The Cozy Restaurant in Rhode Island That’s Perfect for an Intimate Dinner

A taste of small-town life is sometimes just what we need to relax and reset. Exuding classic New England charm, the quaint small town of Bristol draws Rhode Islanders and visitors from all over for its famous Fourth of July parade, the beloved Colt State Park, and the famous Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. Even if you've got just a brief window to explore, make sure you fuel up first at Roberto's Restaurant & Café, a cozy, intimate restaurant in Bristol that many consider one of the best date night restaurants in Rhode Island.

A visit to Bristol inevitably means a stroll along Hope Street, a quintessential New England road dotted with shops and restaurants, including the cozy Roberto's Restaurant & Café. Even if you're not too hungry, take a break and head into this local favorite for more than two decades. During the warmer months, request an outdoor seat. If you're on a time crunch or want to ensure you have a seat when you're hungry, make reservations in advance. Roberto's features a restaurant side and a more casual cafe side.

The cozy dining area offers a quiet, intimate meal, earning it high marks from diners, many of whom use terms such as "wonderful," "amazing," and "excellent" to describe their experiences. We can likely agree, though, that while the positive reviews are reassuring, nothing compares to trying a restaurant for ourselves.

Showcasing a menu of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, Roberto's Restaurant serves a variety of fresh salads, soups, and appetizers, including fried mozzarella, stuffed mushrooms, and Roberto's Meatballs, a delicious mix of beef, pork, basil, Italian bread, and parmesan topped with ricotta and house marinara.

Browse the menu that's jam-packed with favorites, from spaghetti and meatballs and New York strip steak to chicken marsala and eggplant parmesan. However, if you're in a seafood kind of mood, you have more than half a dozen dishes from which to choose under the "Mare" (meaning "sea") section of the menu that includes baked stuffed cod, salmon piccata, and shrimp scampi. Gluten-free options and a wine list are also available.

For those bringing the littles along, they can choose from such kid-friendly favorites as plain pasta with marinara, mac and cheese, and chicken tenders.

Can't wait until dinner? Roberto's Café is open daily from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. if you're looking for your caffeine fix and a pastry or breakfast sandwich to start your day. Come here for lunch, and you'll have your choice of fresh salads, wraps, subs, and paninis in a modern yet comfortable setting.

View a menu and make a reservation on the official website of Roberto's Restaurant. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this cozy restaurant in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Have you been to Roberto's, a cozy restaurant in Bristol, Rhode Island? What did you think? If you have another favorite restaurant for an intimate dining experience in Rhode Island, please fill out our nomination form and tell us about its best dish.

Did you know that Bristol is one of the best small-town weekend getaways in the United States? For an overnight getaway, book a few nights at this charming beachfront cottage in historic Bristol, RI. You can also plan your own getaway to Bristol and beyond using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.