XO Steakhouse
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 273-9090
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Meeting Street
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5pm-1am , Fri-Sat 5pm-2am
Editorial Review for XO Steakhouse – by Lee Nash
The Scene
Though XO's lighting is subdued, its the energy level is high. Hugging the brick walls, billowy burgundy curtains are illumined by modern shiny sconces. Paintings and sculptures by local artists are everywhere, even alongside the long copper-topped bar anchoring the first room. Free from second-hand concerns, non-smokers get a bird's-eye view of the open kitchen.
The Food
XO's wildly eclectic menu features items from almost every continent--the Japanese bento box appetizer features not just Asian specialties, but a peppery calamari with smoked jalapeno mayonnaise; a wood oven-fired pizza is topped with pulled chicken, smoked mozzarella and grilled vegetables. Staying with the fusion theme are main dishes such as butternut squash gnocchi with English peas and rack of lamb with a goat cheese crust. There's also the self-proclaimed "greatest burger on earth" made of prime sirloin stuffed with barbecue duck confit and shaved black truffles--then topped with pate de foie gras.
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Insider Tips
ParkingTake advantage of the complimentary valet parking on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Save TimeDesserts are made to order. So if you're in a hurry, order your after-dinner treat at the same time you order your entree.
What to DrinkThe "electric eel" is a real conversation piece. An oh-so-smooth combination of Midori, pineapple rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice and a bright neon red ice cube--served in a large martini glass.
User Reviews for XO Steakhouse
06/21/2008 Posted by prustitant
Quite a while ago, I had a charming dining experience at XO Steakhouse. The waitstaff was knowledgeable, friendly, and not afraid to act like humans as opposed to just working and saying the necessary song and dance. The selection of food could use a bit more expanding, however as a vegetarian (who eats seafood), there was enough on the menu to provide a satisfying meal. The Bento Box split between three was actually perfect, with the lobster wontons being my favorite out of the robust calamari and the amazing tempura mushroom fries. The tuna tartare was also elegantly presented and the taste matched the appearance. For the main dish, I enjoyed a large, flavorful scallop that was not overtly tender - a plus. But really the pleasant highlight of the night was the bread pudding - not too sweet, great consistency, a wonderful melding of flavors to create a solid experience. The decor was a little too dark, but romantic and included interesting sheer wall-hangings. The "double espresso" was pretty large - was not really a double espresso, and also not ideal as a drink. Overall the experience was charming, and even the prices are a bit steep, I would love to return.
Pros: Decor, excellent wait staff, charming food
Cons: A bit pricey, a little too dark
03/30/2007 Posted by j_machine
This restaurant is very romantic. I had a good time here on a date but it was because our waiter was so entertaining and funny. The food was savory and salty. It was very good but I don't think it was worth the money. I would not go there again. I think the food falls above "hotel" food but below what I expect fine dining to be.. I think the skill of the cook is high, but the ingredients were not as well thought out.
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