Enoteca Umberto

THE EXPERIENCE: One of a kind 5 star experience. This place is as small and intimate as restaurants get. A Chef and a Server and 4 tables… that is it– You are quite literally in someone’s Italian kitchen. The menu is also small, and pays homage to many authentic Southern Italian recipe’s that the owners grew up with. Umberto, who is extremely passionate and enthusiastic about his business, took phenomenal care of us and made sure that everything was perfect. Although this should be a place for special occasions I am going to be coming back here as frequently as I can.
THE FOOD: This is a place to try new things. the authenticity and quality of the ingredients makes every dish worthwhile… Like the mozzarella, sourced regularly from their family farm in Italy, which was in its own league. The meat/​cheese plates are really nice, and offer a good variety for the price. The (Ceci?) pasta dish was made from scratch 10 feet away and was impressively well balanced and pretty cheap for the portion. We had great wine too. I like that you can pick around the menu instead of your typical appetizer/​entrees/​dessert format.
THE BOTTOM LINE: You will not want to miss Enoteca Umberto. It has a uniquely authentic Italian inspired feel, but is also, a one of a kind dining experience. The Enoteca Umberto experience and Umberto will make you feel more at home than dining out anywhere, while providing a professional upscale ambiance that rivals any top-​rated-​fancy-​pants-​white-​table-​cloth-​establishm­ent.
DO NOT SKIP ENOTECA UMBERTO!

This is the best restaurant I have been to in Providence and one of the best meals in my life (sorry Mom!). The menu is very thoughtful and seasonal. The wine is also delicious and the mozzarella is amazing!
Mr Umberto is the perfect host and the food is exceptional! It lives up to all the ravings reviews and the wait to get in!

This will be a short review as it will be difficult to add sufficiently to the comments already posted. I found Umbertos on Unilocal when plans changed at the last minute dropping us in Federal Hill. I called in for a reservation and heard on the voice mail message that due to pending birth of their child reservations were only accepted day of. It was my lucky day to get a table.
Umbertos is a small, cozy restaurant and he made us feel instantly at home. I’ve read reviews that say that but Umberto really lives up to it. He took the time to explain each dish taking the time to come back at each course to get our next order. We followed his recommendations for food and wine with no regrets.
My description of the food will not do it justice so I will end with this. Service — Outstanding. Food — Outstanding. Prices — very reasonable given quality of the food. Recommendation is that you must try this restaurant if you are in Providence but call ahead 3 – 4 weeks.

Hands down the BEST place in Providence. I can’t express what a wonderful dining experience it is. From the moment you sit down you are transported to Italy through all of your senses. Umberto and his wife have something very special here. The wine, the food, the atmosphere is unbeatable! My absolute favorite is the mozerella which I have had now with figs, with carrots, with artichokes and with arugula — hard to even decide which is my favorite although the artichoke may take the prize. Whether you want a romantic evening or a night out with friends this is THE PLACE to go. Just make sure to make reservations early. My trick is make a reservation after every time you are there:)

I don’t know how to express how great this place is in words. The space is intimate, the staff makes you feel instantly family, and the food is out of this world delicious! I have never had mozzarella that came anywhere close to this and the pasta was perfect. Go. Now.
Update: We enjoyed a fantastic meal for the second time and my taste buds and soul couldn’t be happier. Feels like you are in your best friends dining room, laughing with a good group and enjoying the best food and wine. Umberto and Lia are knowledgable, talented, warm, and funny as hell.

I came here for an anniversary dinner with boyfriend and had a wonderful time! To be really honest, the food wasn’t as mind-​shattering as previous reviews had led me to expect, but it was hearty, well-​made, and probably as authentic as you can get in Providence. What really made Umberto 5-​star-​worthy was the warm ambience — the food is definitely served with love! Umberto himself brings out your food, taking the time to point out on a map exactly where it comes from. His infectious warmth and enthusiasm is really catching, as we had a delightful conversation with out neighbors as well.
We ordered the the burrata with cashew pesto (a special), an eggplant, raisin, and pine nut peselle, the chickpea pasta, a creamy pasta with pancetta (also a special), and an orange and grapefruit tiramisu, paired with a glass of Rosato. Everything was delicious! The flavors were balanced, and the food was definitely not what you’d get from the run of the mill Italian-​American restaurant. My favorite was definitely the melt-​in-​your mouth burrata. I’d never had cashew pesto before, and it was revelatory. The subtle sweetness of the cashews absolutely worked! I would suggest you try the chickpea pasta as well. There’s truly nothing like it, and it will surprise and delight you.
Some things to keep in mind, though: The portions are huge! The peselle and the burrata were too much for just two people to share. Also, the specials are more expensive than the menu items, so be sure to ask for a price. The bill came as a bit of a surprise to me. And regarding the ambience — it’s actually quite casual, but very comfy and homey. It is a bit of a squeeze, but I didn’t mind.
In all, I would definitely recommend Umberto and would love to come back if I can secure another reservation! The food, and Umberto himself, are absolutely lovely.

Have not been able to try the food but this review is for our interaction while attempting to get a table: we walked in to a full restaurant, the server acknowledge us right away. He told us they were booked up until for 4 days from then, however he made us feel welcomed, and appreciated. He gave us his card and told us to leave him a message whenever we would like to come
In and he will get right back to us. Thanked us and told us he hopes to see us soon. It’s rare these days to see successful restaurants show this level of appreciation. I’m a firm believer that the small things make all the difference. By the reviews im sure the food is just as impressive. Can’t wait to try!

Oh my God. I cannot describe how much I loved dining at Enoteca Umberto. I am so heavily critical of any Italian food as I grew up with «off the boat» grandparents who knew how to cook. My meal here was the best Italian food I and my partner have EVER had!
We tried two different wines, one red and one pink — both imported from Italy, and both were AMAZING.
To share, we ordered the fresh mozzerella that came with peaches and olive tapenade and a meat/​cheese plate for two. Both were out of this world fantastic.
For our main course, my partner and I both ordered the special: pasta carne brosato. We have never had pasta so good.
For dessert, we had the special that Lia, the owner’s wife and the restaurant’s cook made — I’ve never had anything like it and honestly I don’t know how to describe it to you other than it looked like a pizza.
Umberto and his wife are wonderful and they make you feel like family the moment you walk inside. I would come back to Providence in a HEARTBEAT just to be able to eat here again. Definitely make reservations at least a week or more in advance — it’s borderline impossible to get in here without one and for good reason — they don’t disappoint. Everything was fresh and seasoned well and just so tasty.

Best dining experience ever. Came here as a party of four. Umberto treats you like family.
All the ingredients were fresh as could be. We had the most amazing mozzarella ball with pepperoncinis for our first app. It literally melts in your mouth. Our second app was an absolutely delicious fig, honey, gorgonzola, prosciutto bruschetta. Main course was a tuna rice dish and two variations of pasta dishes. I’m not doing them justice. Umberto provided a tremendous description of the origins of both the ingredients and the recipes.
Best Italian food, bar none. We’re not even big fans of going out for Italian, but this was nothing short of amazing. Great food. Great service. Great people.

I was lucky enough to dine here on Valentine’s Day. Mind you, reservations were made well over a month in advance and it was worth the wait! I was blown away– an amazing 7 course meal with wine pairings all from various parts of Italy. The thought put into each course was evident as were the fresh (many imported) ingredients.
I won’t even begin to describe the courses since words are inadequate! One thing is certain though, I’m definitely coming back for that amazing mozzarella that the owner gets from his cousin’s farm in Naples!

After two failed attempts to get in by simply walking up, I called and left a message for a reservation. Much to my surprise the owner, Umberto, returned my call in a couple of hours. The drapes are always drawn until they’re ready to open and then they hang the flag and flip the sign from closed to open. Umberto greeted us at the door and called me by name the entire night. The man can work a room and creates a welcoming environment with Italian music and anticipation as his wife, Lia, creates the delicacies and fills the 16 seat room with the most amazing aromas.
Umberto went through the entire menu for us as well as the wine list. He even pointed to the map on the wall to show us where his relatives came from and the surrounding vineyards. We started with La Collina Antipasti and a glass of Borolo, both were amazing, especially the sweets figs after hot sopressata. Umberto then recommended the Cannellini, Garlic and Sopressata Brushete and it just melted in your mouth. A more robust Cabernet was served as we enjoyed the freshly made Strozzapreti (Choke the Priest) pasta: o) We had one dish with Pomodoro sauce and the other with a Garlic, cheese and sausage ensemble that was to die for!
There is no rush, the conversation flowed, the food was amazing, the wine a perfect compliment and the music rounded it all out. Umberto and Lia along with their nephew and niece run a well oiled machine. It was well worth the wait and the drive from the Cape. Grazie Mille to Umberto for making us feel like we were having dinner in his own home. I will definitely be back!

If I could only use one word To tell you what you need to know, I would say mozzarella.
If I could use two, I’d say Espresso Martinis.
Everything is perfect here. 5 stars, always. Lia and Umberto are beyond amazing.
When you come to Umberto’s, you don’t feel like family, you ARE family.
Thank you for the delicious drinks and wonderful food!

On my return visit, I must change my previous review. This place is absolutely phenomenonal and the service makes all other restaurants second rate. I feel like a family member to the chef when I am eating here. Coupled with romantic Italian music, close eating quarters, this is definitely the restaurant to go to for any occasion. Just make sure you reserve at least 1 week in advance.
As for the food, we tried the specials, including the polenta, the special mozzarella with sundried tomatoes and pasta special. I was so impressed with every dish and the wine pairing was just perfect. This is indeed a five star place, from start to finish.

6 Stars — like no other — head & shoulders above the rest — best in class — others take note.
Needless to say I was impressed.
I would like to say thank you Umberto & Lia for a Fantastic meal, a wonderful dining experience and for of course proving that real Italian food can be found once more on the hill.
You’re a guest in their home, at their table and Uberto & Lia are going to take very good care of you. They are not running a business, they are sharing their love of good food (& wine) and their families recipes. This is what intimate dining is supposed to be.
First off reservations are essential ad the restaurant only seats a max of 20 & tables are perfectly paced for 2 hours to dine.
Let Umberto guide you. Sure there’s a wine list and a menu, but there are specials for both and we found them both to be amazing; Buffalo Di Mozzarella & Freselle fagioli & pomodoro with a bottle of Saia nero d’avola.
The pasta’s, of which there were 3 all sounded so delicious that we ordered all of them and then ate family style for the table.
At every chance Umberto checked in on us without ever being an interruption, in fact he was part of our meal, just as a good host should be.
We rounded out the meal with Amaro & Cynar followed by a couple of fantastic espresso’s.
A great meal and as we had elected for a later dining time, 9pm we were able to enjoy our meal over 3−½ hours.
Eat Well Providence.

Excellent place to go for dinner with a friend or two! Other than the fact that it’s a little small and you may walk by it a few times trying to find it one you do you’ll realize you found a gem!
I went last night with my partner and we enjoyed the close relationship the owner serves to his customers. It was a rainy Tuesday night and yet the place still felt full. The owner and his wife are the only workers and his cousins sometimes help out.
We shared a bottle of their La Cryma Rosato which was excellent, smooth & crisp. We also enjoyed the salumi platter for 2 but could have definitely have done the one for 4 as we enjoy our meats and olives! Also snacked on the fig, prosciutto and Gorgonzola dolce bruschetta app! For dinner we had the pasta pomodoro on the menu. Everything was awesome in flavor. For dessert we had the owner pick from the two specials he was serving. We ended up with the panecotta marscapone and honey dessert!
Thank you again for the awesome experience!

Simply sublime. We booked a table for 4, two months ago. We were celebrating my bf’s and his Dad’s b day. We were seated in a 4 top by the wall. I should say, if you have issues with dining next to strangers, in really close proximity, you might not love dining here. It took a little getting used to as this place is tiny, 16 seats but for us, it worked and what unfolded was an amazing dining experience.
Umberto runs the front of the house. 3 talented women run the kitchen and turn out delicious meals. We perused the menu sipping on a lovely birthday Prosecco. My bf’s father speaks fluent Italian so he and Umberto conversed all night. It was charming. We found a few amazing menu items of interest but Umberto guided us well making multiple suggestions. All were spot on, even the wine choice. When he learned where my bf’s family was from in Italy, he chose a perfect wine from that region.
I want to gush about this place but am afraid to share too much. it’s already hard enough to score a table.
Go for the amazing food and the really fun family style dining vibe. There is free parking in back which will save you 10 – 15 $ !
Thanks Umberto…5 stars all around!

Such a gem in Providence. Everything from the food to service was perfect! We started with the fig bruschette which had a wonderful balance of savory and sweet with chewy but nicely firm thick bread. We then moved on to the antipasto dish with salamis and cheese. All items were well prepared, diverse in flavor and those green olives… so good. We had the pasta special which was a long tubular type with Gorgonzola, mascarpone, and sausage. The pasta was perfectly al dente and as the waitress said, tasted like fresh pasta. Finally, for the dessert, we had a special pizzelle cookie cream layered delight with an apricot or peach jam. It was simple, light, yet completely satisfying.
What makes this place so special is its authenticity and attention to delicious, fresh, homemade food. Every ingredient had a story and many were imported directly from Italy.
The place is small and they only accept reservations on the weekends so be prepared! It’s worth it though.

What a gem.
Friend and I stumbled upon this find because of all the full star reviews on Unilocal and wanted to find out if it lived up to its reputation.
We were lucky that we arrived right when they just opened (6) and on a Wednesday night. Otherwise I think it’d be rare to snag an un-​reserved table. A small place, there were only 4 tables outside and maybe another 6 (?) tables inside. I would highly recommend reservations for anybody wishing to try the place any later or near the weekend.
The menu was select, but the owner personally came out to go over the daily specials. After just coming back from Italy and knowing that there’s more to Southern Italian fare than pasta and pizza, this was a special taste of an authentic, home cooked meal.
The mozzarella arugula appetizer featured a fresh block of cheese from their family shop. Just in that morning. I love my trader joe mozzarella but tasting a fresh one ready just that morning was a game changer. Portion was enough to share up to 4.
We also took the owner’s recommendation on the other two entrée specials of the day:
1) Pasta special with peas and grated Italian cheese. The owner’s mother made the olive oil and pea sauce and I can’t tell what else they put in there other than magic.
2) Slice of the day’s calzone with a vegetable reminiscent of collared greens, herbs, and cheese.
Overall impression is that the ingredients are fresh, the service personal, and the daily specials worth returning to, to try again and again! Will definitely be back :)

This place came as a recommendation from a local residence and it did not disappoint.
As many other reviewers have mentioned, it’s a small place and a small menu. They have carefully selected choice wines from southern Italy (Rome and south). Ingredients are flown in from the region as well, including the mozzarella fresca. Again, a small menu and items are meant to be shared amongst the party.
We ordered 4 courses:
1) fresh mozzarella salad over arugula, dressed with olive oil, lemon, coarse sea salt
2) fig, Gorgonzola and prosciutto bruschetta drizzled with local honey
3) a cheese, sliced meat and I’ve plate
4) special of the night pasta including homemade pasta, fresh peas, shaved Parmesan, olive oil
Everything was delicious and arrived at the perfect time. The owner was there at every step of the way to describe the items.
We sat outside to take in the perfect New England summer weather. The music was perfect, the temperature was warm, but not humid and Federal Hill was surprisingly quiet. It was a end-​of-​summer Wednesday in August, so maybe everyone was getting in the last of the beach before school starts the temperatures drop.
Highly recommended and will definitely return on our next visit to Providence.

After reading all the reviews, I decided to give Enoteca Umberto a try. The place is tiny (like many Enotecas in Italy) …like the name implies, it is a place where people enjoy beautiful wines.
We got reservations for 5:30PM and that was great, the place was fairly empty on the inside. The 2 – 3 patio tables were taken. When we walked in, we heard loud music blasting, that was a bit of a turnoff, as we could barely listen to Umberto’s talk nor our own conversation. I then asked one of the ladies behind the counter to turn the music down, which she quickly did.
The menu has many small plates and a few pasta bowls. We decided to taste a bunch of things and check the menu out. While waiting, we got a few drinks and I loved their Luminoso cocktail, a blend of amaretto, lemon juice, citrus sugar and simple syrup. It was one of the best drinks I’ve had in a long time. Here’s my review on the things we ordered:
Bruschette with Fig, Gorgonzola, Prosciutto — Wonderful, delicious, excellent
5 stars
Bruschette with Cannellini, Garlic, Sopressata — Full of flavor, great
5 stars
Freselle — Pomodoro Overtoasted bread with seasoned tomatoes — Not a fan. The bread was very dry and the topping made with fresh tomatoes was not stellar
3 stars
La Collina — Assorted cured meats and cheeses — Good, light, delicate
4 stars
Pasta Pomodoro — Delicate sauce, nice taste.
5 stars
Pasta Special (Calamari) — the calamari tasted fishy and the sauce was not very flavorful, it was very thick, almost tomato paste consistency
3 stars
Umberto, the owner takes care of his guests very nicely. He will allow you to sample wines before deciding which one to buy and he will provide recommendations based on what you like. Very good service. There’s a small unisex restroom in the back of the kitchen. Overall a nice experience.
They take credit cards and reservations are a must… please make them several days in advance if possible.