The Ocean State’s capital is the perfect summer getaway for cheese lovers.
In the immortal words of Alicia Carmody from The Real Housewives of Rhode Island: “You want some cheese?” If your answer’s yes, look no further than her hometown of Providence, Rhode Island.
New England’s love affair with cheese is well-documented, but Providence in particular proves to be a culinary playground, especially during the warmer months. The area has a strong pizza culture, plus it’s got a bar and restaurant scene lauded most recently by the James Beard Foundation. Cheese isn’t an afterthought here; you’ll find it woven into many menus, not to mention top-notch stores carrying local producers such as Narragansett Creamery.
Whether you’re planning a stopover on the way to the Cape or a longer stay in the nation’s smallest state, let our guide lead your itinerary.
Restaurants
Pizza Marvin
I came across Pizza Marvin on Reddit, where it was listed as #4 on a ranking of the five best slices by the Providence Current, an aggregator of things to do in town. I ordered a classic tomato pie, but I still needed my daily dose of dairy. Cue Pizza Marvin’s supple burrata made with curd from Narragansett Creamery and paired with seasonal produce. (Run, don’t walk for the current tomato and pesto special.)
468 Wickenden Street
Nick’s on Broadway
I was lucky enough to stay around the corner from this hotspot with an affinity for pasta and cheese. Nick’s is owned by Chef Derek Wagner, a graduate of Johnson & Wales culinary school and two-time James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef. Don’t miss the crostini: a delicately composed bite of in-season fruit and Narragansett’s creamy, spreadable Angelito. I visited for dinner, but heard through the grapevine that Nick’s has a divine brunch menu with buttermilk biscuits and pancakes.
500 Broadway
Frank & Laurie’s
The quiche here is the stuff of legends. Slices wiggle like Jell-O on the plate as waiters flit around a packed, yet cozy dining room with a large wooden communal table in the middle. When I visited, each forkful of the silky custard center was only enhanced by the generous shavings of Beemster Goat’s Milk Gouda on top, however this month, the dish features caciocavallo.
110 Doyle Avenue
Gift Horse
It may sound weird for me to advise you to get toast at a raw bar, but Gift Horse isn’t your average raw bar. This rich and buttery toast is served with a selected fish tea sandwich-style—right now, the restaurant has chosen fluke alongside green chili butter.
272 Westminster Street
There, There.
It’s not summer without a grill, so get your fix for cheeseburgers at There, There. Come with a friend so you can split a burger and a Filet O’ Chz sandwich, which features a slice of fried queso de freir encrusted in panko breadcrumbs.
301 Atwells Avenue
Aleppo Sweets
This Syrian bakery offers a large and affordable platter of labneh sprinkled with Middle Eastern spices and drizzled with olive oil.
107 Ives Street
Al Forno
This upscale Italian restaurant’s claim to fame is putting Rhode Island-style pizza and its thin, crispy crust on the map. You should try the pizza and five cheese pasta, but don’t overlook the desserts—especially when the massive banana mascarpone tart is available.
577 S. Water Street
Loma
If you ask me, Loma deserves all of its flowers after winning the James Beard Award for Best New Bar this year. The hospitality (and low lighting) at this intimate cocktail bar feels like it’s from another time, or even an old Hollywood movie. Even better: You can order a drink—the No. 14—that’s washed in Salvadoran crema, a tangy and luxurious cultured cream.
112 Spruce Street
Shops
Fox Point Grocers
This quaint local market oozes Instagrammable charm—and it’s overflowing with farmstand produce and specialty food, including Maison Bordier butter.
107 Hope Street
East Side Provisions
Curation is king at East Side Provisions, which sports a packed cheese case plus a refrigerator wall of soft/fresh cheeses and accompaniments. Make sure to get a block of Angell Street Cheddar before you hit the road.
17 S. Angell Street
Stock Culinary Goods
Stock Culinary Goods is a home cook’s oasis when it comes to kitchen gadgets and tools. If you head to the back of the store, you’ll come across a fridge filled to the brim with milk, butter, and cheese from regional makers next to shelves of tinned fish, artisan oils, and jams.
756 Hope Street
Edgewood Cheese Shop
Edgewood Cheese Shop is located about 10 minutes outside of the city in neighboring Cranston. Come here for expertise, quality selection, and to shop its plethora of cheese accoutrements, from books to boards.
1828 Broad Street (Cranston)
Did we miss your favorite cheese stop? Send your tip to alana@culturecheesemag.com.
Alana Pedalino
Alana Pedalino serves as Managing Editor of culture. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and more. She loves to write, cook, and kayak. Find her bylines at alanapedalino.com.
