Capri, Providence

Part of the fun of dining at Capri is trying to pin down the bistro's culinary influences. The gourmet hotspot describes its upscale entrees as a blend of Mediterranean and Swedish cuisine—and dishes like the hand-rolled Swedish meatballs served with lingonberry jam certainly back up that claim. But there are flashes of brilliance that don't lend themselves easily to clear categorization.

Take, for example, the grilled sirloin. The dish draws inspiration from cedar plank salmon, infusing the tender cut with the earthy, woodsy aromas of cedar hardwood and pairing the steak with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and oven toasted potatoes for good measure. It's a dish that feels at home with the staggering selection of other new classics, such as the decadent truffle oil mac 'n' cheese or the whimsical peanut butter and banana dessert panini.