking spot. Overall it must have just been an off service night, the food was amazing, and they care about your experience here. read more

Cafe Nuovo - chocolate dessert - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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I've passed by Cafe Nuovo numerous times and always see lots of people inside. I was so excited to finally have a chance to experience a meal at Cafe Nuovo. The wait was worth it! I made a reservation through OpenTable earlier in the week for Friday at 5:00pm. I checked in with the host and coat check was offered. We were brought to our table and was asked what type of water we wanted and was brought the drink menu. I ordered one of their cocktails that was listed as blueberry hill, but the server asked if it was okay with strawberry instead of blueberry. I said that was completely fine since I prefer strawberry over blueberry anyways. The drink had Prosecco and strawberry. It was really bubbly and tasted good. We decided to go with their Restaurant Weeks Menu running from January 8 - January 20, 2024. We were able to choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert. After ordering, we were brought a bread basket and oil. The focaccia was warm and soft and with the oil, it was soooo good. I had their glazed crispy cauliflower, beef tenderloin risotto, and creme brûlée. My husband had the shaved Brussels sprouts salad, boneless short rib, and pot of mousse. WOW! We both enjoyed our meal so much and was surprised by the portion sizes. The appetizers could have served 2 people instead of just 1. The beef tenderloin risotto was very flavorful and beef tenderloin was very tender. I could't finish this entree and had to pack it to go. The desserts stole the show. It was so scrumptious. The presentation and the flavors of the dishes were succulent. Service was very professional and genuine. They really ensure you have a great time and everything meets your needs. There were only one other table occupied when we arrived, but when we left there were many more tables occupied. Cafe Nuovo is on the pricier side, but definitely worth it for the quality and quantity. The restaurant week menu was $52.00 prior to tax and tip. I can't wait to come back again. The main room was cozy and elegant. read more

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We ate dinner here, the night of WaterFire (GREAT seats right on the river). To start with, the service was amazing (the best part really). Our waiter was friendly, kind, and very helpful (snuck us in without a reservation). He was attentive but not overbearing. We thought it was very sweet that he knew we were back and forth on a few appetizers, and brought us out one on his own, as a surprise, while we finished deciding. For our meal, we ordered a bunch of apps to share and all were very tasty!! For appetizers we tried the spicy watermelon roll, roasted cauliflower, burrata with watermelon, escargots, crispy sushi (yellowfin tuna), and tenderloin carpaccio. The spicy watermelon roll, crispy sushi, and tenderloin carpaccio were the absolute standouts. Both taste and presentation 10/10. The fish and the meat were VERY fresh, and both had unique flavors that blended together perfectly. The only dish we thought was "average" (that we could find at any restaurant) and wouldn't order again would be the cauliflower. For dessert we ordered the NY style cheesecake- which was one of the best cheesecakes I've had. The walnut graham cracker crust, apple jelly, maple chantilly, and candied walnut together was an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Not to mention, the dish itself looked like a work of art. I would 100% come back to this restaurant again; highly recommend it. read more

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I went to dinner with a client and their family this evening. First- the food was AMAZING. All of it. Delicious escargot, oysters Rockefeller, duck pappardelle... all of it was delicious. Then, the service. Our party had one person in a wheelchair, and it can often be difficult to find places that can physically accommodate the chair at tables. The staff worked with us to make sure that the chair could be in a good spot. Our server, Jayne, was particularly attentive. She was quick to provide refills, and even offered alternatives for silver ware that might be more helpful. Her kindness and attention was genuinely appreciated. The restaurant itself was quiet and spacious, which was wonderful and allowed us to talk across our table without shouting. I simply can't say enough about how great this experience was- thank you!! read more

The food is good, great service and lovely views of the gondolas floating by. Definitely give Cafe Nuovo a try but you need reservations as it gets busy. They often host wedding receptions, too. read more

Dined here for my birthday. I like to come for the Stuffed Rigatoni. It's truly a decadent dish both in presentation and flavors!! read more

Cafe Nuovo - Stuffed Rigatoni - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Wow - we had the most exceptional experience at Cafe Nuovo! It was our first time visiting and the staff was so attentive, friendly, made great suggestions and made sure we had the best time. We dined inside but next time I will opt for the outdoor patio along the river because that has a front row seat to the WaterFire basins and the gondola rides. From the house favorite Crispy Sushi appetizer, to the entrees and desserts - everything was dished table side for the most elegant experience. We can't wait to come back! read more

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Our last visit to Cafe Nuovo was excellent. The service, the food and the ambiance, were all really good. We got a nice inside table overlooking the river, so we could enjoy the view without being too windy nor too cold. Our waiter was very polite, knowledgeable and attentive. Every time my glass of water was less than half full, he would refill it....without asking. We all got several items and I really don't need to break down the individual experiences because all of them were great. Grilled Salmon, Boneless short ribs, Duck Pappardelle, Veal stuffed rigatoni...all delicious. The bread basket we got at the beginning of the meal was plentiful and the bread was warm. Café Nuovo's new world cuisine is a fusion of flavors from around the globe. Each creation combines a distinctive balance of components, skillfully prepared and spectacularly plated. They rely on a carefully curated network of the most reliable growers and purveyors, strung from local farms to exotic markets, so they can bring the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients. They enhance the natural goodness of those ingredients with lightly infused stocks and subtle essences rather than mask them with heavy creams or butter. Hawaiian sea bass, El Rey Venezuelan chocolate, Hereford beef, Maytag blue, Denver lamb chops, Epiros feta, Niman Ranch short ribs, heirloom tomatoes, Broken Arrow Ranch antelope, as well as organic and petite vegetables, are just some of the adventurous harvest this wonderful restaurant brings to their tables each season. The casually elegant Café Nuovo, at the Gondola Landing on Providence's Riverwalk, has been unabashedly singled out by the Providence Journal as Rhode Island's contribution to "world-class" dining. And they are right. The dining experience is top notch. Being on the riverwalk, this is a favorite restaurant to watch the Waterfire....you could seat outside or even by the window inside and admire the brazier flames burst in yellows, golds and oranges. Café Nuovo reinvents itself with each new culinary creation. So, expect the unexpected...salads arranged as centerpieces, entrees making grand entrances, desserts that dazzle...a culinary delight. read more

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After visiting Cafe Nuovo on a trip of the East Coast, I can honestly say that it was my favorite meal of the year thus far. Upon entering the restaurant, I was already impressed - the ambiance and interior design is sleek and upscale, and the service was extremely attentive and efficient. Our waiter had recommended the Red and Golden Beet Salad to us, and we couldn't have agreed with his recommendation more - the beets were almost buttery in their taste, but the acidity from the arugula and the sharp creaminess of the goat cheese cut through the smoothness of the beets. Additionally, the added crunch and tang from the granny smith apples as well as the tartness from the red wine/grape emulsion really enhanced the dish, showcasing a range of flavors that I've never had in a beet salad - or just any salad in general. We shared two entrees - the Artichoke Tagliatelle and the Braised Lamb Shank. The Artichoke Tagliatelle was so rich and creamy, with perfectly cooked al-dente pasta, a deeply-flavored mushroomy sauce, and almost meaty artichokes. Oftentimes, artichokes can be too briny in flavor, but these were perfect - they only served to offer a brilliant contrast to the richness of the sauce. Lastly, the lamb shank - it was absolutely exquisite. The restaurant gives you a generous portion - our party of two couldn't finish the enormous lamb shank, but we did our best. The lamb is braised for six hours in a San Marzano tomato-based sauce, so by the time it is served, it is savory, sweet, and fork-tender, practically falling off the bone. The orzo that it is served atop is cooked to perfection, soaking up all the flavors of the braising sauce, and the toasted orzo on top adds a nice crunch to contrast the tenderness of the lamb. The acidity from the Parmigiano Reggiano and the herbs on top really just completes the dish. We were so full from our meal that we couldn't have possibly ordered dessert, but the desserts served to the surrounding tables looked divine, and I'm looking forward to our next visit when we can try them. Cafe Nuovo is on the pricier side, but for a fine dining restaurant with such amazing dishes, the prices are completely merited. Everything about our dining experience, from the food to the service to the ambiance, was top-notch, and I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the area! read more

Cafe Nuovo - Braised Lamb Shank (front), Artichoke Tagliatelle (back) - not pictured: Red and Golden Beets - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

From start to finish we had an evening of superb service. We were seated outside with the river view. My Dad and Hubs are fancy food guys, I'm not but we all enjoyed everything, from apps to dessert. read more

Fabulous place! We went for a 50th wedding anniversary in the private ballroom. The food was excellent and I was surprised to see how large the filet mignon was! Even the salad prior to the entree hit the spot. Everyone I dealt with on the waitstaff was incredibly professional and helpful. I ordered the creme brulee for dessert and it was the funkiest-looking creme brulee I'd ever had! Delicious of course but they got bonus points for the presentation. All around it was a wonderful special night in the glorious city of Providence. read more

Cafe Nuovo - Filet mignon - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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I come here exclusively for their crème brûlées and their short rib and mash. It is so tender and delicious. My only complaint is there is not more of it in one serving! Their mash is very creamy and good flavor and the meat comes with a sauce that pairs with the mash perfectly. Their crème brûlées are not in dishes so you can take them to go without destroying them which is nice for take out options. read more

We had a great table on Valentine's Day dining with another couple with a window view. Brian was fantastic with a "pre-game" cocktail. Hannah did an amazing job with service giving advice and providing a wonderful experience with the rest of the staff. Rigatoni was amazing, pork chop was perfectly moist, bolognese was more tasty with every bite, but I'm biased and lucky I had the most perfectly cooked sea bass I've had in a while. Not only was the sear on point, the fish inside melted in my mouth. Under this blissful sea bass was a sublime butter sauce that combined with the jasmine rice and complimented this superb dish. Desserts were fantastic as were the cocktails. Thank you all for such a memorable experience! read more

Gorgeous restaurant with delicious food. We came here for restaurant week and I'm glad we did. We ordered the beef tenderloin risotto and boneless short rib; however, it was the dessert and the crispy sushi roll that stood out. The Crispy Sushi was not included in restaurant week but it's one of their signature items so we had to try it and it was amazing. We had heard a lot about the dessert at Cafe Nuovo and now I know why. In fact, it was so good I would come back again just to get dessert. The experience was relaxing, we didn't feel rushed and the staff was very efficient. read more

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hard to find the front doors when you walk to the place lol and then the entrance seems like a business building but then the actual restaurant is very cute. came for restaurant weeks and they did not skimp. i felt fine dined and treated and took home leftovers. server was chill and it was a comfortable two hour experience. their salmon tartar is like really good, like really fresh and clean. and things are perfectly salted. i feel like some of these finer prov spots don't salt things enough because they want you to taste the salt meat or taste the dish. but i personally think a good chef seasons and salts right. chicken was so tender a butter knife cut it and short rib could be eaten with just a fork. would def come back. read more

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This was my first time here and first time to RI. It was close to my hotel so I walked but I seemed a little underdressed as it was a nicer restaurant and great for date night or work dinners. It was quiet busy for a Tuesday night with the patio full and the dining room with only a few tables. Ambiance was nice and patio is along the water. I sat at the bar and started with a glass of wine. They had a lot of by the bottle options, seemed like we gone east ordering vodka martinis though. The bartender was nice and has worked there since 2011. He knew the menu well and also explained the specials for the day. They offer complimentary bread and olives . I got the chopped salad which is kinda a Greek salad but no Romain lettuce. It was good and refreshing but needs salt and paper. For entree I got one of the specials, shrimp and chipotle pasta. It was like a southwest pasta, was really good! Had scallions, corn tomatoes and crispy tortillas chips on top. read more

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The food and service are wonderful. The restaurant however is just very noisy. Still one of our favorites!

Date night with my wife. We have been here before and had a great meal. All the C19 guidelines were followed. I made reservations for outside seating on Open Table. We got seated and was greeted by Leo our server. So pleasant and friendly. 1st let me say the bread and oil is the best around! Salt, pepper, oil, red pepper flakes, parm cheese! Sometimes my favorite part of the meal. We decided to get tue short rib app with cheesy grits. Delicious! My wife got the salmon which had a sweet potato puree and was crusted... she said it was amazing! I ordered the lamb shank and a side of lemon rissoto. The lamb.... fall off the bone good! Amazing flavor the orzo was also great. The lemon rissoto.... whoa baby!! So great and fresh tasting... just great! It was restaurant week so they offered a free dessert with an entree purchase, but we declined as we were very full. Great seating by the water and super service, a PVD staple for sure. Stop by.... ask for Leo! read more

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Excellent service and food. Beautiful ambiance. Central location. Must visit if in area. read more

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This place had really good food and drinks. We started with oysters, which were really fresh. I ordered their special, which was the swordfish wellington. It was such a unique dish and was very surprising. It came with potatoes, kale, and cauliflower with a horseradish buttter sauce. I ordered a couple of drinks, which were cava, white wine, and an espresso martini. The drinks were good too. Overall the food was 10/10, but the service and ambiance felt a bit stuffy. The people that went were a bit judgmental. We overheard several comments from guests and our server discuss the appearance of one of the people in my group in a negative way. There are probably other places with great food and better service / people. read more

Cafe Nuovo - Swordfish wellington - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Overpriced and terrible server would be the title of my review if Yelp had titles. The evening started off fine with the valet then the friendly host. We were there to celebrate both my birthday and partake in Providence Restaurant Week. We made reservations on Open Table stating we were there for a birthday and a table with a view is always appreciated. The restaurant was half full on a weeknight and we were sat at a two top in the middle of open tables and other two person parties all at four+ tables. My husband asked the host if we could move and he made that happen shortly thereafter. We get seated at our new four top table and meet our server who was incredibly unfriendly and checked out. Never asked how our food was. Never brought up birthday celebration, so I thought he never read the reservation. I was wrong. At the end of the dinner when bringing the check, he asked whose birthday it was. I said mine and so he gave the bill to my husband. No laughs, no wishes, no thank you, nothing. He was horrible and quite frankly ruined the evening. The food was okay. Not great. Very small portions for the apps and main dish. We both ordered the vegan bowl which had a whole four ingredients. The dishes came missing the enoki mushrooms. We had to ask for those. They came out later in a small dish. Raw. Probably supposed to be cooked with the rest of the dish. No apologies. We ordered two glasses of nice whiskey pre dinner. I'm not sure the pours we're even an ounce each. Poor service and lackluster meals means we won't be back. read more

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For me it was just okay. I came with a friend for a restaurant week and I didn't find anything terribly impressive. I ended up getting the lamb shank and it was a bit underdone to my taste. It's in a very impressive building and the seating area itself is nice with lots of space and good views. The bathroom is clean They have valet parking And there is street parking. Service was prompt at times and very slow at others. I think they were just experiencing the typical issues that came with the pandemic Price is a bit high for the value of the food. I'm glad I came here but I don't think I would come back read more

Café Nuovo is delicious! Very fun restaurant, possibly underrated! The only bad experience I've had (reason for the 4 stars) is that the linguine was way way way over salted, almost inedible. I had a few bites and thought about returning it. Otherwise the carpaccio, tartare, and dessert were delicious and perfect! read more

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Delicious food! Had the short rib entree and crispy sushi appetizer. My wife had the burrata and a gluten free pasta dish with artichokes. Everything was excellent and the service was on point. read more

Cafe Nuovo - Boneless Short Rib - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Foods 5/5 Service 5/5 Cleanliness 5/5 Atmosphere 5/5 Valet parking is free and preferred since it is the closest parking. Valet service are professional and very friendly. Hostess greets you and seats you quickly. We were seated outside, amazing view! Felt like we were in France. Waite staff are friendly and professional and knows their food. We ordered the short ribs, Cesar salad, risotto, and a bottle of wine. Food and drinks were excellent. The atmosphere were peaceful, our night were romantic and lively. The price is about $$$, but well worth the quality. I'd rather have quality over quantity even during these inflation times. Just don't go out to eat often, but when you do, go for the quality stuff you can't make at home. Highly recommend for a romantic night, date, or celebration. I will be back for another romantic night. read more

Excellent dinner at Cafe Nuovo! Seems like a odd location as it is in a office building---- but once you are in the ambiance is amazing. We sat outside which was lovely along the providence water fire River. Service was excellent--- attentive but not overbearing. I wish I remembered our waiters name as he deserves kudos! (He had glasses) Menu has something for everyone and everything was bursting with flavor. Escargot was different--- in sort of a cream sauce but was excellent. Salmon tartar was different with capers and homemade chips-- but great twist. Lamb chops were fantastic. Had a sort of rosemary taste and prepared perfectly. Crème brûlée--- best I have ever had. It was also a little different-- more creamy than custard like. Presentation was fantastic on all dishes. A little pricey but worth it! My favorite part of the experience was when we were leaving and the valet attendant actually ran to get our car!!!!! This mattered to me as he went above and beyond and that is not always the case these days. Thumbs up Cafe Nuovo! Best service I have experienced in a long time! read more

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While this review is with a critical eye, I want to start off saying this was a good meal. Café Nuovo is nicely located near the train station, right where the Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck Rivers merge. It is beautiful, and if you have the chance to dine outdoors, take the opportunity. While it a solidly good meal, what brought this to 4 stars was the service. I believe the gentleman who served me was named Justin (or something that starts with a J) - tall, clean-cut, slender, Caucasian guy who recently started working at the restaurant. He was conversational and never skipped a beat to ensure I was taken care of. Also, he provided me some suggestions for places to tour and eat throughout Providence. He took the extra mile with the service. I did a starter, main, and dessert with a glass of German Starling Castle Riesling. Brussels sprouts with goat cheese crema, crispy bacon, polenta crouton, balsamic glaze. This was a pretty classic preparation. While some have a philosophy of cooking Brussel sprouts to mush, I liked that the cooked Brussel sprouts retained some texture. The polenta croutons were creative in concept, lacking in execution. They were oddly cold and didn't blend with the overall temperature of the dish. Bacon was crispy. Goat cheese crema added a tang to the dish. But really the star that elevated the dish was an ingredient not listed in the menu, pickled roasted red peppers. An impromptu move from the kitchen, but it paid off. It complemented the goat cheese crema, balsamic glaze, and gave more life to the sprouts. Chilean sea bass with saffron and charred fennel broth, spinach, creamer potatoes, roasted garlic butter. Another classic preparation. The Chilean sea bass was seared perfectly with a golden crust and sear. The broth was light, bright, and yet had a nice body to it. It reminded me of a light bouillabaisse or a Japanese seafood broth. It complemented the Chilean sea bass' boldness nicely. The spinach and potatoes cooked well and seemed pretty standard, but at times were an afterthought when all you can think about was that Chilean sea bass. The quality of the dish wouldn't change if the spinach and potatoes weren't there. I think the potatoes and spinach would have been more successful if maybe they were cooked in the broth or in a way that integrated more with the broth. Toasted corn cake & dark chocolate ganache with tarragon gel, chocolate crumble, caramel corn, lime foam, chili sweet corn sherbet. As this caught my eye on the menu, this deserved top marks for being creative and audacious. In execution, the components tasted good, but the components did not come together. The toasted corn cake was moist. The ganache was smooth. The chocolate crumble complemented the ganache and sherbet. But there are a lot of strong flavors on the dish: tarragon, chocolate, lime, and chili. The tarragon and lime in particular were very strong. When any other ingredient was combined with either the tarragon or lime, the tarragon and lime took over. I think this dessert would benefit with taming the tarragon and taking out the lime. Café Nuovo is a foundation of good cooking with potential that can do more. If you're looking for an upscale, yet straightforward place, Café Nuovo would be it. read more

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