Armando’s Kitchen

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. More than just a cafe or bakery, this Italian eatery is an immersive 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 directly from Italy, from the 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 turn every meal into a curated performance, whether at Dolce & Salato or through his exclusive Armando Experience. For those lucky enough to attend the latter, 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.”

Dishes like the perfectly crisp Neapolitan montanara (a style of fried pizza) and handmade pastas crafted with generations of tradition reflect his deep connection to Naples, which he shares with guests by regaling them with the origins of each course they taste to create an unforgettable meal.

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.”

Dolce & Salato

209 Douglas Avenue

464-5539 • DolceSalatoPVD.com