If you are looking for a romantic date night restaurant in Rhode Island, there is no shortage of options from extravagant splurges to fun experiences. After all, Providence has received many accolades for being a great food city; including being named one of the best new food cities by Jetsetter, a best foodie destination by 10Besties Readers’ Choice Travel Award, and one of the best small cities in the world for dining by Saveur magazine Culinary Travel awards. But Providence doesn’t have exclusivity on good food in Rhode Island.
After living in Rhode Island for over 20 years and planning many date nights, anniversary celebrations, and birthday dinners, here are my picks for the best date night restaurants in Rhode Island. Want more than just a good meal? Try these date night ideas in Rhode Island.
Best Date Night Restaurants: Rhode Island
I don’t claim to have tried every restaurant in Rhode Island and obviously, food preferences are a bit objective, but here are my favorite date night restaurants in Rhode Island based on food, service, and ambiance. All of these would make perfect date night restaurants for a special occasion or fun night (or lunch) out!
The Lawn at Castle Hill, Newport
If you are looking for a perfect spot for a special lunch or want to catch a beautiful sunset, book a table at The Lawn at Castle Hill in Newport. After dining at the patio or drinks at the bar, you can sit in some of the Adirondack chairs on the expansive lawn and watch the boats sailing past the Newport Pell Bridge.
The Lawn at Castle Hill is located at 590 Ocean Drive, Newport, RI
Matunuck Oyster Bar, Wakefield
My favorite oysters in the world are the small, sweet Matunuck Oysters. Farmed just off their docks, these little delicacies have just the right mix of flavor, brine, and sweetness. The raw oysters are amazing but you should also try the grilled oysters and oysters Rockefeller. The bar is a popular after-beach spot, with a line out the door, especially if you want to take advantage of the happy hour specials. However, if you want to plan a special dinner in the restaurant, make sure you make a reservation weeks in advance.
Matunuck Oyster Bar is located at 629 Succotash Road, Wakefield, RI
La Masseria, East Greenwich
The owners of this East Greenwich ristorante have roots in Capri, Italy and you can tell from the authentic cuisine from the Puglia region. I’ve never had a dish I didn’t love at La Masseria but my very favorites include the crispy fried zucchini, the fettuccini with eggplant and smoked mozzarella, the house special pasta with egg and truffle (OMG amazing), and the creamy ricotta cheesecake. For something extra special go in the winter when the white truffle menu is in season.
La Masseria is located at 223 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
Bacaro, Providence
Located right on the riverfront on South Water Street, Bacaro is my favorite Italian restaurant in Providence and it is also a great place to eat on a Waterfire night. The crispy, thin-crust grilled Margherita pizza is unbelievably delicious and I can never stop eating it until it is gone. While it is easy to fill up on all the tasty small plates and salumi, I always save room for the amazing Pasta con i Funghi, which is tagliatelle with butter, Parmesan-Reggiano, white truffle-scented egg and mushroom duxelles. Bacaro is great with a group because you can share some of the Italian small plates from the salumeria.
Bacaro is located at 262 S. Water Street, Providence RI
Bellini, Providence
Bellini brings the timeless Italian of the Cipriani family to Providence and the decor is as frothy as a namesake Bellini cocktail. Located in The Beatrice Hotel, the elegant dining room is perfect for a special night out. The menu isn’t extensive, but each dish is carefully prepared. The grilled langoustines and pasta with black truffle are worth a visit.
Bellini is located at 50 Westminster St, Providence, RI
Al Forno, Providence
Al Forno is the restaurant that first put Providence on the food map. It is also where the chef at Bacaro learned to make an incredible wood-grilled pizza. Our favorites are the clams Al Forno, pasta with roasted clams in a very spicy sauce, and the cavatelli with roasted butternut squash are some of our favorites.
Al Forno is located at 577 S Water St, Providence, RI
Mill’s Tavern, Providence
This Providence classic is my go-to restaurant for date nights or special occasions. The brick and wood interior gives it a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere. It went through a rough patch a few years ago but it seems to have regained its reputation for fine dining. The oysters, littlenecks, foie gras, and steaks are delicious but I make sure to save room for their bread pudding.
Mill’s Tavern is located at 101 North Main St, Providence, RI
Gracie’s, Providence
If you are looking for a foodie experience, make a reservation for a Chef’s Tasting menu at Gracie’s with Sommelier-selected wine pairings. The private dining room is also an ideal spot for a special event. The dishes are creatively and beautifully prepared and unlike other dining experiences in Providence.
Gracie’s is located at 194 Washington Street, Providence, Rhode Island
Capital Grille, Providence
If you let Capital Grille know that you are celebrating a special occasion, they go above and beyond to make sure you have an excellent experience, including rose petals and confetti on the table for anniversaries. I was reluctant to include a chain restaurant on this list but the quality and service at Capital Grille demands to be included.
Capital Grille is located at 10 Memorial Blvd Ste 101, Providence, RI
Fleur Providence, Providence
The light and airy setting on the second floor of the Omni Hotel in Downtown Providence, combined with the Renaissance style murals create a romantic atmosphere for a hotel restaurant. Fleur Providence offers brunch, dinner and cocktails, but I say go when you can share a martini flight for a fun date experience.
Fleur Providence is located at 1 W Exchange St Floor 2, Providence, RI 02903
Cara at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport
The Chanler at Cliff Walk is one of the most elegant hotels in Rhode Island and its fine dining restaurant, Cara, offers a journey of gastronomic discovery. Save this one for a very special occasion (or an expense budget!) This Forbes Five Star restaurant offers a nightly changing five or eight-course blind tasting menus featuring contemporary cuisine, which is inspired by both European influence and sustainable New England ingredients.
Cara at The Chanler at Cliff Walk is located at 117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI
Affordable Date Night Restaurants in Rhode Island
Let’s face it, not every date night is worthy of a special occasion restaurant. If you are just looking for something delicious, with a fun atmosphere that will make a great date spot, here are some of my favorites.
Blount Clam Shack, Warren
Located right on the waterfront in Warren, Blount Clam Shack has the best lobster roll I’ve ever tasted. I love the casual atmosphere and the views of the marina but the real treat is the fresh lobster dipped in butter or the crispy hot clamcakes. With live music on the weekends, if you are looking for a summer date spot, you can’t find a better pick.
Blount Clam Shack is located at 335 Water Street, Warren RI
Los Andes, Providence
This Peruvian and Bolivian Providence eatery is no longer an undiscovered gem. In fact you better make a reservation well in advance if you expect to get a table. The word is out that the food is delicious, the service is great and the prices are low.
Los Andes is located at 903 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908
Wok & Pot, Providence
Wok & Pot is a fun spot for a first date or double date. Where else can you cook your own food? Trust me, it is fun! Choose from a large selection of delicious Korean appetizers, bowls, or hot pot options. Plus, there is a photo booth to capture the memory of your date!
Wok & Pot is located at 333 Westminster St, suite 100, Providence RI 02903
Palo, Providence
As a tapas restaurant, Palo is perfect for sharing a selection of small plates with your date. Beyond the fantastic food, the historic (and perhaps haunted) setting creates a cozy atmosphere for a romantic date night.
Palo is located at 3 Steeple St, Providence, RI 02903
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, NATJA, IFWTWA, 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’m a huge fan of newport restaurants! Boru noodle bar, Mission and Stoneacre PantRy (now stoneacre Brasserie) are some of my local favorites. I recently went to ella’s and was surprised to find Such a gem in westerly!
Thanks for the recommendations! I need to spend more time in Southern RI.
Loie Fuller’s (On Westminster, around the corner from Nick’s on Broadway) is a French restaurant with a delicious brunch menu, art noveau decor, furnishings, and architecture, and a shorter wait than either Nick’s or Julian’s.
The Mews Tavern in Wakefield has an impressive beer list and a “comfort food” menu that always satisfies. I recommend the tuna burger.
The Conquistador at Tortilla Flats on Thayer Street in Providence is the best dish ever, the end.
Blaze, now in the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, has excellent service, top-notch dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, and offers 1/2 price entrees on Tuesdays.
I was really unimpressed with The Grange, but then again, I was very spoiled by the many excellent vegan restaurants in Philly. I should give it another try.
Thanks for the great suggestions! I’ve wanted to try Loie Fuller’s but hate that they don’t take reservations. I also didn’t realize that Blaze had moved to the Hope Artiste Village. I’m eager to try the new sushi/oyster place opening in its place on Hope Street. Have you tried Tallulah’s?
Tamara, great list! I will definitely “explore” some of it. As lobster is my current craving- is Blount Clam Shack on the East Bike Bath near Colt?
Yes! The lobster roll there is amazing. Just a block or so off the path in Warren.
Oh these look great! We will be in New England next month so will check some out when we hit RI!
Excellent! If you need any other recommendations please let me know.
I used to love Pot at Feu until I heard the owner talk in a very disparaging way about restaurant week dinerson the radio last year.
Other faves:
The Dorrance for fine dining and cocktails. Eager to try their new bar menu that looks delish and value-priced.
North, for a one-of-a-kind meal that some would call Asian-fusion, but it’s so much more. Chef/owner used to work at Momofuku and there are direct influences.
Ogie’s Trailer Park. Amazing, fun and funky atmosphere, and food’s very good (love their fried chicken sandwich).
Angkor. I’m addicted to their Medicinal Nam-Yaa Soup. Casual, BYOB, and sadly closed on Sunday or I’d be in the car right now.
El Rancho Grande. Best Mexican around. My favorite thing is their tacos del playa (shrimp and corn tacos). Great cocktails, too.
Thanks Ann for the great suggestions! I like the atmosphere at the Dorrance for cocktails and had a good dinner there a while ago. Been hearing good things about Ogie’s but haven’t tried it yet, I will soon! Thanks for the El ranchi grande recommendation as I would love to find a good Mexican place. Is that providence also?
Yes, El Rancho Grande is in Providence, over near Olneyville/off rt. 6 area. I need a GPS to find it. Not fancy, and usually a wait, but worth it.
Great post; I’ve added some of your picks to my must-try list.
Cool, thanks!