Diner’s Update

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

The off-season at Sakonnet Vineyard is peaceful and delightful.

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.

1/25-2/7

Dine out in Rhode Island’s capital city for Providence Restaurant Weeks and enjoy special offers at participating restaurants. Take advantage of reduced-price items for lunch and dinner with some restaurants offering signature cocktails and prix fixe menus. Visit the website for participating restaurants and pricing.

1/28

See the world through rose-colored glasses at Rosa by Sarto, a night of Cosmos, charcuterie and appetizers. Dress in pink and sip handcrafted pink cocktails made with VELO Vodka and nosh on charcuterie and bites that pair with the vibe. Meet the women-led team from VELO Vodka Team and Chelsea Delman, known as @thesocialitefiles on Instagram and @thesocialitefiles on TikTok. The party kicks off at 6 p.m., and $25 tickets (additional taxes, gratuity and fees apply) include a sample beverage featuring VELO Vodka, passed appetizers, live DJ performance by DJ Valentina, complimentary pink party favors and tickets for raffle prizes awarded that evening: Dinner for two at Sarto; drinks and apps for four at Sarto and drinks and dessert for two at the bar! Guests are responsible for additional orders of drinks at the bar. Unfortunately, no refunds are available for Rosa by Sarto. Secure tickets here.

1/30

Claudine in Providence is hosting a luxurious Caviar Dinner on Friday, January 30, including an eight-course menu showcasing six exceptional caviar selections from premier Portland purveyor Browne Trading Company. Tickets are available for $325 here and include a 6 p.m. welcome reception with passed canapés and a continuous caviar station, followed by the seated, eight-course dinner at 7 p.m. Due to the nature of this menu, Claudine may not be able to accommodate certain allergies and dietary restrictions. Please reach out directly at info@claudinepvd.com before making a reservation if this is a concern.

1/31

Meet Rhode Island Monthly editor-in-chief Jamie Coelho, author of Rhode Island Food Crawls at the Westerly Library on Jan. 31 from 1-2:30 p.m. She will give a presentation on Rhode Island Food Crawls, followed by a Q-and-A and book signing. Rhode Island Food Crawls is an exciting culinary tour through the Ocean State. Discover hidden gems with the freshest seafood, hottest cocktail bars, and the best seaside views around. Each crawl is the complete recipe for a great night out, the perfect tourist day, a new way to experience your own city, or simply indulging in some eye candy from home. Head to Dolores in Providence for brunch, get weird at Warren’s Water Street, and hit South County for oysters, wine, and ocean views. Put on your walking shoes and your stretchy pants, and dig into Rhode Island one dish at a time.

1/31

Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton is continuing its series of free live music into the off-season. Every Saturday from 1-4 p.m., including Jan. 17, 24 and 31, and Feb. 7 and 14, guests can enjoy wine tastings in the tasting room accompanied by a variety of music styles. The cafe also offers small plates such as bruschetta, truffle fries and whipped ricotta, as well as cheese and charcuterie boards and flatbreads.

1/31

Celebrate American craft beer at Rhode Island Brew Fest at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence during two sessions on Jan. 31 from 1–4 p.m. and 5:30–8:30 p.m. Fifty-plus breweries will pour more than 200 styles of beer. Now in its thirteenth year, the Rhode Island Brew Fest invites attendees to sip on offerings from local and national breweries while enjoying hearty eats from a bevy of food vendors. All attendees will receive a keepsake pint glass. Ages twenty-one and older. Tickets are $65.21 each and $23.11 for designated drivers.

2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22

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.

2/4

Gracie’s in Providence is hosting a three-course dinner with South Hill Ciders on Feb. 4 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cidermaker Steve Selin will be on hand to discuss each cider and the cidermaking process. Tickets are $150 per person.

2/8

Visit the Tiverton Farmers Market’s annual Valentine’s specialty farmers market on Sun., Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Step into a vibrant atmosphere where local vendors proudly showcase an array of specialty foods and food products. This innovative culinary adventure is a feast for the senses, designed for food enthusiasts eager to explore how local ingredients can elevate your culinary experience.

2/10

Join Alayne White in Bristol for a bread-baking workshop on Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Not just sourdough, yeast breads like simple challah, enriched doughs like babka, and laminated doughs for pastries and croissants. All types of bread, the more complicated recipe the better. Add to this my love affair with locally stone milled flours, especially dark rye and hundreds of loaves and cakes later, here I am.” Guests will learn how to make basic sourdough, how to care for a starter, how to make a simple yeast bread, and take home a starter and some bread. Classes are small, less than six people. Some of the proceeds will go to East Bay Food Pantry so you will be doing good while you are learning something good. The workshop is $150. Sign up here.

2/11

Mother Pizzeria in Newport is hosting a Galentine’s Day-themed event with a pizza oven takeover by Newport’s Amy Larson of Overseasoned and Matriarch, putting her signature touch to the menu with one specialty pizza available for this night only. In addition, Mother will feature “girl dinner” specials like martinis, Caesar salad, custom chocolates and confections from LaRose Chocolates and specialty beverages from female-led brands.  The regular menu will also be available. Wild Season Florals will also sell bouquets with proceeds going to a local charity and Matriarch merch will be available for sale.

2/14

Gooseneck Vineyards’ new brunch series continues with a Valentine’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Artisan Bites. Guests will sip a celebratory mimosa or seasonal holiday spritz upon arrival, and enjoy an abundant brunch buffet by Artisan Bites, featuring a thoughtfully crafted selection of sweet and savory favorites. Tickets are $50 each.

2/18

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association will host Women in Hospitality – Galentine’s Day, a networking event on Feb. 18 from 4-6 p.m. to bring women working in and supporting Rhode Island’s hospitality industry together for a night. The event will feature bites from Track 15’s seven unique culinary vendors, refreshments and hands-on activities including a mocktail lesson, build-your-own-bouquet flower bar and permanent bracelet experience. Designed as a casual social gathering, the event offers an opportunity for attendees to connect with peers from across the hospitality community in a relaxed setting. Tickets include a permanent bracelet and are $50 for RI Hospitality members and $60 for non-members. Advance registration is encouraged.

2/19

Gracie’s monthly wine tasting seminars continue with the February session, Journey Through The Vines; Wine Legends. This month, they’re going back to where it all began and showcasing Georgia, where winemaking tradition originated 8,000 years ago. Tickets are $83.97.

2/21-2/22

RI VegFest, one of the East Coast’s largest fully vegan festivals, is returning to WaterFire Arts Center in Providence for a sixth year of celebrating compassionate eating and living on Saturday and Sunday, Feb.21 and 22 from noon-5 p.m. on both days (with an 11 a.m. VIP entrance time). Guests will browse goods and goodies from more than ninety vegan and vegan-friendly food and beverage producers, restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, artists and makers from Rhode Island and thirteen other states around the country. Tickets are $12.25 to $23. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has awarded RI VegFest with a “Green Events” certification for making the event completely compostable.

3/26-3/29

GoProvidence is bringing back the Providence Culinary Collective, in partnership with 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.

Chicken parm at Giusto.

ONGOING EVENTS

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.

Track 15 in Providence is leaning into winter entertainment with new heated igloos and curling available for guests. The two igloo experiences include Hearthside and Encore with cozy seating for up to eight guests, complete with chandeliers, fireplaces, blankets and personal bluetooth speakers. Igloos are available by reservation (in advance or first come, first served) for a two-hour window at $50, plus a $150 food & beverage minimum during your stay. A cocktail server will visit often to take care of drinks, but head into the restaurant to place your food order. Street Curling Lanes will be open Wednesday, January 28. They’re available all day by booking ahead or for walk-ins, if lanes are open. It’s $20 for one hour per lane. You can have up to four people per team.

Sarto introduces the new Chef’s Table, an intimate prix-fixe dinner for two, available on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings after 6:30 p.m. For $79.99, guests will savor multiple courses of seasonal Italian-inspired cuisine paired with the option to enjoy select bottles of wine at half price. Make it a weekday or Sunday tradition at a steal. Reservations are recommended at sartoprovidence.com. Sarto is also adding on a new Late Night Lounge. Every Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests can extend their evening with after-dinner cocktails in an atmosphere that’s as swanky as it is relaxed. Once the kitchen closes at 11 p.m., the bar takes center stage with curated cocktails, signature Negronis, and complimentary bar snacks designed to keep the night flowing.

Mill’s Tavern now has an extensive Wagyu program. From rare Japanese A5 to premium Australian Grade 6–7 Wagyu and prime grade steak, each cut comes from carefully selected vendors who share Mill’s passion for quality. For more information, visit millstavernrestaurant.com/wagyu. For reservations, call 401-272-3331 or email  info@millstavernrestaurant.com.

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).

OPENINGS

A rendering of the new Blu Violet Rooftop.

The Blu Violet Rooftop at the Aloft Providence Hotel is reopening February 6, unveiling its new transformation by Boston-based design and architecture firm LDa, with designers Paola Mondino and Erin Tracey at the helm. Aloft Providence also unveiled the new speakeasy-inspired concept, called Esther’s High Dive. “Blending Old Hollywood grit with midcentury whimsy, the new concept offers a fresh and modern interpretation of cocktails, food, and atmosphere.'”

Newport Restaurant Group has opened a second Avvio Ristorante at The Shops at Blackstone Valley in Millbury, Massachusetts.

Ten Prime Seafood is now open in the former Res and Bravo space at 123 Empire St. in Providence. It’s the first Chow Fun Food Group restaurant to launch in more than four years, joining Ten Prime Steak & Sushi, two Harry’s Burgers locations and Xaco Taco in Providence, Oz Tacos and Tequila in Lincoln in the restaurant group owned by John Elkhay. Renowned chef Jules Ramos is back in the kitchen at Ten Prime Seafood, serving Rhode Island-harvested oysters, raw bar selections, seafood dishes and lobster prepared in various ways, as well as prime steaks. Read more here.

Hope & Main, Rhode Island’s food business incubator, broke ground on its second location: West End Kitchens, a shared-use culinary facility in Providence’s West End. This new site marks a major expansion of Hope & Main’s mission to empower diverse food entrepreneurs and create a more vibrant, equitable and resilient local food economy. Read more here.

Warwick Mall is the new home of Rocky Point Chowder House in the mall’s food court. The nostalgic restaurant is inspired by the beloved Rocky Point Amusement Park, a Rhode Island icon that many families visited to create everlasting memories. Read more here.

Carpionato Group has brought five new, food- and beverage-focused businesses to Chapel View in Cranston. They include Applebee’s, Cava, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ugly Dumpling Shanghai street-style food eatery and Wonder, a virtual food hall concept. They join Circe Prime and Crumbl for a total of seven new food businesses.

The Blue Room jazz bar and restaurant is now open in Cranston’s Pawtuxet Village with live entertainment nightly and a full food menu, including a burger, salmon, lamb chops, veal Parmigiana and more.

Newport Restaurant Group opened J.T. Commons in Middletown — a new pizza-forward restaurant that replaces Foodlove Market. The space features an expansive bar, al fresco patio, and a community-centered menu from Executive Chef Walter Slater, who’s known for mentoring some of Rhode Island’s most popular pizza chefs.Guests can enjoy two signature pizza styles — Roman and Focaccia — plus sharable plates, hearty sandwiches, and a soft-serve dessert bar with house-made toppings.

Anna’s pizzeria opened on the East Side of Providence inside the former Piemonte, next to Frank & Laurie’s. The business started out as Anna’s Vesuviano, a mobile pizza oven, but now it’s a bricks and mortar spot with a wood-fired oven pumping out margherita, provola and summer tomato pies. It’s open Wed.-Sun., 5-10 p.m.

Chef Cara Mourning is now the executive chef at Mill’s Tavern.

TRANSITIONS

Chan’s in Woonsocket is back on the market. According to the real estate listing: “This is your chance to own a piece of Woonsocket history! In business for over 100 years and five decades of jazz and blues on Main Street. Nearly 7,000 square feet consisting of restaurant, bar, and lounge perfect forshows or private events; this place has it all. Off street parking areas included. Located just steps away from the Stadium Theatre that holds sold out shows Fridays and Saturdays. Business will remain open so continue to go dine and attend shows. Looking fora new owner to put their spin on this prominent spot in bustling downtown Woonsocket that is growing every single year withnew multi-million developments and hundreds of new housing units. Potential to add more square footage by expanding to upperfloors with C1 zoning. Real estate and business included, option to purchase each separately. Learn more here.

Mill’s Tavern in Providence has named chef Cara Marie Mourning as its new executive chef. She most recently served as executive chef at Blu Violet at the Aloft Hotel Providence and has appeared on “Hell’s Kitchen” (Season 24), “Chopped,” “Beat Bobby Flay” and “Beachside Brawl.” At Mill’s, she’ll lead the kitchen while preserving the restaurant’s signature steak and seafood offerings and expanding its vegetarian and vegan menu options.

Chef Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina is leaving Newport Restaurant Group’s Bar’ Cino and La Vecina to start her own project. “What began in June 2019 as an opportunity to open Bar’Cino quickly became one of the most meaningful chapters of my career — and later, the privilege of creating La Vecina from the ground up. These kitchens shaped me, challenged me, and gave me a community I will always be grateful for. Thank you to the teams, guests, colleagues and mentors for the trust, the long days, and everything we shared. Leaving isn’t easy. I’m stepping aside to build something of my own, with everything I’ve learned along the way. More soon.”

Heritage Restaurant Group continues to add to its culinary portfolio with more recent acquisitions including Scales and Shells in Newport, Providence Coal Fired Pizza restaurants, and Inked Restaurant Group’s The Quencher. They plan to keep employees and staff in place and the former owners are aiding in the transitions. Inked Restaurant Group will continue to own and operate Diego’s locations in Newport, Middletown and Providence, as well as Rejects Beer Company in Middletown.

Michael Lester, formerly of the legendary The Dorrance, is back on the Providence dining scene with the upcoming opening of Memere’s inside the newly rebranded Neptune (formerly the Dean). The restaurant is located in the former north space, where Thick Neck last had a pop-up residence. The restaurant is inspired by Lester’s grandmother, and the menu will deliver New England comfort food with a Quebecois twist — or, in Lester’s words, “Montreal during the week and Paris on the weekends.”

Pawtucket’s famous nationally recognized landmark, the Modern Diner, is up for sale. The breakfast spot inside of a 1940s Sterling Streamliner, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is looking for a new owner to take over for the family that ran it for decades. Nick Demou started working at the Modern Diner with his father, Arthur Demou, in 1985. The family, including Nick and his father, Nick’s sister and his brother-in-law, ran it for nearly four decades. “This is a bittersweet decision,” says Nick Demou, who grew up in Pawtucket. “The Modern Diner has been part of our family for generations and we’ve loved every moment of serving our neighbors, watching families grow, and being a source of comfort and nostalgia.” During the transition, the Modern Diner will remain fully operational and continue to be run by the family. Guests can expect the same warm service, classic dishes, and familiar faces throughout the process. The sale includes the iconic diner car structure, the business and real estate. Interested parties should contact Brian LaFauci at Won Strategy at 401-533-3991.

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.

CLOSINGS

Plant City in Providence announced that it is closing 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.

Newport Creamery in Barrington closed permanently on Sunday, following the closure of Newport Creamery in Cranston’s Garden City.

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.

The Narragansett favorite Crazy Burger Cafe and Juice Bar closed abruptly at the end of November. The beloved breakfast and burger restaurant operated for thirty years, and was recently visited by celeb chef Gordon Ramsay for an episode of “Gordon Ramsay Secret Service.” A post on the former business’s Facebook page reads: “I am saddened to tell you that Crazy Burger is now closed. We ran out of money before we were able to sell the business so we’re forced to close the doors. It’s difficult to express the gratitude we’ve had for all your love and support over the last 30 years and we will miss serving you one and all we wish you all the best over the holiday season.”

Chilango’s is closing.

Chilango’s in Providence is also closed. “It’s with great sadness that we write to inform you our last day of service will be today, December 10. This decision comes after a sudden hospitalization of Carlos. As family we have decided to take an indefinite break as we navigate this difficult situation. Thanks for all your support and friendship through the years we love you and we will miss you come by tonight to get your last burrito villa and margs.”

Durk’s Bar-B-Q owner Steve Durkee announced that Durk’s is closed. From its Instagram page: “Durk’s Bar·B·Q has been serving some of the best BBQ in New England to the folks of RI and beyond for 8 years now. We’re very proud of that and of the many people who have contributed their skill and passion to make that happen. Barbecue needs passion and commitment. As we move toward our 9th year in a few weeks, I’ve made the difficult decision to close Durk’s Bar·B·Q – A life decision. I know there are many many loyal guests of the restaurant and our catering and we so appreciate and feel privileged for all the years of letting us feed you. From all the staff at Durk’s, past and present, we truly thank you!”

Sin has closed its cafe on Broadway in Providence. The bakery is going back to its roots, and focusing on custom cakes and specialty orders.”Need a special birthday cake, no problem! There will be pick up hours at our location and of course, delivery is still available,” said a statement in Sin’s email newsletter. “We are not happy about closing the cafe, but due to current economics this is what we have to do in order to keep Sin continuing for many years. Hopefully sometime in the future, you will see all your favorite retail items back together again. ” You can still place an order for a cake at eatwicked.com/shop-now.

Farouk Rajab presents awards at the RI Hospitality Anchors awards. Photo by Joshua Behan Photography and RI Hospitality.

NOTABLES

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association recently brought together more than 700 industry leaders, community partners and state officials for its 2025 ANCHORS Gala, recognizing the people and organizations shaping Rhode Island’s hospitality community.

This year’s top honors included:

• Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns, recipient of the President’s Award for its decades-long commitment to employees and community

• Kristen Adamo, President & CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, honored with the RI Hospitality Chairman’s Award for driving statewide tourism and economic impact

• Dr. Rosemary Costigan, President of the Community College of Rhode Island, recognized with the Education Foundation Chairman’s Award for expanding workforce pathways in hospitality

• Teacher of the Year Award: Matt Reilly, Chef Instructor, Newport Area Career & Technical Center (non-voting), Newport
• Allied Member of the Year: Brands of Portugal
• Arthur Robbins’ Community Service Award: Hope & Main, Providence
• Chef of the Year: Joseph Caldarone (Iron Works), Warwick
• Emerging Leader of the Year: Paulette Carr (The Preservation Society), Newport
• Food Service Employee of the Year: Natalia Miro (BEECH), Jamestown
• Hospitality Champion of the Year: Jonathan Walker (Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau), Providence
• Hotel of the Year: Castle Hill Inn, Newport
• Instagram Account of the Year: Newport Mansions, Newport
• Lodging Employee of the Year: Mike Santucci (Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel / LAZ Parking), Providence
• Must-See Attraction of the Year: The Trolls – South County Tourism Council, Charlestown
• Newcomer of the Year: Juncal Mexican Grill & Bar, Cumberland
• People’s Choice Award: Track 15, Providence
• Restaurant of the Year: JAYD BUN, South Kingstown
• Tourism Employee of the Year: Rosa Lopez (The Chanler), Newport

Celeste in Narragansett has been named the #2 restaurant on Yelp’s national list of Best New Restaurants of 2025. “We’re incredibly honored to be recognized by Yelp and by the diners who made this possible,” said Celeste General Manager Lou Capodilupo. “Our goal at Celeste was to create a dining experience inspired by coastal Europe – harmoniously blending the bright and fresh flavors of Italy, France and Spain with local ingredients, good company, and genuine hospitality. To see that resonate with guests is the greatest reward.”

Winner Justin Brody and his Rivera Cove Swizzle Cocktail at the Mystic Cocktail Classic Whiskey Night.

Justin Brody of Juniper Bar in Providence, just won the inaugural Mystic Cocktail Classic with his Barbados-inspired rum cocktail, the Bajan Daydream. After a nationwide search drawing submissions from 25+ states, Brody’s daiquiri riff — featuring The Real McCoy 5 Year Rum, falernum, and house-made corncob and thyme syrup — took top honors at Monday night’s live finale at Jealous Monk in Mystic, CT. He wins a trip for two to Barbados, including a private tour of Foursquare Distillery. The competition, presented by Veritable Distillery, brought together industry legends including Dale DeGroff, David Wondrich, Shannon Mustipher, and Sother Teague for a weekend of competition, panels, and spirited dinners.

The Beatrice in Providence launched “Sips & Snacks,” a luxurious, in-room snack service featuring locally-made products from the adjacent Hope & Main Downtown Makers Marketplace, Rhode Island’s premier culinary incubator. Through its partnership over the years, The Beatrice has supported and pointed guests, visitors and city residents to visit Hope & Main — which has helped over 450 food and beverage businesses to launch, scale and thrive since 2014. For “Sips and Snacks,” guests can use the streamlined Snack Attendant concierge service to call down to the front desk and order Hope & Main snacks from the displayed in-room menu, along with local beer and wine pairings, delivered directly to their room.