Diner’s Update

OPENINGS

Croquettes at Thermia.

Thermia is a new Mediterranean rotisserie restaurant located in the Rising Sun Mills in Providence. The restaurant is led by chef Jaewoo Choi, a Johnson and Wales University Class of 2016 graduate who also brought us Providence Noodle Bar and Sott. The menu includes starters of chicken croquettes oozing with creamy bechamel and the zesty Argentinean shrimp with parsley garlic sauce, pickled onion and grilled bread. Main courses feature the restaurant’s signature rotisserie chickens in different flavor variations and there’s a short rib ragu over rigatoni and a truffle mushroom pasta. Harissa-spiced roasted chicken is served with crisp herb-roasted potatoes, and you can order a side of the roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet chili and almond. For dessert, there’s a divine Dubai chewy cookie. For those who’ve never had it, it’s a chocolate-encased cookie filled with creamy pistachio-tahini paste and crunchy kadayif (shredded phyllo pastry.)

Memere’s French bistro, from the former proprietor of The Dorrance, Michael Lester, opened inside the Neptune. Reservations are available on Tock. Mémère’s draws influence from Quebec and France for culinary inspiration while focusing of New England sourced ingredients. Read more about Memere’s. 

Pat’s Italian is celebrating its grand opening in Warwick. The homestyle Italian restaurant with generous portions and familial ambience now has four locations across the state, including Coventry, Cumberland, Johnston and now Warwick.

Wonder is opening its newest location in Cranston on March 26 with a grand opening event featuring live music, giveaways, and food and drink samples. The event will start with a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m., but doors will be open from 10:30 a.m. onward for customers who can’t wait to try Wonder. The first 100 guests will receive a Wonder tote bag and hat. Attendees can also enjoy Wonder food samples, including Tejas Brisket, Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, and Wing Trip wings. The event will feature live music from Sawyer Lawson, along with beer samples from Proclamation Ale Company to pair with the food.

Matunuck Atelier has opened at at 151 Old Tower Hill Road in South Kingstown. The offshoot of Matunuck Oyster Bar, which was destroyed in a fire last summer and quickly replaced with a seasonal outdoor tent, provides a similar menu of Rhode Island seafood and oysters in a new indoor location. According to the website, “Matunuck Atelier invites you to experience fine dining redefined — a celebration of local flavor, craftsmanship, and sophistication in the heart of South Kingstown.”

The new and improved Trinity Brewhouse in Providence is officially open. The upstairs renovations are complete and the new menu has also been posted.

The folks behind Gardiner House just opened Gardiner Provisions on Thames Street in Newport. It’s a bakery and coffee bar serving French pastries and craft coffee brews. Led by Gardiner House Executive Chef and Director of Culinary, Miguel Somoza, the menu showcases a rotating selection of housemade baked goods. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Claw & Hammer is coming soon to Newport.

TRANSITIONS AND COMING SOON

Down in Newport, Scales & Shells has evolved into Claw & Hammer, a stone crab and seafood restaurant that opens to the public on Saturday, April 4, now run by Heritage Restaurant Group.

Chef Luke Mersfelder and partner Brittany Simons are opening a new restaurant in the former Bywater space in Warren, called Kingfish. Mersfelder, the former Bywater chef and current Dune Brothers fishmonger, and Simons, the general manager at the Eddy, are planning a seafood-focused menu, plus nostalgic classic dishes along with family-friendly menu choices, according to the Boston Globe Rhode Island. They plan to open Kingfish in the spring.

The Hotel Viking announced that they will be working with Littleneck Hospitality Group for its new restaurant and bar concepts, coming soon. The Providence-based restaurant group is run by “chef Robert Andreozzi, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, and Jesse Hedberg, a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist,” and the team behind Pizza Marvin and Club Frills. “Our restaurants are deeply connected to the communities they serve through partnerships with organizations like Farm Fresh Rhode Island and Save The Bay, and through initiatives that reinvest directly back into our city,” says the post announcing the partnership.

Providence Wine Bar in Wayland Square has closed and will be reopening as The Wayland, a new cocktail bar that’s “a little darker. A little moodier.”

Purslane in Wakefield reopened for the season, and they also launched a new restaurant next door. St. Charbel is a new “raw bar, small plates bar and other things bar” by the team from Purlsane: “We’ve been working hard on this project the past six months with family and friends and can’t wait to share it with everyone! Think raw bar/cocktail and wine bar/small plates bar with a homage to New England seafood and old time aesthetics. Purslane Eatery will be operating as usual and now hopefully this new space will give some relief to everyone who is skeptical of waiting for a table. A win-win for everyone in our book.”

The Jewish deli Maven’s Delicatessen is opening a second location on Providence’s Thayer Street this winter, called Maven’s Jr. Diners can expect the same pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, bagels, salmon and lox, matzo ball soup and more, now steps away from Brown University.

Glou cocktail bar is closed. Photo courtesy @glou.pvd.

CLOSINGS

Glou cocktail bar recently closed in Providence’s Fox Point. The co-owner, Alexa Tremblay, announced the news on Instagram: “This space was a dream of mine and has and will hold so many incredible memories, made possible by so many (even more) incredible people. There’s been so much talent that’s come through here: chefs & bartenders & servers. There’s been so much support from all of you in Fox Point, Providence, beyond. You’ve thrown weddings and birthdays and baby showers. We’ve seen four years of graduations. We’ve had engagements, book launches, anniversaries. We’ve mourned deaths and cried and screamed and felt the deep exhaustion of life from nearly every angle….”

Down the street, Tallulah’s Taqueria also closed in Fox Point. From its Instagram: “Since 2014, this space at 146 ives st has been a piece of our lives — not just a restaurant, but a home for community. A place that started from a simple hope: that people could gather somewhere warm, welcoming, and real. And somehow… you all made that hope come true. Providence gave us the chance to create, to inspire, to build something bigger than tacos something full of connection. We will always be proud of what Tallulah’s became, and of the love that lived inside its walls.”

Rosalina in downtown Providence closed for good on February 15. According to co-owner Tom Bovis: “It is with a heavy heart that I would like to let our family, friends and guests know that after 13 years, Rosalina restaurant will be closing for good February 15. It was an extremely difficult decision but we cannot sustain the business with all the variables since Covid. Thank you to our guests, our great staff, and, of course, my amazing wife Lauren Lynch who beat all the odds and built one of the best Italian restaurants in the state. Please stop by before our last dinner service so we can share a moment and cocktail together!”

Plant City in Providence closed on February 8. The Instagram and Facebook pages stated the reason: “We are sorry to share this news as Plant City and its mission are so dear to us. It has been a place to gather, to joyfully share plant-based food, and to build a community rooted in kindness and care for people and the planet. We worked to cope with the challenges we faced. The Washington Bridge failure caused an immediate and lasting reduction in the number of guests coming to Plant City Providence over the last two years. In addition, the resulting traffic during rush hours impacted our ‘first seating’ for dinner. Despite our efforts, we could not overcome this.” The Barrington and Warwick locations will remain open.

The iconic Louis Family Restaurant on Providence’s College Hill closed on Dec. 31. The restaurant was opened in 1946 by World War II veterans Louis and Dominic Gianfrancesco, and was taken over by their sons and run by the same family for nearly eighty years. Brothers brothers John and Albert Gianfrancesco announced the closure at the end of December, giving patrons a few last days to say goodbye. The restaurant location has been sold to Trang Duong and Ritu Nguygen, who will transform it into a new cafe and bakery called Suis, which means “I am” in French.

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

1/23-3/28

The Boston Harbor Hotel is hosting the thirty-seventh-annual Boston Wine & Food Festival, which returns with more than 43  events. The acclaimed festival is led by Executive Chef David Daniels and Festival Director Nick Daddona and brings an exciting lineup of brand-new thematic wine dinners, tastings, galas, and master classes. Set in newly remodeled spaces at the hotel with Boston Harbor in the backdrop, the festival kicks off with the Opening Reception on January 23rd and runs through March 28th. The 2026 Boston Wine & Food Festival features several new exciting events, including the President’s Reserve Dinner, which pays homage to the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The dinner will pair wines loved or inspired by six former presidents. A new focus on scotch and whiskey comes to life through The Macallan Whiskey Master Class and a Scotch Tasting Pop-Up. Also new this year are the Art of the Espresso Martini, a Mezcal Master Class, the Louis Roederer Champagne Dinner, Cakebread Cellars Winemaker Dinner, and Rioja Dinner with Bodega Lonzaga.

3/27

Nimki Sundays are back every Sunday at Club Frills in Providence. Chef Nikhil Naiker prepares dishes featuring his “New England tropical” cuisine inspired by his Fijian Indian heritage. Come see for yourself why Nimki (@nimki.pvd) and chef Nikhil (@nikhil_nn) were declared James Beard Award Finalists last year.

3/27-3/28

A Weekend with The Macallan at the Mansion, a two-day celebration in partnership with The Macallan, is taking place March 27-28 at The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection. Guests can immerse themselves in  Gilded Age glamour at the former mansion-turned-luxury resort, built in 1908 by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt. The weekend’s curated itinerary features bespoke tastings of The Macallan, a private tour and tasting at the Audrain Automobile Museum, and an intimate dinner at The Vanderbilt featuring curated pours of The Macallan paired with courses. Guests will also enjoy the property’s Macallan Reserve Room where they can sip exclusive cocktails, play billiards and indulge in tasting experiences with the whisky brand.

3/26-3/29

GoProvidence is bringing back the Providence Culinary Collective, in partnership with Wine X, the Rhode Island Wine Experience, happening March 26-29 in locations throughout Providence. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event – which featured more than a dozen sold-out events – the 2026 festival expands with new chefs and new tiered experiences. Check out the schedule of events, which will continue to be updated.

3/29

The Tiverton Farmers Market is hosting its annual Easter Specialty Market on Sun., March 29, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tiverton Middle School. The market will kick off the festivities a week before Easter. With more than seventy vendors lined up, you’ll find everything from fresh seafood and meats to baked goods, fruits and veggies, international dishes, local artisans and so much more.

3/29

Each restaurant at Track 15 will be offering small plates priced at just $5–$7, giving you the chance to truly taste your way through the building — around Track 15, and around the world — all in one evening. All ages welcome, no entry fee. 

4/4

Celebrate Ming’s on Broad’s one-year anniversary at the Cranston restaurant with all-day $5 beer, $5 orders of wings, Cambodian specials, an oyster bar pop‑up with the Ocean State Shellfish Co-op and a complimentary wine tasting with MS Walker. Guests will receive complimentary raffle entries with purchase. Drawings are at 4:30 and 8:30 p.m., featuring curated gifts from MS Walker & Bully Boy Distillers.

4/5

Wondering where to go for Easter brunch, lunch or dinner? Consult our Easter guide to dining out!

4/8

Folding Chair is a family dinner on April 8 with two seatings at 5 and 7 p.m. Guests will share a meal with  neighbors and friends, including a menu that blends Iberian, African, Caribbean and Latin cuisines from chefs Armando Alexandre Semedo and Emilio Leroux-Parr. ‘Wykked Family Dinner’ is a three-course dinner and cocktail pairing for $75 per person. Learn more here and find out ticket information on Instagram.

4/14

On Tuesday, April 14, the team behind James Beard Award semifinalist Club Frills and Pizza Marvin heads to Pier 57 in New York for a special Rhode Island-inspired dinner, Dinner: Refined Rhode Island Classics with Club Frills and Pizza Marvin. Chef Robert Andreozzi, a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, joins Nikhil Naiker, a James Beard Award nominee for Emerging Chef, to spotlight Ocean State classics reinterpreted with a chef’s touch. Jesse Hedberg, a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, will be behind the bar mixing up creative libations and channeling the spirited hospitality that’s put these Providence spots on the map. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and tickets range from $185-$210. Buy tickets here.

4/18-4/19

4/26

Mother Pizzeria in Newport is doing the Italian Wine Showcase on Sun., April 26. Mucci Imports is coming to Newport and bringing Italy with them. Meet and taste wines with eighteen winemakers from all over Italy, including Casa di Baal, Tollara, Edoardo Patrone and more! Walk around to meet each producer pouring and talking about their selections. Snacks and bites from Mother will be served throughout the tasting. This is an open house format, so guests can arrive anytime between noon-3 p.m. Tickets are $45 each (plus tax).

5/2

The Newport Beer Festival will be held May 2 from 1–4:30 p.m. at historic Fort Adams State Park in Newport. Attendees will enjoy beer tastings from more than fifty hand-selected breweries and beverage producers from across New England and beyond.

5/3

At Warren’s Spring Stroll from Noon-5 p.m., enjoy special sales, pop-ups, demonstrations and seasonal displays during this annual event. Expect to get your steps in while strolling around Warren’s vibrant downtown and take part in family-friendly activities, live music, giveaways, specialty food offerings at restaurants and more.

5/16-5/17

Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival on Bowen’s Wharf involves a whole weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., dedicated to slurping down fresh oysters and comforting chowder! With more than seventy-five oyster farms in the Ocean State, no oyster is truly alike, and this event is the perfect excuse to taste the difference for yourself. Freshly shucked oysters from select farms and award-winning chowder from local restaurants offer seafood lovers a chance to indulge and learn. Free admission.

Station tastings at Track 15 with Jan Dane from Stock and Sanjiv Dhar of Chaska and Rasoi.

ONGOING EVENTS

On Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7 p.m. through April 15 at Track 15 in Providence, guests will enjoy a live cooking demonstration featuring one of Track 15’s chefs. The events include complimentary tastings, a moderated Q-and-A with the chefs, and the opportunity to purchase favorite cooking tools from the Stock Culinary Goods pop-up market. Brandon Teachout from There, There is up next on March 25! Learn more here.

Hemenway’s Restaurant, located at 121 S Main St. in Providence, is now offering Hand Roll Happy Hour available for dine-in guests at the raw bar and bar Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m.

Avvio in Cranston’s Garden City Center, is offering a monthly prix fixe menu celebrating the unique regional cuisines of Italy. For March, they are featuring “A Taste of Naples.” This three-course menu is available  during dinner hours for $40 per person, with optional wine pairings available for an additional $19.

Celeste in Narragansett is hosting a monthly series celebrating the coastal regions of Europe. From March 4-31, guests can enjoy a “Tour of Portugal.” This two-course prix fixe menu is available Sunday through Thursday during dinner hours for $40, with optional wine pairings available for an additional $9.

J.T. Commons in Middletown has new takeout and dine-in promotions, including half-priced pizzas on the late-night menu. Every night after 8 p.m., bar and lounge guests can enjoy a signature focaccia or Roman-style pizza in a variety of flavors for half price, ranging from $9.50 to $14.50, as well as late-night comfort food in the lounge, including Steak and Cheese Pinwheels, Buffalo Chicken Bites and a signature Bacon Burger served with tallow fries. For lunchtime, the $15 “Slice Box” Lunch involves a choice of housemade soup, a salad and a slice of signature focaccia pizza. The restaurant has also added a poke bowl to the rotation, available Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The front takeout case is also stocked daily with a changing variety of house-made soups, whole cakes and soft-serve sundaes with housemade toppings.

Every Tuesday night, Club Frills in Providence is offering half-priced classic cocktails from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Giusto in Newport now has two off-menu ‘secret’ items now available for the winter months only. Both are in limited quantity until they sell out each night. On Sunday evenings, it’s the Chicken Parm ($28), Giusto’s take on a Sunday Supper. The pan-fried crispy chicken breast is topped with tomato sauce and perfectly melted mozzarella and served with housemade bucatini pasta. On Monday nights, it’s the Giusto Smashburger ($19), a double stack burger with fontina cheese, sweet and tangy housemade bread & butter pickles and n’duja aioli on Martin’s potato roll. Additionally, lunch is back at Giusto, on Saturdays and Sundays from noon–2:30 p.m. Giusto’s sandwiches are back on the lunch menu, including the chicken Parm sandwich, alongside the Giusto smashburger, local fish sandwich with pickled jalapeno and the porchetta sandwich with giardiniera and white bean and harissa spread. All sandwiches come with a choice of salt & vinegar potatoes or green salad with bay gem, pear and dill.

Flora, the coastal Mediterranean restaurant inside the Gardiner House hotel in Newport, offers brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Flora’s brunch menu hits on all the classic brunch dishes with a hint of Spanish influence from chef Miguel Somoza. Guests will enjoy housemade pastries and breads, eggs Benedict with Plancha ham, pan con tomate with Iberian ham, a steak burger or crisp chicken paillard among many other choices.

Get a feel for the Providence and Newport dining scenes with Rhode Island Red Food Tours. For Rhode Island Monthly magazine’s Best of Rhode Island Award-winning Downcity Providence Food Tour, delicious adventure awaits where food, art, and architecture collide in Providence’s vibrant Downcity Arts District. Sample from diverse Rhode Island favorites and award-winning culinary restaurants, and between bites get an insider’s view of this lively and creative small city. Expert guides will help you discover the treasure of epicurean favorites, hidden art, historic architectural gems, sharing local stories and the many happenings to be found in Rhode Island’s Creative Capital. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).

During the Rhode Island Red Food Tours’ Newport Neighborhood Tour, guests will discover diverse, eclectic out-of-the-way neighborhood eateries – with a homespun vibe, where the locals know to go as well as hotbeds of food and fun in the more traveled parts of the city. Step inside some of what may appear as a hole-in-the-wall café or an authentic, cozy 18th century tavern and you will be surprised to find a mouthwatering food scene, using both cultural & regional influences with a strong commitment to sustainable ingredients. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).