8 best restaurants in RI for a fantastic, romantic anniversary dinner
Romantic dinners are a state of mind.
The best plans of a special night can be ruined before you even arrive at a restaurant if your workday was stressful, traffic bad, the kids were cranky or the dog threw up before you left the house.
But, you can stack the deck in your favor. Do it by choosing a restaurant that has a unique atmosphere, delicious food and exceptional service. Even if you walk in feeling a bit uninspired, dining at the right restaurant can lift your spirits.
Challenged to offer the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary, I thought about all these things, plus a restaurant's warmth and authenticity. I also started reliving some wonderful nights, the kind you don't want to see end. That made me smile.
I hope you will be all smiles after you try one of my choices for a special anniversary. They aren't the new trendy places, but they just might be what you need to feed your soul.
Gracious elegance at Cara in Newport
Cara, the restaurant at the Chanler on the Cliff Walk in Newport, may be the ultimate special occasion dinner spot. How can you miss when you are set in the gilded age elegance of the boutique hotel that sits above the Cliff Walk. Every detail is perfect in the small dining room. The chefs may change but Cara's excellence is always maintained. It is also respectively quiet, allowing diners to converse easily.
117 Memorial Blvd., Newport, (401) 847-2244, thechanler.com/cara-restaurant
Iconic for a reason: Al Forno
There are older restaurants and more currently popular Rhode Island eateries than Al Forno. But no other restaurant is more forever linked with the elevated Providence dining scene than the South Water Street icon. What Johanne Killeen and the late George Germon built remains something special. The trattoria-style restaurant transports diners to another place with its Mediterranean-inspired food and cozy atmosphere. From their famous grilled pizza to the made to order desserts, Al Forno always delivers a full, exceptional experience. Thanks to the pandemic, they now take reservations.
577 South Water St., Providence, (401) 273-9760, alforno.com.
More: Famous Pairings: What celebs dined where in Providence
Fabulously French: Chanterelle
Chanterelle, the successor to Restaurant Bouchard at the Bouchard Inn, serves French-inspired cuisine in Newport n a 1785 Georgian House. It scores on all three levels of food, service and ambiance. The seating is intimate and summons a feeling of a French country with the interior design. Service is done in a grand style, one worthy of the classic dishes served so elegantly.
505 Thames St., (401) 846-0123, chanterellenewport.com.
Eclectic delight: CAV
There is no other restaurant like CAV for atmosphere. From twinkle lights to antiques, the interior design has no equal. The restaurant setting in the old Imperial Knife building in Providence is equally unique. Park on the street and walk down the courtyard, and you have no idea the delightful eccentricities that await. The food is always spot on, the hospitality adjusted to high.
14 Imperial Place, Providence, (401) 751-9164, cavrestaurant.com.
More: CAV reopens in Providence with new spaces
Old world elegance: Capriccio
Trends come and go, but Capriccio does not care. They are built on classic dishes and service and that's that. The restaurant was carved out of the cellar of a historic Providence building in 1977. Head down the stairs and into the candlelight. The chairs are oversized, the fireplace is roaring and it's always full. They still offer tableside service including for the preparation of Scampi alla Gino-Flambé. It's all wonderful and old world romantic.
2 Pine St. 421-1320, www.capriccios.com.
White Horse Tavern offers unique historic dining
At the White Horse Tavern, you will find all the charm of a building built in 1673. It was first used as a tavern in 1687. There are gorgeous fireplaces. The ceilings are low, the floors uneven, the staircase narrow and the rooms cozy. There’s even one room that has a single round table in it. The menu is classic with escargot, caviar, foie gras and beef Wellington.
26 Marlborough St., (401) 849-3600, whitehorsetavern.com.
DeWolf Tavern is quintessential New England
I love the romantic feeling that comes with visiting Bristol. This small quintessential New England town is home to DeWolf Tavern at Thames Street Landing. It was a lumberyard and now houses The Bristol Harbor Inn and the Tavern. Stone walls, views of the harbor, cozy corners and outdoor dining, in season, all add to the charm. So too does the tandoor cooking that gives the menu an international flair.
259 Thames St., Bristol, (401) 254-2005, dewolftavern.com.
Mamma Luisa Ristorante: Homestyle charm
It's hard to beat Mamma Luisa Ristorante for something completely different. This wonderful Newport Italian restaurant is located in a house at 673 Thames St. Dinner is served in several rooms and each has a different feel. There are corners of the restaurant where you feel totally alone. Enjoy the pastas and breads and wines from Italy. It's all superb.
673 Thames St., (401) 848-5257, mammaluisa.com,
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Best romantic restaurants in RI for the perfect date night