Diner’s Update

Rollers is coming soon from Littleneck Hospitality Group. Photo courtesy of @indowncitypvd.

COMING SOON

Littleneck Hospitality Group is taking over the former Durk’s Bar-B-Q space and transforming it into  Rollers Sports Bar and Grill with a creative food and drink menu. It is scheduled to open in June, just before the World Cup comes to the area. The bar will install fifteen screens showcasing both local and national sports games and will be open daily for lunch, dinner and bar service, with a family-friendly environment. Two veterans from Club Frills and Pizza Marvin will lead the team, including Christopher Rivera and Kayleigh Speck. Rollers’ name is derived from two Rhode Island sports teams: the Providence Steam Roller, Rhode Island’s only National Football League (NFL) team, which existed from 1925 to 1931, and the Providence Steamrollers, a Basketball Association of America team that played from 1946-1949.

The Hotel Viking is also working with Littleneck Hospitality Group for its new restaurant and bar concepts. The hotel bar, Skoal Room, is now open, with Pescadou, a French Riviera-themed seafood restaurant coming next. 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. Read more about the openings.

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Narragansett Beer has officially opened a new kitchen and bar at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport.

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Newport Vineyards is launching Farm & Barrel Bistro, an updated farm-to-table dining concept that celebrates the connection between their vineyard, brewery and on-site farm. The new concept will be unveiled on May 8, and will highlight ingredients harvested directly from the farm and greenhouses, paired with estate-grown wines and house-crafted beers. The restaurant will serve lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch menus, and feature a new cocktail program. Guests can enjoy lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or dinner from 4-8 p.m., with a “Sips & Snacks” interlude in between, offering curated cheeses, wines and craft beers. The tradition of Sunday Brunch will continue from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by their full menu from 1-6 p.m.

Newport Vineyards’ updated restaurant concept, Farm & Barrel Bistro.

Ellie’s in downtown Providence offers a daytime Parisian vibe, but at night, starting on May 9, it will transform into a romantic French bistro with soft candlelight, classic French dishes and a French wine list. On Friday through Sunday nights, servers will cater to each table, offering menu choices and an intimate dining experience. The daytime hours will not change, Tuesday-Sunday, serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and pastries. “Ellie’s has always been inspired by the Parisian way of life,” says Ellie’s and Gracie’s proprietor Ellen Slattery Gracyalny. “In Paris, many neighborhood spots move naturally from café to bistro as the day progresses. With dinner service, we’re excited to bring that same rhythm to Providence and continue offering a place for the neighborhood to gather.” See the dinner menu and book reservations.

The French bistro dinner setting at Ellie’s includes a menu of steak tartare with grilled sourdough and wine. Photo by J Wessel Photography.

Jake Rojas may have recently closed Tallulah’s Taqueria while he is still battling cancer, but that didn’t stop him for making his next move. He has a new concept in the works in Jamestown, called Snack Bar Royale. Follow @snackbarroyale on Instagram for updates.

Ciao Ciao opened inside the former KG Kitchen spot at 771 Hope Street in Providence. This is the East Side’s answer to modern Italian food. We hear the powder room is plastered with covers of Rhode Island Monthly magazine. Hey, we all need some reading material in the loo.

A new family-owned taco spot, La Fe Taqueria, is coming soon to the former Blue Cottage space on Hope Street in Providence, according to the Boston Globe Rhode Island’s Food Club newsletter. The business is partially owned by the the owner of Lotus Pepper.

There’s something new coming to the former Tiny Bar space. Bevi Bar, from the same owners as Bevi e Vivi, a luxury mobile beverage bar starring a vintage Italian Piaggio Ape, will be taking over the indoor and outdoor space to turn the area into a daytime and early evening destination. 

Besos in East Greenwich will soon become Main Sail Kitchen and Burgers on Main is coming soon, too.

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Castle Hill Inn in Newport is in the middle of an extensive restoration project after a fire took place this winter, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The property just announced that dining reservations across the property — including Forbes Five-Star Aurelia at Castle Hill and The Lawn Terrace — will be available to book via OpenTable beginning May 8, for reservations starting May 22.

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 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.

OPENINGS

CRU PVD relaunched with a refreshed concept on May 5, serving breakfast and lunch daily until 3 p.m. The menu focuses on more affordable offerings that are meant to be enjoyed on a daily basis. Stop by for coffee and a breakfast sandwich or linger over lunch and later cocktails for a daytime destination to hang.

Yagi Noodles has opened its new location at Track 15 food hall in Providence. Co-owned by Chef Basil Yu and Kodi Keith, Yagi has earned a loyal following in Newport for its handmade noodles.

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection, a luxury resort in the heart of downtown Newport, just completed a new event space inside the hotel called The Vanderbilt Room. The Vanderbilt Room accommodates seated dinners for up to fifty guests, cocktail receptions for up to 100 guests, and wedding ceremonies for up to sixty guests. It also just opened its Roof Deck for the season. Overlooking Newport Harbor and the Claiborne Pell Bridge, the Roof Deck is a great spot to view the sunset over cocktails and shared bites. It’s now open Fridays through Sundays from 4–9 p.m. (weather permitting) and guests can expect a strong raw bar selection (including West Passage oysters, ceviche, and tuna tostadas), alongside New England favorites like lobster rolls and a full lobster boil, plus snacks, dips and easy desserts like paletas and fresh watermelon.

Finn’s Harborside in East Greenwich is officially open again, following their devastating fire in March 2024. They are also hiring new staff, including a manager, line cooks, servers, bussers, bartenders and more. To apply visit finnsharborside.com/join-our-team and download and fill out an application; when complete, email your application to info@finnsharborside.com with your name, position desired, and completed application.

Phed Phed is a new Thai restaurant open next to Tori Tomo on Washington Street in downtown Providence. It is the latest concept from the same owners of Wara Wara, Tori Tomo and White Owl, along with East Providence’s KhaoSan Thai Street Food.

Mills Tavern now offers mid-day options out of its restaurant kitchen. College Hill Provisions is similar to a ghost kitchen that operates during daytime hours, offering snacks, salads, pastas and sandwiches for lunch, with breads made by in-house baker Vanessa Nowicki. College Hill Provisions is available for takeout or delivery Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Options include an Italian sub, tuna salad sandwich, the OG turkey club, a falafel wrap, a meatball sub, chicken parmesan sub, classic Caesar salad and more. 

Maven’s Jr. is now open on Thayer Street in Providence with a slightly smaller menu than the original, including bagels and lox, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, black and white cookies and more.

Peacedale has a new neighborhood hang from two locals who made their mark in the Rhode Island hospitality scene. Jack’s Place is owned by Johnson and Wales University graduate Quinn Earley, who spent time working in the kitchens at One Bellevue at the Hotel Viking and The Chanler at Cliff Walk, and his wife, Danielle, who worked at Giusto and Coast Guard House. They both also worked at Malt on Broadway in Newport. The couple’s eatery serves a seasonal modern American menu of burgers and sandwiches. Stop by for Burger Mondays and get a draft beer and the burger of the day for only $15.

Grumpy Pies, the new pizza vendor at Track 15, is officially open. Grumpy Pies is the creation of Chef Ian Cappelano, who most recently worked with the team at Mother Pizzeria. Grumpy Pies serves Roman-style party pizza, or “pizza alla pala,” with a rotating selection with premium toppings, including domestic and European charcuterie and cheeses, seasonal inspiration, and some new “trashy” favorites like Carolina BBQ.

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

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.

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.

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

Fridays only 5/22-9/25

End your week at Food Truck Friday – an outdoor food truck festival at Roger Williams Park Zoo and Carousel Village starting at 5 p.m. Attendance is free, just pay for what you eat and drink from an ever-changing rotation of more than fifteen food trucks each week.

The plaza at Track 15.

Fridays only 5/29-10/2

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Track 15 in downtown Providence is kicking off its 2026 Summer Concert Series on Friday, May 22, bringing twenty weeks of free Friday night live music, art and creative programming to its outdoor plaza at 1 Union Station. The weekly series will spotlight local musicians and Rhode Island-based creatives, with performances expected from Julie Rhodes & The Electric, The Grace Darko Quartet, Mary McAvoy, How’s About Charlie, The Wolff Sisters, Charlie Marie and more throughout the season. Guests can enjoy dinner and drinks from Track 15’s vendors, relax on the lawn, and take part in rotating arts programming, including painting, crafts, poetry, pottery and other creative activations. On concert nights, Track 15 will also offer a Rosé and Bubbles bar sponsored by Santa Margherita Wines, featuring rosé, prosecco and a custom frosé. The free series runs every Friday at 6:30 p.m. through Oct. 2, with select dates aligning with Basin WaterFire evenings and Rhode Island Night Market activations.

5/30

Wright’s Creamery is hosting Scoop Fest 2026, a celebration of music and ice cream on Sat., May 30, from 2-6 p.m. at the Wright’s Creamery location inside the Farm Fresh Rhode Island building. Ice cream lovers will get to sample exclusive Test Batch Club flavors, including Old Time Rock (a collaboration with Anchor Toffee), Smokey Mountain S’mores, Mint-allica, Brown Eyed Girl, Piña Colada and Drop It Like It’s Hot Fudge (a collaboration with Rhed’s Hot Sauce). Taste up to six limited-edition ice cream flavors inspired by iconic songs and artists. Tasting tickets are $15 per person and include samples of all featured flavors. Tickets are available for purchase here and at the door.

6/11

Don your fanciest fascinator, most twirl-able summer frock or loudest floral button-up for Roger Williams Park Conservancy’s biennial fundraiser, Rosé in the Roses, on June 11 from 6-8 p.m. Join park patrons, advocates, elected officials, philanthropic leaders, local business owners, friends and neighbors for an unforgettable evening in support of our city’s signature public space. Sip wine – and other beverages, from beer to cocktails and mocktails – while mingling with friends new and old, and savoring bites from Russell Morin Catering and delicious French macarons from Ellie’s Bakery. Roam the greenhouses and blooming Rose Maze outside (local goats also on site) while listening to talented musicians, try your hand at mahjong with instruction from the Gilded Birds, and the Providence Drum Troupe brings the energy later in the evening.

ONGOING EVENTS

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.

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.

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).

CLOSINGS

Sun and Moon Korean restaurant in East Providence is closing on May 24, so be sure to visit one last time. From its Instagram page: “To our amazing community, as we prepare to close the doors of Sun & Moon Korean Restaurant on May 24th, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Over the years, you gave us so much more than support. You gave us friendship, encouragement, laughter, and a true sense of community. Watching families, friends, and neighbors gather around our tables has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. While this chapter is coming to an end, the memories we shared with you will stay with us forever.”

Proclamation Ale brewery in Warwick has closed after twelve incredible years in business. A message from the owner, Lori Witham: “From the outside, it may have looked like we were happily thriving, but behind closed doors we have been silently battling a number of hardships. Along with losing our founder—and my husband—suddenly in December 2020, we spent the past six years defending ourselves against a lawsuit from a minority partner. This costly legal battle limited our financial options while draining resources that could have been reinvested into the business—resources that might have helped us better withstand lingering post-COVID challenges and industry shifts driven by changes in the economy, as well as evolving drinking and social habits. Every single day, the entire Proclamation team worked incredibly hard to keep pushing forward, searching for clearer paths. But eventually, there comes a time when you have to accept there are no more paths. This is that time…Thank you for showing up on day one, and for continuing to show up for 12 years. I never imagined this would have taken on the life it did when Dave first came to me with this dream.”

Th Nitro Bar team outisde of the former Glou cocktail bar, which will soon become Nitro Bar. Photo from @thenitrobar_.

Glou cocktail bar recently closed in Providence’s Fox Point. But the good news is that the space will morph into the Nitro Bar’s fourth location, joining its location on Broadway in Providence, which recently got a renovation, and two shops in Newport. There are also two additional locations coming to Boston, Mass., and New York City. We are sad to lose Glou, but thrilled that a successful coffee business with a huge following will open its place. From the Nitro Bar’s Instagram: “Providence, you’ve always been home to us. It’s where everything started and where this community turned a little sh*tty cart into something so much bigger. Before going anywhere else, it only felt right to spread our wings here first. We’re so excited to share that our fourth location is coming to 134 ives street (@glou.pvd we miss and love you) and promise to carry the same love, energy and care into the space. Thank you for continuing to show up for us every day, we are immensely grateful for every single one of you.”

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!”