Avenue N — Restaurant in East Providence

Inventive, unique, delicious food. About once a month, my wife Paula and I have a dinner date with my wife's cousin Carol and her husband Roland. We take turns choosing the eating destination each month. This time it was our turn. I'm considerably a greater foodie than Paula. I love lots of flavor, and even a little zingy spice to my food, and she's almost always guaranteed to order chicken-something (it's sort of a running joke) though she'll pull a fast one on us every now and then and order a filet mignon, or fish.

I'd had my eye on Avenue N for quite a while, and had been trying to get Paula to go in on choosing it for our turn, but she was hesitant because of the inventiveness of the ingredients and the short menu (I LOVE a short, limited menu, and absolutely hate having to turn a page to see what else can confuse my mind as to what to eat). But long story short, this time she thought it sounded like something she'd try. And boy are we all glad she did!

All four of us got something that was eyes-rolling-in-the-back-of-your-head delicious! I got the Braised Hopkins Farm Lamb Shank (bacon-cauliflower grits, charred savoy, maple-sherry glace). I think I might've had a tear rolling down my cheek in sheer joy. The shank was so large that I was only able to eat half of it and brought the other half home for lunch the next day :) ... Paula and Carol got the Roasted Eggplant and Heirloom Carrot Bolognese (rigatoni, wild arugula, lemon marscapone, olive oil), and both of them kept saying how wonderful the flavors were, even though they'd both had the chef to exclude the wild arugula, because they were afraid that it might be too peppery for their rather dainty palates ;)

Roland got the Pan Seared New Bedford Sea Scallops (corn & uni risotto, organic spinach, preserved tomato beurre blanc), and he had that quasi-stoned look of happiness on his face as he consumed it.

The waitress (Audra) was very pleasant and helpful, and was able to give an instant response to Paula's and Carol's question concerning the nature of wild arugula. Who would think that the waitress would know that without having to run into the back and ask the chef? But she did, so that's an extra point for her. As well, I like the fact that she said "I'm Audra and I'll be serving you this evening", instead of the nonsensical "I'll be helping you" that seems to be what the kids are saying today.

I didn't spend a heck of a lot of time looking at the beer, wine, and drinks menu as I was simply geared up for eating what I was hoping and expecting to be something rather good, so I just got the same glass of wine that Roland ordered (a merlot).

Paula wants to go back to Avenue N this week, just she and I. She'll most likely order the same thing she ordered on that night, and I'll most likely order something different. For me variety is the spice of life, even if I know that something else is pretty much a...

UPDATE- 11/2025 Redemption! We were invited back for a repeat performance, the result was a much more pleasant experience. The fried oysters were the hit of the evening. My guest enjoyed his burger and I ordered the scallops which were cooked to perfection. The bartender was on point and made an excellent martini. They're more difficult than most people imagine. I will return to try their interesting soup creations.

UPDATE- I was contacted by the owner, we had a very frank honest conversation. I commend him for reaching out and attempting to understand and rectify the situation, he could've easily ignored the review and moved on.

Disappointed is an understatement. The table next to us was served before us and they arrived after us then we were told our ‘ticket’ went to their shop next door. Still took forever and when it arrived the poached eggs were overdone, I know they’re tricky, if you can’t cook them don’t offer them. The second order of poached eggs not much better and by then my plate was cold. Was never offered more coffee, I had to flag the waiter down. Took almost an hour for our food to arrive, the party seated next to us said the service was subpar. Would’ve been considerate for the waiter to explain why everything was taking so long, once again I had to flag him down. He said he would bring doughnuts while we continued to wait but nothing arrived. The hostess was aloof and made it known she wasn’t...

Whether you are looking to grab some drinks and apps at the bar, have a sit down dinner, or just to get away from the animosity of the city for a Sunday brunch with family and friends, Avenue N is the quintessential place to do so. Their quaint restored mill atmosphere makes for a memorable dining environment but what really stands out are the culinary talents that shine through in every dish I have had the pleasure of enjoying. All the details are addressed here. From the table settings to the meticulously garnished dishes that make your palette smile. The well thought out amorphic menu and all of its creativity never gets boring. Whether you crave cod with crab stuffing, scallops with a lobster sauce, a basic perfectly executed chicken dinner or a clean margherita pizza , you will leave here smiling with all your expectations exceeded. The bar mixes all of your dreamed up libations with ease and the service is unparalleled. I would recommend reservations as the space is small and their following is unsurprisingly large. Make your reservations for a truly special dining experience you won't soon forget. Simply put, Avenue N is Rumford's best kept yet well...