Dining Guide

10 Must-Try New Restaurants

Grab a fork and dig into some of the newest, tastiest restaurants in the state

East Side Monthly Magazine ·

Persimmon
In their recent move from Bristol to Providence, Persimmon not only got a bigger interior but also an even bigger menu. Enjoy award-winning dishes of bouillabaisse, gnocchi, fish or lamb in preparations that change with the seasons. 99 Hope Street, Providence. 401-432-7422, PersimmonRI.com

Massimo
Massimo’s Chef Joe takes on contemporary dishes from all over Italy and preps them perfectly for Rhode Island, like their signature Fettuccine alla Carbonara and Fig and Gorgonzola Pizza. Their wines even come from small boutique Italian wineries, and can’t be found anywhere else locally. 134 Atwells Avenue, Providence. 401-273-0650, MassimoRI.com

The Slow Rhode
Good things come in small packages, and that includes dinner. Inspired by Southern cuisine, The Slow Rhode specializes in smaller dishes that are bursting with flavor and are easy to share, like their Crawfish Beignets or their seriously spicy Hot Fried Chicken. 425 West Fountain Street, Providence. Facebook.com/TheSlowRhode

Frankie’s Italian Bistro
If you think Federal Hill has the market cornered on Italian food then you clearly haven’t been to Frankie’s in North Kingstown yet. From the same owners at Pat’s Italian in Johnston, Frankie’s serves up home style Italian just like mama used to make. And like mama, they’ve got a few culinary tricks up their sleeve. 1051 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown. 401-295-2500, FrankiesItalianBistro.com

Wara Wara
Besides a scrumptious palette of ramen and curries, make sure you try out a traditional Japanese breakfast or an Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake with all kinds of seafood in it. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with a Green Tea Molten Lava Cake. 776 Hope Street, Providence. 401-831-9272, WaraWaraRI.com

Statesman Tavern
Paying homage to the centuries-old tavern tradition in Bristol, Statesman Tavern is a welcoming abode that’s all about hospitality. Their comfort food is adventurous – which sounds like an oxymoron, but makes sense once you sink your teeth into some Butter Poached Monkfish or a classic Bacon Double Cheeseburger. 31 State Street, Bristol. 401-396-5115, StatesmanTavern.com

Post Office Cafe
The new Post Office Café is better than ever. Consider the Duck Fat Popped Popcorn, or the crispy Point Judith Calamari, Federal Hill style. The funky cocktails are also a must-try, especially the green apple cinnamon bourbon. 11 Main Street, East Greenwich. 401-885-4444, PostOfficeCafeRI.com

Mary Murphy’s
Mary Murphy’s is your neighborhood Irish pub that, according to their menu, “came about over many pints.” Modern, ambient atmosphere, generous portions of classic Irish dishes and a huge draft beer selection make this pub the perfect place to enjoy many pints. 333 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-788-9400, MaryMurphys.com

Winner Winner
You can’t go wrong with chicken, and Winner Winner is all about chicken: fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, chicken tenders and more. They’ve got seasonal sides as well, and they’re a BYOB establishment. What more could you ask for? 677 Thames Street, Newport. 401-848-2449, WinnerWinnerNPT.com 

Avvio
We love our Italian food here in Rhode Island, and Avvio is another great option for anyone craving great Italian dishes. Made using fresh New England ingredients, their Neapolitan pizzas, mouth-watering pasta and wood-fired grilled steaks and seafood are to die for. 90 Hillside Road, Cranston. 401-942-2900, AvvioRistorante.com 

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