Raphael's Bar Risto

My wife and I decided to sit outside, it being a beautiful night. Too bad the food and service couldn't match the weather. The waiter had to think to be cheerful. The appetizer was... disappointing: lots of spring vegetables, a tiny amount of dressing, and a miniscule amount of ahi tuna - it weighed about as much as a poker chip. It took 45 minutes for the rabbit food to arrive. Thirty minutes later, dinner arrived: taglietelli w/bolognese sauce for her, 20 oz. sirloin steak for me w/vinegar potatoes & string beans. The bolongese and pasta was great. The sirloin - forgettable and tough. Oh yeah - what string beans? None on the plate. They said they were out - at 7:30? No offer of a replacement veggie, either. I complained about the steak - water says "sorry" with a smile and walks away. At $29? They should have given us a partial refund for bad food, let alone slow service. Considering we dropped $100, overall the food was awful. I make better stuff at home. Pros: Some of the food was good. Cons: Slow service, bad food. more

I love this place. After living in Providence for 4 years this happens to be one of my favorite restaurants. The food is definitely something that you will find right out of Italy, being that I was just there. I highly recommend it. Yes, it can be noisy, but people should expect that going to such a hot spot in Providence. more

Perhaps it was my mistake? Mixing Waterfire with a visit to a downcity restaurant. However, a well-run establishment could have faired better in spite of a busy night. Wait staff seemed almost panicked at times and running past tables at speeds so great that one could never expect to get their attention without extending one's leg. The food was well prepared although the veal scaloppini lacked taste. The chaos was accented with dim lighting and no table lamps or candles making the menu, printed in medium brown ink on off white paper making it practically impossible for this Graphic Designer to read. The zucchini flowers were great; the salad was good as well. Bread was excellent. Noise was way over the top. I blame the acoustics and adjacent bar. I may consider giving it another chance, but with so many great places to try, it might be a while. Pros: food Cons: , Dim lighting, Service more

Raphael's never disappoints! I've loved the food at this restaurant for all of the years that they have been in business. It's a wonderful find in Providence. The food is always wonderful, and the service terrific. We held our rehearsal dinner there and they did an impeccable job of caring for us. Pros: Diversity of food, Lively Ambiance-Fun!, Parking Cons: Noisy for quiet dates more

While quite noisy (not a good place for a quiet, romantic dinner), Raphael's is very stylish indeed. Both the food and service were outstanding--but be prepared to pay for that quality. One of the top five in the city, at least! Pros: food, service Cons: noisy, noisy, noisy more

Expected great food, excellent service for those kind of prices. But while we were seated on time, it took over 45 mins for the apps to show up--along with our first course! Our neighboring table of 5 diners also experienced bad service as their food took longer than ours--and they were seated before we were! Food was underwhelming, service even less remarkable. Plus the din made conversation difficult. Husband threw up his dinner when we arrived at home. Won't go again. Won't recommend it, either. Pros: seated on time Cons: food uninspiring, surly staff, lousy food delivery more

Visit Raphael's for a savvy and stylish taste of the Old Country with an innovative flare that reminds you of Rome/Home/Rome... more