CAV Restaurant
| Address: | 14 Imperial Pl, Providence, RI 02903, USA |
| Phone: | +1 401-751-9164 |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
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A Private User
Its true things look totally better on TV than in reality, especially with Cav. I first heard of Cav as it was featured on the show Rachael Rays Vacation and she featured this restaurant. At night, in the dark, dont expect to find it easily, because its hidden behind the buildings and its in a sort of sketchy neighborhood. As you approach you see the lights strung through the trees and it becomes more and more alluring as you approach the entrance with its sort of jewel in the ghetto tucked away appearance. Once you enter its covered with antiques that dazzle you for the first few moments. We were served our bread basket only to find the bread was burnt on the bottom. I will say the caesar salad was not terrible, the lettuce extremely crisp but the chef could lay off the vinegar in the homemade dressing and the croutons were too chunky and he used the exact same bread that was in the basket for the salad and crostini appetizer. My guest had the duck confit with blood orange sauce, but they didnt use blood oranges. The sweet potato mash that accompanied the dish was served very hot and quite delicious, also the duck was served as two parts breast and leg. The breast which was cooked perfectly, the leg on the other hand was overcooked, dry and not to the correct temperature. My guest told me that he usually doesnt order desert but he did that night. It being Labor Day weekend, he ordered the summer berry tart, it was to his surprise served frozen, the berries, at first glance we thought were covered in powdered sugar, turned out to just be frozen red raspberries, currants, and black raspberries. The shortbread crust was good, would have been better if it wasnt frozen. My appetizer I ordered was crostini with wild mushrooms and concasser tomatoes. When the appetizer arrived it was appealing to the eye, the mushrooms were cooked very well. The dish had chopped tomatoes, instead of the advertised French concasser and very heavy on the wine as if not deduced enough. My salmon dish was served with a beurre blanc. The salmon skin very crisp was a good contrast to the moist yummy well seasoned salmon and the beurre blanc was executed perfectly, but I didnt understand the chefs choice to garnish the salmon with rice sticks on top and canned lycee fruit. There was too much of an identity crisis on the plate, if he focused that dish towards its French origins it would be a ten. After about a hour and a half, the radical bohemian African antique decor, felt more like the air was stale and heavy, and we were trapped in a "CAVE" not Cav, just waiting to get our check so we could bounce and be free. The prices did not match the quality. Overall the meal tasted about as fresh as the antiques that have been gathering dust in there for the past few years. They hit a few out of the park but there were more stike-outs than hits this evening at Cav. Maybe they go the extra mile when they know Food Network is showing up.
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Nicholas Mulhern
This is an amazing find in the heart of Providence. This restaurant has a very eclectic atmosphere, professional service and Top Notch food. This location is relatively hidden and should continue to be a well kept secret bu locals alike. The Brunch menu is a great selection of Lunch and Breakfast which can be relatively hard to find.Prices ~$9-12 per meal with ample portions. Bloody Marys were sweet and spicy, interesting and worth every penny. Upscale bar staff that take their craft to the next level. They host medium size private events, the courtyard is very well dressed with tables, plants and original Mill style architecture. It would seem as if the spices and salads were harvested from the court yard. Food Recommendation: The Bag Sandwich W/ Bloody Mary for Brunch
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A Private User
Had a bad experience with the owner at the CAV. I received a Phantom Gourmet gift card for $50 as a gift. I attempted to use it last night at The Cav and was rudely informed by the owner that she would only accept $25 from the card because that was the contract she signed with Phantom Gourmet. I would NOT have went to this restaurant last night, if I knew that they would NOT accept the entire gift card. When I called Phantom Gourmet, they stated that this is a complete lie and they do NOT have such an agreement with the Cav. They indicated that we should have been able to use the entire amount of the gift card there.
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Alec Loudenback
Went here for the first time recently. Its kind of tucked away in a less-traveled part of Providence, but the building itself is in what appears to be an old industrial building thats been renovated. The eclectic decor features African and Asian art (many pieces "museum quality", the menu describes). But despite the decor, the american and European influences on the menu shine with an excellent variety of dishes, prepared well. The slightly high price for its location and confused identity makes me unsure of when Ill return. Looking at the menu, Im more likely to return for brunch or lunch.
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A Private User
I picked up my husband from the airport after a weary flight from Kansas City (via Philly). I had read about CAV from the Google Map reviews and liked what I saw. We were not disappointed. CAV was wonderful. It was a Tuesday night, after 8pm, so it was on the quiet side. The staff was very attentive, friendly and helpful. The martinis were delicious. The food divine. We loved the decor. Great Asian and African antiques, crystal chandeliers and great rugs and tapestries on the tables. Wonderful atmosphere. We will definitely be back.
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Courtney Daniel
This is such a beautiful little place tucked oh so quietly away in Providence. It is cozy, but has a beautiful atmosphere with antiques and trinkets decorating the walls and tables. Very romantic setting, but also a nice casual place. The food is excellent and the service is even better. Our server was able to answer all our questions about the menu which features some wonderful Italian dishes, and then recommended a dessert that was to die for! Definitely the place to check out for a nice, upscale night out with someone special.
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Peter Maranci
Excellent food, and not as expensive as I expected, considering the upscale ambiance. The down side: very tight spaces in some areas. My elbows were almost pinned to my sides, because the table we were seated at did not have enough space to eat at comfortably. Also, there are two unisex bathrooms, but one of them is only accessible via a function area which was in use - and therefore not accessible. So there was quite a line for the bathroom. And that too was a very tight space, with people having to squeeze by each other.
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Tyler McCraw
Brunch was great here! We had the bruschetta, one of their omelettes, and a bowl of clam chowder. All were delicious. The bruschetta was some of the best Ive ever had. And both the omelette and chowder were great. This restaurant is a fancier restaurant than others in the area, but prices were fairly reasonable. The atmosphere was great. They have some cool antiques hanging everywhere. Also, the staff was friendly.
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Jesse Dugas
The CAV is a wonderful, unique restaurant experience. Doubling as a art/antique shop the interior décor is spectacular and provides a rich and vibrant experience. The food, wine and drink menu is truly where the restaurant shines, providing excellent pairings with a wide-range of European and Asian cuisine. Great date destination, or when you feel its time to treat yourself/others to a wonderful night out.
