Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore in Rhode Island
Clients and new neighbors ask me the same thing every week: where should I eat, where should I go, what's actually worth your time around here? Here's my real list.
By Jess Powers
Clients and new neighbors ask me the same thing every week. Where should I eat, where should I go, what's actually worth my time around here. I keep sending the same list over text, so I'm putting it in one place. These are spots I've been to, loved, and keep going back to. Nothing paid, nothing sponsored. Just my real list.
Providence: dinner that's worth planning around
Nick's on Broadway is my favorite in Providence. 20+ years in, still excellent. Popular for brunch, but I prefer dinner. The Rigatoni Bolognese is my ideal comfort food.
Al Forno was reportedly Julia Child's favorite in Providence. Their grilled pizza is what made them famous, but it's full fine dining. Everything is spectacular. Reservations are hard to come by, so show up when they open and you might get a bar seat. Do not skip dessert.
Bacaro is the other grilled pizza people argue about. Easier to walk into than Al Forno, and also not just pizza.
Downtown Providence and the new food hall
Track 15 is a new food hall downtown with six or seven local restaurants under one roof. It gets loud. Dune Brothers has the best lobster roll and fish sandwich (both giant). There, There has the best burger in the city, I'll take bets on it. Little Chaska when you want Indian. There's a big bar in the middle, and outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. All of these places have brick and mortar locations elsewhere too.
Ellie's Providence is my go-to lunch spot downtown, same owners as Gracies. Pair it with shopping on Westminster Street and you've got a whole afternoon.
Brunch, coffee, and the Broadway strip
Irregardless has the best sausage, egg, and biscuit sandwich. Expect a line, or go early.
Julians is a brunch classic. Early or weekday is your best shot at skipping the wait.
Broadway itself is a great street to wander. Rocket to Mars is a vintage shop worth browsing. If you're into places that go viral on social, there's always a line at Nitro PVD for coffee. I don't personally get it, but every time I drive by it's packed.
Hope Village and the northern East Side
Wara Wara is a Japanese-inspired spot I've only been to a few times, but good enough that I should be making it a more regular stop. If you're already up in Hope Village, add it to your list.
Peruvian and Indian favorites
Los Andes in Elmhurst is Peruvian. Order the Pollo a los Andes with cheesy rice instead of fries (enough to split between two people) and the ceviche app. The cheesy rice is non-negotiable. Everything on the menu looks beautiful, but this is the one I keep ordering.
Rasa in East Greenwich is my favorite Indian in Rhode Island. Same ownership runs Chaska in Garden City (Cranston) and Rasoi on the East Side of Providence. Each is a little different. Rasa is the one I keep going back to.
Iconic Rhode Island seafood
Gift Horse in Providence has the best Crudo in town, in my opinion. Small place, same owners as Oberlin, which is also one of my favorites.
Hemenway's is more traditional. If you want a classic Rhode Island seafood dinner, go here.
Iggy's Warwick is a Rhode Island staple for clam chowder and clamcakes. The lobster roll is overrated. The chowder is not.
East Bay, specifically Warren
The Square Peg in Warren has the best fish tacos I've found anywhere. Bonus, Warren has a very charming downtown area worth walking around on its own.
Bounts in Warren is also a place folks rave about. You can order from their retail shop and have soup and seafood delivered inland if you're nowhere near the water.
Newport County and Jamestown
JB's on the Water in Jamestown and Wickford on the Water are owned by the same folks. Both areas are worth visiting and genuinely charming.
Beavertail State Park in Jamestown is lovely for a walk.
If you head to the Cliff Walks and don't mind paying $25 for a glass of wine or Aperol Spritz, The Chanler is a stunning luxury hotel with an outdoor seating area. My move: valet park, have a drink, walk the Cliff Walks, come back for another. Castle Hill gives you the same experience with an even better view. Driving down Ocean Drive belongs on your Newport list regardless.
Western Rhode Island
If you have time to visit Chepachet Village, that gives you a reference point for Western RI. Browns and Hopkins is known for being one of the oldest country stores in the U.S. Mulberry Vineyard is a great place to stop for a glass of wine (or a craft brew on tap) about five minutes away from the village.
Hard Pressed Cider recently moved from Jamestown down to West Greenwich. Their cider donuts are fantastic, and the spot itself gives you a real feel for this part of the state.
Scituate Farmers Market runs Saturdays in the center of North Scituate Village. Worth building a morning around.
Northern Rhode Island
Phantom Farm is the reference point for Cumberland. If you're exploring up that way, start there.
That's my working list
It changes as new spots open and old ones close, but these are the ones I keep going back to and recommending.
If you're thinking about moving to Rhode Island or trying to figure out which town actually fits how you live, this kind of real local context is how I work with clients. Not just what's on Zillow.
Rhode Island Realtor and broker with Real Broker LLC. 15 years helping buyers, sellers and relocating families across RI, Southern Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut.
