Trips are all about dining out, taking in the sights and really feeling the vibe of the location. I am all about Adventure. Eat. DIY. Repeat., experiencing new foods, cultures, and entertainment. My mix of travel and food writing is what allows me to really push my boundaries when it comes to premiere dining.
While traveling on my recent press trip to Providence, Rhode Island I got to experience what I would consider the best food experiences in Providence. From rooftop dining, to trendy urbanesque-like eateries, I literally found myself food-hopping as I walked the city.
Luckily for me Providence is such a walkable city so I could walk off what I ate and then carry on to the next amazing restaurant and bar. It’s time to triump in the celebration great eats, lavishly living food out loud while enjoying the best food experiences in Providence.
Best Food Experiences In Providence
Where does the journey begin? You can go street to street and find fabulous foods, these are just a few of the places that I visited while in Providence.
Farm To Table
So, it’s all about fresh, wholesome foods and supporting the local community, and the Local 121 is all over it. In fact, this night I got a little daring and ate Fried Calamari Rings (trust me this is not my norm), and Poached Cod, Gazpacho, Scallops, Green Salads and Maplewood Fries to die for.
So top right are the Hand-Cut Fries , honestly they are just amazing, comparable to a Primanti’s Fry, so this is telling you AWESOMENESS!
Bottom Left – Poached Atlantic Cod
Bottom Right – Fresh Greens
The Local 121 sits in a building that was built in the 1890’s, and most of it was red vinyl, but did not become the Local 121 Until… 2005 the building was purchased and restored and is not the location of the Local 121. Some of the historical architecture is still built in, as it was built after prohibition and you can see the depression glass in the windows that adorn the bar.
This is the official bar area, and you can see it is well appointed for hanging out while waiting for your table in the dining area. The dining area in some respects reminds me of Cheesecake Factory-type seating.
This is what the dining area looks like, there are different tabletops for different parties and there is even a party room below. Shhhhh, I will show you the party room in use, I snuck down and crashed a party:) — of course I did, I wanted you to see the room.
The Rosendale
This food establishment is all about food and drink and superior service! You might at first think it is all bar, but sit down and get ready to experience delightful Gastronomy. I ate fried pickles, and split a sandwich with my gal pal Lara who I was traveling with for the trip: each of us had 1/2 of the other’s: the HOPE and The BLVD, mine came with sweet potato fries.
First Up Appetizers
If you want a fun atmosphere, that provides really good eats, then this is your destination. Personally, I believe the staff here is what makes the experience and the owners are kick ass too:)
These were all delicious, and I had to SHARE Them with you because they will make you just crave the food at The Rosendale.
The HOPE is a smoked mozzarella, arugula, and sliced tomato, panini style sandwich.
The BLVD is a mix of balsamic roasted peppers, tomatoes and arugula. Personally, I loved this sandwich the best, just because I am all about my roasted peppers.
Now for those who crave burgers, (and while I don’t this thing is saucy with its smell.. yum!) It’s totally lit according to those who dined on this at the table! It’s the Prince Of Providence, dripping in braised short rib, ground beef, fried egg, apple-wood bacon, Swiss cheese and a pickled red onion!
And this is dessert at The Rosendale:
Totally smooth infused #Jameson with #bananas and a #cinnamon rim @therosendale #foodies #travel #PVDFest A photo posted by Dana Vento (@danadvee) on
I can tell you I wish we had The Rosendale in Pittsburgh because they have got the bar and food thing the way we Pittsburghers like to eat and drink for football, and hockey! Best Stop for FOOD and Drink.
Circe Restaurant & Bar
Circe Restaurant & Bar is also right in the heart of downtown and the ambiance and style of this restaurant makes it a Must Stop Destination. Take a look at what is waiting for you as you enter this restaurant.
The Engagement Window is how I like to refer to the top floor. There is a window you can see from outside and this is where proposals happen!
The food for brunch is magnificent from trendy coffees to delicious lobster fettuccine dishes. Fettuccine “bit” : Hand cut fettuccine, (no bacon on mine), lobster, truffles, chervil cream sauce (left side) and the right side, you know I am a fry junkie.. Parmesan Truffle Fries (FOODGASM) —
The Rooftop At The Providence G
Let’s take it to the rooftop and meet the Executive Chef Robert ( and no ladies he is not part of the menu, lol!) — Get ready to experience Providence from a different point of view, all lit up, and ready for you to take in and savor. From the fire-pits on the rooftop to dinner around one, there is nothing quite so cozy. Impeccable service, delicious food and a rooftop landscape make this location prime for a little bit of everything you crave on a trip.
To access this special location, you take an elevator seven stories up and then you arrive to the center of town! I highly suggest photos from the perspective that you can captures a few fun sides of the city as well as sights that you can not below.
As for food, there is plenty to munch on from Wings, to Calamari, Salads, Wood Oven Pizzas and the drinks are fabulous as I discussed in the Best Providence Cocktail article.
And look at the breathtaking views of Providence. This is not even a great photo, but it is a sampling of what you can see!
Food, walkability, awesome dining experiences and adventure await you around each street corner in Providence. Which adventure will you choose to lavishly live food out loud to indulge in the Best Food Experiences in Providence?
I experienced the Best Of Providence as a member of the media. While the trip was hosted by Go Providence my stories, opinions and images are my way of communicating honestly how I feel about a destination.