Food and Dining in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island restaurant scene is bustling, and we're here to help you find the hottest new spots, the coolest hidden gems, and the best places to satisfy your cravings for great food and drinks.

Everyone's gotta eat! Grab a seat and load up your plate: We've got regularly updated guides, behind-the-scenes features, Q&As with up-and-coming chefs and restaurant owners, and all the news that foodies can use.

Love to cook? There's an entire section of great recipes from experts to explore.
And we're serving up the best food news in Rhode Island as well. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and we'll deliver it directly to your inbox.

Tortilla chicken soup from Casa Azul Taqueria in Providence, R.I.

It’s soup season. Here are 9 superior bowls to try in Rhode Island.

Matzo ball, okra stew, wonton, pozole, and other classics to explore.

Joshua Davis is the new executive chef at The East End in Providence, R.I. He previously worked at Duckfat and Rising Tide Brewing Company in Portland, Maine.

Food notes: The East End has a new chef, In Your Ear has a new bar, and more

A spread from a pop-up dinner by the chefs of Little Friend's at Glou, a wine bar in the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence.

Four pop-up restaurants worth checking out in Rhode Island in December 2023

The ultimate foodie gift guide of Rhode Island

The smoked beet Rueben at Lehrhaus. The Somerville eatery was named one America's best new restaurants by Esquire.

Two New England eateries make Esquire’s list of best new restaurants in America

The Guides

Dishes from Mr. R Fusion, a new fusion BYOB spot in Newport, R.I.

Just opened and coming soon: 14 new restaurants and bars in Rhode Island to try this fall

New concepts include everything from a traditional Jewish deli to hidden bars that require a passcode to get in.

Four pop-up restaurants worth checking out in Rhode Island in December 2023

A ticketed dinner serving small plates, a bar takeover from a Boston sake expert, smash burgers, and more.

The ultimate foodie gift guide of Rhode Island

In June, Globe Rhode Island's Alexa Gagosz got to do what most food writers dream of: attend the James Beard Awards.

Cheese shop offerings from around Rhode Island.

Where to buy cheese in Rhode Island

In the past nine months, the number of specialty cheese shops in Rhode Island has doubled, and at least two more will open this summer. Here are some of Rhode Island’s specialty cheese shops.

A drunken noodle dish with Thai tea at Thai Lan Xang, a new Lao restaurant at 1573 Plainfield Pike in Johnston, R.I.

The savory flavors of Laos in R.I.: Three restaurants serving traditional Lao cuisine

“In a way, we try to teach our customers about Lao food so they know more about Lao culture,” says Britny Savankham, who works with her father at Thai Lan Xang in Johnston.

It’s soup season. Here are 9 superior bowls to try in Rhode Island.

Matzo ball, okra stew, wonton, pozole, and other classics to explore.

Two New England eateries make Esquire’s list of best new restaurants in America

A Jewish tavern in Somerville and a Rhode Island seafood spot made the cut.

A spread from the "Unexpected Wine Pairings" session at the 2023 Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival at the Rosecliff Mansion.

What wine goes best with Pirate’s Booty? Or pigs-in-a-blanket?

Unexpected wine parings were the stars of the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. So we decided to experiement ourselves.

An off-menu calzone at Si Cara in Central Square.

Boston’s best holiday dining secrets

Singing waiters. Martial arts displays. Hot tub booths and clandestine poutine. Impress your friends and family with our gift to you: a dazzling guide to curiosities, calzones, and even cannabis.

Fresh scup is one of many types of fish consumers aren't as familiar with, and some Rhode Island organizations have set out to change that.

What do Rhode Island consumers need to learn about local seafood? Actually, quite a bit.

A number of local organizations have set out to change how people perceive some of the plentiful seafood native to the state.

Food notes: The East End has a new chef, In Your Ear has a new bar, and more

Here’s what else you should know about Rhode Island’s food scene right now.

Pedestrians walk past the Colosseum, a large 18-plus nightclub on Pine Street in Providence, Rhode Island on August 25, 2023. There are several popular nightclubs in the area that fill up with partiers on weekend nights.

Why does Providence have so many 18-plus nightclubs?

With thousands of students returning to the city this fall, establishments are once again getting ready for a boon in business, one that often comes from Rhode Island’s younger crowds.

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Drinks

Grey Sail Brewing in Westerly is making investments to reduce its environmental footprint.

To reduce environmental impact, Grey Sail Brewing turns to solar

The New French Wine: Redefining the World's Greatest Wine Culture" by Jon Bonné.

Delight the wine lover in your life with ‘The New French Wine’

Providence restaurateur Bob Burke at his 2022 Midnight Madness party, an annual celebration at which he uncorks French wines counting down to midnight when he pours the Beaujolais Nouveau.

Uncorking Providence’s midnight wine party

Sorel Liqueur, inspired by the Caribbean drink sorrel.

Spice up your winter cocktails

Behind the scenes

From left Kevin O’Donnell chef and owner of Giusto, Walter Slater, executive chef of Food Love Market in Middletown, and Will Rietzel, executive chef of Giusto, at Giusto in Newport, R.I., on Nov. 22.

What it takes: Region’s lauded chefs say they learned it working at pizza joint in high school

Their careers intertwined since they worked together for early mentor Walter Slater, Kevin O’Donnell and Will Rietzel are teaming up once again, this time at Giusto in Newport.

Utility is a new kitchen goods store in Middletown, R.I. where function meets aesthetics.

For chefs and party hosts: R.I. restaurant owners’ new kitchen goods store specializes in hard-to-find products

The troubles of retailers like Christmas Tree Shops and Bed Bath & Beyond can be a boon for Ocean State Job Lot, a closeout operation. And they're involved with tons of other businesses.

Prime Brandt beef flap meat with aligot potatoes, and green bean salad.

At Hangry Kitchen, a familiar chef serves New England flavors and favorites

Stacy Deetz’ tiny new American bistro in Pawtucket features a menu that highlights quintessential comfort dishes, from peppercorn butter steak tips and squash dumplings to Fluffernutter French toast.

A spread of West African dishes from Suya Joint, a new restaurant opening in downtown Providence in the spring of 2024.

Roxbury’s Suya Joint, a West African restaurant, to open second location in Providence

Chef Cecelia Lizotte said her restaurant in Rhode Island is expected to open sometime in the spring of 2024.

Sarah Fennel adjusts her phone to record a TikTok. The 32-year-old recipe creator and food content creator grew up in Belmont.

For this Southie-based blogger, food is everything — including a big part of her success story

After Lil Rhody Clam Cake Crawl No. 9, the “Clamarati” -- friends who embark on a daylong journey to sample and rank the best clam cakes -- may have reached local celebrity status.

Vincent Emery, 19-year-old co-founder of Lil’ Rhody Coffee Company, at his company headquarters in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Coffee has a serious carbon footprint. One R.I. brand is trying to do things differently.

The Lil’ Rhody Coffee Company is working to accelerate the industry’s adoption of sustainable energy, and cutting out fossil fuels when roasting.

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Cooking

Recipe: Bake a rich, elegant mushroom tart with puff pastry for a holiday spread

This recipe is for Mushroom Tart from the food section of The Boston Globe.

Recipe: Of all the latke methods under the sun, this one for potato latke muffins is the least messy — and quite good

This recipe is for Potato Latke Muffins from the food section of The Boston Globe.

Recipe: After too much party food, reset with fennel, greens, and goat cheese tossed with a cranberry vinaigrette

Recipe for Fennel, Greens, and Goat Cheese with Cranberry Vinaigrette

Recipe: A nostalgic butterscotch flavor is front and center in these puddings with gingersnap crumbs

Recipe for Butterscotch Puddings with Gingersnap Crumbs

Recipe from “Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook” by Sohla El-Waylly

Recipe: Sohla El-Waylly’s crispy-skinned salmon, cooked with radishes and their greens, is served with nuoc cham

Recipe for Crispy-Skinned Salmon with Radishes and Nuoc Cham

Recipe: Instead of Nana’s candied potatoes, try these delectable fries with harissa mayo

Recipe for Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Recipe: When there’s a chill in the air, make this hearty stuffed acorn squash with sausage and farro

Recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Farro

Recipe: The Mexican comfort dish enfrijoladas are made with corn tortillas and a spicy black bean sauce

Recipe for Enfrijoladas (Folded Corn Tortillas in Black Bean Sauce)

Meet the Rhode Island Team

news

Rhode Island Food & Dining Headlines

RI FOOD & DINING

What it takes: Region’s lauded chefs say they learned it working at pizza joint in high school

Their careers intertwined since they worked together for early mentor Walter Slater, Kevin O’Donnell and Will Rietzel are teaming up once again, this time at Giusto in Newport. 6:00 a.m.

FOOD & DINING NEWSLETTER

It’s soup season. Here are 9 superior bowls to try in Rhode Island.

Matzo ball, okra stew, wonton, pozole, and other classics to explore. 6:00 a.m.

FOOD

Two New England eateries make Esquire’s list of best new restaurants in America

A Jewish tavern in Somerville and a Rhode Island seafood spot made the cut. 10:21 a.m.

RI FOOD & DINING

Four pop-up restaurants worth checking out in Rhode Island in December 2023

A ticketed dinner serving small plates, a bar takeover from a Boston sake expert, smash burgers, and more. 6:00 a.m.

FOOD & DINING NEWSLETTER

Sean Kontos serves as Program Director of Harvest Kitchen, a culinary job training program for Rhode Island teenagers in foster care or the juvenile detention system. The food they make is available for in-person dinning and take-out at their Pawtucket location.

A few standout restaurants and food businesses in R.I. giving back

Beyond Giving Tuesday, chefs and owners are finding new ways to pay it forward. 6:00 a.m.

RI FOOD & DINING

The ultimate foodie gift guide of Rhode Island

Hand-harvested sea salt from Newport’s coastline, strong coffee, creative spice mixes, and more. 7:01 p.m.

RI NEWS

Munch's Make Believe Band will find a permanent home in Northridge, Calif.

Chuck E. Cheese will remove animatronic band at all locations except one in California. A teen from Mass. helped save it.

Like others across the country, the company’s Warwick, Rhode Island, spot will also lose its furry band as it undergoes renovations this summer. 9:35 a.m.

RHODE MAP

Cover of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's 2023 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island.

Report: Too many Rhode Islanders are going hungry

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank found that 38 percent of households with children say they can't always afford an adequate food supply. 8:19 a.m.

Food & Dining

In Rhode Island

It’s soup season. Here are 9 superior bowls to try in Rhode Island.

Food notes: The East End has a new chef, In Your Ear has a new bar, and more

Four pop-up restaurants worth checking out in Rhode Island in December 2023

The ultimate foodie gift guide of Rhode Island

Two New England eateries make Esquire’s list of best new restaurants in America

The Guides

Just opened and coming soon: 14 new restaurants and bars in Rhode Island to try this fall

Four pop-up restaurants worth checking out in Rhode Island in December 2023

The ultimate foodie gift guide of Rhode Island

Where to buy cheese in Rhode Island

The savory flavors of Laos in R.I.: Three restaurants serving traditional Lao cuisine

It’s soup season. Here are 9 superior bowls to try in Rhode Island.

Two New England eateries make Esquire’s list of best new restaurants in America

What wine goes best with Pirate’s Booty? Or pigs-in-a-blanket?

Boston’s best holiday dining secrets

What do Rhode Island consumers need to learn about local seafood? Actually, quite a bit.

Food notes: The East End has a new chef, In Your Ear has a new bar, and more

Why does Providence have so many 18-plus nightclubs?

Drinks

To reduce environmental impact, Grey Sail Brewing turns to solar

Delight the wine lover in your life with ‘The New French Wine’

Uncorking Providence’s midnight wine party

Spice up your winter cocktails

Behind the scenes

What it takes: Region’s lauded chefs say they learned it working at pizza joint in high school

For chefs and party hosts: R.I. restaurant owners’ new kitchen goods store specializes in hard-to-find products

At Hangry Kitchen, a familiar chef serves New England flavors and favorites

Roxbury’s Suya Joint, a West African restaurant, to open second location in Providence

For this Southie-based blogger, food is everything — including a big part of her success story

Coffee has a serious carbon footprint. One R.I. brand is trying to do things differently.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Cooking

Recipe: Bake a rich, elegant mushroom tart with puff pastry for a holiday spread

Recipe: Of all the latke methods under the sun, this one for potato latke muffins is the least messy — and quite good

Recipe: After too much party food, reset with fennel, greens, and goat cheese tossed with a cranberry vinaigrette

Recipe: A nostalgic butterscotch flavor is front and center in these puddings with gingersnap crumbs

Recipe: Sohla El-Waylly’s crispy-skinned salmon, cooked with radishes and their greens, is served with nuoc cham

Recipe: Instead of Nana’s candied potatoes, try these delectable fries with harissa mayo

Recipe: When there’s a chill in the air, make this hearty stuffed acorn squash with sausage and farro

Recipe: The Mexican comfort dish enfrijoladas are made with corn tortillas and a spicy black bean sauce

Meet the Rhode Island Team

news

Rhode Island Food & Dining Headlines

What it takes: Region’s lauded chefs say they learned it working at pizza joint in high school

It’s soup season. Here are 9 superior bowls to try in Rhode Island.

Two New England eateries make Esquire’s list of best new restaurants in America

Four pop-up restaurants worth checking out in Rhode Island in December 2023

A few standout restaurants and food businesses in R.I. giving back

The ultimate foodie gift guide of Rhode Island

Chuck E. Cheese will remove animatronic band at all locations except one in California. A teen from Mass. helped save it.

Report: Too many Rhode Islanders are going hungry