Hemenway's is a restaurant along the edge of the Providence River that specializes in seafood, in fact, it's one of College Hill's most beloved oyster houses. Since Providence is close to New England's greatest seaports like New Bedford, Boston, Gloucester, Cape Elizabeth and many more, Hemenway's is where you'll find the fruits of the Atlantic. The restaurant is dedicated to the founder's grandfather, Charles M. Hemenway, a local and big-city entrepreneur who loved New England. Needless to say, almost every ingredient on the menu can be sourced from local farms, fisheries and producers, just ask your waiter and they will know.
It seems like the trend towards sustainable, organic and seasonal food is here to stay, and since this is the case Nicks on Broadway will be around for a long time. The food options on the menu usually denote where the product is found, such as Narragansett Bay oysters, Point Judith fluke, and Blackbird Farm beef, every plate is carefully curated. Nick's has tasting menus that consist of four or nine courses as well as a beer and wine accompaniment. Just remember that the nine course meal requires a reservation at least a couple a days in advance. The original Nick is no longer around, however a young and prudent patron named Derek Wagner purchased the restaurant much to the delight of the West End neighborhood when Nick retired. In fact, Derek has been nominated twice for a James Beard Rising Star award and when he re-opened the restaurant, he kept the name as an homage to the former owner who had been here since 1969.
Gracie's
If you want a classic romantic night which involves dinner and a show, then Gracie's and the nearby Trinity Repertory Company make a great combination. This AAA-four diamond restaurant features ingredients from local farms and fisheries as well as its own rooftop garden in order to bring the bountiful harvest of New England to diners' plates. There are two tasting menus, one is five courses, the other seven and both offer wine pairing as an option. The tasting menus as well as the prix-fixe ones present plates that vary according to season.
Waterman Grille conveys an unpretentious casual attitude yet there is still something quite refined and elegant about it. The restaurant follows the small plates in seasonal settings mantra, for example, a sample menu could include pork belly tacos, harissa meatballs, lobster grilled cheese or Block Island fluke. All plates can be paired with wine from their vast selection. Additionally, from Sunday to Wednesday, the prix-fixe presents a three-course dinner for two at a great price.
Chef Owned & Operated. Extensive menu to suit every appetite & budget. Full Bar featuring Handcrafted Cocktails & Draft Beer.
Persimmon
This cavernous restaurant and cafe/bar also doubles as an antique store. Housed in the old jewelry district's Imperial Place, the cafe offers music and performance nights (such as poetry readings), and popular contemporary cuisine, such as Italian, American and a range of other dishes. This is a favorite hangout for upscale Providence couples and singles seeking an interesting night out with a very attractive ambiance. A selection of antiques is on site for your browsing pleasure. The restaurant has a full service bar.
