where to eat: providence, rhode island.

After living in Providence for five years, {cv} and I love many things about our little city. However, the first thing we always say when asked about Providence is that it has phenomenal food. I know Providence isn't the destination at the top of everyone's list this summer, but if only for the food, it should be. From fast fare to fine dining, you're sure to find something to meet your tastes below. I could play favorites, but for the sake of fairness, our list is in alphabetical order. 

Al Forno {577 South Main Street}: If you want Italian fare and have an evening to spare, Al Forno cannot be missed. I'm not lying when I say I dream of their spicy pizza at least once a week. It is also the place which made me a serious fan of apple crisp. Since they don't take reservations, be prepared to wait for a table. Trust us though, it is worth every minute you spend waiting. 

Bacaro {262 South Water Street}: Bacaro will knock your socks off with their Italian small plates. Their salumeria is no joke: the chef's selection of meats is worth every penny. Their riverfront location isn't shabby either.

Bob & Timmy's {32 Spruce Street}: When we lived on the West Side, this pizzeria was on speed dial.  It may not look like much on the inside, but GQ clued us into their killer grilled pizza. I enjoy the vodka sauce on their four cheese pizza...a lot.

Broadway Bistro {205 Broadway}: We spent many a Sunday night at Broadway Bistro during our West Side days. Cozy and quaint, this little eatery used to be half its current size when we first moved to the city. As they have grown, their offerings have grown with them. I love their ribs + grits appetizer so much I often get it doubled for an entrée. 

East Side Pockets {278 Thayer Street}: College-caliber fare, this Mediterranean eatery always has a line out the door. With crazy large portions, one chicken kabob pocket can constitute two meals for me.

The Eddy {95 Eddy Street}: We go for the drinks, but we always {and I mean always} get the pretzels. It may be the maple butter that accompanies them, but whatever it is, they are the best. 

Flan y Ajo Tapas Bar {225A Westminster Street}: {cv} and I had a favorite tapas place in Charlotte, so when we moved to Providence, we were disappointed when tapas was not on the menu anywhere. Flan y Ajo opened a few years back and filled that void in a fantastic way. Word of advice: arrive early or be prepared to wait. Rumor has it that they're expanding near their sister wine bar, Bodega Malasana, so things could be looking up in the wait department.

G Pub {61 Orange Street}: The G Pub is like the cool kid who moved to town in sixth grade and immediately had an "in" with the popular crowd. They opened this year and it is already in the rotation. They take pub fare to an entirely new level. It may sound funny, but I love their "You Must Be Nuts" {aka spicy pistachios}.

Gracie's {194 Washington Street}: I don't even know where to begin with a short review of Gracie's. Every visit is better than the one before. The service. The food. The ambiance. It's all incredible. If I had to choose my last meal {you know that ice breaker question}, I wouldn't hesitate to say it would be the Rigatoni Campanaro at Gracie's. We also did the dessert tasting on our last visit--and plan to do it again very soon. {You can also load up on macarons and other goodies at their sister bakery just down the street: Ellie's.}

Harry's Bar & Burger {121 North Main Street}: Recently recognized by CNN and Zagat, Harry's has been a favorite of ours since 2010. I positively love their pig pile sliders--and no visit is complete without their chocolate crack. Trust me.

Nick's on Broadway {500 Broadway}: This West Side mainstay has doubled in size since we moved to the city, but it didn't improve the wait times for their enviable brunch. If you're willing to be patient {or get up early}, it is worth the wait. I especially love their vanilla-battered, house-baked brioche French toast. YUM.

Red Fez {49 Peck Street}: Funky and fun, this hidden gem took us a few trips around the block to find the first time we visited. Vegetarians {of which I am not one} will be especially happy here, but this picky eater can still find something tasty on the menu. Their menu changes constantly, but one check of their Facebook page should give you a window into their specials of the day.

Red Stripe {465 Angell Street}: Even before Red Stripe was around the corner from our apartment, we made frequent pilgrimages to this eatery. Fantastic for brunch and dinner, it is always buzzing with happy customers. The Red Stripe grilled cheese {complete with prosciutto, pesto, and pear} is always a winner, especially when paired with truffled fries. You also can't fail with any of their mussels.

Three Sisters {1074 Hope Street}: If I could eat a Mint Oreo micro-scoop from Three Sisters every day, I would be a happy camper. All of their ice cream is made in house and you can definitely taste the difference.

Trattoria Zooma {245 Atwells Avenue}: Zooma ranks as our favorite Italian eatery on Federal Hill, which is quite the distinction in a crowded pasta marketplace. Their pastas are all handmade in the front window--and I am an absolute sucker for their Tortellini Vino Rosso {goat cheese-filled red wine tortellini, in a brown butter and orange reduction}.

This is, by no means, a comprehensive list. I would bore you to death if I included everything. If you are making a swing through New England this summer, consider saving a night to get a taste of Providence--and email me to say you'll be stopping through ;) xoxo {av}