Diner’s Update

The view from Castle Hill Inn’s dining room.

TRANSITIONS AND COMING SOON

Castle Hill Inn in Newport is in the middle of an extensive restoration project after a fire took place this winter, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The property just announced that dining reservations across the property — including Forbes Five-Star Aurelia at Castle Hill and The Lawn Terrace — will be available to book via OpenTable beginning May 8, for reservations starting May 22.

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection, a luxury resort in the heart of downtown Newport, just completed a new event space inside the hotel called The Vanderbilt Room. The Vanderbilt Room accommodates seated dinners for up to fifty guests, cocktail receptions for up to 100 guests, and wedding ceremonies for up to sixty guests.

Finn’s Harborside in East Greenwich is finally open again, following their devastating fire in March 2024. They are hiring new staff, including a manager, line cooks, servers, bussers, bartenders and more. To apply visit finnsharborside.com/join-our-team and download and fill out an application; when complete, email your application to info@finnsharborside.com with your name, position desired, and completed application.

Chef Luke Mersfelder and partner Brittany Simons are opening a new restaurant in the former Bywater space in Warren, called Kingfish. Mersfelder, the former Bywater chef, and Simons, the general manager at the Eddy, are planning a seafood-focused menu, plus nostalgic classic dishes along with family-friendly menu choices, according to the Boston Globe Rhode Island. They plan to open Kingfish in the spring.

The Hotel Viking is working with Littleneck Hospitality Group for its new restaurant and bar concepts, coming soon. The Providence-based restaurant group is run by “chef Robert Andreozzi, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, and Jesse Hedberg, a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist,” and the team behind Pizza Marvin and Club Frills. “Our restaurants are deeply connected to the communities they serve through partnerships with organizations like Farm Fresh Rhode Island and Save The Bay, and through initiatives that reinvest directly back into our city,” says the post announcing the partnership.

Providence Wine Bar in Wayland Square has closed and will be reopening as The Wayland, a new cocktail bar that’s “a little darker. A little moodier.”

Purslane in Wakefield reopened for the season, and they also launched a new restaurant nearby. St. Charbel is a new “raw bar, small plates bar and other things bar” by the team from Purlsane: “We’ve been working hard on this project the past six months with family and friends and can’t wait to share it with everyone! Think raw bar/cocktail and wine bar/small plates bar with a homage to New England seafood and old time aesthetics. Purslane Eatery will be operating as usual and now hopefully this new space will give some relief to everyone who is skeptical of waiting for a table. A win-win for everyone in our book.”

OPENINGS

Phed Phed is a new Thai restaurant open next to Tori Tomo on Washington Street in downtown Providence. It is the latest concept from the same owners of Wara Wara, Tori Tomo and White Owl, along with East Providence’s KhaoSan Thai Street Food.

Mills Tavern now offers mid-day options out of its restaurant kitchen. College Hill Provisions is similar to a ghost kitchen that operates during daytime hours, offering snacks, salads, pastas and sandwiches for lunch, with breads made by in-house baker Vanessa Nowicki. College Hill Provisions is available for takeout or delivery Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Options include an Italian sub, tuna salad sandwich, the OG turkey club, a falafel wrap, a meatball sub, chicken parmesan sub, classic Caesar salad and more. 

Maven’s Jr. is now open on Thayer Street in Providence with a slightly smaller menu than the original, including bagels and lox, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, black and white cookies and more.

Peacedale has a new neighborhood hang from two locals who made their mark in the Rhode Island hospitality scene. Jack’s Place is owned by Johnson and Wales University graduate Quinn Earley, who spent time working in the kitchens at One Bellevue at the Hotel Viking and The Chanler at Cliff Walk, and his wife, Danielle, who worked at Giusto and Coast Guard House. They both also worked at Malt on Broadway in Newport. The couple’s eatery serves a seasonal modern American menu of burgers and sandwiches. Stop by for Burger Mondays and get a draft beer and the burger of the day for only $15.

Grumpy Pies, the new pizza vendor at Track 15, is officially open. Grumpy Pies is the creation of Chef Ian Cappelano, who most recently worked with the team at Mother Pizzeria. Grumpy Pies serves Roman-style party pizza, or “pizza alla pala,” with a rotating selection with premium toppings, including domestic and European charcuterie and cheeses, seasonal inspiration, and some new “trashy” favorites like Carolina BBQ.

Down in Newport, Scales & Shells has evolved into Claw & Hammer, a stone crab and seafood restaurant that opened to the public on Saturday, April 4, now run by Heritage Restaurant Group.

Pat’s Italian is celebrating its grand opening in Warwick. The homestyle Italian restaurant with generous portions and familial ambience now has four locations across the state, including Coventry, Cumberland, Johnston and now Warwick.

The folks behind Gardiner House just opened Gardiner Provisions on Thames Street in Newport. It’s a bakery and coffee bar serving French pastries and craft coffee brews. Led by Gardiner House Executive Chef and Director of Culinary, Miguel Somoza, the menu showcases a rotating selection of housemade baked goods. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Claw & Hammer is coming soon to Newport.

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

4/16-9/25

End your week at Food Truck Friday – an outdoor food truck festival at Roger Williams Park Zoo and Carousel Village starting at 5 p.m. Attendance is free, just pay for what you eat and drink from an ever-changing rotation of more than fifteen food trucks each week.

4/26

Mother Pizzeria in Newport is doing the Italian Wine Showcase on Sun., April 26. Mucci Imports is coming to Newport and bringing Italy with them. Meet and taste wines with eighteen winemakers from all over Italy, including Casa di Baal, Tollara, Edoardo Patrone and more! Walk around to meet each producer pouring and talking about their selections. Snacks and bites from Mother will be served throughout the tasting. This is an open house format, so guests can arrive anytime between noon-3 p.m. Tickets are $45 each (plus tax).

5/2

The Newport Beer Festival will be held May 2 from 1–4:30 p.m. at historic Fort Adams State Park in Newport. Attendees will enjoy beer tastings from more than fifty hand-selected breweries and beverage producers from across New England and beyond.

5/2

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection is hosting its annual Kentucky Derby Soirée, taking place on May 2 from 5-8 p.m. Guests can expect a lively derby day atmosphere complete with Southern-inspired fare, festive cocktails, live entertainment, and a live stream of the Kentucky Derby within the newly reimagined Vanderbilt Room. Attendees are encouraged to arrive in their Derby best to fully embrace the occasion. Tickets include access to the event, food offerings, and entertainment, with a cash bar available throughout.

5/3

At Warren’s Spring Stroll from Noon-5 p.m., enjoy special sales, pop-ups, demonstrations and seasonal displays during this annual event. Expect to get your steps in while strolling around Warren’s vibrant downtown and take part in family-friendly activities, live music, giveaways, specialty food offerings at restaurants and more.

5/5

On Tuesday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m., 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille on Bowen’s Wharf will host a special four-course wine dinner featuring St. Innocent Winery of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, led by owner and winemaker Mark Vlossak. Executive Chef Justin Garcia and his team have created a menu to pair with several acclaimed St. Innocent wines, including multiple selections recognized by Wine Enthusiast. The dinner is $160 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, and space is limited.

5/6

Attend the first-ever Food Club Live at Track 15 (doors open at 5:30 p.m.; program begins at 6 p.m.), an intimate evening where food meets conversation. Food Club founder and Boston Globe reporter Alexa Gagosz takes the stage with some of the region’s most celebrated restaurateurs and chefs for candid, behind-the-scenes conversations about what it takes to build something worth reserving a table for. Expect the insider stories you won’t find on any menu, the trends shaping where we eat next, and of course, the chance to taste some local bites. Space is limited. Register here.

5/10

Spend Mother’s Day at the Tiverton Farmers Market for the annual Mother’s Day Specialty Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tiverton Middle School, located at 10 Quintal Dr. in Tiverton. Whether you’re on the hunt for a unique gift, a fun family outing, or just an excuse to treat yourself and mom, you can explore a diverse array of artisanal foods, grab n’ go meals, jewelry, artwork and functional pottery. Don’t miss the selection of herbs, plants, flowers and vegetables for your garden. There will also be live music with the Anderson-Gram Duo.

5/16-5/17

Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival on Bowen’s Wharf involves a whole weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., dedicated to slurping down fresh oysters and comforting chowder! With more than seventy-five oyster farms in the Ocean State, no oyster is truly alike, and this event is the perfect excuse to taste the difference for yourself. Freshly shucked oysters from select farms and award-winning chowder from local restaurants offer seafood lovers a chance to indulge and learn. Free admission.

5/17-5/23

Quahog Week is a week-long event that “shell-ebrates” the cultural and economic importance of the quahog, Rhode Island’s official state clam. The festivities aims to boost awareness and demand for local seafood and the state’s RI Seafood brand, while honoring the dedicated harvesters and the vibrant local food industry that brings fresh quahogs to tables across the state. During Quahog Week, seafood venues like restaurants and markets across Rhode Island will celebrate this sustainable local resource with quahog specials! Now in its tenth year, the event is expected to feature a record number of participants. Consumers can visit seafood.ri.gov for a full list of participating restaurants and markets and the specials they are offering. There are also three special events, including a quahog-themed Tiverton Farmers Market on Sunday, May 17. On Tues., May 19, join RI Seafood at Narragansett Brewery in Providence from 5-7 p.m. for free samples of quahog dishes, and enjoy fresh shucked quahogs from the Rhode Island Shellfishermen’s Association. Wrap up the week on Thurs., May 21  at Newport Craft and Distillery from 5-7 p.m. for more mollusk madness! All events are free to attend.

5/21

Head to Roger Williams Park Zoo for Whisky & More for Wildlife: Rare Spirits for Special Animals from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Delight in a selection of whiskies from bespoke blend curator and expert Level 4 Sommelier Irene Tan of Whisky Mentors and her certified sommelier team. New this year, enjoy tastes of exclusive & rare spirits including tequila, bourbon, gin, and more!  Proceeds from this event will benefit the zoo’s bison care and conservation efforts. This 21+ event sold out last year, so secure tickets online now.

6/11

Don your fanciest fascinator, most twirl-able summer frock or loudest floral button-up for Roger Williams Park Conservancy’s biennial fundraiser, Rosé in the Roses, on June 11 from 6-8 p.m. Join park patrons, advocates, elected officials, philanthropic leaders, local business owners, friends and neighbors for an unforgettable evening in support of our city’s signature public space. Sip wine – and other beverages, from beer to cocktails and mocktails – while mingling with friends new and old, and savoring succulent bites from Russell Morin Catering and delicious French macarons from Ellie’s Bakery. Roam the greenhouses and blooming Rose Maze outside (local goats also on site) while listening to talented musicians, try your hand at mahjong with instruction from the Gilded Birds, and the Providence Drum Troupe brings the energy later in the evening.

Station tastings at Track 15 with Jan Dane from Stock and Sanjiv Dhar of Chaska and Rasoi.

ONGOING EVENTS

Munroe Dairy is donating 10 percent of its Sacred Cow Scoop Shop ice cream sales to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation from April 1-30 as part of the 401Gives campaign. The flavor of the month for April is Graham Central Station —  Graham cracker ice cream with a crunchy graham cracker swirl and chocolate-covered honeycomb candies.

Hemenway’s Restaurant, located at 121 S Main St. in Providence, is now offering Hand Roll Happy Hour available for dine-in guests at the raw bar and bar Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m.

Avvio in Cranston’s Garden City Center, is offering a monthly prix fixe menu celebrating the unique regional cuisines of Italy. For March, they are featuring “A Taste of Naples.” This three-course menu is available  during dinner hours for $40 per person, with optional wine pairings available for an additional $19.

Celeste in Narragansett is hosting a monthly series celebrating the coastal regions of Europe. From March 4-31, guests can enjoy a “Tour of Portugal.” This two-course prix fixe menu is available Sunday through Thursday during dinner hours for $40, with optional wine pairings available for an additional $9.

J.T. Commons in Middletown has new takeout and dine-in promotions, including half-priced pizzas on the late-night menu. Every night after 8 p.m., bar and lounge guests can enjoy a signature focaccia or Roman-style pizza in a variety of flavors for half price, ranging from $9.50 to $14.50, as well as late-night comfort food in the lounge, including Steak and Cheese Pinwheels, Buffalo Chicken Bites and a signature Bacon Burger served with tallow fries. For lunchtime, the $15 “Slice Box” Lunch involves a choice of housemade soup, a salad and a slice of signature focaccia pizza. The restaurant has also added a poke bowl to the rotation, available Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The front takeout case is also stocked daily with a changing variety of house-made soups, whole cakes and soft-serve sundaes with housemade toppings.

Every Tuesday night, Club Frills in Providence is offering half-priced classic cocktails from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Giusto in Newport now has two off-menu ‘secret’ items now available for the winter months only. Both are in limited quantity until they sell out each night. On Sunday evenings, it’s the Chicken Parm ($28), Giusto’s take on a Sunday Supper. The pan-fried crispy chicken breast is topped with tomato sauce and perfectly melted mozzarella and served with housemade bucatini pasta. On Monday nights, it’s the Giusto Smashburger ($19), a double stack burger with fontina cheese, sweet and tangy housemade bread & butter pickles and n’duja aioli on Martin’s potato roll. Additionally, lunch is back at Giusto, on Saturdays and Sundays from noon–2:30 p.m. Giusto’s sandwiches are back on the lunch menu, including the chicken Parm sandwich, alongside the Giusto smashburger, local fish sandwich with pickled jalapeno and the porchetta sandwich with giardiniera and white bean and harissa spread. All sandwiches come with a choice of salt & vinegar potatoes or green salad with bay gem, pear and dill.

Flora, the coastal Mediterranean restaurant inside the Gardiner House hotel in Newport, offers brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Flora’s brunch menu hits on all the classic brunch dishes with a hint of Spanish influence from chef Miguel Somoza. Guests will enjoy housemade pastries and breads, eggs Benedict with Plancha ham, pan con tomate with Iberian ham, a steak burger or crisp chicken paillard among many other choices.

Get a feel for the Providence and Newport dining scenes with Rhode Island Red Food Tours. For Rhode Island Monthly magazine’s Best of Rhode Island Award-winning Downcity Providence Food Tour, delicious adventure awaits where food, art, and architecture collide in Providence’s vibrant Downcity Arts District. Sample from diverse Rhode Island favorites and award-winning culinary restaurants, and between bites get an insider’s view of this lively and creative small city. Expert guides will help you discover the treasure of epicurean favorites, hidden art, historic architectural gems, sharing local stories and the many happenings to be found in Rhode Island’s Creative Capital. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).

During the Rhode Island Red Food Tours’ Newport Neighborhood Tour, guests will discover diverse, eclectic out-of-the-way neighborhood eateries – with a homespun vibe, where the locals know to go as well as hotbeds of food and fun in the more traveled parts of the city. Step inside some of what may appear as a hole-in-the-wall café or an authentic, cozy 18th century tavern and you will be surprised to find a mouthwatering food scene, using both cultural & regional influences with a strong commitment to sustainable ingredients. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).

CLOSINGS

Glou cocktail bar recently closed in Providence’s Fox Point. The co-owner, Alexa Tremblay, announced the news on Instagram: “This space was a dream of mine and has and will hold so many incredible memories, made possible by so many (even more) incredible people. There’s been so much talent that’s come through here: chefs & bartenders & servers. There’s been so much support from all of you in Fox Point, Providence, beyond. You’ve thrown weddings and birthdays and baby showers. We’ve seen four years of graduations. We’ve had engagements, book launches, anniversaries. We’ve mourned deaths and cried and screamed and felt the deep exhaustion of life from nearly every angle….”

Down the street, Tallulah’s Taqueria also closed in Fox Point. From its Instagram: “Since 2014, this space at 146 ives st has been a piece of our lives — not just a restaurant, but a home for community. A place that started from a simple hope: that people could gather somewhere warm, welcoming, and real. And somehow… you all made that hope come true. Providence gave us the chance to create, to inspire, to build something bigger than tacos something full of connection. We will always be proud of what Tallulah’s became, and of the love that lived inside its walls.”

Rosalina in downtown Providence closed for good on February 15. According to co-owner Tom Bovis: “It is with a heavy heart that I would like to let our family, friends and guests know that after 13 years, Rosalina restaurant will be closing for good February 15. It was an extremely difficult decision but we cannot sustain the business with all the variables since Covid. Thank you to our guests, our great staff, and, of course, my amazing wife Lauren Lynch who beat all the odds and built one of the best Italian restaurants in the state. Please stop by before our last dinner service so we can share a moment and cocktail together!”