This Classic PVD Restaurant's Patio Is Perf For Your First Meal Out This Month

Yesterday In Providence On The Patio At Cafe Nuovo

Since this whole thing started, we’ve been doing some cooking at home (and by we I mean not me), we signed up for a locally based meal prep and delivery service that does a sensational job, and we’ve also been ordering our fair share of takeout.

We haven’t eaten a meal at an actual restaurant, however, in about four months, give or take.

Well, yesterday the hubs and I had our first bite out at an actual brick and mortar eatery, a late lunch at Cafe Nuovo, on their patio that overlooks the Providence River, and the River Walk, and I feel quite good about the experience. And by experience, I mean getting out of the house safely during this pandemic. (Side bar, reservations are still recommended. We made ours via phone a half hour or so prior, while out in the city, trying to decide what we wanted to do.)

The Magherita Pizza And Fried Green Tomatoes From The Cafe Nuovo Lunch Menu

Before my phone starts going off with a barrage of texts from family, friends, and online acquaintances asking about myself and my husband having visited a restaurant, let me explain. Please.

As some of you may already know (I’ve spoken about it multiple times over on Insta), my Covid crew is made up entirely of high risk people. My husband has asthma that he takes meds for daily. My eldest brother (all my brothers really with the exception of one) and my sister are both over 60. And my mom is 90. She is also a cancer survivor who has struggled with high bp — not to mention heart and lung issues - for the last decade or two. As a result, I have been extra cautious about venturing out, even in Phase 3, and have been sticking strictly to open air activities only.

With all of this in mind, an al fresco lunch at CN in PVD sounded like a marvelous way to adhere to my plan (you know, the one about staying out-of-doors right now) while still enjoying one of the state’s best restaurants.

La Gondola Providence, Masked Up And Out On The PVD River

Okay, now let’s get to the details you’re probably really curious about…First of all, every employee we encountered was masked up. The tables out on the patio were also far enough apart that I felt like we definitely had our own space. And finally we ordered from those now ubiquitous paper menus.

The food? As delish as ever. (I say this as someone whose fam has celebrated many birthdays and special occasions there over the years.) We split a pizza to start. (Tbh I could eat pizza at least 5 nights a week.) The hubs had a salmon burger with a side French fries. I stole a few of his fries and dug into a fried green tomato, followed by a delightful chopped salad.

And, when I saw the gondolas from La Gondola Providence going back and forth, in front of us out on the water (the gondoliers were also wearing masks), I knew we had made a fantastic decision. Especially considering that as of this moment in time, we as Americans cannot travel to Europe. I mean, La Gondola is the closest thing to a Venezia getaway these days.

A Gorgeous Chopped Salad From Yesterday’s Lunch At CN

I wrapped things up with a nice cappucino and after settling the bill (btw, now is the time to tip generously and then add more), we were on our way back home.

Cappucino Time!

If you’ve been wanting to get out of the house for a sit down meal somewhere other than your kitchen, dining room table, backyard or park bench, I have to say that a sunny day or balmy night outdoors at Cafe Nuovo could be just the thing for you and your S.O. this summer.

*** Cafe Nuovo is located at One Citizens Plaza in Providence.