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For coffee lovers seeking a unique experience, Reprise Coffee provides an inviting atmosphere. The café shares its space with Pickerel, a cozy ramen eatery known for its dynamic menu featuring Japanese-style appetizers, homemade broths, and artfully crafted cocktails. Guests should not miss the creative desserts, exemplified by a sticky date, apricot, and rice sponge cake that is whimsically garnished with brûléed toffee and a rich toffee cream sauce—all served warm with a touch of rice funnel cake.
Moving on to Federal Hill, Loma sparks interest as a chic new locale where Latin influences blend seamlessly with modern flair. This compact bar, just 450 square feet in size, emanates the sounds of boleros, jazz, and salsa, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Decorated with lime-washed walls, a cozy velvet banquette, and amber-toned windows, it invites patrons to unwind. Co-owners Leishla Maldonado and brothers Osman and Yefri Cortave have meticulously crafted a drink menu that reflects their Puerto Rican and Guatemalan heritage.
Another exciting addition to Providence’s culinary scene is Claudine, set to debut in May. This venue, led by the skilled husband-wife duo of Josh Finger and Maggie McConnell—both alumni of the acclaimed Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York—promises to elevate fine dining with an eight-course tasting menu that highlights the seasonal ingredients found in New England. Innovative dishes may include Pork and Point Judith Squid Raviolo paired with Parmigiano Reggiano, and a Citrus Pavlova featuring campari sorbet, winter citrus salad, and fresh ginger, complemented by an exclusive selection of low-intervention, old-world wines.
The esteemed Oberlin has also received accolades, being a finalist in the James Beard Best Restaurant category for its creative coastal cuisine.
Meanwhile, Al Forno is celebrated for being a go-to destination for its iconic pizzas.
The 2025 James Beard Nominations serve as an excellent culinary guide, showcasing a variety of must-visit establishments. Renowned for its exceptional brunch and dinner offerings, Nick’s on Broadway stands out with locally sourced dishes that are thoughtfully presented. At Courtland Club, Chef Nikhil Naiker emphasizes a menu that fuses Fijian and Indian flavors with fresh, seasonal ingredients through what he calls a “New England Tropical” style. Seafood enthusiasts will find delight at Oberlin and Gift Horse—both of which have redefined coastal dining, while classic fine dining can still be found at Persimmon. The culinary creativity continues at Jahunger, where Chef Subat Dilmurat showcases fiery hand-pulled noodles with captivating Uyghur flavors. Slices inspired by New Haven’s culinary traditions can be found at Pizza Marvin, while desserts surprise and delight with flavors like focaccia with mandarinquat and combinations of strawberry and toasted rice or hazelnut ice cream blended with grape sorbet. Chef Robert Andreozzi and his partner Jesse Hedberg are also preparing to open a nostalgic bar concept, Club Frills, in the coming months.
Exploring Providence’s Attractions
Providence, home to prestigious institutions such as the Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, Johnson & Wales, and Providence College, is consistently lively. Sports enthusiasts can attend games for Providence College’s basketball, soccer, and hockey teams, while art aficionados can explore the RISD Museum, featuring an impressive collection of over 100,000 design objects and works by renowned artists such as Monet, Manet, Picasso, and Warhol, which visitors can see for free every Sunday. A stroll through the historic Brown campus offers picturesque scenery, especially in spring when magnolias and cherry blossoms bloom.
Providence thrives on independent shops, making it a haven for unique finds. Bangled Tiger on South Main Street showcases a curated selection of vintage and contemporary fashion. On the West Side, World’s Fair Gallery features original artwork from local artists. In Fox Point, shoppers can find distinctive jewelry and apparel at Nava or upscale home décor at Stewart House. Noteworthy stops on Hope Street include Kreatelier for bespoke home décor, and Frog & Toad that features quirky, locally-sourced products. Food enthusiasts will love Fox Point Grocers for gourmet ingredients, Stock Culinary Goods for kitchen essentials, East Side Cheese for specialty provisions, and Black Leaf Tea, a female-owned shop offering premium blends like CoCo Bae with cacao nibs and coconut. Additionally, the vibrant literary scene in the city includes spots like Riffraff Bookstore & Bar, Books on the Square, Symposium Books, and Paper Nautilus Books, where you can find rare volumes, antiques, and delightful flea-market treasures.
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www.cntraveler.com