A New Cafe Has Opened on Federal Hill — With Coffee, Cocktails, and an Instagram-Worthy Decor

A New Cafe Has Opened on Federal Hill — With Coffee, Cocktails, and an Instagram-Worthy Decor

A new cafe has opened on Federal Hill in Providence, and the food, drink, and decor are all ready for customers — and Instagram.

Cafe Italia at 228 Atwells Avenue is the brainchild of the owners of the restaurant Ours, Saja Barwary and his wife, Italia, which is located across the street.

“Yes, it’s my name, but it’s also the vibe on Federal Hill,” laughed Italia (Sousa) Barwary, who grew up in Cranston. 

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According to Barwary, Cafe Italia fills what they saw as a need on the Hill — for breakfast and lunch, as well as late-night bites and cocktails, and for really, really good coffee. 

“I wanted a spot for the morning for breakfast,” said Barwary of the cafe that serves breakfast starting at 6:30 AM. “We’ve got lattes, matcha, chai; you can get a bagel and egg sandwich.”

The coffee? Illy — and a Marzocca espresso machine. 

It’s the decor, however, that has really drawn the attention of patrons who have visited Cafe Italia so far, says Barwary — especially the murals on the ceiling. 

“It’s Greek goddess-inspired, with light purple hues and pinks, and chandeliers,” said Barwary. “We’ve even got a little photo op section for the girls to take photos. Every angle is Instagram friendly.”

 

 

New Chapter — and Familiar Faces

In 2019, Bawary and her husband opened the restaurant and lounge Ours at 223 Atwells Avenue. 

Fast forward to 2023, when restaurateur Alex Tomasso with The George downtown opened Saint on the Hill. 

“In Federal Hill fashion, the neighbors came to see us. I thought maybe they were checking out the competition,” laughed Tomasso in an interview with GoLocal.

It turned out to be a fast friendship, however, between the Barwarys and Tomasso, and the couple shared with Tomasso their vision of opening Cafe Italia. 

Soon the plan and partnership were put into motion, and Tomasso tapped his culinary team at The George — led by chef Juan Fernandes — to help provide the top-notch cuisine, and the Barwarys commissioned local artist Ian Johnson to paint the jaw-dropping murals. 

For breakfast and lunch (the cafe is open from 6:30 AM to 2 PM, and then again from 6 PM to 1 and 2 AM), the menu features such offerings as muffins, croissants, and paninis; evening and late-night fare includes flatbreads, spinach pie bites, and "dirty martini dip" (cream cheese, green olives, garlic, and jalapenos).

And so far, Italia Barwary says the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Everyone who’s come in has told us this is just what the Hill needs,” said Barwary. 

Along with Tomasso, the Barwarys — now running two businesses — are bullish on Federal Hill. 

“Last year was still a bit tough,” said Italia Barwary, of restaurants emerging from the pandemic. “We’re now finally seeing a lot more traffic.”

“Hopefully we’ll have a big spring and summer,” added Tomasso. 

For more information on Cafe Italia, go here.