Top 10 Dining Destinations in Providence
- This Cafe Life
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 24

If you're planning to visit the Creative Capital, be sure to set aside some time to explore these culinary hotspots! Providence is well known for its small business/chef centric dining, from modern interpretations of American classics, to humble cultural gems, there is something for every pallet and pocketbook.
Persimmon - Owned by dynamic couple Lisa & Champe Speidel, this restaurant consistently serves up fresh, modern, beautiful food. Open 4 evenings, reservations are a must. Menu changes frequently; order the duck confit or beef tartar if available.
New Rivers - Chef-Owner Beau Vestel took over the reins of this restaurant over a decade ago and it continues to thrive and delight locals and visitors alike. The charcuterie & cheeses are a perfect start.
Al Forno - Founded by another talented couple, its international reputation helped to put Providence on the culinary map. Famous for their grilled pizzas, baked pastas and roasted clams. Pick up their cookbooks - definitely worth it!
Waterman Grille - Part of the Newport Hospitality Group, this neighborhood hang out is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and offers solid food and service. Menu changes seasonally. The best burger, scallops and chocolate torte for dessert.
Pizza Marvin -Handcrafted Pizza. Raw Bar. Fox Point Neighborhood with outdoor dining. Super chill
Ivy Tavern - Neighborhood pub on Hope Street. Sandwiches, burgers, beer.
Gourmet House - Best Thai food in the city. Lengthy menu featuring Cambodian, Vietnamese and Chinese as well. Love the curries, nim chow and roasted duck. (BYOB)
Aleppo Sweets Bakery & Cafe - Genuine Syrian desserts and cuisine. One of our top picks; we stock up and savor for lunches during the week. A considerate, community-focused restaurant serving lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.
Aguardente - Menu leans to authentic Portuguese with plenty of sharable dishes. Eclectic setting in a re-purposed historic east side house. Great vibes & food.
Bacaro: Italian-inspired dishes and an extensive wine list in a stylish setting overlooking the waterfront. Try their sister restaurant Otra for authentic Portuguese & Spanish cuisine.
Honorable Mentions:
Hot Club: Not for dining but a great local hangout on the water.
Pastiche - Located in the Federal Hill Neighborhood. Consistently fabulous cakes and desserts. The gluten free Coconut Cake & Lemon Mousse Cake are perfection.
Providence is a shining star in the culinary world - worth a weekend visit!
Exploring New England: Coastal Towns, City Streets & Timeless Charm
Planning a trip to New England? Whether you’re chasing the perfect lobster roll, wandering cobblestone streets, or soaking up ocean views, this collection of travel guides covers the region’s most inviting destinations. From the creative pulse of Providence to the windswept beauty of Nantucket and the rugged Maine shoreline, you’ll find the best places to stay, dine, and explore - in every season.
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Tides of Flavor - A New England Seafood Guide - A recent drop about everything seafood!
Providence - Rhode Island’s Creative Capital
Visiting Providence: What Not to Miss - Art, history, charm wrapped into one walkable city.
Top 10 Dining Destinations in Providence - Chef -centric culinary experiences.
Visit Providence: Where to Stay in the Creative Capital - Boutique hotels, historic inns.
Coastal Calm: Day Trips from Providence That Skip the Crowds - Coastal escapes a short drive.
Block Island - Weekend Getaway
Massachusetts - Cape & Islands Getaways
Nantucket Revisited: A Weekend to Remember - A return to the island with fresh discoveries.
Where to Stay in Nantucket: Embrace Coastal Living - Historic inns to breezy beachfront retreats.
Coastal Maine - Seaside Towns & Timeless Charm
Under the Elms & By the Sea: A Weekend in Castine, Maine - Maritime history meets coastal living.
Summer in York: A Maine Coastal Escape - Beaches, harbor walks, peaceful.
Happy Trails!
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