This is it, what we research and prep for all year: our annual guide to what makes our state great.

And what a year it’s been. Did anyone have “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” or Providence’s Scottish invasion on their 2026 bingo cards? We didn’t either, but the Ocean State is all the better for catchphrases like “I need my crackahs” and the infectious joy that was the Providence Tartan Army and the summer of soccer.

The 425 winners gathered throughout the next pages represent the pinnacle of all that’s good in Little Rhody: the folks and small businesses that ensure we’re well fed, well read, well rested (or at least looking that way), well balanced and (mostly) well behaved.

Read on for our Editors’ Picks for the best in food and restaurants, shopping, things to do and health & beauty and then see how the public voted in our Readers’ Poll, choosing their favorite spots in more than 300 categories.

And to our Scottish friends across the pond, please come back soon. You made our shores a little brighter with your merry laughter, colorful kilts and charitable natures. (And last we heard, orange traffic cones were still decorating the heads of statues throughout the capital city.)

Contributors: Edelinda Baptista, Lauren Clem, Jamie Coelho, Karen Deutsch, Jackie Ignall, Dana Laverty, Tess Lyons, Andrea McHugh and Kaitlyn Murray

Photography: Josh Adam, Wolf Matthewson, Dee Speaks and Angel Tucker

 

INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOP | PLAY: THINGS TO DO | HEALTH & BEAUTY 

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Food & Drink 

The best spots to dine out and snack up in style.

 

Celebratory Desserts

The Perfect Sweet

Whether you need a custom celebratory cake or just a sweet treat to get through the day, The Perfect Sweet is the perfect pit stop. Deck out your cake with a pile of the shop’s signature macarons or opt for a chocolate explosion. At the shop, you can choose from thirty-seven different flavors of macarons as well as cupcakes, cookies, blondies, brownies and more, plus build-your-own ice cream sundaes. 436 Main St., Warren, 289-0277, theperfectsweet.com

 

Birthday Cake

Pastiche

Pastiche is the best of European baking (technique and beauty) and American enthusiasm (thick clouds of frosting and whipped cream for days). There are many places to get a birthday cake in the state but if you want someone to feel truly celebrated, this is the way to go. And if your loved one isn’t a hardcore sugar fan, there’s always a fruit tart to take home and dazzle. 92 Spruce St., Providence, 861-5190, pastichefinedesserts.com

 

Greek Grandma Cooking

Paula’s at Courtland Club

Family recipes served in a cool cocktail bar are the perfect combination for this swanky sometimes jazz bar hidden on an unassuming side street on the West End. Chef Panagiota “Paula” Agganis puts her Greek heritage to the test curating the best of ingredients and turning them into housemade dips and flatbreads, gyros and handcrafted ice cream desserts. 51 Courtland St., Providence, 227-9300, courtlandclub.com

 

Restaurant Brand Expansion

Maven’s Jr.

Now you can get the same familiar fare from Maven’s Delicatessen in Pawtucket at its smaller late-night outpost on Thayer Street (and the RIFC Centreville Bank Stadium). Work up an appetite for the signature pastrami or corned beef sandwich, or opt for our favorite, a 50/50, to sample both. 727 East Ave., Pawtucket, 205-8560; 230 Thayer St., Providence, 450-0277, mavensdeli.com

 

Dirty Soda

Rhody Pop

While National chains are scrambling to adopt this trend, Rhody Pop was there all along. Remember that when your teen or tween wants to host a party that involves some good clean fun, only with dirty soda. The mobile soda bar specializes in fizzy drinks with fun flavors and creative mix-ins.
@rhodypop

 

Preserving a Legacy

Wally’s Wieners

Head to the back bar of Wally’s into the Copper Club, where precious preserved items from the building’s previous restaurant, Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen, await. While the neighborhood still misses the classic Italian restaurant, the team at Heritage Restaurant Group made every effort to pay tribute by maintaining the iconic back bar, neon sign, old menus and more. It’s our Sal-vation for losing a Federal Hill icon. 120 Atwells Ave., Providence, 648-3330, wallysprovidence.com

 

Napolitan-Style Pizza 

Anna’s Vesuviano

Anthony Giordano’s wood-fired pizzas are an edible symbol of cultures colliding to create something incredibly delicious. The brick-and-mortar pizza shop pays homage to his grandmother, Nanianella “Anna” Russo, with a showpiece wood-fired oven that makes magic out of sourdough and wheat flour, San Marzano tomatoes grown near Mount Vesuvius, fresh mozzarella and toppings like pepperoni, fried eggplant and mushrooms. 114 Doyle Ave., Providence, 400-2884, annasvesuviano.com

 

Sike!

Metacom Kitchen

It was lost but never forgotten. Until it returned. It’s proof that if you pray to St. Anthony hard enough, things can be found and all is right in the world again. Chef Rick Allaire heard our call and reopened this beloved neighborhood restaurant with his wife after closing it in 2024. The freshest local seafood, farm produce and proteins make a comeback along with crowd favorite Mystery Mondays, a five-course blind tasting that’s a hit with locals. Thank God. 322 Metacom Ave., Warren, 289-3446, metacom.kitchen

 

Naan Tacos! 

Cinder

Tacos on tortillas are always amazing, but sometimes they fall apart. The housemade flatbread at Cinder is a sturdier option for fillings like smoked chicken, smash burger, brisket, fried cod and vegetarian choices like tofu and cheesy potato, served with pickled red onion, cilantro and scallion, pineapple kimchi and/or siracha aioli. Grab a seat on the riverfront patio or nab a spot indoors with a view of the smoker. 169 Main St., Westerly, 229-3377, cinderrestaurant.com

 

Notorious P.I.Z.Z.A.

Pizza Mamma

This pizza spot would be a star even without a “Real Housewife” attached. “RHORI” cast member Alicia Carmody is the mind behind the brand and we’re loving the playful touches she puts on pizza, from the boxes with notes from Mamma, the sassy staff uniforms and the pizza chip bouquets we’d prefer over flowers any day. 640 Reservoir Ave., Cranston, 452-1020, pizzamamma.co

 

Pie

Babes Pie Co.

It’s not “easy as pie” at Babes Pie Co. Co-owners Mar Keller and Abby Lofberg do everything the hard way, including making pie crusts from scratch, creating and par-baking fillings like custards and jams, and crafting an entirely new menu each week. Expect to see mainstays like Key lime and tarte tatin, as well as exploratory flavors like genmaicha custard tart with fresh mango and strawberry with Japanese sansho pepper. 258 Kenyon Ave., Pawtucket, 678-8508, babespieco.com

 

Brunch

Frank & Laurie’s

There’s a little bit of old-school brunch and a lot of creativity at the tables of Frank & Laurie’s. Named after owner Eric Brown’s grandparents, it’s a love letter told in eggs and bread — each bite a dose of unconditional love. Order the weirdest thing they showcase on any given weekend because this is a kitchen that excels at the unexpected. If you can’t get a table, visit the takeout window for coffee, doughnuts, pound cake and bagels. 110 Doyle Ave., Providence, 414-7650, frankandlauries.com

 

Chef for Hire

Joshua Berman

Love to have friends over but hate to cook? Joshua Berman can handle any party, from the intimate to the expansive. Plan your own menu or let him take the reins: New England lobster boils, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, steak and potatoes, or tacos for everyone. From a casual get-together to a formal celebration, there’s nothing he can’t do. The big bonus is that your kitchen will probably end up cleaner than when he entered it. jbcuisine.com 

 

Modern American

Persimmon

There have been dramatic openings and closings in the restaurant world, but Persimmon remains a statewide touchstone for elevated dining with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s exciting but not pretentious, innovative without being overwhelming. Soups, pastas, seafood and sweets are all so sublime and surprising that we’re always waiting for our next visit. 99 Hope St., Providence, 432-7422, persimmonri.com

 

Tasting Menu

Claudine

Everything about Claudine is a revelation: the service, the subdued atmosphere, the drinks, and, most of all, the food, which creates an evening that is rapturous. The paradox is that you’re sitting in the shadow of someone else’s talent and yet the spotlight still falls entirely on the diner. Prepare to be wowed with every bite and, whether wine or nonalcoholic, get the drink pairings, which are a culinary lesson all on their own. 225 Weybosset St., Providence, 808-6195, claudinepvd.com

 

Comeback Kid

Perry Raso 

When a fire derailed the summer at Matunuck Oyster Bar, Perry Raso simply reopened under a sprawling luxury tent and opened another restaurant. The original oyster bar continues serving under the big top by the pond this year while Matunuck Atelier deals lobster rolls and sushi in its stylized (and air-conditioned) dining room in Wakefield. 629 Succotash Rd., Wakefield, 783-4202, rhodyoysters.com; 151 Old Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield, 238-8759, matunuckatelier.com

 

Vegan

Foglia

The real test of a vegan restaurant is whether you can get carnivorous friends to come willingly and Foglia always succeeds. Some of the dishes — hearts of palm cakes, eggplant meatballs and pasta with smoked miso and capers — are so good that we go back just for them. But the five-course tasting menu is the best way to enjoy this meat-free menu. Dessert is mandatory, particularly its tiramisu. 31 State St., Bristol, 253-1195, fogliabristol.com

 

In Love with Retro

We love a modern dish but sometimes we have a longing for flashback foods: the ones that make us remember the way we used to eat, when we were all young and carefree. 

East Side Pockets: Kebab Sandwich

Keep your delicate, fancy sandwiches. The chicken kebob wrap at East Side Pockets is an absolute mess — dripping out of its wrapping and coating your hand all the way to the wrist — and we are perpetually obsessed. 278 Thayer St., Providence, 453-1100, eastsidepocket.com

Pizza Marvin: Salad Slice

Robert Andreozzi does a lot of things in a new way but his pizza slice is so retro. It’s a Sicilian slice topped with a cafeteria-style iceberg salad, complete with creamy dressing. The perfect marriage of two worlds and nostalgia at its best. 468 Wickenden St., Providence, 262-3336, pizzamarvin.com

Club Frills: Retro Menu

A menu that harkens all the way back to a 1980 beach shack: chicken nuggs, club sandwiches, burgers and onion rings are all slightly in disguise — a perfect mask for those who lived through the era and those who can only go back in their mind. 79 Ives St., Providence, clubfrillspvd.com

Tony’s Colonial: Pizza Strips

We all know the iconic pizza strips (aka party pizza) that populate our best old-timey bakeries. But we can’t get enough of Tony’s Colonial’s version, particularly the chewy corners. They’re not only delicious — they’re portable. Call ahead because they’re in demand but not always in stock. 311 Atwells Ave., Providence, 621-8675, tonyscolonial.com

Anthony’s Seafood: Stuffies

Calamari be damned. Now seventy years old, Anthony’s has been doling out our favorite Rhody treat from the beginning: a spicy, chourico-laden stuffie that we can douse in hot sauce. If the state is known for anything, it should be this peppery, bready snack all wrapped up in its own shell. It’s delicious in the afternoon or evening, or as an edible memory that never fades. 963 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, 846-9620, anthonysseafood.net

 

Korean

Gopchang Story

The menu at Gopchang Story is a fever dream of Korean favorites, told in an off-kilter and delicious narrative. True Korean food fans work their way through plates of gui, which is marinated and grilled intestines and entrails served with fried rice. For a more mainstream experience, order the kimchi soup, bulgogi, and a whole spread of Korean barbecue favorites including cuts of Prime ribeye, short rib and sliced brisket that you cook table side and eat with vegetables, kimchi and sauces. Don’t miss the yuzu and honey-sweetened tomato. It’s flavortown, all around. 1800 Post Rd., Suite 24, Warwick, 921-1125, gopchangstoryri.com

 

Bar None

Sneak in a sip at these local spots.

OG Cocktail Bar: The Eddy

Before there was a cocktail bar on every city corner, there was The Eddy, crafting drinks with housemade spirit infusions and syrups in surprising combinations, unlike any other bar in the city. The Eddy is a training ground, inspiring some of the best bartenders to open their own bars that have made Providence’s mixology scene grow and thrive. 95 Eddy St., Providence, 831-3339, eddypvd.com

The Newcomer: The Wayland

Looking for a place to carry on a conversation? Then mosey on over to The Wayland. The bar has a library-like feel with bookshelves filled with cool knickknacks, and couches and lounge chairs in cozy nooks to get comfortable and stay awhile. Guests linger over good gab sessions and classic cocktails. 485 Angell St., Providence, 443-5249, thewaylandpvd.com

South County Stalwart: The Café

Venture to Westerly’s charming downtown for a night at The United Theatre followed by a bite and drink at The Café. Classic cocktails abide by the golden ratio while more inventive sips might include the Green Gable with vodka, dry vermouth, Aquavit, garden herbs and radish. For a simpler elixir, go for La Tlanchana, fresh pomegranate and citrus juices mixed with vermouth and tequila or mezcal. 3 Canal St., Westerly, 357-0300, thecaferi.com

Bar Pop-Up: Gilligan’s Pub

Can it please be Christmas in July? Gilligan’s Pub owner Amanda Fullam went over the top for the Miracle Bar pop-up this past holiday season, covering her bar head to toe in yuletide finery. Cocktails were served in decorative glassware including Santa, dinosaur and unicorn mugs, which could also be purchased to spread more kitschy joy at home. 937 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, 331-4260, gilliganspub_pvd

Neighborhood Hang: High Motor Bar & Grille

This solid hang is located just an overhead toss from Centreville Bank Stadium, home of Rhode Island’s resident soccer team, Rhode Island FC. High Motor Bar & Grille co-owners Art Chamberland and Vito Lantz poured their heart and soul into creating the sports bar with both high-end cocktails and local beers and a fun food menu to match. Check out the bar made from repurposed whisky staves and stop in the karaoke/music/comedy room to scope out laugh-out-loud title trophies gifted to the High Motor Hall of Fame. 342 East Ave., Pawtucket, 424-9977, highmotorgrille.com

 

Crowd Pleaser

Cork & Rye

Creative daily specials, a raw bar, a killer cocktail list and vegan and gluten-free options? There’s a reason this Warwick eatery — just steps away from the Warwick Mall — is on our editors’ regular rotation. Start with the sesame crusted ahi tuna or the roasted beet hummus, then move on to an entree like the lemongrass chicken. Even the handhelds offer a fresh take on pub food. The best part? You’ll never have to hunt for parking again. 255 Lambert Lind Hwy., Warwick, 921-8324, corkandryeri.com

 

Portuguese Cafe

Cafe Alma

Feel a world away with a visit to this Azorean-style cafe where guests can sip both espresso drinks (try the pastel de nata latte complete with a sweet treat) and Portuguese wine and beer. Indulge in pastries like pastéis de nata or bolacha Maria desserts, egg and chourico sandwiches with Sao George cheese and bifanas, or return for nighttime dinner service of bitoque and shrimp Mozambique. 227 Warren Ave., East Providence, @cafealmaep

 

Tapas

Palo

One of our favorite bar seats in Providence is at Palo, not only because the historic building is so charming but because you can nosh through a great tapas menu. The kitchen makes a great meat and cheese board, but it’s the small dishes of garlic shrimp, albondingas, crispy rice and croquetas that keep us coming back. 3 Steeple St., Providence, 414-7610, paloprovidence.com

 

Spectacle

Ten Prime Steak & Sushi

Why be subtle when you can be center stage? Ten Prime Steak & Sushi isn’t new to the scene, but it continues to bring drama to dinner in a way few places can top. Everything is over the top at Ten: loaded with heaps of butter, topped with lobster tails, cooked on lava rocks, or served with pillows
of cotton candy. Did we mention the thirty-ounce ribeye? Go big or go home. 55 Pine St., Providence, 453-2333, tenprimesteakandsushi.com

 

Fried Fish

Evelyn’s Drive-In

Everybody knows that fried fish must be eaten outdoors, in flip-flops, in close proximity to the water. You can’t do better than grabbing a seat at Evelyn’s and working your way through platters of clam strips, fried crab cakes, shrimp and scallops, and the very underrated fish and chips wrap. This is what summer by the shore should always taste like. 2335 Main Rd., Tiverton, 624-3100, evelynsdrivein.com

 

Smash Burger

Lj’s Kitchen

A certified Angus beef patty (order a single, double or triple) with caramelized onions, pickles, cheese and special sauce on a griddled bun — simple and satisfying, this Woonsocket outpost knows how to keep it old-school. Not feeling a burger? Check out the pizza menu for the most authentic South Shore-style bar pie outside of the Bay State. 1697 Mendon Rd., Woonsocket, 488-4629, ljskitchenri.com

 

Modern VS. Traditional

Whether you like your food by the book or a little more elevated, these places appeal to every type of diner.

Traditional Mexican: Orale Taqueria

From the tamales to the tacos, every bite of food at Orale Taqueria is a veritable stroll through Mexico’s terrain. The enchiladas verdes are delicious but so is everything here. We love the tamales, the tortas and the birria tacos — but sometimes we’ll just make a lunch out of a bowl of red pozole and a wedge of tres leches cake. The most expensive thing on the menu is $20 but there are ample offerings under $10. 1119 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, 771-8154

Modern Mexican: Perro Salado

There are a lot of things that make Perro Salado untraditional (not the least of which is its Colonial house setting) and yet it’s rooted not only to the culture of Mexico, but the practice of using local and seasonal ingredients to manifest that appreciation. New England farms and Mexican history are wed in a way that makes you love both even more. Grab a seat on the patio and stay awhile. 19 Charles St., Newport, 619-4777, perrosalado.com

Traditional Italian: Vanda

Rhode Island has no shortage of good Italian food, but Vanda offers something unique: It manifests both the hearty, homey characteristics of the Italian countryside and the refined, elevated vibe of its biggest cities. It’s charming to the core and dinner at Vanda always makes you feel like you’re dining with hosts that only care about your happiness. 1 Centerville Rd., Warwick, 921-3144, vandacucina.com

Modern Italian: Oberlin

One of the reasons we love Oberlin is because it’s impossible to classify. Its evolving menu pays homage to tradition but is always looking for ways to surprise and charm its diners. It’s capable of modernizing classic Italian but what defines the kitchen is its ability to harmonize old-school techniques with contemporary flavors, and a healthy dose of American quirk somewhere in the background. 266 Westminster St., Providence, 588-8755, oberlinrestaurant.com 

 

Supper Club

The Blue Room

dinner and a show makes a comEback in Pawtuxet Village where local jazz bands let loose in an energetic atmosphere filled with food and drink. Nightly entertainment is usually booked Wednesday through Saturday nights, so be sure to snag a reservation as this cozy jazz bar usually packs the house. 2197 Broad St., Cranston, 424-9966, theblueroom.com

 

Then and Now: 1990s VS. 2026

How do yesteryear’s Best of Rhode Island winners compare to today’s best?

THEN: Romantic Dining

La Petite Auberge, Newport

NOW: Romantic Dining

The Franklin

Looking for romance? This tiny but opulent setting is the epitome of Parisian charm, from the dripping candelabras to its lush interior. Groundswell’s David Fierabend has blocked out the rest of the world entirely, surrounding drinkers and diners with a timeless aesthetic that oozes amour. If you’re lucky enough to grab a velvet settee, you’ll never be more than a foot from the object of your affection. 195 Franklin St., Bristol, 396-5057, groundswellguild.com/locations/the-franklin

 

THEN: Best Chinese

China Inn, Pawtucket

NOW: Chinese

Jayd Bun

With just the right amount of irreverence and the best dumpling game in town, Jayd Bun has become not only the best Chinese food in Peace Dale, but a meal worth crossing state lines for. There’s no indoor dining and you need to get your takeout order in early (sometimes days in advance) because the secret is out. But it’s always worth the hassle and always tastes like home cooking at its best. 1202 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, 515-7900, jaydbun.us

 

THEN: Best Steak

Twin Oaks, Cranston

NOW: Steakhouse

TSK

Even the big steakhouses tend to create menus that appeal to the masses, even those who don’t eat meat. But TSK is hardcore. Yes, there’s a halibut porterhouse but that’s as close as fish is going to get to meat. The sides are as classic as they get: creamed spinach, wedge salads, roasted potatoes. Don’t miss out on the beef tartare or the raviolo, which holds a single quivering egg yolk. Bonus: Red wines are affordable and formidable. 509 Thames St., Newport, 846-0400, tsknpt.com

 

THEN: Grilled Pizza

Bob & Timmy’s, Providence

NOW: Grilled Pizza

AL FORNO

For a small state, it’s astounding how much good pizza we have — Neapolitan, Detroit-style, Greek — all have stellar iterations in the Ocean State. But if we are rightfully known for one thing, it’s the sublime grilled pizza that Al Forno introduced to us and which continues, year after year, to be a truly perfect bite of food. We hate to play favorites, but the corn pizza with spicy chili oil might just be manna from heaven. 577 South Water St., Providence, 273-9760, alforno.com

 

 

The French Connection

Where to go for a bit of Paris in Rhode Island.

What you want: French macarons

Where to get it: Mariela’s Bakery 

What’s to love: Pick up baker Jessica Schumann’s handcrafted sweet delicacies at local markets or preorder in bulk for celebrations. Pawtucket, marielassweets.com

 

What you want: French bread and pastries

Where to get it: Le Bec Sucre

What’s to love: If there’s one thing that says Paris in a bite, it’s a fresh baguette, and Le Bec Sucré makes the very best of them. If you’re a weekend warrior, queue up for the pain de campagne filled with apricots, cranberries and walnut. Middletown, lebecsucreri.com

 

What you want: Croissants

Where to get it: Brown Bee Coffee 

What’s to love: The croissants at this intimate but studious coffee shop come in all the flavors of the rainbow from everything bagel and za’atar olive oil to cafe latte and croissant bread pudding. Providence, brownbeecoffee.com

 

What you want: French fine dining

Where to get it: Memere’s

What’s to love: The French-meets-New-England concept is full of nostalgia but with high-end menu choices like foie gras, terrines, beef tartare and duck confit. Providence, memeresri.com

 

 

What you want: Day-to-Night Transformation

Where to get it: Ellie’s 

What’s to love: A light-filled breakfast and brunch spot by day, and a romantic French bistro with soft candlelight, classic dishes and a French wine list by night. Providence, elliesprov.com

 

Community Gathering Spot

Sawyer’s

Like a modern-day general store, Sawyer’s stocks a little bit of everything while hosting community gatherings and live jazz nights. Whether you want to grab a nice lunch, stock up on farmers market produce or local products, nab fresh flowers, or sip a (natural) glass of wine with a friend, Sawyer’s is a safe and charming bet that has it all. 447 Broadway, Providence, 424-9975, sawyersmkt.com

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INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOP | PLAY: THINGS TO DO | HEALTH & BEAUTY

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