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Avvio This eatery is ideal for those in need of a backdrop for their special occasion – anniversary, spouse’ s birthday, or just a date night to say,“ I love you.” The Italian-forward menu can satisfy all appetites. Cranston, avvioristorante. com
Birch & Bay From fresh seafood classics to delectable shareables, find the perfect pairing with specialty cocktails, craft beer and boutique wines. The rooftop bar transports guests to a tropical destination. Wakefield, birchandbayri. com
Main Sail Kitchen Contemporary American coastal cuisine serving fresh-caught local seafood. The patio and covered porch make for great outdoor dining. East Greenwich, mainsailkitchen. com
Perro Salado Delicious Latin American dishes served in a maze-like, historic home. Newport, perrosalado. com
Destination Date Night
Fleming’ s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Celebrate a special occasion with an exceptional Prime steak and robust wine. Providence, flemingssteakhouse. com
Circe Restaurant and Bar Enjoy charcuterie boards, seafood and Italian-style entrees in a sleek and elegant atmosphere. Providence, East Greenwich and Cranston, circerestaurantbar. com
Bellini The 1940s downtown glamour has a menu to match, so start with the steak tartare, following the baked tagliolini with creamy bechamel, Parmesan and smoked ham. Providence, bellinirestaurant. com / providence
Gracie’ s Relish an ever-changing, three-course seasonal menu at this intimate restaurant. Just don’ t forget to leave some room for dessert! Providence, graciesprov. com
FOR EVEN MORE LOVIN’: Mill’ s Tavern, Cafe Nuovo or Palo in Providence, The Mooring or the Dining Room at The Vanderbilt in Newport, or Safehouse in East Greenwich.
Dress in your finest, grab your other half and head to any one of these spots for a romantic rendezvous in the Ocean State.
India Restaurant Think: Sparkling decor and creative, flavorful Indian dishes that will add some spice to your life. Enjoy summer patio dining. Providence, indiarestaurant. com
Los Andes Woo your date with authentic Peruvian and Bolivian appetizers, entrees and fun cocktails like the pisco sour. Providence, losandesri. com
Basta This award-winning Italian restaurant invites guests to enjoy casual elegance, featuring artisan Neapolitan pizzas, an internationally influenced menu and flavorful wine offerings. When the weather is right, sit out on the terrazza. Cranston, bastaonbroad. com
Pat’ s Italian Restaurant This spot offers authentic Italian eats, specializing in elevated comfort food. Coventry, Johnston, Cumberland and Warwick, patsitalian. com
CAV Just imagine: Crystal chandeliers above, East Asian antiques all around, duck confit on your plate. A breathtaking restaurant perfect for date night. Providence, cavrestaurant. com
AN ODE TO FEDERAL HILL
A massive archway welcomes you to what we locals call,“ The Hill” or“ Little Italy” in Providence’ s West End. You may think a pineapple hangs from its center( don’ t worry, even longtime residents make this mistake), but it’ s actually a pinecone.“ La Pigna” symbolized( and still does to this day) abundance and quality to the Italian immigrants who populated The Hill in the early 1900s. Lively, welcoming and full of old-world charm, Federal Hill is still home to a number of delicious, authentic Italian restaurants, including Andino’ s, Angelo’ s, Camille’ s, Caserta Pizzeria, Massimo and Pane e Vino. But if you’ re not in the mood for red sauce, The Hill also features a diverse array of flavors from the likes of Wally’ s Wieners, Nami, Don Jose Tequilas, Harry’ s Bar & Burger and Providence Oyster Bar. Providence, federalhillprov. com
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
Al fresco is the way to go on a sunny day in the Ocean State.
Blu on the Water From crab cakes and calamari to Baja fish tacos and pan-roasted mahi mahi, it’ s only right to order the fresh, delivered-daily seafood along the lively marina. Open from late April to late September. East Greenwich, bluonthewater. com
Waterdog The elegant fireplaces and minimalist chandeliers at Waterdog give the room a historic New England charm, but fun details like a hand-painted mural and floral wallpaper add a more modern vibe. Warren, waterdogkitchen. com
Coast Guard House Originally built as a Coast Guard station in the 1800s, this spot off Ocean Road offers beautiful views of the water. Dine on the back patio to really take it all in. Narragansett, thecoastguardhouse. com
Mare The outdoor rooftop seating at Mare has tables, high tops, comfy couches and cityscape views. Order Italian-inspired seafood dishes like the frutti di mare with marinara. Providence, marerooftop. com
Matunuck Oyster Bar Matunuck Oyster Bar’ s tented dining area invites seafood lovers to sip craft cocktails and slurp down oysters overlooking Potter Pond. Matunuck Atelier on Tower Hill Road features a menu of refined farm-to-table fare. Wakefield, rhodyoysters. com
Oberlin The instantly Instagram-able dishes from Oberlin are all made with local seafood and produce. The restaurant is located next to its sister restaurant Gift Horse. Providence, oberlinrestaurant. com
The Lobster Pot While taking in the waterfront scenery, fill up on stuffed lobster or stacked burgers throughout the night. Start with delicious apps like fried clams and jumbo lump crab cakes. Bristol, lobsterpotri. com
SEE ALSO: Ocean Mist in Wakefield, Hot Club in Providence and The Reef in Newport.
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY’ S NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE l 2026 17