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The DorranceReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
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Contemporary American Restaurant Reviews
The Dorrance Reviews List
The Dorrance
The Dorrance is the perfect combination of old world glamour and majestic architecture. Built in 1901, this beautiful space is surrounded by breathtaking stain glass windows, each depicting a different Coat of Arms from wealthy European banking families. Inside this amazing restaurant you"ll enjoy couture cocktails inspired and designed to awaken the palate and relax the soul. The Dorrance uses only the freshest local ingredients in both their kitchen & beverage menus, reflecting the creativity and passion of the Lester Family. Open Tuesday through Saturday for Dinner and Lounge, The Dorrance will host Weddings and private events on Saturdays & Sundays along with specialty wine dinners and uniquely designed celebrations open to the public.
See more The Dorrance details
45 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 45 reviews
5 stars
(25)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(36)
- special occasion(30)
- romantic(23)
- neighborhood gem(13)
- notable wine list(13)
- good for groups(12)
The Dorrance Reviews List
Review 1 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wow! A Proividence Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I searched for a restaurant to go to before a concert, and found The Dorrance mentioned in a New York Times article. Am I glad that I found it! Awesome cocktails and a delicious, creative menu. The restaurant is housed in a old bank, with large windows and beautiful detail. I live in Boston, and I would drive the 45 minutes or so it takes to get there just to have dinner at The Dorrance."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 2 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Spectacular
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Spectacular building, beautiful dining room, and friendly staff. The blind tasting menu was exciting and did not disappoint. And the service was the outstanding. Jon, our server, was the perfect combination of unintrusive, knowledgable, efficient, and entertaining. An extraordinary dining experience all around."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Beautiful restaurant with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beautiful restaurant with spectacular food."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Dorrance had such amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Dorrance had such amazing food. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Providence."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 5 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Outstanding Drinks, Food, Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Dorrance was perfect for our needs. I wanted an unusual spot with "fancy" decor and great food, that would be special for my wife's birthday. This place fit the bill perfectly. The drinks were incredibly good, and changed my mind about how interesting and delicious a cocktail could be. I haven't stopped telling people about the "Kentucky Campfire" bourbon cocktails I had, and I've already tried to duplicate it at home (without success). All 4 in our group LOVED our apps and dinners. The desert couldn't measure up to the rest of the meal in my opinion. I would have had another cocktail instead, had I known. As it was, our waiter surprised us all with a complimentary birthday drink, in honor of my sweetheart, and it was terrific."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had the six course tasting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had the six course tasting menu. Starting with 3 small snacks. I loved the crab salad with toasted seeds wrapped in daikon with orange zest and then Cerviche with fluke and parsnips, a soup with roasted celeriac and Parmesan broth, tile fish ringed with mustard greens and cauliflower and sirloin. The deserts were a special carrot cake and panacotta with oat chips and celery granita.
Our server Caitlin was excellent. She explained all the courses and answered all our questions. She was our server the last time and is a real asset to this restaurant.
This chef is extremely creative and does an excellent job."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 7 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Well prepared food but small
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Well prepared food but small portions and only five entree choices. Wine list of perhaps 70 bottles but only European wines."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not Impressed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was very disappointed with The Dorrance. I had read good things, but was not impressed at all. The good portions were very small, which I would have been fine with, except they were not very good. The cocktails were good, but I wasn't that impressed with them either. On top of all that, everything was very expensive and the ambiance was poor. The reataurant was half empty and it seemed to be a much older crowd. The service however was very good. For the amount of money we spent, we could have definitely gotten a much better meal at another restaurant."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
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Review 9 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Thought I was in NYC
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A must if in Providence!go for the tasting menu"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 10 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best meals I have
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"One of the best meals I have ever eaten. Will return soon for another."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 11 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Ordered some appetizers and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ordered some appetizers and entrees to share as none of us were very hungry. Our waiter was really nice and friendly. We ordered some specialty cocktails which were light and refreshing. The appetizers and entrees were all good and the portion size was just right, given our limited appetites that night. The best part was hands down the pretzel bread! They were served warm and fluffy on the inside! Only negative was when we asled for more bread, the waiter didn't tell us it would cost money - only $3 a roll which we gladly paid, however would be nice to know ahead of time next time of the fees associated with it. Overall, good experience and would come back to try out more dishes from the menu."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great experience at the Dorrance.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great experience at the Dorrance. I can't wait to go back and bring all of my friends."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 13 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The decor at the Dorrance
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The decor at the Dorrance was awesome especially the stained glass windows. We absolutely enjoyed every course of the tasting with the wine pairings. Our waitress was knowledgable about the food and drink menu and was attentive to us throughout the meal. Of all the good restaurants in Providence we would certainly rank The Dorrance high on our list of favorites."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dining at the Dorrance was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Dining at the Dorrance was an absolutely unforgettable experience. My party and I did the six course tasting menu with courses and snacks that were beautifully plated and as appealing to the eyes as it was to the palate. Everything from the appetizer courses, with dishes such as coffee roasted beets, to an amazing peruvian ceviche, perfectly cooked sirloin, and the most mouth watering and artistically crafted desserts, there was not a single dish which disappointed. The environment itself was elegant, and luxurious, and the service was unmatched. Our server, David, was knowledgable and friendly and was an irreplaceable part of our dining experience, as was the entire staff. We shall be dining here again!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was wonderful. Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was wonderful. Great dinner, great service. The staff enjoys their jobs and it shows. What a great evening!!!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best of Providence
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"You must try The Dorrance. Perfect for foo-foo-foodies. Recently At a top ten Fremch restaurant in NYC. It has nothing on The Dorrance. Best duck I have had anywhere. Tile fish cooked to perfection. Fantastic cocktails!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Downtown Destination for Foodies
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The chef's tasting menu was creative and outstanding. Even though one at our table didn't eat red meat, the chef seemed to instantly concoct a meal centered around seafood. Some of the dishes were magical, including the grilled cohog. So delicious."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 18 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tried the tasting menu for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tried the tasting menu for Valentine's day: excellent. Not a cheap way to dine, but a lot of fun."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
AAA+++
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been living in Providence for 23 years, & must say that the Dorrance has been the greatest dining experience I've ever had in here in the Capital City, hands down."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely place with great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Lovely place with great food & ambiance"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
awesome cocktail list
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great Valentine's day dinner, Heidi was a superb server. Food was very original but the cocktails steal the show ... the ex bank makes a wonderful space, music was good as well."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 22 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, great service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, great service. Loved the tasting menu - fun & the 4 course was just the right amount of food. Cocktails were fab too."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Tasting menu was just okay.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Tasting menu was just okay. I enjoyed it but it was a bit uneven. One dish was shockingly salty. Still, overall an enjoyable experience and I'm willing to give it another go sometime."
Dined on 01/03/2013
2009
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Review 24 for The Dorrance
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Dorrance is an exquisite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Dorrance is an exquisite piece of history made better by fine food, attentive staff and a lively bar! It is a special night out every time and a personal favorite."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Dorrance
Based on the average of (21) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
3 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic