Blue Grotto Providence, Providence

Even after 30 years, the culinary wizards at Blue Grotto are still committed to refining the restaurant’s menu, continually assessing its classic Italian dishes and asking how they can improve them. Rather than dulling meals with premade ingredients, the chefs instead prefer to work from scratch with local, seasonal ingredients. They prepare as much as possible by hand, showing a meticulous attention to detail while forming the gnocchi and stuffing mushroom caps with crabmeat. The restaurant’s alluringly generous menu washes down with an equally expansive wine list composed largely of Italian and Californian wines. Located in historic Federal Hill, Blue Grotto lovingly embraces guests in its pleasant setting, which boasts such comforting touches such as a fireplace and waiters who sing-speak in a gentle baritone.