A small bistro needs a well-executed vision to survive. This one sets its sights on immortality via an eclectic menu.
(401) 536-9868
7 Steeple St
(Canal Street)
Providence,
RI
02903
41.826
-71.4113
Neighborhood: Downtown Providence
New Rivers-American Bistro
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About New Rivers Restaurant
The Owner
New Rivers Restaurant
Owner
New Rivers in Providence, RI is named in direct homage to the two rivers running through the heart of Providence and the multicultural nature of Bruce Tillinghast's menu This American Bistro offers diners a unique culinary adventure. From the moment you walk into New Rivers, the dining experience begins. This was the credo established by Pat Tillinghast when the restaurant first opened in March 1990. From restful hunter-green walls with persimmon-red and yellow-ocher accents, artfully arranged linen napkins, fresh flowers and candles on every table, and a gracious and knowledgeable wait…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene – Christmas tree lights interlace the menagerie of bare twigs on the ceiling and cast a romantic glow on the billiard green walls. Couples primarily occupy the white-clothed tables, although a few marginally larger groups with more familial intimacy may dine in the banquettes, or at two tables pulled side by side. – – The Food – Frustrating servers but delighting customers, the menu changes two to three times weekly. Any given night's offerings are dependent on the current bounty reaped from local merchants' organic harvests. This self-imposed restriction has…
10/12/06
providence's best
by differentusername
intimate, romantic, charming, interesting, hip, unpretentious...describes this little gem. The food is always impeccable, wine list is amazing. THIS is Providence's finest.
- Pros: everything
- Cons: nothing
07/21/06
Nice little cozy restaurant in historic Providence
by aaront31
My partner and I went to this restaurant as part of our recent visit to Boston for our yearly vacation. We heard about it as part of their Restaurant Week where you have a fixed price menu and just a couple of food choices and a few courses to choose from. Parking for the restaurant is only really available at the pay lot behind the building ($6) as street parking in this part of town is non existent. Also, you have to look really hard to see this tiny little place or you'll miss it! The atmosphere was very cozy without being cramped, sort of like a nice romantic Ney York restaurant you'd like to go back to. The wait staff was adequate, however, they weren't all that attentive (I had to ask for a water refill, etc.). The food was a mixed experience. New Rivers is one of what I like to call the "neuveau riche" restaurants that thinks the only way they can be successful is to charge a lot of money for food supposed to be "fancy," and in tiny portions. I had the mixed grill with steak, shrimp, and sausage. There were two shrimp, about 4 ounces of steak and probably 2 ounces of sausage (about four bites of sausage and six of steak). I'm DEFINITELY not a big eater, but when I'm spending $30 on a meal, I'd like there to be more than 6 ounces of food on my plate. The shrimp were done to perfection, however, with a great smoky taste and the home made sausage was fairly good. My partner had the blue fish and it was very fresh, prepared well. The lemon tart for dessert was very good. Overall, this is a good restaurant, I would recommend it, but go prepared to spend at least $80 and not be stuffed with food when you leave.
- Pros: Great atmosphere, Fairly good food
- Cons: Parking, High prices, Small portions
The Details on New Rivers Restaurant
Look Good:
Sure the waitstaff wears jeans, but you'll look out of place if don't arrive dressed somewhat formally. Food this good deserves a good presentation from your side, too.
Where to Sit:
Don't sweat it if you get there early. A small bar in the jewel-like side room is the ideal setting to have a drink beforehand.
Know Before You Go:
New Rivers has but a single unisex bathroom.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Cuisine:
Eclectic & International, Traditional American, French, Seafood
Message from New Rivers Restaurant
- Elegant, Cozy and Intimate
- Excellent Wine List
- Bistro-Style presentation
New Rivers in Providence, RI is named in direct homage to the two rivers running through the heart of Providence and the multicultural nature of Bruce Tillinghast's menu
This American Bistro offers diners a unique culinary adventure. From the moment you walk into New Rivers, the dining experience begins. This was the credo established by Pat Tillinghast when the restaurant first opened in March 1990.
From restful hunter-green walls with persimmon-red and yellow-ocher accents, artfully arranged linen napkins, fresh flowers and candles on every table, and a gracious and knowledgeable wait staff, every detail is carefully rendered to showcase New Rivers' robust food, unusual wines and colorful bistro-style presentation.
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