Don’t discount the smallest state (Rhode Island) when it comes to their restaurant scene—especially the capital city of Providence—which has a thriving culinary hub with promising new chefs and even more promising flavors. Michelin-starred talent continues to take over Providence restaurants, along with numerous James Beard award winners, which only shines the light brighter on their recent accolade as one of the top ten foodie cities in America. And if the The Renaissance City happens to be on your radar for a food crawl during Super Bowl weekend, there are plenty of bars, pubs and lounges fit for football fans, like Reiners in the Graduate Providence hotel, Durk’s Bar-B-Q, The Malted Barley and Trinity Brewhouse. But back to the matter at hand: The 20 best restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island right now.
What Food is Providence, RI Known For?
PVD has always been famous for classics like clam cakes, stuffies (stuffed quahogs), Rhode Island-style calamari (with hot cherry peppers), johnny cakes (cornmeal flatbread), Rhode Island clam chowder (which is a clear or red soup as opposed to a creamy white chowder) and coffee. Dunkin’ Donuts coffee specifically—don’t get it twisted. There are over 180 DD’s in RI and Providence is home to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, so they pretty much claim ownership of the beloved brew brand. And since they love coffee so much, it comes as no surprise the official state beverage is “coffee milk,” which is milk mixed with coffee-flavored syrup. To know it is to love it. Also widely popular: Del’s Lemonade, which originated in Cranston, Rhode Island (by way of Naples, Italy, no big deal). Think of it as a fruit ice slushie of sorts, made from fresh lemon juice, sugar and ice.
Best Providence Restaurants
Bellini at The Beatrice
Bellini just single-handedly changed the Providence food map. Part of the Ciprani family, it’s the their first New England outpost and the most glamorous dining destination to open in Rhode Island in quite some time. Plus the fact the food, cocktails and service are impeccable makes reservations even harder to come by and that much more coveted. If there were a mark above A+, Bellini—and their Beatrice hotel home for that matter—would get it. Start with the famed Bellini cocktail (the recipe hasn’t changed since debuting at Harry’s Bar in Venezia in 1948), then move on to Fried Mozzarella in Carrozza, Yellow Fin Tuna Carpaccio and Pappardelle alla Bellini. Also noteworthy: Tagliardi with Tartufo Nero di Norcia, Grilled Langoustines with Roasted Fennel and Veal Scaloppine al Limone. Seriously it’s all phenomenal, to the point where you’ll be ordering the rest of the menu before you get through apps.
Gracie’s
Whether you live in Providence, or visit from time to time, everyone has that one restaurant they can’t wait to return to and for most, that’s Gracie’s. The service is professional, yet familial, the menu is seasonal, yet outstanding and the ambiance so inviting it becomes quite impossible to leave after you’ve been introduced to one of downtown Providence’s most precious gifts.
Waterman Grille
Set on the Seekonk River in a former bridge gatehouse that dates back to 1871, Waterman Grille is date night dinner goals. And a solid choice for any other meal, on any given day. They excel at seafood, reign supreme at wood-fired favorites and outperform at brunch (take a look at these johnny cakes why don’t you), but it’s the waterfront vantage point and cozy dining rooms that really set them apart.
Big King
For something different in The Creative Capital, head to Chef James Mark’s Big King—a “small weird restaurant at 3 Luongo Square.” Their Japanese-influenced (and handwritten) menu changes almost daily, but the focus on local ingredients and a sizable sake list remains the same. With 17 seats, it’s not the easiest to get into, but definitely worth it when you do and their six-course tasting menu is a very reasonable $60. We dare you to find a more delicious deal.
Camille’s
Camille’s has been a Federal Hill anchor since 1914, mainly for their Calamari Fritti. Point Judith fried squid with banana peppers, Champagne garlic butter and fresh mint will turn anyone in a repeat customer, but we also have to acknowledge their top notch service, extensive wine list and Roman-inspired patio.
Ellie’s
Parisian cafe Ellie’s is the little sister to Gracie’s and an in-the-know gem in Providence for pastries, light fare and espresso drinks. Open for breakfast and lunch, it’s the coziest spot for epic croissants and sandwiches (their Croque Monsieur is next level), Matcha Tea Lattes (unparalleled, we tell you) and one-of-a-kind artisan cakes that are drop dead gorgeous—take note if you’re planning a wedding.
Plant City
Vegan chef Matthew Kenney has brought his creative genius (and plant-based cuisine) to Providence with America’s first Plant-Based Food Hall & Marketplace: Plant City. Located on banks of the Providence River on the city’s east side, Plant City is home to seven delectable vegan eateries, each of which offers a variety of sustainably-sourced and seasonal dishes.
North
For a standout dinner in PVD (and in Rhody for that matter), check out North in The Dean Hotel. The sister restaurant of Big King draws inspo from Asian flavors and ingredients, then remixes them in a wild new way. The result is 100% unique—and delicious. One day there’s Fried Chicken & Buttermilk Waffles with maple sambal sauce to be savored, the next it’s XO Lobster Noodles, or perhaps a Whole Panko-Fried Fish with a cabbage, carrot and coriander slaw. And the boozy slurpees? Time to get involved.
Oberlin
Oberlin is one of the most accoladed in Providence: James Beard Award finalist, two stars from The New York Times, “Best Neighborhood Restaurant” from Eater and the list goes on and on. It’s also one of our favorites for a meal that always delivers and never disappoints. The raw fish platter is the star, but solid runners up include Chitarra Cacio e Pepe, Lumache with Sweet Corn, Shishitos, Mint and Basque-Style Cheesecake. Another reason to visit? All of their breads are made onsite using local grains and their skin contact wine options are A++.
Nick’s on Broadway
Nicks on Broadway is one of the most popular all-day spots in Providence for seriously good food. So good, the place is always packed and last-minute reservations are hard to come by. It’s basically your go-to neighborhood bistro, but with more chef-driven fare. As for what to order, you can never go wrong with Apple Cinnamon Granola French Toast with Apple Compote, RI Fish Po’Boy (Cornmeal fried RI back bass, chili mayo, pickles on focaccia) or Grilled Blackbird Farm Steak with cheddar polenta.
Massimo Ristorante
Federal Hill’s Massimo is a no brainer for an excellent Italian meal in refined digs. And their spacious side bar room is the perfect place for happy hour or pre/post dinner drinks. Did we mention they host drag brunch and have $1 oysters every Monday night at 3pm? Just a few more reasons why we can’t get enough of this place.
Hemenway’s
Hemenway’s opened its doors in 1985 and has been a Providence icon since then. Known for classics like stuffies, plus RI calamari and clam chowder, it’s ideal for brunch, date night or impressing your parents while they’re in town. And although seafood signatures and fresh-catch specialties are front and center on the menu, there’s one dessert that’s not to be missed: the ever-changing cheesecake, like this Girl Scout-inspired confection. PS, they’re 100% employee owned, which is the coolest for a place this legendary.
Tricycle Ice Cream
Having made its mark on Providence for peddling ice cream sandwiches on freshly-baked cookies at farmers markets and special events since 2014, Tricycle Ice Cream now resides in the former north Baker location on Battey Street in Federal Hill. Oreo cookies and sweet cream ice cream on Ghirardelli cocoa cookies and Madagascar vanilla ice cream on espresso shortbread cookies are just a few of the sweet treats you’ll find here.
Barnaby’s Public House
This vintage public house in downtown Providence is known for killer apps, hand-crafted burgers and wings—along with an epic backstory. Located in the historic Conrad building, the eccentric Jerothmul Bowers Barnaby built the house in 1885 as a wedding gift to his daughter—and then left her his entire fortune following his death in 1889. Almost omitted from the will entirely, Barnaby’s wife Josephine was manipulated by her physician Dr. Thomas Thatcher Graves, who convinced her to contest the will and leave the good doctor a hefty sum in her own will. Several years later, Josephine received a suspicious package in the mail that contained a fatally poisonous bottle of whiskey, rendering her America’s first victim of “death by mail.” Today, Barnaby’s Public House specializes in pre-prohibition era cocktails, plus a wide selection of whiskey, rye, scotch and bourbon and craft beer.
CAV
CAV may be one of the most Instagrammable contenders on this list for the decor alone. The restaurant and antiques gem is a hotspot for brunch, given that the ceiling is covered with chandeliers, which makes for a rather dreamy backdrop. The historic mahogany bar also dates back to the nineteenth century, but was originally from Pete’s Tavern—the oldest Tavern in New York. The menu veers towards the eclectic side with a little bit of everything and there’s live music on weekends, plus a quaint courtyard for al fresco dining.
Twin Oaks
At 86 years young, Twin Oaks is a Cranston, Rhode Island institution. While stuffies and calamari may be high on the must-order list at other worthy establishments we’ve rounded up here, it’s all about the Baked Stuffed Shrimp at Twin Oaks. Perfectly plump shrimp topped with a buttery Ritz Cracker crust—you just can’t go wrong. But if you do save room for anything else, their Italian-American staples are of epic proportions so you won’t go home hungry. Think: Every kind of parm that feeds 3+ people.
Maria’s Cucina
One of Federal Hill’s newer Italian restaurants—and a prized one at that—is Maria’s Cucina. The restaurant is located inside the historic Italo-American Club and serves authentic Italian cuisine along the likes of panzanella, polpette, braciole and osso bucco. The restaurant is also named after lifelong Federal Hill resident Maria Costantino.
Aleppo Sweets
PVD visitors can now enjoy an authentic taste of Syria right in the heart of Providence, thanks to Chef Youssef Akhtarini, who emigrated from his native country in search of a better life. The star of Aleppo Sweets’ menu is the Syrian Baklava, which is baked fresh daily.
Mare Rooftop
Located in Wayland Square, Mare is a year-round, fully enclosed rooftop restaurant that provides a high-quality seafood dining experience—with views. Their extensive menu was inspired by Mediterranean recipes and dining culture, but a few of our faves consist of Scallops & Gnocchi, Mediterranean Monkfish, Braised Short Rib, Lobster Mac & Cheese and all the pizzas.
Heng Thai & Rotisserie
Adding to what’s already a highly diverse collection of ethnic restaurants in PVD, Heng Thai & Rotisserie now offers Providence its first authentic Thai street food in a charming exposed brick space on Thayer Street. Eat Thai classics in house, or get them to go. Either way, you’ll be hooked after one bite. Next: 19 Best Restaurants in Connecticut for Likable Food Pics
