You will find a vibrant and diverse food scene that offers something for everyone in Providence County. The city of Providence is known for its creative chefs, innovative cuisine, and a variety of international flavors. However, there is so much more to the food scene in this county.
This county offers a dynamic and exciting food scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From classic New England seafood to international flavors and creative farm-to-table cuisine, there's something for everyone. Here are a few favorites from each of the many communities within Providence county.
You might be surprised to know this, but Providence’s restaurant scene is widely regarded as one “the best” dining destinations in the U.S.
In 2012, Travel & Leisure Magazine rated Providence as the “#1 Food City” in the United States. A few restaurants in particular, such as Oberlin and North, have been recognized by Bon Appetit Magazine and other publications as top-rated across the U.S.
There are too many dining and bar options in Providence to list, but here are a few “hotspot” neighborhoods where you’ll find more than enough food & drink fun.
Burrillville restaurants & Night Life
This county offers a dynamic and exciting food scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From classic New England seafood to international flavors and creative farm-to-table cuisine, there's something for everyone. Here are a few favorites from each of the many communities within Providence county.
Food spots to check out in Burrillville:
Central Falls restaurants & Night Life
The restaurant scene in Central Falls truly highlights the diversity of the city. Here you’ll find some of the most authentic ethnic spots in the Providence metro area. It’s a hot-spot for Latin restaurants of all kinds, from Colombian to Salvadoran to Mexican.
Food spots to check out in Central Falls:
Cranston restaurants & Night Life
As the third largest city in Rhode Island, Cranston has one of the hottest dining scenes in the state. Numerous restaurants open here every year and there are hundreds— literally! — of local staples that attract crowds of regulars and travelers. You’ll find fine dining options like Twin Oaks and Cucina Rustica, to casual yet refined places like Fresco, 39 West, and Avvio.
Food spots to check out in Cranston:
Cumberland restaurants & Night Life
Cumberland offers quite a few “owner-run” restaurants with a focus on local food and fresh ingredients. You have a great ice cream spot during the summers, an award-winning barbeque restaurant, popular bistros, family-friendly diners, and more.
Food spots to check out in Cumberland:
East Providence restaurants & Night Life
East Providence has quite a large selection of restaurants and bars to choose from. Whether you’re looking for ethnic food, American fare, or anything in-between. There are also nightclubs and entertainment venues many Rhode Islanders travel to visit. Take a look out our list below for highlighted spots.
Food spots to check out in East Providence:
Edgewood restaurants & Night Life
Food spots to check out in Edgewood:
Foster restaurants & Night Life
The restaurant scene in Foster is mainly country-style dining with a few options for authentic Italian, Traditional American, and lunch spots.
Food spots to check out in Foster:
Glocester restaurants & Night Life
Most of Glocester’s dining spots are found along Route 44, especially in the villages of Chepachet and Harmony. You have a good range of choices for a small town area, including several pizza shops, taverns, lodge-style dining, and breakfast diners.
Food spots to check out in Glocester:
Johnston restaurants & Night Life
Johnston is one of the towns around Providence that actually has its own dining scene. Due primarily to the strong Italian-American community, you’ll find excellent Italian restaurants here, plus a good range of American and ethnic foods. Besides dining on Federal Hill, the next best area to hit for authentic Italian food is Johnston. Hands down.
Food spots to check out in Johnston:
Lincoln restaurants & Night Life
The dining and nightlife scene in Lincoln is largely influenced by Bally's Twin River Lincoln. People travel from all over the state (and out of state) to Twin River. And for residents, it’s a very convenient and fun way to spend a night out. If you’re looking for an award-winning dining experience, try Fred & Steve's Steak House or for something a little more relaxed, there is Wicked Good Bar & Grill.
Food spots to check out in Lincoln:
North Providence restaurants & Night Life
The nice thing about living in North Providence is that you get two dining destinations at once. Providence is only minutes away, along with all of its renowned restaurants. Plus, you have plenty of options in your own neighborhood. North Providence has a fantastic selection of authentic Italian restaurants, bakeries, pizza joints, and cafes.
Food spots to check out in North Providence:
North Smithfield restaurants & Night Life
North Smithfield’s restaurant scene is heavily centered around the village of Slatersville (with the exception of a few standout establishments). Very popular spots include Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery and The Beef Barn. Both of these places are well-known throughout the Rhode Island “foodie scene” as must-visit destination spots. Plus, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and more to explore in town.
Food spots to check out in North Smithfield :
Pawtucket restaurants & Night Life
Pawtucket’s dining and nightlife scene may get overshadowed by Providence, but people who live here have plenty of options (and Providence is right down the street). Hot spots for great restaurants are Mineral Spring Avenue and Newport Avenue. Or by neighborhood, you can check out places like Woodlawn (right over the Providence line) and downtown Pawtucket.
We’d be remiss not mentioning at least a few “classic” local spots! For breakfast, definitely check out Modern Diner for their historic train car restaurant and hometown atmosphere. Then stop by the Garden Grille for a vegetarian or vegan treat (don’t knock it till you try it!) And finally, grab a spot at the ever-popular Rasoi for an Indian dish you won’t believe. For the after-dinner crowd, go to Murphy’s Law to watch a sports game or shoot pool!
Food spots to check out in Pawtucket:
Pawtuxet Village restaurants & Night Life
There are some highly-rated restaurants in Pawtuxet Village. Try The Shanty which serves seafood and pub fare. You should also visit the cafes and bakeries in the area. Here are some of our favorites.
Food spots to check out in North Smithfield :
Scituate restaurants & Night Life
Scituate has its local watering holes and restaurants that are worth visiting. Stop by Howards Chowder Shack during the summertime for RI-style favorites like clam chowder, fried clam bellies, and oyster po’boys. For breakfast, you’ll find Cindy’s Diner always packed and bustling. It has a nostalgic, 1950’s interior and atmosphere that adds to the great meal and service. Finally, for one of the best meals in town, definitely try the Corner Bistro for their authentic, country-style cooking.
Food spots to check out in Scituate:
Smithfield restaurants & Night Life
What’s one of the highlights of living in or around Smithfield? This area has a legitimate dining scene! Between Smithfield, Lincoln, Johnston, and nearby North Providence, you have incredible options (particularly for Italian cuisine). You can find fine dining, lunch cafes, taverns, diners, delis, bakeries, and more all within a 10-mile radius.
Food spots to check out in Smithfield :
Woonsocket restaurants & Night Life
Woonsocket is the center of attention for dining and nightlife in the northern part of Rhode Island and surrounding Massachusetts towns. You’ll find many different styles of food & drink along the Blackstone River and historic downtown district. Three restaurants in particular have been serving Woonsocket for decades (or longer!) — Patriots Diner, River Falls Restaurant, and Chan’s Fine Oriental Cuisine. If you’re thinking about moving to the area and want to get a feel for the locals or see a good show, these are the places to explore, hang out, and meet people.
Food spots to check out in Woonsocket:
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