Providence Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Providence. Your complete guide to dining in Providence.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Providence! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Providence has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Providence's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Providence like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Providence offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Providence.
The Patio on Broadway - Providence
Highly rated Restaurant in Providence with 4.7 stars from 1114 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 166 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Hemenway's Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Providence with 4.6 stars from 2237 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 121 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Waterman Grille
Highly rated Restaurant in Providence with 4.7 stars from 1535 reviews.
📍 4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Los Andes
Highly rated Seafood in Providence with 4.7 stars from 5097 reviews.
📍 903 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Seafood cuisine
The Capital Grille
Highly rated Steakhouse in Providence with 4.6 stars from 1698 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 10 Memorial Blvd Ste 101, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Bayberry Garden Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Providence with 4.6 stars from 427 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 225 Dyer St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
CAV Restaurant
Highly rated Bar in Providence with 4.6 stars from 1462 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 14 Imperial Pl, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Gift Horse
Highly rated Restaurant in Providence with 4.8 stars from 154 reviews.
📍 272 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
New Rivers
Highly rated American in Providence with 4.7 stars from 294 reviews.
📍 7 Steeple St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Gracie's
Highly rated Bar in Providence with 4.7 stars from 646 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 194 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Night Shift Kitchen + Tap
Highly rated Bar in Providence with 4.8 stars from 433 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 8 Providence Pl Suite #D301, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The Slow Rhode
Highly rated American in Providence with 4.7 stars from 441 reviews.
📍 425 W Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Providence.
Trader Joe's
Highly rated International in Providence with 4.6 stars from 831 reviews.
📍 425 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Seymour Foods
Highly rated International in Providence with 5 stars from 15 reviews.
📍 109 Wickenden St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Highly rated International in Providence with 4.7 stars from 217 reviews.
📍 10 Sims Ave unit 103, Providence, RI 02909, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Asiana Food Market
Highly rated International in Providence with 4.6 stars from 312 reviews.
📍 92 Warren Ave, East Providence, RI 02914, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Urban Greens Co-op Market
Highly rated International in Providence with 4.6 stars from 388 reviews.
📍 93 Cranston St, Providence, RI 02907, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Chalkstone Supermarket
Highly rated International in Providence with 4.3 stars from 669 reviews.
📍 1050 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Hope Street Saturday Farmers Market
Highly rated International in Providence with 4.6 stars from 448 reviews.
📍 Hope St &, Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Shore's Fresh Food Market
Highly rated International in Providence with 4.6 stars from 546 reviews.
📍 1590 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, RI 02904, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Providence.
Rhode Island Red Food Tours
Highly rated International in Providence with 5 stars from 405 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Newport Food Tours
Highly rated International in Providence with 5 stars from 9 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Experience Rhode Island Tours
Highly rated International in Providence with 4.9 stars from 464 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Providence Travel Agency
Highly rated International in Providence with 4.1 stars from 8 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Providence.
Coffee Exchange
Highly rated Cafe in Providence with 4.7 stars from 1321 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 207 Wickenden St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Brown Bee Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Providence with 4.6 stars from 317 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 404 Benefit St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Rise 'n Shine Coffee Bar
Highly rated Cafe in Providence with 4.8 stars from 203 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 97 Holden St, Providence, RI 02908, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
The Coffee Cup
Highly rated Cafe in Providence with 4.8 stars from 140 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 133 Providence Pl Level 1, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Small Point Café
Highly rated Cafe in Providence with 4.4 stars from 733 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 230 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Ellie's
Highly rated Cafe in Providence with 4.6 stars from 728 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 250 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Little City Coffee & Kitchen
Highly rated Cafe in Providence with 4.7 stars from 229 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 170 Mathewson St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Reprise
Highly rated Cafe in Providence with 4.9 stars from 63 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3 Luongo Square, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Providence.
Signature Dish
A must-try Providence specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Providence dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Providence with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Providence specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Providence creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Providence classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Providence specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Providence dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Providence with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Providence specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Providence.
Marcelino's Boutique Bar
Highly rated Bar in Providence with 4.8 stars from 356 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1 W Exchange St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The Eddy
Highly rated Bar in Providence with 4.5 stars from 616 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 95 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Rooftop at the Providence G
Highly rated Restaurant in Providence with 4.3 stars from 1578 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 100 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Deadbeats
Highly rated Bar in Providence with 4.8 stars from 110 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 289 Knight St, Providence, RI 02909, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The Walnut Room
Highly rated Bar in Providence with 4.5 stars from 142 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 245 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The XO Bar
Highly rated Bar in Providence with 4.8 stars from 66 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 125 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Providence's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Providence vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Providence is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Providence offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Providence specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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