Sarto Restaurant — Restaurant in Providence

When my Scandanavian friend was visiting from Asia w his Thai wife, we decided to try an Italian Restaurant in Providence on a Thursday, and selected Sarto. The four of us had dinner on their patio.

In terms of food, the appetizers were very overpriced with small portions. Their BEET salad had pieces of cooked beets the size of a die enveloped by greens. Although flavourful, I was left feeling like they stretched one beet for 8 to 10 appetizers. The focaccia was good but at an Italian restaurant, shouldn't that be included with the meal anyway? I have eaten in many cities in Italy and never felt like this was classic Italian food, it seemed like a PVD spin on it.

Two of us ordered the tenderloin, and it was good. I am glad Sarto got that right, but I ordered their porchetta and found it way too dry, way too crispy, and lacking the green spices like fennel and rosemary that I was used to when I ordered it near San Siro Stadium off a food truck in Milan many moons ago attending a soccer match. I felt like it was made Tuesday and they reheated it for me on Thursday, having to crunch through the skin with force when I took a bite.

Drinks were OK, but the patio on the street had us inhaling vehicle exhaust, it was noisy and I could not figure out why they had a patio in the first place.

The waitress did not know the menu at all, and the attitude came with it when I asked how the oxtail sausage was prepared, and she had no clue. She could not tell the difference between a braised oxtail sausage, or oxtail served with braised sausage. Don't they have meetings with servers before the night begins?

The four of us, with two drinks each, with tip, paid almost $400. I just have not found a classic Italian restaurant in Rhode Island yet that has me thinking, "this is like a trip to Italy." This was more like, "this is my Providence interpretation of Italian food." Too bad, because for some reason, the reviews seem to be positive. Than again, I have an exigent palate, and I have been fortunate enough to eat at great...

We were so pleasantly surprised by the modern yet warm decor of the restaurant in this historic building, the high ceilings, beautiful bar and energetic vibe. The food was absolutely wonderful, recipes true to authentic Italian cuisine. While the menu changes to stay fresh, this night we had as antipasti charred pulpo with potatoes, warm olives (what an idea, the flavor of the olives truly popped) and burrata. Mains included a huge rib-eye with broccoli I and Porchetta - completely genuine with crispy exterior and rolled with fennel and other herbs in the Italian way, served with creamy polenta. Delicious. Sarto has a beautiful selection of organic and responsibly sourced spirits and wines. Our waiter, Jack, was a delight and made us feel so welcome - he was a standout. His recommendations were right on and he explained the offerings and the dishes in depth. Our experience was 110% positive and we will be back. Highly recommended! Update 5/12/2024 We had Mother's Day dinner here and the food and service were spectacular. With the help of our wonderful server Rickie, we compiled a 4-course meal for all 5 of us to share (sons, wife and mother in law)... Antipasti: calamari salad, baby lettuce salad, carbonara fries and focaccia. Pasta: cacio e pepe; pappardelle with beef oxtail sausage ragu. Mains: pollo frito, seared scallops; Porchetta (authentic). Dessert: house made gelato, butter cake (served warm and made with the butter from the "fat washed rum" they make in house for use in their Fat Zach cocktail...so unique ) Everything was prepared and presented beautifully. Kitchen/chefs were right on despite a busy Mother's Day dinner hour. Our server Rickie was amazing. The manager greeted us warmly on arrival and thanked us upon leaving. We...

Mind. Blown. These ladies are in the kitchen killing it! It’s the first time we’ve ever seen a kitchen full of women. I learned they locally source as much as possible & the taste is proof for sure. The quality & flavor of all the food is extraordinary. If you go, definitely try the cheese & salumi plate and the short rib osso bucco. Ask for a extra side of the grilled spring onions so you have more to go w/each bite of the polenta. Finish with the upside down pineapple dessert while sipping on a Lavender Espresso Martini or their espresso doppio. My better half felt their espresso was the best he’s had in the states, tasting very authentic to what you’d find in Italy where he lived for 2.5 yrs at one time. Although I’ve read reviews from others on different platforms commenting that they find Sarto’s menu to be limited, I’m thinking the reviewer doesn’t understand at all what goes into each of the chef’s offerings, which is a massively creative and beautifully presented dish. This takes time and I thoroughly appreciate their dedication to providing an ample menu of scrumptious selections that are all perfectly plated when presented rather than throwing out good food in lot quantities. Keep doing what...