01:00 AM EST on Thursday, January 6, 2005

PROVIDENCE

Andino's, 171 Atwells Ave., 421-3715 or 453-3164. Splendid Italian food in ample portions on Federal Hill. Casual. Reservations accepted. Nonsmoking section. Wheelchair accessible. Highchairs available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS, DC. Free parking across the street. Valet parking available. $$.

Bevo, 566 South Main St., 751-2386. Late-night bites plus a martini roster that would make Christina Aguilera blush. Casually upscale dress required. Reservations accepted. Smoking throughout. Not wheelchair accessible. Open Thu-Sat for cocktails and small bites from 5 p.m. V, MC, AE. On-street parking, plus side lot. $10 valet on Fri-Sat. No highchairs or booster seats. $$.

Big Fish, 370 Richmond St., 751-3474. Big Fun. Casual yet classy, a seafood restaurant from the owners of XO Cafe and Ten Prime Steak & Sushi that's a little bit Disney and a little bit Dali. Casually upscale. Reservations accepted. Smoking at bar only. Wheelchair accessible. Open Mon-Fri for lunch; daily for dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS. Highchair, booster seats. Free valet daily. $$$.

Cilantro Mexican Grill, 127 Weybosset St., 421-8226 (TACO). Counter service. Free delivery. Wheelchair accessible. One high chair available. No smoking. Open daily for lunch and dinner. V and MC. Street parking. No wine available. $.

Costantino's Ristorante & Caffe, 265 Atwells Ave., 528-1100. Mix the know-how of a family that's been in the pasta-making business in Providence for more than 70 years with a menu of traditional Italian favorites and you have Costantino's. Casually upscale. Reservations accepted. Open Mon-Sat for dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS. On-street parking (free valet parking every night). Highchairs available. $$$.

4 Seasons Restaurant, 361 Reservoir Ave., 461-5651. Excellent Oriental cuisine from Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. Very casual. No reservations. Not wheelchair accessible. Open seven days for lunch and dinner. Smoking section. Ample parking. V, MC, AE, DIS. Highchairs available. $.

Geppetto's Pizzeria, 57 Depasquale Plaza, 270-3003. Very good, reasonably priced grilled pizza and other casual fare, with portions big enough to satisfy the heartiest appetite. Casual. Smoking at bar. Wheelchair accessible. Highchairs available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS. On-street parking. Call ahead for curbside takeaway; delivery available to Federal Hill area. $$.

Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, 453-6500. www.thehihat.com. Hi-fun. Lots of great tapas, plus great cocktails and entertainment. Upscale dress required. Reservations accepted. Smoking in bar and lounge area only. Wheelchair accessible. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Fri for dinner Sat . V, MC, AE, DIS. Parking lot, with free valet on Fri-Sat nights. No highchairs or booster seats. $$$.

LJ's BBQ, 605 Douglas Ave., 274-1227. Barbecue (and lots of the fixin's that go with it) done right. Very casual. No reservations. No smoking. Bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible. Open Tue-Sun for lunch and dinner; Sat-Sun for brunch. V, MC. Parking lot on Douglas Ave., past the building. One highchair. $.

Lot 401, 44 Hospital St., 490-3980. Edgy Asian fusion from chef Rachel Frances Klein in a sleek, contempo atmposhere. Casual. Reservations accepted. Smoking in upstairs lounge only. Wheelchair accessible. No highchairs. Open for lunch Tue-Fri, dinner Tue-Sun. V, MC, AE, DIS. Free parking. $$$$.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, in the Providence Biltmore, 11 Dorrance St. (401) 351-4500. Fresh seafood, from local and international sources. Upscale chain. Reservations accepted. Smoking only at the bar. Wheelchair accessible. Highchairs available. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$$.

The Original Cactus Grille, 800 Allens Ave., 941-0004. Tex Mex. Mexican. Barbecue. Margaritas. And all from original owners Beth and Jason Brown. Casual. reservations accepted. Smoking in lounge only. Wheelchair accessible. Open daily for lunch and dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS. IDINE, EC. Ample parking. Highchairs and booster seats available. $$.

Siam Square, 442 Smithfield Ave., 272-1168. Thai favorites such as pad thai and tod pun pla, as well as some savory specialties. Very casual. reservations accepted. Wheelchair accessible. Open daily for lunch and dinner V, MC. DA, EC, PP, RID. Ample parking. highchairs and bosster seats available. $.

Turtle Soup on Broadway, 166 Broadway, (401) 831-1183. "Small plates" that aren't small as well as a traditional menu highlight this neighborhood spot on the city's trendy West Side. Casual. Reservations accepted. Wheelchair accessible. High chairs available. No smoking until after 10 p.m. and then only at the bar. Open for dinner Tue-Sat; late-night menu. Sun dinner with option of fixed-price menu. V, MC, AE, DIS. Street parking available. $$.

XO Steakhouse, 125 North Main St., 273-9090. A clever steak house from John Elkhay that avoids meat-and-potatoes boredom. Casually upscale. Reservations accepted. There is no wheelchair ramp into the building. No highchairs. Open daily for dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS. On-street parking with free valet Thursday through Saturday except on WaterFire nights. $$$$.

BLACKSTONE VALLEY

GianCarlo's, 153 Hamlet Ave. (off Mendon Road), Woonsocket. 765-3711. In a handsome setting, chef/owner Giancarlo Iannuccilli serves very good Northern Italian fare. Dress is casually upscale. Reservations recommended on Fri and Sat. Wheelchair accessible. Open for dinner Tue-Sat. Smoking in lounge only. Ample parking. V, MC, AE, DIS. One highchair available. $$.

Local Hero Deli, 4 Power Rd., Pawtucket (at merge with Smithfield Avenue), 727-3459. Deli with creative sandwiches in a casual atmosphere. Casual. Open Mon-Fri lunch and dinner, Sat lunch only. MC, V, AE accepted with a 15 percent gratuity added. Wheelchair accessible doors, but there is no ramp and there are a few steps to climb to get into the building. High chairs available. Smoking in the porch room. Street parking. Free delivery to most of Lincoln, Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls and North Providence. $.

Taqueria Lupita, 765 Dexter St., Central Falls, 724-2650. Excellent central Mexican cuisine; the owners are originally from Puebla. Very casual. No reservations. No smoking. Not wheelchair accessible. Open Mon, Wed-Sun for lunch and dinner. V, MC. On-street parking. highchairs and one booster seat. $. BYOB.

EAST BAY

Casa Brasil, 543 North Broadway, East Providence, 434-8500. Brazilian buffet and, on the weekends, excellent grilled meats served on a skewer as the owner walks from table to table. Very casual. Reservations accepted for 10 or more. No smoking. Wheelchair accessible. Open Mon-Fri for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sat-Sun for lunch and dinner from 12 to 10 p.m. V, MC. Personal checks are accepted. On-street parking. Free weekend parking in the lot across the street. Highchairs and booster seats available. $$$.

Redlefsen's, 444 Thames St., Bristol, 254-1188. International fare with an October emphasis on German food. Smart casual. Reservations accepted. Smoking at the bar. Wheelchair accessible. Highchairs available. Open for dinner Tue-Sun. V, MC, AE, DIS. On-street parking. $$$.

Tav-Vino, 267 Water St., Warren, 245-0231. Cheerful spot with a neighborhood feel on the Warren waterfront. Casual. Reservations accepted. Smoking in bar area only. Wheelchair accessible. No highchairs. Open for dinner Tue-Sun. Beginning in October they will be closed Mon and Tue. V, MC. Free parking. $$.

NEWPORT AREA

Atlantic Beach Club, 55 Purgatory Rd., Middletown, 847-2750. Good food well prepared, in an atmosphere of quiet elegance with an ocean view. Smart casual. Reservations. Smoking in the lounge only. Wheelchair accessible. Highchairs available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS, DC. Free parking. $$$.

Becky's Real B.B.Q., 82 East Main Rd., Middletown, 841-9909. Real, real barbecue, with lots of good fixin's to go with it. Very casual. No reservations. No smoking. Wheelchair accessible. Open daily for lunch and dinner. V, MC, EC, NDC. Ample parking. Highchairs available. $.

Jamestown Oyster Bar & Grill, 22 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown , 423-3380. If you've got a hankering for seafood, this is a casual spot that serves lots of favorites and few interesting daily specials, too. Very casual. No reservations. Smoking at bar only. Open Mon-Thu for dinner, Fri-Sun for lunch and dinner. V, MC, AE. Municipal parking next door. Highchairs available. $$.

Sakonnet Fish Co., 657 Park Ave., Portsmouth, 683-1180. Clam shack staples such as fried fisherman's platter alongside the innovative: a lobster martini, seafood lasagna, even lobster cakes. Casual. Reservations recommended. Smoking in the bar and at two tables in the bar area. Wheelchair accessible. Highchairs and booster seats available. Open for dinner daily; lunch Tue-Sun. V, MC, AE, DC, DIS. Free parking. $$.

Tucker's Bistro, 150 Broadway, Newport, 846-3449. Romantic atmosphere with a funky sense of humor and small but well-chosen menu. Dressy casual. Open for dinner nightly. MC, V, D. Bathroom is not wheelchair accessible. Private room available. No high chairs. Smoking at the bar; no smoking on Saturday nights. Street parking. $$$.

22 Bowen's Wine Bar and Grille, 22 Bowen's Wharf, Newport. Steakhouse serving aged prime beef on a lovely wharf overlooking Newport Harbor. 841-8884, www.22bowens.com. Casually upscale. Open daily for lunch and dinner. MC, V, D, AE. Wheelchair accessible. Private rooms available. High chairs and boosters. No smoking. Reservations accepted. Pay lot available on Bowen's Wharf but no parking validation. Off season validated parking at the Mooring lot on Sayer's Wharf. $$$$.

NORTHWEST

Chester's Restaurant, 102 Putnam Pike, Harmony, 949-1846. From the fieldstone fireplace that takes up an entire wall to the soups, appetizers and sandwiches that take up over half the menu, Chester's is a place to hang out and relax. Very casual. Reservations accepted for 6 or more. Wheelchair accessible. Open Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner, Sun for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Smoking section. Ample parking. V, MC, AE, DIS. Highchairs and children's menu available. $-$$.

Pat's Italian Restaurant, 1200 Hartford Ave., Johnston, 273-1444. Good red-sauce Italian, with homemade pasta, from veteran restaurateur Pat Orlando. Casual. Reservations accepted only for parties of six or more. Lunch menu available for take-out. Wheelchair accessible. High chairs available. No smoking. Open for lunch and dinner Tue-Sun. V, MC, DIS. Fronted by a parking lot. $$.

Villa Santini, 1861 Smith St., North Providence, 354-6262. Classic northern Italian cuisine served in casual, neo-classical surroundings. Menu includes nearly a dozen appetizers, with entrees of pasta, fish, chicken, veal and beef. Selections from both ends of the menu -- a simple pasta dish and a veal selection which, prepared tableside, was all flash and flourish -- were marvelous. Casual. Reservations recommended on weekends. Wheelchair accessible. Open Tue-Sat for dinner only. Smoking at bar only. Parking lot. V, MC, AE, ID. Highchairs available. $$.

SOUTH COUNTY

Bay Leaves, 8220 Post Rd., North Kingstown, 667-7225. Excellent Turkish "mezzes," or appetizer-sized dishes, in a Mediterranean-style oasis designed by the owner-architects. Casual. Reservations for groups of six or more only. Open for dinner Tue-Sun, brunch Sun. V, MC, AE, DC, DIS. Free parking. $$.

Celestial Cafe, 567 South County Trail, Exeter, 295-5559. Inspired fusion, with influences from Italy and Asia to New Orleans, in a sophisticated atmosphere. Casually upscale. Reservations accepted. No smoking. Wheelchair accessible. Open for Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner. V, MC, AE. Ample parking. Boosters and highchairs available. Children's menu available. $$.

W.B. Cody's, 265 Post Rd., Westerly, 322-4070. A happy atmosphere and terrific food contribute to this restaurant's just-off-the-covered-wagon feeling. The menu has lots of Southwestern choices, as well as salads, sandwiches, pastas and beef, chicken and pork, from ribs to filet mignon. Very casual. Reservations accepted for 6 or more. Wheelchair accessible. Open for lunch and dinner seven days. Smoking in the lounge area only and on the deck in the summer. Ample parking. V, MC, AE. Highchairs and children's menu available. $$.

WEST BAY

Cafe Luna, 22 Midway Rd., Garden City Center, Cranston, 944-1438. Arty, eclectic approach to bistro food and service, with stand out dishes, especially the nightly specials. Casual. Reservations accepted for parties of six or more. Wheelchair accessible. Open Sun for lunch; Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner. No smoking. Parking available in Garden City Center. V, MC. Highchairs and one booster seat available. Children's menu available. $$.

Cafe Romanzo, 495 Washington St., Coventry, 821-8720. A quintessential Rhode Island restaurant, with lots of solid, yet creative Med-inspired cuisine. Casual. Reservations accepted for parties of 8 or more. Smoking in lounge and attached area. Wheelchair accessible. Open Sun, Tue-Sat for dinner. V, MC, AE, DC, DIS. Ample parking. Highchairs and booster seats.

Campanella's, 930 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, 943-3500. Some of the best pizza and calzones in the state. Casual. No reservations. Wheelchair accessible. Open Mon for dinner only; Tue-Sat for lunch and dinner. Parking available. V, MC. Highchairs available. $$.

Carrabba's Italian Grill, 1324 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick, 827-8880. Italian classics well-made from a Houston-based chain.Casual. Wheelchair accessible. No smoking. Open daily for dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS, DC. Highchairs and booster seats available. Ample parking. $$.

Efendi's Mediterranean Grill and Bar, 1255 Reservoir Ave., Cranston, 943-8800. The well-prepared offerings will please just about anyone's palate, whether they're looking for Mediterranean, Turkish, or something in between. Casual. Reservations accepted for parties of four or more. No smoking. Wheelchair accessible. Daily lunch and dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS, DC. Parking lot. Highchairs. $$.

Haruki, 1210 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, 463-8338. Authentic Japanese food, including a sushi and sashimi bar. The atmosphere is simple and relaxed -- perfect for the whole family. A great selection of nigiri and maki, as well as tempura and boxed combination dinners. Casual. Reservations recommended on weekends. Wheelchair accessible. Open for lunch Mon-Sat and dinner seven days. No smoking. Parking lot. V, MC, AE, DIS. Highchairs available. $$.

Hong Kong Buffet, 1776 Cranston St., Cranston, 942-8888. Chinese and American choices, buffet only, with 50 choices from salad fixings and peel 'n' eat shrimp to sweet-and-sour beef and mussels with peas. Very casual. Reservations accepted. Wheelchair accessible. Open seven days for lunch and dinner. Smoking section. Ample parking. V, MC, DIS. Highchairs available. $.

The Indian Club, 455 Main St., East Greenwich, 884-7100. Choices from Northern and Southern Indian cuisines including tandooris, curries and South Indian dosas -- thin, crisp crepes stuffed with minced meats or vegetables. Casual. Reservations accepted. Wheelchair accessible. Open for lunch and dinner seven days and Sun brunch. No smoking. Ample parking. V, MC, AE. PP. Highchairs available. $$.

Meritage Restaurant, 5454 Post Rd., Warwick, 884-1255. A blend of eclectic and innovative dishes in a sleek, modern atmosphere. Casually upscale. Reservations for 6 or more. Wheelchair accessible. Open seven days for lunch and dinner, Sun-Tue from 11:30 am to 11 pm and Wed-Sat from 11:30 am to 11:30 pm. Smoking in bar area only. Ample parking. V, MC, AE, DIS, ID. Highchairs and children's menu available. $$.

Spain Restaurante, 1073 Reservoir Ave., Cranston, 946-8686. Excellently prepared Spanish cuisine in a casual, yet stylishly elegant, atmosphere. Casually upscale. Reservations for parties of six or more. Wheelchair accessible. Smoking in separate lounge area only. Open for dinner daily except Tue. V, MC, AE, DIS, DC. Ample parking. Highchairs available. $$$.

Table 28, 28 Water St., East Greenwich, 885-1170. Fine global fusion on the waterfront, mixing Texan fire with New England ingredients with French, Italian and Asian influences. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Lunch and dinner daily. No smoking except at outdoor bar. Wheelchair accessible. MC, V, D, AE. Reservations for indoors only; deck is first-come, first-served. Highchairs available. Free valet parking. $$$.

Thai Orchid, 800 Park Ave., Cranston, 780-8889. Excellent Thai food, especially that of Northeastern Thailand where crunchy beef salads are a specialty, plus sopus and curries. Very casual. No reservations. Not wheelchair acccessible. No smoking. Open Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner. On-street parking. BYOB. $.

MASSACHUSETTS

Benjamin's, 698 Bay St., Taunton, (508) 824-6313. Huge but intimate, with food that doesn't surprise -- prime rib and lobsters, clams casino and grapenut pudding -- but is consistently good. Smart casual. Reservations accepted Sun-Fri; for six or more Sat, but you can phone ahead to put your name on the list. Smoking in the lounge only, but soon in an outdoor portico. Wheelchair accessible. Highchairs available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS, DC. Free parking. $$$.

Cinderella Restaurant, 85 Columbia St., Fall River, (508) 675-0002. Trendy, contemporary Portuguese in a classy Euro-bistro atmosphere. Casual. Reservations accepted. Wheelchair accessible. Highchairs available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. V, MC, AE, DIS. On-street parking. $$$.

Memphis Roadhouse, 383 Washington St., South Attleboro, (508) 761-5700. Barbecue from the Carolinas to Memphis to Texas in a comfortable family atmosphere. Very casual. No reservations. Wheelchair accessible. Open seven days for lunch and dinner. Smoking in bar area only. Ample parking. V, MC, AE, DIS. Highchairs and children's menu available. $$.

Sagres, 181 Columbia St., Fall River, (508) 675-7018. Traditional Portuguese dining, including fado on the weekends. Casual. No smoking. Reservations accepted. Not wheelchair accessible. Open Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner from 11 am to 10 pm, Sun from noon to 9 pm. V, MC, AE. Highchairs and booster seats available. On-street parking. $$.

Venus de Milo, 75 Grand Army Highway (Route 6), Swansea, Mass., (508) 678-3901 or (401) 861-2780. The buffet banquet hall's specialties in a sit-down restaurant setting. Casual. Reservations accepted. Wheelchair accessible. Highchairs available. Dinner daily, lunch daily except Saturday. V, MC, DIS, DC. Plenty of free parking next to restaurant. $$.

CONNECTICUT

Foxwoods Casino Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Fox Harbour Restaurant on the mezzanine level of the Grand Pequot Hotel, 39 Norwich Westerly Rd., Mashantucket, Conn. Sunday Champagne Brunch, (800) 369-9663 (800-FOXWOOD). Grand display of all-you-can-eat foods, including lobster tails, with many stations for items such as crepes, meats, pasta, Asian dishes and desserts. Casual. Reservations accepted. Wheelchair accessible. High chairs available. Nonsmoking section available. Sun only. V, MC, AE, DIS. Valet and free self-parking parking at the hotel and casino lots. $$$$.

Paragon, in the Foxwoods Resort Casino, 24th floor of the Grand Pequot Towers, Mashantucket, (800) 752-9244. Innovative continental cuisine in an over-the-top atmosphere. Upscale. Reservations recommended. Wheelchair accessible. Open for dinner Wed-Sun. Smoking tables; no cigar or pipe smoking in main dining room, but permitted in the cocktail lounge. Free garages and self-park lots; valet parking available. V, MC, AE, DC, DIS. Highchairs available. $$$$.