Over the weekend, I ventured out to a brand new eatery over on Ives Street, the home of tried and true favs like Tallulah’s Taqueria, Bee’s Thai, and Malachi’s - with the hubs in tow (more about how he figures into things in a second) - and can now say that it is probably THE hottest place in all of Providence at the moment.

I say this because we arrived halfway thru peak lunch hour and it was jamming. Quite the lively scene! The only seating available being in a sort of waiting area and coffee nook at the very front.

Also, because more than a few friends and social media acquaintances (We all have those these days, rightttt? People we only “see” or catch up with online.) via not one but two apps (namely Facebook + Instagram) have been singing its praises since opening.

Yup, I’m talking about Aleppo Sweets. And I know it’s billed as a bakery, but it’s most definitely more like an amazing full on restaurant.

Here’s the tricky part though: I had gone with the intention of at least ordering a bunch of pastry to go, but not knowing enough about Syrian food, I didn’t realize said pastry is made with tree nuts, lots and lots of tree nuts. Since my husbad has a tree nut allergy that requires he carry an Epi Pen, I decided instead to pivot to the ole Burt Lancaster test, which goes back to that Pinterest-famous food quote oft attributed to him, the one about judging a restaurant by their coffee and bread. Hence the Turkish coffee (made with milk and a dash of cardamon and sugar, and served in a Copper Rakwa…got all that helpful info courtesy of the Square auto receipt that arrived in my email shortly thereafter) and Syrian bread order I put in.

Now, as we waited for my coffee and bread, more and more people started pouring in. Once the tc (that’s Turkish coffee) appeared, I hurriedly sipped because frankly I felt as though it just wasn’t right taking up any kind of seat with that kind of traffic/high demand all around me. So, yessss, loved my “preview” of Aleppo, can’t wait to go back with someone who can enjoy all the pastries (the whole menu really), and absolutely encourage you to check it out for yourself soon. It’s going to be the restaurant on everyone’s list (and lips) going into Spring 2019.

*Aleppo is located at 107 Ives Street in Providence, RI.