Now that my daughter is in her second term of the RISD Pre-College Program and she’s commuting from Boston, thus eating lunch and snacks in restaurants around RISD, we’ve amassed a short list of foodie and shopping finds. I must make note that these are all carefully screened recommendations by Jenny Brown, a local artist in Providence, and a dear friend of ours.
If you are visiting Brown University or Rhode Island School of Design, check out our foodie and shopping finds. It might make you decide that you want to spend four years (at least!) here!
Afternoon Tea & Crepes
312 Wickenden St
Providence, RI 02903
We drive from RISD to this area but it’s walkable, though a twenty minute walk from RISD. We order the Afternoon Tea, but it also has great crepes. Housed in a historic house, this is a cozy setting with garden seating outside as well.
Asian Fusion
161 Benefit St
Providence, RI 02903
Walking distance from RISD, this Asian fusion cafe has Korean and Japanese food in a casual setting. Order from the counter and then sit inside or outside. We like the Bento boxes, fried rice, and the udon noodles.
Pick Me Up Snack while at RISD Museum
Bolt Coffee/Cafe Pearl at RISD Museum
20 North Main St (also enter on 224 Benefit Street)
Providence, RI 02903
This is a nice place for a quick snack or a place to rest and put your feet up. We like the avocado toast and the fresh-squeezed juices. Cafe Pearl which serves the food also has donuts from Knead.
Amazing Desserts
92 Spruce St
Providence, RI 02903
It’s not unusual to find a line out the door for this cafe that has amazing house-made fruit tarts, cakes, chocolates & pastries. Everything is amazing. Try the house-made Passion Fruit Italian Soda and a tart. There is seating but it’s hard to come by. Don’t worry, just get it to go. This is on Federal Hill, so stop by for dessert if you are having dinner in the area.
Coffee Roasters
1744 Mineral Spring Ave
North Providence, RI 02904
They roast their own coffee beans! Stop by for hot or iced coffee or tea. There is seating inside and out for those looking for a place to study or hang out.
Old School Italian
Camille’s
71 Bradford St
Providence, RI 02903
I was wearing shorts and flip flops so I was nervous I would be turned away in this old school Italian restaurant with a stated dress code, but they were as nice as could be. Charming waiters and delicious old school Italian favorites. Walk to Pastiche around the corner if you have room for dessert.
Constantino’s Venda Bar and Ristorante
265 Atwells Ave
Providence, RI 02903
Italian comfort food at its delicious best. We were stuffed from Pastiche so we split a Caesar’s salad and the pasta bolognese. They were both superb.
577 S Water St
Providence, RI 02903
Best casual Italian ever!
Gift & Art Gallery
144 Brook St.
Providence, RI 02906
My friend, the artist Jenny Brown, has her art at this gift and art gallery. We like the eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, art, and gifts. We have amassed a collection of dinosaur t-shirts from here. The sizes are for kids and adults.
Vintage and New
Nava
197 Wickenden St.
Providence, RI 02903
New and vintage clothing finds include vintage flannel shirts, t-shirts, and cocktail dresses. There are also vintage rugs. New items include clothing, jewelry, and gifts. This is a treasure trove to go explore.
Walking Itinerary
If you are walking around, here’s what is near each other.
Wickenden area about 20 minutes walk from RISD: Coffee Collection RI, Duck and Bunny, Nava, Lore
RISD area: Bolt/Cafe Pearl, DENDEN Cafe Asiana
Federal Hill: Camille’s, Costantino’s Venda Bar & Ristorante, Pastiche
These sound like great suggestions! We’re in Providence often but I’ve never tried ANY of these. Pinning!
Thanks Mother of 3. You might like our latest post for book lovers and places to visit in Providence!
https://kidlitconprovidence2019.com/a-bibliophiles-guide-to-providence/
Oh wow! So many wonderful places to eat!!!
Places to visit for Bibliophiles too!
https://kidlitconprovidence2019.com/a-bibliophiles-guide-to-providence/