Rhode Island Food

Submitted by HighPlainsDrifting t3_ygq47r in RhodeIsland

I've lived in RI for 38 years in many different areas. I love the food here and the work I do also takes me all around the State trying different places so I have limited location bias. For any new transplants that like to find the gems, here are some of my favorites I've hit over the years. Feel free to add your own, im always interested!

Seafood: Ye Old Fish n Chips - Woonsocket

AsianP: Toyo Steakhouse - Woonsocket

Chinese American: Jackie's Galaxy - Bristol

Grinders: Ricottis - North Providence

Pizza: Catanzaros - Cranston

Wings: Boneyard BBQ - Attleboro (5 mins over line 🤫)

Sushi: Ichiban - Cranston

BBQ: Gotta Q Smokehouse- Cumberland

Burgers/fries: Crazy Burger - Narragansett

Breakfast: Green Acres Cafe - Johnston

Pub: Red Bridge Tavern - East Providence

81

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

pinkerton99 t1_iua0cqi wrote

I like Ricotti's, but I think Sandwich Hut or Italian Corner has to take top spot for grinders.

Probably could use a category for chowder (Aunt Carrie's) and hot dogs (Olneyville NY system) as well.

35

HeWhoIsNotMe t1_iua8xvw wrote

Sandwich Hut> Ricotti's

Sam's > Olneyville NY System

3

Relli_8 t1_iub6e76 wrote

Yesss def agree with Sam’s! Also Dee’s Deli in Cranston has great Italian grinders!

3

Distinct-Ad5751 t1_iuab3bj wrote

Sakura on Wickendon is the BEST Japanese in the state.

Millers Roast Beef in EP is better than Walt’s.

26

pvdchicken19 t1_iuad2dl wrote

Portuguese: O Dinis - EP

22

Llilbuddha422 t1_iubgv1b wrote

Portuguese restaurants in RI seem to be the fucking best😭

8

THEMrBurke t1_iud4f6g wrote

Fall River is where it's at for portugese food. And portugalia marketplace is tits.

9

OldTimeyFapGhost420 t1_iudzz67 wrote

The ultimate two ethnic market bang bang is Portugalia and the Oriental Food Market. It's about a half mile away at the corner of Quarry and Quequechan. I consider it sacrilegious to hit one and not the other.

3

saucyB52 t1_iuboynd wrote

all my life i always hurd portugeise beitleguise

wats the best proortuguise dish

2

mommy2boy t1_iuhycvr wrote

ODINIS is beyond overrated, I never understood the hype. I’d eat at any other Portuguese restaurant than the there to be honest

1

LibraryGoddess t1_iuah9ru wrote

For grinders, I'd say J's Deli in Smithfield

19

sargew00tles t1_iubof2s wrote

I second J's. I work up the road, so I'm here a lot; their grinders are always awesome, and their desserts are pretty good too.

5

ghostpepperlover t1_iuatuxo wrote

Basic and well priced Italian - Uncle Tony’s.

17

LickLickLickBite t1_iub2cg7 wrote

Indian: Rasoi - Pawtucket

13

citrus_mystic t1_iubwqtr wrote

I can’t jive with Rasoi because their naan has no flavor. I live close by and got some naan on a whim and the only one with flavor was the ginger honey, and even then it was lacking. The pesto on their pesto naan tasted like nothing. I don’t even understand how you can make pesto that tastes like nothing.

3

Cash50911 t1_iua5al7 wrote

Crazy burger is the most overrated restaurant in all of history. The rest of the list is rather on point.

12

MelanieB13190 t1_iuapi4b wrote

Yes and IDK if it’s still like this but it used to be sooooo dusty inside, on the ceiling. It turned me off for good. Sorry if I sound bitchy :/

4

HighPlainsDrifting OP t1_iubeke9 wrote

Hah. Yeah, not the best well kept joint, but an interesting dive nonetheless. They do have a pretty cool outdoor patio area with a cover now, I dont now how long its been since your last visit.

1

HighPlainsDrifting OP t1_iua61nz wrote

Lol what! Don't think many people even know about it other than the local south county folk, yet the place often has a line out the door.

1

MikeMac999 t1_iu9z6ty wrote

Catanzaros make really great pizza

11

realitythreek t1_iua8qsg wrote

What do you get there that you like? I’ve tried them a few times and was never impressed. I’m curious what I’m missing because I hear regularly that they’re great.

4

MikeMac999 t1_iuak9o9 wrote

I’m a big fan of their marguerita pizza, and my wife loves a white pizza with portabello & sautéed onion.

3

realitythreek t1_iuankpq wrote

The portabello and onion pizza sounds pretty good. I’ll try that next. :)

2

HighPlainsDrifting OP t1_iuax4ct wrote

I havent gotten everything off the menu but everything that I have was excellent, right down to their salads. Their wings are also verrry good. My pizza there is a large pepperoni with balsamic glaze. If im feeling it ill add spinach. Its bomb.

2

HighPlainsDrifting OP t1_iuax59i wrote

I havent gotten everything off the menu but everything that I have was excellent, right down to their salads. Their wings are also verrry good. My pizza there is a large pepperoni with balsamic glaze. If im feeling it ill add spinach.

1

jma7400 t1_iub4e3u wrote

Mikes kitchen in Cranston is one of my favorites for good inexpensive Italian food.

8

Syncope7 t1_iuappu7 wrote

Crazy Burger is crazy overrated. I enjoyed going there before Guy Fieri put it on the map.

7

DerajtheOrc t1_iubr055 wrote

When I went it was 11 bucks for a mid cheeseburger a couple years ago. Never understood the hype

2

OceanicLemur t1_iub2z2c wrote

Dee’s Deli in Cranston gets my vote for grinders

7

BeeJamBlues t1_iubk6cm wrote

Some of my big favorites--

Grinders: Dee's Deli (Cranston), Sandwich Hut (Providence), Gansett Wraps (Westerly)

Deli (besides grinders): D. Palmeri (Johnston)

Indian: Not Just Snacks (Providence) is gem-status to me, although India (Prov), Masala (Warwick), and Curryland (Newport) are also consistently good.

Caribbean: El Ninja (Providence), La Gran Parada (Providence)

Native American Fusion: Willie's Place (South Kingstown)

BBQ/Burger: Ohana Burger (Coventry), Gotta Q (Cumberland)

Slider Burger: Harry's Burger (Providence, College Hill location)

Brunch: Mesa (Cranston), Burgundian (Attleboro)

Baklava: Aleppo Sweets (Providence)

Date night: Mare Rooftop (Providence)

Ice Cream: Three Sisters (Providence), Brickleys (Wakefield)

Vegan/Dairy free ice cream: Like No Udder (Providence)

Celiac-safe: Blackies (Smithfield), 110 Grill (Providence)

7

rocketmonkeys t1_iubt3fb wrote

Not just snacks, so good! Close to what I used to get in California.

And for ice cream have you tried Clementines? Their texture/taste is amazing. Brickleys is good local stuff, but clementines is something else.

8

FunLife64 t1_iudaf8c wrote

I still can’t wrap my head around a place called “not just snacks” a) being a restaurant b) being an Indian restaurant

They are probably missing so much business because of this name.

3

rocketmonkeys t1_iudgnsz wrote

For real, it's a crazy confusing/misleading name. Even better; they run a spices/imported foods minimart across the street named... "Not just spices". They do like a theme :)

But IMO they have the best "traditional" (i.e. what I've come to expect from american indian food, no idea if it's authentic) Indian food in the area that I've tried. Very no-frills, but very good.

2

Cryptocashionaire t1_iub7o1b wrote

You sound like someone who should check out RI food fights. They offer vouchers for free food across the state each month that such as wings, sandwiches, & pizza. It's helped me find a lot of hidden gems in RI too. It's a great place to be if you're a foodie.

5

FluffusMaximus t1_iubgqmd wrote

Pizza: Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana - Wakefield

5

TzarKazm t1_iua7tcs wrote

My favorite fried chicken is Localz in portsmouth. Favorite fancy restaurant is Bouchard in Newport. Favorite fried seafood is Blount in Warren.

4

wormholeweapons t1_iuatj49 wrote

Fancy: Gracie’s.

Bouchard are elitist assholes who are out of touch with reality. Food is top notch and all, but the service and business model is utter dog shit. I’m never into being treated like crap and as a second class citizen as a paying customer.

Gracie’s food is as good if not better and the service and staff are always utterly amazing and engaging.

7

TzarKazm t1_iuau6zh wrote

Huh, I have never tried Gracie's. Where is it? I have also never felt treated poorly at Bouchard, but I'm still always looking for good food.

1

wormholeweapons t1_iuaydxi wrote

It’s a high end in downtown prov. Try them. As good as the food is the service is even better.

The thing with Bouchard is I’ve gone a number of times and while the food is great. The attitude from servers. When making reservations. Just overall. Yeah no. I just can’t when you act like you are La Bernadin or TFL. You are in Newport. And treating someone like they aren’t worth your time on a random Wednesday evening in December just leaves such a sour taste it’s a perma “hell no” to me. YMMV

6

Ashby238 t1_iuaey0a wrote

B & B Burgers and Breakfast in Westerly is excellent for both. Really excellent.

4

YodaHead t1_iubdzgy wrote

Pasquale's Pizza (New York or Neapolitan) in South Kingstown is solid.

Sandwich Hut is legit

4

rocketmonkeys t1_iubspv2 wrote

And across the street at Neopolis they make gelato, amazing stuff. Try the raspberry cheesecake or hazelnut.

2

mydrivec t1_iuc3p89 wrote

Best pizza in the state? Fellini's

Best bakery made pizza? Depetrillo's

Newport Restaurant Group - any of their places are a consistently great experience for both food and service.

Lucky Dog Tavern is my current favorite if you can score reservations

Had dinner this evening at CAV in Providence. Amazing food, service, and a very unique atmosphere!

Hot wieners? NY System but Olneyville NYS is still tops.

4

MaarkNuutt t1_iu9yi0o wrote

Man, Ricottis isn’t the same as it used to be. They went under new management or owners or something a few years ago and the sandwiches just aren’t as good, which is disappointing because I loved it there.

Used to get a pastrami and cheese with hot pepper sauce and it was amazing, but after the new owners it just isn’t as good.

3

wormholeweapons t1_iuatbjw wrote

The old owners are friends/neighbors. They retired and sold it. I will say overall the sandwiches are relatively unchanged. The new guy orders the same products and such. Maybe just not as much love in it perhaps.

5

buddhamanjpb t1_iub5vyb wrote

They were solid for a long time, but after Covid they started using cheaper ingredients and it's just not the same as it used to be.

3

HighPlainsDrifting OP t1_iua5nwm wrote

Oh I did not know that, what a shame!

2

str8dwn t1_iuaiscl wrote

There’s also one in Bristol which hasn’t seemed to changed. Turkey special for the win.

3

seaboardist t1_iud2sbq wrote

I’ve always liked the one in Bristol – I would go all the time for their egg salad.

But during the first wave of COVID, they stopped doing egg salad … if they’ve brought it back, I’d be back in a flash! I should check.

No matter what they’re serving, they were always very nice, and a pleasure to see.

1

Doombuggie41 t1_iuaoila wrote

Family still lives in RI and visit several times a year. Live in NY now after being on the west coast. Travel often for work. RI has excellent good food density. Much better than any of the other New England States, especially Boston.

​

>Seafood: Ye Old Fish n Chips - Woonsocket

This place is a gem and elite.

>Chinese American: Jackie's Galaxy - Bristol

Ughhh no. Luke's Inn up the road, much better. There has to be somewhere better in Providence too, right?

Italian: Pomodoro, Bristol. Best Italian and not on federal hill

Seafood: Blouts, Warren (seasonal). Great seafood

Burgers: Chomp, Warren. Only RI burger I enjoy, there may be more though.

Hispanic: Los Andes - Prov. <-- hardest type of good food to find in ri imo

Chicken: Wright's farm, North Smithfield. Religious experience. Bring your kids.

Hot Dogs: NY System, Spikes, and Eats (seekonk, just over border) are all world class.

Brunch: T's, EG, maybe more nostolgic for me, but a T's mug is the only RI food history I own. Well, that and a novelty bottle of coffee syrup.

3

TheBeeGuy25 t1_iuaus75 wrote

For your Chicken, Wright's Farm is in Burrillville. Wright's Dairy Farm in Bakery is in North Smithfield. If your looking for Desert Wright's Diary Farm is the place.

7

dotknott t1_iub9aqy wrote

I think they opened a second ice cream shop too.. one at the farm, another at the farm fresh ri place on sims ave in pvd

4

TheBeeGuy25 t1_iue5gsh wrote

Yes, they did, they also have one in Bristol, but it's closed for the season.

1

HighPlainsDrifting OP t1_iuatxuu wrote

Been to Luke's a few times also. Very good. Agree with everything you wrote that I've had actually, and im going to try this Pomodoro place!

1

subtle_likeatrex t1_iucolx9 wrote

Blount's Clam Shack on the water is seasonal, but the market on the same street has the full menu available year-round. FYI!

1

wormholeweapons t1_iuatwb2 wrote

I love Ye Olde for anything fried and their FnC is hands down the best. But for seafood as a whole? Well I can think of a metric ton of other methods to prepare seafood that Ye Olde just does not do.

Fried seafood Ye Olde 1, Blount 2.

Seafood in general. That gets trickier. I’d argue Prov Oyster Bar or Matunuck do seafood the best with all the options and alternatives on top of having decent fried options too.

3

dotknott t1_iub9ev4 wrote

Ye Olde and their lack of clam cakes on Friday bugs me.

1

SharpCookie232 t1_iubqa0v wrote

lobster roll - Monahan's in Narragansett

ice cream - the Ice Cream Machine - Cumberland

cake - Wright's in North Smithfield

Mexican - Tallulah's Taqueria - Providence

steak tips - River Falls in Woonsocket

burger - Chomp in Warren

3

subtle_likeatrex t1_iucoz38 wrote

Hunky Dory in Warren is a don't miss when you're in Warren! House-made everything, tons of locally-sourced ingredients, incredible burgers and apps, plus they do Fried Chicken Sundays!

3

TheGloriousGimp t1_iub86bb wrote

Seafood in Woonsocket? Try anything in Newport like Benjamin’s or Midtown. Actual seafood that’s fresh and has quality.

2

HighPlainsDrifting OP t1_iubca67 wrote

  1. 100 years in business for a reason, trust me, its good. I've also lived near Galilee and have bought stuff right off the boats as they come in, for reference. Now THATS fresh lol, but I know good stuff when I taste it. Thanks for the suggestions in Newport where I admittedly have not ventured much.
2

TheGloriousGimp t1_iubdj7a wrote

Ahh I must try it then. Sorry I came off bias I was just shocked Newport hadn’t been brought up for seafood 😂 but yeah hidden gems are important I’m looking forward to trying some of these. Corner cafe has amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner in Newport that’s a must I recommend that for sure.

2

Llilbuddha422 t1_iubgrnn wrote

I would say iggies but I’m assuming you’ve already hit that spot being that you’ve been there for 38 years

2

HighPlainsDrifting OP t1_iubjav9 wrote

Oh yeah. My grandmother, rest her soul, owned a 6 bedroom monster of a house right on the water in Conimicut Point that has now since been turned into a B&B. Spent a lot of my formative years right in that water catching horseshoe crabs and clams. I was hitting iggys when Rocky Point was still an amusement park 🥴 but I kinda left out a few usual staples NY System/iggys and focused on a few favorites.

2

aly-moon t1_iubpq0t wrote

Latin American - terra luna in providence Noodles- pickerel in providence Both are so so good

2

nomolosddot t1_iud3bjp wrote

The ABSOLUTE best sandwiches hands down in Rhode Island are at The Provisioner New York Deli in North Kingstown. They will knock your socks off, they are so good.

2

itsallinthebag t1_iud7ag2 wrote

Doing a food tour of Warren alone will not disappoint. So underrated. So many delicious high quality options. Metacom kitchen, revival, (our two favorites for a really nice dinner) square peg, Bywater, hunky dory, chomp, rhody roots, then the classics like Blount and rods grille. Water-dog and trafford are pretty good too.

2

continue_Banca_3223 t1_iudrk1h wrote

Colombian food: El Paisa on Dexter S in Pawtucket, the first Hispanic Restaurant that opened in RI in the late 70s or early 80s. Shakira ate at this restaurant once when she was about to blow up as a global superstar. Hillary Clinton had an event here. In fact, people would come from Boston and other places to eat here in the early years. My first visit was in 1998. People would line up to eat here. Other Colombian restaurants started popping up. Still, El Paisa arepas are the most authentic. The actual owner and chef is now in a nursing home and the restaurant has been passed down to his daughter. still very good. 100% Colombian Family.

El Antojo (new management) is small in size. But an excellent little place to go for me to read if I don't want to be around too many people. These family also owns El Montanero Caffee. 100% Colombian Family

La Casona: Not bad, but more Americanized; their arepas are not good. A mix of flowers and corn and their coffee isn't good. The restaurant's design is charming. The owner is Colombian he does the deliveries. Sits in the dinning room from time to time.

Los Andes: Peruvian and Bolivian cuisine. Excellent. Own by brothers . One of the brothers is the chef. Family Owned.

For Sushi: Haruki in Cranston and Haruki East Prov.

Italian Food: Ioncelli in Cranston. Our governor eats here!

2

saucyB52 t1_iubp4cu wrote

Im tellin u The Place in Wickford makes really good sangwitches

its all low key too, in the fancy wickford, its just a whole in the wall

1

Civil-Crew-1611 t1_iubqhe9 wrote

Luigi’s Italian Deli in Johnston is amazing!!

Vicente’s in Pawtucket for CV food

1

Cultural_Reporter_18 t1_iuc1q61 wrote

Sandwiches- J's Deli-Smithfield

Thai- Bangkok Republic-Johnston

1

silverhammer96 t1_iuc2f8h wrote

Indian: many say Rasoi but I live by India on Hope St

1

AleutianMegaThrust t1_iucu8ve wrote

Pawtucket house for anything but their calzones are om another planet

1

401jamin t1_iucyclv wrote

Red bridge has new owners. Food is not as good as it was before. Overly salty.

Italian corner over ricottis

1

g1ng3rbreadMan t1_iud4pf8 wrote

Deli: Pauly Penta’s (North Providence) Deli: Natale’s (East Greenwich) Vegetarian: Garden Grille (Pawtucket) Deli: Tony’s Colonial (Providence) Modern American: Persimmon (Providence) Mexican: Dolores (Providence) Italian: Sarto (Providence) Middle Eastern: Kaza Maza (Johnston) Korean: Sura (Johnston) Italian: Rigatoni’s (Warwick)

1

kristym9 t1_iud54wm wrote

Bella Restaurant in Glendale is exquisite IMO my fave dish there is either the linguini with clams or the chicken marsala

1

K-Ty t1_iudn0qa wrote

As a native Korean, I have to say that the only authentic Korean food I’ve ever had here in RI has been Sun and Moon korean restaurant; though I’ve only sampled that and a few places within providence. Everything else I’ve had has been overpriced and flavourless!!

1

kiki_lemur t1_iudw383 wrote

Go to Dave's Supermarket and get some bakery pizza :)

1

airbag11 t1_iuee1jp wrote

This post came at a perfect time, me and my SO we’re hungry and in Warwick. We had breakfast at Mesa in Cranston. It was delicious! Our server was a wing nut but service is sketchy these days!

1

Mister_Havoc t1_iubcpl9 wrote

Marchettis in Cranston for Italian

0