The other day we popped into Scialo Brothers Bakery on Atwells Avenue for some pastry and I spotted a sign about Bonanno Vinicola, which it turns out is directly across the street. (Fairly certain it’s where Enoteca Umberto used to be.)

Well, I was intrigued. (For starters, the image of the Italian woman on their front door — done in a muted color palette — is pretty darn eye-catching. Is she a saint? A royal? From Italian mythology?)

Turns out Scialo’s and Bonanno Vinicola are collab-ing, which is a win win because it means we the people get to sit over at BV’s charming cafe space which seats around 25-30 in total and enjoy a cappuccino or espresso and some outstanding sweets from a celebrated bakery that’s been in business for over 106 years. (And they’ve been open since Summer 2022? How did I miss THIS?)

But wait there’s more…

In addition to coffee and desserts, they also offer vino, spritz, and small plates (with a Southern Italian spin) as well as an adjacent market space (Italian word is MERCATO) where you can shop many of the pantry items used to create the various menu offerings.

Let me just say that if Stanley Tucci goes anywhere in the Southern New England area in the not-too-distant future, someone needs to bring him here. Pronto.

Open Thursday through Sunday, this small, enchanting spot is ideal for sips and clinking glasses with your favorite person, fresh baked foccaccia bread and antipasti with your friend group or some cake and coffee drinks after a show at PPAC or the AMP (formerly, the Dunk; formerly, the Providence Civic Center).

It’s the easiest way to experience the old world delights of an Italian getaway without hopping on a plane with 3 suitcases of outfits.

Find Bonanno Vinicola at 256 Atwells Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island.

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