10 of the Best Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island

Delicious and eclectic restaurants abound here, so head to Providence for big city flavor at small city prices.

By: Kassondra Cloos

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Photo By: N. Millard/GoProvidence.com

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Kleos

Providence is often overshadowed by Boston, its much-bigger cousin about an hour to the north. But it shouldn’t be. With world-class art and culinary institutions within walking distance of Broadway-calibre shows, centuries-old colonial neighborhoods and the waterfront, options abound in this walkable city. A stop that should be first on your list is Kleos, a chic spot in downtown Providence that's as perfect for casual dinner as it is for a date or special night out. You'll find authentic Greek cuisine and everything on the menu is delicious, but make sure you don't miss out on the Saganaki Kleos, a combination of kasseri and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough and doused with honey and the Tsatziki Tower featuring fried eggplant and zucchini chips served with the classic yogurt and cucumber Greek dip is the perfect way to start your meal.

Ogie's Trailer Park in Providence, Rhode Island

Nestled in a mostly residential neighborhood, off the beaten downtown path, you’ll find Ogie’s Trailer Park. This hip spot is a great place to grab cocktails or comfort food from Granny Boo's kitchen at the end of a day of travel. Ogie’s has a mod, groovy vibe and is complete with an outdoor patio decorated with RV and trailer parts. Be sure to order the mac & cheese croquettes with "Bloody Mary-Nara" sauce.

Xaco Taco

Xaco Taco makes its tortillas by hand every day, and you can taste the difference in their carefully crafted tacos. Aside from being delicious, it's also a great place to go if you're on a budget: tacos are $2 a piece during the twice-daily happy hours every afternoon and late evening. Make sure you try the fried avocado, al pastor and beef shortrib barbacoa. Save room for churro doughnuts, too.

PVDonuts

When it comes to donuts in Providence, there are two teams to be on—and neither of them, these days, is Dunkin. PVDonuts and Knead Doughnuts have each landed their own cult followings, and for good reason. At PVDonuts, on the East Side of Providence, it’s all about the toppings, which change monthly. In April, for example, the selection includes Maple Chai, Cadbury Creme, Coffee Milk and Loaded Rocky Road. Plan to spend some time if you’re coming in the morning during donut rush hour—it’s a small shop and their doughnuts are in such high demand, the line often snakes out the door and around the corner.

Knead Doughnuts

Like PVDonuts, Knead Doughnuts has its own well-deserved cult following. Here, the flavor’s less about wild toppings and it’s all in the cake doughnut base. You’ll find flavors here like matcha chocolate chip cookie, brown butter pecan and banana coffee cake.

North

North's ever-changing menu is always full of surprises. Where else would you find squid pancakes or roasted beet tartare? Everything at this Asian fusion restaurant is worth trying, so bring friends and order a bunch of small plates for sharing. North is connected to The Dean, a former gentleman's club that has recently been renovated into Providence's coolest hotel.

Rebelle Artisan Bagels

If you are of the mind that the only good bagels are in New York, Rebelle Artisan Bagels may change your opinion. This bagel joint in the Hope neighborhood gets creative with specials like beet bagels and honey miso garlic cream cheese, though you can’t go wrong no matter which bagel and schmear you choose.

Los Andes

Los Andes may be tucked away from the busiest, most-visited parts of Providence, but it's undoubtedly one of New England’s best restaurants. The Peruvian dishes here are creative and packed with flavor, and served in heaping portions, so you won’t leave hungry. You can’t make a bad choice, but the best options are usually the daily specials. Call ahead or make a reservation if you can; this former locals' secret has skyrocketed in popularity.

Mokban

Mokban Korean Bistro is an airy restaurant right in the heart of downtown Providence. Lunch here is an exceptionally good deal: classic Korean meals like bibimbap and beef bulgogi come with several small side dishes to really fill you up, and they're all under $14. Especially during lunchtime, seats by Mokban's huge front windows make this an excellent place for people-watching with Providence's historic architecture as a backdrop. Bonus: tipping is included here.

Rooftop at the Providence G

One thing Providence is sadly short on is rooftop restaurants. But the Rooftop at the Providence G—which is a bit hidden unless you’re looking for it—delivers. Grab a cocktail at either the indoor or outdoor seating areas seven stories up, where you’ll find a fantastic view of the city and its well-preserved historic architecture. This includes a close-up of the higher floors of Providence’s most iconic building, the Art Deco "Superman Building" built in 1928 and Rhode Island's tallest building.

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Providence

10 of the Best Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island

Related To:

Shop This Look

Kleos

Ogie's Trailer Park in Providence, Rhode Island

Xaco Taco

PVDonuts

Knead Doughnuts

North

Rebelle Artisan Bagels

Los Andes

Mokban

Rooftop at the Providence G

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