NORTH / CENTRAL

GIFT HORSE , PROVIDENCE VIBE : Comfort cuisine in the form of local seafood . GET THIS : Select from the three Platters ’ n Towers options , which include oysters , crudo , smoked fish dip and more . gifthorsepvd . com

BELLINI , PROVIDENCE VIBE : 1940s downtown glamour with a menu to match . GET THIS : The steak tartare to start , then the baked tagliolini with bechamel , parmesan and smoked ham . It ’ s a must to order the drink that ' s the restaurant ’ s namesake . bellinirestaurant . com

CIRCE , PROVIDENCE AND EAST GREENWICH VIBE : Party ambience with a sophisticated menu and drink list . GET THIS : The dry age wagyu burger ( Providence ) with the parmesan truffle fries is enough to feed two , while the pink vodka rigatoni ( East Greenwich ) adds zest to the night . A cocktail with vodka , elderflower , grapefruit and rose water gets the party going . circerestaurantandbar . com

CAV , PROVIDENCE VIBE : Exposed-brick interior filled with worldly treasures and antiques , highlighted by opulent lighting fixtures . GET THIS : The black truffle ravioli with shaved turnips and broccoli rabe in a lemon sage vinaigrette is simply divine . cavrestaurant . com

THE CAPITAL GRILLE , PROVIDENCE VIBE : From top beef cuts to seafood , this is the place for any special occasion . You ' ll feel celebrated from the first course to the last . GET THIS : The surf and turf special . thecapitalgrille . com

HEMENWAY ' S , PROVIDENCE VIBE : Capital city seafood restaurant offering whole roasted fish of the day , which focuses on local species . GET THIS : Indulge in the signature shellfish platter at the raw bar . hemenwaysrestaurant . com

GRACIE ' S , PROVIDENCE VIBE : A AAA Four Diamond restaurant , Gracie ’ s embraces Rhode Island cuisine and brings it to the next level . GET THIS : Chef ' s tasting . graciesprov . com

AVVIO , CRANSTON VIBE : This eatery is ideal for those in need of a backdrop for their special occasion . Host a celebration inside the warm and welcoming dining room or out on the patio overlooking Garden City Center ’ s gazebo . GET THIS : From white bean and sausage soup and black fig pizza to rigatoni Bolognese and chicken piccata , the Italian-forward menu can satisfy all appetites . avvioristorante . com

DIEGO ’ S , VARIOUS LOCATIONS VIBE : Funky and fresh Mexican-fusion food with craft cocktails and a nod to punk rock music . GET THIS : The street taco and fish taco combo ( best paired with a classic margarita ). diegosnewport . com ; diegosmiddletown . com ; diegosprovidence . com

TRATTORIA ROMANA , VARIOUS LOCATIONS VIBE : Italian fine dining experience where you ' ll savor the flavors and aromas of Rome . GET THIS : Start with the calamari fritti and continue with the bucatini alla carbonara made with pancetta , egg yolk and onions . Visit the Lincoln , Johnston or South Kingstown location . trattoria-romana . com ; trattoria-johnston . com ; trattoria-south . com

10 ROCKS TAPAS BAR , PAWTUCKET VIBE : Traditional Cape Verdean dishes plus toe-tapping entertainment . GET THIS : Tasty starters like calamari di Cabo Verde or fried goat cheese will get you excited for the bitoque , a Portuguesestyle sirloin steak topped with demi-glace and fried eggs . Delve into the rich mango cheesecake or a caipirinha cocktail afterwards . 10rockstapasbar . com

IGGY ’ S BOARDWALK : LOBSTER AND CLAM BAR , WARWICK VIBE : Rather than grab-and-go , take a seat and choose from

CAV Restaurant ( left ) and Bellini ( right ) in Providence .

an extensive menu of raw bar , salads , surf ‘ n turf entrees and pastas . GET THIS : Go big with the seafood platter or order the lobster roll dinner . Don ’ t skip the famous clam cakes and chowder for appetizers . iggysri . com

EAST

AVENUE N , RUMFORD AND PROVIDENCE VIBE : Progressive American fare . GET THIS : The Avenue N burger or sirloin steak in a modern , chic atmosphere that feels laid-back yet right on trend . avenuenamericankitchen . com ; avenuenprovidence . com

WHITE HORSE TAVERN , NEWPORT VIBE : Dine in America ’ s oldest operating restaurant surrounded by great food and seventeenth-century architecture . GET THIS : Decide between the beef Wellington or the lobster ravioli made with shucked lobster and baby shrimp . Order your meal with one of the a la carte sides : seared wild mushrooms , grilled asparagus or parmesan truffle frites . whitehorsenewport . com

PHOTOGRAPHY ( CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ): COURTESY OF THE PROVIDENCE WARWICK CVB ; JAMIE COELHO ; ( NEXT PAGE ): COURTESY OF DISCOVER NEWPORT ; COURTESY OF PWCVB ; COURTESY OF GUISTO .

26 YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER IN RHODE ISLAND 2024