2025 Best of Rhode Island Editors’ Picks

August is one of our favorite months here at Rhode Island Monthly. After a year of in-depth research, we highlight the people, small businesses, attractions and events that symbolize the best of the Ocean State. It’s always a thrill to honor the folks who keep Little Rhody moving forward, especially when so many things — the political climate, the news, the Washington Bridge —  are out of our control. (Late 2028? Really?) 

It’s our way of recognizing everyone who works tirelessly — often with little to no recognition  —  to keep our little state perfectly beautiful, weird, wacky and just a little sassy, just the way we like it.

Check out our Editors’ Picks in the pages that follow to see where we wined, dined, played, shopped and pampered ourselves this year, and then take a peek at how the public voted in our Readers’ Poll, choosing their favorite spots in more than 300 categories. 

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

Photography by Wolf Matthewson, Angel Tucker and Chad Weeden

INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH & BEAUTY 

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FOOD & DRINK

Where to eat and drink your way through the state.

Greek Food

Estiatorio Fili

It’s taken some time for people to realize there’s a restaurant on Waterman Street and Wayland Avenue as the frosted windows give no clue as to what’s happening inside. But now that the warmer weather has arrived and there are seats outside, George Potsidis’s Greek restaurant has met its well-earned acclaim. Recipes are an homage to his late mother and the perfect antidote to August weather. Seasoned chicken kabobs, braised lamb and plenty of fresh tomatoes and feta are the draw, but don’t overlook the stellar cocktails. 225 Waterman St., Providence, 642-8880, estiatoriofili.com

 

Mexican, Formal

Cielito 

Cielito isn’t formal when it comes to dress or attitude — but its dishes are so complex and shimmer with so much heart that you’ll feel like dinner is an awakening. Try everything (including cocktails) but also leave room for dessert because the chocolate tres leches cake is good enough to celebrate your birthday every day of the year. 186 Union St., Providence, 563-7026, instagram.com/cielitomexicankitchen

 

Mexican, Casual

Maiz 

Trying to figure out where to take your kids for dinner? Maiz has become a family-friendly staple on the East Side and in South Kingstown — with everything from Mexican pizzas to enchiladas and micheladas. Everything (tortillas, salsa and stewed meats) is made in-house and can be packed up to go if the restaurant is full. 20 South Angell St., Providence, 522-3158; 58 High St., South Kingstown, 541-1396, hellocalaveras.com

 

Mexican, Tapas Style

Sombra Eatery & Lounge

If you don’t know where to start when selecting items from Sombra’s Mexican-inspired menu, any of the flights will satisfy the whole table, including guacamole, papas fritas and four different types of dip. The soft corn tortilla tacos are also all the rage, paired perfectly with a margarita, sangria or a tequila flight. Rave-worthy options include the barbacoa taco, chicken tinga taco, elote guacamole and carne asada fries. 50 Main St., East Greenwich, 398-0623, sombralounge.com

 

Fusion Food

Brasa y Chifa

The owners of Los Andes in Providence have bestowed another irresistible eatery to the Creative Capital. Brasa y Chifa blends Peruvian and Chinese cuisine in a fast-casual dining setting, serving a range of menu items from twenty-four-hour marinated pork ribs to chaufa de pollo — Peruvian wok-fried chicken rice with scallions, eggs, ginger and soy. Whether you’re on a lunch break or stepping out for a casual date night, the eatery offers wok dishes, a selection of slow-roasted meats and more. 712 Admiral St., Providence, 421-0440, brasaandchifa.com

 

Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

Big Feeling

Big Feeling can turn almost any ingredient into an ice cream flavor. Early spring saw the likes of rhubarb and beach rose sorbet, May cranked out lavender shortbread cookie with apricot ripple, and fall and winter months churned in apple butter and smoked pumpkin with marshmallow fluff. They are also known for staples like chocolate, vanilla and mango sticky rice. The whole brand is based on childhood nostalgia for icy treats, so how about making some new adventurous adult food memories, too? 769 Westminster St., Providence, bigfeeling.co

 

Day to Night Coffee Shop

Public House

When Teddy Sullivan opened WeRoast in the coffee shop-scarce Blackstone Valley in 2021, he launched a space where neighbors could bond over cups of locally roasted coffee. So it’s only fitting the shop’s second iteration as Public House — newly expanded in a former bank building down the street — keeps the conversation going all day long. Coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night — and with menu highlights like a lemon meringue tart and a yuzu espresso fizz — Public House offers a little taste of nightlife outside the state’s urban core. 210 Front St., Lincoln, 642-6062, publichouseri.com

Laotian Food

Haus de la Vie

If you need a Laotian friend to translate the menu, that means you’re in the right place. Let us share what we’ve learned: Go with the papaya salad — Lao style — with freshly shredded green papaya, carrots and green beans in a sweet and savory sauce with chopped peanuts, followed by some Lao sausage, nime chow or khao jee, sticky rice battered in egg and fried. For entrees, any of the finely minced meat laab selections or the pad kra pow with a fried egg on top will make you want to book a plane ticket to Southeast Asia stat. 1342 Douglas Ave., Pawtucket, 537-7180, hausdelavie.com

 

African Fare

Suya Joint 

Everything on Suya Joint’s menu seems to manifest joy. Dishes are often stewed and meant to be shared — each one an exuberant amalgam of culture and cuisine. The key is to order as much as you can because everything is good. Bonus: You can get a bag of beef empanadas and their tomato stew to take home after dinner. 320 Westminster St., Providence, 388-4952, suyajoint.com

 

Jamaican Food

Ja Patty

The best Jamaican patties in Rhode Island now have their own tuck shop in addition to a truck. Known as a local corner store in Jamaica, this quick stop satiates lovers of Jamaican jerk chicken,
curry and oxtail with takeout rice bowls that come with a side of plantains. Patties are stuffed with various fillings, including traditional beef, jerk chicken, curry vegetable and even apple pie for dessert. Grab some take-and-bake patties to pop in the oven anytime at home. 1577 Westminster St., Providence, 424-9880, japatty.com

 

Detroit-Style Pizza

A Guy and His Pie

Detroit-style is having its day and Brian Cauti is the delivery man. We can’t get enough of his chicken cutlet, bacon and ranch pie but we’ve never left without getting either the Bee Sting (pepperoni,
jalapeno, Mike’s Hot Honey) or the jalapeno honey cheesy bread. You now know our flavor profile. 560 Mineral Spring Ave., Pawtucket, 495-4614, aguyandhispie.com

 

Thoughtful Local Menu

Saint Martha

This new intimate Warren restaurant had big shoes to fill in the space that was formerly Hunky Dory and Eli’s Kitchen. A void also needed filling in town with the closure of Metacom Kitchen. Thankfully, Saint Martha stepped up to the challenge and succeeded in restoring the coastal town’s food rep. From simple salads bedecked with beets and sunflower seeds and crispy smoked whitefish croquettes to the heartier seared Point Judith scallops and duck breast, we bow down to this patron saint of hospitality. 40 Market St., Warren, 561-0222, stmarthari.com

 

Food Hall

Track 15

Other cities build food courts in malls, but developer Chris Marsella and family chose a defunct train station to bring some of the state’s best food together in a single location called Track 15. Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, pizza, seafood, burgers and sandwiches — made by those who do it best — all sit under one roof with a central bar. Another reason to look forward to WaterFire. 1 Union Station, Providence, 443-9215, track15ri.com

 

Addictive Snack

LaSalle Bakery

LaSalle’s pizza crisps might be our favorite snack ever. If pizza and potato chips had a baby, this would be it: crunchy, addictive and coated in sauce and cheese. It turns out that the world’s best food is fully portable. Make sure you buy several bags at a time because there’s always tomorrow. 685 Admiral St., Providence, 228-0081; 993 Smith St., Providence (check availability first), 831-9563, lasallebakery.net

 

Global Eats

CHOP 

Housed in the Providence Public Library, CHOP has a lot of stories to tell. Working with culinary students at the Genesis Center, the sprawling restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving food from around the world. It has everything from a brie panini to braised short ribs and a well-stocked bar. 211 Washington St., Providence, 429-2450, culinaryhubPVD.com

 

Bread

Serenity Sourdough Bakery 

It’s true that Serenity is more a shack than a store, but the bread is just as good no matter where it’s housed. Place your order online and your loaves will be waiting for you on the weekend. The everything bagel sourdough is a must as is the roasted garlic, but don’t sleep on the lemon scones, which are the start to a perfect Sunday. 223 Matteson Rd., Hope, instagram.com/serenity_sourdough_bakery

 

Charcuterie Spread

Bar Lazio 

Charcuterie might be all the rage, but nobody does it better than Bar Lazio, which pulls from its Italian identity to create the best boards in the state. Aged Asiago and pecorino picante are right at home next to piles of mortadella, speck and finochiona — but there are also plenty of olives, eggplant and artichokes to turn your cheese board into a meal. 1669 Cranston St., Cranston, 337-9666, barlaziori.com

 

Local Fish

Dune Brothers 

From mammoth potato-chip-encrusted fish sandwiches to the delicate crudos, Dune Brothers does fish like nobody else in the state. Make your meal as casual as you want — a buttered lobster roll from the fish shack is the very essence of summer — or venture into the dishes that transform fish into an ode to nature. 170 Ives St., Providence, 249-9650; 239 Dyer St., Providence, 480-1269; 684 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside, 378-9201, dunebrothers.com; Track 15, 1 Union Station, Providence, 443-9215, track15ri.com

 

Mediterranean

Salty

Housed in the Village Hearth Bakery and serving dinner Wednesday through Saturday, Salty brings the best of the Mediterranean to Jamestown. From marinated lamb skewers to scallops with Tunisian salsa verde, the menu suits the gorgeous surroundings. You’ll leave feeling like you just attended the best dinner party of the season. 2 Watson Ave., Jamestown, saltywinebar.com

 

Brunch

CRU PVD

The fun of brunch at CRU is that there’s always something unexpected. A croque monsieur comes with the superlative combo of mortadella and Cooper sharp, but you can also get a scallion pancake with kimchi and eggs, or French toast with orange-rosemary custard. Don’t leave without getting its version of a giant Pop-Tart, complete with icing and sprinkles. Brunch runs till 2 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday, so it’s also well into a suitable drinking hour. 381 West Fountain St., Providence, 383-9487, crupvd.com 

 

Reincarnation

Ellie’s 

When Ellie’s lost its lease on Weybosset, the whole city shook. Fortunately, it made a miraculously quick move to Westminster and its trademark charm lives on in buttercreamed cakes, crackling macarons and a whole host of cheese-laden brunch dishes. 250 Westminster St., Providence, 226-0510, elliesprov.com

 

Neighborhood Restaurant

fred.

Fred. may be in the old location of Broadway Bistro and have the same team behind it, but the feel is entirely different. The space is polished and the menu eclectic: You can get a duck confit sandwich, smoked carrots with garlic yogurt, or fried skate wing with rabe. The West End is already celebrating its latest favorite. 205 Broadway, Providence, instagram.com/fred.pvd_

 

Innovative Cocktail Program

Marcelino’s

Experience master mixology and expert presentation at this intimate Mediterranean-style bar where drinks are described by their botanical ingredients rather than just the spirits. Bartenders use a rotavapor to infuse flavors into spirits and foams are created to top cocktails. The savory Oregano Tomato cocktail is a favorite, bedecked with a cracker garnished with tomato oil and black salt to taste before sipping the drink. The refreshing watermelon rhubarb cocktail mixes gin and Aperol and is topped with creamy feta cheese foam. They may have just invented an edible cocktail category. 1 West Exchange St., Providence, 666–0088, marcelinosboutiquebar.com

 

High Tea

Fairy Tea Room

Let’s face it: Sometimes this world demands that we escape reality for a spell and have a little high tea. Fairy Tea Room is all about a hefty dash of sweetness to transform a small meal into something magical. Perfect for grown-up or kid parties, there are age-appropriate versions of tea sandwiches, pastries and every type of tea from green to bubble. 69 Market St., Warren, 247-1200, fairytearoom.com

French Cuisine

Audette

If old-school French cuisine is your happy place, Audette is your mecca. Housed in Bouchard Inn, the menu is a flawless execution of classic dishes. Seafood, chicken and beef all get the Pygmalion treatment, arriving at the table in their highest form. The Grand Marnier souffle is imperative, so do as you’re told s’il vous plait, and order ahead. 505 Thames St., Newport, 324-5802, audettenewport.com

 

Bar-Restaurant

Purslane

Purslane’s setup feels like a minute nature preserve, but it also marries cocktails that are as noteworthy as its menu. Try the tamarind sour or the spicy maple margarita and, if you’re lucky enough to get a table, be sure to try the Purslane platter of fish. Cocktail hour features a martini and fries for fourteen bucks. 318 Main St., Wakefield, 515-7340, purslane-ri.com

 

East Bay Italian

Viola Cucina

Viola is a welcome addition to Barrington, not only because it’s a family favorite for the locals, but because its interpretation of Italian food is half-rustic, half-refined and all delicious. Our favorite app is the veal and peas but we always go for the lasagna when it’s on the menu. Don’t forget to try the focaccia with seasoned butter. 296 County Rd., Barrington, 252-4272, violacucina.com

 

Nostalgic Plates and Dates

Downstairs

Entering Downstairs in Smithfield is like being transported back to your high school best friend’s basement, but better. Eccentric tchotchkes, from Super Mario figurines to Gremlin dolls, line every available inch, accompanied by a mix of sleek high tops, cozy booths and funky furniture. Indulge in a few rounds of pinball or Sega Strike Fighter while you wait for your meal. Dishes feature unique twists on late night favorites, like the Lyons Celtic nachos with potato rings instead of chips, or a beef patty topped with a sweet slice of pineapple. Wash it all down with a fruity Pocket Rocket cocktail. 55 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 282-9701, instagram.com/downstairsri 

 

Hot Dogs

Debbie’s

Ed Davis has traded fine dining for hot dogs and hoagies and that’s reason to celebrate. In his small enclave on Washington Street, he turns street food into an addiction. Kayem dogs are covered in Italian staples like provolone and broccoli rabe, but he’s also got mortadella sandwiches and fried bologna. We’re all about a delicious throwback. 100 Washington St., Providence, debbiesri.com 

 

Intimate Cocktail Bar

Loma

This tiny cocktail hideaway is like stepping into a chill house party where the low Latin and salsa music sets the vibe but isn’t too loud for intimate conversation. Small groups gather on cozy velvet banquettes and stools, in corner nooks and at the bar while sipping tropical-style cocktails and zero-proof drinks made with curated spirits, housemade syrups, gorgeous garnishes  and hand-cut ice cubes. 112 Spruce St., Providence, instagram.com/loma_bar

 

Punk Rock Bar

The Scurvy Dog

Scurvy may have gotten an intimidating rap over the years, but the reality is anything but. Resident artists, musicians and hospitality industry vets gather here over whiskey, craft beers or ’Gansetts, and a pool table. The punk rock mystique makes it feel risky, but all walks of life are welcome here. Come for the eclectic atmosphere at the mega parking lot shows and stay for burgers and pizzas from Rebel’s Rations, serving into the late-night hours. 1718 Westminster St., Providence, 270-7980, scurvydogbar.com

 

Classic Bar

Mimi’s Lounge

Mimi’s doesn’t have to try to be divey because it just is. While many newer bars score vintage ’80s and ’90s signs and bric-a-brac at thrift stores and flea markets, Mimi’s was born that way. Don’t go asking for any fancy craft cocktails — this is a classic cocktail and beer-and-a-shot, no-menu kind of place. So figure out what you want, and no, they don’t make espresso martinis. 590 Pawtucket Ave., Pawtucket, instagram.com/mimisloungepvd

 

Bakery

Brown Bee Coffee

Brown Bee is largely known for two things: its unparalleled croissants in flavors like caffe latte, chocolate strawberry and pistachio crunch, and its spot-on merchandising. But there’s a lot more to love about this Benefit Street bakery, including the impressive sourdough and focaccia, as well as soft scrambled eggs on a butter-rich croissant. Grab a bite to eat and get a loaf to take home for dinner. 404 Benefit St., Providence, brownbeecoffee.com

 

New England-Sourced Fijian Fusion

Nimki

We’ve been savoring chef Nikhil Naiker’s saina chickpea fritters and crudo since his Fortnight days. Watching him rise from north bakery and Oberlin to his own Nimki pop-up at Courtland Club — complete with a James Beard Finalist nod for “Emerging Chef” — has been like watching an all-star rookie progress to the MLB. We already know he knocks it out of the park with his New England tropical cuisine that spotlights local fish and farm ingredients with a Fijian and Indian twist. Now let’s see what the rest of America thinks. Nimki at Courtland Club, 51 Courtland St., Providence, instagram.com/nimki.pvd

 

Woman-Owned Wine Business

Tipsy Rose Wine

For nearly two decades, wine enthusiasts have turned to Maria Chiancola at the Newport Wine Cellar to select the perfect small-producer wine for gatherings large and small. But Chiancola went from simply selling bottles to rolling up her sleeves and crafting her own. Sourcing grapes from four California wine country vineyards that practice sustainable, organic and biodynamic farming, she produces nearly 1,000 cases annually of Tipsy Rose Wine, predominantly Rhone varietals that can be found at half a dozen Rhode Island wine shops and counting, and on some of the best menus in the state in addition to distribution in New York and Massachusetts. Newport Wine Cellar, 5 Merton Rd., Newport, 440-1755, tipsyrosewines.com

 

Portuguese-Style Breakfast

Folklore Provisions

You know a place is good when neighbors line up on a Sunday morning in fear the beloved baked goods will sell out. From cinnamon buns and scones to Sunday malassadas and pasteis de nata, you can take your treats and coffee to go, or you can sit down to a leisurely morning feast. The chourico and chips egg sandwich is a favorite, served on a Portuguese bolo with Vermont cheddar, as is the Portuguese sweet bread French toast. Obrigado for making our mornings better. 301 Hope St., Bristol, 638-0111, folkloreprovisions.com

 

Vegan Grinder Goodness 

Providence Vegan Deli

It’s hard, when you’re a vegetarian, to find a good meatless Italian grinder in these parts. But that all changed last June when Providence Vegan Deli opened its doors on Hope Street. Thanks to the Frank Italian grinder, which comes on a soft roll with housemade sweet “ham,” pepperoni seitan, Italian-style seitan and smoked Violife cheese with all the fixins, you’ll never have to settle for a sad cheese sandwich ever again. 783 Hope St., Providence, providencevegandeli.com

A Decade of Deliciousness Rhode Island Red Food Tours 

Since 2015, the knowledgeable guides at Rhode Island Red Food Tours have led foodies through some of the state’s best restaurants, sampling handcrafted pastas, seafood dishes and desserts, and pairing them with wine and beer selections, if so desired. Along the way, the culinary connoisseurs share quirky attractions, historic landmarks, fun facts and everything else that makes Rhode Island, well, so Rhode Island. And so very delicious. Tours of Providence and Newport run Thursday–Sunday through December. 684-1110, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com 

 

Family-Friendly Ice Cream

Apponaug Village Creamery

Tucked in the heart of Apponaug Village, this new ice cream shop has quickly become a favorite for West Bay families seeking a sweet and creamy fix. Kids love the color-changing spoons, while parents can get behind the 95-cent unlimited toppings, with options like gummy bears, crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and hot fudge. Add indoor and outdoor patio seating and fun specials like ice cream nachos and cold brew milkshakes and you’ve got an affordable family outing no matter the weather. Don’t forget the purple sprinkles — everything here comes with a healthy dose. 10 Music Lane, Warwick, 889-3334, apponaugvillagecreamery.com

 

Sandwich Generation

These iterations are the best inventions since sliced bread. 

We’re always looking for a superior sandwich because it’s portable and good for any meal. The more meat and veggies you can pack in between two slices of bread, the merrier we are. Ming’s continues to make the state’s best fried chicken sandwich but now it’s doing it in a brick-and-mortar shop (1864 Broad St., Cranston, 680-8991, mingsri.com). If you’re an Italophile, check out the stellar meatball sub from Mirabella’s (963 Namquid Dr., Warwick, mirabellasri.com) or the Italian sub from Dee’s Deli (1296 Cranston St., Cranston, deesdeliri.com). We never tire of the Reuben from The Provisioner (7669 Post Rd., North Kingstown, provisionerdeli.com) or the Cuban at Sophia’s Cafe (532 Manton Ave., Providence, 383-6252; 1079 Park Ave., Cranston, 275-2100, sophiascafecranston.com). If you’re a deli purist, head to Maven’s Delicatessen for a corned beef or pastrami on rye with plenty of mustard. Opt for one or the other, or a 50/50 (727 East Ave., Pawtucket, 205-8560, mavensdeli.com).

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INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH & BEAUTY

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