Besos Kitchen & Cocktails – East Greenwich, RI
Besos Kitchen & Cocktails / 378 Main Street / East Greenwich, RI / 1-401-398-8855
I love, love, love, LOVE Besos Kitchen & Cocktails. There is no other way to start this review than to state that fact.
I developed a crush and swooned from afar after seeing photos and reading Besos’ (which means “kisses” in Spanish) menu online, but as I approached the restaurant with my partner on a recent Thursday evening, and most definitely AFTER our dining experience, I can honestly say that the crush turned into LOVE — for both of us.
Besos Kitchen & Cocktails is something special. Truly special. Located on Main Street in the eclectic, artsy town of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, Besos is a MUST stop be it for brunch, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea.
One of the most aesthetically pleasing aspects about the restaurant is it’s decor. Both inside and out.
The wrap around porch and alfresco dining is extremely inviting, especially on a balmy summer night.
Because this was our first time dining at Besos, my partner and I chose to sit inside.
The contemporary decor is a mix of baroque and modern….upscale, yet relaxed.
The vibe is youthful, yet perfect for any age.
There was modern music playing and one of the most pleasant (quite attractive) staffs I have ever encountered.
People working at Besos looked happy and proud to be associated with such a fantastic restaurant.
The hostess was extremely personable as was our waiter for the evening, Mark.
As with all the restaurants I review, I love to soak in the ambiance as soon as I am seated.
I was lost in the design of Besos, appreciating all the smallest details.
I love the birch tree pillars, black chandeliers, mirrors in gilded frames, onyx bar and “kiss” logo on their menus.
There is something so romantic about Besos. What a perfect spot for a date! 
And if you happen to dine at the restaurant on a Thursday evening you can enjoy a live DJ (starting at 10pm). I was told the restaurant takes on more of a lounge type atmosphere around this time.
The menu definitely has a Spanish influence, especially with its “tapas” (Spanish term for appetizer).
I found the menu to be quite extensive with lots of interesting, mouth watering options!
Not surprising since executive chef, Tony Morales, (who has 26 years experience – twelve at world renowned Al Forno in Providence, RI and three years in Florence, Italy) overseas everything in the kitchen.
Chef Tony Morales overseeing the kitchen
Tony was instantly likeable and from what my partner and I witnessed, very hard working. He seemed on top of everything which makes Besos run as smoothly as it does.
Now let’s talk about the food, shall we?
For appetizers we ordered the Tomato Pesto Bruschetta with fresh mozzarella and Roasted Pear Salad with crumbled gorgonzola finished with aged balsamic glaze.
Both of these were to die for! The Tomato Pesto Bruschetta was grilled to perfection with just the right amount of balsamic vinaigrette drizzled on top. It was as if the chef knew the perfect amount of each flavor and blended them together to make the perfect fusion.
For our entrees I ordered one of the evenings specials – Filet Mignon Napoleon with portebello mushroom, gorgonzola & sun dried tomatoes served with mashed potatoes.
Jen ordered the Pan Seared Scallops with strawberry glaze, sauteed spinach & mashed potatoes.
The steak was cooked to perfection (I like my steak well done).
Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The portobello mushroom and sun dried tomatoes were the perfect mix. No flavor was too overpowering. Everything worked perfectly.
The same can be said for Jen’s scallops, which were plump and delicious covered in its strawberry glaze.
The food caused us to make sounds that may have made people dining next to us blush.
It was THAT good! 😉
For dessert we tried our waiter Mark’s recommendation — “Tony’s Fruit Tart” — choice of pear, apple or bananas baked in a rustic shell with house-made créme anglaise. We chose pears.
Oh. My. God. This was beyond delicious. The pastry shell was soft and flaky and additively delicious! What a perfect combination of pears, créme anglaise and pastry shell. YUM!!
I also want to note that Besos has an impressive cocktails and wine menu.
Jen ordered the Besos Peartini which she said tasted like “she took a bite out of a vodka soaked pear”, she absolutely loved it! It is made with Gray Goose Vodka, Pear Puree, Canton Liquor and a splash of Midori and Sprite.
By the time we finished dinner and said our goodbyes to Tony & the incredible waitstaff, there wasn’t a seat to be found!
Besos was completely buzzing and packed. The atmosphere was intoxicating! Between the cool summer breeze, flickering candles lit in red votive holders, modern music and full moon – you couldn’t ask for more.
Besos Kitchen & Cocktails is a winner all around!
MENU:
HOURS: Brunch & Lunch from 11am daily. Tea & Dinner from 4pm daily.
PARKING: Parking lot, street and valet.
SPECIAL EVENTS: Besos would make the perfect spot to host a special event! Contact the restaurant for more information (www.besoskitchenandcocktails.com).
ENTERTAINMENT:
- Live music Tuesday dinner and Sunday brunch.
- Live DJ Thursday evenings at 10pm.
GAY & LESBIAN FACTOR: Oh my God, where do I start? Besos is one of the most gay friendly restaurants I have dined at here in Rhode Island! The staff is super friendly (and did I mention super cute?) Everyone treated Jen and I amazing and the environment as a whole is comfortable and the perfect spot to have dinner with your partner or a group of friends. Besos responded immediately when I contacted them about doing a review which is always a sure sign of a place being truly gay & lesbian friendly. You will appreciate the decor, the ambiance, the music, the service and most importantly……the food. Some places just have the “IT” factor, Besos Kitchen & Cocktails is one of these places. I am wholeheartedly “OUTING” Besos Kitchen & Cocktails as LGBT friendly and worthy of our business.
So, just as I started this review, I shall end it.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Besos Kitchen & Cocktails.
I cannot wait to return.
Desiree Sousa
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