Food News

New Restaurants Up the Culinary Ante Around Providence

Whet your appetite with new dining destinations around town

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In an ever-changing dining scene one thing remains the same: an expectation from diners to continuously have their palates challenged. We need more that just a piece of fish, a plate of pasta, a strip of steak. The newest restaurants in town meet the challenge, and are quite delicious.

Federal Hill adds a restaurant to its delicious scene with Massimo (134 Atwells Avenue. 273-0650), the newest culinary creation from Pane e Vino Restaurante and Enoteca owners Joseph and Esther DeQuattro. Taking up residence in the space previously occupied by Meditteraneo, the updates are stunning, with warm wood tones throughout and an eclectically modern and hip vibe.

Chef Joe oversees Massimo’s menu, in addition to Pane e Vino. His take on Massimo is contemporary Italian cuisine from various regions, as opposed to the rustic Italian quality diners have time to expect at Pane e Vino, which highlights the Campagnia region. Although the menus vary, what remains the same is Chef Joe’s culinary touch, which means thoughtful Italian cuisine that keeps you coming back for more.


Persimmon (99 Hope Street. 432-7422) is now comfortably situated in the old Rue de L’Espoir locale. With an updated exterior, open kitchen perfect for watching the chefs prepare all the food and a lovely chef’s counter, there are few things besides the bones of this building that give a nod to its previous occupant.

In addition to the move, Persimmon is noticeably larger than its former location in Bristol, and so is its menu. Pasta dishes are a new addition to the menu – all of which are made in-house – plus staples of vegetables, meats, fish and dessert. In true Champe Speidel form, all the dishes are works of art, with an array of colors bursting with flavors and textures that dance across your tongue and tantalize your taste buds.

There’s a constantly changing menu, so you’ll have the opportunity to explore the range of Chef Champe’s repertoire as he plays with produce in season. Think of a delicious and simple bouillabaisse, tender lamb, plump gnocchi, seasonal greens and panna cotta for dessert. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

From the same folks who brought us Hemenway’s and Waterman Grille – Newport Restaurant Group – comes the newest addition to Garden City: Avvio (90 Hillside Road, Cranston. 942-2900). This warm and inviting Italian eatery focuses on both locally- and Italian-sourced ingredients that come together in their Neapolitan pizzas, wood-fire grilled entrees and classic Italian dishes.

Look forward to Shrimp Bruschetta, classic Margherita pizzas, Rigatoni Bolognese, Flat Iron Steak and, of course, delectable desserts like Olive Oil Cake. These mouth-watering dishes only touch upon the diverse and enticing menu at Avvio, so be sure to stop by and try it for yourself. If it’s anything like the Newport Restaurant Groups’ other restaurants, this one is sure to hit all the right notes.

It’s no secret Rhode Islanders love Italian food. We probably even have the most Italian restaurants per square mile outside of Italy (not factually accurate but it sure does seem that way). That being said, I don’t think anyone is complaining. Everyone has their favorites, and folks are always willing to experiment with the new restaurant on the block.

Cucina Rustica (555 Atwood Avenue, Cranston. 944-2500) and is brought to us from the owners of Oceanside at the Pier in Narragansett. With a homey and warm feel, this Italian restaurant features a raw bar, pizzas, freshly made pasta, house specialties and tasty dining deals. Stop by on Mangia Mondays for all-you-can-eat salad, pasta, meatballs and garlic bread or on Wednesdays for half price bottles of wine. There’s even live music on Saturday nights.

avvio, persimmon, massimo, cucina rustica, dining in providence, dining in cranston, grace lentini, food news, culinary, federal hill, providence monthly, fox point, east side, rue de l'espoir

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