Hemenway's Restaurant

Restaurant · Downtown

Hemenway's Restaurant

Restaurant · Downtown

2

121 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

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Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null
Hemenway's Restaurant by null

Highlights

Local seafood & noted wine list in airy dining room  

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121 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA Get directions

hemenwaysrestaurant.com
@hemenswayrestaurant

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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121 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA Get directions

+1 401 351 8570
hemenwaysrestaurant.com
@hemenswayrestaurant

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

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@infatuation

The 23 Best Restaurants In Providence - Providence - The Infatuation

"Quiet luxury is out—and the ‘80s, in all its flashy glory, are back, baby. Hemenways, which first opened in 1985, recently got a facelift, enlivening a space that used to be a little stuffy. They’ve leaned into their namesake “seafood grill” and jumped on the crudo-and-fresh-local-catch train—and we’re into it. There’s also high-roller, caviar-dolloped waffles, thick crabcakes, stuffed lobsters from our friends in Maine, and skyscraper-height shellfish towers. There’s a decent wine-by-the-glass list—perfect for sitting at the bar and sipping a citrus-forward albariño alongside a platter of briny local oysters—as well as punchy cocktails and a good selection of mocktails. Hit Hemenway’s up for the raw bar before dinner, or if you want to impress your parents or coworkers and have a few Benjamins burning a hole in your pocket." - grace kelly

https://www.theinfatuation.com/providence/guides/best-restaurants-providence-rhode-island
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@infatuation

Hemenway’s Seafood Grill And Oyster Bar - Review - College Hill - Providence - The Infatuation

"Quiet luxury is out—and the ‘80s, in all its flashy glory, are back, baby. Hemenways, which first opened in 1985, recently got a facelift, enlivening a space that used to be a little stuffy. They’ve leaned into their namesake “seafood grill” and jumped on the crudo-and-fresh-local-catch train—and we’re into it. There’s also high-roller, caviar-dolloped waffles, thick crabcakes, stuffed lobsters from our friends in Maine, and skyscraper-height shellfish towers. There’s a decent wine-by-the-glass list—perfect for sitting at the bar and sipping a citrus-forward albariño alongside a platter of briny local oysters—as well as punchy cocktails and a good selection of mocktails. Hit Hemenway’s up for the raw bar before dinner, or if you want to impress your parents or coworkers and have a few Benjamins burning a hole in your pocket. photo credit: Angel Tucker photo credit: Angel Tucker photo credit: Angel Tucker photo credit: Angel Tucker photo credit: Angel Tucker Pause Unmute" - Grace Kelly

https://www.theinfatuation.com/providence/reviews/hemenway-s-seafood-grill-and-oyster-bar
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Carol C

Google
We had an amazing late lunch at Hemenway’s. Very sophisticated atmosphere and fresh, fantastic food. We were lucky to stop by during Restaurant Week so we got a great taste of the restaurant. The paella was very flavorful and had generous seafood portions. Our favorite bite was the key line pie for dessert. Shout out to our waiter Nico, who was super attentive and kind. We can’t wait to dine again!

Enya Smilovic

Google
Such a great spot!!! We happened to come during restaurant week here in Providence and really enjoyed the pre fix, great choices. We did glance at the menu beforehand and there were also great options there!!! Very kind team and fully employee owned which just adds such a kind touch to the overall atmosphere. Definitely a must try in when in Province!

Loren

Google
Everything about our visit to Hemenway's was fantastic. Our group had just finished running the Newport marathon and were on our way to Boston for the next Marathon. We planned to stop on our way for lunch in Providence, so I scoured google maps for the best option and landed on Hemenway's. I'm so glad we did! The seafood and cocktails were excellent, as were the views (right along the river) and service. The staff went above and beyond, even providing complimentary champagne for the marathon runners (our host had run Boston in the past and informed our server about the run — so kind!) The star of the show was the lobster mac and cheese, followed closely by the lobster bisque (with chunks of lobster on top) and clam chowder. I will be dreaming about all of this! Can't wait to return the next time we're in RI.

Jimmy Shen

Google
Located scenically by the river and conveniently near the RISD Museum and Brown University, Hemenway's offers a delightful dining experience in Providence. During a day trip, I stopped here for lunch and was thoroughly impressed by both the food and service, which notably enhanced my visit. I started with the crab cake appetizer, which was loaded with fresh crab meat. The crab cakes were exceptionally rich, allowing the natural, sweet flavors of the seafood to shine through. For my main course, I chose the baked live Maine lobster. This dish was a showcase of flavor and freshness, with the lobster perfectly seasoned and cooked. The addition of shrimp and scallop stuffing elevated the lobster, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Overall, the meal was thoroughly enjoyable, making Hemenway’s an ideal spot for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Providence.

Erich Buhagiar

Google
The food here was phenomenal. However my table was forgotten about. It took 2.5 hours for us to get our apps. And we ordered a 150 dollar seafood tower, cocktails for on-trays surf and turf etc. the seafood tower and clam chowder was wonderful. Best we have ever had. Unfortunately we never got out on trays. However when approaching the manager jay, he was nothing but understanding respectful and nice. I told him we wanted to pay for everything because it was great, and we would be back but our service and dinner was taking too long. He comped the tower and told my buddy who is local to please come back and he would “take care of him” I whole heartily believe him. Place and atmosphere was great. Large operations and no fault of anyone’s in my opinion that we were forgotten about. Appreciate the way we were treated after approaching jay and loved the food. Will be back and will def give them another chance.

Jessica Rabbit

Google
The food here is always consistently delicious. I do miss the old tuna setup with the crispy rice, but the new tuna is a close second. The new cocktail menu doesn’t have that many options that pop out to me. We tried the pride and passion, it was a bit too sweet. For apps we had the oysters Hemenway and the bacon wrapped scallops. Both solid delicious choices. The service wasn’t very fluid this time around, and drinks took 20 min to come to the table each time. Maybe just an off night.

John Goddard

Google
My wife and I visited my sister in Providence and she made reservations here. Happy she did... Busy Saturday night but we were seated after a couple of minutes, in a beautiful booth. Our server was awesome unfortunately I don't remember her name, my mistake. We were told the restaurant had just been remodeled and we all thought it was very nice. We ordered drinks, martinis and wine - very good... Oysters were large and I really enjoyed them. Got to try the clam chowder and will order the next time I dine here. Entries had large portions of incredible food. Great atmosphere, great food and servers....hope to be back soon!

Anwen Paul

Google
The Hemenway oysters were so juicy and crispy, same with the lobster Mac and cheese. Our servers were also so friendly, and genuinely love the business, which is 100% employee owned!! And, best part, they offer outdoor seating so we could bring our dog.
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Maryssa M.

Yelp
Came here for lunch with my old neighbor friend from L.A. and his mom (he went to RISD and was visiting). We ordered the bacon wrapped scallops and some cocktails to start- all were delicious! I had the Fade Into You cocktail and it reminded me of an old fashioned. My friend's mom had a cocktail with mezcal, passion fruit and pineapple (Pride and Passion) and my friend had some rum drink that reminded me of a piña colada on ice (I think it was the Slow Sipper)- both were very pretty and tasty! I wanted something light so I had the fluke crudo as my main entree- it was very vibrant and full of flavor- I would definitely get it again! My friend had the chicken sandwich with mashed potatoes and ate the whole thing and this mom had the lobster bisque (she said it was good but very heavy and filling)- I did not taste either. The service was fast, attentive and fantastic. We sat by the canal with nice views on a chilly and rainy day. We were greeted and sent off with warm smiles and friendly words- very lovely place! I want to try the new sushi items next time!
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Kristen H.

Yelp
Located at the bottom of Providence's College Hill, Hemenway's is a Rhode Island institution serving up quality seafood with stunning river views. The interior of the restaurant is expansive and bright, with natural light streaming in from floor-to-ceiling windows. There's plenty of seating with a complete bar in the middle of the restaurant, but as it was reunion weekend, I was definitely glad that we made a reservation a couple days in advance! Our party of five was immediately seated at around 12:30pm on a Saturday, although walk-in parties had to wait about 30-40 minutes for a table. The weekend lunchtime ambiance was buzzy but not overwhelming - just quiet enough to enjoy a conversation! The menu is extensive, featuring the freshest selections from local fishmongers and purveyors. and a great wine list. There's plenty of raw bar options, as well as seafood-focused appetizers and sushi, or soups/salads/sandwiches (your typical lunch fare). Additionally, if you're feeling particularly peckish, there's larger-format entrees, and of course, whole lobsters. As a note, it took about twenty minutes for bread service to arrive, and an additional 45 minutes for our entrees to come out. While I understand it was a busy weekend, it was often difficult to flag our server down, which is just something to note in case you're short on time. The meal begins with their complimentary bread service, which includes fresh-baked, warm rolls with butter. The bread is well-baked, with a nice crust on the outside and a pillowy-soft interior. Four members of my table opted for the New England Clam Chowder ($10 for a cup, $12 for a bowl), which comes with rich, indulgent cream-based broth chock full of toothsome clams. It's incredibly salty, so I could only have a few bites of one of my friends' bowls, but if you're looking to maximize value, I would certainly opt for a bowl, as it's only $2 more than a cup, and double the portion. The package of oyster crackers on the side adds a lovely crunch! For entrees, one member of my party ordered the Crab Cakes ($23), which are crispy fried patties of decadent crab meat served with a tangy horseradish remoulade, and a bright, acidic apple-frisee salad. It was a bit of a small portion for the price, but this was classified as an appetizer on the menu. Another member of our party opted for the Yellowfin Tuna ($37), which is a sesame-crusted tuna filet atop sushi rice, pickled cabbage slaw, and avocado mousse, finished with sriracha aioli and a ginger-soy dressing. He really enjoyed his dish, which reminded us of an upscale poke bowl, with a nice sear on the tuna, and thoughtful accoutrements that really dressed up the flavors and textures of the dish. A third member chose the Flounder Milanese ($34), which is a deep-fried filet of tender flounder served with artichoke, tomato, pearl onion, beurre blanc, red watercress, and capers. The brininess of the artichoke and capers served to contrast the oiliness of the fried fish, with the beurre blanc providing a rich canvas of sauce. The tomato, pearl onion, and red watercress were great foils of freshness for the entire dish, and it was quite a large portion of food. A friend also opted for the grilled Lobster ($50 for a 1.25lb lobster, you can choose steamed, boiled, or grilled), which also comes with your choice of side - she chose the roasted asparagus. This wasn't a particularly large portion of lobster, but the meat inside was juicy and succulent, and already removed from the shell, making it easy to eat. The asparagus was nicely roasted, with a good bite and a lovely char. Lastly, I opted for the Wedge Salad ($16), which is two huge quarter-heads of iceberg lettuce topped with fresh tomatoes, pickled red onions, crispy bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, and a bleu cheese dressing (which I asked for on the side). The iceberg lettuce is delightfully crunchy and fun to cut open, and the tomatoes and onions were fresh-tasting. The bacon was just toasty enough with a good smoky flavor, and the bleu cheese had that tangy, earthy flavor that really topped off the dish. The dressing was rich and flavorful, although I would have preferred something that wasn't bleu cheese-based, as there was already a large amount of bleu cheese in the dish. Overall, we really enjoyed our meal at Hemenway's - although it's quite pricey, the food is reliably fresh and high-quality, the menu has options for everyone, and service is friendly, if a bit slow. This is a great stop for an upscale lunch/celebratory dinner if you're in the Providence area!
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Ira H.

Yelp
We had dinner here tonight. A Saturday night. Pros: Great waitress. Hostess and ambiance were good. Cons: The food. -We had the lobster bisque. It tasted like mayonnaise with a strange after taste. Sent it back. -Calamari was marginal. -Crab cakes weren't good. -The mussels were tiny and sandy. The sauce on the mussels was good. -The salad we had included lettuce, tomatoes, pickled onions and Boursin cheese. The Boursin cheese mix tasted bad. -The rolls were good. Unfortunately, we wouldn't return.
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Ms. A.

Yelp
Hemenway's lived up to the hype ! I had dinner after my brother's graduation (Brown University Medical School - Go Bears!) and the food and service were impeccable. We were a table of four, and after having dipped into everyone's plate, I can confirm that everything was great. The view of the river was the icing on the cake. I was so impressed that I came back a few days later to try the Rhode Island clam chowder (made with clear broth, rather than cream). It was so good that I'm hoping I can find it back on the West Coast somewhere when I go home. I was fine with it, but out of courtesy, they should inform diners that they add bacon.
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Sarah L.

Yelp
Visited Hemenway's after the remodel and the inside is absolutely beautiful! We went on a weeknight and by the time we left the restaurant was totally packed, but that never slowed down service. We ordered the tuna crudo, muscles with extra bread, and the 2lb stuffed lobster. The tuna crudo I could have skipped - it was okay, but I've had better. The muscles were delicious and we loved the sauce, but as we looked around we noticed that we received the same bread portion as everyone else even after asking for extra bread for dipping. The lobster was great and we would order it again.
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Brad L.

Yelp
Came here for a business dinner. The good: Danny the server was personable and helpful (but he did forget a round of drinks). The oysters were fresh and delicious. The space was clean and modern. The bad: the halibut was dry and the clam chowder was bland. Disappointing considering the price tag. Often regarded as top notch, I didn't find that. Pretty run of the mill food.
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Pamela S.

Yelp
Girls weekend in Rhode Island got off to an excellent start in Providence. Our hotel recommended we try Hemenway's for dinner, and we were not disappointed. The restaurant is beautiful-dark wood, big windows, with an elegant feeling. We were warmly welcomed and received excellent, attentive service. RI oysters are small, fresh and sweet. Surf n Turf was completely customizable and our server was patient enough to explain all options. We chose filet and scallops prepared Oscar style with house made hollandaise sauce and roast asparagus. We also enjoyed a half bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. Wish we'd made a reservation to sit in the main dining room but our server was attentive and patient, and that made up for our bar area (no reservation) table.
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Katie L.

Yelp
Hemenways is our go to spot in Providence to celebrate something truly special! I added a note to our reservation that it was our anniversary and we were brought to a table adorned with rose petals and the staff and other guests were wishing us a happy anniversary! We started with the fresh local oysters which are a must! My husband enjoyed the whole fish served bones and all! No one does a whole fish like hemenways! Our server went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and celebrated! The room was stunning and the vibe was upscale but approachable! Hemenways guarantees a delicious meal with top notch service every time and we can't wait to celebrate there again!
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Michael C.

Yelp
This place is absolutely beautiful great atmosphere great service really really good drinks and the food is off the chain one of the best places in Providence
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Alan B.

Yelp
When weather permits, the shady alfresco dining venue of Hemenway's is an awesome spot for lunch. Located under mature trees and adjacent to a beautiful park, Hemenway's offers a lovely area to dine. Ice cold water and tasty warm rolls with tasty butter soon found their way to our table after we placed our orders. As usual, I ordered my go to dish, their recently updated Yellowfin Tuna Entree. This is a sliced sesame crusted seared tuna with pickled cabbage slaw, sushi rice, sriracha aioli, avocado mousse, and ginger-soy. $36 My co-diner ordered their Half Honey-Aleppo Chicken Entree, with warm Yukon gold- bacon potato salad, seared lemon with a green goddess sauce. $29 The service was excellent (as usual), the venue sublime, the food was delicious and I'm providing another 5-star review.
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Matt R.

Yelp
We dined at Hemmenway's in mid December for an early holiday celebration. Overall everything was excellent and we had amazing service, as one would expect here. We started off with an order of calamari and a selection from the raw bar. The raw bar was insanely fresh, very tasty, although we didn't love the fact that it was served on this incredibly tall metal platform. Most of the oysters had bits of shells in them, signaling an inexperienced shucker. We could barely see the seafood and couldn't see the sauces. All that said, the freshness and quality totally made up for any slight inconveniences. The calamari was very tasty and tender. For entrees our table ordered 2 tunas and a scallop. The sides are very generous. My tuna was cooked very nicely and the scallops looked amazing also. We got checked in on a good amount. Our server was clearly a seasoned professional and, combined with delicious food, the experience was a great one. Restaurant was very noisy as has been the case in the past. Noise level was about a 4.5/5, but still able to hear the conversation at our table and hear our server. It was totally crowded on a weeknight showing just how popular this staple is! Although we save Hemmenway's for very special occasions and don't get here too often, we will certainly be back.
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Julia O.

Yelp
Spectacular setting, elegant, welcoming service, delicious food! We each had the lobster roll (off the menu at 3 pm). Perfectly butter poached lobster meat, buttery grilled split top roll, french fries. Excellent service from Derek! Made our awesome Saturday afternoon even more special!'
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Katie C.

Yelp
Probably the best restaurant in Rhode Island. Amazing service, so friendly and accommodating; and Recently renovated inside to have a beautiful bar, this is an iconic establishment in Providence with valet parking and out of this world seafood. Highly recommend the tuna crudo, crab sushi, and surf and turf with the lobster - baked and stuffed with tons of seafood. ICONIC!
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Debbie O.

Yelp
Simple and delicious meals with excellent service to match. We stopped here for a late night dinner while in town and it was worth every penny. The restaurant gets so busy so I was glad I made a reservation beforehand. Even then, there was a wait before we got seated. It is very loud because of the crowd though. We enjoyed every single dish we ordered and would absolutely return for more.
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Mikaela L.

Yelp
Hemenway's was delicious! We split a few dishes - the yellowfin tuna and the lobster mac 'n cheese were definitely the highlights! Before ordering, someone made a comment that they always want more lobster in their Mac 'n cheese. Well, Hemenway's lets you choose how big of a lobster you want, which is amazing! We had great service the whole night, too. Our party chose to sit outside because it was nice out, but we wished we got the ambiance of sitting inside. An excuse to go back (not that I need one)!

Selfy E.

Yelp
Service was above and beyond, we ordered oyster, very fresh, calamari, big portions, paella is very good, whole fish of the day, staffs are friendly and accommodating, will be back when we visit providence!
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Greg m.

Yelp
From the moment you step inside Hemingway's restaurant Right now at 7:00 in until your first delicious bite and your eventual departure, the food, service, and atmosphere are truly top-notch. We started with the hot fish platter, which arrived quickly and was incredibly fresh. For my main course, I chose the sesame seed crusted tuna, while my wife opted for the filet mignon. Both dishes were cooked to absolute perfection. The tuna was fresh and paired beautifully with a variety of vegetables, rice, and an exceptional ginger soy sauce. My wife enjoyed her filet mignon alongside some creamy mashed potatoes that were simply divine. For dessert, I indulged in a generous serving of crème brûlée accompanied by a nice cup of coffee. I'm already looking forward to our next visit to enjoy the quality and service this restaurant has to offer!
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Jamie M.

Yelp
My family had a great time having lunch. Our waitress, Katie was very nice and attentive. We chose to sit outside. The park was nice to watch and all of our food was delicious!

Alexis M.

Yelp
Great food and amazing service. The renovations came out wonderful and the restaurant is always has an awesome vibe.
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Greek M.

Yelp
I really wanted to love this place--we made reservations ahead of time for a graduation dinner and were excited to celebrate. But our large party got seated in the most awkward spot, squeezed between the front door and the kitchen. Not exactly the vibe we had in mind. The food didn't do much to turn things around. Everything tasted like it had been reheated, which was a bummer. The mussels were the worst, definitely not fresh. I ended up just picking them out of the shells and arranging them to make it look like I ate them because it was honestly kind of embarrassing. To be fair the Blue Monarch cocktail was honesty pretty good so I included a star for that. We were in town for a few nights and sadly, this was by far the worst meal of the trip. Just disappointing all around, especially for such a special occasion.
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Ken C.

Yelp
Our fave restaurant continues to excel! Great service, wonderful ambience, all spiffed up in holiday garb - and excellent food. We've been going at least annually for years now to celebrate our anniversary and Helemenways has never failed to please us. Better yet - their delicious Oysters Hemenways is back on the regular menu!
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Tomaszek C.

Yelp
I think five star review will do. Hotel sent us here. Excellent high end seafood restaurant. Had raw oysters then catch of the day - sword fish. My companion had yellow fin tuna. Great choices. I will entertain Maine lobster next time. Staff very accommodating and professional. It is a white tablecloth place yet we wore shirts which I felt silly about. I should have been denied entrance.
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Julia G.

Yelp
Our dinner at Hemenway was very good! We had a lovely waitress and our food came out quickly even with a busy Friday night crowd. Tuna tartare: The tuna tartare was paired with delicious crispy seaweed chips and a great wasabi cream. However, we found the other sauce to be too sweet. Whole fish: The whole baked fish was sea bass and was very fresh and tender. However, we think it would have benefited from being offered off the bone. We also think it needed a lemon butter sauce on the side. Scallops: The scallops were delicious and seared to perfection! The hollandaise sauce was a great topper and the crab was succulent.
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Brian D.

Yelp
Visited Hemingway's for the first time yesterday. I won't be returning as I didn't feel the value proposition was there for the food. The service was good, although the wait for the entrées was quite long. The waiter stopped by twice to indicate we were near the end of the queue and our food was being plated and would be out soon The food was presented quite nicely. The cost was steep for each item, but all items seemed quite small for their cost, The taste was bland and mediocre to salty. The two-pound stuffed lobster was $92.00, the appearance was nice, and the fact they took the claw meat out and restuffed the body with additional seafood, plus the claw meat was nice to facilitate easy eating, but the lobster dish looked very small for $92.00 to me. The paella flavor was also not that appealing, and one of the tiniest I have been served in a restaurant. The chopped up sausage in the paella, again added a taste of salt, and the broth it was cooked in was not appealing to me, as well. As an appetizer, we had their assorted hot seafood platter. It was okay, stuffed clams were too salty, too many diced fried pickled pepper slices with the Calamari, the ratio was not right in my opinion. The dish was not bad, just not great. Let's frame this the entire meal, early dinner, cost for dinner was $186 with tax and not including tip. We had 3 dishes to eat, no dessert, no coffee, and no drinks, other than water. That just seems kind of stiff for what was served. I have read a number of good things about Hemmingways, but to me it seems overhyped. The place was crowded and had a very nice looking appearance, the customer-facing team were all pleasant, and we had no issues there.

Robin H.

Yelp
I sampled several things from the new menu. Lobster roll, caviar with waffles and bread pudding plus a mocktail. The lobater roll was delicious with a delicate but spicy aioli, the caviar with waffles was my favorite. The caviar is really perfect and the baby waffles (instead of customary pancakes) is so unique and delicious. I would have eaten a whole meal of just the waffles! The bread pudding was served with pistachio gelato and a caramel sauce and was fantastic.
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Jamie L.

Yelp
Wonderful experience with server Daniel- knows the menu well - sold us on the stuffed lobster, amazing service / report with customers. Beautiful restaurant that was packed with people! Had to keep on checking Open Table throughout the evening and was able to snag a spot for 5 people at 6:30 - for the WIN!
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Kim L.

Yelp
Hemenway's was on the list of restaurant recommendations during my visit to Providence. I went there specifically because they had Rhode Island style clam chowder -- think of clam chowder without any cream or milk, but more in a briny broth. Upon entering the restaurant, the ambiance felt upscale, similarly like a steakhouse, but seafood based. It would be perfect for a lunch date or perhaps a romantic/special celebration dinner, but really it does not matter. Initially I thought I wasn't dressed appropriately because I strolled in with running shoes (can't be walking all day in heels!), but it was ok, and I was directed to my table immediately. Siobhan, my server, was friendly, and I had to ask for her recommendation on the Rhode Island clam chowder. What she said was unlike the New England version, the Rhode Island version is more on the lighter side, but still flavorful from the broth. I ordered a bowl --- not a cup. I found that I could taste the quality of the clams easily than the ones in heavy cream. It was absolutely delicious! I also ordered steamed mussels from the appetizer list in case the bowl of soup was not substantial. The wine sauce in the mussels veered more towards the sweet side, but that's because they used onions. The mussels were cooked just right -- soft, yet very fresh. Both the mussels and clam chowder did fill me up. The bill, including tax and tip came out close to $40. It was not too bad given the fact I did order seafood. I do want to give Siobhan my huge gratitude. Apparently I must have been in a hurry to go to my next destination I left my credit card behind! Fortunately I had not walked far and ran back. After coming back into the restaurant, I explained the situation to the front desk and Siobhan came out with my credit card expressing her concern of me forgetting my card while traveling. Anyway I learned I should pay attention where my card is at all times, and I am so thankful for the overall service I received. Above and Beyond! Highly recommended.

Marina K.

Yelp
Simply put Amazing; the food, service, ambiance, all of it. (100% recommend, attire is something to look out for dinner. Lunch business casual I recommend) First the FOOD phenomenal. The Calamari is delicious. It's not oily it's quite refreshing with various jalapeños with it. Spiciness is spot on, just the right amount of kick. The paella is harmonious, the seafood and a hint of spice and sweetness from the choriso. The Lobster tortellini is wonderful very filling. The Lobster roll has cabbage in it and the texture addition is great. The seasoning on it was great ! And the bread don't get me started The beautiful SERVICE. She was so kind and patient with us. Wonderful person. The AMBIANCE, its floor to ceiling windows give a great view outside. Natural light is always a best friend. The seats are booths or table and seats. I had the booth it was comfortable. The hight of the table was perfect for me (5'7). There's neon signs here and there but not too bright and it added a nice touch of color inside.
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Gill S.

Yelp
It's alright. Is not reinventing the wheel, but it's a good balance of feeling elegant but still has a casual feeling. Walking in, there was a sense that this place hasn't really changed its approach or decor since the 90s. I don't know if it's the neon signs, dated logo, the white cloth tables, or the servers attire that clearly is trying to appear fancy. They don't have much of an oyster selection, but what they have is good. They have usually at least 4 East Coast varieties. The bacon wrapped scallops were good, although some pieces were not as firmly cooked as others. The bacon wasn't as charred as it could have been. But when everything was done right, they were pretty good. Fantastic shrimp cocktail, with a good cocktail sauce. My family complained that it had a texture that didn't feel fresh, but I thought it packed plenty of seafood flavor. The streamed baby lobster is good, but it's not so special that you have to order it here. Texture wise, it was a little mushy. The asparagus they serve with it is nothing special. They steam it and dump it on the plate with special approach or consideration.

Olga W.

Yelp
My husband and I visited providence this year for a convention and also celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary the same weekend. We went to eat at Hemenway's to celebrate our anniversary and it did not disappoint! From the hostess greeting and seating to our waiter Diego it was an absolute pleasure. The food was delicious and the service was top notch. We were so excited we forgot to take pics of our food. I did manage to take a pic of my Oh Cherry drink
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Jenny V.

Yelp
We had a positive experience at Hemenway's. Food was delicious and fresh. We had steak, salmon and fresh oysters. We felt like our food came out a little longer than expected but our server was lovely. She made sure that our drinks were filled. It was a busy night at the restaurant but my husband and I had a table that was cozy and felt private. Location of the restaurant was also conducive for taking a stroll after a nice dinner. We will be back!
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Samantha W.

Yelp
My husband and I went here on a week night and wow the food did not disappoint. I felt a bit under dressed in jeans although others in the restaurant were wearing jeans. We were seated within one minute of arriving, greeted by our server within four minutes and had drinks at the table within five minutes. Highly recommend the scallop appetizer, the smoky bacon flavor was amazing! We will be back here to enjoy another meal soon.
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Angela C.

Yelp
I liked it a lot. For appetizers, we had the calamari, cocktail shrimp,, and my friends also ordered oysters. I was already full because the the waitress told us about the special brisket grilled cheese. Very tasty and filling sliced beef inside a melted sandwich For the main meal, we ordered tempura miatake, whole fish that came with giant bok choy and paella. . What a treat. My friends also ordered stoli doli, because the waitress was so good at selling it. They had to get more pineapple juice for the drink because it was a bit strong so they had no complaints. Waitress was polite and attentive without hovering. The ambiance was beautiful, great view of the river and quiet enough to talk and enjoy the food.
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Gloria H.

Yelp
I came to this restaurant 5 years ago during my first trip to Providence and I had fond memories of trying the paella and the mushrooms. I was able to make a last-minute reservation, and I'm glad I did -- the restaurant was absolutely packed on a Saturday night. It's a really lively, bustling atmosphere. The highlight from Hemenway's was the complimentary bread rolls -- super fresh, hot, chewy, pillowy bread that pairs perfectly with a soft creamy butter with flaky sea salt. I would come back just for this. Other food item reviews - Seafood paella ($32): Tender seafood. Rice was a bit too al dente for me, but otherwise tasty. - RI Mushrooms ($8): Good flavor, good variety of mushrooms. Would have preferred more crisp. - Steamed mussels ($16): Well cooked but didn't like the flavor that much (sweet onion flavor) - Raw shellfish platter ($72): The oysters were the best part. The clams were a bit fishy and the shrimp was a bit tough. I would just get oysters next time. - Strawberry basil margarita ($17): Tasted pretty watered down, wouldn't get again. I think I would choose different menu items next time, but I would come back for the bread rolls alone!
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Christina B.

Yelp
Amazing lunch and excellent service by Nico! We had a lovely table overlooking the river and garden. Our favorites were probably the tuna crudo and bacon wrapped scallops, which Nico recommended. The chowder is also amazing. Chatting with Nico about food, wine, and Greek travel was also highlight.
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lorena

Yelp
Went for my anniversary dinner and everything from the food to service was amazing. I dont recall my waiters name but he was the best and made us feel comfortable. It can get a little louder due to the amount of people late night but nothing too bothersome. We started off with the calamari which I loved. Usually other places dredge their calamari in so much oil and you did not feel the oil from these being fried. Next for our entrees I got the 2 pound fisherman lobster while my husband had the paella. Both 100% recommended. My side was truffle fries and I loved them. If you are getting a side those are recommended. As for ending out night with dessert we had the crème brûlée to share as we were honestly so full from the appetizers and entree that shows they serve a good amount. It was honestly amazing not too sweet but just right. This is my second time visiting Hemenway's and I truly recommend. Especially for date nights Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Ambiance: 5/5 Recommended dishes Paella, 1 25 Baked Stuffed Lobster, Calamari Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Valet
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Holly S.

Yelp
We had a great experience at Hemenway's. The scallops wrapped in bacon along and the baked stuffed shrimp were amazing. Service was outstanding as well. I loved that they have a garage that leads directly to the restaurant. This was very convenient as it was raining. We had a great seat by the window overlooking the river.

Melissa W.

Yelp
My friends and I came here to eat during our quick visit to Providence. We had an amazing experience overall with every aspect. First, the service and hospitality were great. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, giving us great opinions and letting us know suggestions and specials of the day. They went above and beyond by even letting us try the flavor of one of the dish's sauces prior to ordering to confirm if we would be happy with our suggestion. From the complimentary bread, to the great appetizers and entrees, and down to the dessert, everything was delicious. We especially enjoyed the mussels and bacon wrapped scallops. The new england clam chowder was great as well. From the entrees, we ordered the salmon with squid ink linguine, lobster roll sandwich, scallops, and paella. You can't go wrong with any of the options. We were sat a little before sunset and the ambiance was quiet and intimate. It got busier during dinner time but the staff were still very attentive. We were also right along the water which was a nice bonus. We will surely be suggesting this restaurant to our friends.
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Mif M.

Yelp
Came here for a celebration dinner - the ambiance and food was on point. Very elegant vibe inside. Our server, unfortunately I do not remember his name, but he was from NY and gave exceptional service. He also suggested recommendations that we would enjoy and not end up ordering to much. It looks like the entrees sometimes change according to what's seasonal, so I don't know the exact name of the salmon dish. But I do recall it had a butternut squash purée and caramelized onions on top. It was delicious and fresh. I also LOVED the paella. I normally never eat mussels or clams, but in the dish it was well cooked and so flavorful. There was also no fishy/seafood smell. Personally, I believe the lobster Mac n cheese is a bit overrated taste wise although looks wise can be cool. It's just not the creamy, cheese Mac n cheese you'd go for. The Brussel sprouts and salad was a nice accompaniment, but nothing special. That being said, for the service, quality of food, and ambiance - I would come here again. Highly recommend visiting if you're around the area. They have a few sister restaurants as well that might be worth a shot.
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T K.

Yelp
This is one of the best seafood restaurant I've ever been to in New England. The ambiance is laid back yet elegant with a great view if you're lucky enough to sit by the windows overlooking the river. The service is super attentive and made my first visit very memorable by having a birthday crème brule ready just in time after our main course. Our food was perfect-- we had crab cakes, Rhode Island clam chowder, lobster fisherman style with scallops and shrimp with a side of green beans and chocolate cake. All of the food tasted fantastic and assembled in such a thoughtful way. Shout out to Niko for going above and beyond and being so attentive!
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Kathy C.

Yelp
This is a serious, top-notch establishment. Not "stuffy" or pretentious, just the real deal. The freshest fish and quality ingredients. A clean, crisp "white linen and crystal" feel about the tables. Professional, polished wait staff inclined to say "yes", smile and be helpful. The location is spacious but there is often a crowd, so reservations are recommended. For pretty much anything on the menu you can't go wrong, and if you don't see what you're craving, ask.
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Dennis M.

Yelp
Came here for a show at Trinity. We were seated quickly, and water was provided. Ran through the specials, all good so far. Bread came and it was four pieces of warm bread and butter. It was above average but no more than that. I have had worse and much beter. We ordered the RI calamari and it was good, crispy and hot. Portion was well sized. I ordered the flounder and she the lobster tortellini. The flounder was wonderful, flaky and buttery. The Swiss chard was way over cooked and very bland. There was some other potato side dish that was just odd? Her tortellini was fairly horrid. The pasta was tough enough to need a knife. The lobster was boring. The sauce was decent but a very average dish. Overall for the price of the meal not worth it at all. I'd avoid til they fix the kitchen.
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Jenny P.

Yelp
Food: We've been here multiple times over the years and sadly their food has gone downhill for us. Tonight, they overlooked the scallops, salmon and shrimp. Their RI mushroom side used to have Serrano ham with it. That is no more and it lacked flavor and pizzazz. Their baked shrimp doesn't have much crab in it so if that's what you're looking for, then have it at your own risk. Service: the staff is always great here and do their best. Our issue is more with the back of the house/menu item executions. For the price we pay, we left there not experiencing its value. The food is 1.5 - the service got the rating to a 3

Carrie R.

Yelp
We all started with lobster bisque - a must have at Hemenway's. We ordered Lobster Tortelloni, Fisherman's Stuffed Lobster, Haddock & Shrimp Special, and the Seafood Casserole. Everything was absolutely wonderful as always!
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Nathan T.

Yelp
Hemenway's does seafood right. A very pretty restaurant with an open concept in the heart of the city of Providence service is always great and the place is beautiful inside. Little expensive but you know the seafood will be extremely fresh.
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Bill S.

Yelp
I stopped at Providence for the night and I knew I had to make reservations at Hemenway's Restaurant. If you're going to Providence, the pull is going to be towards Federal Hill. Trust me, you want to experience Little Italy but if you're looking for the freshest seafood in an elegant setting, Hemenway's Restaurant must be on your places to visit. I asked the hotel front desk about Hemenway's Restaurant, I was told not to worry because our shuttle will take you there?? Wow! Once the shuttle dropped me off, it was a culinary experience. I'm dining solo and was able to make a reservation. The place was pretty packed on a Monday night. I settled in and was about to order my favorite Italian wine but noticed Francis Ford Coppola "Claret" red. Interesting, I never tasted his wine before and I have to say it was very well balanced. I would order this wine again if I saw it offered. Hemenway's Restaurant is serving Rhode Island Clam Chowder. There is New England Clam Chowder, Manhattan Clam Chowder but the best of the best is Rhode Island Clam Chowder. Rhode Island Clam Chowder has a clear broth, there's no heavy cream or added butter, just flavor. Its my personal favorite. For my entree I ordered the Maine Live Lobster stuffed with Hemenway's shrimp, scallop & crab stuffing. Wow! This was a no fuss meal, I didn't have to crack anything, it was all done for my by the chef. The stuffing was also very good and I highly recommend ordering it this way. For dessert I order Key Lime Pie and a Cold Brew Martini. The Martini was made with Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, House Made Irish Cream and Cold Brew Coffee. That Martini was slap the table good! Perfect ending to a perfect meal. I called my hotel shuttle to pick me up after my meal, it doesn't get any better. Hemenway's? I thank you for the dining experience.
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Grendel d.

Yelp
I've asked my friends in RI why this restaurant gets such great reviews and they have no idea. I am sad to say we agreed, because waiting for the table and asking for aperol spritz there was so much ice we could not taste the drinks; we left them on the bar. I've never experienced that kind of cheapness at a restaurant that puts so much into being high end. The three of us had oysters (hard to ruin) and some starters that were OK, plus a fresh fish that was hardly edible due to the odd mix of tomato and lime cooked into it; we always take food home but this case we could hardly eat it. There was another breaded "fish brick" as my friend called it, and it was barely edible. $300+ later (for 3) and we left feeling ripped off, when Bayberry and others in town are doing so much better food. Service here is very attentive, outside of the bartender.
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Andrea U.

Yelp
Came in from lunch and sat inside facing the park. We started by sharing a wedge salad and stuffies. I've never heard of stuffies and Kimberly, our waitress said that it's a Rhode Island thing it's clam stuffed with breading, chorizo and bacon. We have been here before, and we know that everything we order will be exceptional. As always. The warm rolls with sweet soft butter came quickly and were awesome. The wedge salad was perfect with bacon, pickled onions and. big chunks of blue cheese. The stuffies did not disappoint. They just made me hungry or for more so we shared the calamari. We were left here seven years ago when we shared the calamari and I had paella and my husband had the fish tacos. They were wonderful and we couldn't wait to come back again.

I C.

Yelp
Everything I had here was delicious and the drink (the T.F Greener, I could only handle one) was strong. The stuffed shrimp was perfectly cooked and the lobster bisque was also well done and the perfect size. Everything the bread and butter was delicious. If your ever in downtown Providence, definitely go.