The Ultimate Rhode Island Foodie Tour: Our Guide to Food in the Ocean State

A recent feature of Travel+Leisure Magazine, The Beatrice is a newly-opened highlight of downtown Providence for its luxury boutique hotel offering and its in-house restaurant, The Bellini. Notable for its excellent handmade pastas, the Bellini is the perfect combination of luxury dining with classic Italian hospitality. As the weather improves, you can also relax on the Rooftop at The Bellini and enjoy signature cocktails while looking out over the Providence skyline.

For those who possess a true passion for the art of cooking, the 4-star Cara restaurant at The Chanler at Cliff Walk is the ideal experience for you. This community of culinary experts led by Chef Jacob Jasinski draws from history and personal experience as they bridge rich culture and tradition. The result is a contemporary twist on European classics that bond guests and chefs together as friends. Sustainable New England ingredients make up nightly changing five or eight-course blind tasting menus, featuring both meats and seafood. With a view of the stunning ocean as you dine, you won’t be disappointed when you indulge in the unique aura of this Newport eatery.

This historic Newport mansion turned social club delivers elegance and intimacy in ambiance and flavor experience. The mysterious navy blue walls and plush leather club chairs of the Dining Room lure visitors to explore the possibilities of this pub-inspired cuisine from both land and sea. Menus are curated with guests’ wellness in mind as food is locally sourced in New England. With the option to dine in the main room, conservatory, or garden, you are able to personalize your culinary escapade based on your preferences.

Located at The Break Hotel, this lifeguard and local-inspired spot is perfect for a casual bite in Narragansett. Retro-beachy decor welcomes regulars and visitors alike to Chair 5's bistro and bar with seasonally-inspired dishes that are prepared with style and simplicity at the forefront. Order a dozen oysters or a crock of clam chowder and enjoy the beachfront view or head to the rooftop lounge to pair a round of cocktails with some sun-soaked fun.

Seaside restaurants in Rhode Island are easy to come by, but The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn blows the competition out of the water. Spotting the option for Adirondack chair service on the menu instantly showcases The Lawn’s unique charm. With unparalleled views of Narragansett Bay from the open patio, this al fresco foodie experience is both delicious and relaxing. Be sure to also take a peek at the specials menu as the Castle Hill Inn team leans into celebrations of all types.

If you yearn to soak in the sun as you dine, this nature-based one-of-a-kind foodie experience in Rhode Island is for you. The Tree House was started in 1978 by a mother-son pair of florists who later expanded into serving chocolates, cakes, afternoon tea, and lunch. Their green thumbs show in their beautifully garnished cocktails and the overall adventure of dining in nature. At this bistro, in the trees is where the magic begins. 

Rhode Island food showcases a variety of flavors. There is always something new to indulge in. Now that you know about some of the best restaurants in the Ocean State, go ahead—try them for yourselves.