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GOURMET GREATNESS
Costantino’s Ristorante & Caffe offers the Providence area fine Italian American cuisine with awesomely fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is cramped, and the waiters are constantly shuffling, but it’s almost appropriate for that festive, transporting evening on the town.
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Costonatino’s Ristorante & Caffe in Providence, Rhode Island greets customers with a first level bar and lounge, dripping in old world grandeur with crystal chandeliers, marble, and gold detail. The mood changes upstairs to a cramped, outdated dining room with busy decorations and enough noise to drown out the soft guitar serenade. |
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The skillful Italian-American kitchen gives much attention to southern dishes based on olive oil and seafood. |
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To begin, the amazingly tender Carpaccio di Manzo plated ruby raw, paper-thin beef tenderloin with a salad of nutty arugula, glistening with olive oil and bejeweled with Parmigiano reggiano slivers. A bowl of comforting potato Gnocchi a la Sorrentina mingled in a wonderful plum tomato sauce with fresh mozzarella and wisps of basil. |
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An entrée of scrumptious Veal Medallions bathed in garlicky olive oil-white wine sauce, nicely peppered and flavored with mushrooms and tomatoes. The delicate and mild John Dory fish dripped buttery lemon nectar with each bite, mixed with artichoke hearts and bursts of grape tomato. Both entrees came with nicely browned red bliss potato wedges and sautéed snow peas with tomatoes and onions. |
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A dessert of Raspberry Linzertorte spread its awesomely dense, almond crust with sweet jam, and the tasty Chocolate Rum Roll paired a spongy dark-chocolate spiral with smooth and fluffy chocolate mousse. |
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Costantino’s guarantees a great Italian meal with whopping American portions. |
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Service is more scattered, as waiters rush around the closely set tables, yet slow down occasionally to refold a customer’s napkin or prepare a dish tableside. |
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With all the hurrying around, it’s impressive that the space remains so clean. Dishes are even carried upstairs from the first level kitchen without any spills. |
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Appetizers are moderately priced at $10, pastas average $14, and entrees range acceptably from $22 to $32. |
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Costantino’s joins the hustle and bustle of Atwells Ave. in Providence, Rhode Island. Valet parking is free! |
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Review Date:
5/31/2003 |
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