Go Right Now: Restaurant Oak

It's easy to find a nice formal place to have dinner in most places, and you can usually find good places to eat when you just want some simple food or pub fare. But in my experience, the real challenge is locating the restaurants that serve great food with a somewhat less pretentious atmosphere and price tag. In Providence, we're blessed to have a number of such places, and one of the newest and best is Restaurant Oak. This bistro-style eatery has been open over a year now, but judging by the crowds, you'd think it was still brand new. But it's worth putting in the effort, because Oak offers one of the best dining experiences in the state.

The first thing you'll notice about Oak is how pleasant it is just to be in the space. From the tables outside on the nice days, to the comfortable bar area, to the warm, colorful dining room, everything about the place invites you to forget the stresses of your life and just enjoy your meal and your company. The acoustics, are also great, which is somewhat surprising for a smaller place. Rarely does a neighboring conversation seem to intrude on you. The staff add to this relaxed vibe by being attentive, playful, but never overly intrusive, striking just the right tone. Oak even complements its decor by occassionally exhibiting work by local artists, and amazingly always pick pieces that add to the ambiance. (They are currently exhibiting some nice landscapes by Amy Ryan.


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The food is always outstanding. I've had romantic dinners and business meetings at Oak, and from the simple sandwiches and burgers to nicer dishes like their bacon-wrapped scallops or chicken-apple sausage appetizers and seared duck breast or five-cheese ravioli entrees, they shine with a wide variety of dishes. An accessible wine list and good assortment of specialty coctails round out the experience, as do a selection of decadent desserts.

In fact, if you're in the mood for a nice, long meal that covers all the bases, you can't go wrong with their Wednesday fixed price menu. A couple can share a bottle of wine and each get an appetizer, entree and dessert for only $50 (I believe). That's less than you'd probably spend for two entrees and an appetizer to split on a Friday night. And you'll avoid some of the weekend crowd that will keep you waiting otherwise. Of course, after you try Restaurant Oak once, you'll probably be back pretty soon.

The Essentials

Cost for two: If you get two appetizers, two entrees, and a bottle of wine, you'll probably be set back $80 to $100 with the tip.
Bar savers: This is a wine place, and I recommend the Conquista Malbec off their list: a glass is $6, and it goes great with many of their best meat and pasta dishes.
Eat me: Both the appetizer and entree takes on sea scallops are excellent (to the point that they sometimes run out by late in the evening).
Next Stop: Down the street back towards Providence a bit is the Ivy Tavern, a good place for a late evening beer or to catch a game on TV.