Restaurant Review #4 - Mediterraneo Caffe

Restaurant: Mediterraneo Caffe
Address: 134 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI
Website: www.mediterraneocaffe.com
Rating: A+

Background: I worked in East Providence for a little over a year where I become indoctrinated into Rhode Island culture. While I never quite got into coffee Awful Awfuls (milkshakes) or hot weiners (skinny hot dogs you can buy by the arm-length), I was fortunate enough to befriend Tash, who gave me the DL on Federal Hill. Federal Hill is Providence's Little Italy, an area lined with restaurants and bakeries that encompasses Atwells Avenue and DePasquale Square.

Like any coach preparing for a big game, planning is required before venturing into the Hill. To psych myself up for tonight's feast, I called the Troll. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: Hey, I'm so sorry that you can't make it up for the birthday dinner. I actually looked into getting you a last minute ticket into TF Green but it was pretty expensive and it would've been a long day for you.

Troll: No, that's ok. I completely understand, you guys will have a lot of fun I'm sure.

Me: I'm glad that you're cool with this. Actually, the real reason why I called you is because I have a pretty important question to ask you. Do you have a sec?

Troll: Sure

Me: Well, as you know, we're going to Mediterraneo tonight which is my favorite restaurant ever. I guess my question is, should I get the lobster ravioli? I mean, they kind of overwhelm you with these huge raviolis crammed with lobster. Then for extra measure, they throw a couple of jumbo shrimp on top. To describe them, these shrimp are like the size of the steak that falls on Fred's car in the opening credits of the Flinstones. Do you think that it's just a little much?

Troll: You are such a fucking asshole. I fucking hate you.

There is nothing more exciting than setting the radio to 92 PRO FM and driving down I-95 towards Providence, especially since I fived the entire state last week. Every once in a while a restaurant comes along that is so outstanding that you want to tell everyone you know about it, just so you can use it as an excuse for a future visit. While there are many, many excellent restaurants in Federal Hill, none of them can hold a candle to Mediterraneo.

The menu is a bit eclectic: while they have some traditional red sauce items, the menu heavily relies on seafood and gigantic steaks. I could write pages and pages about all of the wonderful items to try on the menu but the truth is that you really can't make a bad choice. While the kitchen is always willing to accomodate special requests, you certainly won't find anyone common enough to chow down on chicken parm in this place.

Though definitely not priced out of the stratosphere, Mediterraneo certainly isn't cheap. While the prices are pretty much in line with what you'd expect to pay in Boston or New York, for Providence this is a completely different level of dining. The staff knows this and goes out of their way to make you feel like a superstar. Whether it's the free valet parking (yes, take note North End: free parking) or the complimentary limoncello shot at the end of your meal, one of the three waiters assigned to your table will ensure that your palate is dazzled and your water glass full.

I gave Mediterraneo an A+ because it's seriously my favorite restaurant ever. If you want to try it out for yourself, take I-95 to exit 21 - Atwells Ave. Street parking and complimentary valet service are available. If you're a T person, find someone with a car to take you, or take the Attleboro/Stoughton line to Providence station and cab it.