aheli wanders

How it Works:

This isn’t your typical travel guide. It’s a love letter to the places I return to over and over again—my all-time favorites since moving to Providence in 2020. We had no idea we were settling in a hidden culinary capital, but the food scene here blew us away. And it hasn’t stopped.

Why PROVIDENCE?

Providence, Rhode Island is one of those small cities that punches far above its weight. Rich in history, culture, and charm, it’s also deeply delicious. Think: incredible seafood, cozy cafes, unpretentious excellence. Between meals, you can wander the leafy Brown University campus, browse the shelves at the historic Athenaeum, or catch golden hour along India Point Park.

This is a city made for slow strolling, surprise discoveries—and second breakfasts.

Where to eat

Breakfast

Little Sister– James Beard Nominated Chef!

• Beautiful, ethical and colorful cafe serving food & pastries influenced by Puerto Rico.
• Don’t miss their Sesame Almond Horchata, a unique and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
• Pro Tip : RESERVE AHEAD as they have limited seating!

Brown Bee Cafe

• Honestly this place is VIBES. Amazing, decadent croissants and baked goods in the chicest, hippest cafe. The tile, the fabric on the chairs, everything is PERFECTION.

Irregardless Biscuit

• You don’t need to fly South to get a perfect biscuit. The owner imports flour for that just-right bite. The Philly Roll is my personal favorite.

Reprise:

• The best espresso in town. Beans by Enjoy Roasters, espresso drinks by Reprise. Housed in the old Big King space, now a rotating ramen spot by night.

Lunch

Dune Brothers

• This is a cute “fish shack” in the middle of Providence downtown. Come here to enjoy all things seafood — and the best fresh, fried and local fish you can taste.
• I think that they have the best Lobster Roll of all time — lots and lots of meat, warm buttery and just the right balance of mayo.
• As of 2025, they have opened a couple more locations so if outside weather isn’t cooperating, you can visit their indoor locations.

Frank & Lauries

• This one of the newest restaurants (as of May 2024) — that specializes in Breakfast and Lunch foods. The menu changes seasonally but the food is so innovative. Expect to find super local ingredients with a rustic twist. (The owners – Eric Brown and Sarah Watts- used to run my favorite pop-up – Thick Neck at the Dean Hotel!

East Side Cheese

• While not a lunch spot per say, East Side Cheese is our favorite cheesemonger in Rhode Island! Run by husband and wife team- Angie and Jeff – you will find the best selection of cheese, charcuterie items and incredible nibbles. Perfect for picnics, bbqs or just treating yourself. They change up the items all the time so worth repeat visits.

Plant City:

• This is a super cool, totally plant based complex with three different restaurants. It’s in the perfect location – next to Millenium bridge, so you can try some good eats and then get a great view of PVD.

Dinner

Casual Dining

jahunger

• I think this might be the only Uyghur restaurant in the NE. The spice level is actually FIRE but you will keep going back for seconds. The kavap is to die for (like a nicer kebab) and the Jahunger Hand-pulled noodles are dreamy.

Minh Hai (Cranston)

• Best Vietnamese Food you’ll have– ask for the Lemon and Beef dish.

Ran Zan:

• No frills, just amazing quality sushi. Ran Zan is the place to go for the best sushi in Providence.

There, There:

• Such a great, classic diner burger.

Slow Rhode:

• This is the most underrated restaurant in PVD. Super fresh ingredients, open late (wahoo) and next to our favorite brewery Origin.

Tuxpan (Pawtucket)

• Best tacos in Rhode Island. You have to go there and dine-in person. There is limited seating but totally worth it. The tacos are delicious, and my personal fav is the quesadilla with carne asada.

Rasoi:

• My favorite Indian spot. If you know me, you know this is a big deal. I only like Homecooked Indian food in the states. I feel like most Indian restaurants cater to white people – bland and cream filled slop. Rasoi is the real deal. It’s innovative and fun without “whitewashing” the choices.

Cool Kid Dining

Gift Horse– James Beard Winner!Travel.

• The latest “sister’ restaurant to Oberlin is the coolest raw bar ever. Head Chef Sky Kim brings a korean influence to a decidly rhode island seafood special. Everything from the decor to the food is 10/10

Courtland Club/ Nimki

• Chef Nikhil Naiker is one of Rhode Island’s best chefs. With his kitchen take-over at the famous Courtland Club speakeasy – you’ll try to best versions of your favorite foods. From the best chicken sando of your life to super incredible seasonal trees (snap pea salad)– the menu is ever changing and delicious.

Fancy Smancy DinNER

Al Forno

• Famous for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta, this is the iconic PVD restaurant. This is honestly my favorite Italian place, though this won’t look anything like your Grandma’s homecooked food. The pizzas are impossible thin yet deliocious. the pasta’s fresh.
• Pro tip – free parking and try to make reservations ahead. They do have a walk-in section but be prepared to WAIT.

Oberlin

• This is a favorite spot for a memorable meal. The menu is super seasonal and fresh.
• You must must MUST order any of the raw fish in Arbequina Olive Oil and if the Basque cheesecake is on the menu — run don’t walk.

Claudine:

• Per Se Alums just opened this new tasting menu only place. More deets to follow.

Drinks

Clementine Bar

• Any cocktail here is a must-try. Innovative, seasonal and a great downtown location.

Origin

• For the best beer in town, head to Origin. Shane and Erika bring such innovation and creativity — and honestly, LOVE to this label. The decor is amazing. And the selection is incredible – both both beer drinks and non-beer drinkers alike. They have low ABV and non-alcoholic options as well.

The Eddy:

• Incredible cocktails, great bar menu, AND in the center of downtown. This is truly a PVD Staple.

Fun Shops:

Stock Kitchen

• I could spend hours in this store. They have a lot of cool kitchen stuff (alway fun) but also a very cool pantry with local coffee, toffees and other tasty treats. This is my number one spot to pick up gifts for adults.

Frog & Toad:

• The most Rhode Island store that ever Rhode Islanded. There are some many fun tchotchkes, fun stickers, prints, postcards, books, pens. I could go on.

Henry Bear Park:

• Okay this is a place for children’s toys — aka the place where I get to be the best Auntie ever.
• Pro-Tip: The gift wrap SO quickly.

Where to Stay

The Dean Hotel

• A boutique hotel with a quirky, artistic vibe. The Dean Hotel features stylish rooms, a coffee shop, a karaoke lounge, and the popular North restaurant.

Graduate Providence

• Located in the heart of downtown, Graduate Providence (formerly known as the Biltmore) is a historic hotel with luxurious accommodations and modern amenities.

Providence Marriott Downtown

• This hotel offers comfortable rooms and an array of amenities, including an indoor/outdoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. It’s conveniently located near many of the city’s top attractions.