Rhode Island is a small but mighty state. But out of all it has to offer, I do have a favorite feature: the #diversity. Providence has continuously proved itself as the perfect spot to find the international taste a foodie may be looking for. With such a diverse group of people from so many different places in the world, there’s a restaurant for everyone!
Designate seven different meals to each of these restaurants, and you’ll be amazed by all the different types of flavors and aromas you experience.
FOR WHEN YOU’RE CRAVING INDIAN SPICE: INDIA RESTAURANT
What is there not to love about Indian cuisine? There is something about the heat of the spices and the intense flavor that can warm up any day. India Restaurant is the perfect spot for finding comfort food. With just a quick trip to Hope Street, you find yourself in the presence of the best honey naan around and delicious mango chutney. If you’re in the mood for Korma, India Restaurant gives everyone the ability to indulge! Their gluten free and vegan options are almost as exciting as the $5 margaritas you can find every day at the bar in between 11am and 6pm (almost as exciting, I said). And, if that’s not enough, try attending their brunch and lunch buffets for the all-you-can-eat ultimate experience.
FOR WHEN YOU ARE DYING TO TASTE THE FLAVORS OF FRANCE: LOIE FULLERS
Loie Fullers is the perfect blend of art and ambiance and tasteful wines and flavorful beer. If you are in the mood for a bottle of white, their Jurassique Saumur Blanc is sure to please. Or maybe instead you’d like to get cozy with a Downeast Cider or Ginger Beer. Enjoy their spicy bouillabaisse with braised greens on a dinner date, and their full bar service during private events. With their interior design and painted was, you really will feel as though you are in the heart of France.
FOR WHEN YOU WANT THE BEST CEVICHE IN RHODE ISLAND: LOS ANDES
I’d be lying if I said that I’m not obsessed with Los Andes Peruvian and Bolivian menu. Described as “high energy” on their site, their small but lively lit-up bar is perfect for well-deserved night out. If you’re going with a large group of people, I’d recommend starting with the Ceviche Tasting. Not a seafood superfan? Their Chicharron adds a nice flare to the classic dish.
FOR WHEN THE ONLY THING ON YOUR MIND IS AUTHENTIC PUB FOOD: COUNTY CORK IRISH PUB
Now I may be cheating a little bit with this one, but the short drive from Providence to Warwick is worth it. County Cork Irish Pub is the perfect small saloon to experience authentic Irish cuisine. Located on the water, this casual dining spot is ideal for a summer-time lunch. Their Fish and Chips are coated with Guinness Batter, and their Guinness Irish Stew is incomparable. Their menu is on the smaller side; however, their quality-over-quantity strategy is most definitely working since they have successfully mastered all dishes on their menu.
FOR WHEN YOU WHEN YOU WANT A LITTLE ITALY EXPERIENCE: CASSARINO’S RESTAURANT
Cassarino’s Restaurant is the perfect at-home taste of Italy. Located on Federal Hill, Cassarino’s has been serving authentic Italian meals for over 30 years. They have so many options here: a lunch menu, a dinner menu, a list of white wines and champagnes, a list of red wines, and an assortment of deserts. Their highlight, though, is their 3 Course Prefixed Menu on Sunday’s. You can get an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert all for just $34.95 a person! One more amazing plus: Cassarino’s has managed to incorporate a gluten free menu to accommodate all Italian-loving foodies!
FOR A MEDITERRANEAN STAY-CATION: FIGIDINI
You don’t have to go very far to get a true Mediterranean experience. In fact, you only have to go to the figidini Wood Fire Eatery on Washington Street. Figidini specializes in serving the freshest food possible. The source from local grass and seafood farms, only using quality and homegrown poultry and meats. To start, go the classic route and get green cerignola olives. To complete your Mediterranean experience, treat yourself to garlic and rosemary chicken or a prosciutto cotto pizza.
FOR A PORTUGUESE MEAL THAT TASTES LIKE IT WAS MADE ON THE ISLAND: MADEIRA RESTAURANT
Madeira Restaurant has been serving Portuguese cuisine and wine since 1987. With the large amounts of Portuguese persons in New England, there has to be a specialty place for them to get classic meals. Madeira Restaurant has stolen the title for the go-to local destination. If you need a friendly and warm-welcoming place to hold a meeting, school event, fundraiser, birthday part, or anniversary reception, Madeira Restaurant welcomes you with open arms and great service. Not only do they have specialty menu items like lobster mariscada, but they also have at-home favorites like caldo verde and bifana sandwiches. Madeira. But no matter how much you filled up on during dinner, be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with flan or a cup of arroz doce (
you will not regret it)!