Experience Italy Without Leaving Providence at Dolce & Salato

If you’ve ever walked into a place and immediately felt like you were part of the family, you’ll know exactly what it’s like to step into Dolce & Salato in Providence. More than just a cafe, bakery, or Italian eatery, it is a full experience that brings people together through food, culture, and storytelling. At the heart of it all is chef Armando Bisceglia, a man whose passion for cooking is matched only by his love for sharing it with others.

Born and raised in Naples, Bisceglia moved to New Jersey as a child before settling in Rhode Island for college. Although he built a life in the United States, his heart never strayed far from his native roots. "One of my favorite places to go back and visit is La Padella," he says. "They do only fried foods. And let me tell you, Italians know how to fry." His dedication to authentic Italian cuisine is reflected in every dish he creates. Nearly all of his ingredients come straight from Italy, from Caputo flour for the pizza dough to the delicate croissants that arrive frozen, ready for an artisan’s touch.

Dining with Bisceglia is an invitation into his world, where food, laughter, and storytelling blend into a unique experience. Whether at Dolce & Salato or through his exclusive Armando Experience, every meal is a curated performance.

For those lucky enough to attend this intimate culinary experience, Bisceglia takes over their home kitchen and prepares a five-course feast filled with tradition and spontaneity. "You show us the pots and pans, we’ll do the rest," he jokes. "And if your dishwasher’s broken, no problem – we’ll wash by hand."

Every dish reflects his deep connection to Naples. From perfectly crisp Neapolitan montanara (a style of fried pizza) to handmade pastas crafted with generations of tradition, each course is an opportunity to experience Italian culture firsthand. Guests do not simply sit and eat but fully immerse themselves in the experience, learning the origins of each dish they taste and embracing the art of Italian cooking – through camaraderie and stories, Bisceglia strives to make the experience unforgettable.

Beyond the family photos that adorn the walls and the rich aroma of house-made red sauce simmering in the kitchen, Dolce & Salato is guided by a deeper purpose. Bisceglia and his team nourish both the community and its appetite by raising funds for  organizations like Children’s Wishes and We Feed Rhode Island.

At one event alone, the Armando Experience raised $14,000 to grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses. That same spirit of generosity was returned to him in 2021, when he battled a severe case of COVID-19. While he fought for his life, the Rhode Island restaurant community rallied together, raising $50,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to keep Dolce & Salato open. "I woke up to people I didn’t even know saying, ‘We prayed for you,’” he recalls. “How do you ever repay that?" His answer is simple – he pays it forward.

Walking into Dolce & Salato feels like stepping into a little corner of Italy. If you’re lucky, you might catch Bisceglia moving between tables, sharing stories, and making guests feel as if they have been invited into his own kitchen. "We didn’t build this business to get rich," he says. "We built it to introduce people to the culture that made us who we are."

Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or simply someone who loves a great meal served with heart, Dolce & Salato is a destination for Italian cuisine. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a full stomach and a few new friends. For more information, visit DolceSalatoPVD.com.