Providence is the Sizzling Culinary Hotspot You Always Wanted

Let the flavors come alive in the state capital of Rhode Island, a foodie lover's dreamscape for anyone who is looking for a culinary adventure. But don't just come for the James Beard Award nominated restaurants and celebrity chef-driven pop-ups, Providence's culinary scene offers authentic dining experiences that will leave you hungry for more. Check out our guide below for this year's unforgettable tastemaking experiences and discover why this East Coast culinary hotspot is your next dining destination.

Providence Culinary Collective (March 27-30)

A new addition to PVD's sprawling menu of can't-be-missed foodie experiences is the Providence Culinary Collective, a four-day extravaganza of events and tastings, classes and curations. Take to the streets of beautiful, eclectic and walkable downtown Providence where you'll shmooze with a showcase of the best and brightest in flavors and wines. Presented by GoProvidence, alongside the Rhode Island Wine Experience (Wine X), the inaugural event was fashioned out of the hard work of community partners to bring their love of Providence dining culture to your table – "a curated, first-of-its-kind food and wine experience for Providence locals and visitors to enjoy," said Kristen Adamo, President and CEO of the PWCVB. "Gather at the city's picturesque rooftops, dine among celebrity chefs, learn from the country's top culinary professors, and enjoy expertly-prepared meals inside some of Providence's most historic buildings."

Get swept away on a daydream of delicious dishes, and attend tastings, sip with aficionados, and lap up the glorious vibes that can only be found in PVD. Don't believe me? Hear it from the makers themselves: "As someone who believes in the power of community," said Rosanna Ortiz, founder of RMO PR and Wine X, "I wanted to create an experience that brings people together to explore exceptional wine, forge lasting connections, and honor the heart and soul of Providence."

But wait, there's more! The only thing that goes better than dinner and wine is a show after, and the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot delivers the goods. Catch your favorite comedians as they light up the stage in Providence's historic theater and venue spaces. This year's lineup features blockbuster names like Leslie Jones, Matt Rife, Kevin Hart, and Aziz Ansari. Seats are going fast! Grab your tickets at LilRhodyLaughRiot.com. The comedy festival plays alongside the Providence Culinary Collective events, a crescendo of exciting food, wine and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Track 15

Take your dining experience to a whole new world with Track 15, an immersive food market that is destined to rocket Providence's foodie scene to new heights. Located in the historic and newly renovated and remodeled 1898 Central Terminal Building in PVD's Union Station, Track 15 gets its name from adding a track to the original 14-track train station, fashioning a moniker as the premiere destination for new flavors and fresh foods. Step into a dining experience that will transport you to its hallowed 19th century halls.

Top-notch merchants in Track 15 feature mom-and-pop shops that honor traditional flavors and serve culturally significant favorites. Drop into Dolores, a family-owned restaurant, for tortillas freshly made from maíz imported from Mexico. Or stroll down the train station to Dune Brothers and nosh on some of the best pier-to-plate seafood Rhode Island – and the East Coast, for that matter – has to offer. To get a taste of the local Italian roots, grab a table at Giusto PVD and drift away on a "freestyle Italian" food reverie "with dishes that are familiar, yet innovative."

Award-Winning Culinary Hotspots

Don't let the city's small size fool you; PVD has left its mark on the national foodie scene with a menu full of James Beard Award nominees. At the top of your list is Outstanding Restaurant nominee Oberlin, a neighborhood spot serving up chef-inspired creations that will have you telling your friends about this dinner experience for years to come.

Or curate an intimate experience at Persimmon and revel in ingredient- and technique-driven dishes. This husband-and-wife owned restaurant notched James Beard semifinalist bragging rights for Best Chef: Northeast and Outstanding Service.

The accolades don't stop there for Providence's culinary community – check out other Best Chef: Northeast luminaries like Robert Andreozzi at Pizza Marvin, Subat Dilmurat at Jahunger, Sky Haneul Kim at Gift Horse, and Derek Wagner at Nick's on Broadway.

Neighborhood Noshes

It wouldn't be a trip to Providence without popping into the city's legendary Italian neighborhood, Federal Hill. Rich in Italian roots, this classy neighborhood serves up a bevy of culturally-infused bars and restaurants that channel the Mediterranean country's vibes, flavors and soul. Whether it's a throwback to heartland favorites or a modern twist on a beloved classic, you'll find what you want in this culturally rich immigrant enclave.

And while you're there, don't miss out on the neighborhood's "Al Fresco on the Hill" event. Rhody beloved outdoor dining meets tasty Italian flavors in this celebration of eating the foods you love under the bright Providence sky. Running June through September, restaurants, retailers and live entertainment spill out into the streets for a community gathering like no other.

Plan Your Visit

If you're hankering for the next culinary hotspot, PVD is bursting at the seams with culinary events, James Beard Award nominee chefs and restaurants, and neighborhood gems worth talking about. Come for the food and stay for the community because Providence is a small city with big flavors you can't miss. Visit GoProvidence to plan your perfect foodie getaway.