20 Romantic Rhode Island Restaurants Perfect For Celebrating Your First Anniversary – EngagedSNE

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By Molly Clark

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the one-year mark. What does a year of firsts as a married couple warrant? A celebration, of course! If you’re looking to commemorate with a meal out, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to twenty great, local, romantic restaurants.

15 Point Rd., Portsmouth

This eatery offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience set against a panoramic view of the Sakonnet River. Enjoy a meal of locally sourced ingredients in the dining room or on the porch of this restaurant marked by modern yet rustic accents. Dinner entrees might include New England classics like baked stuffed cod or fish and chips. Pair your meal with a wine from the list and save room for bananas foster for dessert.

2195 Broad St., Cranston

Prepare for a delicious Italian meal in a warm, Tuscan-inspired setting at this eatery featuring hand-cut pasta, fresh seafood, a signature veal chop and fresh Neapolitan pizza. Diners can choose to eat in the main dining room cozied up in the red booths with their loved one, at the bar or on the Terrazza, a garden-style patio featuring a large fireplace.

378 Main St., East Greenwich

Besos features New American fare with a Spanish flare, as well as unique craft cocktails. Whether you’re a classic couple looking for steak and martinis or more on the creative side and always searching for the latest in creative sangrias, Besos is a great destination to start your anniversary night off with a “kiss.”

1 Citizens Plaza, Providence

The setting of Cafe Nuovo is romantic in its own right; the restaurant is located at the gondola landing at the Providence Riverwalk. The patio tables are the perfect place to enjoy a meal while watching the water, the city or even a WaterFire event. Menu items might include Colorado lamb chops, rainbow trout or jumbo lump crab risotto.

71 Bradford St., Providence

This
eatery has been serving up classic Italian dishes on Federal Hill for over 100
years. Dinner dishes consist of pollo alla Marsala with cremini mushrooms,
capesante alla Giovanni with fresh sea scallops and the filleto au poivre,
prepared with a filet mignon steak. Enjoy a meal in the formal dining room or
on the patio paired with a quality wine selection, then dance away the night to
live music in the lounge on Fridays and Saturdays.

117 Memorial Blvd., Newport

Cara
is the new girl in town at The Chandler at the Cliff Walk, providing guests
with a dining experience marked by innovative culinary creations, stellar wine
selections and the finest, most knowledgeable service. The restaurant’s
interior, which conjures the essence of the Gilded Age, includes African
accents and exudes classic Newport mansion refinement. Snag a table for two on
the cozy banquette or snuggle up by the fireplace for a luxurious, romantic
meal flanked by ocean views.

590 Ocean Drive, Newport

The
Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn offers a world-class culinary experience paired
with an award-winning wine list and stunning panoramas of Narragansett Bay. The
prix fixe menu showcases locally sourced ingredients brought to live by a
variety of international preparation techniques. Caviar service, wine pairings
and a vegetarian menu are also available.

14 Imperial Place, Providence

The creative setting, in combination with scrumptious food, makes an anniversary meal at CAV a no brainer. The restaurant is filled with antiques, many of which are for sale, and artistic details like old tablecloths, single stem roses and opulent lighting fixtures highlight the space. Enjoy the chef’s specialty black truffle ravioli or duck confit for dinner, or opt to visit the restaurant for brunch for soups, pizzas, sandwiches and breakfast fare.

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960 Hope St., Providence

Chez
Pascal prides itself on creating and serving quality French cuisine made from
seasonal, New England-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Diners can order
off of the Chez Pascal menu offering entrees like seared beef brisket and
sautéed Gulf of Maine hake filet or opt for house made frankfurters from the
wurst kitchen menu. The dining room is cozy and intimate making it perfect for
a romantic celebration.  

50 Weybosset St., Providence

A
feeling of sleek elegance marks the dining room at Circe. Exposed brick and
neutral colored décor leave room to highlight the real star of the show here:
the food. Menu selections include charcuterie and cheese boards as well as raw
bar selections to start and grilled steaks or wild boar ragu for entrees.

259 Thames St., Bristol

A romantic meal at DeWolf Tavern might start with glasses of wine or cocktails on the patio before moving inside for a fine dining experience led by a skilled service team. Or, diners can opt for a light, more relaxed meal in the downstairs tavern. Enjoy seafood offerings like stuffed lobster or swordfish in this setting by the sea.

60 Dorrance St., Providence

The
dining room at The Dorrance can only be described in one way: over-the-top
elegance. If you’re a couple looking for an experience marked by sophistication
and the charm of the past, a meal here is ideal for you. The high, decorative
ceiling and long, opulent windows set the scene for a meal with obvious class.
Start the evening with one of the bar’s signature cocktails, select from
entrees of curried chickpea stew or pan seared bomster scallops and finish with
a cheese plate paired with whisky.

2 Tower St., Westerly

The
unassuming brick exterior of this corner restaurant doesn’t even offer a
glimpse into the lure of the dining experience inside, where couples will find
cozy tables graced with beautifully plated, creative meals. Start with pan
seared foie gras or oysters and continue on with house made gnocchi or the
signature Momma’s chicken, which is buttermilk soaked and duck fat fried. Save
room for a side of double truffle lobster mac and cheese.

194 Washington St., Providence

The food is the star of the show here with a seasonally changing, locally sourced menu. In the warmer months, many ingredients come from the restaurant’s own rooftop garden. A la carte options might include black bass or dry aged creek-stone ribeye, but diners should always go with what the chef recommends and dine off of the tasting menu, which offers wine pairing and dessert options.

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223 Main St., East Greenwich

La
Masseria brings authentic Italian dining to East Greenwich’s main street,
offering diners a taste of Italy without having to head into Federal Hill. The
rustic, brick, stone and wrought iron accented interior offers a nod to an
Italian farmhouse, and, combined with romantic archways, make it the perfect
setting for an anniversary meal. Try the coniglio alla caprese (oven roasted
rabbit) or pollo novella al mattone (grilled young chicken old country style).

251 Spring St., Block Island

Looking for a special, luxury laced evening on an otherwise rather casual island? Look no further than the restaurant at the Hotel Manisses. The dining room is lined with large windows that look out over romantic gardens. Tasting menu items might include Block Island swordfish or the daily fisherman’s catch. Love your dinner on Saturday night? Head back for Prosecco brunches held in the garden on Sundays.

149 Main St., East Greenwich

Couples
looking to step outside their Italian and seafood comfort zone should try out
Rasa for Indian flavors in a contemporary atmosphere. The blue lighting adds to
the ambiance where diners can enjoy each other’s company while noshing on
traditional Indian fare.

505 Thames St., Newport

Experience
French cuisine in an elegant dining room in the heart of downtown Newport. The
refined menu features beautifully plated food including Dover sole, duck breast
and lamb chops, all prepared in the exquisite French tradition. Save room for a
dessert of crème brulee, profiteroles or chocolate mousse. And don’t worry
about parking in downtown Newport for your special meal; parking is available
for diners.

8 Anoka Ave., Barrington

Table
markets itself as a farm-to-table bistro offering a seasonal menu paired with
wines and craft beers. The setting here is cozy and casual, making it perfect
for a relaxed couple looking to celebrate with a great meal without the frills.
Enjoy charcuterie and cheese boards as well as entrees like the signature Table
burger or whole roasted fish specials.

26 Marlborough St., Newport

History buffs and romantic diners alike will love this spot which claims to be the oldest tavern in America. Originally opened in 1673, the colonial home exudes historic sophistication while serving diners Rhode Island-inspired fare. Bring your loved one for a meal of their signature beef Wellington, stout-braised short ribs with Rhode Island mushrooms or native lobster and shellfish stew.

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