Providence, Rhode Island is a tiny city that pack a huge punch when it comes to culture and food. Today we are talking some of the best restaurants in Providence—and more than that! I’ll also be highlighting some of the best bars, best dessert spots, and best coffee shops in Providence, RI. Yeee-haw!

When I was gearing up to move to Providence, I was surprised by the number of people who told me “The food scene is great in Providence.” Or “There are so many good restaurants there.” It seemed to me they might be mistaken. I thought perhaps what they meant was “The restaurant scene is great for such a small city.” Or “The food scene is vibrant, considering how tiny Providence is.”

Guys, I hate to admit it, but I’ve had a little chip on my shoulder about Providence from the start. Almost like I wanted to stay unimpressed. The thing is, the longer I stay and the more I see, the more I like Providence. Last Summer I wrote about the beautiful beaches in Rhode Island, and today we’re broaching a subject even closer to my heart. I’m happy to report that I was wrong about the restaurant scene in Providence. The city is small, but the restaurant scene is not good based on that contingency; It’s just good.

As I’ve made an effort to be more social and to get to know my home base better, I’ve been eating up a storm. There are still a million restaurants I haven’t tried yet, but I now have a solid list of favorites. Places I can recommend to visitors and places I’d be excited to take my own friends and family if I ever hosted them. I’m rounding up my top Providence spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, coffee, and even bars.

Without further ado, let’s get into it. I know you’re hungry!

Contents

Arranged by time of day.

Best Breakfast Restaurants in Providence

Best Coffee Shops in Providence

Best Lunch (Or Anytime) Restaurants in Providence

Best Restaurants for Dinner in Providence

Best Dessert Shops in Providence

Best Bars in Providence

Best Breakfast Restaurants in Providence

Here are my favorite breakfast spots in Providence. To be fair, they can also be lunch spots, and Nitro doubles as a great coffee shop. But I think their breakfast is the star of the show, and worth getting out of bed for.

Julian’s

318 Broadway

Julian’s is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Providence. Funky and weird in a cool kind of way, the patronage includes hipsters, college students, families with highchairs pulled up to the table, and plenty of pups. There are tons of vegetarian and vegan options, gluten free, and all the rest. Julian’s is open for breakfast and lunch, and has daily specials like French toast with white chocolate, raspberries, and toasted almonds, or the “special eggs and hash”—their famous, flavorful “homies” chock full of caramelized onions, bratwurst, baby spinach & cheese, topped with two eggs and toast.

I have never come to Julian’s and not had to wait for a table, but there’s a reason so many people want to eat here. Take a stroll down Broadway while you wait and enjoy your breakfast when the time comes. Also, this is going to sound weird, but don’t leave Julian’s without taking a trip to the bathroom. Just trust me.

For location, hours and menus, visit juliansprovidence.com

Or check out their Instagram

Brickway on Wickenden

234 Wickenden Street

Brickway on Wickenden is the first restaurant I ever tried in Providence, and I keep coming back. It’s a classic breakfast spot with some fun twists. You can get all the basics here—omelets, benedicts, toasts and pancakes. But you can also get some thoughtful new takes on the classics—a crab cake benedict, pumpkin pancakes every day of the year, and enough specialty omelet varieties to make your head spin. Dietary restrictions? No problem. Brickway on Wickenden has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and serves up gluten-free breads, pancakes, and waffles.

The atmosphere is light and bright, busy but chill. Brightly colored murals of cartoon scenes cover the walls. In the warmer weather tables line the sidewalk out front for dining al fresco. Brickway on Wickenden is open for breakfast and lunch, 6am-3pm Monday-Sunday. For more information, check out their website: Brickwayonwickenden.com

Or their Instagram

The Nitro Bar

228 Broadway

The Nitro Bar is a coffee shop in a bike shop. I was confused the first time someone recommended this to me; I’m not a biker, after all. But Once I stepped foot into the little shop, I was sold. White and bright with a big glass window in front that lets the sunlight in, Beyonce’s just-dropped Renaissance album was bringing the beats while patrons waited for their lattes and breakfast.

When weather permits, there are tables outside, and inside there are 3-4 small tables and a few bar stools. Despite the fact that I don’t drink anymore, I love sitting at a bar when I go out to eat. We pulled up a couple seats behind the cold brew taps and enjoyed watching the bustling coffee shop, the people coming and going, the pours and the plants.

There is a menu of food items that is surprisingly in-depth for a tiny coffee shop inside a bike shop. Sure, you can get a baked good like a croissant or gluten-free cookie. But you can also get a vegan curry tofu scramble, for example, or the classic avocado toast. I recently visited a Nitro Bar at another location, in Newport, and as fine as it was, the atmosphere in the Providence shop is way, way cooler.

For menus and more info on hours and locations, visit thenitrocart.com.

Or check out their Instagram.

Best Coffee Shops in Providence, RI

Small Point Café

230 Westminster Street

Small Point Café is my favorite spot to sip a latte while typing away on my computer. There is plenty of seating inside and the décor is eclectic and cozy. Plants are tucked in every corner, their vines creeping up the brick walls, and the expansive storefront windows are perfect for people watching. You can get a sweet treat like a scone, or cupcake, or you can opt for savory—a sandwich or salad for lunch. I like the vegetarian “Federal Hill” sandwich with mozzarella, tomato, spring mix, pesto and balsamic.

Click here to see menus, hours, and other info about Small Point Café.

Or follow them on Instagram.

The Shop

460 Wickenden Street

Everyone in Providence seems to love The Shop. I was asked on several first dates here, in addition to the times I’ve stopped by on my own after getting my nails done at Metro Nails, shopping nose rings at Rockstar Body Piercing, or whilst vintage hopping on Wickenden Street. The Shop is the tiniest place—barely a shop, it looks more like a little coffee stand. The fact that it’s been a take-out only establishment since 2020 reenforces this feeling. I’m going to call it “on the pricey side,” though to be fair, most independent coffee shops are. Still, the quality is good, the people are friendly, and it is a great location, even if you can’t sit inside.

For more information, check out TheShopFoxPoint.com.

Or their Instagram.

Seven Stars Bakery

103 Point St. and other locations

Seven Stars bakery is one of the best coffee shops in Providence, and lucky for you there are plenty of locations to choose from. They make a mean latte, and have rotating daily selections of freshly baked breads and pastry items. Be sure to try the rosemary & grape focaccia if they have it- sound’s weird but it’s delicious! A word of warning to those of us who like to WFH at coffee shops. Seven Stars, at least the Point Street location, does not have Wi-Fi. (I know, crazy, right?)

Their website.

and Instagram

Best Restaurants in Providence

For Anytime Eats

These restaurants are great lunch or dinner options. They are casual and relaxed, but nice enough to feel like you’re actually “going out.” Plus, the food is killer! These are the perfect places for a casual first date or meeting friends for a catch-up sesh. Importantly, they all offer outdoor seating.

Plant City

334 South Water Street

Plant City is a super popular “food hall” in Providence. Every item on the menu is 100% vegan, but you wouldn’t know it by the flavors. This food is seriously good, and not “Good for vegan food”.

The one beef I have with Plant City is that it’s not a real food hall. There are three restaurants under the same roof—a burger joint, an Italian spot, and a Mexican-themed restaurant. You used to be able to order whatever you wanted off any and all of the menus (like at a food hall.) However, they have changed that and now guests are required to choose a restaurant to patron. If you want the pizza (it’s really good) you’ll have to sit in the Italian restaurant. Want tacos? You’ll be sitting in the Mex section. What’s that you say? You’d like some jackfruit carnitas tacos to start, followed by a salad and pizza? Sorry, not going to happen.

If you go into your Plant City experience knowing this in advance, it will be a better time for you. I got spoiled by visiting the restaurant before it changed this policy. Now, when I go, I hate having to pick just one type of food. It makes me bitter about them calling themselves a food hall, so I refuse to.

That being said, I have to admit the food is really freaking good, and the atmosphere is nice, too. They have outdoor seating when it is warm enough to use it, and the restaurant is right on the water, near downtown Providence.

To see menus, or to get more info, visit PlantCityPVD.com

Or check out their Instagram.

Xaco Taco

370 Richmond Street

I’ve been to Xaco Taco a dozen times at least because of its proximity to my house and laid-back atmosphere. Plus, they have vegetarian tacos and that works for me! I get the fish, cauliflower, and mushroom tacos and I’m always happy with the food. The guac is great, too, and definitely try the pickled vegetables if you like a little kick. In the Summertime, the bar opens up to an indoor/outdoor affair, and there is table seating at the patio.

Visit XacoTacoRI.com for more info. (And hit me up when you’re there, I’m right down the street!)

Or find them on Instagram.

Bayberry Beer Hall

381 West Fountain Street

Weird for a sober person to recommend a beer hall, right? This speaks to how good the food and vibe is at Bayberry Beer Hall. Brick walls and an open floor plan with long tables for sharing, string lights hang from the ceiling and a wall of plants greets you upon entry. It’s a nice place to sit and drink or eat or chat.

I’ve only been to Bayberry Beer Hall once, but the food was excellent the day we went. Try the Miso Mushroom Risotto and thank me later. They also had two varieties of non-alcoholic beer from Athletic Brewing. So, I sipped a golden “lager” and felt happily included and very satisfied.

For more info, check out Bayberrybeerhall.com

Or find them on Instagram.

Best Restaurants in Providence,

Dinner Roundup

These are great spots for dinner. Go. Eat, drink, be merry. Impress your dinner dates.

Trattoria Appia

(Formerly Trattoria Zooma)

245 Atwells Ave

Providence has several good Italian restaurants, but Trattoria Appia—formerly Trattoria Zooma—is my favorite. And I’ll tell you why: One. Singular. Dish. The Tortellini Vino Rosso is a red wine infused tortellini, stuffed with goat cheese, and topped with a citrus glaze It ROCKS my world. I know it sounds like a weird combination, and it looks quite shocking too—the red wine makes a deep maroon tortellini, and I joke about them looking like body parts. (Blame Hannibal!) But looks aside, it is seriously one of the tastiest dishes I’ve ever had. I go to this restaurant specifically for this dish and I doubt if I will ever stray. I sometimes dream about this dish. I probably will tonight.

I’ve tried other things on the menu at Trattoria Zooma, too. The pizzas were delicious, especially the mushroom, and the salad with white beans is top notch. Trattoria Appia is in the center of Little Italy on Atwell’s Ave, right in all the action, but their complimentary valet parking ensures your visit will be hassle-free. Get yourself a reservation if you’re planning to dine here on the weekend.

Visit TrattoriaZooma.com for menus and more information.

Their Instagram

Aguardente

12 Governor Street

Aguardente is a fusion restaurant born of Portuguese and Guatemalan founders that serves incredible food and a vibe of a dining experience. Here you’ll find traditional dishes with creative twists and what I’m told are phenomenal cocktails. The small plates are great for sharing, so order away!

There is cozy outdoor seating on the front patio and side courtyard of the restaurant. The inside area is intimate and beautiful. Think tiles, rich color, and muted light. All the best things if you ask me.

You need a reservation to eat here. Probably every day of the week.

Visit Aguardente.com for more info.

Their Instagram

India Restaurant

1060 Hope Street

India is my go-to Indian restaurant not only because the name is so simple I can’t forget it, but also because the food is so freaking delicious. If you want my favorites, it’s the veggie Korma and the veggie biryani– extra raita, please! They have a mixed naan platter that is chock-full of flavor, but I’ll warn you to order the half basket. A friend and I ordered the full size once, and she came home carrying an entire aluminum catering pan full of bread.

I usually order takeout (no delivery, sorry) but the restaurant has a very pleasant ambiance for dining in as well. There is a courtyard strung with twinkling lights for outdoor dining in the summertime, and the warm lighting and cool décor makes the inside is just as cozy. Eat in or order out, you can’t go wrong with India Restaurant.

Find menus and more at IndiaRestaurant.com

Or find them on Instagram

Jahunger

333 Wickenden Street

“A taste of Uyghur,” Jahunger serves up a small but tasty menu of Uyghur foods like noodles, woks, appetizers and sweets. I was taken on a date to this noodle bar, and now I’ll pay it forward by taking future dates here. Jahunger is a bit of a hole in the wall, seating is sparse,  but the food is phenomenal. Packed full of flavor, and with options for vegetarians, it is a hit. Just let them know if you can’t handle spice!

Jahunger.com

Instagram

Best Dessert, Providence, RI

Controversial opinion, but I believe ice cream is the best dessert, no matter the time of year. If you’re into something less chilly, then check out one of the numerous bakeries in Littly Italy (Atwells Ave.) Otherwise, read on for the best ice cream spots in Providence, RI.

Helado Taiyaki

102 Dean Street

If you ever hear me say “I want a fish waffle,” this is what I am talking about. Helado Taiyaki is a Latin/Asian fusion ice cream parlor. Wild, right?

You can choose from a pre-set menu of extravagant dessert cones, or you can choose the flavor, filling, and topping yourself. Either way, your ice cream will be both delicious and highly gram-able. One of the pre-sets looks like a freaking UNICORN complete with sparkles and a candy horn. Flavors include ube, matcha, chocolate, and vanilla, and there are a bunch of different toppings. It’s right down the street from Little Italy, so save some room after your pasta dinner and stop on by!

Check them out on Facebook or Instagram

Kow Kow

120 Ives Street

Kow Kow is a similar concept to Helado Taiyaki– It is not just getting an ice cream cone, it is getting a whole experience. They have pre-set menus of flavor & topping combinations, or you can mix and match. I am eating matcha ice cream with som fruit and graham cracker crumbles, and condensed milk if I’m not mistaken.

When it comes to ice cream, I truly believe more is more. Kow kow is one of the best ice cream shops in Providence and is located in the Fox Point neighborhood.

Check out their website or Instagram to plan your visit.

Tricycle Ice Cream

70 Battey Street

Triccycle Ice Cream makes ice cream sandwiches out of home-made ice cream and cookies in extravagant flavor combinations. Ube ice cream between coconut cookies, dipped in white chocolate anyone? They also make ice cream tacos, which makes me very nostalgic for the ice cream truck.

Check out their website or Instagram.

Best Bars in Providence, RI

Considering I don’t drink, you might be wondering what authority I have to speak on the best bars in Providence. I may not be sipping alcoholic libations, but I do go out to bars to socialize, and I know a vibe when I see one. These bars are dope. I can’t guarantee they’re the best bars in Providence, but I guarantee they’re the best bars I’ve been to, and they are worth checking out.

The Avery

18 Luongo Memorial Square

The Avery is, dark, dim, and a total vibe. It has the feel of a speakeasy, a bit like stepping back in time. I went for the first time on a freezing winter’s night, and the air in the bar was as warm as the barely-there lighting. The playlist was lit and the bar staff was friendly. If you find yourself in town, The Avery is definitely one of the coolest bars in Providence and worth checking out.

For more info, check out their website or Instagram.

Tiny Bar

377 Richmond Street

Tiny bar lives up to its name. It’s a tiny courtyard, the size of my apartment, open all year for beverages al fresco. The actual bar is in what looks like a shed, albeit a very Instagram-worthy shed. Light, bright, and full of flowers, it’s inviting, but not large enough to sit in. Fret not, there are plenty of high-top tables and chairs outside for sitting.

This cute, cozy corner is located across the street from Xaco Taco. Bushes surround the little courtyard so that you feel like you are in a kind of secret garden or magical place. They sometimes have live music, local acoustic acts. It’s a great spot for a pre-dinner drink in the summertime, and there is a tent cover and heat lamps to keep the vibe going through the colder months.

For more info check out their Instagram.

Ogie’s Trailer Park

1155 Westminster Street

Who doesn’t love a trailer park bar? Before I went to Ogie’s for the first time last summer, it had been recommended to me by several out-of-towners. “I was in Providence yesterday, at this cool trailer park bar!”

Well, it turns out they were right. Ogie’s is a cool spot. Nostalgia slaps in this trailer-themed bar. The inside is that of vinyl seats, neon lights, and all things vintage. The outdoor seating area in the back is scattered with patio furniture and surrounded by what looks to be actual trailers. I’m assuming the patio closes in the winter months, but I can’t say with certainty.

Ogie’s serves the kind of food you’d expect from a trailer park bar—burgers, hot dogs, tater tots. Overall it’s a great low-brow place to grab a drink with friends or to make new ones.

Check out their website or Instagram.