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, mussels, crudo, smoked fish dip and more. Other must-get dishes include the monkfish toast and warm, buttered and smoked scallop roll. 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

BELLA VISTA, PROVIDENCE VIBE: A tasteful blend of Italian and Latin inspired cuisine, plus sushi offerings. ON THE MENU: Whether you select the gnocchi alla Bella Vista baked with fontina smoked mozzarella and spinach, surf and turf sushi roll or churrasco Dominican, leave room for the Oreo cheesecake. bellavistari. com

CIRCE, PROVIDENCE, CRANSTON 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 pasta dishes with vodka sauce( East Greenwich and Cranston) add zest to the night. A cocktail with vodka, elderflower, grapefruit and rose water gets the party going. circerestaurantandbar. com

CLAUDINE, PROVIDENCE VIBE: This intimate eatery offers an elevated dining experience where the spotlight is entirely on the food, and the service plays the supporting role. ON THE MENU: Explore classic French cuisine, with a strong focus on seafood and locally sourced products, through a market-driven eight-course chef’ s ever-changing tasting menu. Claudine is among the semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards for Best New Restaurant. claudinepvd. com

HEMENWAY ' S, PROVIDENCE VIBE: Capital city seafood restaurant with great views offering sushi, lobster rolls and whole roasted fish of the day, which focuses on local species. ON THE MENU: Indulge in the signature shellfish platter at the raw bar. hemenways restaurant. 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

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 truffle chestnut puree is simply divine. cavrestaurant. com

10 ROCKS TAPAS BAR, PAWTUCKET VIBE: Traditional Cape Verdean

dishes plus toe-tapping entertainment. ON THE MENU: Tasty starters like calamari 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

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 Tuscan ribollita soup and black figs pizza to rigatoni Bolognese and chicken piccata, the Italian-

Hemenway’ s in Providence.

forward menu can satisfy all appetites. avvioristorante. 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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANGEL TUCKER.

30 YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER IN RHODE ISLAND 2026