04/14/09

Go for desserts

by jsss

Nice place to have some desserts. One of the best desserts in RI. Yes, so if you don't want to go to boston but want to have a nice dessert, go there :)

• Pros: Good desserts
• Cons: not for main dish :)

09/08/07

Best desserts in Providence

by mariahci

On my first and only visit to Pastiche, I ate the best fruit tart and best carrot cake I've ever had, plus the espresso drinks were the best I've found in Providence so far. The only problem was not enough tables.

07/20/07

One of Rhode Island's best cafes.

by aaronmc

Pastiche is a wonderful little place. Parking can be a total pain, since it's on the street, but if you head down the road far enough, you'll usually find a place. Entering, the decor is relaxed and attractive, but it's a little too cozy, bordering on cramped. The tables are packed pretty tightly, and the hustle of people walking to to and fro makes the small areas not covered by chairs and tables somewhat treacherous. I've never waited for more than ten minutes for a table, even on weekends, which highlights the quick sojourn that many people choose to make at this bustling, little hot-spot. Once settling in, the coffee menu is generally unimpressive. It's got all the usuals --mocha, latte, etc.-- but nothing that really shows the hand of an inventive barista. The coffee is some of the strongest I've ever had, if not the strongest. As if when roasting the beans, they just set them directly on fire. The deep, powerful coffee flavor is something that will probably overwhelm Americans weaned on the weak concoctions of Starbucks (nothing against Starbucks, though). A cappuccino here is a treat for a coffee lover. The pastries and cakes, which change seasonally, are the real stars. Everything is made in-house, and there are so many items to try it's pointless to try and list them. The standouts are the fruit tart, which is the best in Rhode Island, a chocolate mousse cake that leaves you always wanting more, and the airy Italian mascarpone torte. Some snafus include coffee that is sometimes not just strong, but burnt. If you have complaints, though, the friendly staff will happily replace your cup. Their chocolate layer cake and chocolate torte have also, on occasion, been very dry. Still, no errors can really detract from the ineffable charm of this quaint, Federal Hill haunt. Fabulous coffee combined with mostly amazing desserts gives Pastiche the honor of being one of the Rhode Islands best cafes and bakeries. If you haven't already gone, go. Now.

• Pros: Fabulous desserts, fruit torte is heavenly, and some of the best coffee around.
• Cons: Coffee is sometimes burnt, some cakes aren't up to the other pastries.

08/23/06

Overrated

by eac1959

When we moved to Providence a few people told us to check out Pastiche. We've gone a few times, but have found the desserts to be underwhelming. Most of the cakes are laden in buttercream, which is oddly tastless as well as greasy. The summer desserts were the best - the fruit tart and the blueberry cobbler are delicious. I think Pastiche is okay, but definately not worth the price.

07/14/04

Yummy!

by spahn2

This place has absolutely the best desserts. It is alittle pricy, but well worth it. What is good about it is that it stays open till 10 or 11pm every night. Sometimes there is a wait, but they always seat you promptly. The service is fast and the desserts are mouth watering. If you love sweets this is the place to eat.

• Pros: food, service, ambience

02/20/04

Marilyn

by nikkoblue

Pastiche is my favorite bakery/cafe. Whenever, I visit Providence, this is the only place that I must go to again. It is a respite from everything else. The atmosphere is great...like an intimate European cafe. The wall mural and decorations are so pretty. It feels cozy. The desserts are heavenly. One can never decide what to order as all of them look so beautiful. What especially impressed me on a hot summer day was that they served a little pitcher of liquid sugar with my iced tea! That way, the sweetener actually mixed with the tea instead of sinking to the bottom. I have never had that at any other restaurant. I wish I had more excuses to visit Providence just so that I could go to Pastiche.

Federal Hill's popular dessert spot offers coffee, cake, and a lively slice of Providence life.

by Contributor

In Short
This bustling little cafe located steps from DePasquale Plaza is a great place to sip cappuccino and kibbitz with friends. Faux marble walls, a pastoral mural, and the loud buzz of conversation contribute to the warm, cheerful atmosphere. Tea aficionados will revel in the wide range of options, and sweet tooths will savor the pastries which change with the seasons. Tortes can be a bit dry, but standards like chocolate layer cake and fruit tart are sure bets.

07/10/03

One of the best!

by dsmithri

We go often and the deserts are always excellent. It's too bad the Mocha walnut marquis is no longer offered, as it was a real jewel in their crown!

02/10/03

Fine desserts = Pastiche

by Yummy2003

Definitely AGREE .. Pastiche's desserts are out of this world! Highly recommended: sinful Torta di Ciocolatta and Tiramisu, comforting Carrot Cake, Rugelach and Banana Creme Pie, refreshing Fruit Tart, and soothing Lemon Squares ...

12/27/02

Beware the lime tart

by EastSider

The coffee is good, and some of the pastries and cakes are excellent (try the lemon buttercream cake) but I have had a couple of unexceptional desserts, and one truly unappetizing lime tart. Be careful!