Pastiche is a wonderful little place. Parking can be a total pain, since it's on the street, but if you head down the road far enough, you'll usually find a place. Entering, the decor is relaxed and attractive, but it's a little too cozy, bordering on cramped. The tables are packed pretty tightly, and the hustle of people walking to to and fro makes the small areas not covered by chairs and tables somewhat treacherous. I've never waited for more than ten minutes for a table, even on weekends, which highlights the quick sojourn that many people choose to make at this bustling, little hot-spot. Once settling in, the coffee menu is generally unimpressive. It's got all the usuals --mocha, latte, etc.-- but nothing that really shows the hand of an inventive barista. The coffee is some of the strongest I've ever had, if not the strongest. As if when roasting the beans, they just set them directly on fire. The deep, powerful coffee flavor is something that will probably overwhelm Americans weaned on the weak concoctions of Starbucks (nothing against Starbucks, though). A cappuccino here is a treat for a coffee lover. The pastries and cakes, which change seasonally, are the real stars. Everything is made in-house, and there are so many items to try it's pointless to try and list them. The standouts are the fruit tart, which is the best in Rhode Island, a chocolate mousse cake that leaves you always wanting more, and the airy Italian mascarpone torte. Some snafus include coffee that is sometimes not just strong, but burnt. If you have complaints, though, the friendly staff will happily replace your cup. Their chocolate layer cake and chocolate torte have also, on occasion, been very dry. Still, no errors can really detract from the ineffable charm of this quaint, Federal Hill haunt. Fabulous coffee combined with mostly amazing desserts gives Pastiche the honor of being one of the Rhode Islands best cafes and bakeries. If you haven't already gone, go. Now.
Pros: Fabulous desserts, fruit torte is heavenly, and some of the best coffee around.
Cons: Coffee is sometimes burnt, some cakes aren't up to the other pastries.
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