Last night was my very first visit to the recently re-opened Sarto in Providence, on the corner of Dorrance and Weybosset. (If you spent any time downtown during the 1980’s, you may remember it as the location of Philip Wolfe, one of several high end men’s clothing stores in the cap city at that point.)

Whether you’re looking to book dinner before a show at PPAC or Trinity or you would rather not turn the oven at home on in these 90+ degree temps and are in desperate need of an evening out, this snazzy Italian restaurant (the decor — from the black and white tiled floor to the red signage and accents — reminds me sooo much of The Odeon in Tribeca circa the 1990’s, which btw was one of the late JFK Jr’s favorite restaurants) just the ticket.

Now, a lot of places tout their creative cocktail menus, but Sarto delivers on this promise in a major way! Their drink menu is divided into Big & Tall ( translation? “higher alcohol, bold flavors'“), Slim Fit (“lower alcohol”), and Light & Layered (“no alcohol”), all of which I love, especially because they are an homage to the name (Sarto is the Italian word for tailor) and its previous chapter as a men’s shop.

Me? I went with an alcohol-free sip, the Basil Mojito, made with basil, lime juice, soda, and Seedlip Garden. And a dash of sugar. Gotta say, it was delightful.

If you’re curious, they open at 3pm Wednesday thru Sunday…hint, hint! They also have wine by the glass, craft beer and a create-your-own or bespoke spritz option. (Pssst…A lotta people picked a spritz as their drink of choice last nite.)

Now, I was there for a family-style press dinner and sampled every single meat-free dish that the team at Sarto put down in front of me.

We’re talking Spring Onion Ricotta Toast (made with ricotta from RI’s own Narragansett Creamery and some super fresh cherry tomatoes), Calabrian Roasted Cauliflower (buono!), Roasted Mushrooms & Polenta (I adore polenta), and Pasta Al Pomodoro (terrifically tasty).

Honest review? Yours truly enjoyed every last bite of these Italio-Rhode Island dishes and would go back in a heartbeat for dinner with the hubs or a greattt friend.

Am also wanting to try their desserts, especially the Brown Butter Cake which other customers have raved about.

Find Sarto at 86 Dorrance Street in Providence.

As always, if you go after reading THIS, please let them know you were inspired by Patty J and PattyJ.com.

Photo Credits: Above Images Are All Courtesy Of Patty J.