The best food in Rhode Island, according to locals

There’s no finer spot in New England to spend the summer than my home state of Rhode Island. It’s possible that I’m a skewed trip guide, but it’s true:

The smallest state in the country has over 400 miles of coastline, so there are plenty of beaches. You may see a match at the Tennis Hall of Fame or organize a romantic tailgate picnic at Newport Polo. Immerse yourself in Barnaby Evans’ sculpture of 80 bonfires that light downtown Providence at Waterfire by strolling through twisting walkways, wandering beneath footbridges, or taking a gondola down three rivers. None of that appeals to you? You may always take a ferry to Block Island for a seaside cocktail or see Taylor Swift’s mansion on Watch Hill.

If you’re anything like me, however, the food you can taste while you’re there is just as important as the sights when it comes to picking a holiday destination. There are many of wonderful foods to taste in Rhode Island, such as clam cakes and Del’s Lemonade. Here are a few food destinations you must see before leaving Rhode Island.

22 Bowen’s

This is one of my favorite seafood restaurants because I am consistently blown away by their clam chowder and lobster roll. I wouldn’t go so far as to claim it’s the best, because Rhode Island has so many great seafood restaurants. When I asked ten friends and family members to choose their favorite seafood restaurant in Rhode Island, each of them gave me a different answer. However, 22 Bowen’s is near the top of the list.

The Beehive Cafe

The Beehive Cafe is conveniently located in the heart of Bristol, my hometown. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t tried everything on the menu. My parents, on the other hand, who stop by every morning for a grab-and-go treat, would suggest a classic hot cup of coffee (my father’s favorite) or a non-caffeinated choice like the lemon ginger summer elixir (my mother’s fave). Don’t leave without snagging a flaky, buttery ginger scone, regardless of your beverage of choice.

Rebelle Artisan Bagels

We can debate which city in which state has the finest bagels all day (I do live in New York now, after all), but Rebelle has a few strong rivals. It’s fairly simple: on the exterior, they’re chewy, and on the inside, they’re super soft. All of the staples, such as plain, sesame seed, and everything bagels, are available in the shop. Depending on the season, they also have unique flavors like pretzel and beet. Their bagels are delicious with cream cheese, but I prefer the vegan dream, which consists of homemade cashew cream cheese, avocado, pickled daikon and carrot, onion, cucumber, and jalapenos sandwiched between your choice of bagel.

The Nitro Bar

The Nitro Bar began as a small cart serving nitro cold brew coffee in and around Providence. They now have three stores, one in Providence and two in Newport, after only five years. After being roasted and brewed, the coffee is pressured in a keg, resulting in a rich, creamy beverage that flows like a Guinness from the tap—no milk or sugar required. I never drive home without stopping here for at least one cup of coffee.

Plant City

Plant City is a food hall containing four restaurants, a coffee shop, a bakery, and a small supermarket. Make Out, a casual spot on the ground level, serves smoothies, toast, sandwiches, and grain bowls. On the second level, Double Zero specializes in vegan and plant-based pizza as well as organic wines. If you’re craving Mexican food, head to the other half of the second level, where Besina serves a fantastic jackfruit, chile, pineapple, and pickled onion taco. New Burger is an American café that serves a variety of vegan and plant-based burgers, fries, and desserts.

Allie’s Donuts

Although Rhode Island is renowned as the Ocean State, we have a special skill for producing circular dough with holes in the centre. North Kingstown’s Allie’s is a Rhode Island institution. Even though it’s a no-frills mom-and-pop shop, there’s almost always a wait out the door. The pricing are reasonable, and the doughnuts will make you forget about all other doughnuts. You might snag one just out of the fryer if you’re lucky. They’re light and fluffy, with delicious glazes and brilliantly colored icing on top, as well as sprinkles.

Del’s Lemonade

The most refreshing beverage in the state is made with slushy ice and sweet lemonade. The youngsters in my neighborhood used to chase after Del’s lemonade trucks instead of ice cream trucks when I was a kid. It’s also only available in Rhode Island, so you’ll have to drink as many cups as you can while you’re there. If you notice a bin of pretzel rods in the truck, grab one. Take a bite of the pretzel after dipping it in the lemonade. You’ll be able to thank me later.

Fluke

Fluke is best described by sharing my favorite dish: lobster, saffron, and squid-ink angel-hair pasta with baby spinach, pecans, and lobster cream served in a sauce with baby spinach, pecans, and lobster cream. The lobster’s sweetness contrasts with the saltiness of the pasta and creamy sauce for a perfect flavor balance. It’s also in the center of downtown Newport, making it ideal for a tasty meal before a night out exploring the city.

Flo’s Clam Shack

Nothing beats clam strips, fish-and-chips, or a “lobsta roll” after a day at the beach, or all three, for that matter. Flo’s is one of numerous clam shacks that can be found throughout the state, selling fresh shellfish served in a variety of traditional methods, the majority of which are fried. If you’re looking for a place to eat clam cakes, I recommend Quito’s and Evelyn’s Drive-In.

Bayberry Beer Hall

Bayberry Beer Hall specializes in New England craft beers, food, and good times. Its communal seating at large picnic-style tables makes sharing a beer with a few friends and a group of strangers feel unexpectedly personal. It’s a self-serve restaurant, so you can sit anywhere you like and order when you’re ready. I recommend getting a sourdough pretzel with beer cheese even if you’re simply in the mood for a drink.

Because it’s impossible to limit this list to just ten people, here are some honorable mentions: Iggy’s Doughboy and Chowderhouse and Top of the Bay both provide stuffies or stuffed quahogs, which are clamshells stuffed with a mixture of clams, spices, bread crumbs, celery, onion, peppers, and sometimes chorizo. Dune Brothers Seafood and Amaral’s Fish & Chips are the locations to go if you want fish-and-chips with coleslaw and tartar sauce. But whatever you choose, save one for me—it’ll tide me over until I can return to my home state.

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The best food in Rhode Island, according to locals

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