In my opinion, New Rivers is one of the best little romantic spots for dinner in Providence. Everything from the lighting, privacy, decor and especially the amazing view of the fully lit First Baptist Church - it just screams a quiet New England atmosphere. Service is always spectacular and the food, while usually a little on the rustic side, is always memorable. The menu changes seasonally, but they have a generous charcuterie that is highly recommended. read more

Great place for a date or dinner with parents or friends. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, even though you're in the heart of downtown Providence. Noise level is average so you can have a conversation without having to use your outside voice. The charcuterie menu has soooo many options! From pork belly, to rooster combs to lamb heart sausage- if you're bored with everyday fare try New Rivers. In addition to the charcuterie menu, they also have a standard dinner menu and a weekly bistro menu. Cons: Dessert menu is nothing special and there is only one bathroom which is located upstairs and there is usually a line. I can't wait to go back! read more

We loved our experience here. We had a light meal of a charcuterie board and a salad. They were both delicious. The only thing I regret getting is the pate, I was not a huge fan, but my partner loved it. They also had gluten-free crackers to go with the charcuterie board upon request. The thing that really set this place up for 5 stars is the excellent servers. Our waitress was friendly, very helpful and knowledgeable, and all of the waitstaff were very attentive. We would definitely come here again . read more

This is a fantastic restaurant. Everything is perfect here, the food is creative, utterly delicious, and exquisitely plated. The service is warm and attentive, and the atmosphere is comfortable and lovely. I have been here many times over the years, and it has been consistently fantastic every time. The food looks like it might be too beautiful to eat, but it is truly yummy. Love love love this restaurant. read more

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Good Food, Good Service, and Safety Too My wife and I were apprehensive about going out to dinner during the pandemic, but decided to give New Rivers a try. It was a very good decision. They take Covid safety very seriously, starting with an email prior to our reservation explaining their procedures and rules which include social distancing, masks except while eating, disposable paper menus, and individually packaged silverware. By all indications guests and certainly staff were in 100% compliance. But we didn't go out just to experience dining safety. The food was excellent, as was the service. Their recently created patio, the only space used for on-site dining, was very pleasant. If you're looking for a safe place to enjoy creative food and pleasant ambiance during this unfortunate pandemic, New Rivers is worth a try. read more

Tonight two friends of mine and I dined at New Rivers in Providence. I was excited to take advantage of the Restaurant Weeks (RW) menu as I had heard rave reviews about this place for many years. My experience began wonderfully when I made my reservation last week with a friendly gentleman who was genuinely excited about our patronage. I was able to get my first preference for the reservation. The dining experience only got better once we arrived. With ample on-street and private lot parking, we found a parking place easily and walked right into the somewhat obscure restaurant (despite being in the center of town, you can miss it if you blink). The charming dining room immediately welcomed us with its enchanting, rustic flare. The hostess greeted us with a sweet smile and warm reception before she sat us straight away at our table. As we soaked up the sweet, farmhouse feel of this wide-plank wood-floored restaurant, we began our two-hour love affair with what has become one of the best culinary experiences I've had in Providence. The RW menu was assorted and interesting. The chef offered variations on some of his most popular dishes in addition to showcasing a taste of what New Rivers does best: a straight-forward yet creative approach to modern bistro cooking serving the best locally-sourced ingredients around. An assortment of delicious breads commenced our meal as we prepared to indulge in delectable gastronomy. For my first course, I ordered the Yellow Summer Squash Bisque with Basil. This light bisque based with a mild vegetable stock and finished off with a few drops of cream glided across my palette, the flavor intensifying with each bite. I sopped up the last drops with fresh sourdough. Known for its just-off-the-boat freshness (the Chef has his fish delivered to the restaurant daily), I decided on the Roasted Rhody Bluefish with Sugarsnap Peas, Roasted Beets, and Torn Herb Salad. The mild fish named for its slightly gray-blue hued flesh, was full of flavor and complemented perfectly with a drizzle of oil and a convergence of herbs. The snap peas and roasted beats were cooked to a precise consistency that rounded off the main course. The portion was healthy and satisfying. The end of the evening was rung in with my third course, Wild Rose Sorbet with Housemade Cookies. This mouthwatering frozen treat was the ideal subtle end to this wonderful meal. The three homemade cookies (Ginger Molasses, Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Ganache) were so soft they practically melted onto your tongue. Our server paid close attention to us while respecting the intimacy of our evening along with our most-enjoyable meal. She was there when we needed her and wasn't when we didn't. This meal ranks as one of my best meals in a long time, and certainly one of the top food experiences I've had in Providence. read more

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want to give zero stars so no one else will go...you know, keep it all to myself....three words: Dollar Oyster Night! haha, on Tuesdays they have $1 oysters and they are the best I've ever had! good burger, shrimp and grits, and drinks....LOVE the atmosphere! read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. I had the best time and the best meal in Providence here. It was Saturday night and Restaurant Week with a river festival happening concurrently, and I was lucky to get the last seat at the bar. Sarah, who was working behind the bar, was the most attentive, personable, and industrious bartender I've ever seen. She seemed to be the keystone of this well oiled, synergistic team. Every aspect of the food and drink here was top notch... I mean like licking the plate clean spectacular. Every dish was nuanced, balanced, and creative. Thanks again Sarah for making it an unforgettable night. I'm already trying to figure out the next weekend to head back up there. read more

Excellent find in Providence. Sat at the bar with my wife and had apps. And split the burger special. Quaint old building near Brown. Very cozy and inviting inside. We'll definitely go back when in the area read more

One of THE best charcuterie boards I've ever had! The goat cheese is so delish! As well as the smoke ham, w the homemade mustard and pickled veggies. Also had shrimp cocktail & homemade bread for starters. We enjoyed the burger and the homemade ravioli with peas, fresh mint and asparagus. I don't have one complaint about the meal and can't wait for our return! I'll be craving that charcuterie board until my return! read more

So COVID sucks, right, but New Rivers seems to have emerged from this mess even better. They turned a section of parking lot into an adorable patio, hanging burlap and placing potted grasses to hide the ugly stuff. I liked it better than sitting inside. With some heat lamps they could be using that space well into the Fall. Oh, the food...Terrific summer menu. Started with a cantaloupe shrub cocktail (divine) then beautiful summer green salad and went with the cavatelli pasta with corn and ham for my entree, my husband had spaghetti with crushed tomatoes. Everything was delicious. Only complaint (from my husband) was portions are small and he left a little hungry. I say that's his fault and if he had gotten desert it would have been the perfect amount. So inspired by the Providence food scene doing what they can to creatively weather this storm. read more

New Rivers - Outside seating - New American Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I know that my star rating is low compared to most for this restaurant but I have my reasons. The ambiance, service and even the taste of the food is all 5-star but one other thing was so disappointing that it will likely keep me from returning, and that's the size of the portions. Now I know that it's supposed to be classy somewhere in Europe to serve small portions but this place crosses the line to unreasonable. The appetizers, entrees and desserts were all literally smaller portions than you'll get at almost any "small plate" or tapas place in town, yet the prices are reflective of much larger equivalent dishes at any number of similarly pricey Providence alternatives. For example, the cheese plate consisted of (2) 3/4" x 1-1/2" thin slices of cheese with a few cracker-sized pieces of paper-thin toast and (5) roasted almonds. Silly us... we ordered it for the table to share! Forget about giving others at your table a taste of your entree... there'd be nothing left for yourself, and because the portions were so small, the dishes were gone before I felt I had a chance to really experience them. The martini glasses as well are half-full despite being at the very top end price-wise. OK. So I'm a good-sized guy with a healthy appetite but I leave virtually every other place I dine at feeling satisfied, yet I left here mostly feeling that the staff and owners were likely snickering in the back room at our willingness to accept so little for our money (several hundred dollars for 4 of us) without complaint. I was also bothered by the fact that there wasn't a green vegetable to be found on the entire menu. All starch and protein.What's with that? Anyway, if you're a 116 pound waif you'll likely love this place but for anyone else I suggest that you don't go hungry. read more

I always think of this as a kind of Chez Panisse east for its 80s/90s foodie vibe (they don't do this anymore but as late as 2016 the servers were wearing stone washed jeans!), ingredient-forward food, and thoughtful combinations. A great place for a special occasion! read more

Three years later and I believe my review of New Rivers needs a little updating. However, the five stars I gave them back in '12 still stand! If you're looking for the perfect late-summer meal, I believe this is the best place to get it. Chef Beau Vestal really knows how to work a tomato and during peak season, they're everywhere on the menu: in a cold soup, garnishing a salad, accompanying grilled fish -- and every version is perfect, be it a purèe, roasted, sliced in a salad. SImply put, dude's got tomatoes down pat, so if you're a fan, there is no other place to go. But it doesn't stop there. The charcuterie is interesting, varied and delicious. The seafood is the freshest, more beautiful cuts available. All dishes incorporate fresh, seasonal and local ingredients combined in thoughtful and earthy ways that heighten and enhance each other. The food is magnificent, rustic and wonderful. The space is great, too -- cozy, tasteful and comfortable. They've added a airier, brighter space onto the older, more historic part of the building to accommodate a beautiful bar and more patrons, but I personally prefer to older area for the coziness and acoustics (it can get a little loud in the renovated part). The place is small, meaning tables are close together so if you're after privacy or a quiet experience, this isn't the place. Drinks are fantastic, the wine list is fantastic and the service is fantastic, too. I've never, not once, had a bad meal here, but I can say this -- get the seafood, get what's shining that season, and give yourself time to relax and enjoy your meal. It will be one of the best the city has to offer! read more

This was a return visit that we really looked forward to. We brought an outstanding California wine with us, and they refused corkage at any price, even after telling them that we brought it all that way and offered to pay $30 corkage. No dice. No apologies. Only "that's policy". To top that off, there was nobody knowledgeable to assist us in selecting a wine from their list that would pair with our meals. Not clear to me why restaurants do this, especially those whose lists contain very recent vintages, no aged wines. In short, food was good to very good, service was lukewarm, adequate but not helpful or pleasant. We won't be returning anytime soon. read more

Before the renovations there was a very friendly female bartender who was great at doing her job. I stopped in this weekend to eat and drink. There were customers still at the bar and at tables when we walked in the door. The servers sitting at the bar (folding napkins) turned around as fast as they could and said "We're closed." In turn I said, "Can we get a drink at the bar?" Heads turned, yet no one said yes. I asked again and was told yes, in a disconcerting voice. I ordered a drink and was treated to the most obnoxious treatment one could have imagined. I asked the bartender if we could at least get dessert (since other tables were still eating). He asked a server who came out of the kitchen and she said and I quote, "We already met our quota for the night." He turned and told us no. The icing on the cake is that the owner, Bruce Tillinghast, was behind the bar the whole time and didn't even blink. Moving on to the food I've had in the past. Not memorable, except for the foie gras. I would never ever return to this establishment, nor recommend it to anyone I know. I must also add that I am very disappointed with the new space they moved into. It lost all charm and any ambiance it had to carry it. The new space looks like a "first floor" undesirable loft. read more

The best little Bistro in Providence. They were the first place in Providence to offer a fusion menu. Not Asian, Indian or Italian... but lots of cultures in one little Bistro. Those who "know" sit in the bar. You can chat with the owner/Chef Bruce Tillinghast. I was in college when this place first opened. At the time only Mafioso bosses and Senators went here, but my date and I ventured in. The table next to us had only an appetizer and left. It was four giant Raviolis, and one was left on the serving plate. I coaxed my date into taking the ravioli, we split it, and then I realized the couple who ordered it were still there, chatting with Bruce and were coming back. I rushed to the host, (told her my date ate their ravioli) and she got their table ready for the next course. Otherwise we would have been sitting there, like "La la la, la-la-la-la lalala la, la, la... what happened to your ravioli? Weeeee dunnoooo!" They were not Senators by the way. So I could have ended up in the Providence River were it not for the host. So, if you like to steal food from the table next to you, please consider New Rivers. read more

I've heard and read so many great things about this place. Living on a tight(er) budget, I finally splurged and came here during Restaurant Week. After my experience, Im pretty sure I would rather have gone to Restaurant Week at Wendys. 1) Food. What I ordered was roast chicken over a bed of barley. What came to me was a chicken wing and thigh (that looked like it came from a Cornish hen), over a SPOONFUL of barley. The skin on the chicken was soggy and actually slid off with just a touch of my fork. Yes, the chicken meat was good, but how can a restaurant screw up roast chicken? The barley was good as well, but the sheer fact that my entree was smaller than your average appetizer enraged me beyond belief. The saving grace to my meal was dessert: some sort of bread pudding with a liquor infused drizzle. 2) Service. For an upscale restaurant, it was lacking. Slow, inattentive, didn't know the menu when I had several questions. Lo and behold, she was extremely quick when we were paying. 3) Atmosphere. The place is small, but I will admit, it's designed/decorated enough to be considered cozy/intimate. I'm unsure if my food and service were based on getting the Resto Week dinner ($30, when compared to the $45-50 one would spend not during Resto Week). I feel Resto Week is the time to make a great impression on people who wouldn't normally come here, so they feel confident in coming back to spend full price on a great meal. New Rivers was a huge disappointment through and through; I won't be back. read more

FIrst time here and the food was very good. The green salad tasted fresh and crisp. I had the duck sandwich and it was very good. The meat was tender and nicely marinated, the bread (french baguette) was crisp and toasted. The mixed berry sorbet was outstanding. Overall a great meal. read more

New Rivers is just around the corner from the restaurant, 3 Steeple St. Here's what I suggest...if you're planning to go to 3 Steeple St, come try New Rivers instead. It's a beautiful old building and the inside is cozy and warm. There is a lot behind for $5 or you can usually find free street parking if you don't mind walking a block or two. Although the prices may seem a bit high for the area, it's definitely worth it. Double plus because jackets/dresses are not required. It's just a cozy little bistro where jeans and sweaters are acceptable. Gotta love that. I also appreciate that the food is local and/or organic whenever possible. The chefs do an amazing job. One of my favorite meals here is the provolone, sweet potato ravioli. It's obvious that everything about this dish is homemade. Absolutely delicious. I didn't even mind that I only got 4 (although 4 large) raviolis in an order. I always leave here feeling full but not bloated like I do at other restaurants. The menu changes daily, but they always have vegetarian options available. They also serve you a basket of breads that are absolutely delicious. I recommend calling in reservations if going on the weekend. Although it can get busy, it never seems to get loud or overcrowded like I've experienced at its neighbor around the corner. A great date-night spot! read more

I agree with Jenny C's review: it's a nice place, but everything is indeed a bit overpriced. I had dinner with a group on Friday night. The food was tasty and well presented, but it's not easy to find a place that charges $18 for a burger and fries in New York or San Francisco, yet that's what New Rivers charges in Providence. In terms of ambiance, we had great window views, but man, was the restaurant ever loud during peak dinner hours! It was sometimes hard to carry on a conversation. Also, the next morning I was convinced that they over-salt the food. My husband and I both woke up feeling hungover. I had one glass of wine and he doesn't even drink. We're looking forward to trying out some other area restaurants. read more

Profoundly disappointing meal! Ok, here's a bit about me. I love food, good food, flavorful, creative or even well-executed simple food. Oh, and I like good service, especially when I feel entitled to it at higher end restaurants. Here's a summary of where New Rivers fell short last night: - I checked the menu on line, supposedly suggestive of what one might see on the menu. I don't eat meat out, so I was delighted to see several vegetarian pasta dishes, and three non-shellfish items (anaphylaxis doesn't look pretty). Yet on the menu was only one fish entree and one vegetarian choice. AND, when we arrived (7:45) we were told there's only one fish order left! -My husband and I shared the fish and cassoulet (veg option). The arctic char was bland at best, and I could only guess that they had to pull together the last 3 oz of fish to even make this portion. I generally comment how crazy large portions have become--this place was laughable. The cassoulet (essentially a cup of quinoa with about 5 white beans and lots of sauteed onion and thyme--the only notable flavor-was pitiful. A few bites was all I could tolerate, and I love well-prepared vegetarian dishes! -My son ordered the burger--which he was very happy with--but only because they was out of the fish and the chicken. -The bread and the appetizers, however were quite good. Home smoked fish was delish, and the veggie gumbo was flavorful. The tossed salad, however, was boring and bland. Perhaps the chef was ill that night? -When asked how the entree was, wouldn't you expect any decent server to ask, apologetically, if there's anything else she could get me, when she heard how dissatisfied I was? Not even a question. (Later, I noticed they removed $9 from our bill, which failed to make me happier with my meal and the way it was handled). -Dessert was divine--the ice cream with salted caramel, at least. The accompanying cookies were eh. Coffee? It was just ok, but admittedly I'm picky about my brew. So I guess it wasn't a great disappointment that they never once asked if we wanted refills--while lingering waiting with dirty plates before us. Lori Lieberman, RD www.dropitandeat.blogspot.com read more

I will start by saying this is one of our favorite spots in providence, and is the place that we go for almost all of our special occasions. It is just something about the intimacy of the place and freshness of the food (simple, yet always tasty) that draws us back. Not to mention the excellent drink and wine list. Recently, I had noticed and read in the projo that they had expanded and I was bit worried that it might ruin one of our favorite spots. We had two groups of friends go recently on busy nights, and they both left with subpar experiences. However, our anniv was coming up and we always go to New Rivers, so we ventured in on a Mon night. First, although it was crowded, it was not standing room only full which probably helped as I am guessing many of their recent issues are due to expansion. We sat in the new expansion and found the decor to be slightly less intimate than the old room, but also a bit roomier and tastfully done. For food, we split a bowl of the squash soup which was a perfect consistenty/texture with a nice fresh flavor. I then had trout which was cooked perfectly and one of the better fish dishes we have had in a while. My wife decided to order the chicken, which although it is chicken, was cooked well and full of flavor and moisture. We finished with the always satisfying lemon tart. The service was professional and although not amazing, very good. All in all, I would take recent experience into account, but still would consider this one of the places to go for dinner in Providence. read more

Overall, I wasn't impressed with this restaurant. The wait staff and the atmosphere were pretty good, but that's about where it ended. I wasn't impressed with the pork-belly appetizer. I've had much better along the way. This one just wasn't cooked down well enough. My ravioli was very bland. The ravioli itself was bland and the light (runny) sauce it was in was bland. There wasn't anything tasty about it. My date wasn't that impressed with her meal either. The mark-up on the wine was way too high. Paid $80 for a Merlot that I bought at a nice wine store earlier that day for $20. So, I paid way too much money for a very bleh meal. I won't be headed back to this place. -pat read more

I had a lovely meal at New Rivers last week. Though everything was delicious, the squid was by far the best I have ever had. Coupled with a pickled rhubarb, it was absolutely out of this world. There were a couple detractors to an otherwise amazing experience though, which is keeping me from giving it the full five stars. I tried a signature cocktail and wasn't in love with it. It sounded like an interesting idea but the idea proved better than the reality. The service, though friendly, was a little awkward. I also found that I couldn't stop staring at the rather extensive use of duct tape on one wall. Not something I would probably even notice at my local bar, but seemed out of the ordinary in an establishment of this caliber. read more

I can't say enough good things about New Rivers. I live in Providence and eat here as often as I can. I've never been dIsappointed and am consistently delighted with my meals there. The menu is seasonal so it changes which is how it should be! When we have friends I in town we always take them there and they are blown away. This place is a gem. The service is consistently great. These folks know food and how to take care of you. IMO they are rock stars. See for yourself... read more

No longer a fan. I used to rave about New Rivers- it was intimate, utterly romantic, and so friendly- you felt like you were in an extension of Chef Bruce Tillinghast's home. Then they 'revamped' their image... We have been several times since the renovation and reopening- with a large group, single table, and also for dinner at the bar. None of those original qualities mentioned above that set New Rivers apart remain. I have experienced rude staff and lack luster food in every one of those three of visits. We thought the first time back was a fluke... No matter how much we loved New Rivers before- there is no excuse for three poor experiences. You may enjoy it here if you never visited pre-renovation; however, it now feels more like a high end chain than one of the pioneers of the locally-owned, creative and careful crafted cuisine Providence is known for. read more

There are a few reasons I am giving New Rivers a three star review, and to be honest, it may not be fair that I am since I haven't been back here in a while, but still.... 1) The food here is pretty tasty. I got the short ribs and my hubby got a pasta dish and both were great. 2) the place is a little crowded. When we were there it was meant to be a intimate dining experience, but I felt kind of jammed in the place, like cattle or something. There was very little room for waiters to pass buy and I couldn't move my chair without hitting another guest. 3) Speaking of the waiters, ours was strange. I remember feeling like someone's mom was serving me from her kitchen. I think the prices there are too high for the wait staff to casually were jean and a white button down. Again, this contributed to the "mom" factor of our waiter. 4) The place was a little loud. There were too many people stuffed in the room and then people kept coming up to the tiny bar and over all I just felt a little too close to strangers. I could hear other people's full conversation, making it hard to focus on mine. I don't think I'll be back unless I get a wild hair to try it again. The prices were too high to warrant my irritability. read more

This restaurant is a cozy spot in a prime location. The restaurant has a very warm ambiance and a small-town feel. The bar is cozy and can't sit more than 8-10 people. I went here for dinner for restaurant week. The mussels were delicious. They were were large, fresh, and in a delicious broth. Both I and the person next to me sopped up the broth with every last piece of bread in the basket. The entree was a little more disappointing. The gnochinni were a little disappointing. They tasted too much like pasta from a box instead of gnocchi. Finally, although the people next to me raved about the brownie, it didn't taste like anything special to me. That said, I would go back to New Rivers again to give it another shot. read more

From what I remember, this was a cozy, soothing, chill, restaurant to eat at. A small petite space. Great fish!!! Divine Wine! From what I know, the locals love this place. Price is a bit steep, but worthy. I came here for graduation some time ago with a large crowd. read more

Cute little restaurant, very classy yet still somewhat rustic. The staff was kind, attentive and knowledgeable. Minus half a star because my cornmeal crusted softshell crab was too spicy. It was still yummy, but a little too hot for my taste (and I like me some heat!!) Minus another half a star because the place is too small to accommodate groups larger than 4 or 5. Maybe if you called like a week in advance they could push some tables together, but for a fancy dinner on a whim for a large family or group of friends, New Rivers is a no-go. I would highly recommend New Rivers for a date night or something like that though! read more

Not sure if I want to advertise this tiny gem or not, but a good business deserves favorable word of mouth especially when it excels. I might regret not keping this to myself. This place is tiny, it looks a little stuffy from the outside but once you step inside you'll be treated with genuine Rhode Island hospitality, we came across it one evening (we always try a new restaurant after Waterfire, makes for a nice relaxed evening) so casual dress is fine. The last time I was there they were serving fresh sea bass - excellent! It's a little pricey but well worth it. My cousin and I enjoyed a couple of beers while the women managed to polish off a whole bottle of wine while enjoying the conversation & surroundings, you'll be in your own little world here. The bar is TINY, 3 or 4 seats, like I said the place is cozy. http://www.newriversrestaurant.com/ read more

So, on their website, there's a fantastic charcuterie & offal menu -- grilled lamb heart, lardo, etc. It goes on and on. We went there to celebrate my birthday tonight. When you get to the restaurant, you find out that "Oh, no, that's not really available. It's just on the website to show the kind of thing we do." We went elsewhere. read more

I have been wanting to try out New Rivers for quite some time now. Living in the neighborhood I thought I would have given them a try much sooner than I did. But I will say, better late than never! Everything at New Rivers exceeded my expectations (which were already pretty high). Great space in one of the oldest buildings in Providence (as I came to find out by one of the very sweet staff members). The decor is just so comforting, warm and unique. I was here with a group and only planning on getting drinks so unfortunately I cannot review based on the few bites I had of the tomato salad (which was extremely delicious and fresh though!) The bartender was super accommodating. We went on a night that there was a water fire so you could expect the staff to be a little overwhelmed, but I did not get this vibe at all. They are clearly very experienced and confident. His recommendations of wines for us were all spot on and it was like he knew exactly what my taste buds were looking for. This place is seriously great to sit at the bar and enjoy looking outside and sipping on some wine with friends. I am eagerly looking forward to the next time I go back and get something to eat off the menu! read more

Wow. Wow! This was a fantastic meal. Polite, efficient, friendly wait staff plus delicious food (I had the pork cutlet...think Japanese tonkatsu).....YUM!! I didn't know what to expect as the reviews were up and down. I'm a fan...we'll be back. read more

I would give the food 4 stars, but the price for what you get knocks it down to 2 stars. I don't need my plate spilling over with food, but seriously, these portions were tiny!! The lemon tart was out of this world, so 3 stars it is. I would go back for a light salad, glass of wine, and dessert. My husband however won't - he left hungry after spending $150 (per couple) on a meal. read more

Came in here last night and have to say that I love what Bruce and his staff are trying to do. They've created a simple, classic, inviting, somewhat cozy atmosphere perfect for a New England restaurant trying to create inspired dishes. The food overall was good, but I didn't have the experience that a lot of Yelpers did - probably not in a rush to get back there (there's a lot of great restaurants left to try in PVD) and can't say I would recommend it. The food: - Grilled dayboat squid w/ fresh oregano, chilies, lemon, virgin olive oil was good, but left me unsure if it was grilled or flash fried - The burger on the Portuguese sweet roll was creative and delicious, but once again I can't get past good. - The scallops dish on the menu was great, but the potatoes seemed out of place - The chocolate crepe was good, but the cookie plate was a bust Really wish Yelp would allow half stars, b/c 3 stars seems brutal, but I can't make the leap to 4. read more

New Rivers is spectacular. The food is fresh, the staff are warm and attentive, and the atmosphere is slightly formal yet cozy. Ever seen Twilight? Remember the scene with Edward and Bella at dinner? It feels like that. Soft table lighting, eclectic music that I would not have pinned for this place, all captured in one of the oldest mill buildings of downtown Providence. Telling you what food to order is pretty much useless as their menu changes so often. But for the sake of posterity, we had a cheddar cheese plate with sausage that was delectable, bone marrow with grilled squid that I never would have paired but absolutely adored, a good old fashioned burger that was tender to the pointing falling apart (and was a dream) steak fries with aeoli, and a steak that was literally the most flavorful piece of meat I've had in years. Top it all off with a praline and rum ice cream and fudge sauce as well in addition to the apple tartine with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream and it was literally a perfect meal Slightly pricey - but when you get the quality we got, with the service they had, and the unique feel of the small restaurant, it's a lot more romantic and special than one of the more well known places in providence. If you want to feel special, attended to, and have a fantastic dinner all at the same time, the go to New Rivers. read more

Definitely one of the best meals I've had in Providence! From start to finish, everything was delicious and delivered with a welcoming attitude. We arrived for our 7:15 reservation and were brought to a table overlooking Steeple St. - the dining room is very cozy, but the tables aren't crammed together and we were very comfortable. The restaurant has a very home-like atmosphere - not stuffy, but definitely a lot classier than your livingroom at home! The meal started with some delicious bread. I am not sure what the spread for the bread was, but it was delicious. My dining companions split an order of mussels, while I had corn on the cob - they were out of the "all day tomatoes" appetizer I'd been hoping to try, but the sweet corn was delicious and in no way a disappointment! We all enjoyed sharing the mussels and their delicious broth. Everyone's entrees were delicious, and all were very different from one another. I ordered the pork, which was pounded thin and breaded and served with a range of toppings - all of the flavors were very interesting and strong yet went together very well. I particularly enjoyed the house-made pickles - I never would have thought to put pickles on pork, but it was delicious! Crissa L. *did* win this ordering game by going with the burger. She was a bit hesitant since she felt that she should try to be a bit more adventurous, but it was definitely a good call - the burger was amazing (we all stole some). It's on the lunch menu, too, which means I'm headed here soon for lunch! Her husband ordered gnocchetti, which were flavorful and light - so light that I'm sure he didn't notice how many I stole off his plate. HAH. We shared two desserts - one chocolate and one non-chocolate, to make sure we covered all of the food groups. The warm chocolate brownie with fall spice ice cream was delicious - it was plenty for the three of us to share, but not so huge that you end up overindulging and feeling overly full at the end of your meal. I really liked the fall spice ice cream and might be tempted to order it on its own next time. The lemon tart with pomegranate was the perfect balance of tart and sweet with a delicious crust. Service was very warm and friendly, although a little slow towards the end of our meal. The pacing of the meal was very leisurely, so be prepared to wait a while between courses. Staff were very attentive, though - our water glasses were never empty and our needs were never unmet! I'm definitely looking forward to a return visit to try out more of the menu. read more

Once I figured out the place was hidden behind scaffolding, I entered to find a warm and inviting gem. My husband and I have wanted to try this place for a few years but the prices had kept us away. Thanks to Restaurant Weeks we jumped at the chance to try the three course meal for $29.95. We were not disappointed. From the quality of service, extensive wine list to the excellent food (presentation and taste) we were in for an enjoyable evening. I have a gluten-allergy and the waitress knew exactly what that was and how to handle it. They even brought me rice crackers in place of the bread! What a nice surprise! Also, my husband favors an obscure cocktail no one knows of... it ended up being a special drink of theirs! Ben was in Sazerac heaven. I highly recommend this place and even though the prices are a bit higher than our typical spots we plan to make it back again. read more