I like to eat. Like, a lot. And I love to seek out new restaurants and try new things. So yeah, sometimes I will literally travel to a city, JUST TO EAT. And that’s exactly what my husband and I did recently on our way to see family in Massachusetts. We spent a weekend eating our way through the best restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island.
It was a bit of an impromptu trip, so the only research I did was on the phone, in our car, 30 minutes before we arrived in the city. Not exactly the best strategy when you’re peckish and starting to feel hangry, but I didn’t want to just walk into any random restaurant.
A quick google search of the best restaurants in Providence turned up a couple of trustworthy foodie blogs.
Travel tip: Always cross reference when you’re researching a new destination. If something pops up, again and again, you know it’s a place worth visiting.
After a quick read of Spoon University and Forbes, I had a clear destination in mind: Nick’s on Broadway.
It was a Friday night, and this restaurant is rated one of the best in Providence, so I was pretty confident we’d have to figure out a plan B. But much to my surprise, they had two seats available at the bar, with a view of the open kitchen.
I was amazed. In NYC, we would never get into one of the most popular restaurants, at the last minute, on a Friday night. Right away, I made a vow to start spending more time exploring the smaller cities that populate the Northeast, checking out their burgeoning food scenes. (Philly, I’m coming for ya!)
Enjoying a morning treat at Seven Stars Bakery in Providence
A destination for Foodies: Providence
It makes sense that Providence is a foodie’s paradise. It’s home to Johnson & Wales University, one of the top culinary schools in the country. Plus, it’s situated near the water, which means fresh seafood year round, and it’s not far from local farms offering their seasonal bounty.
But what is so refreshing about the Providence food scene is that it lacks the pretension you find in bigger cities like New York and LA. Here, it’s about quality ingredients, inventive recipes, and friendly hospitality.
Case in point: Upon arriving at Nick’s on Broadway, we were treated like special guests. After being ushered to our seats at the bar, we opted for the 4-course tasting menu. When each course was presented, we got an in-depth description about where the ingredients were sourced from.
Our meal? Simply sublime. So much so, that on Sunday we literally dragged our entire family back for brunch, what the restaurant is most well-known for. Spoiler alert, our 2nd meal at was equally as ah-mazing.
In between our two meals at Nick’s on Broadway, we sipped, tasted and pretty much overindulged. (Did I mention what a great weekend this was?!) While my list is nowhere near definitive, below is my Providence Travel Guide for Foodies who want to spend a glorious 48 hours eating their way through the city.
The Best Restaurants in Providence for Foodies:
Where to Eat breakfast and brunch in Providence:
- Nick’s on Main – They serve the most popular brunch in town, so be prepared to wait. Get there early to put your name in and then take a stroll down Broadway, admiring the colorful, Victorian homes. Brunch itself is a decadent affair. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but the brioche French toast and Eggs Benedict are definite crowd pleasers!
- Bagel Gourmet – If you’re looking for a quick pit-stop, put this place on your list. Don’t let the name fool you. They serve everything from breakfast burritos and tacos as well as classic breakfast sandwiches. It’s the perfect place to fuel up for a day of exploring.
- Seven Stars Bakery – They are most well known for their bread, but they also have an array of tempting pastries and specialty coffees. You can’t go wrong by starting your morning off here with one of their many sweet confections and an artfully made latte.
Where to eat Lunch in Providence:
- Haven Brothers Diner – Keep it old school with lunch in the oldest restaurant in Providence on wheels. While there’s nothing wholly original on the menu, the burgers, hot dogs and subs are satisfying comfort food. And none of their dishes are over ten dollars!
- East Side Pocket – Have a hankering for falafel, gyros or Kabobs? Then you’ve found the right place. Located on Thayer Street, right by Brown University, it’s also a popular hangout for students.
- Food Trucks – Providence has been hip to the food truck scene for a while now. With everything from BBQ and Asian street food, to tacos and waffles, there’s plenty to choose from no matter what you’re craving.
Where to eat Dinner in Providence:
- Los Andes – Arguably one of the best restaurants in Providence, the Bolivian and Peruvian cuisine here is inventive, unique and delicious. It’s a must when you visit this city.
- The Grange – A rustic and cozy spot located in Federal Hill, this restaurant has popular standards like chicken and waffles and poutine, but it also has an array of elevated vegetarian options. The evening atmosphere is lively and the cocktails are on point. It’s great for larger groups and families too.
- Al Forno – If you’re in the mood for pizza, then this is the spot for you. It’s considered one of the best pizza spots in the country – let alone Providence. Order one of their popular grilled pizzas with a unique blend of cheeses, and a perfectly charred crust. You won’t be disappointed!
- Nick’s on Broadway – Yes, for me this restaurant is so good, it falls into two categories. Their farm to table concept and focus on local ingredients really shines during dinner. I recommend getting seats at the bar that overlook the open kitchen, so you can watch as a feast is prepared for you.
- Bacaro – There’s no shortage of Italian food in Providence but this mainstay, located along the Providence River, offers a respite from all the pizza joints. Find a cozy spot at the bar and tuck into some Cicchetti, Venetian bar snacks, and wash it all down with a glass or two of wine.
You can never go wrong with oysters.
Cocktails at The Grange
The risotto at Nick’s on Broadway
Are You Ready to Visit Providence?
To be honest, my list of restaurants to check out in Providence is just scratching the surface! There are so many great places I still want to visit. It just means I’ll have to make another trip back to this creative city soon.
Now I’d love to hear from you. Have you been to Providence? If so, which restaurants are on your list? What would you recommend? I’m always looking to add more places to my travel guides, so please comment below!
Related: If you love traveling for food as much as I do, then check out my travel guides about Chiang Mai, Asheville, Vancouver, the Catskills, and Montreal. They are full of restaurant recommendations because a girl’s gotta eat!
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