RI Eats: Vanda in Warwick

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Tucked away on a busy corner in Apponaug is a quaint spot that feels more like your mother’s kitchen than a stuffy dining room. 

“A tiny little Italian restaurant, but really rustic and authentic and you have to make a reservation or you’re not getting in,” said Kristen Adamo of the Providence-Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Vanda has created a lot of buzz in the year it’s been open for its fresh take on classic Italian food. 

“We just do things in small batches, and it’s very much about the attention to detail, and caring about each individual plate,” said manager Lyndon Ambrefe. 

Each plate is inspired by owner Dino Passaretta’s mother.

“The concept of Vanda came from Dino’s mother’s kitchen, and just the recipes that she made, which were very simple recipes that he had fond memories of,” said Ambrefe. 

Executive chef Gina Pezza helped piece together a menu based off those memories–adding a modern twist. 

“It was a challenge, but it was a fun challenge,” said Pezza. “I always strive for high-quality ingredients and making sure that they’re local and sustainable as well.”

Among Pezza’s signature made-from-scratch dishes, an arugula radicchio salad, a classic Bolognese and the brand-new Faroe Island salmon. 

For the folks at Vanda, the goal, through both atmosphere and food, is to bring a smile to customers’ faces–whether they’re on an intimate date or reconnecting with a group of friends. 

“You look around and there’s no televisions in the bar area. This place is really about conversation and food, which at the end of the day is family,” said Ambrefe.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019