When I moved to the Ocean State over 20 years ago, these Rhode Island foods were new to me and some of them took a little getting used to and others I loved from the start. Now I can’t imagine eating anything but Rhode Island-style calamari and I eagerly look forward to feasting on lobster rolls, stuffies, clamcakes, and doughboys in the summer, washed down with a Del’s Lemonade of course!
These are just a few of my picks for must try Rhode Island foods — from the quirky and unique, the street food and the home-cooked. This is certainly not a complete list of Rhode Island foods, but these are a few highlights that you just can’t miss.
10 Must Try Rhode Island Foods
If you are wondering what to eat in Rhode Island, start with these delicious Ocean State favorites.
Calamari
Unlike other parts of the country, Rhode Island calamari is very lightly battered, then fried or sautéed and served with a mix of garlic butter and hot cherry peppers; and it is delicious.
In fact, RI-style calamari is the official state appetizer. I rarely have a bad plate of calamari so you really can’t go wrong at any of the fine restaurants around Rhode Island; but if you want a stand out serving, try ordering it at Pane e Vino in Providence.
If you love seafood, head down to Matunuck Oyster Bar for both the calamari and the locally-farmed oysters — my favorite in the state!
Del’s Lemonade
Based on Italian lemon ices, Del’s offers frozen lemonade (like a lemon slushy) and is ubiquitous in Rhode Island during the summer from permanent stands to roadside carts at popular attractions. Del’s is now available in a variety of flavors including mango/peach and watermelon.
Lobster Ravioli
While many restaurants serve it, most of them source lobster ravioli from the masters – Venda Ravioli.
Located in Depasquale Square in Providence’s Federal Hill district, Venda Ravioli is a gourmet Italian market, complete with a sidewalk cafe. If you can’t get a table there, try their sister restaurant Constantino’s just across the square. You can even buy frozen versions in many local markets, such as Dave’s Market.
Clam Cakes
A clamcake is a egg-sized mixture of fried dough with small pieces of clams inside. I think of it like a fritter but clearly some disagree!
Clam cakes are one of those foods that people swear by one vendor’s versus another; but if you want to try two great examples, head down to Narragansett to try Iggy’s and Aunt Carrie’s.
However, I’ve recently been converted to think the best clam cakes in Rhode Island are at Dune Brothers Seafood food truck in Providence. Their secret? Cooking them in beef fat. It adds this extra layer of flavor that sets them apart.
I’m also a huge fan of the lobster rolls, fried clams, and clam cakes at Blount’s Clam Shack in Warren.
Doughboys
While you are down at Iggy’s, you should also pick up some doughboys. Every region seems to have its own version of fried dough (funnel cakes, NJ-style zeppolis…), and doughboys are Rhode Island’s.
Doughboys are flat, sometimes-plate sized pieces of fried dough. Others are smaller and you get them by the half-dozen. Served hot out of the fryer, you can get them plain, with sugar, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar.
Pizza Strips (aka Party Pizza)
When I first moved to Rhode Island, I didn’t understand these cheeseless pizza strips that turned up at every party. I often heard, “I’ll bring party pizza!” This oddity has since grown on me and now I’m sometimes the one bringing the party pizza.
Pizza strips are strips of focaccia-like dough topped with a thick tomato sauce. They are served at room temperature and are available at most local bakeries and markets.
Zeppole
When I was talking about doughboys, I mentioned NJ-style zeppolis, which are small balls of fried dough (strangely enough, about the size of a clamcake).
These are sold by the dozen or half-dozen, and topped with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. It was a favorite treat of mine when visiting the boardwalk at the Jersey shore.
So when I moved to RI, I heard about this holiday called St. Joseph’s Day, which was celebrated by eating zeppole. I was excited until I went to the bakery and found that the zeppole sold in RI are actually a creampuff-like pastry filled with a custard-type cream or other option, and topped with cream and usually a cherry.
Yummy, just not what I was expecting. Unfortunately, zeppole are mostly found around St. Joseph’s Day in March so if you are visiting at another time, you might miss out.
But if you are lucky enough to be in town at the right time, I’d recommend stopping by LaSalle Bakery in Providence (also pick up one of their amazing red velvet cupcakes while you are there.)
Coffee Cabinets and Coffee Milk
In Rhode Island, a cabinet is not just a place to store things, it is coffee beverage made of coffee ice cream, coffee syrup and milk. I’m not sure if it is the official state drink, but it should be. You don’t see them too often anymore, but it is something the long-time Rhode Island residents still know about and they are still served at Newport Creamery.
However, coffee milk is something you still see around, or at least you can buy coffee syrup in the market. Coffee milk is made by adding a sweetened coffee concentrate called coffee syrup to milk, the same way you make chocolate milk.
Stuffies (aka Stuffed Quahogs)
Stuffies are another famous Rhode Island food that I never heard of before I moved here but now order or serve often. Stuffies are a form of a stuffed clam that is exclusive to Rhode Island.
They are stuffed with a breading that includes chopped quahogs (the RI state mollusc), herbs, and bits of peppers and chourico sausage.
Stuffies are another thing that you can get just about anywhere and my favorites are actually from my local Dave’s Market; but if you would rather eat them out, try Finn’s Harbourside in East Greenwich.
New York System Hot Weiners
I had to put this one last because after 21 years in RI, I still don’t understand why locals tout a food that was named after another state. I also lived in NY and I don’t get the connection. My guess is it goes back to Coney Island style hot dogs although I’ve seen similar offerings on the Upstate Eats Trail in New York on the way to Buffalo.
But, that said, these hot dogs are a classic RI food so if you want to try it, head over to one of Olneyville N.Y. System’s locations.
The traditional wiener is made with a small, thin frankfurter made of veal and pork, giving it a different taste from a traditional beef hot dog. It is served in a steamed bun, and topped with celery salt, yellow mustard, chopped onions, and a seasoned meat sauce.
Bonuses
Rhode Island is a foodie state and Providence is a foodie city. So while I can list all of the best food in Rhode Island, there are a few honorable mentions that I simply can’t leave out.
- Donut Cake. Yup, that is a must try food that I’ve only seen in RI and you can only get them at Allie’s Donuts in North Kingstown, but you better order in advance.
- Gregg’s Chocolate Cake. Yes, you can get chocolate cake anywhere. But can you get this thick, rich, moist, extra chocolatey cake like you can at Gregg’s restaurant.
- Johnnycakes. These cornmeal pancakes are found around, but not as prevalent anymore.
- RI-style clam chowder. Unlike New England clam chowder, RI has a clear broth.
- Dynamites. Hamburger meat with peppers, onions and tomato sauce – sort of like a sloppy joe.
Wondering Where to Eat in Rhode Island?
Try these:
- Best brunch in Providence
- Best Italian restaurants in Providence
- Best Mexican restaurants in Providence
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
I grew up in NYC. When I moved to RI I was told how great the food was and how they have this great food scene… but all the places I tried were pretty mediocre.
There was food I asked about and was treated like a crazy person, because food trends in other places I have lived ( CA, TX, GA,NY) they all had them, yet RI never heard of things like crape cakes, or charcoal Lattes, matcha creampuffs? Which are like zeppoli but scary to RI residence since they seem uninterested.
I was told that is because people from RI don’t leave RI.
I don’t get it. JWU is in RI yet they know nothing about food outside of RI itself.
I was born in Rhode Island but have moved to Florida 10 years ago. Love all the foods, people , and culture. I love your favorite good lists but would like receipt to copy them . Especially the pizza and of course spinach pies. Hartley pork pies were also a favorite of mine .
Also must try spinach pies, from either DePatrillo’s in Cranston or Pizza King in Warwick
This just popped up in my daily Pinterest e-mails of things that might interest me. How did they know? LOL Grew up in Cranston, but have been a Puget Sound (Seattle) Washington transplant for 40 years. Most of my family still lives in RI. But my visits home always have my favorite foods scheduled in.
Stadium Fish & Chips (only because the two sisters from England that had the little place across from Hugh B Bain Jr High isn’t there anymore).
Del’s Lemonade.. anywhere I can find it. Remember when the Del’s trucks drove through the neighborhoods in summer time, along with (in The Village in Cranston) Pat the Ice Cream Man?
The closest New York Hot weanie place. Oddly when I went to NYC I looked all over for those tasty little guys… but none to be found.
That’s just a few… but, I come home a little chubbier.
Pinterest is smart!! Where is Stadium Fish & Chips, Cranston? I love a good fish and chips.
It’s on Park Avenue in Cranston. Kind of between Cranston St and Cranston East HS.
fish and chips
Where are Stanley Burgers on this list?
Dynamites are common in the noerhern part of the state of ri like woonsocket,
Manvillle,albion ect i cook my meat in olive oil lean hamburg to make it Reat hot put some red pepper in the mixture
What……no love for SPEZZI? Or the homemade “anchovies” Washington county pizzerias use on their pies? I love RI’s soupy…..which started out as an immigrants version of homemade sorpressata…..but it pales when compared to SPEZZI, chicken gizzards and hearts slowly simmered in tomato, hot pepper and herbs……eaten with a nice hunk of Italian bread to soak it all up….so, so incredibly good……a memory when times were tough and STILL, the Italian American immigrant came up with incredible dishes….
Nice List! I’d like to add Crugnales Bakery’s spinach pie. It’s sort of like a calzone, but it is honestly in it’s own category. Actually anything at Crugnales is awesome! Nope, I don’t work there! LoL!
I’m not a fan of spincach pie but you are right, it is different here than anywhere else I’ve had spinach rolls or calzones. Crugnales is definitely a good choice.
It might be because I moved out of Florida at a young age, but the pizza strips are amazing. Whenever I visit family, I always bring some home with me to Florida. I constantly rave about them and throw it into a conversation with anyone I know that is from Rhode island as well.
And ironically, I was born on st joseph’s day, but never knew about the zeppole. I’ll have to go back up there for my birthday next year!
It is a RI classic!
How can you talk about R.I. foods without mentioning either Awful-Awfuls from the Newport Creamery of Fish and Chips from George’s in Galilee!
or not of, sorry
Love your list! I miss the foods, the restaurants and the people! Planning a long visit next summer can’t wait. If you are passing through Indiana at some point on your travels you must have a breaded tenderloin. Found throughout the state, ask the locals where the best ones are found. A pork tenderloin, pounded thin, some are the size of a dinner plate, breaded and deep fried. Served on a bun that is almost always too small with toppings of your choice, I like mine with mayo and thin sliced onion. Enjoy!
Great to know Sue!!
I was born and raised in RI. I now live in Brownsburg IN. While Im not very fond of tenderloins I believe the biggest and best are available at Big Daddys bar and grill in Indianapolis. As far as RI, when I get a chance to go home I HAVE TO eat at Wrights Farm and Walts or Millers Roast Beef. Staples of RI
I grew up in Tiverton, RI near Grinnells Beach and the Stone Bridge. Being a Portuguese kid from a large family, ate lots of seafood (mostly fish and clams) as well as lots of Portuguese foods homemade by my Vavao Luciano and my mom. Always had a ready supply of Autocrat Coffee Syrup. However, I grew up a small part of my life downstairs from Evelyn and Patrick DuPont, who developed, owned and operated Evelyn’s Nanaquaket Drive-in. Those leftovers were the bomb! Especially the clam cakes and chowder (pronounced…CHOW-duh). Joined the Navy and never really got back, but the memories will always live in the depths of my mind and heart. I’m proud to be from “The Biggest Little State in the Union…RHODE ISLAND”!
I love how Rhode Islanders are so passionate about food!
Clams Casino! RI inpired!
My partner grew up in RI and this was a trip down memory lane for him! He nearly cried when he saw the shelf of coffee syrup, though. You just can’t get it in Australia!
Yes you can all you need to do is go to Amazon.com order and they ship to your door. Im a transplanted RI to HI and I dont miss my favs. i just research these sites and Amazon. Happy Hunting.
P.S. I order my Fluff and Coffee syrup by the case.
Fluff in plastic container has a tendency to open in transit but in the jars never had a problem.
Enjoy!!
Wow this sounds very sad . I am visiting and not looking forward to ANY of that lol wtf ??
Rhode Island has plenty of great food from all types of cuisines so I’m sure you will find something you like.
Don’t forget wine biscuits from Palmeiri’s Bakery. I lived in RI for 35 years and i have lived in NJ for 23 i can not find wine biscuits any where outside of Providence.
I can’t believe nothing was mentioned about our steak grinders and pizza 🙁 I was away from RI for almost 15 years and I really have to tell you RI food is great. And the funny thing is that in such a small state there are such a variety of the same things. The only people that get more excited about there food then Rhode Islanders are those from Louisiana… and they definitely have reason to be