CAV Restaurant

I have nothing but amazing experiences here. The environment is so cozy and welcoming, with a touch of sophistication (great for a date night or casual birthday dinner). The menu doesn’t change often but the quality is everything -their crab cakes are some of the best in the city. The steak is always cooked perfectly, the seared tuna salad is something I crave almost weekly. Nothing here will disappoint!

My boyfriend and I recently went to CAV for the first time on New Year’s Eve. This was one of the best meals I’ve ever had!!! For our appetizer we shared the mussels which involved this red curry sauce (yum), for our entrees I got the chicken dish with baked pears (such a cool combination of flavor) and my boyfriend got the black truffle ravioli, I wish I got a picture of this! I had to steal a few raviolis off his plate, they were SO good. For dessert we shared the crème brûlée and had espressos, not to mention cocktails and wine during dinner. Not only was the food phenomenal, but the decor and atmosphere was very cool. I will definitely be back to this restaurant! I think it’s especially a perfect choice for celebrating special occasions.

This restaurant was a delightful experience from the decor to the food. The atmosphere is inviting while being surrounded by curiosities it was like dining at your most interesting friend's house. The service was warm and attentive. Most importantly, the food was delicious! A large portion of the menu is clearly labeled as gluten-free (if you have a dietary restriction). I ordered the scallops and was not disappointed! I visited on a Sunday with a small party of 4 people in the early evening and had a lovely and leisurely experience. Will certainly return for a special occasion.

4.8 Very unlikely you'll find a better place to eat in Providence. The setting, service, and food were all top of the line. The only negative thing I can come up with is the entrance. The ramp when you walk in, is in my opinion, a hazard, but now you've been warned.

I celebrated my birthday at Cav for a delightful brunch experience. The service at this restaurant was simply outstanding, providing us with a truly exceptional dining experience. The interior of the restaurant was adorned with exquisite artisan decor and a stunning collection of antiques, showcasing the rich influences of African and Asian cultures. It is truly a hidden gem in Rhode Island, offering a sophisticated atmosphere that elevates the overall dining experience. Despite having a concise menu, the quality of the food was exceptional in every way. For my meal, I indulged in the delectable Maine lobster and eggs, which was cooked to perfection. Additionally, I had the pleasure of savoring a bowl of their famous clam chowder, which was rich and flavorful. To complement my meal, I also enjoyed a few seasonal beverages that were both refreshing and delightful. Overall, Cav provided an unforgettable dining experience that exceeded all expectations.

Great food, slightly dismissive service when we asked about non-alcoholic mixed drinks. I realize founder was a long time and popular Providence bartender, suspect he would have come up with something wonderful that fit the bill. The food was terrific, and atmosphere is lush and overwhelming in a good way -- decorated with antiques for sale.

My husband’s and I celebrated our anniversary at CAV this week. We went for a unique lunch experience and felt like we were transported mid-day to an exotic hideaway. The spaces here were intimate and cozy, our lunch felt so relaxed and our server made us feel like we were truly important to him. The menu is varied and clearly labeled for dietary restrictions, everything looked incredible. We ordered the Tuna Romano and Chicken Parmesan. Both dishes were served promptly. The portion sizes were large enough to need take away boxes and both meals were fantastic! We are hoping to get back for brunch and dinner service soon!

Had great time at this restaurant. Make sure you have space in your phone for pictures. It is magical . We were lucky to be able to enjoy both decorations because we went on the last weekend of the Halloween Decour. And they had already started decorating the downstairs for Christmas. It is truly beautiful.

Went there for a nice dinner with family. Boy was this place busy. The atmosphere was pretty interesting. Imagine African art, meets Turkey with Egyptian design elements and a little bit o France. Staff was super friendly. The waiter we had was funny spent time with you at your table and didn’t rush you. He also made some amazing food recommendations. The door we had was flavorful, tasty and the portions were perfect. You didn’t go hungry, but also didn’t leave food behind. Definitely going back when it’s warmer out.

Food was amazing. The server was awesome and so knowledgeable and friendly. Even the manager was so humble and friendly. And the place? Oh my God. Few places you go to where they are more beautiful than the pictures. The restaurant feels like you are sitting in a fine art historic museum while dining. Artistic, thoughtfully placed artifacts that add color and texture and richness without congesting the pace. My vegetarian pasta was the best I have eaten ! Soft smooth creamy, fluffy light. The first time I had stuffed spinach in a pasta that is not watery. The wine red cab was excellent. And the price? Unbelievable for all this quality and richness. I have heard from staff that the dinner ambience is even more amazing. This is a place you do not want to miss if you visit Providence. One of a kind. Free parking across the place. The neighborhood is charming too !

Amazing atmosphere and amazing food. From appetizers to mains to dessert, everything I’ve tried on this menu has been delicious. I recently dined here for my birthday, and we started with mussels (generous portion with a flavorful sauce), then enjoyed black truffle ravioli and the duck confit, and ended with mango sorbet and the fruit tarte. Portion sizes were perfect. I wouldn’t have changed a thing! Ample free parking in lot across the street—major bonus!

We came here for lunch, and got an outside table. Service was friendly and accommodating. We had the lobster bisque, chicken with poached pears and mussels . Excellent food and execution. Thank you!

I recently took a trip to the CAV to try their Lobster bisque with some friends. From the second you walk in you are met with eclectic decor that sets the tone for what is almost guaranteed to be a great meal experience. Our waiter was attentive and informative. The Lobster Bisque, like the decor, was very unique as it’s made with Tahitian vanilla. It almost reminded me of a butternut squash flavor so if you are looking for a traditional bisque this may not be for you but definitely worth a try!!! The Florentine was also amazing. I will for sure be returning to try out their lunch menu.

The brie appetizer at CAV is something I’ll be dreaming about for months! It was delicious! The scallops and shrimp entree were perfect. The decor and ambiance there is so unique and enticing. Drinks and service were awesome. Do not ask for your steak well done even if you want it butterflied… not a sure thing. Everything else was amazing & I’m rating this 5 stars because they took the botched steak off our bill proactively. Great experience! Creme brûlée finished off the evening nicely!

This restaurant had a really unique atmosphere and was very old school, eclectic...I appreciate the uniqueness. They also had a cute outdoor dining area. The group I was with seemed to really enjoy their meals. I personally didn't like mine at all, it was the black truffle ravioli. I'm not sure I appreciate the pairing of truffle with bitter vegetables and herbs, at all. But again, it was just the two people that ordered this particular dish that did not enjoy their meals. I'm not sure I would go back here again unless invited but I wouldn't be opposed to trying something different. I also can't believe I've lived in RI for so long and didn't know about this place and only was invited there by out of towners.

I've been wanting to go to this restaurant for a while and I'm happy I've finally done it! The restaurant is just like its description. It is a restaurant in what looks like an antique shop....but a cool antique shop. My sister had the Brioche French Toast, and I had the special Filet Mignon tips and poached eggs with Hollandaise Sauce. The food was excellent! There is an outdoor option which we preferred because my sister brought her dog. They are doggie friendly. The outdoor area is beautiful! Highly recommend!

I just hosted the most perfect winter baby sprinkle at CAV. Not only is the space beautiful romantic and cozy the service was 100/10 and the food was amazing. Our servers’ attention to detail was unmatched. I have received non-stop compliments from all of the guests on the food and atmosphere. Highly highly recommend for hosting intimate events.

We went to CAV’s on Valentine’s Day for our dinner date and absolutely loved the food and the atmosphere. I ordered the fresh-cut florentine pasta, and my husband ordered the lobster pappardelle. Both were delicious, and our coconut shrimp appetizer was delicious.

First time in CAV and it was outstanding! Our server was on-point, the artifacts are amazing, and the food…. The food was excellent. We started with a gin martini and a lychee martini. Fresh and delicious. Perfectly poured. Then apps were walnut crusted Brie and calamari. So good. And large portions for the money. I got the scallops and shrimp, while hubby got the bolognese. I’ll let the picture speak for themselves. I HIGHLY recommend this place. You won’t regret it. Also met one of the owners, John, who was so nice! Make this a must stop when you’re in Providence.

What a great find! The place has a super cute, chic antique vibe — perfect for a date night. We showed up with our two kids instead, and surprisingly, it still worked out great! The food was delicious and beautifully plated, and the service was genuinely top-notch — friendly, quick, and professional. The whole place has this cozy speakeasy feel that makes you want to stay a little longer. Definitely going on our “must-return” list (and maybe next time, without the kids 😄).

Had dinner here for the first time and had Frientdzy as a server and he was amazing, the atmosphere was great as well. It was moderately busy but food didn't take long to come out. I do have a shellfish allergy and our server made sure to take the time and provide options with my allergies to ensure no cross contamination happened. Overall a great restaurant and would recommend!

Had never been before went for lunch with a friend and it was amazing. The service was terrific. The food delicious amazing cocktails and such a nice atmosphere. It’s very unique. We spent a little bit on the excessive side because we did go for a couple of nice cocktails and dessert but the basic lunch is probably about $20.

As a Providence native, I hadn't ever been, but on a recent trip home we found ourselves in the most charming and fabulous dining room in the old jewelry district, gnoshing on some delicious viddles. Antique mirrors and other gorgeous pieces surrounding all of us made it almost impossible not to bother our wonderful server, Giri for a pic to mark the occasion. Very highly recommended.

Good neo American fusion cuisine with heavy Italian influences. Dishes were all executed well, appies and drinks were reasonable. Atmosphere is kindof higher energy mixed with a some old school Italian joint.

I loved this restaurant! It is beautifully decorated for the holidays and the food was incredible. The wait staff were super friendly and attentive. I am looking forward to going back. I had a porkchop that was perfectly seasoned my partner had an incredible steak and we started with clam chowder and dumplings which were so tasty. Cocktails were awesome as well.

A truly unique dining experience in the heart of downtown Providence. The restaurant’s elegant interior, adorned with distinctive antiques, transports you straight to Europe, creating an unforgettable ambiance. The menu is diverse and thoughtfully curated, offering everything from succulent duck to fresh, flavorful seafood. While prices lean toward the higher side, the quality, presentation, and overall experience make it well worth it. For exceptional service, a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, and outstanding cuisine, CAV is not to be missed.

The most adorable place that is well decorated for the holidays. Definitely suggest a reservation. Food was decent.

The place looks amazing, it’s like a museum with lots of pieces of arts. The service was pretty decent, however the food wasn’t great.

We recently dined at CAV in Providence, drawn by its strong ratings and positive reviews. Let's start with the location—tucked away in a rather secluded, dimly lit area, which felt a bit eerie for a Saturday evening. Without the small sign, you'd hardly know it was a restaurant. Once inside, the atmosphere was bustling, and thanks to our reservation, we were seated quickly. However, the entrance was cramped, and there was a noticeable musty smell, which set an uncomfortable tone early on. It took about 10 minutes for water to arrive, and another five minutes for our server to approach. During the wait, I took in the restaurant’s décor. The antique aesthetic was charming, the space well-lit and quite roomy, but the energy was noticeably lacking. Servers seemed rushed and didn't convey the kind of warmth or enthusiasm you'd expect from a busy spot. When our server arrived after a good amount of wait, he mentioned the specials but offered little in the way of guidance or suggestions on the menu. We started with a Silver and Gold Margarita and planned to order the Goat Cheese Croquettes, but were told they were unavailable. We settled for the Mushroom Crostini, which was decent but nothing special. For the main courses, we ordered the Pasta Florentine, Poulet au Poires, and Mushroom Risotto, along with Truffle Fries on the side. The Pasta Florentine was a delight—well-balanced, flavorful, and perfectly executed. The Mushroom Risotto was another standout. The aroma was heavenly, and the mushrooms were cooked to perfection—earthy, flavorful, and tender. Unfortunately, the Poulet au Poires was a letdown. While the chive dumplings were tasty, the chicken itself was bland and rubbery, which made it difficult to enjoy. It was an interesting concept—chicken with red pears poached in wine with a ginger pear sauce—but it didn't come together. A side dish could have added balance and salvaged the experience, but as it was, we couldn't recommend it. For dessert, we initially ordered the Tiramisu, but like the croquettes, it was unavailable. Being told twice that popular items were off the menu left us wondering whether this was a one-time issue, a recurring problem or a wrong day and time to be there. The food we were able to enjoy was largely delicious, with the Pasta Florentine and Mushroom Risotto standing out. Portion sizes were reasonable—not too large, but satisfying. However, the service was lackluster. At one point, the cleaning staff began clearing our plates without asking if we were finished, which made us feel rushed. After politely asking them to stop, they backed off, but the overall experience felt inattentive. In summary, CAV has culinary talent however, the inconsistent service, unavailable menu items, and limited menu prevented this from being the stellar dining experience we had hoped for.

Went there yesterday for my sisters baby shower! There was pretty much only one server and I think another joined him later! But the one was incredible! The baby shower setup was great the artwork on the walls was impressive the food was delicious The only thing was rhe food arrived a lil cold

This place has one of the cutest ambience even though it's old. Talking about the Food I really enjoyed their calamari, the seasoning was spot on with extra touch of banana peppers. The brie was good and the portions are generous. My only issue was all my dishes starting from clam chowder, calamari, scallops-shrimps and even the chef special lamb everything came out cold. The only thing was hot that night was my cappuccino. I wonder how great it would it had tasted if all my dishes came out hot. I hate to give it 4/5, I really liked it.

I have had several excellent dinner experiences at CAV, and was looking forward to trying brunch. Unfortunately, I was somewhat disappointed. The interior of CAV is eclectic in the best way. I've heard the owners traveled to Africa and returned with artifacts and a dream of opening a restaurant. I'm not sure. But the room is absolutely packed with interesting objects. For brunch this time, the food was all over the place. The coffee and desserts were delicious... These are the things they also offer at dinner time. The bruschetta was alright, but it, along with the other dishes we tried, displayed absolutely lazy and sloppy knife work. Ingredients were hacked into large chunks and uneven slices at a novice level. For my main, I got lobster and eggs. These were both cooked very well. But it was topped with this storebought-tasting, sickly syrupy Thai chili sauce which tainted the whole dish. The service was also haphazard. Our server was very nice, but the timing was off. Somebody took our menus before we had the chance to order. It took a long time to get our check and then get the cards run. We saw our server trying to complete shift change tasks; perhaps there's some process optimization that could be made to alleviate this midday scramble. Overall it was a pleasant brunch, but I know what CAV is capable of, and this brunch was not firing on all cylinders.

Would definitely recommend! Atmosphere and service were highlights, the interior is just as beautiful as the pictures while maintaining a sense of warmth and a quaint but lively feel. The food was very well put together and very good, steak was cooked perfectly and the presentation was impeccable. A bit on the pricy side but what isnt these days. As long as it is worth the price I am fine with it, and it definitely was. Looking forward to returning sometime to try other items.

The dessert was the BEST!! Our server didn’t really care too much but we still enjoyed our time. Half of us enjoyed our food other half thought it was OK, but that could be personal preference.

Came here for brunch, food was okay, not great, prices good, ambiance great. We had a Brie appetizer, lobster and eggs, and French toast, all were okay. My eggs were cooked perfectly, but the chili sauce on the lobster and eggs was very sweet and not spicy. I tried my friend’s French toast and it was meh. I will say the ambiance is pretty cool because the restaurant doubles as an antique shop and there’s lots of interesting stuff to look at. The wait staff is great about not rushing people, so that makes for a great Sunday brunch vibe. The neighborhood is within walking distance of downtown which is also nice. I’m glad we made reservations as it was pretty busy, even in dead of winter. Despite being underwhelmed by food I’d come back and give this place another try for the dinner menu.

The food was delicious and the atmosphere is really cool. The staff was attentive and professional, but the had a kind of cold affect. It was my second time there and I don't remember the staff being this way. No one smiled or really tried to converse. It seemed like they were kind of robotic. Too bad because the food is good.

Loved the eclectic interior decor. Had a few appetizers and drinks before a show on a Tuesday evening. The food and drinks were very good and waiter attentive. *Only issue: I contacted the restaurant via their email (twice) less than a week later as I believe my credit card charge did not match my receipt (by $20) and I asked for it to be verified. No reply. I called and left a message for the manager John asking if they would check their copy as it is possible it is my error. Two days and no response. **Update: Following this review, I received correspondence from John and a credit for the $20. I was told the restaurant is in the process of changing their email, and received an apology.

Summary: Honestly expected a lot better. At the price, definitely would not recommend. This experience was bad enough that I felt obligated to leave a review, even if I have mostly stopped reviewing any restaurants. As others have said, the ambiance was lively and the decor was interesting, but everything else was mediocre at best. Poulet aux Poires--This supposedly 'award-winning' dish was the worst offender. Pears poached in wine were interesting, but that was it. Ginger pear sauce was watery and did not stick to anything, chive dumplings were about what you'd get at a slightly subpar local Asian market, and chicken breast was among the driest I've had anywhere—it was difficult to cut and extremely fibrous on the inside. Could not finish this, and the person I shared this meal with had one bite and agreed it was outrageous for the price. DO NOT ORDER. Bread service--butter/cream had a strange aftertaste and no flavor; bread was average Service--feel like we were treated very strangely--at one point we asked for the check, the guy went and told our waiter, and then he essentially ignored it and stood around/went around doing other things for a good ten minutes before finally giving us our check. The restaurant was not busy either, so I was very confused. 'Jumbo' Crab Cake--for that price, I expect more crab over other vegetables and such, although the chunks had good flavor. Duck Confit--slightly above average price for the amount of duck (I think Circe nearby has better value if I remember correctly), rest of dish was alright.

Very cool vibes in the restaurant, lots of mirrors and chandeliers. Service was okay, drinks were good. Glass top on table had a chip on the side that they covered with painters tape. Food was terrible. The highlight of the meal was the free bread. Lobster pappardelle had a good amount of lobster meat and the pasta was well made but the sauce was disgusting. Parmesan chicken was hard and dry, we tried to tell the staff and she said “oh…yeah” and walked away? Overall not impressed, save your money,

A place where the atmosphere was great but the food portions were too small. The service was as if we were bothering the staff. 4 of us ordered apps, meals, a bottle of wine and dessert cocktails. All the food was delicious so hats off to the chef. Just not the best overall vibe the male host should be replaced. Bartender was great, the server tried and warmed up mid way… we were there for a birthday and it just ruined the vibe.