Cafe Nuovo

Fine dining restaurant · Downtown

Cafe Nuovo

Fine dining restaurant · Downtown

1

One Citizens Plaza, Providence, RI 02903

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Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
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Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
Cafe Nuovo by null
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Highlights

Nestled by the water, this gem serves exquisite global fare in a chic setting, perfect for memorable celebrations and al fresco dining.  

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One Citizens Plaza, Providence, RI 02903 Get directions

cafenuovo.com
@cafenuovo

$$$$$$$ · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

One Citizens Plaza, Providence, RI 02903 Get directions

+1 401 421 2525
cafenuovo.com
@cafenuovo

$$$$$$$ · Menu

Reserve

Features

dine in
takeout
delivery
wifi
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
reservations required
outdoor seating

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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Mike Boyer

Google
This is a rare case where I wish I could give a sixth star! Service was impeccable, drinks were well prepared and delectable, and our appetizer and entrees were beautiful, flavorful, Michelin star presentable and delicious. They accommodated a large group (14+) with grace. Additional servers lent our waiter and runner additional support so everyone was getting drinks and food at the same time.

C T

Google
the atmosphere itself is nice, beautiful for our lovely city, but the dishes lacked flavor. The presentation was nice, but again it lacked flavor. I don't know if it is because of my diverse background and also having traveled as well as going to many restaurants in RI that have more flavor, but that is my opinion. our waiter was extremely kind and the service was great, but the food could use a little more seasoning. drinks were good, so I do recommend that as well as the view. I was hoping to get more out of going there based on the photos but the flavor definitely was lacking, sadly :(

Cory Williams

Google
Had an excellent birthday dinner. Food was on point. Nice atmosphere inside. May try outdoor seating next time as it looked amazing. I couldnt stop picking at the remnants of the lamb shank after getting home. Im still thinking about the Crispy Sushi and the Creme Brulee too. Will definitely be back. Host/server/staff all helped make a memorable dining experience.

Emily B.

Google
We had my friend’s wedding reception here tonight. The food and service were phenomenal! Jake was one of our servers and he was attentive and on point. I got the Chilean sea bass and devoured it. I highly recommend this place for any special occasion.

Maureen Bigelli

Google
We have been dining at Cafe Nuovo for the last 20 years. It has never disappointed us. The food is phenomenal. The staff is outstanding and the atmosphere is amazing. Throughout the years, not only have we dined in the restaurant, but I’ve had my children’s communion party there, my birthday party, our daughter‘s wedding. I would definitely recommend this venue for anyone that is looking for an outstanding cultural experience. Your palate will not be disappointed

Blue Line Studios

Google
Over price for just ok food. Had the shrimp and clams . The clams were very sandy and the pasta was in some kind of a weird tasting sauce. . ME and my friend had the same dish his was the same. The lady's had the short rib. They like there's . With all the good restaurants in Providence I won't rush back. What good is the atmosphere but the food isn't

Michelle Ivanovich

Google
My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Cafe Nuovo. I wanted to surprise them but I live in Knoxville. Well, the amazing staff helped me surprise them with a bottle of champagne and dessert. Christian made my parents feel very special and they said that the food and service (thank you Christian I.!) were brilliant. Thank you again for creating a lasting memory for the best parents ever! ❤️

roseanne moniz

Google
We had my granddaughter's wedding shower here. Everything was excellent. The staff were so accommodating and pleasant. They made everything so fun. They were there every time we needed something. Wonderful group of people. The food, desert, and drinks were out of sight. Thank you so much to all of you.

Holly K.

Yelp
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.

Andrea P.

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

Holly K.

Yelp
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.

Stephanie T.

Yelp
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.

Katie C.

Yelp
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!

Julia G.

Yelp
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!

Heather M.

Yelp
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.

Maisune E.

Yelp
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.

Robert S.

Yelp
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.

Leah S.

Yelp
Great setting, it's right on the Providence River where you can see the gondolas drifting past. The food is really good, ingredients are excellent quality and service is, for the most part, attentive. We also live within walking distance so that's a major plus as far as parking. They do have valet service and a large lot. Definitely make reservations here, but if you do have a wait, you'll enjoy the lush surroundings.

Johanna G.

Yelp
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.

Jeannette G.

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

Colette A.

Yelp
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.

Frank G.

Yelp
Excellent food and service. We enjoyed a nice quiet, intimate setting for our Valentine's Day dinner.

Katharine M.

Yelp
A lovely experience. Beautiful location, fantastic atmosphere and romantic ambiance, friendly and attentive staff, delicious, good quality food. Would 100% go back - would make the trip down from Massachusetts for it.

Mark R.

Yelp
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.

Christine D.

Yelp
This very fine dining restaurant offered a fantastic menu for Restaurant Week 2023. We loved the shaved Brussels Sprouts salad as well as the entree, boneless short rib served with delicious carrots and broccoli on tasty mashed potatoes. And the desserts, pot of mousse served in its edible chocolate pot and the apple cake with caramel were both spectacular as was the service and the ambiance of lovely Cafe Nuovo. Such a great dining experience!

Jim W.

Yelp
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!

Robert G.

Yelp
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.

Steve H.

Yelp
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.

Mia D.

Yelp
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!

Lilly D.

Yelp
Everything about this place is superb. Came on Tuesday evening on a date and they were already busy. The dishes were presented beautifully. I love that you can see the cooks plating and cooking your meal. I ordered the duck confit with a glass of Chianti. My date had the pork tenderloin special and both dishes came out delicious. The ambiance is business casual but you can dress up for a date night as well.

Briana L.

Yelp
Leo gave us excellent service 10/10!... the food was excellent. Try any of the specials on Valentine's Day. The raw bar and steak were perfect. I definitely will be returning to Cafe Nuovo one of the most beautiful places to eat in the city on date night!

Kristen H.

Yelp
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!

Una D.

Yelp
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

Raymond M.

Yelp
Everything from the drinks to food and service are the best! Love this place and one of my top 3 Providence restaurants!

TjMartineau ..

Yelp
I've had the tenderloin here before, it seems they missed the mark on the "tender" part of that loin. Extremely overcooked, like a rubber dog toy if you will. Definitely on the classy side, little above my status of what I'm comfortable paying compared to quality of food.

Tommy B.

Yelp
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!

Scott T.

Yelp
We recently celebrated my wife's birthday at the wonderful Cafe Nuovo in downtown Providence. The location is easily accessible with ample parking and a beautiful view of the river/canal. Perfect for a gondola excursion before or after your dinner. The ambiance is elegant and comfortable. The service was top notch from start to finish. Our server Roberto was friendly, and extremely knowledgeable, providing an amazing recommendation on a wonderful wine. The food was delectable. The duck was one of the best dishes I have ever enjoyed. Our table also enjoyed amazing lamb shank, sea bass, and short rib entrees. Crispy brussel sprout and cauliflower appetizers were also delicious. We finished with wonderful desserts, port wine, and cappuccino. All in all, an amazing evening at a first class restaurant where we will most definitely return. We strongly recommend this fine establishment.

Steven W.

Yelp
Very expensive place to eat. I found it to be too much for the quality. I ordered the Bolognese Pasta with a small piece of fried Mozzarella. For $35.00 essentially a small bowl of Pasta with Meat sauce. The dish was so over salted it was virtually inedible. I should have sent it back but I did not want the drama. I took half of the pasta home as my spouse said she would try it for leftovers. My wife is also a heavy salt user so she felt it might be good for her taste. She also had to dispose of the leftovers due to the excess salt, and that was the end of the dish. When you go to a place like this, where you're going to pay $150-200 for two you expect it to be delicious and well balanced. I did not go to chef school, but it seems as if the Chef had tasted the dish the problem would have been discovered. Sorry, I will be moving on and trying somewhere else for a pricey meal. Service was good and no problems with the shrimp and oyster appetizers. They were excellant.

Jennifer B.

Yelp
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.

Mike M.

Yelp
Great location by the River with excellent Food options. We have been here several times and I've found it doesn't matter what you pick on the menu, it's all good. My fave there is the lamb, but their seafood choices are also all top notch!! If you're looking for a great location with great food and ambience, this is your place to try for yourself. I highly recommend it.

Allie D.

Yelp
Food here was great! My family and I came for my brother's birthday celebration and we all loved our food. The wait was a bit long (for both valet and to get in, even with a reservation) but other than that, no complaints. The menu is diverse and there are lots of options. I was a bit sad they were out of the vegan bowl but the waiter we had was great and offered to make me a new vegan dish! He had the chef create a vegetable pasta dish with pomodoro sauce and it was DELICIOUS. So flavorful and the staff was very accommodating. Not only this, but the presentation of all these dishes (see photos) was INCREDIBLE. We all ordered starters - crab cakes, vegetable maki roll, and shrimp cocktail - and dessert! Raspberry sorbet was tart and wonderful. My parents ordered crème brulée and my brother ordered lemon cheesecake. We all loved what we had and their dinner specials sounded delicious as well. I would definitely recommend this place - the ambiance is great too. It was all lit up and decorated for Christmas. If you come in the summer, the outdoor seating is perfect since it's right on the water.

Doreen M.

Yelp
What a wonderful night my son and I had at this restaurant. It was a culinary delight to dine here. We had the escargot which was amazing, the sea bass that was absolutely delicious and veal shank the flavors were great but a little dry. Waitstaff was friendly and attentive. Looking forward to having dinner here again.

Claudia Z.

Yelp
Another outstanding meal at Cafe Nuovo! My colleague and I went to celebrate achieving our 2021 goals. We started with a glass of prosecco (because, you know, celebrating!). We decided to try the Providence Restaurant Week 2022 menu. So many delicious choices - a little something for everyone. My guest ordered the brussel sprouts which were divine. They were perfectly cooked and the goat cheese crema underneath was a wonderful savory surprise. I ordered the salmon tartare and it did not disappoint. I didn't need the potato chips but my guest enjoyed them so much that our server gave her a small container of extra ones to go! We both decided on the beef tenderloin risotto. The beef was super tender and both our orders were cooked to our specifications. The white truffle risotto was toothsome and decadent. I just had to go with the pot of mousse while my guest decided to go with walnut brownie ice cream, one of the five different flavors offered that evening (there were also three different flavors of sorbet). Both desserts were gorgeous. The Restaurant Week menu is $45 per person for three courses and really is an outstanding value. Cafe Nuovo is a beautiful restaurant with top notch service. Highly recommend for any special occasion or just a lovely night out on the town. Can't wait to go back!

Vijay S.

Yelp
Good place for lunch in downtown Providence. Atmosphere is somewhat formal here. Also one of the best places with good views of the water/river. Got the butter squash bisque for starters which was amazing. Loved the creamy smooth taste along with the bread. Also got the Brussels sprouts salad which was better than i expected and tasted good with the olives and the grapes. For the entree, the scallops fra diavolo didn't disappoint either though there were only two scallops. Overall good experience here. Good spot for a quiet conversation. Only negative is parking in the lot is 6$ after validation which ideally should be free.

Sonya K.

Yelp
Don't get the crispy sushi appetizer. They use a pound of mayonnaise and the "sushi" tastes like it was just defrosted (no flavor and not fresh). Also, the olive oil that comes with bread tastes like it's mixed with some other vegetable oil, super low quality. Drinks were ok. Nice servers.

L W.

Yelp
The ambiance is great and the service and food are impeccable. Their take on modern Italian fare is excellent.

Michaela F.

Yelp
Oh what a night! A delicious meal & overly delightful experience dining along the river. I thought to take my thirteen year old niece out for a nice meal & I was thrilled that EVERYTHING was so well done. Ease with reserving a table. Ease with letting the hostess know we may be late due to traffic. Ease with the courteous valet. Ease with being seated directly upon arriving. Comfort with the staff being masked & gloved up. Fresh table cloths. Disposable menus... Leo our waiter was WONDERFUL! If you could blend perfectly attentive, charming, warm, skillful, relaxed AND efficient, & speedy when needed = Leo. Our food was superb. MY NIECE VOLUNTARILY ORDERED US A SALAD! The description of their Greek salad special sounded that enticing. She had some grand gnocchi offering that she happily ate all of. I had a deliciously flavorful & texture layered scallop dish that was divine. A variety of persuasive bread was a present fixture on our table & enjoyed throughout the meal. & Ella couldn't say no to a lemon cheesecake with a blackberry coulis. I only got one bite. You made our evening! Especially for a teenager who hadn't eaten out since MARCH - you helped usher her back into the world of dining making her feel special & in style. THANK YOU! Will be returning!

Fae Y.

Yelp
Went here for my birthday after a friend recommended it. The food was amazing. My boyfriend and i started with the tomato soup which was flavorful and incredible and the goat cheese with it took it to another level. I got the beef tenderloin risotto. It was delicious and the portion size was perfect. I can't remember what my boyfriend got but i tried it and that was amazing as well. For dessert he got the mousse and i got the creme brulee which they wrote happy birthday around and lit a candle for me. It was so sweet. Our waiter Christian was very attentive and friendly and offered to take picture of us which was so sweet. I'm so glad i tried this place and i will definitely be back.

Janice R.

Yelp
Five stars! The restaurant offers valet parking. The food was delicious with a lot of choices to choose from. Our waiter Leo was attentive and very personable. Will definitely be coming back! Everyone enjoyed their meals. I ordered the salad with filet and the filet was cooked perfectly!

Meghan W.

Yelp
Went for restaurant week with friends, and had a reservation on the earlier side. We were seated right away and had a great view (outside table). The food was fantastic but the service was just... it wasn't there. It took forever to place a drink order. Then we had to ask if we could place our food order. Between courses took forever, water took forever, refills took forever. It was quite literally a 3 hour long dinner with at least one (of two) very forgetful servers. Would I go here again? Maybe, for food and ambience alone -- the lights outside at night are a nice touch, too. The creme brulee was amazing and the martinis are solid. But for $100/person for dinner and two drinks, I'd expect better (faster) service.

Mike C.

Yelp
Have been to Cafe Nuovo several times in the past and everything has been consistently great. The interior is very clean, comfortable, and very upscale as you would expect. The service in this establishment is fantastic and our server was always checking on us. Started with a delicious bowl of their tomato soup. I had the filet mignon and mashed potatoes and the co reviewer had Spaetzle tenderloin. Both meals were excellent! First time I have ever had a "Potato Gaufrette"! The co reviewer's Manhattan's were also great and very "smooth". She also claims this was the best cappuccino in Providence! We both had dessert and do not regret the calories! Creme brulee for me and the lemon cheesecake for the co reviewer. Definitely will be back!

Holly B.

Yelp
Very nice riverside patio in downtown providence. Service was attentive but awkward as staff would routinely remove side plates or oyster forks when we were still expecting more food. 2 duck dishes were delicious and can only assume steak was great as it was instantly consumed. Pass on the artichoke pasta, couldn't taste mushrooms or sunchokes as the dish was very acidic and artichokes weren't totally cleaned so one would get bites of sharp leaves while trying to enjoy pasta. The desserts were amazing, we were a group of 10 so we tried everything. Loved the chocolate cheesecake with meringue and the mousse; though I did find the crème brûlée a bit bland. Overall a solid experience and definitely fun for our large group.

Steven S.

Yelp
Everything was amazing, food, drinks and service. Looking forward to going back soon. Nice restaurant for any occasion.

Mike F.

Yelp
Had to write a review, Cafe Nuovo is FANTASTIC! My wife's birthday dinner, after we had a terrible experience for her birthday last weekend at a different restaurant, and cafe Nuovo did a great job. Best steak I've ever eaten in my life and my wife's veal stuffed rigatoni was AMAZING ! Desert moose pot, candle on the plate and wrote Happy Birthday in chocolate! Servers phenomenal, coat check valet parking free, truly a wonderful experience start to finish. Really special evening, thank you !!

Adam A.

Yelp
We just had excellent desserts at this place. The prices were also very reasonable coming from California. The restaurant has seating along the canal and has a really nice atmosphere.

Joey G.

Yelp
Amazing food, amazing service!!! Carpaccio was awesome, best short ribs and crazy deserts!!! Beautiful place great fun

Johnny L.

Yelp
they can't cook a steak 4 sh*t! But everything else is above par excellent! the Escargot just needed some salt, but was cooked perfectly n buttery my Seafood Risotto was the best thing I had in Rhode Island.. finally had the little neck clams that r only in New England n not Seattle hehe.. it was full of tender, oh so good seafood.. risotto was absolute flawless victory on the other hand, my wife's filet mignon was overdone both times n the waitress was super sweet n constantly apologized.. we told her, it's not her fault n that it's ok.. my wife was like she'll find somewhere else 2 eat later on.. she also ordered a side of penne marinara which was a pretty big plate that was tangy fresh tomato sauce that tasted like the penne was Barilla anyways.. good place n beautiful view of gondala rides along the water outside.. just order seafood only!