Praise be, it’s finally Fall Tour! My birthday is always the week of Thanksgiving, so this tour opener is the closest I’ll ever get to a birthday show. Though it’s so close to my home in Boston and has long been considered a gem of a restaurant city, I sadly don’t know the Providence food scene at all. So I turned to a few trusted sources who do – a chef buddy @stroudsterb, my fave New England food blogger @chanchews, and the biggest food geek friend i know @qtopia. You’re in good hands with these guys sending you to some of their favorite spots in Providence – find a Google Map here. Happy Phishgiving!
Alleppo Sweets – 107 Ives St, Providence, RI 02906
Here’s my one personal rec that I cannot wait to try. One of the 50 nominees for Bon Appetite’s Best New Restaurants in 2019, this bakery and cafe is owned by a family of Syrian refugees. Their website describes the owner Youssef, “Like an artist who must paint, or a musician who must play, Youssef is happiest in the kitchen creating and sharing his ‘art’ with others.” The cafe also offers inexpensive savory Syrian street food.
Al Forno – 577 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903
This is on my friend Quico’s “Top 5 Pizza List” which is really saying from the king of the pizza nerds. Upscale ristorante with a wood fired oven.
Antonios – 256 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906
** Late Night till 2 a.m.** Casual pizzeria chain serving traditional, thin-crust and Sicilian pies, plus wings, pasta and subs.
Bagel Gourmet – 250 Brook St, Providence, RI 02906
Popular spot offering a huge menu of bagels, hot and cold sandwiches, as well as classic Mexican eats.
Bayberry Hall – 381 W Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903
Sous chef Ben from this craft beer hall says, “Honestly, you can’t go wrong here – the burger is an incredibly good one. The rye pancakes come with dill creme fraiche and lox topped with everything spring and it’s like a bagel and pancakes had a beautiful baby. Also get the chilaquiles at brunch”
Casertas – 121 Spruce St, Providence, RI 02903
Crisp-crust pizzas, spinach pie and sausage calzones in a super casual dining area.
East Side Pockets – 278 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906
East Side Pockets has been a fixture in the heart of Providence s busy Thayer Street since 1997 serving falafel and kebab wraps.
El Rancho Grande – 311 Plainfield St, Providence, RI 02909
Pueblan Mexican fare, with premium tequilas mezcal plus live mariachi music.
Fellini pizza – 166 Wickenden St, Providence, RI 02903
** Late Night till 2 a.m.** Since 1989, this homey staple has served up thin-crust pizzas and sandwiches with creative toppings.
Friskie fries – 100 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903
** Late Night till 2 a.m.** Inspired by two buddies sharing a basket of fries on a trip to Amsterdam together, you can guess what they serve here.
Justines – 11 Olneyville Square, Providence, RI 02909
Lounge mixing unique cocktails in a stylish space with moody lighting and a speakeasy vibe. They have a great sister bar next door with cheap drinks and an awesome juke box.
Massimo Ristorante – 134 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
Locally sourced Italian dishes plus craft cocktails and wine in swanky surrounds.
Milk Money – 566 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903
New American eatery with shareable dishes & craft cocktails in rustic-industrial digs.
North – 122 Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903
Small plates & cocktails in a cool space at The Dean Hotel.
Olneyville New York System Restaurant – 18 Plainfield St, Providence, RI 02909
** Late Night till 2 a.m.**Winner of the James Beard Foundation American Classics Award, this is a casual hot dog joint with specialty meat sauce and fries.
Red Fin – 71 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903
Tapas restaurant with flavors of New England, Northern Spain, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Tony’s Colonial Food – 311 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
Traditional Italian market where you can get the best Italian sub in Prov.
Fest Food 