20 Must-Try Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island

Al Forno Restaurant

Al Forno Restaurant is an authentic Italian restaurant in South Water Street that brings a touch of Southern Europe into the heart of Providence. Owned by Chef-owners Johanne Killeen and George Germon, the menu at Al Forno is simple and delicious, with seasonal renditions of Italian classics from the various regions of Italy. Wood-burning ovens and grills produce wafer-thin pizzas packed with mouthwatering toppings and roasted meat dishes while baked pasta brimming in homemade sauces burst with flavor. Made-to-order desserts add the final touches to a perfect meal, which is paired with fine Italian wines and served in a friendly, warm, and welcoming environment.

577 South Water Street, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-273-9760

Andino's

Andino's is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant with beautiful murals and tiles, soft lighting, and a warm and welcoming ambiance. The restaurant serves authentic Northern and Southern Italian cuisine with starters of antipasti, bruschetta, fresh Caprese salads, and focaccia. Entrées include housemade pasta and sauces, fresh seafood, beef, veal and chicken, and classics like lasagna and spaghetti Bolognese. The cuisine is paired with a variety of casual wines from Italy and other wine-growing regions, along with craft beers by the bottle, and made-to-order cocktails.

171 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-453-3164

Bacaro Restaurant

Bacaro Restaurant is a contemporary Italian restaurant on the waterfront of Downtown Providence that features a full-service dining room with an open kitchen, a tapas bar, and a wine bar. Set in the historic Charles Tanner Building along the riverfront in downtown Providence, the split-concept dining destination is spread over two floors with an enoteca (wine bar), salumeria, and cicchetheria (tapas bar) on the first floor and the main dining room on the second floor. Named after the Bácari of Venice, Bácaro focuses on traditional Italian cuisine prepared with local and regional ingredients. Here guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences from sharing boards of sálumi, cheeses, and olives to Venetian tapas and multi-course dinners.

262 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-751-3700

Cafe Nuovo

Located at the Gondola Landing on Providence's famed Riverwalk, Cafe Nuovo is a casually elegant restaurant that is renowned for offering a world-class dining experience. The sleek waterfront space features a stylish dining room with contemporary décor and glass curtain walls that command spectacular views of the new Providence skyline and the river where gondolas float by. A market-driven menu features artfully presented global dishes of fresh seafood, prime USDA meats, house-made pasta, and organic salads and vegetables. A full-service bar features a variety of libations ranging from a curated list of wines and a selection of spirits and classic cocktails. Café Nuovo is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and dinner only on Saturdays.

One Citizens Plaza, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-421-2525

Camille's

Camille's is a Providence dining icon that has been bringing the robust tastes and flavors of Italy to the heart of historic Federal Hill for over 100 years. The award-winning restaurant features an elegantly appointed dining room with a sophisticated ambiance and a beautiful Roman patio for alfresco dining in the summer months. The world-class Italian restaurant offers a high-end take on traditional Italian dishes accompanied by an extensive list of global wines, high-end spirits, classic cocktails, and imported beers, and hosts live music and dancing in the restaurant lounge on Friday and Saturday evenings. Camille's is open for

71 Bradford St, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-751-4812

Capriccio

Carved out of the cellars of a landmark building along the famous Riverwalk in the Downtown Financial District, Capriccio has long been the city’s renowned mecca for sophisticated fine dining and black-tie service. Fireplaces cast a warm glow in the elegant dining room as guests savor creative continental cuisine with Northern Italian and Mediterranean influences with signature dishes of prime-aged steaks, Maine lobster, imported Dover sole and other native seafood, and homemade pasta and sauces. The cuisine here is accompanied by an award-winning list of fine wines, along with one of America’s most significant Cognac collections. Capriccio is open weekdays for lunch, daily for dinner and complimentary valet parking is available.

2 Pine St, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-421-1320

CAV

Founded in 1989, CAV is an award-winning historic eatery and bar that serves a sophisticated contemporary menu of global cuisine in a unique loft atmosphere. The unique concept features soaring ashwood ceilings, warm décor in earthy tones, beautiful chandeliers, and dim lighting that creates an intimate, romantic mood. The eatery serves seasonal dishes of handmade pasta, and from-scratch sauces, fresh seafood like Hijiki encrusted Yellowfin Tuna and Diver Sea Scallops, and prime meat dishes of Braised Lamb shank, Filet Mignon, and Duck Confit. The restaurant has a variety of antiques, and natural art objects for sale and alfresco dining is available in the pretty flowered courtyard n the summer. CAV is open for lunch and dinner, daily and brunch on the weekends.

14 Imperial Pl, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-751-9164

Circe

Located in the heart of downtown, Circe is a bright, stylish space that serves American-infused, Mediterranean dishes, classic cocktails, and casual wines in a refined setting. Based in a historic building dating back to 1856 that was once a bank, the restaurant boasts an elegant dining room with soaring two-story windows that embrace spectacular views. Chef Simon Keating presents a seasonal menu of contemporary dishes like wild mushroom Bolognese, Maine lobster risotto, braised short rib arancini, bacon-wrapped Angus tenderloin, and New England artisan cheeses. Mixologist Kyle Poland creates inventive cocktails with local ingredients, and the full-service bar offers a range of casual wines and craft beers. Circe is open for lunch and dinner daily.

50 Weybosset St, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-437-8991

Gracie's

Conveniently located across the street from Trinity Rep in downtown Providence, Gracie's is a contemporary farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on market-driven cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from with local farmers, fishermen, brewers, distillers, and winemakers. Boasting the classy ambiance of a downtown New York restaurant with stylish yet comfortable décor, and professional, friendly staff, Gracie’s serves delicious dishes of New England cuisine such as Herb Roasted Atlantic Swordfish and Nantucket Sea Scallops. A fabulous wine selection features local and imported labels, and an array of classic cocktails set the mood for an unforgettable, exceptional dining experience. Gracie’s is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

194 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-272-7811

Hemenway's Restaurant

Located on the River in downtown Providence, Hemenway's Restaurant is an iconic dining destination that is renowned for serving the highest quality seafood, fin-fish, shellfish, and mollusks, along with an award-winning wine list. One of Rhode Island’s premier seafood restaurants, Hemenway’s is helmed by Chef Max Peterson who uses the freshest selections from New England’s fishmongers and purveyors to create sublime seafood dishes. A heralded Raw Bar lies at the center of the restaurant and showcases the ocean-fresh offerings, and a full-service bar offers an acclaimed wine list of global wines, along with classic cocktails, high-end spirits, and craft beers. Hemenway’s offers private dining for up to 45 guests and seasonal alfresco dining on an outdoor deck with spectacular views of the Providence skyline.

121 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-351-8570

Joe Marzilli's Old Canteen Italian Restaurant

Joe Marzilli's Old Canteen Italian Restaurant is a classic family-owned and operated restaurant and Rhode Island legend. Located in Providence’s famous Little Italy, in the heart of Federal Hill, the Old Canteen is a long-standing go-to spot for traditional Italian fare, decadent homemade desserts, and casual wines served in a warm and welcoming setting. Founded in 1956 by Joseph Marzilli, the eatery offers Italian favorites such as housemade pasta and hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and prime meat dishes, crisp salads and vegetarian options using locally sourced ingredients and sweet desserts. A full-service bar features a variety of libations ranging from a refined list of Italian wines and a selection of spirits and classic cocktails. Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen is open for lunch and dinner, Wednesday through Sunday.

120 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-751-5544

Massimo Restaurant

Massimo Restaurant brings the quintessential Italian dining experience to Providence’s Federal Hill Neighborhood with a contemporary menu inspired by the regional cuisines of Italy. Owned by Joseph and Esther DeQuattro of Pane Vino fame, the bi-level restaurant is stylish and sophisticated with modern décor, a full-service bar and lounge, and a stunning glass-enclosed private dining room. The market-driven menu features signature dishes such as Fig and Tallegio Pizza, Chitarra Alla Carbonara, and House-Aged Rib-eye Fiorentina. An impressive wine list boasts unique Italian wines from small boutique Italian winemakers and an excellent cellar selection from Italy, Spain, and California.

134 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-273-0650

Mill's Tavern

Located in the century-old Pilgrim Mill’s Building at the foot of historic College Hill in downtown Providence, Mill's Tavern is an upscale eatery that has long been a Rhode Island favorite for exceptional dining experiences. Perfect for a romantic evening or special celebration, the restaurant features vaulted casement ceilings, rustic brick walls, dark wood accents, and sleek linen tablecloths and exudes a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance. An open kitchen has a wood-burning oven and a stylish, fully-stocked bar that serves a wide range of craft beers by the bottle, casual wines from around the world, and craft cocktails. Chef Edward Bolus creates an impressive menu that combines local and seasonal ingredients, such as fresh seafood, grass-fed meats, and farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Mills Tavern is open for dinner, seven nights a week.

101 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-272-3331

New Rivers

Housed in the former 18th-century iron merchant Congdon and Carpenter Mill warehouse on the banks of the Providence River, New Rivers Restaurant is a charming farm-to-table bistro that serves market-driven fare and unique wines. Named after Providence’s river rerouting project, New Rivers focuses serving seasonal, handmade cuisine crafted from local farms, fishermen, and food artisans along with thoughtfully curated wines and local craft beers. The restaurant features beautifully refurbished original wide plank wood floors, a handsome bar, and a private dining space on the second floor, and the façade has been transformed to mimic the quintessentially Providence century-old storefronts. Rivers Restaurant is open for dinner, Monday through Saturday.

7 Steeple St, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-751-0350

Pane e Vino Ristorante and Enoteca

Located on beautiful Historic Federal Hill in Providence, Pane e Vino Ristorante and Enoteca is an authentic Italian restaurant that serves traditional Italian fare amidst classic Italian hospitality. Pane e Vino bases their dinner-only menu on serving ‘fresh, simple and honest’ food, including favorites such as house-made meatballs, creamy gnocchi Quattro Formaggio and hearty saltimbocca served with sage and prosciutto. Diners can enjoy a pre-fixe menu on weekday evenings, and an alluring cocktails and cordials program offers a range of handcrafted cocktails, spirits and local wines as the perfect accompaniment for any of the dishes. Don’t miss the mouthwatering homemade desserts such as the cannelloni dipped in caramel and peanuts and the bourbon chocolate fudge cake.

365 Atwells Avenue Providence, RI, Phone: 401-223-2230

Persimmon Restaurant

Persimmon Restaurant is an award-winning American restaurant owned by husband-and-wife team Chef Champe and Lisa Speidel that serves ingredient- and technique-driven food in a casual, intimate setting. The modern restaurant offers a daily-changing menu of seasonal cuisine that merges flavor, technique, and passion with signature dishes such as tempura squash blossoms filled with ratatouille, pan-seared foie gras and duck neck confit, and black spaghetti, bottarga di muggine. A full-service bar features a variety of libations ranging from a refined list of Italian wines and a selection of spirits and classic cocktails. Persimmon is open for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday.

99 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906, Phone: 401-432-7422

Pot au Feu Bistro

Established in 1972, Pot au Feu Bistro is the oldest French bistro in the country. Located in the Historic Downtown, the bistro was a long-time favorite of Julia Child and is famous for serving traditional French bistro favorites such as Fresh New England seafood, prime USDA steaks and chops, succulent roasts, and French favorites like Escargots a la Bourguignonne, Soupe a l'Oignon, Pate Maison, and Terrine de Campagne. The cuisine is accompanied by a variety of libations ranging from a refined list of French wines, and a selection of spirits and classic cocktails. Pot au Feu Bistro is open for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday.

44 Custom House St, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-273-8953

Providence Oyster Bar

Located on Historic Federal Hill, Providence Oyster Bar is one of Rhode Island's top spots for fresh seafood, raw and cooked shellfish, handmade sushi and sashimi and other inspired seafood dishes. The spirited seafood restaurant boasts a casual, yet refined ambiance with exposed brick walls, polished wood floors, and a soaring tin ceiling, and has a vibrant bar scene. The seasonal menu features appetizers of lobster wontons and chowder, entrées of fresh fish, Maine lobster, Spanish seafood paella for two, and raw bar offerings of littlenecks, cherrystones, and shrimp cocktail. Providence Oyster Bar is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, daily.

283 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-272-8866

Trattoria Zooma

Savor authentic, Neapolitan cuisine and other award-winning Italian fare at Trattoria Zooma. The Italian trattoria restaurant has a modern, upbeat atmosphere and a contemporary setting in which seasonal menus of traditional Italian food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional produce. Dishes range from gourmet pizzas and paninis on the lunch menu to sublime veal and beef dishes, fresh seafood platters, and homemade pasta on the dinner menu. An extensive menu of globally-inspired wines is available to pair with the cuisine, as well as daily wine flights for impromptu wine tastings, craft beers, and classic cocktails. Trattoria Zooma is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

245 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903, Phone: 401-383-2002

Waterman Grille

Situated in a former bridge gatehouse built in 1871 on the banks of the Seekonk River, the Waterman Grille is a fine-dining and special-occasion destination that serves refined American cuisine in an elegant setting. The popular neighborhood restaurant features exposed brick and restored wood patinas and a vibrant open kitchen with a signature wood-fired grill where expert chefs under the guidance of Executive Chef Noah Metnick showcase their culinary skills. A seasonal menu features locally sourced small plates and hearty entrées, many of which are cooked on the open grill, and guests can dine in a cozy loft space with a fireplace in winter or on the waterfront patio in the summer months. A full-service bar serves global wines, and specialty cocktails and the restaurant is open for dinner daily and weekend brunch.

4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906, Phone: 401-521-9229