Reviews Hemenway's Restaurant

I cannot say enough good thing about Hemenway’s. I first visited here in 2013 and every single meal I have ever had here has always been first-rate. This is gracious white-tablecloth dining at its best, one of the finest restaurants in Providence. The staff is superb and well-trained. From the hosts and hostesses to the oyster shuckers, servers and waitresses, everyone on the staff is always friendly, polite and professional. I always look forward to my visits because the space is beautiful and open, the staff welcoming, the food and drink superb. Tonight, I was seated in the side front area, with views out to the adjacent park through the huge windows. The Christmas decorations were festive. Homemade warm soft rolls and sweet butter arrived immediately upon being seated. I began with a large bottle of Pellegrino ($6) and a classic cocktail, the Old Fashioned ($12). With dinner, I drank a delicious dry French Sancerre G-Pascal Jolivet ($14). My waitress Kira is a charming and attractive young lady. It always amazes me that women in their 20s can be so poised, professional and well-spoken, yet friendly and down-to-earth. Her polite attentiveness made my dinner even more special. I dearly love oysters and I stopped by the shucking station in the front of the restaurant on my way in to see what was available today. I began with three briny fresh Barnstable, Cape Cod oysters ($1.75 each), the largest of the day. I also had three good-size Cherrystones from RI ($1.75 each). Hemenway’s always serves oysters and clams with two sauces: mignonette as well as the classic red cocktail sauce. Next, another classic, the Wedge Salad ($8) with delicious blue cheese dressing & crumbled egg. Simple, fresh and well-prepared. I choose the Grilled Octopus Special ($34), served with sliced Andouille sausage, Brussels sprouts, small roasted potatoes and crispy small chunks of sunchokes in a beet vinaigrette. The octopus was grilled and slightly charred, but tender and delicious. All the other ingredients were roasted or grilled to perfection. I have had octopus and squid prepared many ways. I have never had this combination nor would I have ever imagined it. Executive Chef Max Peterson’s choice of ingredients was inspired!! This dish was superb and deeply satisfying. I always get excited when I have an excellent dinner. So, let’s keep going! I opted for the Lemon Pudding Cake ($9), a small 3-inch round dessert, garnished with sliced strawberries, orange zest, candied pistachios and a Grand Marnier tuile (I had to look it up. Tuile is a small French wafer-cookie.) Accompanied by a pot of French-press decaf coffee ($5.50). My total bill was $110.97 before tip. Final notes on service and quality of the Hemenway’s staff. The managers and the chef here are actively engaged with their customers. During every single visit, one or even two of the managers has always stopped by every table and asked: “How is everything?” As I was early, I observed one of the managers checking every glass on the empty tables for water spots. I have seen the chef come through the dining room at least one time during every visit. This is attention to detail. One of Hemenway’s best attributes is that every waiter/waitress serves every table. You will never hear “This is not my table” at Hemenway’s. I was seated in the front section and all the wait staff in that area had to pass my table to access their discreet computer ordering station. Every time one of them passed by, they glanced at my table. I was asked or helped by six different wait staff and servers during my one and one-half hour dinner. This is extraordinary service. Finally, I have observed that Hemenway’s staff have never addressed their customers as “you guys,” a term which always grates on me, as both men and women these days are often called “guys.” So, the servers here are not just polite and professional. They are educated, well-spoken and yet accessible and down-to-earth. Hemenway’s offers the perfect complete dining experience: a beautiful space, warm and inviting. Professional and friendly staff. Superb food and drink. And fair prices. I always leave here feeling blissful and contented.

We had a delicious dinner!!! Enjoyed the tuna poke it was yummy!!! The grilled octopus dish was my fav of the night!!! I recommend this place for anyone who is looking for great ambience, service and delicious out of this world food!!! The wine selection was also very delightful!

AAA rating! Atmosphere - Ambiance - Attitude!! Just enjoyed a three-hour meal at a perfect table overlooking the river with the evening sun slanting in through the floor to ceiling windows. The outstanding food was only outdone by the service.

The food was spectacular and the staff was wonderful! Highly recommend!

Delicious lunch and a beautiful presentation. Our server made the dining experience a pleasure. Couldn't have been happier with lunch yesterday!

Been coming to Providence for over 20 yrs and it is still great including the NE Clam Chowder. Alana was our server and she did an awesome job.

Definitely a must visit when in Providence. Excellent food and the service was great. Joe, our waiter was amazing.