Nami on Federal Hill in Providence

Smack in the middle of Italian Federal Hill Nami is a very cool space to have a special dinner with a loved one or share a meal with friends.

Recently opened on Atwells Avenue, this is a place to sit, relax have a glass of prosecco or, if you're adventurous, a cocktail made with hot or cold sake.

After being seated around a hibachi table -- you can choose to sit at a traditional table if you're not in to the tableside schtick -- we relaxed over a glass of sparkling wine in tall bud vases. They were so good we had a second round. Not long after we ordered drinks three young men, friends as it turned out, were also seated at our table. They were clearly locals and it was fascinating to see three seemingly stereotypical Federal Hill types love this place before the evening was out.

vegetable tempura appetizer

First up for us were the apps:  the vegetable tempura and beef Nagamaki rolls for appetizers. Both were scrumptious and the beef especially was very different  with a wonderful glazing sauce. Together they made for a very nice contrast: the crunchy smooth flavor of the veggies with the lusciousness of the beef.

no, really, I'm awake!

Beef Nagamaki appetizer

Miso soup, that and a small green salad comes with the Hibachi dinner

The hibachi portion of the evening was the real treat though.

We hadn't eaten this style for many years and over the wine we chatted about past experiences, our minds flooding back to the first time at a Benihana in Bethesda, Maryland and a favorite hibachi restaurant in Roanoke, Virginia. So, I ordered the filet and Susie had the mix of chicken and salmon; all with fried rice which was prepared right at the table as well.

Earlier in the day I happened to mention to my wife earlier that I wanted beef for my 65th birthday and since I also love Asian cuisine, especially Japanese and Chinese, the hibachi was the best of both worlds. (and frankly, I really wouldn't have wanted a traditional beef meal with heavy sides and even heavier sauces.) 

The food was perfectly prepared, flavors spot on and the chef artistic and playful, shooting sake into the mouths of several other diners around our table, flipping shrimp in my direction to catch, that kind of thing. The hibachi portions were certainly enough for dinner so be prepared to take some home if you opt for an app or two.

making the fried rice

filet mignon

salmon

Oh, and on our way out the hostess-owner suggested that since we loved the Nagamaki rolls, next time (and there will be a next time to be sure) we should try the Crusted Salmon on the main menu. If I can stay away from the hibachi. . . 

Our server was very nice, friendly, helpful and around when we needed her and understanding of our privacy when we did not.

They have valet parking but when we go to Atwells we park on a side street and walk a block or two.