Area Dining

Providence Area Restaurants

(Scroll through the list below.  Descriptions and pricing information are listed.  To find restaurants outside of campus area, look for sections in italics and colored maroon)

Thayer Street and around Campus

Pot Au Feu: French. $$-$$$. 44 Custom House St., 273-8953. http://www.potaufeuri.com/
Oldest French bistro in American and a favorite of Julia Child. Upstairs specializes in fine dining, downstairs features a less expensive bistro.

Soban. Korean. $-$$. 272 Thayer St., 751-1234.
This homemade, no-frills eatery offers stone pot bibimbap and an economical and fresh lunch buffet.

Andreas. Greek-American. $$. 268 Thayer St., 331-7879. andreasri.com
A good restaurant for larger groups and drinks. Good burgers and calamari, and a wide variety of Greek-American style dishes.

Kartabar. Mediterranean. $$. 284 Thayer St., 331-8111. kartabar.com
Extensive food and drink menu. Specializes in casual Mediterranean bistro fare. Good pizzas and martinis.

Kabob and Curry. Indian. $-$$. 261 Thayer St., 273-8844. kabobandcurry.com
Popular among locals, this Indian restaurant serves many traditional favorites. The cuisine is Americanized and thus typically not too spicy. Features Sunday brunch. The Tangri Kabob is recommended, as is the Keema Mattar.

Phonatic. Vietnamese. $$. 165 Angell Street, 401-454-1699.
Large menu with plenty of spice. They feature a wide variety of pho and a good coconut pancake.

Spice. Thai. $-$$. 110 Waterman St., 331-5282. http://www.spicebistro.com/
Excellent selection of Thai food at a good price. The red, yellow, and green curries, which you can customize yourself, are delicious.

Shark. Japanese. $$. 275 Thayer St., 490-0212. sharkprovidence.com
Rated one of the best sushi and hibachi restaurants of Providence, this restaurant features a full menu of raw and cooked delights. Also serves several basic non-Japanese dishes.

Meeting St. Café. American. $-$$. 220 Meeting St., 273-1066. BYOB (Liquor store downstairs) meetingstreetcafe.com
Known for their fresh ingredients and legendary portions, Meeting Street Café serves warm meals at a great value. Try one of their famous gigantic cookies. They also offer views of real sharks swimming in a giant fishtank maintained by Mystic Seaport.

English Cellar Alehouse. Pub. $. 165 Angell St., 454-3434. englishcellaralehouse.com
Features over 200 beers from around the world.  Decent menu (the appetizers are quite good) and several vegetarian options.

Spats. $. Pub. 182 Angell St., 437-8300. spatsri.com
Traditional pub atmosphere featuring an extensive lunch and dinner menu (pizzas, salads, burgers, etc.)

Johnny Rockets: Diner. $. 269 Thayer St., 270-1063.
Classic diner with old-fashioned music, decor, burgers, fries, and shakes.

Loui’s Family Restaurant: $. 286 Brook St., 861-5225.
This local institution offers greasy breakfast and lunch accompanied by classical music and walls brimming with artwork by RISD and Brown students. Some vegan and vegetarian options are nestled among the corned beef hash and fish and chips.

Rue de L’Espoir: $-$$. 99 Hope St., 751-8890. http://www.therue.com
Brunch and dinner. Full bar.

Haruki Express. Japanese. $. 112 Waterman St.
Good sushi, sashimi and more to go. They also have a small Japanese grocery that features beverages, deserts and other snacks.

Bagel Gourmet: Deli/Mexican. $. 2 locations. 228 Thayer St. and 250 Brook St.
Fresh boiled bagels in many different flavors. Several kinds of cream cheese and breakfast sandwiches available. They also serve very tasty Mexican food for lunch and dinner.

Byblos: Lebanese. $. 235 Meeting St. http://www.providencebyblos.com/.

East Side Pockets: $. 278 Thayer St. eastsidepocket.com
Excellent falafel pockets, chicken pockets, etc.

La Creperie: $. 82 Fones Alley (turn right just before Au Bon Pain). 751-5336.
Wide array of dinner and dessert crepes, as well as excellent juices and smoothies.

Blue State Coffee. $. 2 locations: Brown University Bookstore and 300 Thayer St. free wifi.
Sustainable, responsible coffee brewed from locally roasted beans, and excellent breakfast and lunch options.

Antonio’s Pizza. $. 256 Thayer St., http://www.antoniospizza.com
Pizza by the slice.

The Nice Slice. $. 257 Thayer St.
Thin whole wheat crust pizza by the slice or by the pie.

Gordito Burrito. $. 256 Thayer St.
Tex-mex specialites.

Chipotle. $. 235 Thayer St.
Tex-Mexican Grill. Tacos, burritos and more.

Au Bon Pain: $. 223 Thayer, 751-0472. Free wi-fi.

Subway: $. 114 Waterman St.

Better Burger Company: Diner. $. 215-217 Thayer St., 228-7373.
Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also features several vegetarian options.

Ben and Jerry’s. $. 237 Meeting St.

FroYo World. $. 219 Thayer St.
Self-serve frozen yogurt sold by the ounce.

Juniper. $. 229 Thayer St.
Frozen yogurt and smoothies.

Starbucks. $.  218 Thayer. free wifi.

Tealuxe Tea Bar & Café. $. 231 Thayer. free wifi.
Wide variety of teas from around the world. Also serves pastries and light sandwiches.

Wickenden Street
Just south of campus, this area is easily accessible from the Biltmore or the Wyndham Garden Hotels.

Sawaddee. Thai: $-$$. 93 Hope St., 831-1122.
BYOB. Seating for small groups.

Duck and Bunny: $-$$. 312 Wickenden St. (401) 270-3300. theduckandbunny.com
Cupcakes, light savory plates, and a fireplace make this spot ideal for an afternoon coffee or glass of wine.

United Barbeque: $-$$. 146 Ives St.(401) 751-9000. www.unitedbbq.com
Take-out and delivery barbeque with several vegetarian and vegan options. Have them deliver to Abe’s on Wickenden as you enjoy pints of draught beer.

Abyssinia: $-$$. 333 Wickenden St.
The only Ethiopian restaurant in Providence. The pancake combination dish is delicious and can be enjoyed among an intimate group.  

Amy’s Place: $. 214 Wickenden, 274-9966.
Breakfast and lunch.

Brickway on Wickenden: $. 234 Wickenden, 751-2477.
Brunch and dinner.

Cafe Zog: $. 239 Wickenden St., 421-2213.
Open until midnight. Great coffee, desserts, smoothies, and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere.

Taste of India: $-$$. 230 Wickenden St., www.tasteofindiari.com
They have a good lunch buffet daily from 11:30 to 2:00 pm, which costs $7 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. BYOB.

Al Forno: $$-$$$. 577 South Main, 273-9760. alforno.com
One of the best-reviewed restaurants in Providence. The food (pasta, seafood, roasts) is expensive but exceptional.

Fellini’s: $$. 166 Wickenden St., 751-6737.
Large, thin-crust pizzas with interesting and high quality toppings.

Guido’s: $$. 102 Hope St., 273-5812.
Dinner. BYOB.

Sakura Restaurant: $$. 231 Wickenden, 331-6861.
Dinner combos come with soup, salad, and choice of red bean or green tea ice cream.

Tokyo: $$. 388 Wickenden St., 331-5330.
Seating for large groups, good sushi at a very good price. A large selection of rolls.

Pizza Pie-er: $-$$. 374 Wickenden St., 351-3663. http://www.pizzapieer.com
Thin and whole wheat crust with fresh ingredients.

 

Downcity
Walking distance from the Biltmore and Hilton Hotels.

Cafe Nuovo: $$$. 1 Citizen’s Plaza, 421-2525. www.cafenuovo.com
Lunch and dinner. Upscale, lively bistro atmosphere with an excellent selection of American and Australian wines and a American, European, and Asian-fusion menu.

Capital Grille: $$$. 1 Union Station, 521-5600. www.thecapitalgrille.com
Dry-aged steaks and a la carte sides with an extensive wine list.

Down City Food & Cocktails: $-$$. 151 Weybosset St., 331-9217. www.downcityfood.com
Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, and a full bar in the evenings. Relaxed atmosphere.

Hemenway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar: $$-$$$. 1 Providence-Washington Plaza, 351-8570. www.hemenwaysrestaurant.com
Fresh, local seafood offered with a lovely view of the city and canal.

New Rivers: $$-$$$. 7 Steeple St., 751-0350. www.newriversrestaurant.com
Excellent, innovative American bistro-style dining (try the house-made charcuterie options) tucked into a thoughtfully refurbished section of a former iron and steel factory.

Parkside: $-$$$. 76 S. Main St., 331-0003. www.parksideprovidence.com
Award-winning lunch and dinner menu. Casual, slightly upscale atmosphere.

The Red Fez: $-$$. 49 Peck St., 272-1212.
Small, dimly-lit restaurant offering a selection of vegetarian plates downstairs, hip, taxidermy-adorned barroom upstairs.

L’Elizabeth: $$-$$$. 285 South Main, 621-9113 or 861-1974. www.l-elizabeth.com
Precious atmosphere with parlor style seating. Offers desserts with coffee and tea in the afternoon or cocktails in the evening.

Bravo Brasserie: $$-$$$. address. phone. www.bravobrasserie.com
French and American dishes served during lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

AS220 Cafe: $. 115 Empire St., 861-9190. www.as220.org
This nationally renowned indy music and art nursery serves soup and sandwiches for lunch and dinner, but is closed Sunday and Monday.

Cuban Revolution: $. 50 Aborn St. www.thecubanrevolution.com
Tapas, sandwiches, and music in the evenings.

Haven Brothers Diner: $. 72 Spruce St., 861-7777.
This 1930s mobile diner parks in front of city hall between 5pm and 4 am and offers classic late-night fare. It was featured as a historic Providence tradition in a segment of npr’s “All Things Considered.”

Cactus Bar and Grill: $-$$. 800 Allens Ave., 941-0004.

Cilantro: $. 127 Weybosset St., 421-8226.

Ri-Ra: $$. 50 Exchange Terrace, 272-1953. http://www.rira.com
Spacious Irish pub with live music on weekends.

Trinity Brewhouse: $-$$. 186 Fountain St. www.trinitybrewhouse.com
This microbrewery offers a variety of seasonal beers with typical pub fare. Plenty of large tables.

Union Station Brewery: $$. 36 Exchange Terrace, 274-2739.
Owned by national chain John Harvards.

Luxe Burger: $-$$. 5 Memorial Blvd. (401) 621-5893. www.luxeburgerbar.com
The build your own burger feature offers a variety of selections like Kobe Beef, Turkey, or Falafel, and many toppings to choose from. Modern, upbeat atmosphere.

Fire + Ice: $$. 42 Providence Place, 270-4040.
This improvisational all-you-can-eat buffet involves designing your own stir-fry from a selection of raw ingredients and seasonings, which are then individually prepared before your eyes.

The Cheesecake Factory: $$. 94 Providence Place, 220-4010.

Olives: $-$$. 108 N. Main St., 751-1200. www.olivesrocks.com
Food and a wide selection of martinis offered in a bar atmosphere.

Geoff’s Superlative Sandwiches: $. 163 Benefit St. 751-9214.

Dunkin’ Donuts: $. 78 Dorrance St.
This Rhode Island native offers donuts and breakfast sandwiches. If you order coffee, be aware that a “regular” coffee comes with cream and sugar. Specify how you would like yours to arrive.

 

Jewelry District
This area of the city is easily accessible from the Biltmore and Hilton Hotels.

CAV $$$: 14 Imperial Place, 751-9164.
Romantic, antique atmosphere offers award-winning dinner and drinks.

Rue Bis: $. 95 South St., 490-9966. www.therue.com
Lunch near the Children’s Musuem.

Olga’s Cup & Saucer: $-$$. 103 Point St. www.olgascupandsaucer.blogspot.com
This small bakery offers coffee, pastries, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch as well as a weekend brunch.

Rick’s Roadhouse: $-$$. 370 Richmond St. www.ricksroadhouseri.com
Steaks, burgers, and bbq served in an open bar atmosphere. Pool tables.

 

West Side
Adjoining Federal Hill, the West Side is a young, growing neighborhood with small alternative record, bike, and clothing shops and excellent restaurants. Walking distance from the Hilton Hotel. Take Bus 27 from Kennedy Plaza or a taxi at night.

Bombay Club. Indian: $$. 145 Dean St. Bus 92 (Dean St). (401) 273-6363. www.bombayclubri.com
Indian Buffet with a full bar.

Phoenix Dragon. Chinese: $-$$. 265 Broadway. Bus 27 (Battey).
Providence is not known for its dim-sum, but you will find it here on Sunday.

Nick’s on Broadway: $-$$$$. 500 Broadway. 421-0286. Bus 27 (Ridge St). nicksonbroadway.com
Locally sourced lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch served in a friendly, chic, and modern atmosphere by James Beard Rising Star Award-winner, Derek Wagner. Named “one of the world’s best restaurants” by Fodors. Consider the tasting menu.

Julian’s: $$. 318 Broadway. (401) 861-1770. Bus 27 (Vinton St). www.juliansprovidence.com
Local foods served with creativity for brunch and dinner in an alternative, artsy atmosphere. Many vegetarian and vegan options.

Broadway Bistro: $$. 205 Broadway. (401) 331-2450. Bus 27 (Pallas St).  broadwaybistrori.com
Fresh local ingredients and dishes.

 

Italian Federal Hill
Providence is famous for its Italian heritage and food, the sights, sounds, and tastes of which you can find on Atwells Avenue. Walking distance from the Hilton Hotel. Take Bus 92 from the Thayer Tunnel or Kennedy Plaza.

Pastiche: $. 92 Spruce St. www.pastichefinedesserts.com
This cafe offers coffee and desserts distinguished by Yankee New England Magazine and the Boston Globe.

Andino’s: $$-$$$. 171 Atwells Ave., 453-3164. www.andinositalianrestaurant.com
A reliable, intimate, and no-frills source for a good Italian lunch or dinner.

Caffe Dolce Vita: $-$$. 59 DePasquale Square, 331-8240. http://www.caffedolcevita.com
Breakfast, sandwiches, dinner entrees, and gelato.

Cassarino’s: $-$$$$. 177 Atwells Ave., 751-3333. www.cassarinosri.com
Generous portions of Italian-American standards served for lunch and dinner.

Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen: $$$. 120 Atwells Ave., 751-5544. theoldcanteen.com
One of the finest Italian restaurants in Providence offers the taste and feel of what Federal Hill was 50 years ago. Outstanding waitstaff and wine selection. The fried calamari, a local specialty, is especially recommended.

Mediterraneo Cafe: $$-$$$. 134 Atwells Ave, 331-7760. www.mediterraneocaffe.com
Modern atmosphere and delicious food with a bar upstairs.

Bob and Timmys Grilled Pizza: $-$$. 32 Spruce St., 453-2221. bobandtimmys.com
Nationally recognized wood-grilled pizza served for take-out or small groups eating in.

Caserta Pizzeria: $$. 121 Spruce St. (on Federal Hill), 272-3618. cassertapizzeria.com
Thick-crust, rectangular pizza with local character and a no-frills atmosphere. Take-out available.

Sicilia’s Pizzeria: $-$$. 181 Atwells Ave., 273-9222. siciliapizzeria.com
Stuffed and thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta.

 

Hope Street/Pawtucket line

Pizzico: Italian. $$. 762 Hope St., 421-4114. Bus 42 (get off at CVS). http://pizzicoristorante.com/ Extensive menu featuring pasta, pizza, seafood, and veal in a casual atmosphere. Large wine list.

Not Just Snacks: Indian. $. 833 Hope Street. 831-1150. Bus 42 (get off at CVS).
Good, authentic, affordable Indian food. Also has a deli case for samosas and other eclectic treats to-go.

Seven Stars Bakery: $. 820 Hope St., 521-2200. Bus 42 (get off at CVS). http://www.sevenstarsbakery.com/
Excellent neighborhood bakery with fresh breads, pastries, coffee and sandwiches.

Chez Pascal: French-American. $$$. 960 Hope St. 401-421-4422. Bus 42 (8th St). http://chez-pascal.com/ Frequently ranked one of the best restaurants in Providence, Chez Pascal features locally sourced gourmet French-American creations and specializes in pork. Casual romantic atmosphere. Excellent prix fixe menus and wine list.

Cook and Brown Public House: American Gourmet. $$$. 959 Hope St., 401-273-7275. Bus 42 (8th St). cookandbrown.com. This new addition to the neighborhood is a modern New England recreation of the European Gastropub, and features inventive menus that change almost daily. Food is locally sourced and is meat-and seafood-heavy.

India: Indian. $$. 1060 Hope St., 245-4500. Bus 42 (Hope and Chace). 6-$7 for lunch, $9-$15 for dinner.
http://www.indiarestaurant.com/site/ Indian-American fusion dishes (swordfish and scallop curries). Excellent drink and appetizer deals.

Three Sisters: Homemade Ice cream, coffee, lunch. $. 1074 Hope St., 401-273-7230. Bus 42 (Hope and Chace). http://www.threesistersri.com/ wifi. Over 20 varieties of homemade ice cream. Also features full breakfast menu, paninis, and other various lunch specials.

Ran Zan Restaurant: Japanese. $. 1084 Hope Street, 276-7574. Bus 42 (Hope and Chace).  ranzan.net
Good, affordable soba, sushi, and udon.

Garden Grille: Gourmet Vegetarian. $$. 727 East Av. (Pawtucket). 401-726-2826. Bus 42 (Hope and Chace). Locally sourced, creative vegetarian food with a gourmet twist. Full bar and excellent dessert.

Wild flour: Vegan Bakery. $-$$. 727 East Ave. (Pawtucket). 401-475-4718. wifi.
Specializes in pastries, baked (and raw) goods, breakfast items, fresh juices and smoothies, coffee.

Rasoi: Indian. $$. 727 East Ave. (Pawtucket). 401-728-5500. Bus 42 (Hope and Chace) rasoirestaurant.com Awarded Best Indian in Providence in 2011, this restaurant features slow-cooked delights from all regions of India. Excellent weekend lunch buffet.

 

Wayland Square
East of campus, the restaurants in this neighborhood are a convenient option for guests staying at the Wyndham Garden Hotel.

La Laiterie/Farmstead. Bistro: $$-$$$. 186 Wayland Ave. 274-7177. Bus 40. farmsteadinc.com
This restaurant doubles as an amazing artisan cheese shop. Serves lunch and dinner, both of which feature a small, seasonal menu and locally-sourced fresh ingredients. Locally and nationally acclaimed.

Waterman Grille. American: $$. 4 Richmond Sq., 521-9229. Bus 40, then walk down Pitman or Waterman Street. watermangrille.com
Location, location, location! Set right above the Seekonk River, this restaurant offers beautiful views. Extensive menu that offers creative cuisine and the best crème brûlée in Providence!

Haruki East. Japanese: $$-$$$. 172 Wayland Ave, 223-0332. Bus 40. www.harukisushi.com/
Providence’s long-established sushi favorite. Lots of variety.

Red Stripe. American: $$. 465 Angell St., 437-6950. Bus 40. redstriperestaurants.com
Recently awarded “Best Neighborhood Restaurant” in Providence, the selection of mussels is excellent. Good burgers, gourmet grilled cheese and steak.

L’Artisan. $: Café and Bakery. 95 Wayland Sq., 331-4444. wifi available.
Fresh coffees, pastries and desserts. Also serves wine and beer, cheese, soups, salads, etc. The food is very good!

Twist. Bistro: $-$$. 500 Angell St., 831-4500. Bus 40. http://www.marrarestaurantgroup.com/twist_on_angell.htm
A New York Bistro atmosphere with an eclectic menu. Specialties include their calamari, inventive cocktails, and desserts. Also has a gluten free menu.

Minerva’s Pizza: $. 20 South Angell St., 272-2279. Bus 40.
Hearty, traditional pizza and hot grinders in a nice environment.

The Edge: $. 199 Wayland Ave. 490-2227. Bus 40. wifi available.
Features freshly roasted, fair trade coffees, soups, sandwiches, and desserts. Breakfast and lunch.

McBride’s Pub: $. 161 Wayland Ave. 401-751-3000. Bus 40. http://mcbrides-pub.com/
Locally owned and family run Irish pub. Serves light fare.

Rufful’s: Diner. $. 208 Wayland Ave. 421-2712. Bus 40.
Serving breakfast and lunch. Features decor from the 1940s.

EAST PROVIDENCE (Portuguese Restaurants)
This area of New England has a strong Portuguese heritage. You can find excellent and authentic Portuguese food in East Providence by taking a taxi or buses 78 (from Thayer St. Tunnel) or 34 (from Kennedy Plaza).

Estrela Do Mar: $$. 736 North Broadway, East Providence, 434-5621. Bus 78 (Taunton St)
Menu offers some 50 different Portuguese wines and popular dishes such as Paelha, Carne Alentejano, Carne Espito, and Bife Casa.

Madeira: $$-$$$. 288 Warren Ave., East Providence, 431-1322.  Bus 34 (Fraser St)
Beef, fish and shellfish dishes from Portugal and Madeira.

O Dinis: $-$$. 579 Warren Ave., East Providence, 438-3769. Bus 34 (Woodland Ave)
Azorean-style Portugues dishes.

Solmar’s Restaurant: $$. 497 Warren Ave., East Providence, 431-1122. Bus 34 (Brightridge Ave)
Solmar is one of the few places in this region where one can order Alcatra Terceirense, a traditional stew of tender meat made in the style of the Azorean island of Terceira.

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