Mémère's French bistro opens in Providence's Neptune hotel

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Journal Staff

PROVIDENCE – The much-anticipated Mémère’s has opened in the Neptune, the Fountain Street boutique hotel.

The street front space has been reinvented by Michael Lester and wife, Regina, as a romantic French bistro. The name Mémère’s was inspired by Lester’s grandmother.

There’s a lush red booth by the window and a baby grand piano draped in lace by the front door. The bar has been warmed with wall sconces spilling out delicate lighting. Tables for two are balanced with other seating tucked in under wall arches. Small wall frames reveal some familial connections.

The menu is classic Français and the cocktails, too, have a French accent.

This is the second Providence restaurant from the Lesters. With Michael’s mother, Jean Lester, they opened The Dorrance at 60 Dorrance St. at the end of 2011. In 2012, the restaurant scored a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant, but the restaurant and event space never reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown.