Rhode Island’s 10 Best Foodie Neighborhoods
It's a beautiful day in these neighborhoods, where food and drink are the major draws.
Photography by Wolf Matthewson.
Downcity
Providence
Population: 4,382 ◆ Food and Drink establishments: more than 80
Downcity’s urban atmosphere is home to a broad range of restaurants filled with business people eager to spend their lunch hour away from their desks. Fancy Greek food? There are two spots for it, including Kleos’s upscale Mediterranean cafe that serves dishes like grilled octopus and stacked Greek lasagna, and Yoleni’s, a Greek food market, restaurant and all-day cafe with takeout options like the freshly baked souvlaki pita. Satisfy a lunchtime craving for crisped rice, meat and vegetables with Korean bibimbap at Mokban, or go sushi crazy at Sura. Nicks on Westminster serves upscale new American to those looking to close on a deal over a memorable meal. If French bistro or Parisian bakery is on your mind, Ellie’s is your place. For dinner, there’s Rosmarin, a Swiss-inspired small plates venture at Vinya Test Kitchen, which additionally hosts popup restaurants like the vegan-based Twelve Plants project. Around the corner is Providence favorite Oberlin, where raw sustainable fish is transformed into flavorful crudo, and whole fish are roasted and served with fresh herbs and buttery sauces. Go with upscale Italian that’s better than the Hill at Rosalina or celebrate any type of occasion with a multi-course farm-to-table meal at Gracie’s. More casual diners will find peace with pretzel sandwiches and craft beer at the Malted Barley or pizza baked in a coal-fired oven at Providence Coal-Fired Pizza. Over by the Biltmore Garage on Washington Street, warm up with miso ramen with pork belly and soft-boiled egg at Tori Tomo, try Neapolitan pizza with a New England twist cooked in a wood-fired oven at Figidini or go Latin at Red Fin Crudo and Kitchen.
The Scoop:
Where to park: The name “Downcity” refers to the area surrounded by Empire Street, Memorial Boulevard, Sabin and Pine streets. Do a few laps to search for a street spot, but if all else fails, park at Providence Place for a small fee and hoof it.
Shop: For small business shopping, head to Westminster Street for vintage clothing at the Vault Collective, wine at Eno, Craftland for thoughtful, locally-made gifts, Civil for skate shoes and Queen of Hearts for fashionable women’s wardrobe finds. The Arcade also has vintage treasures at Carmen and Ginger.
Cup of Coffee: Small Point Cafe is the OG coffee shop, the Arcade’s New Harvest brews its own beans and has a full bar, and Bolt Coffee is located inside the Dean Hotel lobby.
Hidden gem: Berri is a Latin American-inspired restaurant that uses both imported Mexican ingredients and seasonal local farm produce.
Grab a drink: Two of the city’s best bars, the Dorrance and the Eddy, are located close by, serving craft cocktails made with house-infused syrups and fresh-squeezed citrus. —J.C.
