Rue de L'Espoir
Providence, RI 02906
Phone: (401) 751-8890
- Price:
- $$$
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 7:30am-11pm, 11:30am-2:30pm, Sat 8:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm , Sun 8:30am-2:30pm
Editorial Review for Rue de L'Espoir – by Lee Nash
The Scene
A little bit of the Left Bank has settled on Providence's East Side. Gaily striped window awnings. Waitresses in full white bib aprons. In the air, the omnipresent sweet smell of fresh bread. Warm woods, cozy booths and a 100-year-old pressed tin ceiling complete the Continental setting.
The Food
The menu displays a cross section of international influences. From Asia are appetizers like the Thai crab cakes drizzled with tomato oil and the sesame chicken served with an addictive honey mustard sauce. Many of the entrees are indebted to Italy--such as the grilled chicken over homemade ravioli or the clam roast pomodori served over penne with black olives, red sauce and gorgonzola cheese. Even the vegetarian offerings have more to do with Naples than Paris. Called the Leaning Tower of Portobello, one high-rise Napoleon with risotto cake, roasted red peppers, zucchini, goat cheese may not be French, but it's frankly creative.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoWeekend brunch is extremely popular, so be sure to make a reservation. The menu features crepes, old-fashioned pancakes and the house specialty called a Rue Melt.
Where to SitYou can't get a hamburger in the dining room on the weekend, but you can sit at the bar and order one from the bistro menu.
User Reviews for Rue de L'Espoir
03/02/2007 Posted by ksmanihot
After two disappointing meals at Rue de l'Espoir, we're still puzzled: why is this restaurant so popular? The food is overpriced, carelessly done, and the service is amateurish. Our most recent visit started with two bland appetizers: panko-encrusted tuna and portobello mushroom spring rolls. The tuna portion was ridiculously large--it could have been an entree! The tuna was rare but not fresh enough, so it had absolutely no taste. It had a mealy texture, and the crust was soggy and bland. There was no dressing or seasoning except for a few lime slices. The whole thing tasted and looked sloppy. The spring rolls were passable, although the thick and heavy pastry overpowered the filling completely. The taste of mushrooms and asparagus was nowhere to be found. Instead, it tasted like deep-fried dough and sweet-sour sauce (it comes with a fruit dipping sauce). Entrees were even worse. The scallops in the duck duet were simply not fresh enough--they tasted fishy and pungent. In addition, they were overcooked, rubbery, and dry. The duck breast was even worse. Instead of the bloody juiciness of properly cooked, fresh duck breast, this one was mealy, cold, dry, and had a greasy off-taste. Filet mignon with mashed potatoes was mediocre. The meat had a livery taste--again, just not fresh! The pan sauce was clumpy, dull, floury, and oversalted. The potatoes were a gluey mess--tasteless and gummy. Even the beer was stale. Our first visit a few months before had been just average. The food wasn't mind-blowing, but it was decent and edible. This time around, however, it all tasted so bad we left most of it on our plates. At almost 50 dollars per person, this meal wasn't just overpriced--it was painful. We're never coming back to what I now refer to as Rue du Desespoir.
Cons: Overpriced, bad service, dingy ambiance
07/13/2006 Posted by kumyster
We were seated promptly. Food and drinks came quickly. However, we were not able to enjoy our dinner. After one hour, we were informed the table we were seated at had a reservation and we were "encouraged" to pay the bill and make way for the reserved party. I have never been treated with such disespect and was too shocked by the "request" to make a scene. This restuarant needs to value customer service and value the impact of return customers. Food was bland and dull. It was also the first time in many years that I left food on the plate instead of taking it home for leftovers. There was nothing special whatsoever. Usually, poor customer service can be offset by food as I tend to value the quality of the food more than the service/ambiance/etc. Also, it is extremely overpriced. I will never go there again and I suggest you avoid this place. Only pro for this restaurant: If you are here to have some drinks, chat with friends, then come here. Just don't order food or come during peak hours of Th, Fri, Sat nights.
Pros: Good martinis. Good ambiance for hanging out. Although they may force you out.
Cons: Bland dull food. Poor customer service.
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