FOOD AND DRINK

NEAPOLITAN-STYLE PIZZA: Anna’ s Vesuviano Anthony Giordano’ s wood-fired pizzas are an edible symbol of cultures colliding to create something incredibly delicious. The pizza shop is an homage to his grandmother, Nanianella“ Anna” Russo, with a showpiece wood-fired oven that makes magic out of sourdough and wheat flour, San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and fun toppings. Providence, annasvesuviano. com

NOTORIOUS P. I. Z. Z. A.: Pizza Mamma“ RHORI” cast member Alicia Carmody is the mind behind the brand and we’ re loving the playful touches she puts on pizza, from the boxes with notes from Mamma, the sassy staff uniforms and the pizza chip bouquets we’ d prefer over flowers any day. Cranston, pizzamamma. co

CELEBRATORY DESSERTS: The Perfect Sweet Whether you need a custom celebratory cake or just a sweet treat to get through the day, The Perfect Sweet is the perfect pit stop. Deck out your cake with a pile of the shop’ s signature macarons or opt for a chocolate explosions. Warren, theperfectsweet. com

BIRTHDAY CAKE: Pastiche Pastiche is the best of European baking( technique and beauty) and American enthusiasm( clouds of frosting and whipped cream). There are many places to get a birthday cake in the state but if you want someone to feel truly celebrated, this is the way to go. Providence, pastichefinedesserts. com

PIE: Babes Pie Co. Babes Pie Co. co-owners Mar Keller and Abby Lofberg do everything the hard way, including making pie crusts from scratch, creating and par-baking fillings like custards and jams, and crafting an entirely new menu each week. Pawtucket, babespieco. com

PORTUGUESE CAFE: Cafe Alma Feel a world away with a visit to this Azorean-style cafe where guests can sip both espresso drinks( try the pastel de nata latte complete with a sweet treat) and Portuguese wine and beer. East Providence, @ cafealmaep

SUPPER CLUB: The Blue Room Dinner and a show makes a comeback in Pawtuxet Village

where local jazz bands let loose in an energetic atmosphere filled with food and drink. Entertainment is usually booked Wednesday through Saturday nights, so be sure to snag a reservation as this cozy jazz bar usually packs the house. Cranston, theblueroom. com

SIKE!: Metacom Kitchen Chef Rick Allaire heard the public’ s call and reopened this beloved neighborhood restaurant with his wife after closing it in 2024. The freshest local seafood, farm produce and proteins make a comeback along with crowd favorite Mystery Mondays, a five-course blind tasting that’ s a hit with locals. Warren, metacom. kitchen

NAAN TACOS: Cinder The housemade flatbread at Cinder is a sturdy taco option for fillings like smoked chicken, smash burger, brisket, fried cod and vegetarian choices like tofu and cheesy potato, served with pickled red onion, cilantro and scallion, pineapple kimchi and / or siracha aioli. Westerly, cinderrestaurant. com

GREEK GRANDMA COOKING: Paula’ s Chef Panagiota“ Paula” Agganis puts her Greek heritage to the test at this swanky sometimes jazz bar on the West End, curating the best of ingredients and

turning them into housemade dips and flatbreads, gyros and handcrafted ice cream desserts. Providence, courtlandclub. com

COMMUNITY GATHER- ING SPOT: Sawyer’ s Like a modern-day general store, Sawyer’ s stocks a little bit of everything while hosting community gatherings and live jazz nights. Whether you want to grab lunch, stock up on farmers market produce, or sip a glass of wine with a friend, Sawyer’ s is a safe and charming bet that has it alll. Providence, sawyersmkt. com

BRAND EXPANSION: Maven’ s Jr. Now you can get the same familiar fare from Maven’ s Delicatessen in Pawtucket at its smaller late-night outpost on Thayer Street( and the RIFC Centreville Bank Stadium). Work up an appetite for the signature pastrami or corned beef sandwich. Pawtucket and Providence, mavensdeli. com

PRESERVING A LEGACY: Wally’ s Wieners Wally’ s Copper Club is where precious preserved items from the building’ s previous restaurant, Joe Marzilli’ s Old Canteen, await. While the neighborhood still misses the classic Italian restaurant, the team at Heritage Restaurant Group made every effort to pay tribute by

maintaining the iconic back bar, neon sign, old menus and more. Providence, wallys providence. com

DIRTY SODA: Rhody Pop While national chains are scrambling to adopt this trend, Rhody Pop was there all along. The mobile soda bar specializes in fizzy drinks with fun flavors and creative mix-ins. @ rhodypop

BRUNCH: Frank & Laurie’ s There’ s a little bit of oldschool brunch and a lot of creativity at the tables of Frank & Laurie’ s. Order the weirdest thing they showcase on any given weekend because this is a kitchen that excels at the unexpected. Providence, frankandlauries. com

MODERN AMERICAN: Persimmon Persimmon is exciting but not pretentious, innovative without being overwhelming. Soups, pastas, seafood and sweets are all so sublime and surprising that we’ re always waiting for our next visit. Providence, persimmonri. com

TASTING MENU: Claudine Everything about Claudine is a revelation: the service, the subdued atmosphere, the drinks and, most of all, the food, which creates an evening that is rapturous. Prepare to be wowed with every bite; whether wine or nonalcoholic, get the drink

GRAPHICS: GETTY IMAGES.

58 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY’ S NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE l 2026