Unearth The Voyage
Providence has quietly earned its reputation as one of the Northeast’s most exciting food cities. From wood-fired pizza that put the city on the culinary map to award-winning raw bars and cozy neighborhood bistros, the Ocean State capital delivers flavors locals have been guarding like a delicious secret. Whether you’re craving Peruvian ceviche, handmade pasta, or the freshest New England seafood, these twelve spots represent the very best of what Providence has to offer.
1. Al Forno (Fox Point) — the O.G. grilled-pizza icon
Long before grilled pizza became trendy nationwide, Al Forno was perfecting the art in Fox Point. Owners George Germon and Johanne Killeen turned their wood-fired grill into legend, creating blistered, smoky crusts topped with simple, high-quality ingredients that changed American dining forever.
The rustic Italian menu extends beyond pizza to include baked pastas that arrive bubbling and golden from the oven. Reservations fill up weeks in advance, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly.
First-timers should absolutely order the Grilled Pizza Margherita to understand what all the fuss is about. The baked pasta dishes are equally memorable and perfect for sharing across the table.
2. Oberlin (Downtown) — seafood, pasta & serious bread
Chef Ben Sukle has created something special in this bright, contemporary downtown space. Handmade pastas arrive perfectly al dente, while local seafood gets treated with the respect it deserves, showcasing Rhode Island’s incredible coastal bounty in every bite.
The natural wine list leans adventurous without being pretentious, offering bottles that complement the seasonal menu beautifully. Service strikes that rare balance between knowledgeable and approachable, making even first-time diners feel like regulars.
Don’t skip the Jonah crab paccheri if it’s available, and always ask about the crudo of the night. The bread program alone is worth the visit.
3. Gift Horse (Downtown) — award-winning raw bar
When Chef Sky Haneul Kim won the 2025 James Beard Best Chef: Northeast award, it put Gift Horse firmly on the national culinary map. This full-service raw bar takes shellfish seriously, offering creative platters that go far beyond the standard oyster presentation you’ll find elsewhere.
The sibling restaurant to Oberlin shares the same commitment to quality and innovation. Seafood towers arrive like edible architecture, stacked with the freshest catches and house-made accompaniments that elevate every bite.
Order either the Slack Tide or High Tide seafood tower depending on your appetite. The warmed buttered smoked-scallop roll has developed its own devoted following for good reason.
4. Persimmon (East Side) — modern American, technique-driven
Tucked away on the East Side, Persimmon has earned fierce loyalty from locals who appreciate refined cooking without stuffiness. The seasonal menu changes frequently, reflecting whatever ingredients are at their peak and showcasing serious kitchen technique in every beautifully plated dish.
Open Wednesday through Saturday evenings only, this intimate spot requires advance planning. Online reservations and takeout options make it accessible, though dining in captures the full experience of watching a talented team work their magic.
The dry-aged duck has become something of a signature, while handmade pasta specials sell out quickly. Expect flavors that are bold yet balanced throughout.
5. Nick’s on Broadway (West End) — elevated neighborhood staple
From morning coffee through evening dinner service, Nick’s on Broadway anchors the West End dining scene with consistent excellence. The brunch crowd packs in on weekends, while evening menus shift toward more ambitious, seasonal plates that keep regulars returning week after week.
Chef-driven specials rotate frequently, and the kitchen sources thoughtfully from local farms and purveyors. The atmosphere strikes that perfect neighborhood vibe where you can dress up or down and feel equally comfortable either way.
Brunch fans swear by the burger, which manages to be both indulgent and refined. Special tasting nights offer multi-course experiences that showcase the kitchen’s full range.
6. Gracie’s (Downtown/Arts District) — special-occasion fine dining
When Providence residents want to celebrate something important, Gracie’s tops the list. This AAA Four Diamond restaurant delivers polished service and seasonal tasting menus that justify every bit of the special-occasion price tag, making anniversaries and milestones feel truly memorable.
Open Thursday through Sunday evenings, the Arts District location adds cultural charm to an already elegant experience. The kitchen changes menus with the seasons, ensuring ingredients appear at their absolute peak of flavor and freshness.
Go for the full chef’s tasting with wine pairings to experience what the kitchen does best. Each course builds on the last in a thoughtful progression.
7. Hemenway’s (College Hill/River) — classic New England seafood
Some restaurants chase trends, while others perfect the classics. Hemenway’s falls firmly in the latter category, serving as a Providence seafood institution where generations of families have celebrated special occasions over platters of local oysters and perfectly prepared New England favorites.
The deep raw bar showcases the region’s incredible shellfish, while the kitchen handles everything from delicate preparations to hearty baked dishes. Hours run Monday through Saturday until 10pm, with Sunday service ending at 9pm, making it reliably available throughout the week.
Start with local oysters to taste what Rhode Island waters produce. The baked stuffed shrimp and paella both represent classic preparations done exceptionally well.
8. Los Andes (Smith Hill) — beloved Peruvian & Bolivian
Tucked into Smith Hill, Los Andes has built a devoted following for its authentic Peruvian and Bolivian cooking. The ceviche arrives bright and citrusy, while anticuchos deliver the kind of bold, char-grilled flavors that keep regulars coming back despite the limited dinner-only schedule.
Portions here are famously generous, so come hungry or plan to share across the table. Open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner, the restaurant stays closed Monday and Tuesday, making advance planning essential for out-of-town visitors.
The ceviche mixto showcases multiple types of seafood in tangy marinade. The churrasco anticuchero combines grilled skewers with steak for a protein-packed feast that easily feeds two.
9. Dune Brothers (Fox Point + seasonal shacks) — ultra-fresh local catch
Sustainability meets serious flavor at Dune Brothers, where the year-round Ives Street location anchors a network of seasonal seafood shacks. The commitment to local, responsibly caught fish shines through in every fried sandwich and bowl of creamy chowder that leaves the kitchen.
The attached market lets you take home the same quality fish the restaurant serves, making it a favorite stop for home cooks and chefs alike. Seasonal shack locations pop up when weather warms, offering waterside dining experiences.
The fried local fish sandwich achieves that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. Don’t overlook the chowder and clams, both prepared with a light touch.
10. Plant City (Downtown/River) — the vegan food hall everyone loves
Even committed carnivores find themselves impressed at Plant City, where multiple plant-based restaurants operate under one roof. Double Zero slings pizzas, New Burger flips patties, and Bar Verde mixes drinks, creating a food hall experience that proves vegan food can be craveable and fun rather than virtuous and boring.
The 2025 updates keep the concept fresh and evolving, with online ordering making takeout seamless. The riverfront location adds pleasant views to an already appealing package that works for groups with mixed dietary preferences.
Pizza lovers should hit Double Zero for surprisingly satisfying plant-based pies. New Burger’s creations hold their own against any traditional burger joint in town.
11. Bácaro (Downtown/River) — cicchetti, grilled pizza & Italian
Venetian-style small plates called cicchetti make sharing easy at this riverfront Italian spot. The grilled pizzas nod to Providence’s wood-fired tradition, while house-made pastas and a thoughtfully curated wine list round out a menu designed for lingering over multiple courses with friends and family.
The riverside location offers pleasant views, especially during warmer months when windows open to let in fresh air. Current menus and hours stay updated online, taking the guesswork out of planning your visit to this consistently reliable downtown destination.
Order an assortment of Venetian-style small plates to start, then add a grilled pizza to share. The strong wine list deserves exploration beyond the usual suspects.
12. New Rivers (College Hill/Downtown edge) — seasonal New England bistro
Cozy doesn’t begin to describe the warm atmosphere at New Rivers, where chef-driven cooking focuses on seasonal New England ingredients sourced from nearby farms and purveyors. The intimate space fills quickly on the Wednesday through Saturday evenings when service runs, making reservations through Tock practically mandatory.
The menu changes with what’s available and delicious, showcasing the kind of flexible, ingredient-focused cooking that defines modern bistro dining. House-made charcuterie demonstrates serious butchery skills, while pastas highlight the kitchen’s technical proficiency and respect for tradition.
Start with the house charcuterie board to appreciate the full range of the kitchen’s talents. The New Rivers burger has cult status among regulars for good reason.
