La Moia Tapas Bar & Cafe   

292 Pocasset Ave
Providence, RI 2909
401-942-2505

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Are you out for an evening with a big group of friends, looking for a place that will offer somewhat exotic flavor teases as well as more mainstream fare to appease the faint of palate? Consider La Moia, a tapas restaurant that also offers pasta and other entrees. Tapas, those little Spanish bites served on small plates, come in an intriguing array at this eatery, which was shaped out of space once occupied by two brick storefronts and an upstairs apartment. Here are just three diminutive dishes: mussels in a spicy garlic broth, baked stuffed artichoke with champagne butter sauce, and sharp provolone with eggplant chutney. For those who've just got to have all their food on one big plate, there are entrees such as chicken with pesto over fettuccine and beef tenderloin with blue-cheese crust. Be prepared for a rush and consider making a reservation -- this place is jumping at 3:30PM on a Friday afternoon. -- John Rossheim