NORTH / CENTRAL

GIFT HORSE, PROVIDENCE VIBE: Comfort cuisine in the form of local seafood. ON THE MENU: Select from the three Platters’ n Towers options, which include oysters, crudo, smoked fish dip and more. Chef Sky Haneul Kim is among the finalists for the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast. gifthorsepvd. com

BELLINI, PROVIDENCE VIBE: 1940s downtown glamour with a menu to match. ON THE MENU: 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. ON THE MENU: The dry aged 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. Also coming soon to Cranston. circerestaurantandbar. com

CAV, PROVIDENCE VIBE: Exposed-brick interior filled with worldly treasures and antiques, highlighted by opulent lighting fixtures. ON THE MENU: 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. ON THE MENU: Select any of the chef recommendations, plus shareables for the table. thecapitalgrille. com

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

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

TAVOLO WINE BAR, WARWICK AND SMITHFIELD VIBE: Innovative Italian cuisine with a sophisticated ambiance. ON THE MENU: Shareable starters like risotto balls, burrata fig flatbread and sweet chili shrimp are enough to satisfy, but make sure to leave room for baked lasagna or the frutti di mare. tavolowinebar. com

BASTA, CRANSTON VIBE: This award-winning Italian restaurant invites guests to enjoy casual elegance, featuring artisan Neapolitan pizzas, an internationally influenced menu and flavorful wine offerings.

ON THE MENU: At Rhode Island’ s first AVPN certified pizza restaurant, order the Sophia— oven-roasted eggplant, san marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, oregano and parmesan— or the prosciutto pizza. bastaonbroad. 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. ON THE MENU: 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

SOMBRA EATERY & LOUNGE, EAST GREENWICH VIBE: The moody and upscale decor matches the eatery’ s name, as Sombra— meaning“ shadow” or“ shade” in Spanish— illustrates the restaurant’ s mystery and intrigue, making it the perfect spot to share updates( and secrets) with friends over cocktails and tapas.

Basta in Cranston.

ON THE MENU: Rave-worthy options include the barbacoa taco, chicken tinga taco, elote guacamole and carne asada fries. sombralounge. com

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

TRATTORIA ROMANA, VARIOUS LOCATIONS VIBE: Fine dining experience where you’ ll savor the flavors and aromas of Rome. ON THE MENU: Start with the calamari fritti and continue with the pinche aglione made with homemade pinche pasta, fresh Pachino tomatoes, olive oil, parsley, basil and garlic. Visit the Lincoln, Johnston or South Kingstown location. trattoria-romana. com; trattoria-johnston. com; trattoria-south. com

30 YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER IN RHODE ISLAND 2025