Best Places to Eat in Providence, Rhode Island

One of the most popular questions I get from friends, family and followers is "where should I eat?" when in Rhode Island. Providence is by far one of my favorite spots to dine as it has so many good restaurants and something for everyone. As a New Yorker, I do feel my standards are a bit high when it comes to dining out, but I will tell you Providence has an amazing dining scene that is quite impressive. Even if you are traveling through this tiny little state on the way to another New England destination, which often most people do, I highly recommend making a stop at one of these tasty establishments.

Below, you will find my favorite spots to eat in Providence:

Gift Horse: One of my favorite places for dinner in the city. The place is buzzing—they are nominated for a James Beard award—so plan on waiting or snagging a bar seat. I'm also a big fan of their cocktails. Don't miss the raw scallops, crispy oysters, lamb burger and crispy fish Ssam.

Oberlin: Everything is delicious here and it has a great vibe. Don't miss the Kohlrabi Caesar, their homemade pastas and amazing crudo. The cocktails are also delicious.

Al Forno: A Providence institution with a great vibe and always consistent food. Their grilled pizzas are the best and everything else is seasonal and delicious. They also make the best cosmos in the city! Pro tip: try and snag a bar seat if you have no reservation.

Frank & Laurie's: A newer restaurant in Providence, this spot is one of my favorites to dine at. The food and vibe are so good. I have only been for lunch and brunch, but I hear their dinner is special, too.

Persimmon: This spot serves some of the tastiest elevated food all meant for sharing and has great wine and cocktails.

Dolores: Located in the Fox Point neighborhood, this spot serves up refined Mexican cuisine and known for their mole and tacos. They also have great cocktails.

Pizza Marvin: I love this spot for their casual cool vibe and yummy pizzas—great for the whole family. They serve fun cocktails and the best soft serve.

Bayberry Garden: Love this spot to meet up with friends or for a date night. The food and drinks are always so good.

Dune Brother's Fox Point: I've always loved the Dune Brothers seafood shack, but really into the new Fox Point restaurant and fish market. It's tiny with only a few tables, but has a spacious outside area and a more extensive menu highlighting some great local seafood.

Hemenway's: Heavy on the seafood and raw bar, it also has steaks and great cocktails. I also love the bright downtown location.

Bellini : The space is so pretty and it's always buzzing. I love to go here for a business lunch, too.

Aguardente: A good spot for Portugese tapas and drinks.

There, There.: A casual spot in the west end of Providence, I often take my boys here for a good burger and fries.

Nick's on Broadway: A great spot for brunch or lunch. It's always so delicious and has a lively vibe.

Track 15: A new food hall that just opened in downtown Providence. You can eat a variety of food such as thin crust sourdough pizzas at Mother, tacos from Dolores, chowder from Dune Brothers and much more. Plus, they have a bar that serves up yummy cocktails.

Ellie's: A good downtown spot for breakfast or lunch where you will find avocado toast, croque monsieur and delicious quiche on the menu.

Irregardless: Amazing Southern style biscuits in a variety of ways. I love stopping here for one of their breatkfast sandwiches.

Amy's Place: This place is always buzzing and serves up some casual breakfast sandwiches and smoothies. I love their breakfast tacos, but I hear their burgers are amazing, too.