Incredible. Really amazing dinner experience, and I do mean that sincerely! I had been wanting to check out CAV for a while. It had been recommended for brunch by a coworker, but somehow I could never fit it in (it is, for the record, somewhat off the beaten path). When my family came to spend the weekend and we were looking for a nice dinner, I decided the time to try CAV had finally come. Everything about this place is adorable. The outside patio area is quintessential Providence - eclectic, with a vintage vibe. Tables with umbrellas on the stone terrace, and trees with the sparkling lights, in an old mill-type building? Gorgeous. We were early for our reservation, so we decided to start with a drink outside. It was lovely - and our service was impeccable (shout-out to Tom for being a great waiter!). Once we ventured inside, the experience just got better. Tom, our waiter, was extremely attentive. He deftly explained the top choices and specialities, and was patient as we made our decisions. Everything was delicious. We started with the Goat Cheese Croquettes, followed by the Sophia salad (highly recommend both). For dinner, three of our party ordered the local-caught Caramelized scallops (all unanimously loved them) while I had the filet mignon. We topped it off with salted caramel gelato, tiramisu and chocolate mouse cake. It's a little pricey, but nothing out of the realm of ordinary for Providence. It's a dress-up-or-casual as you choose type place, which typifies some of my favorite places in Providence. I would recommend CAV to anyone, and will certainly be back. read more

Overall quite pleasant . Extensive menu and well done . Food was delicious. Decor is interesting and unique indeed. I wish they had more obvious vegan entrees . This was not apparent at first glance of the menu and I hope the restaurant can reflect this as many of us look at menus online before coming to a restaurant . The risotto was made vegan for me which turned out to be good. They had some sorbet dishes for dessert which was splendid . This salads were also quite nice. One other criticism I must make was our waitress . She was too robotic in her questions and quite rushed . We just barely got our appetizer or dinner and within 60 seconds she would rush ton our table asking if the food was ok ( we just barely started!) . This waitress needed to give us more time and act a little classier . This isn't Friendly's or Greg's. read more

Brunch on Mothers Day. Started with a good tasting Bloody Mary which was garnished with olives and celery. Had the bruschetta for an app. Really tasty with nice crispy baguette. Tomatoes were fresh and sweet. Just the right amount of balsamic. I'm not a huge connoisseur of crab cakes but this was probably the best I've had. The sweet bread under the egg was a nice touch. Jane had the French toast a la CAV which was excellent. Definitely worth a return visit. read more

CAV Restaurant - Looking forward to a new experience. First time here. Mother's Day - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

What a great restaurant. Ambiance is amazing. Our waiter, Jonathan, was incredible and made the whole dining a wonderful experience.

I've been wanting to try this place for a while and I'm glad I finally did! I love the warm atmosphere and eclectic decor. The food was amazing. One of my new favorites. read more

Dinner at CAV on Friday night was amazing. Appetizer was delicious and so was the main course. Great knowledge of red wine and perfect desserts. Will return very soon. read more

This cool place gets a triple Do It! Do It, Do It ,Do It! Eclectic Euro vibe. Serious if not sad looking servers but very comfortable Euro-cafe interior and awesome patio seating. We started on the patio and this fall day was a little chilly for me. Our very serious server saw me looking chilly (6 ft 225lb me) and offered to get me his jacket. Serious but friendly and attentive. Actual food service was great and friendly. Food was great. TexMex wrap awesome. Apple Turkey sandwich also super. We had a great lunch experience in a one of a kind very cool place. Don't skip this very good experience. read more

See all

CAV is a more unique restaurant than most in Providence. There is no formula applied to the decor, staff and food. That is a good thing. I once loved their risotto, even though I had to give up rice... and when I go there, I ogle other people's plates wishing that I had a hot plate in front of me. Try just about anything that sounds good to you on the menu, and you will be pleasantly surprised. I love going there in Spring because they often have fresh ramps on the menu as a side for some of their entrees. Sucker for ramps. Try it out. read more

OK, this is purely ambiance issues on my part... I just get sketched out by all the weird, SMELLY antiques in there... they are not your normal antiques either.... Clean up the weirdness and put some new furniture in there... The food is GREAT, just not a place that I enjoy because of old antiques read more

Went for brunch today and it was ok... I've been before and pretty satisfied with the service and food however today the quality of food slipped a bit. I ordered the lobster bisque and it wasn't hot at all... it was room temperature. My sashimi tuna salad was good...the only criticism, I added shrimp and they gave me the cheap small kind. Not impressed.... #sigh. read more

Portions are way too small. 18 dollars for a tiny piece of chicken is robbery. I understand with inflation and all but still. The staff is nice and prompt, the food is four stars, but can sometimes reach five and others times three. Overall 3.5 out of 5. read more

Visited CAV on Sunday for brunch with a friend. CAV is a very charming place with a warm atmosphere, quiet enough to have a good conversation yet still some good energy to keep your eyes exploring the decor and people. I do kind of regret ordering from the Brunch portion of the menu. I noticed lunches being served and they looked superb. Our brunch meal was good. Nothing amazing in quality, presentation or portion but not bad either. I have had dinner at CAV and it has always been great. I still think this is a wonderful place. It makes for a cozy relaxed dinner date spot. Decent bar too. Service was excellent as was the host. read more

The experience is incredible! The ambiance is special because of the innumerable pieces of art from around the world, the food engages all the sense, the portions are well balanced and at the end of the meal you leave satiated and in a state of bliss, wanting to return again. P.S. Ask for the smoked apple martini:) read more

Without a doubt the best calamari I have ever had and will probably ever have in my entire life, they have ruined me forever but no complaints! In addition to the calamari I had the ahi seared tuna which was absolutely unreal, it cut like butter! It was a fairly large portion, but no complaints because I wish I was still eating it. My boyfriend had the wild mushroom risotto and his feelings were exactly the same as mine. The experience of CAV adds to the entire meal, the decor is really cool and the waitstaff are incredibly nice and on top of everything. I have also had Sunday brunch and lunch on Friday, every meal has been absolutely outstanding from the service to the actual food. Can't wait to go back...! read more

I've eaten at CAV more times than I can count and there's something about this place that makes me feel as though I'm on vacation. The second I walk through the door I feel myself relax which is not an easy task in 2017. It may be the decor or the lighting or the promise of a delicious meal or maybe just knowing from experience that a good time is about to be had. Whatever it is, it works. I'm vegan and waitstaff are always happy to make suggestions. The chive dumplings are craving-inducing, as is the wild mushroom risotto, even without any cheese! Friends rave about the calamari and the crab cakes. I love this place! l'm hoping to get moving some Sunday in time to try brunch! read more

I'd never heard of this place until recently - and I can't believe that I've never been here before! Enclosed in a little courtyard that is as hidden as it gets, its got a little of that secretive charm thing going on. I came here for lunch, and the menu was enough for a good 10 minutes of thinking. The bruschetta for an appetizer is a MUST - the toppings were so fresh and flavourful, and the baguette stayed crunchy under the olive oil! I had a sandwich - not disappointing AT ALL! the simplest things are often the hardest to perfect - no? Portion size was leaning on the larger side (no problem with that!) with the sandwich, but my friend's scampi pasta was a little small in my opinion. I would've tried out their desserts and coffee, but ran out of time! However, from the table beside us, the cakes were screaming my name. Will definitely come back here - much more often! read more

Went for lunch with my co-workers. We all got paninis and wraps and everyone was happy with their meals. I got the Tex Mex, which is seasoned spiced chicken, fresh tomato salsa, applewood bacon, pepperjack cheese, chipotle mayo in a large tomato tortilla wrap. I asked for it to be made into a panini versus a wrap and that was not a problem. I liked it, but the slice of pepperjack was just slapped onto it. Not melted at all, which was what I was expecting when I requested it as a panini. In fact, the whole sandwich wasn't really hot at all. I only ate half of it and brought the rest home. Had it today after heating it up in the microwave, so it was hot and the cheese melted and I enjoyed it much more today. The creme brulee was a bit disappointing. Although it was nicely caramelized on the top, the custard was cold, like it had been in the refrigerator. read more

What more can be said about this place? Amazing meal in a fabulous setting. Great service. It was well worth going to despite Saturday's Artic Chill. read more

I had my daughters baby shower at the CAV . I booked it from Florida. I was amazed as I walked in the doors. The staff was amazing. The room was decorated with beautiful lighting and the tables set with flowers and linen... beautifully arranged. I ordered the house desert and it was arranged with crystals and lights.. a beautiful presentation. All this and I haven't even begun to tell you how delicious the food was . My quest appeared to enjoy every bit, with most plates left empty. I didn't have time to decorate or try any of the food before flying to RI . I was so thankful for the beautiful attention to all the wonderful details. Lastly, I would like to say the cost was more than reasonable. The shower looked like a high end event, but the cost was totally affordable. Thank you to all the staff at the CAV particular Jason and Alexis read more

Beautiful decor and the food was absolutely delicious!! Wine menu was extensive and service was exemplary!

Went to Cav on Sat for a meal. It was Brunch only. No notice that we wouldn't have a full menu. We both ordered lobster with a scrambled eggs and grilled brioche sticks. Sounded great. $23.00 later we got scrambled eggs with a few measly pieces of lobster, really small anount. 2 bite fulls and soggy ungrilled pieces of bread. It was basically 23 dollars for scrambled eggs. Went there years ago and enjoyed it. We won't be coming back. read more

Went to CAV for the first time with the girls I work with for secretary's day and was so amazed by this place. The decor is incredible and the food matched. I had the Parmesan crusted chicken and I don't think I have had anything better then this. We also got several appetizers and there wasn't one that I didn't like. My bridesmaids are having my bridal shower here in October for brunch and I cannot wait to go back. If their french toast is anything like their chicken then it will be delicious! read more

This restaurant is so great. Awesome atmosphere and yummy food. My husband and I come to Providence every year for vacation from the DC area is this is always one of our "must go-to's" read more

There were three of us that went for brunch this morning. We are sorority sisters who have not seen each other in 40+ years. This place was wonderful on every level. Our Bloody Mary's were perfect. The crab cake with egg, and aioli sauce was amazing. We all had exactly the same things. In addition to the fabulous food, we immediately told our server our story. For the rest of our time there, he was attentive but not intrusive. We sat there for hours (outside in the courtyard). We never felt rushed and we had a perfect experience there! read more

This is a very artsy and cool place tucked away in Providence. The food was delicious, the Calamari was to die for! Good service and was able to attend on a Wednesday where a jazz singer was preforming and wine was half price. read more

I had the pleasure of having an event here tonight. It was a beautiful room. A well staffed and stocked bar. And the food was very tasty. I must say we did not have full menu items it was appetizers and cheese and crackers and such. But everything I did try was good. The staff did seem a little out of practice with a cocktail mingle style event, but they quickly figured it out and all the staff I interacted with were pleasant and helpful. It's def on my list to try for a special night out. read more

This restaurant has a lot of charm, obviously, and is quite unique. The bar is lovely, and the cocktails were excellent. The service, moreover, was simply outstanding. The host made us feel so welcome, and Kurt, our server, was warm and helpful. Now, the food. It was disappointing, since I'd read reviews saying how great it was. The peaches in a special salad were mealy and flavorless (note to chef: only use seasonal ingredients when they're actually in season); the risotto cake appetizer was uninspired (two pieces of grilled asparagus with a rice cake); my salmon, which I'd asked to have medium rare, was overcooked and bland; and the lobster in my friend's dish was tough and briny. Either they had a substitute chef on this night or their food is slipping, which is too bad. Fortunately, Kurt took the initiative and asked directly whether the salmon was cooked the way I'd asked, and I said "no," so he brought us some ice cream for dessert. Lovely! read more

My guests and I had the pleasure of dining at CAV recently. One of the party was a combat-wounded Marine Corps veteran who relies on her gigantic Great Dane service dog for stability and mobility. I had neglected to mention the service dog when I made reservations and was concerned that the dog's presence would be an issue. The manager greeted us at the door, complimented the service dog, and immediately seated us in a part of the restaurant that provided enough room for the dog to stretch out without getting in the way of other diners. Our waiter was polite and informed and made excellent menu suggestions. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and at no time felt pressured to pay the check and depart. Overall we had a wonderful dinner and were amazed by the eclectic decor. I want to extend my profound thanks to the manager and staff of CAV for ensuring that my Marine Corps veteran/colleague and her service dog felt welcomed and were not treated as an annoyance. We are looking forward to dining there again in the near future. read more

Cozy spot. Eclectic decor that is fun to check out. Great staff and menu. Interesting specials. Fun in summer when we can sit outside

What a treat , CAV has it all! Great atmosphere (everything is for sale!), incredibly tasting food, knowledgable and friendly waitstaff and an owner like an Angel! We had Martinis, apps, fish, duck, sirloin and everyone in our party loved their meal. We will always come to this restaurant when in providence, thank you! read more

Very cool atmosphere, in an old building with post and beam construction. Find out what CAV means... the tiramisu is apparently very popular and housemade but it was gone by the time we ordered dessert so be sure to pre-order at the beginning of the meal! For a romantic evening get there early to sit by the fire or on the platform where there are intimate couples tables. The wait staff is friendly and attentive and the management is caring and friendly. read more

What a great little gem of a restaurant! Great decor, wonderful service, and delicious food. We loved the martinis, the calamari, the diver scallops. Can't wait to try brunch! read more

I dined there recently with a party of six. We were a little late for the reservation, but the wait staff was friendly and attentive. All phases of food were superb. Martinis were cold and wine suggestions helpful. Service was very good and patient as the party was chatty and lingered a little too long. I visit CAV several times a year for lunch and have always had good experiences with the food and service. read more

All of my friends know that CAV is my absolute favorite restaurant in Providence. The atmosphere is great, the waiters know what they're talking about when they talk to you about the menu, and the food is amazing! I go every chance I can and I've tried just about every dish on their dinner menu. The only dish I've had an issue with is the sauteed lobster meat. It's definitely not a place to go every weekend because of price, but the price is reasonable for what you're getting. read more

Crab cake was best I ever had, the sauce that came with it ...there just aren't words! A new tradition has been born. Can't wait to return. read more

CAV Restaurant - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

One of the best restaurants in Providence. The interior is unique and interesting. The food is delicious and the service is efficient and friendly. Drink menu is rich as well. read more

Nice ambiance and well-prepared martinis. I would come back for drinks, for sure. I did not like the food. Everything was off.

The food was innovative, delicious, and beautifully presented. The interior of the restaurant is filled with interesting decorations and linens. Staff was attentive as well as warm and welcoming. Wish I lived closer! read more

We just had my bridal shower at Cav and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. My sister handled all the communication with the restaurant and they were quick to respond to emails and questions. The day itself went off without a hitch, with the staff being attentive and accommodating to dietary needs. The space is gorgeous, the food was delicious, and we had a great time. The price wasn't outrageous either like most places in the area. Highly recommend! read more

CAV is a gorgeous restaurant full of antiques hanging from the walls and ceiling. I was recommended this place by one of my best friends that lives in Rhode Island and it did not disappoint. My party split a few appetizers, got a couple bottles of delicious reds and we all loved our main courses. Dining here was a wonderful experience and the atmosphere was perfect for a chilly November evening. read more